Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

"Is there… someone else on this island?"

The cool sea breeze swept past, making Ren tense.

He turned his gaze toward the island's center, where towering cliffs jutted sharply into the sky.

"Would anyone even come here?"

Murmuring to himself, he shook his head.

Though, someone had come—him.

Staring at the doll in his hands, he fell into deep thought, recalling Sandrone's behavior before he landed.

Something interesting…

What had she discovered?

"My dear partner, aren't you curious about the truth?"

The light, airy voice rang suddenly in his ear.

At the same time, the small doll perched on his shoulder stirred.

The sea breeze caused it to sway slightly.

"My dear partner, catch me quickly," Sandrone said.

Ren extended a finger toward her.

"Whew… got it."

Sandrone grabbed onto his finger, finally stabilizing herself.

Their movements were practiced, a testament to how naturally they'd grown accustomed to each other.

"Good evening."

Stretching lazily, Sandrone gave him a small wave with a cheerful smile.

It was clear she was in a good mood.

"Weren't you supposed to be asleep?" Ren asked, glancing between her and the Shogun's doll.

"That was just to fool the others."

Sandrone smirked, extending her tiny hand.

"After all, I needed to create some private time for me and my partner."

This was her personal "steal the house" tactic—always effective, no matter the situation.

"So, about this island…"

"Mmhm. But before that, want to hear my story?"

Ren looked at the doll-sized girl perched on his shoulder.

Her deep blue eyes sparkled with clarity, yet carried an enigmatic gleam that made her impossible to read.

At the same time, she was watching him closely, her expression unusually serious.

"…A story?"

Ren took a deep breath.

Could he truly trust Sandrone?

"If you don't want to hear it, that's fine."

Sandrone swung her smooth little legs back and forth, her tone light.

"Go ahead."

"…Aren't you afraid of being deceived by me, a Fatui Harbinger?"

A playful smile curled Sandrone's lips as she poked Ren's cheek.

[Ding! Emotional Resonance from Sandron +1]

[Talent Progression Milestone Approaching]

"You've never managed to fool me yet," Ren said softly after a pause.

"My dear partner…" Sandrone clicked her tongue in mock irritation.

So dull.

Couldn't he just let her fool him once, willingly?

"Here's your chance—just admit you like me already."

"Are you going to tell the story or not?"

"Which is more important, the story or me?"

Ren sighed, deciding not to dignify that question with an answer.

After a playful back-and-forth, Sandrone eventually declared:

"My dear partner, who's more important?"

"You are."

Using impeccable reasoning, Sandrone had proven herself the more important party.

Ren admitted defeat. You couldn't win an argument against a scientist.

"That's more like it."

Triumphantly, Sandrone stood with her tiny head held high, basking in her victory.

Leaning forward, she wrapped her small arms around his neck and whispered softly into his ear:

"My story is simple."

"It starts with me being hunted."

Ren held his breath, listening intently.

"Do you know why I was being hunted?"

Sandrone's voice dropped into a teasing lilt.

Ren shook his head silently. How would he know?

"Then listen carefully."

A flicker of mischief danced in Sandrone's eyes.

"I discovered how to create something."

Ren instinctively asked, "What?"

"…A god."

?!

Ren stared at the doll-sized girl in shock.

Was she referring to that kind of god?

Before he could press further, Sandrone placed a finger to her lips.

"Shh, the rest is a surprise for later," she said, winking.

After all, you have new troubles to deal with first.

?

Sensing something amiss, Ren began to turn around—

"What are you two doing?!"

Keqing's cold voice cut through the night as she appeared behind him.

From her perspective, it looked like they were on the verge of kissing!

And all this time, they'd been secretly chatting without her…

She was here first!

"What does it look like?"

Sandrone leaned against Ren's shoulder with a sly smile, her tone dripping with provocation.

"You—!"

Keqing's ears twitched, her temper flaring.

"Keqing, are you all set?" Ren asked, stepping toward her.

Keqing huffed, turning her face away.

"Of course. I can handle this alone."

She emphasized the word "alone" pointedly.

With that, she tossed a map into Ren's hands.

Under the moonlight, he saw it clearly.

The central mountain peak of the island had been marked.

Sandrone's earlier hints also pointed toward something there.

"Want to explore it together?"

"Like we agreed in the letter."

Ren extended a hand toward her, his voice gentle.

"If you insist…"

Keqing stole a quick glance at Ren.

In the moonlight, his expression was serious, his eyes quietly expectant.

"Well, fine. Let's go."

"Keqing, you're the best."

"Y-you! What nonsense are you saying?!"

---

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