Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

"And what about the low-EQ version?"

Ren's expression turned serious as he replied:

"Guuji-sama told me that..."

"You're the key to resolving the Yashiori Island curse."

"That's why I won't let you fall into anyone else's hands."

Hearing his blunt words, Mei frowned slightly, her tone tinged with disdain.

"With your limited skills, it's hard to tell who's protecting whom."

She's that confident?

Ren felt a spark of indignation at her dismissive attitude.

After all, he was a prodigious samurai, a Vision wielder, and—thanks to his system—he was bound to reach the level of a Fatui Harbinger eventually.

Mei seemed to sense his competitive spirit and spoke calmly.

"Do you want to try taking one of my strikes?"

"?"

Ren looked her up and down in surprise.

"You know how to wield a blade?"

"Of course. There's no martial art in this world that I have not mastered."

Ren chuckled, clearly unconvinced.

He hadn't expected this "village girl" to be the type to boast.

"If you're that skilled, why not take over as the Raiden Shogun yourself?"

"...You don't believe me?"

"If you want to take a strike, I'll be happy to oblige."

Ren raised his hands in surrender.

"I wouldn't dare take on your 'Musou no Hitotachi.'"

He couldn't help but tease.

"Hmph."

Mei's eyes glinted with danger, but the next moment, she shook her head.

What was that just now?

Her usually calm demeanor had been disrupted by an uncharacteristic competitiveness, as though she wanted to prove herself.

"..."

She fell silent.

How long had it been since she last felt this way... since that person's passing?

"If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way," Ren said, turning to leave, his curiosity piqued by her sudden quietness.

"Stop."

Ren paused mid-step but didn't look back.

"What is it, Mei?"

"Am I really that important to Yashiori Island?"

Ren turned to face her and nodded gently.

"Very important."

"In some ways, more important than my own life."

Why?

Mei let out a cold snort, preparing to question him further, but Ren smiled lightly and said:

"I've dreamed of a world where the curse on Yashiori Island erupts."

"In that world, countless people succumb to disease and despair."

"They believed the gods could save them."

"But the Tenryou Commission, rotten to its core..."

His words trailed off, leaving a heavy silence.

"..."

Mei's aura turned icy, her emotions dangerously restrained.

The gods hadn't saved them?

Of course not. The gods had turned their backs and slumbered for centuries.

How could they possibly care?

So that's why the fox-eared woman had awakened her...

As Mei's gaze dimmed, Ren broke into a smile again, his tone light.

"It was just a dream. You're not taking it seriously, are you?"

"..."

Mei didn't respond, her voice soft as she asked:

"Do you resent the Raiden Shogun?"

Ren fell silent.

What kind of question was that?

"If the Raiden Shogun only cares about the Vision Hunt Decree..."

"And ignores the plight of Yashiori Island..."

Under her earnest gaze, he admitted softly:

"I would."

So it's true.

That god really is a failure.

Electric arcs crackled around Mei, a reflection of her inner turmoil.

Boom!

The sky exploded with lightning and thunder, as if it were about to be torn apart by an unknown force.

"!"

Ren looked up, startled.

What's going on with the weather? Did the Raiden Shogun decide to smite someone again?!

Beneath the stormy sky, Mei lifted her head, her expression unreadable.

"If that's the case, why fight for Inazuma?"

"Even the Raiden Shogun has already given up!"

Mei's sudden vehemence caught Ren off guard, but he shook his head calmly.

"Let's be clear—I'm not selfless enough to sacrifice myself."

"Everything I do is calculated and within my limits."

"Right now, I have Guuji-sama's support."

"If you put in the effort too..."

"Solving Yashiori Island and the Vision Hunt Decree might still be possible."

Hopefully, Ren thought to himself with a sigh.

But having been thrust into this world, he couldn't just sit idle.

Lumine, hurry up and get here already.

Inazuma's falling apart at the seams.

I'll even pay thirty Primogems!

"..."

The thunder in the distance gradually quieted.

Mei let out a soft scoff.

"Seems like you don't hold the Raiden Shogun in high regard after all."

Ren raised an eyebrow.

Why did it sound like she was... unhappy about that?

Before he could speak, he froze.

Mei's sharp gaze locked onto him, almost predatory.

"I..."

A thought struck him like lightning.

If he agreed with her, he might end up beaten senseless.

After a brief pause, Ren forced a smile.

"Of course not. I'm a huge fan of the Raiden Shogun."

Mei crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed, but gestured for him to continue.

Sweat beaded on Ren's forehead.

Why is this village girl so sensitive about something like this?!

"Nowadays, Inazuma enjoys peace."

"But before that—leaving aside the Archon War—"

"The Shogun single-handedly cleared Inazuma of countless monsters and maintained stability."

"Without her, who would manage the thunderstorms?"

"And what about the threats from the seas beyond?"

"Even Watatsumi Island, which doesn't follow the Great Narukami, wouldn't survive without farming under her watchful eye."

Ren rattled off a long list of praises for the Raiden Shogun.

"Even though she's reclusive now, her contributions are undeniable!"

In truth, given the timeline of events, the current Raiden Shogun was still a strong and qualified deity for Inazuma—

If it weren't for the Vision Hunt Decree.

...

Out of breath, Ren finally finished his speech.

Mei let out a light scoff, nodding in satisfaction.

"Hm. That was a decent summary."

"I'll do my best to save Yashiori Island too."

Ren rolled his eyes.

I wasn't praising you. Why are you so pleased with yourself?

But before he could retort, his eyes widened in shock as a notification flashed in his mind.

[Ding! Emotional Points from Mei +1!]

[Hidden achievement unlocked.]

[Congratulations! You've received a random character trial card!]

[Increased probability of a 5-star talent activation—limited time UP!]

Ren: ???

What kind of system is this? Why is it suddenly so generous?

Did I just hit the jackpot?!

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T/N: i'd be pleased with someone complimenting me in front of me not knowing it was me hehe