Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [189]

Sunlight filtered through the forest canopy, casting a warm glow over the land.

Feeling the warmth, Nahida slowly opened her eyes.

A gentle smile graced her lips as she began to share her story.

…

A dreamlike place, nestled beside the Irminsul.

For the first time, Nahida was free—free to run, to play, to explore the forest she had only ever known in distant memories.

The child of the forest had finally set foot in the forest itself.

"Be careful, Nahida!"

From a short distance away, her sun called out in concern.

"Hehe… Don't wander too far, alright?"

Beside him, a woman dressed in flowing white gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her voice soft and warm.

That was Nahida's mother—Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.

Dum-dum-dum.

Within the dense foliage, the round little Aranara scurried about, carefully concealing themselves.

"It's time to start! Is everyone hidden?"

Covering her eyes, Nahida sat atop a tree stump, swinging her small legs as she prepared for a game of hide-and-seek.

"We're hidden, Daughter of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata!"

Tiny hands stretched out in response, voices full of excitement.

For a moment, the forest rustled with movement.

Rustle, rustle.

"…You guys are terrible at this."

A knowing smirk played at Nahida's lips.

Did they not realize?

By answering, they had already given themselves away.

And so—

One by one, the round little Aranara were discovered by the sharp-eyed white-haired girl.

"Ahhh! Nahida is too smart! She found us again!"

The Aranara gathered in circles around Greater Lord Rukkhadevata and Ren, their little heads bobbing curiously as they eyed the man standing beside their goddess.

"…You guys are just too clumsy."

Ren chuckled, tying a vine around a tree branch and securing a wooden plank to it.

With a few finishing touches, a simple swing was complete.

"Then Ren is a big dummy too!"

A particularly chubby, round-bellied green Aranara puffed up its chest and stepped forward.

Why was this human allowed to be so close to Greater Lord Rukkhadevata?

He had to protect her!

"Oh? You wanna challenge me?"

Ren smirked and—without hesitation—intertwined his fingers with Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's, making his intentions very, very clear.

"Now, now. Let's all get along, Rambalanga."

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata patted the small Aranara's head, her voice filled with maternal warmth.

At the same time, a gentle wave of divine energy flowed into its tiny body.

"Wahhh—"

Gasps of awe rippled through the Aranara.

To be touched by Greater Lord Rukkhadevata…

That meant Rambalanga had been acknowledged by the goddess!

"Greater Lord Rukkhadevata! I've grown strong enough to stand on my own now!"

Rambalanga cheered, waving his little staff excitedly.

With one strike, he could now shatter big metal monsters (Ruin Guards)!

"Go pick some gifts for Nahida."

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata smiled, her voice as gentle as a mother soothing her children.

"Alright! A gift for Nahida!"

The tiny spirits of the forest eagerly dashed away.

"Nahida, it's time to come back."

Bathed in golden sunlight, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata and Ren called out to her, their hands still joined.

"Coming, Mama!"

Nahida returned, cradling the last remaining Aranara in her arms.

"This is the swing I wanted!"

Ren lifted her up onto the swing, gently plucking a stray leaf from her hair.

It seemed that, at least for now, even he had to set aside his thoughts about Greater Lord Rukkhadevata in front of their little angel.

"Mm! I want Mama to push me."

Nahida beamed, her small hands grasping the vines as she turned her expectant gaze toward Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.

"Of course, my child."

The gentle goddess smiled back at her daughter, eyes warm with affection.

And so, time continued to flow in quiet happiness.

"Wheee! Nahida is flying!"

Nahida giggled as the swing soared through the air.

Behind her, a pair of steady hands pushed her forward with care—her mother, always watching over her.

Before her, Ren lounged lazily on the grass, basking in the sun, a smile tugging at his lips as he watched over them.

It was peaceful.

Comfortable.

This—

This was Nahida's happiest, most precious moment.

The Aranara soon returned, carrying wild fruits and flowers.

As they sang a cheerful tune in unison, Ren carefully wove flower crowns for the mother and daughter before him.

"Do I look pretty, my sun?"

Nahida tilted her head, her smile as radiant as the morning sun.

There was something she wanted to tell him.

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata wrapped her arms around her daughter, gently smoothing the strands of hair across her forehead.

Nahida closed her eyes, melting into the warmth—like a small cat basking in affection.

"…"

Ren stared, momentarily captivated.

Bathed in golden light, the mother and daughter before him—so beautiful, so serene—took his breath away.

"…Does it look nice?"

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata noticed his gaze and asked softly.

"…"

Without answering, Ren stood and walked toward them.

Under their curious gazes—

He extended his arms—

And pulled them both into a tight embrace.

"You're both beautiful."

Breathing in the soft floral scent of their hair, Ren wished he could freeze this moment in time.

"My sun… actually, I…"

Nahida nestled into his embrace, voice muffled.

"What is it?"

Ren ruffled her hair encouragingly.

After a long silence—

"…I am Sumeru's current God of Wisdom."

She finally revealed her secret.

"…Huh?"

Ren's body stiffened.

Though he had suspected it…

Now that it was confirmed—

His heart skipped a beat.

So right now—

He was holding not just one, but two gods in his arms?

A sense of satisfaction swelled in his chest.

His lips curled into a smirk.

Ren was getting cocky again.

"…Ahem. I see."

Ren cleared his throat, nodding solemnly.

Yet, his arms remained firmly wrapped around them—unwilling to let go.

"What have you been through these past five hundred years?"

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's voice was gentle, but knowing.

Nahida lowered her gaze, hesitating.

She had been imprisoned by the Akademiya.

She had failed to meet her mother's expectations.

It was hard to say aloud.

But with Ren here—

She found the courage to speak.

"…I…"

She told them everything.

…

A long silence followed.

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata simply pulled Nahida into her arms, comforting her without words.

"I see."

Ren's pupils contracted as he looked at Nahida.

The elemental light in his eyes blazed at the brink of eruption.

If she gave the word—

He would tear the Akademiya apart.

"The Akademiya needs to be reshaped."

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata cradled Nahida's face, speaking calmly.

She cast Ren a glance, silently urging him to stay composed.

"My sun, listen to me."

"I have a plan."

Nahida gently took his hand, her voice soft.

"The body I have in the real world contains the wisdom and power Mother left behind."

"If I master it, I can prove myself to the people of Sumeru."

"This is the trial I must face as a god."

…Of course, she knew the truth.

That body was actually her mother's rebirth.

But…

If a daughter borrowed her mother's identity to teach some arrogant old sages a lesson—

Was that really so wrong?

And besides—

She wanted to tell Ren herself.