Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [130]

Boom!

Outside, a blinding streak of lightning split the night sky.

The entire city of Inazuma fell under the oppressive weight of divine authority.

"What strong winds—!"

Yoimiya noticed the commotion and quickly dashed outside.

Her laundry, still hanging out to dry, was at risk of blowing away!

Zap!

A sharp shock jolted Sandrone's fingers, forcing her to release the machine.

"What is..."

Her blue eyes flickered with doubt as she raised her hand.

White arcs of electricity danced along her pale fingertips.

The connection to Sister Columbina had been forcefully severed.

Was the machine malfunctioning? Maybe a short circuit caused a leak...

"No... That's not it."

Sandrone murmured under her breath, her lips pressed tightly together.

As one of the Fatui Harbingers, her mind jumped to another explanation.

This wasn't just a storm—it was the will of a god.

But why would the divine gaze sweep across that location?

Sandrone's brow furrowed deeply.

It couldn't possibly be... to check on Ren?

No. She dismissed the notion immediately.

By any rational standard, that was simply impossible.

"Is Ren all right?"

Kamisato Ayaka's soft voice broke the silence, laced with concern.

"I'll try reconnecting," Sandrone replied, her tone laced with quiet determination.

Having faced and outmaneuvered these women directly in conversation, she couldn't let herself be intimidated by some coincidental divine interference.

This time, she was ready to dive in personally.

As Sandrone's consciousness merged with the machine, a vivid image began to form.

Her brows knitted tightly as she observed a vast, solemn space.

Purple light filled the air, creating a foreboding aura.

In the shadowy confines of a grand chamber, a lone figure stood.

Cold and indifferent, her presence exuded an unapproachable majesty.

"That's...!"

Sandrone's pupils shrank as her mind screamed at her to sever the connection.

This is not someone I can afford to provoke!

She scrambled to withdraw, her heart pounding.

But it was too late.

The figure turned, her piercing violet eyes locking onto Sandrone's consciousness.

In that instant, thunder roared and lightning surged, shattering the connection entirely.

Sandrone snapped back to reality, gasping for air.

Her body slumped in the wheelchair, her face pale and drenched in sweat.

Her mind remained blank for several moments, and her eyes held a lingering trace of dread.

I... made it back alive?

"...Huff... huff..."

Tilting her head back, she stared at the ceiling, the shadows of the other women dancing in the firelight.

Outside, the storm raged on.

"What's wrong? Are you all right?"

Ayaka and the others leaned closer, their faces filled with concern.

Sandrone raised a trembling hand, shielding her eyes as she shook her head.

"How... unexpected," she muttered softly.

She now understood.

That presence was no less dignified and commanding than the Tsarista herself.

And it had sent her a message, clear as day:

Do not interfere.

"What did you see?"

Yoimiya asked anxiously, wringing her hands.

The sight of Sandrone's exhausted state left her deeply unsettled.

"I'm fine," Sandrone said, regaining her composure with a deep breath.

Her usual elegant demeanor slowly returned.

Even so, the thought of Columbina lingered in her mind.

She opened her eyes, gazing calmly at the others.

"It seems we've been fighting over Ren pointlessly," she said with a faint smile.

Ayaka and Chisato stiffened, their expressions cautious.

What does she mean by this? Is she declaring war outright?

"Eh?"

Yoimiya pointed to herself, confused.

Was Sandrone including her in this statement?

Her face flushed with embarrassment.

"No, no, that's not right!"

Yoimiya shook her head furiously, trying to dispel her own growing pride.

Why does being acknowledged feel so... nice?

She peeked at her friends' expressions nervously.

Good. They haven't noticed anything... yet.

Yoimiya fidgeted, her cheeks turning red as a memory surfaced unbidden.

In that dream... with Ren...

"What do you mean by that?"

Ayaka's voice was calm, though her sharp gaze betrayed her unease.

"To put it simply," Sandrone said, spreading her hands helplessly, "Ren's been claimed."

"If you want to see him now, you'll have to wait."

"Claimed?!"

Yoimiya and Chisato exclaimed simultaneously, bumping heads once again.

"By who?!"

"Your most esteemed Raiden Shogun," Sandrone said without hesitation.

"..."

For a moment, the women exchanged stunned glances.

And then:

"Wait, WHAT?!"

---

Meanwhile, on the Other Side

Firelight flickered warmly, casting dancing shadows against the surrounding trees.

Ren lay back, gazing up at the starry sky.

He couldn't help but glance sideways, his eyes lingering on a particular detail.

Those legs really do seem to glow in the firelight...

Keqing sat nearby, her legs folded neatly as she studied a map under the firelight.

Now that they were here, she wanted to ensure they were well-prepared for their exploration.

When it came to work, Keqing always gave it her all.

"Keqing?"

Curious about what had her so focused, Ren scooted closer to take a look.

As he moved, his hand brushed against something soft and furry.

"Hmm?"

Instinctively, he picked it up.

It was none other than the Raiden Shogun doll, its stern little face looking up at him.

Keqing glanced over, her expression a mix of exasperation and amusement.

"Hmph."

She rolled her eyes before shifting her legs away from him.

"Come on..."

Ren sighed, holding the doll awkwardly.

Then something caught his attention.

The doll was glowing faintly.

"?"

Before he could react, a cold, commanding voice spoke directly into his ear:

"What are you doing?"

Startled, Ren shot to his feet and instinctively saluted the glowing doll.

Before him, a screen of violet light materialized, its surface shimmering like storm clouds.

A cold, familiar figure slowly turned to face him, her gaze sharp and unyielding.

"Shogun-sama!"

---

T/N: YESSSSS EI TAKE HIM ONLY FOR YOURSELF

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