Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [183]
Moonlight poured through the window, casting a quiet glow over the room.
Ren and the two goddesses stared at each other in silence.
The tension in the air stretched on—until finally…
"Stop fighting already!"
Ren planted his hands on his hips, trying to project the authority of a man in his own home.
After all, he was the one living here.
Breaking in without permission, starting a fight, and nearly wrecking the place—was there no such thing as divine justice anymore?
But before he could say anything else—
"?"
Ei's violet eyes narrowed slightly as she lifted her sword.
Are you talking to me?
"…Cough, my bad."
Ren immediately lost his bravado the moment he sensed the deadly aura radiating from the shogun before him.
He took a step back, deciding it was best to just go back to bed.
Waking up to two Archons fighting? Yeah, this had to be a dream.
Better to just go back to sleep and pretend nothing happened.
"Stay where you are."
A calm voice rang out, and Ren instantly stepped forward again, obediently returning to his previous spot.
Wait a minute—who's the one breaking into my house in the middle of the night here?!
Only then did Ei nod in satisfaction, sparing a glance at the woman in the white dress—
The first Dendro Archon, the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.
The normally aloof Shogun's gaze held an unspoken depth to it.
"…?"
Ren caught onto something odd.
Is she… showing off?
Where was this sudden competitive streak coming from?
"!"
Meanwhile, within the mental realm, Nahida stomped her tiny foot anxiously.
Quick, check if Big Brother is hurt!
For the first time, the little Dendro Archon felt a deep urge to take over.
"…Are you injured anywhere?"
A warmth approached Ren, followed by the gentle touch of a soft hand lifting his own.
Ren froze for a moment before turning his head instinctively.
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata had already crouched slightly, carefully checking him for any wounds.
Like comforting a child, she even pursed her lips and gently blew on his hand.
…That little detail? Nahida's suggestion.
Of course, with the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's naturally tender personality, she would've done it anyway.
The two wisdom gods had the same thought.
"…I'm fine."
Ren suddenly felt a tingling sensation spread through him.
That overwhelming aura of motherly warmth—it was almost making him drowsy.
So, the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata isn't truly gone…
But seriously, starting off with such kindness was a little too much.
"If you feel unwell, let me know, okay?"
"…Got it. Thanks."
Ren subtly withdrew his hand and replied calmly, shifting slightly to put more distance between them.
"…"
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's gaze flickered before she smiled knowingly.
Her eyes met Ei's—
Ah, so that's how it is.
Ren's relationship with the Raiden Shogun was a little different than she had expected.
"…Big Brother, why is he…"
Inside the mental realm, Nahida noticed Ren's slight withdrawal and felt a pang of disappointment.
Does he not like the grown-up version of me?
The little angel found herself feeling uneasy.
Was this… one of those growing pains?
"Ei, the moonlight is beautiful tonight."
Ren cleared his throat and subtly moved closer to Ei.
Come on, was now really the time to be looking at someone else?
Not sticking to the shogun—was his brain waterlogged? Did he want to get strung up on a divine statue?
Some life-or-death questions had obvious answers.
"…"
Ei let out a soft huff and turned her face away.
But her sword, [Musou Isshin], was honest—it quietly returned to its sheath.
The sharp coldness from earlier had softened considerably.
Ren smiled silently.
Don't be mad, Shogun.
"…"
A faint curve appeared at the corner of Ei's lips.
Ren's choice to stand by her side first—she had to admit, she liked that.
"That was reckless."
Ren gently expressed his concern.
"I'm fine. But you…"
Ei glanced at him, her gaze carrying an unusual depth.
Did he not realize his current state…?
"Yes, Ren."
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata also spoke, her meaning the same as Ei's.
If he knew it was dangerous, then why did he still step in to block two Archons' elemental powers?
More importantly—
He actually succeeded.
Without a scratch.
Even the God of Wisdom was surprised by this ability.
Was it because of that golden shield?
"…Just a little trick."
Ren kept it low-key.
[Elemental Skill: Jade Shield]
[Also known as: Impenetrable Fortress, Teyvat's Ultimate Couch Potato Mode]
[Morax. Pain. Shield. Understand?]
The system only had one comment:
[Your sense of security is nowhere near Zhongli's level.]
…With such high praise, the skill was clearly insanely strong.
And blocking an attack from two Archons? That said it all.
Two gods, huh…
With this talent, would he ever have to worry about other girls trying to cut him down?
Not a chance.
Ren was starting to feel a little too confident.
[Ding! Just a reminder.]
What now?
[This talent was unlocked because you completed a certain achievement.]
What achievement?
[Pretending to be asleep while secretly watching two goddesses fight over you.]
Ren: …
Suddenly, it didn't feel so great anymore.
And what kind of unlock condition was that?!
[Ding! Oh? You actually guessed it.]
Ren: …
[Querying achievements… There are also conditions for watching three, four, and five goddesses fight—]
Shut up, system!
Ren shivered.
No way there were that many goddesses fighting over him.
Right?
Of course, this ability wasn't truly invincible.
Blocking the two Archons' attacks had been a coincidence.
His [Jade Shield]'s strength was directly linked to his max HP.
And it just so happened…
[Ding! How does it feel to be connected to the Irminsul?]
That's right—during that brief moment, Ren had shared a portion of his life force with the World Tree.
That's why he had managed to withstand the two Archons' attacks without taking damage.
"…You look rather lively."
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata chuckled.
Ei, on the other hand, kept her face turned away, looking strangely tense.
"…What?"
Ren blinked.
Why were they looking at him like that?
"It's late. You should be careful not to catch a cold."
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata spoke gently, her gaze scanning over Ren.
Come to think of it—he was standing there shirtless in front of two Archons.
…Was this considered blasphemy?
Well, at least his physique was decent.
"…Cough. Sorry."
Ren suddenly felt a chill on his upper body.
It finally hit him—he wasn't wearing a shirt.
And so…
Under the curious gazes of the Raiden Shogun and the Dendro Archon, he forced himself to calmly put on his clothes.
Seriously, changing in front of two goddesses?
Why were they watching so intently?!
Little did Ren know—
It seemed like two pairs of eyes were watching him.
But in reality, a certain little angel was also secretly observing.
Shocking! Three goddesses actually did this to Ren!
"…Alright, let's get to business."
After the initial awkwardness of their meeting, the group finally sat down together.
A formal discussion—at least, on the surface.
On Nahida's small bed.
With Ei and the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata sitting on either side of Ren.
Ren: I can't move.
"…By the way, where is your daughter?"
Ren turned to the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, puzzled.
"!"
Inside the mental realm, Nahida tensed up.
Was it time to reveal her identity?