Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

Run? Where to?

Ren wanted to get away, but it was impossible.

It felt as if he was facing a force of nature—true thunder.

How could a mere human possibly compare to lightning itself?

I'm screwed!

Just as Ren thought his fate was sealed, the blinding lightning stopped.

Mei grabbed him by the collar with one hand.

The next moment, an irresistible force pulled him forward.

"Wait!"

Before Ren could react, his body was flung ahead.

What is this rustic girl doing?!

A delicate fragrance wafted into his nose.

It was Ren's first time being this close to Mei.

The intricate patterns of her fox mask were clearly visible.

Below the mask was her slender, jade-like neck.

Hints of alluring scenery lay half-concealed, half-revealed.

He could even feel the warmth of her breath.

So close.

"..."

Mei's expression was hidden behind her mask, making her reaction unreadable.

Suddenly, he felt a lightness around his waist.

Ren instinctively looked down.

Mei had pulled him closer and seized his blade in one smooth motion.

Shing—!

The sound of the sword being drawn reverberated through the air.

Unfortunately, it was only half a blade, leaving an awkward impression.

Mei flicked the blade with her slender fingers, her gaze growing more disappointed.

With a scoff, she muttered, "A weapon forged of ordinary iron. Useless."

She tossed it aside without a second glance.

Her disdain was evident.

"That's a sword crafted by the Tenryou Commission!"

Ren's lips twitched. What a cold remark—calling it useless.

Mei's expression of contempt was as if she were looking at a pile of garbage.

If this were recorded and posted online in his past life, he wondered how many people would develop a peculiar fondness for her.

Is it really that bad?

Mei released him, her tone cold.

"As a samurai, your blade is your life. How can you be so careless?"

Ren sighed helplessly. "When you're freeloading, you don't have the luxury of choice."

"If I could afford to commission a blade, would it have come to this?"

Mei frowned. "Are you saying there's no one left in Inazuma who can forge weapons?"

"There are, but it costs Mora."

"And you spend your Mora on what?"

Ren chuckled. "I just bought you those sweets."

The atmosphere turned awkward.

Both of them glanced at the untouched pile of sweets.

A long silence followed.

Mei averted her gaze, looking somewhat uneasy.

"Were those sweets... expensive?"

Ren nodded silently.

Mei spoke softly, "I failed to consider that. My apologies."

"Well, think of it as a welcome gift," Ren replied, trying to brush it off.

Next time, he thought, she could leech off that sly fox instead. She had money.

Still, having this aloof rustic girl apologize was unexpected.

"..."

As Ren's thoughts wandered, Mei suddenly reached out.

Her intent was clear—she was going to pick up the blade with her bare hands!

Ren's expression changed. "What are you doing?!"

Without thinking, he grabbed her wrist.

The instant they made contact, a soft, smooth sensation met his hand.

Mei slowly raised her face, locking her gaze on him.

Her aura felt dangerously sharp.

"Sorry, reflex," Ren explained awkwardly.

"Let go."

"Move away from the blade first."

"Let go."

"It's dangerous."

"Let go."

Finally, Mei shook his hand off with a jolt of energy.

She gripped the blade directly!

"You're insane! Don't—huh?"

Before Ren could finish, he noticed something unusual.

Mei's pristine hand remained unscathed.

"How... how did you do that?"

Mei let out a faint scoff, tilting her chin upward.

For some reason, Ren felt like she was showing off.

The next moment, lightning crackled.

Mei conjured a sword in her bare hand, reforging the broken blade.

The once-damaged sword was now sharper than ever, brimming with elemental energy.

"What a fine sword!"

Ren exclaimed instinctively.

The craftsmanship...

It was so exceptional it went beyond his understanding.

In short, this sword was incredible.

Mei spoke indifferently, "Only now does it meet the standard."

Ren took the blade, running his fingers lightly along its surface.

A clear, resonant hum echoed from the sword.

The more he examined it, the more thrilled he felt.

"Mei-san, thank you. Truly."

The weapon problem that had plagued him for so long was now resolved!

Fighting the Fatui now would be a breeze.

"Judging by the quality, are you a descendant of the Raiden Shogun's blacksmith lineage?"

Mei tilted her chin slightly. "I've dabbled."

As she spoke, she casually picked up a sweet from the pile.

At least now, she could enjoy the treat with a clear conscience.

But the peaceful moment didn't last.

"Ren! So this is where you've been hiding!"

The sound of hurried footsteps interrupted them.

An energetic, lively girl burst into the pavilion.

Her gaze shifted between Ren and Mei, locking onto them both.

For a moment, the three were silent.

Ren asked curiously, "Yoimiya-san, what's going on?"

Yoimiya snapped out of her daze.

"Oh, Takahashi-kun, I've caught you red-handed!"

Bang!

She slammed her hand on the stone table in front of him.

Ren froze. What now?

Yoimiya pointed at Mei, her voice accusatory.

"Who's she? Are you on a date?"

"What are you talking about? She's just a friend from the shrine."

Ren was utterly confused.

Why was Yoimiya acting so agitated?

It felt as if there was some terrible beast behind him.

Unable to resist, he glanced toward the pavilion entrance.

Outside, it was quiet—nothing there.

"Yoimiya-san, have you lost it?"

"You're still laughing?! You should be running!"

Yoimiya pounded on him with a flurry of weak punches.

"What's going on?"

When Ren remained unmoved, Yoimiya slumped onto the table, despairing.

"It's too late. You're doomed."

"She's coming."

Ren began to feel uneasy. Before he could ask further, a gentle voice drifted in from outside.

"It's been a while, Takahashi-san."

Kamizato Ayaka stepped into the pavilion, gracefully unfolding a paper fan.

And then...

Her gaze landed on Mei, who exuded a cold and stunning aura.

Ayaka's gentle expression cooled instantly.

"And who might this lady be?"

Ren's heart sank.

Is it still possible to run?