Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [187] [100 PS]

Kill Greater Lord Rukkhadevata… here?

"What kind of joke is that?!"

Ren instinctively tightened his hold on Nahida.

Lady Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, your daughter has always been—

It's fine. As long as we leave this place.

Suppressing the vague unease creeping into his heart, Ren prepared to take them both away.

But then, he noticed something.

It was too quiet.

"…Nahida?"

Ren quickly turned to check on the little angel—only to freeze.

Nahida had fallen into a deep sleep, her delicate face resting peacefully.

Yet just moments ago, she had been—

"She's adorable, isn't she?"

A soft voice drifted to his ears.

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata slowly reached out, her fingers brushing against the warmth of Ren's chest.

As if savoring the sensation, she traced lazy circles over his skin. The smile on her lips deepened with quiet delight.

Nahida's sun… was warm, after all.

And to her—he was also her sun.

They were of the same origin, their hearts naturally intertwined.

That included Nahida's attachment to a certain someone.

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's gaze lingered on Ren's profile, something flickering in her eyes—suppressed, restrained.

For now, it was only Nahida's emotions affecting her.

The purity of the little angel's heart was soothing, dulling the pain brought by the corruption.

Ren studied Greater Lord Rukkhadevata carefully, his expression darkening slightly.

A suspicion took shape in his mind.

"…The Irminsul's corruption transferred to you?"

Still holding her close, he asked in a quiet voice.

You're already in my arms—do you really think I'd just let you disappear?

"Hm, that's a correct deduction."

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata nodded, gently stepping out of Ren's embrace.

Ren let go but remained silent, his eyes fixed on her.

Finally, he understood the meaning behind that faintly twisted smile.

The chaos and agony—

It had changed her.

Perhaps… this was her way of making it easier on herself.

"You don't need to be afraid. I won't hurt you."

She tilted her head, voice as gentle as ever.

For a moment, she returned to the image of the first Dendro Archon—holy, pure, and brimming with wisdom.

"You have always been a kind and gentle god."

Ren shook his head, his voice soft.

There was no fear in his eyes. Only helplessness, and… sorrow.

Five hundred years… You've suffered so much.

All for this world.

A glimmer of light passed through Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's gaze, a trace of relief.

For five hundred years, she had carried it all alone.

But now, someone understood her.

And that was enough.

"This child needs rest."

She murmured, effortlessly gathering Nahida into her arms and rocking her gently.

Ren reached out, playfully poking Nahida's cheek.

Their eyes met, and they shared a small, knowing smile.

Like a married couple taking care of their child.

From the Irminsul, emerald vines extended, weaving into a soft bed.

Nahida lay upon it, her breathing steady, the familiar presence of the Irminsul comforting her.

"…Alright, now that that's taken care of—"

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata turned to face Ren, about to speak.

But—

Ren had already moved.

He raised an arm.

Instinctively, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata stepped back, pressing herself against the tree.

Thud.

The first Dendro Archon—graceful and dignified—was now trapped.

Pinned against the tree.

"…"

Ren lowered his head slightly, staring at her, lost in thought.

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata simply smiled, making no attempt to resist.

Her soul was weak—she knew.

Even if Ren wanted to do something, she wouldn't be able to stop him.

But in his eyes, there was only calm.

"I don't like this."

His voice was quiet.

Ren lifted his other hand, reaching for her long, silken white hair.

His fingers found the small braid at the side—

And untied it.

"This dangerous hairstyle… You're not allowed to wear it anymore."

It doesn't sit well with me.

His eyes flickered with something unreadable. His tone was commanding. Unreasonable.

Possessive.

"How bold of you."

A soft chuckle escaped her lips.

She tilted her head slightly, her flawless cheek brushing against the skin of his arm—warm, feather-light.

Her gaze flickered toward him, meaningful.

The chaotic turmoil in her eyes deepened, laced with a quiet, dazed longing.

Nahida slept soundly nearby.

Ren arched a brow and leaned in closer.

Close enough—

That at any moment, he could defile this wise and noble goddess.

"I can remove the forbidden knowledge from you."

He whispered in her ear, his tone serious.

[Ding! Let's see which divine being left this knowledge behind.]

"…Unless you erase my existence entirely."

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata made no move to retreat.

For the world to truly be free of this corruption—she had to disappear.

"Hah."

Ren laughed softly, as if mocking the foolishness of the God of Wisdom.

"You're trying to convince me?"

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata smiled faintly and exhaled, her breath warm against his ear.

Wisdom is the enemy of the God of Wisdom.

And forbidden knowledge—

"…It comes from another world."

Ren's calm voice took her by surprise.

How does he know that?

"That's right. Its truth is beyond Teyvat's laws."

She nodded slightly, scrutinizing him.

What exactly did Ren understand?

Impossible…

That knowledge was something even the God of Wisdom was sworn to protect.

As she pondered, momentarily lost in thought—

"Watch closely."

Ren caught her wrist.

"…Observe how so-called 'forbidden knowledge' disappears."

The forbidden knowledge—

It was nothing more than the will of foreign gods.

Unobservable. Unknowable.

But too bad.

It had encountered the system.

Anything that got in the way of his happiness—gone.

"…"

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's eyes widened, her lashes trembling.

The chaotic whispers…

Were fading.

The relentless torment…

Was lifting.

[Ding! Analysis complete. Emotional energy points increased.]

The forbidden knowledge—severed.

Erased by an unseen force.

Her body trembled. One hand clutched at Ren's collar.

Her mind cleared.

Her body felt warm.

Five hundred years of suffering—vanished.

"…Impossible."

Her soul, once tainted, was now pure again.

Closing her eyes, she sensed the Irminsul—restored.

It felt like a dream.

"It's over."

Ren plucked a delicate Irminsul blossom, tucking it behind her ear.

Perfect.

Satisfied, he nodded, a smile curling on his lips.

Reality is stressful enough.

A happy ending… is much better.

"…Thank you, my sun."

A happy ending, was it?

Beneath the Irminsul, petals drifted in the air, glowing with a dreamlike radiance.

The once sorrowful goddess smiled—

Truly free.

She wrapped her arms around Ren, melting into his warmth.

"My soul exists and endures because of you."

"So from now on… I'm staying with you, forever."

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata gazed up at him, half-teasing.

But the bond between them, woven deep into their souls, was real.

They could never part.

"Spend more time with Nahida."

Ren's voice was quiet, as if he were a father afraid of waking his child.

And as for the mother…

"I know what you're thinking."

"Eavesdropping on my thoughts again?"

"They're written all over your face, bold one."

"…A proper man wouldn't have those thoughts."

Ren loosened his hold slightly, smirking.

"For example—defiling a goddess."

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's lips curled in amusement.

Yet, she made no move to leave his embrace.

She had been restrained for too long.

And this warmth—she would never let go.

"You think I won't?"

Ren arched a brow.

You're the one who's not leaving.

She lifted her face.

Closed her eyes.

Ren took a deep breath.

And then—

He lowered his head.

Claiming the lips of a god.

"…"

Nearby, Nahida stirred in her sleep.

Her small hands curled into tiny fists.