Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [141] [100 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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"Roar—"

The wails of the monsters were swallowed by the thunder, vanishing into nothingness.

Tap.

Amidst the raging storm of destruction, a solitary figure emerged.

It was Ren, calmly sheathing his blade.

Drip—

Dark blood slid off the edge of his sword, falling with a soft sound.

The purple light in his eyes faded as he glanced back.

The corpses of the monsters that had fallen to the ground piled up like a small mountain.

Under the wrath of the storm, none survived.

The monster horde, driven by the resentment of a demon god, seemed endless.

But against Ren, their overwhelming numbers became their fatal weakness.

The combination of his thunder's destructive power and the wind's dispersal amplified the damage repeatedly.

Once group attacks began to stack…

Their power became far more than simple addition.

"My dear partner, you're amazing."

Behind Ren, Sandrone peeked her head out.

She hugged him tightly, her tone full of pride.

As expected of her partner—he made her feel so safe.

Thinking this, Sandrone poked Ren's cheek playfully.

He'd better keep protecting her like this in the future.

"Time to come down," Ren remarked, the corner of his mouth twitching.

This delicate appearance of hers… she was really selling it.

But Sandrone wasn't some ordinary girl!

She was a Harbinger of the Fatui, and she'd been slacking off the whole time.

At least put in a bit of effort!

And could she please stop squeezing his neck?

"But, my partner, my butt hurts."

Sandrone huffed, pulling out her little notebook of grudges.

He had done such terrible things to her earlier.

Did he think he could shirk responsibility now?

Ren: …

Seeing the grudge-filled look on her face, Ren fell silent.

Earlier, the situation had been urgent, and he might have been a bit rough.

What else could he do? Offer to rub it for her?

"My partner, how did it feel?"

The mischievous girl's lips curved into a sly smile as she leaned close to Ren's ear and whispered.

That electric tingle from earlier...

For some reason, she suddenly wanted to feel it again.

"It felt pretty—"

Ren reflexively began to respond, but then caught himself.

Was that something he could just say out loud?

He glanced at Sandrone, whose eyes were filled with innocent curiosity.

Something's wrong with you. You're definitely up to something.

"Go on… finish your thought, my... dear partner."

Sandrone tilted her head, her voice layered with subtle intent.

Looks like his less-than-innocent thoughts had slipped out after all.

At that moment, she raised her hand and made a slicing gesture.

If he dared to misbehave, he'd be "snipped"…

"...It felt nice. Should've gone harder while I was at it," Ren said darkly, clicking his tongue.

Of course, he was referring to how the blade cut through the monsters.

Don't get the wrong idea.

Sandrone's lips curled upward slightly, but she didn't expose him.

Plop.

Suddenly, something cold slid down her cheek.

She instinctively reached out, letting out a soft "Huh?"

"My partner, it's raining."

Swoosh—

The moment she spoke, a downpour began.

The world before them was washed in a frigid, ghostly blue rain.

"Rain?"

Ren murmured, sensing something amiss.

The area around them was suffused with water-elemental energy.

But his body… was growing heavier.

He tried to lift his hand, only for his expression to change.

His movements had slowed.

"My partner, are you…"

Ren shook his head slightly, signaling Sandrone to stay calm.

He raised his hand, giving her a thumbs-up.

With a meaningful smile, he said,

"This level of hydro application is nothing."

After all, his newly unlocked talent had him covered…

[Ding, so you finally remembered to check your unlocked talent?]

Ren nodded subtly.

Back when he had decided to help Sandrone and carry her on his back,

His emotional energy had finally reached a new milestone.

The first unlocked talent turned out to be…

"Heh heh heh…"

From within the rain, an eerie laugh echoed.

Black mist surged in response, exuding a sinister malice.

"Doctor, I know it's you!"

Ren raised his blade, pointing it at the darkness, his voice cold.

"Interrupting my experiments…!"

From the black mist, a blue-haired man stepped forward.

The raven-beaked mask obscured his face, radiating an ominous aura.

A sinister grin stretched across his lips.

His crimson eyes reflected a twisted light—

One that showed disdain for all life,

And a madness that dared to trample every boundary.

The Fatui Harbinger, The Doctor.

"..."

Ren's heart grew heavier, his eyes narrowing.

The black mist was gathering behind The Doctor.

And there, a massive shadow was rapidly taking shape.

"Be careful. It's one of The Doctor's modified experiments,"

Sandrone warned, closing her eyes.

This deranged "segment" had a way of influencing others' minds.

She needed to focus her mental energy fully,

To assist Ren in resisting The Doctor's power.

"Do your best, my partner."

"Mm."

Ren gave a slight nod, his eyes locked on the distant figure.

"Who… Who dares?"

The Doctor raised his head slowly, his expression twisting further.

Then, noticing Ren and Sandrone,

"Heh heh heh… so it's you two!"

His eyes widened with exaggerated excitement, his grin maniacal.

"My masterpiece is complete!"

"It now possesses the abilities of Osial, the Vortex Lord!"

He bowed with mock humility,

Though his face, now devoid of its smile, was contorted with madness.

"And next…"

"Would you like to become my next test subject, Ren?"

As soon as he spoke, the modified beast let out an earth-shaking roar.

A storm whipped up, rain pouring in torrents.

The half-demon-god abomination took a massive step toward Ren!

"I'd love to…"

With Sandrone on his back, Ren raised his hand slowly.

He stared at the crazed figure, his gaze icy.

Amid the cascading rain, a long spear of water formed in his grasp.

[Elemental Skill: Foul Legacy - Raging Tide]

"I'd love to kill you right here and now!"

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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.

Until we meet again—stay sharp, stay determined, and never stop striving to be your best.

—Cynthia