Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

"You're the Marionette."

The scorching noonday sun bore down from above, but the chill in Ren's gaze was piercing.

He had crossed paths with the Fatui many times, building quite the... intense relationship.

After all, it was a bond forged through life-and-death struggles.

And now, it seemed a Harbinger had finally come for him directly.

Clearly, this wouldn't end peacefully.

"Hehe... such a terrifying look in your eyes."

"Any malice toward you has nothing to do with me," the doll-like girl said with a faint smile, leaning lazily against Ren's hand.

She reached out with her petite fingers, brushing lightly across his skin.

A strange light flickered in her sapphire-blue eyes.

Ah... that warm breath.

It was the living, breathing Ren.

Even more handsome and spirited than in the photographs.

So perfect—he must remain by her side forever.

Quickly. Just a little faster.

He would become her "material."

[Ding! Emotional Resonance from Sandrone +1.]

[New messages available for review.]

Ren's eyes narrowed.

"What's your purpose here?"

She dared to show herself so openly in Inazuma City...

He tightened his grip, pinning the doll in his palm.

Faced with the Marionette, Ren didn't hesitate.

Even though the exquisite doll-like girl was captivating,

She was still a Harbinger of the Fatui.

The cracking sound of straining joints echoed as he increased his strength.

If he could, he wouldn't mind snapping her neck right now.

"Thinking of killing me?"

Sandrone didn't struggle; she merely offered an elegant smile.

"..."

Ren frowned slightly. Something wasn't right.

The material of this doll was extraordinarily durable, making it impossible to damage easily.

His expression sharpened further.

"Save your strength. You can't break it with brute force," she said with a tone of calm confidence.

"Just a doll?"

"Are you questioning my craftsmanship?"

At those words, Sandrone lifted her chin slightly, her eyes gleaming.

When it came to dolls, her gaze carried unshakable confidence and pride.

The two locked eyes for a long time, the tension thickening.

Finally, Sandrone blinked and tilted her head.

"What a rough man you are."

"Couldn't you be gentler for a first meeting?"

Ren snorted coldly and turned toward the harbor.

For a Harbinger to show up out of nowhere, she must have an ulterior motive.

"State your purpose," he said coldly.

"Or I'll toss you into the sea."

He raised her to eye level, his tone laced with frost.

"Oh, such directness. I like that."

Sandrone wrapped her delicate fingers around his, pausing as though in thought.

Then she looked up with a soft smile.

"Why don't you join me?"

Ren froze at her unexpected words.

Before he could respond, she continued,

"We could get to know each other better."

"For instance, I could... modify you."

"Turn you into my toy."

Her voice was light and lilting, as though she were discussing the weather.

But her intent was unmistakable.

"You Harbingers really are a bunch of lunatics."

Ren's expression darkened, and he quickened his pace.

Tossing her into the ocean was sounding more appealing by the second.

"Are you sure you don't want to chat a little longer?"

"Shut up."

"You know, taking the alley would be faster."

Ren frowned but continued walking along the main road.

"So, you're choosing the longer route?"

"Not exactly a rational decision."

Her comment seemed laden with meaning, and Ren finally came to a halt.

"Are you ready to negotiate now?"

Sandrone clung to his finger, her demeanor calm and unhurried.

"You know where I'm headed?"

"I know, and I don't."

Ren's grip tightened again.

Sandrone sighed softly, shaking her head in mock exasperation.

Such a merciless man.

"The systems embedded in this doll can predict routes," she explained, dropping the pretense.

Ren's thoughts churned.

Had Snezhnayan technology advanced this far?

Or was this the result of her personal research?

It seemed she had even studied his habits.

But for what reason?

"What is it you want to discuss?"

"First, help me shake off those little rats."

Ren's eyes gleamed as he glanced over his shoulder.

In the shadowed alley, Ren became a black blur, darting forward.

A few Fatui debt collectors weren't enough to catch him.

The harbor where the Tenryou Commission's fleet was gathering lay just ahead.

"You're incredibly fast," Sandrone remarked in admiration.

Having observed his movements firsthand, she seemed even more satisfied.

Ren was far superior to any material she had encountered before.

Her excitement shone through her eyes.

She wanted him even more now.

"A Harbinger being targeted by the Fatui?"

Ren cast her a sidelong glance, his brow furrowing.

The situation was unexpected, though it might also be a trap.

"Perhaps, in the Tsaritsa's official records..."

"I've already 'died unexpectedly,'" Sandrone said with a chilling smile.

Her words carried a frigid undertone.

Vengeance was clearly in her nature.

Just wait, Snezhnaya.

She would return to settle the score.

"Where is your real body?"

Ren broke the silence.

"Are you proposing a partnership against the Fatui?"

Sandrone's lips curved slightly upward.

"I'm thinking of finishing you off myself."

Without further words, Ren strode toward the docked warships, the doll's hand intertwined with his.

He intended to use the Tenryou Commission's resources to verify a few things.

Not to mention the system's new message, which had piqued his curiosity.

As Ren's thoughts swirled,

Sandrone let out a quiet laugh, sensing something.

"Do you see it?"

"The big guy waking up in the distance."

"What?"

Ren instinctively looked ahead, his pupils contracting.

It was...

A Ruin Guard.