Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

This bonus chapter is a small gift—may it bring you a touch of tranquility.

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Kamisato Ayaka walked up to Ren, her delicate face tilted up, her gaze soft as ever.

The man before her was someone precious—he had been in the past, and he would be in the future.

"Master..."

She gently took hold of Ren's hand, giving it a small shake.

And most importantly... he's precious now as well.

"Ayaka."

The warmth of her touch spread through his hand, and Ren smiled.

So, she noticed after all?

It wasn't surprising. This girl was naturally sharp.

Thinking back on everything they had experienced today—the pure, unfiltered joy in her laughter—Ren felt content.

He had no regrets.

"..."

They stood there in silence, gazing at each other.

In that quiet moment, it felt as though all the words in the world had already been spoken.

After all, regarding each other's true identities...

They both understood perfectly.

"Hmm."

Ayaka's eyes slowly closed as a gentle breeze rustled through the forest, whispering in the leaves.

Fallen leaves drifted into the stream, carried away by the current.

The wind had picked up.

Ren instinctively moved closer, shielding her from the gusts.

As he reached out, he ruffled her hair—a gesture so familiar it had long become a habit.

"Master... the wind is so strong."

"I'm feeling a little cold."

Ayaka smiled and closed her eyes, resembling a content little kitten seeking warmth and companionship.

Ren paused for a moment.

Cold? Under this blazing sun?

"Cold."

A playful smile curved Ayaka's lips as she let out a soft huff.

It seems I've found Master's weakness.

Though she entertained a rebellious streak, she decided to treat her Master gently for now.

After all, his performance back at Uyuu Restaurant had earned him a reprieve from outright "mutiny."

Ren chuckled helplessly.

This girl... is she trying to turn the tables on me?

His heartbeat quickened slightly.

His fingertips brushed against her soft hair, slowly tracing downward.

They paused, hovering near her cheek.

"Master, hurry up."

Ayaka's tone was tinged with anticipation, her desires growing bolder.

After all, this was a rare victory.

She wanted more than just a small win.

"..."

Ren's hand moved again, coming to rest lightly on her slender shoulder.

Taking a deep breath, he pulled her into a gentle embrace.

Ayaka leaned into his chest willingly, her expression blissful.

"Master... you're so warm."

"Are you still cold?" Ren asked with a soft smile.

"A little," Ayaka teased, her lips curving into a mischievous grin.

"Then I guess we'll have to stay like this a bit longer."

"Mm."

By the stream, the sound of flowing water mingled with birdsong and the fragrance of blooming flowers.

The silhouettes of the young man and woman, framed by nature, exuded warmth and serenity.

In the tranquil forest, time seemed to stretch and blur.

After a while, the elegant girl stirred in his arms.

A small, delicate hand reached up, tracing circles on Ren's chest.

He glanced down and asked gently, "What is it?"

"Master, you still have important things to do, don't you?"

Ren nodded. "Everything's already arranged."

Ayaka puffed out her cheeks in a small show of indignation, letting out a soft huff.

"Is it about a certain lady of the house?"

"Mm."

Ren didn't deny it.

Now that his cover had been blown, there was no point in pretending anymore.

Ayaka pushed away from him slightly, her expression playful as she raised a hand to lightly punch him.

But Ren easily caught her wrist, grinning as he did.

Ayaka struggled half-heartedly for a moment, then gave up, her cheeks puffing out in embarrassment.

"Master, do you want a tour of my basement?"

"...Let's not," Ren replied, coughing lightly.

Wait... Ayaka really has a basement?

Yikes.

"Master, I'm joking."

Ayaka giggled, winking mischievously.

Just as Ren started to relax, she continued, her tone dropping slightly:

"But if you ever try to leave me one day..."

Her gaze darkened briefly, the words heavy with meaning.

"..."

It was, thankfully, a false alarm.

Ayaka remained her usual gentle self... though she did seem to have a slight tendency toward possessiveness.

She genuinely seemed to enjoy maintaining their Master-disciple dynamic, as though she'd discovered a new and peculiar game.

Satisfied for the time being, she stepped out of his embrace.

The two walked hand in hand along the stream, their footsteps leisurely.

By now, the midday sun had softened, casting a golden glow over the rippling water.

"Master!"

Ayaka's eyes lit up suddenly.

She let go of Ren's hand and jogged toward the stream's edge.

"Slow down, Ayaka," Ren called after her, following a few steps behind.

"Please stay there," Ayaka said, turning to smile at him with her hands clasped behind her back.

Obediently, Ren stopped where he was.

Ayaka stepped into the shallow stream, her delicate foot sending ripples across the water.

With her head held high, she stood amidst the natural beauty—a heron wading nearby only adding to the serene tableau.

She became one with the scene, a vision of elegance and grace.

"Please watch me closely!"

Ren's eyes widened, not just at her stunning presence but also at the sudden notification that appeared before him.

[Ding! Congratulations.]

[You've unlocked a five-star talent quest.]

[Successfully complete this task to unlock the following talent:]

[Elemental Burst: Kamisato Art: Soumetsu.]

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Ah, Reader. You've stayed for the bonus chapter—how delightful.

Even amidst the quiet of eternity, there's joy to be found in shared moments like this.

If you wish to offer your strength, step forward: [patreon.com/WiseTL].

Each effort helps to shape a world where such moments can thrive.

— Ei