Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [61]
His fists clenched involuntarily.
"Did you swallow all the emotional points I accumulated before?"
System, show yourself. I owe you a punch.
[Not at all. Please review the update logs carefully.]
After some reading...
Ren paused to think, then asked softly,
"Does unlocking a five-star talent require completing tasks?"
[Yes.]
[The format of the tasks will not be fixed.]
[It could involve building favor, collecting items...]
[Or even something as random as a lucky draw directly unlocking it.]
[Anything is possible.]
It sounded a bit like an achievement system in a game.
Ren nodded silently, looking at the hairpin in his hand.
"So unlocking the 'Stellar Restoration' talent..."
[By obtaining the hairpin, you have met the task requirements.]
Ren sighed softly. So that was it.
Fortunately, he had acquired the hairpin by chance.
Otherwise, even with enough points, he wouldn't have had the opportunity to unlock it.
[Don't be discouraged. As long as you complete the tasks...]
[Even something like Musou no Hitotachi can be unlocked on the spot.]
Ren shook his head. Get close to the Raiden Shogun?
The difficulty of that goal was astronomical.
It'd be easier to turn around and chat with Mei.
Although she was a bit intimidating too—in many ways—she was still much more approachable than the Raiden Shogun, who could cut you down without warning.
"Alright, tell me, what's the task to unlock 'Soumetsu'?"
[Ding! The system doesn't know.]
...??
Has Klee taken over this voice system?
Also, what do you mean you don't know?!
"System, are you okay?"
[Tasks must be explored by yourself.]
"Don't tell me you really don't know."
[In this day and age, still sticking to traditional quests?]
[As an advanced system...]
[To prevent you from becoming a mere quest tool...]
[And to encourage genuine bonding with the girls...]
[Talent unlock tasks are all hidden.]
[Only a sincere heart can unlock them.]
"..."
Ren was rendered speechless, stunned into silence for a long time.
This lousy system had been planning this all along.
Listen to me. Thank you.
"So, there's not even one task you can reveal?"
[I can randomly reveal one.]
"Go on!"
[Combat Talent: Secret Art: Musou Shinsetsu.]
It's the sweet scent of a blade.
Ren was surprised. The system was being unusually generous.
[Unlock task: Keep your face pressed against the blade sheath for...]
"Stop. Just stop talking."
Ren silently raised his middle finger.
If you want me dead, just say it outright.
[Come on, strive to be a man who even the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles would cuddle with.]
"Get lost!"
As consciousness returned to reality, Ren heard a faint sound outside the courtyard.
Yoimiya was still keeping watch nearby.
Ren picked up the hairpin, pondering how to slip out unnoticed.
Suddenly, the quiet room stirred with movement.
"Nyoo~."
A small tanuki yokai crept in through the window.
Ren smiled slightly. "Finally, you're here."
He extended his hand, motioning it over.
The little tanuki trotted over, blinking its bright eyes.
Ren patted its tiny head and said softly,
"Why aren't you talking? Did she tell you not to?"
The tanuki looked confused and shook its head.
"She's at her clan, doing well."
"She just asked me to find you."
"Seeing me should make you think of her."
"That way, she'll feel happy and content."
Hearing this, Ren shook his head with a faint smile.
Yet, a trace of cold light flickered in his eyes.
That silly girl... Trying to shoulder all the malice from the Kanjou Commission alone?
With the Vision Hunt Decree unresolved, everything was up in the air.
The storm brewing within the Kanjou Commission, your family plotting to prevent you from succeeding as its head—they'll stop at nothing to hinder you.
Even if you don't say it, I'm worried about you...
"..."
In the silent room, a faint sigh escaped.
Ren picked up the little tanuki, smiling.
"Do you want to help her?"
"Yes!"
The tanuki clapped its tiny hands enthusiastically, nodding repeatedly.
"Alright, then let's sneak out together!"
---
At the Kamisato Estate.
Time passed slowly outside Ren's quarters.
The sunlight grew scorching and blinding.
"Stupid Takahashi," Yoimiya grumbled.
Crouched by the wall, she sulked with an air of grievance.
She jabbed a wooden stick into the dirt, as if aiming directly at Ren.
After a while, bored, she tossed the stick aside.
"Hmph, no fun."
"He just left me like that..."
Her gaze landed on the closed door, and she pouted.
What's he been doing in there for so long?
She'd heard that boys, when left alone at home, would...
Would fiddle with what, exactly?
Yoimiya tapped her forehead, frowning in frustration.
The more I think about it, the angrier I get.
Why was she the one stuck out here in the sun?!
"Takahashi!"
Yoimiya planted her hands on her hips, yelling sternly.
"Hey—!"
Her voice echoed, but there was no reply.
A sudden thought struck her.
Could he have snuck out already?
"Alright, Takahashi, I'll catch you red-handed!"
Yoimiya rolled up her sleeves, determination flaring.
She marched up to the door and banged on it furiously.
"If you don't come out, I'm breaking in!"
Still no answer.
Yoimiya shook her reddened hand and puffed up her cheeks.
"Ayaka was right. You really ran off!"
If that's the case...
The lively girl swung her arms in preparation.
She was going to catch him in the act of doing something shady today.
Bang!
The door burst open as Yoimiya stormed in.
"Hah! Gotcha!"
A triumphant smile lit up her face.
---
T/N: oooh... the sword sheath is...her chest.... oh
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