Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

Yae Miko moved lightly, her voice whispering into Ren's ear.

"A bird without its wings is destined to be devoured."

Her enchanting eyes glimmered with amusement, waiting for the moment when Ren's composure would break.

But she was disappointed.

Ren lifted his head, speaking calmly. "I trust her."

If anyone dared push Chisato to the point of suffering...

He would make them pay.

"Besides, wouldn't Chisato be easier for you to control, Guuji-sama?"

"I trust that, at a critical moment, you would protect her."

His words were cold but factual.

Back when the Kamisato Clan was on the verge of collapse, it was Yae Miko who intervened and safeguarded them.

Her actions deepened the connection between the Kamisato Clan and the Grand Narukami Shrine.

Later...

During the turmoil in Inazuma, infiltrated by the Fatui, the Kamisato Clan remained one of the few loyal factions.

In the original story, they successfully thwarted the Fatui's schemes.

After all, Yae Miko and Kamisato Ayato together were as shrewd as an eight-hundred-eyed fox.

Of course, Ren's presence played a pivotal role as well.

"..."

This calm reasoning caught Yae Miko off guard.

Her brows raised slightly, and she let out a soft sigh.

This level-headed response left her with no room to nitpick, and it also robbed her of the fun of teasing him.

...Why is this oddly frustrating?

Ren lowered his head, knowing better than to push his luck.

When dealing with this fox woman, utmost caution was required.

Otherwise, he might end up happily sold off without realizing it—utter foolishness.

After a moment of silence, Yae Miko smiled and offered her praise:

"Indeed, I didn't misjudge you."

"But..."

She suddenly reached out as if to lift Ren's chin.

"Unadorable children don't get their elder sister's affection, you know?"

Her alluring voice seemed like a close whisper by his ear. Ren's eyes widened briefly, a flicker of enchantment crossing his gaze.

A fragrant breeze wafted over him, carrying an overwhelming warmth.

For a fleeting moment, he thought to himself, If I could bask in such tenderness, even death would be worth it.

Just as that thought surfaced, Ren snapped back to reality, regaining his clarity.

What is this damn fox doing?!

Hurriedly stepping back, he clasped his hands and said, "Guuji-sama, please don't tease me."

Yae Miko clicked her tongue, visibly displeased.

Had Ren looked up, he would have noticed the pinkish hue fading from her eyes.

It was a bewitching trick unique to the Hakushin fox lineage.

She had only intended to toy with him.

Who would've thought this little guy could break free?

Time and time again...

Can't you just obediently let me have my fun for once?

"Little one, are you wary of me?"

"I'm just an ordinary person, Guuji-sama. I wouldn't know what you mean."

Ren avoided elaboration—this was a loaded question.

When in doubt, play dumb.

Yae Miko chuckled, her eyes narrowing with mirth.

"An ordinary person, huh? How amusing."

Perhaps this little one could...

[Ding! Emotional Point from Yae Miko +1]

"Enough, our playful chatter ends here."

Her previously languid voice turned cold, exuding an air of authority.

After all, she was the esteemed head shrine maiden of the Grand Narukami Shrine, revered under divine mandate.

Even the Tri-Commission leaders were mere toddlers before her.

Ren bowed respectfully. "Thank you for your magnanimity, Guuji-sama."

He let out a quiet sigh of relief.

This round could be considered a narrow escape.

Any slip-up, and she would've held it over him indefinitely.

If he ended up as the fox woman's plaything, there'd be no one to save him.

As for that system notification, he could only pretend it didn't exist.

Yae Miko's points? They weren't necessarily a good thing.

Joy? Approval?

Most likely, she was plotting how to mess with him next.

Yae Miko handed him an envelope.

"Intelligence from Yashiori Island."

Ren accepted it with both hands, his eyes questioning her.

This seemed like classified information—was he even qualified to see it?

Yae Miko smiled slyly, saying nothing.

Ren lowered his gaze, letting out a quiet sigh.

This was her way of forcing him to make a final choice.

If he opened it, he'd become one of Yae Miko's people.

If he didn't...

You've come this far, and you still dare not open it?

Are you really that bold?

Since resisting the fox woman wasn't an option, he could only quietly accept his fate.

At least stopping the Vision Hunt Decree was a worthy endeavor.

Preventing war and protecting the people from suffering aligned with his own goals.

"In that case, Guuji-sama, I'll take a look."

Yae Miko's gaze softened with approval.

"Hmm. Finally, you're learning."

Receiving her approval, Ren carefully opened the envelope.

The next moment, his expression froze.

"This... this is...!"

Ren looked up in shock at Yae Miko.

She watched his reaction with great interest, clearly enjoying his flustered state.

So this little one has his limits after all.

"What's the matter, little one? Why so rattled?"

Yae Miko covered her mouth, feigning confusion as she chuckled softly.

Ren drew in a sharp breath.

"The seal on Yashiori Island's Archon War remnants has been broken?!"

Yae Miko nodded regretfully.

"Indeed."

Yashiori Island—the ancient battlefield where the Raiden Shogun had slain the serpent god.

Even after the serpent's death, its malevolent will lingered.

The Raiden Shogun had placed a barrier to suppress it, preventing its spread.

But now...

Damn it, this catastrophe still happened!

Ren's heartbeat quickened, but he forced himself to stay calm.

The calamity had already occurred.

Now, he had to figure out how to respond and prevent the malevolent will from spreading.