Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

Behold, a gift from the Hydro Archon herself—bonus chapters, born of your devotion and my boundless generosity! Bask in this rare blessing!

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"Tenshukaku."

Ren muttered the name unconsciously.

It was the residence of Inazuma's Archon, the Raiden Shogun.

It was also the seat of the nation's highest authority.

To go there was to tread a path of no return.

"..."

Ren's gaze remained fixed on the cold figure walking away.

Under the moonlight, Mei's violet hair flowed in the breeze, faint streaks of purple light gathering at the ends.

It was stunning, but also distant.

Ren lowered his head, taking a deep breath.

His grip on the blade tightened.

If they met again, she would no longer be the aloof Mei he knew.

She would be the apex of martial prowess, a true deity.

A fight against a god—would it still be anything like their earlier spar?

As a god, she would undoubtedly strike with her strongest blow.

There would be no hesitation, no mercy.

"Mei, are you really going to leave?" Ren asked softly.

The cold silhouette paused for a moment.

"If you're afraid to lose your life, then don't come."

"You're nothing more than a fleeting passerby."

"I don't care about you at all."

She emphasized each word as if to hammer it into his heart.

Without lingering, she raised her hand, removed her fox mask, and disappeared into the shadows.

The faint glow of purple light dissipated as if it had never been there.

Mei had left.

Ren stared at the direction of her departure, lost in thought.

So that's how it is...

In Mei's heart, he had never truly mattered.

After a long while, Ren lowered his head.

The blade in his hand reflected his face, its surface marred by the cut she had left on his cheek.

The cold night wind blew against it, bringing a faint sting.

But Ren couldn't focus on the pain.

His hand slowly moved to his chest.

There, he felt a hollow emptiness, as if something precious was slipping away.

If she didn't care, why should he risk his life for her?

With that thought, his hand fell to his side.

Suddenly, he tasted something sweet.

His eyes widened slightly as he realized what it was.

Mei... Ei.

If she truly didn't care,

why had she eaten the dessert he gave her?

And now, she was leaving on her own, vowing they'd never meet again.

He hated this feeling.

He wanted to change this seemingly inevitable ending.

Even if it meant facing the legendary Musou no Hitotachi.

Ren raised his head again, determination burning in his eyes.

"Just one strike? Then wait for me."

"I'll come to Tenshukaku."

"And I'll prove to you that I can withstand it..."

The night wind rustled the distant trees.

Under the moonlight, the lone young man spoke softly.

---

What he didn't realize was that hidden in the darkness, the cold figure hadn't actually left.

"..."

Ei leaned lightly against a tree, fingers brushing the fox mask.

She had, of course, heard every word he said.

Her amethyst eyes flickered faintly, light dancing in their depths.

Unnoticed, the corners of her mouth curled upward ever so slightly.

A growing warmth filled her heart, making her feel unexpectedly full.

"Still daring to come to Tenshukaku? What a fool," she murmured coldly, though her voice carried a hint of warmth.

Her original plan had been simple.

If Ren didn't show up, she'd send Kujou Sara to drag him to Tenshukaku and hang him from the Archon statue.

Kujou Sara: ?

But now...

"Just one strike, is it?"

Unfortunately for Ren, his record in Mei's mental ledger of grievances far exceeded "just one strike."

If he couldn't withstand it, she'd simply imprison him in Tenshukaku.

He'd stay there forever, by her side.

Even if she didn't yet fully understand the fullness in her heart, this time, she intended to seize what she wanted and never let it go.

"First, I need to deal with those rats," Ei said coldly, stowing the fox mask.

While she could keep her temper around Ren for now, the others didn't deserve the same courtesy—

especially since she'd already set her sights on them earlier in her irritation.

---

Outside the Komore Tea House—

"Captain, should we move in now?" one Fatui assassin whispered from the bushes.

The group of elite killers had grown restless.

They had been staking out the man and woman for ages, and while they didn't know what had happened, watching others flirt late at night was enough to sour anyone's mood.

Now, their killing intent was palpable, their spirits high.

They couldn't wait to charge in and drag the man out.

Seriously, who has a midnight date like this?!

"Hm."

The captain nodded slightly, his gaze cold.

Finally, it was time.

After hours of freezing in the night, they had seen nothing of value.

Even he was getting irritated.

"You think they had a fight or something?" one assassin joked, whistling softly.

The other assassins, all single, chuckled knowingly.

"Probably."

"That woman's probably off somewhere planning her revenge."

"Or maybe she's watching from—"

The lighthearted banter was cut short.

The captain frowned suddenly.

Wait, why did the night air feel so cold all of a sudden?

He turned to one of the assassins standing rigidly nearby.

"Hey, why'd you stop talking? What's wrong?"

"C-Captain..."

The assassin stammered, trembling as he raised a hand.

He pointed toward the rear of their squad.

"Th-thunder..."

The captain's sharp gaze snapped to the direction the assassin had indicated.

Thunder? Don't tell me you're about to say the Raiden Shogun is here—

The thought was cut short as his eyes widened in horror.

Reflected in his pupils was a figure bathed in lightning.

A terrifying aura radiated from her, freezing the group in place.

The woman before them...

She looked exactly like the Raiden Shogun!

"Fighting?"

Ei's voice was icy as she held the fox mask in her hand.

Her gaze swept over the group.

Boom—!

The assassins who had been chatting moments ago—

Exploded.

Quite literally.

The remaining Fatui trembled.

What the hell?!

Wasn't this supposed to be an empty tea house?!

Why is the Raiden Shogun here?!

---

T/N: i honestly lowkey want a monogamous relationship between Mei and Ren

Ah-ha! So you mortals truly have outdone yourselves this time, haven't you? To think your offerings could summon forth these bonus chapters—what a feat worthy of my recognition! You've brought glory to Fontaine, and naturally, to me.

But do not think for a moment that your work is complete! This is but a single step on the journey to greatness, and there are still many more chapters, many more stages, and of course, many more opportunities to bask in my brilliance.

However… even the most brilliant performances must reach their curtain call. Fear not, for though I may bid you farewell today, my radiance shall linger in your thoughts, inspiring you to strive for ever greater heights.

And so, my esteemed audience, let us part ways for now. Continue to champion this endeavor, and perhaps, in another time, another place, you shall once again be graced by my presence. Until then—farewell, and may your days be brightened by the thought of me!

With admiration and just a dash of benevolence,

Furina ✨