Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [137]

A soothing melody drifted softly through the air.

It carried warmth and tranquility, gently smoothing over everything in its path.

"This is..."

Ren's eyes widened slightly in surprise.

What an enchanting song.

It stilled the biting winds, rendering them gentle and calm.

It also rekindled the spirits of weary hearts.

This was the kind of aid countless travelers yearned to encounter.

Ren instinctively tilted his head back, looking toward the mountaintop.

Something—or someone—was up there, calling out to him.

Urging him to ascend and fulfill this destined meeting.

"Ah... the breeze feels so comfortable."

Sandrone dangled her small legs, her eyes narrowing in a contented smile.

She understood that the retreat of the icy winds was no coincidence.

Clearly, the melody was summoned because of her, tucked snugly inside Ren's collar.

The doll-like girl swayed slightly, a touch of frustration on her face.

Not to sound ungrateful...

But she rather preferred the cold wind—it gave her more reason to stay close to Ren.

Still, thank you.

Sister Colombina.

"..."

In the shadows, the spirit turned to Ren.

Its ethereal form flickered and swayed, as if extending an invitation.

Ren narrowed his eyes slightly.

This spirit seemed to have a will of its own.

"She's guiding you, you know."

Sandrone spoke softly, breaking the silence.

"Guiding me?"

"Don't tell me you don't know the stories about spirits."

"I only know they lead me to treasure chests."

Ren thought for a moment, then shook his head.

He wasn't much of an adventurer.

Such things were far from his expertise.

"My partner is surprisingly clueless."

Sandrone sighed dramatically, her tone full of regret.

It was as if she were silently urging Ren to read more books in his free time.

Ren: ...

"Well, let's just follow the spirit for now."

After a moment of thought, Ren made his decision.

Encountering a spirit and not investigating? That'd be ridiculous.

No sooner had the words left his mouth than Keqing stirred in his arms.

"Still cold, Miss Keqing?"

"You looked awfully cozy just now."

Sandrone smiled sweetly, but her tone carried no shortage of sarcasm.

"Thank you for your concern, but I'm perfectly fine."

Keqing huffed softly, turning her attention to Ren.

"What's your plan?"

Though the chilling wind had subsided and she could technically move away now...

A certain lazy Keqing still didn't feel like leaving.

Not only because of the warmth, which was unlike that of a doll.

But also because Ren had a point.

The space here was so limited...

Being this close together was simply unavoidable.

Convinced by her own reasoning, Keqing immediately justified the situation to herself.

Yes, it was the perfect explanation.

It definitely wasn't because she wanted to stay in his arms a little longer. Definitely not.

"Keqing, do you trust me?"

Ren turned to her, his expression serious.

What he was about to do next would be thrilling.

He needed to confirm her trust first.

"Trust you...?"

Keqing blinked in confusion.

His serious expression—it almost felt like he was about to confess.

If he's really being serious, then should I...

Her thoughts spun wildly, her imagination running ahead of her.

But outwardly, she coughed lightly.

"Of course I trust you."

"After all, we're partners who've worked overtime together..."

Her voice trailed off as her usual tsundere attitude flared up.

Keqing turned her head away, raising a hand to lightly punch Ren's arm.

The corners of Ren's mouth lifted into a small smile.

Keqing, do you know how adorable you are?

He suddenly felt an urge to bring her home and keep her forever.

"That's great, Keqing."

"Let's begin."

Ren smiled warmly and started to bend down.

From the looks of it...

Just as Ren reached out, aiming for Keqing's long, fair legs—

"Wait! What are you trying to do?"

Both Keqing and Sandrone exclaimed in shock simultaneously.

At this quiet hour of the night, with no one else around...

What are you planning to do to a girl as beautiful as a flower?!

"Don't overthink it."

Ren sighed, exasperated, and pointed toward the distant spirit.

"Of course, I'm going to jump across the gap with Keqing in my arms."

"Jump across?"

Keqing's expression shifted at his words, and she immediately refused.

The distance was far too great—impossible to bridge.

Even with her ability to launch herself using Thunderclap, she couldn't manage it alone.

"Keqing, didn't you say you trusted me?"

Ren sighed again, this time with a note of disappointment.

"I'm not doubting you."

Keqing opened her mouth slightly, ready to explain.

The girl who normally spoke her mind without hesitation...

Now found herself increasingly concerned about someone else's feelings.

Though only Ren's, of course.

"If it's not doubt, then what is it?"

"...I'm just worried about your safety."

After a long pause, Keqing admitted softly.

This troublemaker—he just had to push her into saying it out loud.

Is he trying to make a joke of her?

"Oh, I see."

Ren blinked, feigning deep thought.

A tsundere Keqing saying something like that? Rare indeed.

Satisfied, he felt as though he'd been given a generous treat.

"Don't read too much into it. It's just normal concern!"

Keqing puffed up her cheeks, emphasizing her point with a glare.

"Uh-huh..."

Ren's skeptical look only grew.

"Enough of that—hurry up already."

Keqing huffed, pretending to be indifferent as she turned her head away.

With a flick of her twin tails, one of them whipped Ren lightly on the arm.

At the same time, she raised a small fist, her gaze carrying a silent threat.

You better believe me!

"All right."

Ren smiled faintly and nodded.

He had no doubt—Keqing might actually bite if provoked further.

"I'll begin now."

Ren bent slightly and spoke softly.

"...Okay."

Keqing adjusted her skirt with one hand, her voice quiet.

Being carried across the cliff...

Was this going to be one of those legendary princess carries?

By the way, she wasn't wearing her stockings right now.

Under the moonlight, her bare legs gleamed with a pale, delicate glow.

If there was direct contact...

Keqing bit her lip, refusing to think further.

Lifting her other hand, she silently looped it around Ren's neck.

In one smooth motion, she nudged the doll-like girl perched on his shoulder away.

"Keqing?"

Ren instinctively looked up.

He found himself staring into her shimmering, water-clear eyes.

The girl's gaze flickered downward as she turned her face slightly to the side.

"Go ahead—I trust you."

Her words carried a tone of resignation, as though giving him full permission.

After all, he was her trusted partner from overtime sessions.

Even if they ended up doing... something together, it wouldn't be unusual.

Ren: ...

Why does it feel like the plot is about to take a weird turn?

Just as the atmosphere grew increasingly awkward—

"My dear partner, this is unfair!"

Sandrone, having been pushed aside, voiced her protest.

She wanted a princess carry too!

"Your real body won't grow if you don't get some sleep."

Ren dismissed her with a tone that brooked no argument.

"Fine, but don't come crying to me later."

Sandrone huffed, marking the moment down in her mental notebook.

"..."

Ren rolled his eyes, entirely unbothered.

What are you going to do, call for reinforcements?

Or maybe have your real body suddenly show up?

Yeah, right. Totally impossible.

...

"Relax, it'll be over in a moment."

Ren scooped Keqing up in his arms.

Her body was soft and light, like a well-behaved kitten.

"Mhm... just hurry up."

Keqing nodded faintly, avoiding his gaze.

So it was a princess carry—how embarrassing!

Unable to help herself, she swung her legs slightly.

Both of them froze for a moment as skin brushed lightly against skin.

That sensation—smooth and warm—held an inexplicable allure.

Drawing them closer, tempting them to explore further.

"Hold on tight."

Ren forced himself to focus, his voice firm.

He was a proper guy—he couldn't let his thoughts wander.

"Mhm."

Keqing clasped her hands around Ren's neck, her gaze curious.

She wanted to see how exactly he planned to get them across this impossible gap.

"Here we go."

With that, Ren crouched slightly.

Wind-elemental energy gathered around him in an instant.

The air surged and swirled, forming a vortex centered on him.

A tremendous power condensed rapidly, howling through the night.

"What incredible anemo control!"

Keqing's eyes sparkled with admiration.

The intensity of the windfield—it might actually allow them to leap such a distance together.

Sandrone blinked, letting out a quiet hum of surprise.

Another trick I haven't seen before.

How many secrets do you have, my partner?

"Hah!"

Ren exhaled sharply, launching himself into the air with Keqing in his arms.

[Elemental Skill: Chihayaburu]

In the next instant, his foot struck the mountain wall behind them.

Like a cannonball, they shot toward the cliff platform where the spirit hovered.

"Careful, there's still a little distance left!"

Whoosh—

Ren had prepared for this.

In the darkness, a green-blue flash streaked through the air.

[Elemental Skill: Lemniscatic Wind Cycling]

Using a midair maneuver, they landed securely on the platform.

The entire sequence was seamless, fluid, and precise.

The embodiment of the Windborne joy.

"Amazing... we actually made it."

Keqing's eyes sparkled with awe as she whispered.

This graceful, effortless execution—it was a little... cool.

She was still nestled in Ren's arms, her demeanor unusually docile.

Her delicate feet swayed slightly in excitement, her toes curling slightly.

Ren couldn't help but glance a few times.

"It has to be amazing. Stay humble."

"My partner, don't get too cocky now."

"Ahem."

Ren and Keqing simultaneously averted their gazes, their cheeks faintly flushed.

---

Following the spirit's guidance, they continued upward.

Their journey was fraught but without true danger.

"Hah!"

With one final leap, they reached the summit.

But what greeted Ren left him momentarily stunned.

The spirit was gone.

Under the moonlight lay a desolate world.

Thick, ominous black mist gathered, radiating ancient malice.

Plants and animals were lifeless, withered into decay.

Some had even undergone unknown mutations.

"This is... the resentment of a God?"

A chill ran down Ren's spine as he realized the truth.

Someone had built experimental equipment here.

And their target—was the power of a God.

"Yes, the work of the Fatui's Second Harbinger, the Doctor."

"Such a revolting force."

Sandrone's voice was soft but icy.

As she murmured, the faint song returned, weaving through the air.

This melody was unlike any Ren had ever heard.

It didn't belong to Inazuma, nor to humanity.

But he could feel it—grief deeper than any words could express.

Before him, the world subtly shifted.

An unusual space unfolded.

Ren looked down at his now-empty arms.

At some point, Keqing had vanished.

"She's unharmed—she's merely asleep."

The doll-like girl turned to Ren, smiling faintly.

"Welcome to the world of song."

"Or, more precisely, the constructed mental realm of the Fatui's Third Harbinger... the Damselette."

"She wishes to meet you."

Ren glanced at Sandrone, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.

The girl swayed slightly, speaking in a whisper.

"Here, my story awaits."

"Will you join me, my... dear partner?"