Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [129]

"Such a rare chance—wouldn't you like to take a look?"

Sandrone's soft, alluring voice carried a subtle temptation.

Right now, we can see what Ren is up to.

The women's gazes instinctively lit up at the suggestion.

It was, admittedly, a difficult offer to refuse.

But something felt... off.

Kamisato Ayaka's sharp eyes narrowed slightly as she silently observed Sandrone.

For a moment, her excitement was replaced with caution.

Just earlier, they had been probing Sandrone together, trying to uncover her intentions.

Yet without anyone noticing, the doll-like girl had smoothly seized control of the conversation.

This wasn't someone to be underestimated.

"Don't you want to see?"

Sandrone lightly poked the face of the Little Takahashi doll, her tone tinged with faux regret.

Not wanting to look would be so... boring.

"I want to!"

Yoimiya blurted out excitedly, practically bouncing in place.

"Eh—?"

Sandrone's gaze turned playful, amusement flickering in her eyes.

My innocent Yoimiya... Are you planning to expose yourself in front of your closest friends?

"!"

Realizing what she had just said, Yoimiya froze, her body trembling.

Oh no, what did I just say?!

Kamisato Ayaka and Hiiragi Chisato exchanged subtle glances, suspicion quietly brewing.

Something's been odd about Yoimiya lately.

And considering her track record of being an "inside agent" in multiple situations...

The seeds of doubt began to grow.

"I-I mean, you must want to see too, right?"

Desperate to salvage the situation, Yoimiya flailed her hands nervously.

She quickly grabbed her tea to mask her panic, sipping in an attempt to appear calm.

I hope they didn't notice anything... This tea's great. Another sip should help...

"Oh, is that so?"

The questioning stares eventually softened.

"We do want to see."

Ayaka and Chisato nodded simultaneously.

After all, their priority was information about Ren.

As for Yoimiya, they trusted her as their dear friend.

Their current adversary was Sandrone.

"Very well, let's begin," Sandrone said, her tone carrying an intriguing hint of amusement.

From seemingly nowhere, she produced a large, intricately designed machine.

My partner, are you ready?

If you're up to something mischievous when they see you... well, won't that be fun?

Sandrone's lips curled into a delighted smile, her anticipation almost palpable.

"Wow, this thing looks amazing!"

Yoimiya leaned in, curiosity sparkling in her eyes as she stared at the device.

The machine, its sleek surface gleaming under the light, resembled an oversized camera with intricate mechanisms.

Unable to resist, Yoimiya poked it.

It didn't budge an inch.

"This thing's heavier than it looks!"

"It doesn't seem very portable," Ayaka remarked thoughtfully.

Her mind lingered on Sandrone's petite frame and frail appearance. How could she have carried something so heavy?

This girl's harmless facade was clearly an act.

Ayaka's smile grew warmer, though her thoughts were far sharper.

A "delicate and sickly" act, hmm?

Master wouldn't be swayed by such tactics. He's not the type to be interested in... a flat experience.

Her lips quirked upward in subtle satisfaction.

"..."

Sandrone's gaze turned icy for a brief moment before she let out a faint huff.

You're not much bigger yourself.

Kamisato Ayaka: ?

"It's just a little toy I put together in my spare time," Sandrone said calmly, fiddling with a few buttons.

Her composure shifted to quiet focus, her delicate hands adjusting the machine with practiced ease.

For a moment, her serious demeanor lent her an unexpected charm.

Click-click.

The machine hummed to life.

Faint, blurry projections began to take shape, flickering on a nearby surface.

"Searching for signal..."

The sound of static filled the air, drawing the women's curious attention.

"Ow!"

Yoimiya and Chisato bumped heads as they leaned in too close, rubbing their foreheads in unison.

"Where's Ren?"

"Hold on," Sandrone said, her brows knitting together.

"There seems to be... some interference."

She sounded irritated, clearly displeased by the unexpected obstacle.

With little hesitation, the Khaenri'ah tech expert extended a small hand and gave the machine a solid smack.

It was an unrefined approach, but one that often worked.

The others: ...

"Did it break?" Ayaka asked with a polite smile, her tone laced with mock concern.

The ever-graceful noblewoman's lips curved slightly upward.

"Are you questioning my skills?"

Sandrone replied coolly, tweaking the controls with precise movements.

Bzzt—

The machine crackled as faint audio and visuals emerged.

"We've got something! What's that sound?"

Yoimiya's ears twitched as she tilted her head.

Her bright expression gradually dimmed, and she quietly sat back down, her face turning solemn.

"What's wrong, Yoimiya?"

Noticing her unusual behavior, Ayaka and Chisato immediately leaned closer.

"I can hear it," Yoimiya said softly.

Her voice wavered as she continued.

"A girl's voice... singing. It's a very sad song."

Ayaka and Chisato exchanged uneasy glances.

A girl's voice? A sad song?

"Could it be..."

Sandrone's eyes widened as realization dawned on her.

She moved swiftly, adjusting the machine's settings to stabilize the signal.

The blurry projection gradually sharpened.

Sandrone froze, her usually calm demeanor cracking.

"You found her..."

"Columbina... Sister Columbina."

Before Sandrone could say more, a deafening boom echoed.

A surge of thunder roared, drowning out the mournful melody.

It was as though a powerful will had descended, suppressing the song entirely.

At that moment, lightning streaked across the skies of Narukami Island.

Thunder echoed, illuminating the heavens with bursts of violet light.

The oppressive presence was unmistakable.

The Raiden Shogun's divine might had awakened.

---

T/N: uh oh

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