Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

"Ren?"

Nahida noticed Ren staring at her blankly, her small face filled with confusion.

Why did he look so wistful?

She should be happy—

She had gained "freedom," hadn't she?

Yet, for some reason, that joy didn't seem to reach Ren's heart.

Did he realize that she wasn't truly free?

"Who is watching over your true form?" Ren asked softly.

All this time, he had a feeling—

This pure, dustless little angel wasn't living a happy life.

With Greater Lord Rukkhadevata gone, was someone mistreating her?

"I'm fine, don't worry," she reassured him. "I live in a beautiful big house."

"There are people protecting me too..."

Nahida reached out, smiling as if to comfort him.

Even though she was confined by the Akademiya—

She was already content with this much.

"Mm... Ren."

She rose onto her tiptoes.

"It's really okay."

Struggling slightly, she tried to pat Ren's head.

Every time Ren patted her head, it felt warm and comforting—

Like sunlight nourishing plants. She loved it.

Then, if she did the same for him—

Would he feel happier too?

Nahida stepped closer to Ren.

The two of them locked eyes in silence for a long while.

"..."

Ren sighed lightly and bowed his head slightly.

A small hand hesitantly landed on his head.

Ren couldn't help but smile.

He was getting head-patted by a little white-haired girl.

It felt strange—

But not bad.

"Be good, okay?"

Her little hand relaxed completely, gently ruffling his hair.

Mimicking Ren's usual gestures, her gaze was full of warmth.

Another thing Ren liked to do—

She made sure to remember it.

"I'm not a child," Ren chuckled.

"Children aren't defined by age," Nahida retorted, hands on her hips.

Her serious, lecture-like expression made Ren smile.

She really was too adorable.

Clang—

Suddenly, the ship rocked as ocean waves surged.

"Careful."

Seeing Nahida stumble, Ren reached out to steady her.

"Thanks… My body still feels a little weak."

A hint of frustration flickered across Nahida's small face.

So this was the downside of being small.

"That's because you were just born, right?"

Ren murmured before pausing.

After all, this Nahida was only an avatar—

Her true essence was still tied to Rukkhadevata's power.

"That's not quite right."

Nahida shook her head gently, correcting him:

"You and Greater Lord Rukkhadevata combined your powers to create me."

Combined?

Ren coughed lightly.

That phrasing… sounded a little off.

"Can you still use Rukkhadevata's power?"

Quickly pushing the strange thought aside, he asked seriously.

He was a proper person. No weird thoughts allowed.

"I should be able to."

Nahida closed her eyes.

A moment later, she lifted her hand.

A soft emerald glow radiated from her fingertips.

The dense life energy made Ren's heart race—

A subconscious exhilaration.

"This is..."

Ren extended his own hand instinctively.

Something told him—

This was a power he could absorb directly.

The next moment, their fingertips met lightly.

Hum—

Emerald light rippled outward, forming a connection between them.

"How is it? Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's power."

Nahida opened her eyes and smiled.

"..."

In Ren's gaze, golden and emerald light intertwined.

That sensation of touching the divine—

It had returned.

"It feels... nice."

Ren spoke honestly.

"If you ever run out of energy, you can come to me for more."

"It won't harm you?"

So...

Nahida was also a portable battery?

"It's fine."

Nahida shook her head, pressing a hand lightly to her chest.

The seed planted by Ren and Rukkhadevata—

Could now continuously generate life energy.

The seed had taken root and begun to grow.

"I see."

Ren nodded and smiled.

"Let's go back to the cabin and monitor its effects."

If it caused Nahida any harm, he would stop immediately.

"Okay."

Sensing his concern, Nahida's face lit up with a radiant smile.

She was really starting to love this life—

Having Ren by her side, being able to do what she wanted...

"Ren, I'm really happy."

Nahida turned, gazing at the distant city.

She cherished this brief moment of freedom.

"As long as you're with me, it's enough."

She whispered softly, eyes half-lowered.

Even if just for a little while—

Suddenly, warmth enveloped her hand.

"Eh?"

Nahida's lashes fluttered as she looked up in surprise.

"If you need anything, just tell me. I'll help you."

"No matter how far apart we are."

Ren's serious gaze met her dazed expression.

A soft glow flickered in Nahida's emerald eyes.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"..."

She looked down at his hand.

So warm. So reassuring.

"I will."

Nahida swayed their hands gently, her lips curling into a soft smile.

This warmth—

Their resonance deepened once more.

Thank you, my sun.

"...?!"

Ren's eyes widened slightly.

Under the sunlight, Nahida bowed her head, lost in thought.

But—

The little green leaf in her hair had changed.

At some point—

A second leaf had sprouted.

In Rukkhadevata's dreams, she had three leaves in her hair.

"This is...?"

A realization struck Ren.

With his and Rukkhadevata's power combined—

And Nahida—

Two leaves had now awakened.

This small, sapling-like child had been born.

So if he found a way to awaken the third leaf—

What would happen then?

Ren felt like he was on the verge of uncovering the truth.

Just then—

"Ren, what are you two doing?"

Keqing approached, her cheeks puffed out.

Ever since Nahida appeared—

Ren had been paying too much attention to her!

The cat was getting jealous.

"...I was?"

Ren looked at the little white-haired girl snuggled beside him, at a loss for words.

He was still holding her hand.

Crisis.

"The warriors are looking for you."

Keqing shot him a warning glare and picked Nahida up.

Better keep her away from this bad guy.

Nahida had been silent for a while, not reacting.

"We've docked. I'll go handle things on shore."

Ren chuckled, standing up.

"Hmph, your 'little sister' really likes you."

Keqing sulked, glancing at Nahida in her arms.

Then her expression changed.

Nahida's body felt unusually warm.

"Mm... I feel weird."

Her cheeks flushed unnaturally as she leaned against Keqing.

Rukkhadevata's power—

Seemed to be awakening.

"Are you running a fever?!"

Keqing panicked and rushed her to the cabin.

---

Meanwhile, Ren had arrived at the shore.

At long last—

He had returned to Inazuma City.

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