Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [139] [40 PS]

Some battles are planned, others are unexpected—but a true Champion embraces them all. Consider this bonus chapter one of those surprises.

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"My partner, your expression looks awfully suspicious."

"What exactly did Sister Colombina say to you?"

Sandrone observed Ren's handsome face intently, raising her small hand as if inspecting him.

Hmm, doesn't look like he got beaten up.

My partner, come closer so I can poke your face.

"She was being cryptic, didn't say much of anything," Ren replied, dodging her mischievous hand.

He stole a glance at the delicate young woman beside him.

Her smooth, chestnut-colored hair cascaded gracefully, and she wore a simple white dress. Her sweet smile radiated elegance and charm.

There was a faint trace of regret in her gaze, almost imperceptible.

This was their first in-person meeting, so of course, Ren took the opportunity to get a good look.

Was there any chance her real form didn't live up to the doll's perfection?

Good news: she was even more beautiful than her doll-like avatar.

Bad news: just as flat as her doll counterpart.

This realization drew a faint sigh from Ren.

"What kind of face is that?"

Danger flickered in Sandrone's eyes as she smiled, her tone playful but sharp.

My partner, care to explain yourself?

You were definitely thinking something rude just now.

"Nothing at all."

Ren opted to play dumb.

After countless verbal sparring matches with Sandrone that had ended in his defeat, he'd learned an important lesson:

If you can use your hands, don't bother using your mouth.

"Stupid man, take this!"

Sandrone clenched her tiny fists, ready to land a blow on Ren.

This time, she wasn't just a tiny doll—her full-sized body was present!

And then...

Her sneak attack failed miserably.

Ren calmly held her small head in place, keeping her at arm's length.

The petite girl flailed her arms but couldn't reach him.

"My partner...!"

Sandrone squinted her eyes, raising her face in protest.

This was an unfair abuse of height—pure cheating!

Ignoring her glare, Ren smirked and remarked, "This is all a Harbinger's got?"

"My partner, do you even understand romance?"

"You know anything about romance?" Ren countered, skeptical.

"You!"

After yet another round of their banter—

Sandrone, self-proclaimed romantic expert, emerged victorious.

Ren gave up arguing, instead shifting his attention elsewhere.

"This place is still part of her illusion, isn't it?"

He surveyed his surroundings.

They were in an unknown desert, and the ominous black mist in the distance caught his attention.

There was a deep, ancient malice emanating from it—a truly unsettling feeling.

"That's right, we're still in the illusion," Sandrone confirmed, spinning lightly on her heels.

"With Sister Colombina's help, I was able to appear before you like this."

That explained why she didn't need her wheelchair here.

"So neither you nor Colombina's real bodies are here."

Ren frowned slightly at the realization, his expression darkening.

Thinking back to the earlier melody, he shook his head.

Pulling against Colombina's mental influence had been far from pleasant.

Not to mention that now he was inexplicably tied to some sort of secret with her...

"My partner, are you feeling unwell?"

Sandrone blinked, feigning concern.

"Did Sister Colombina beat you up?"

Her playful tone betrayed her true intentions—she was dying to hear something entertaining.

"?"

Ren's face darkened.

Does she think I don't care about my dignity?

For the record, I didn't lose during that encounter.

"By the way, Sister Colombina was helping you," Sandrone added suddenly, poking Ren's cheek.

When he didn't dodge, her lips curved upward smugly.

Having won their earlier debate, she now poked to her heart's content.

"Helping me? She nearly scrambled my consciousness," Ren muttered, rubbing his temples at the memory of resisting the song's effects.

"Hasn't it gotten stronger, though?"

Ren froze for a moment, falling silent as he reassessed himself.

Improvement in mental awareness wasn't something immediately noticeable.

But clearly, his control over his body had taken another step forward.

He glanced at Sandrone and asked thoughtfully, "You're right. But what exactly is she trying to accomplish?"

"What is she trying to do, you ask?"

Sandrone raised her hand, flicking Ren on the head with a frown.

"You clearly don't understand Sister Colombina's ideals."

"Can't you think of her actions in a positive light for once?"

"..."

Ren paused, his expression softening slightly.

This time, he didn't object.

If the apocalyptic memories he saw were real...

"She wants to ensure you aren't corrupted by the God's resentment here," Sandrone explained, abandoning her earlier cryptic tone.

"God's resentment?"

Ren turned toward the dark mist in the distance.

The image of the angelic maiden plucking her lyre replayed in his mind.

So that's what her song was meant to do.

"Do you want to take a closer look?"

Sandrone blinked at him, her voice soft yet inviting.

"Why would there be God's resentment in a dream?"

Ren's voice carried suspicion.

"That's because of an experiment conducted by the Harbinger known as 'The Doctor.'"

"Sister Colombina came here to deal with this matter as well."

Their eyes met in a long, contemplative silence.

"You said you'd tell me your story," Ren finally murmured.

"Does it really matter?"

Sandrone propped her chin on her hand, her smile playful.

She reached out, aiming to poke Ren.

But he frowned and dodged her hand.

"I'm serious. It does matter," he insisted, nodding slightly after a moment's thought.

The information Sandrone had dropped about creating Gods gnawed at him.

And the vision of Colombina's dream added fuel to the fire.

It seemed the Harbingers weren't a unified front, but divided into factions.

The connection between these two women...

The method of creating Gods, the collection of Gnosis...

He felt like he was on the verge of uncovering something critical, but key details were still missing.

He needed to keep digging.

"Hmm..."

Sandrone appeared a little disappointed by his reasoning.

"Is that all?"

"And the person trying to kill you," Ren added instinctively, noticing her disappointed gaze.

The atmosphere turned quiet.

"What about him?"

Sandrone's bright blue eyes blinked, urging him to continue.

Ren fell silent, unwilling to say more.

"Hurry up!"

Sandrone jabbed at him again.

"Couldn't stand the guy—then he went and saddled me with the problem of you," Ren muttered, his tone a little unnatural.

Sandrone's elegant eyes narrowed slightly, and a glint of something unspoken flickered within them.

She gently placed a hand on Ren's chest, tugging firmly at his collar.

Ren, caught off guard, didn't manage to dodge this time.

"My partner, what are you avoiding?"

Sandrone tilted her petite face upward, leaning closer.

The little spark of joy in her expression couldn't be hidden.

[Ding! Emotional Resonance from Sandrone +1]

[Talent Unlocked: Please Check Your Interface]

"I'm not avoiding anything."

"You absolutely are."

Sandrone clung to Ren without a shred of reason.

Her occasional displays of stubbornness were her privilege as his partner—

A privilege reserved solely for him.

"..."

Seeing Ren's silence, Sandrone's smile grew smug.

Observing his reactions had become her new favorite hobby.

"Let's head out. I'll tell you the story on the way."

"Just the two of us," she added with a soft laugh, stepping back.

"Fine. Let's go."

Ren nodded and started to move.

"Wait!"

The girl stomped her foot behind him.

"My partner, aren't you forgetting something?"

Ren halted and turned to look at the petite, delicate girl.

Her brows furrowed slightly, her expression weak and innocent.

It's convincing... but maybe don't overact next time.

"What is it?"

"I suddenly can't seem to walk anymore."

"?"

Ren raised a brow, scanning her from head to toe.

Sandrone clasped her hands behind her back and tilted her face confidently.

Her demeanor was practically screaming: Figure it out yourself.

"Fine, I'll pull you along."

"No."

Sandrone turned her face away with a pout.

"..."

Ren's expression twisted into something incredulous.

She smiled just now. I know she did!

"Fine, I'll hold your hand and lead you."

Sandrone lifted her snow-white chin and let out a soft huff.

"My partner, you're supposed to carry me."

"You..."

"Hurry up."

...

"Get on."

Ren crouched slightly, his voice resigned.

The next moment, he felt a light, warm weight settle on his back.

Sandrone had leaped on, her arms wrapping snugly around his neck.

"My partner, you've got this," she teased.

"Stop choking me!" Ren coughed, batting her hands away.

After some fumbling, they finally set off.

Sandrone quieted down, resting against his back.

"Let's go."

"Mm."

Her chin lightly pressed against his shoulder.

She gazed at the side of his face, her lips curving into a subtle smile.

This warmth... it felt so reassuring.

"Hey, my dear partner."

"What now? Quit squirming."

"I've got a little secret to share," she whispered playfully, her legs dangling behind him.

"Behave, will you? What is it?"

"Thanks for worrying about me earlier."

Her light voice tickled his ear as she whispered.

Ren nodded silently.

The faint sensation of her loose hair brushing against him sent a gentle itch through his skin.

Is she doing this on purpose?

Walking like this... wasn't so bad after all.

"Oh, one more thing," Sandrone added suddenly.

"What is it now?"

"If you want to help me, you'll have to kill someone here."

The sweet tone of her voice belied the chilling content of her words.

"Kill who?"

Ren asked flatly, unfazed.

Sandrone's lips curled into a satisfied smirk.

"Aren't you curious who it is?"

"Go ahead and tell me."

"The Fatui, of course."

"Just another member of the Fatui?"

"Nope."

Her playful grin deepened.

"It's one of the Harbingers..."

"?"

Ren's steps faltered.

Something felt off.

"The Second Harbinger. 'The Doctor.'"

"?!"

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A true Champion knows that every battle, every choice, and every unexpected twist shapes the path to mastery. Consider this bonus chapter a rare encounter—one that wouldn't be possible without the right support.

That's why you should support WiseTL at [patreon.com/WiseTL]—where every pledge helps bring more high-quality translations to life, staying true to the original while flowing naturally in English. After all, excellence is in the details.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more to prepare for. But you? You should take this opportunity—you never know what rare finds await.

—Cynthia