Chương 2: Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [2]
All eyes were on the young samurai, his calm demeanor holding the crowd's collective breath.
Ren's devastating punch had brought the chaotic scene to a standstill.
To send an assassin flying with his bare hands—such strength defied ordinary understanding.
Ren slowly withdrew his fist.
Drip—
The faint sound of liquid hitting the ground echoed, creating small crimson stains.
Ren frowned and raised his hand.
Bright red blood trickled down his arm, stark against his skin.
In the split second it took to subdue the assassin, Ren had been nicked by the sharp blade.
Though "Heartstopper Strike" packs immense power, its weakness lies in the time it takes to charge.
Someone in the crowd gasped. "You're injured!"
In Inazuma City, where the Raiden Shogun's rule ensured order, the sight of blood was a rarity for ordinary citizens.
"Samurai-dono, please hold on!"
"Hurry! Someone fetch a shrine maiden for healing!"
As the crowd's concern grew into a stir, Ren let out a soft sigh.
It's just a minor injury, nothing fatal.
The wound didn't bother him much. His priority was ensuring the safety of the person behind him...
Suddenly, a faint, elegant fragrance drifted past him.
Ren instinctively turned his head, locking eyes with a pair of gem-like, crystal-clear eyes.
They were beautiful, mesmerizing like sapphires that could draw one's soul.
[Ding! Received Emotion Points from Kamisato Ayaka.]
[Notice: A new character talent can now be unlocked. Please check your options.]
[Note: Selection is limited to already unlocked four-star characters.]
"Milady."
Snapping out of his momentary daze, Ren averted his gaze, avoiding the direct stare of the exquisite young woman before him.
Standing in front of him was none other than Kamisato Ayaka, the eldest daughter of the Kamisato Clan.
Known as the Shirasagi Himegimi of Inazuma, she carried herself with grace and an air of nobility.
"Milady, please allow me to—"
Ayaka's delicate brows furrowed slightly as she snapped her paper fan shut with a crisp snap.
"..."
Her silence spoke volumes, a subtle reprimand against his excessive formality.
She didn't want Takahashi to be overly anxious on her behalf.
"Everyone, please remain calm."
Her gentle voice rang out, immediately quelling the crowd's unease.
The onlookers shifted their focus to the breathtaking young woman holding the paper fan, their gazes filled with awe and respect.
Her ethereal presence, like a celestial being descending to the mortal world, captivated their hearts.
Such was her charm: a single word, a small gesture, and she could soothe the masses and rally their spirits.
Ren smiled faintly as he watched Ayaka's graceful figure. His admiration showed in his gaze.
Even though this isn't the game world where I can casually call her my waifu, Kamisato Ayaka's charm remains undeniable.
The one who's stolen the hearts of countless travelers... truly deserving of her popularity.
A professional dog trainer.
...Wait. Where did that come from?
Shaking his head to dispel the odd thought, Ren refocused his mind and opened his system interface.
The display wasn't particularly impressive—his character roster was nearly empty, with only two characters unlocked so far.
Currently, he had access to the talents of two characters.
One was the four-star character, Shikanoin Heizou.
[Note: Emotion Points can come from a variety of sources. Do not equate them solely with affection points.]
The other was Kamisato Ayaka, whose talent had been unlocked even earlier than Heizou's.
Looking at the golden five-star emblem next to Ayaka's name, Ren let out a complicated sigh.
Thankfully, Ayaka doesn't seem to recognize me.
Opening Heizou's character page, Ren confirmed what he had suspected.
His Elemental Burst was still locked.
A wave of disappointment washed over him.
This damn system won't even give me a five-star skill, and now it's holding back four-star ultimates too?
I've been craving this skill for so long.
Next, he checked the newly unlocked talent.
His basic attack remained as it was—straightforward punches imbued with Anemo.
After all, Ren already had an Anemo Vision.
Then, the details of the new talent appeared in his mind.
[Inherent Talent: Paradoxical Practice.]
[When triggering a Swirl reaction on the field, gain 1 stack of "Declension." This effect can be triggered once every 0.1 seconds.]
Ren's eyes lit up. This talent was crucial.
Earlier, the assassin had managed to wound him because his charged attack required time to prepare, leaving him vulnerable.
With this talent unlocked, he could unleash a high-damage punch instantly, without any delay!
"Make way! Clear the path!"
At that moment, the Tenryou Commission's patrol squad arrived in a hurry.
The crowded street parted under their stern shouts as they forcefully pushed the bystanders aside to create a passage.
Leading the group was a burly, fully-armored samurai who strode in with a cold snort.
The patrol quickly took control of the area, securing the two assassins Ren had subdued earlier.
Ren noticed a fleeting look of displeasure on Kamisato Ayaka's otherwise composed face.
The Tenryou Commission's arrogance and overbearing methods often clashed with the refined approach of the Yashiro Commission.
"Milady, are you all right?"
The squad captain, sensing Ayaka's calm gaze, rushed over with a tone of concern.
Damn it, something like this just had to happen during my shift. What rotten luck!
Ayaka gently shook her head. "I'm fine."
The captain lowered his head further, guilt written all over his face. "It was a lapse in the Tenryou Commission's duties that allowed these criminals to bother you, Milady."
Despite his apology, he couldn't help but be shocked at the state of the unconscious assassin—twisted and battered beyond recognition.
He hadn't expected the Shirasagi Himegimi's protector to act with such force.
Ayaka glanced toward Ren and said softly, "He's injured."
The captain shot Ren a surprised look. He had heard rumors about this exceptional newcomer, but with the Kamisato family's young lady present, he had no time to concern himself with a down-on-his-luck samurai from a declining family.
"You there! Stop gawking at the Lady and step back immediately!"
"And getting yourself injured so easily—new recruits these days are far too fragile!"
His tone was sharp, underpinned by irritation.
As a Yoriki, a rank above Doushin and Ren's superior's superior, his words carried weight.
"Oh."
Ren shrugged nonchalantly and took a step back.
When your superior scolds you, just let it slide. If questioned, the answer is always: "You're absolutely right!"
"Didn't you hear me? Get back to your patrol duty at once!"
The captain's voice turned harsher, his irritation growing. This kid better not think hanging around the Shirasagi Himegimi will earn him any favors.
He then turned back to Ayaka with a flattering smile.
"Milady, as expected of you—these vile criminals didn't stand a chance!"
Ren rolled his eyes.
"It was he who subdued the assassins and protected me."
Ayaka's cool, clear voice cut through the captain's attempts at flattery.
The captain froze, his eyes widening in disbelief.
The Shirasagi Himegimi herself... defending Takahashi?
The realization struck like a blow, and his face flushed red. So I've been sucking up to the wrong person this whole time!
"Wha—" He stammered, struggling to respond.
Ayaka opened her paper fan with a graceful motion and glanced at Ren, her bright eyes curving like rippling autumn waters.
Ren cleared his throat awkwardly. "Shouldn't we focus on escorting the criminals back to the Commission first?"
"Besides, my promotion to Doushin depends on these two."
The captain's body stiffened. A promotion to Doushin in less than a month? That was practically unheard of!
What kind of prodigy is this guy?
Even Ayaka gave Ren a curious look. Such a rapid rise in rank for someone so young was indeed remarkable.
The captain quickly composed himself, latching onto Ren's suggestion as a way to save face.
"Yes... let's escort them back to the Commission immediately!"
"And as for everyone still gathered here—disperse at once!"
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