Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

"Birthday..."

Bathed in the warm glow of candlelight, Nahida's lips parted slightly.

She gazed at the flickering light in the darkness, instinctively holding her breath.

Did she... have a birthday?

A quiet question echoed in her heart.

Her emerald eyes sparkled, as if reflecting the stars.

She wanted to reach out, but hesitated.

"Happy... birthday."

Her eyelashes trembled. She clasped her hands tightly in front of her, like a wary stray cat.

Lowering her head, she murmured softly.

A sudden fear crept in—was this just a dream?

A beautiful dream that, upon waking, would be devoured by malice.

How many times had she opened her eyes, only to return to the day of her birth?

A memory like a nightmare...

A chaotic world, where the sky was painted in crimson mist.

The earth lay in ruin, stripped of its lush vitality.

Nahida slowly stood, overwhelmed by the apocalyptic sight before her.

It was as if... she was the only one left in the world.

Save me...

The forest wept in her ears.

The howling wind carried with it a dark and ominous substance.

It was knowledge that should never have entered this world—knowledge capable of corroding even the Irminsul.

Then, the voices fell silent.

"No... no!"

Nahida trembled, desperate to do something.

But she realized—she was powerless.

As a newly born Dendro Archon, she had little divine strength.

She was merely a fragile sprout, still needing time to grow.

As long as I find the sun, then… I'll be able to protect the people I cherish.

She clung to that thought.

Then—

A group of devout followers, calling themselves sages, discovered her.

"O Archon, we've finally found you! Everyone has been waiting to meet you."

One of them seized her wrist, attempting to take her away, his face alight with fervor.

"It hurts."

A painful expression crossed Nahida's face.

She looked up at the sage, eyes widening.

The crimson sky cast its eerie glow on his profile.

He looked... as terrifying as a demon.

Muttering under his breath, he said—

"It doesn't matter who it is...

As long as they can continue protecting Sumeru, guide the Akademiya, and bestow knowledge...

It doesn't matter who becomes the god!"

Then, someone approached, whispering something to him.

"..."

Nahida vaguely caught the name of someone who had passed.

The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.

The so-called sage fell into utter despair.

It was then that he finally realized—their god had left them forever.

And Nahida, the one they had just discovered, was far too weak.

"It's okay… Just wait for me."

Ignoring the pain in her reddened wrist, Nahida forced a smile, trying to comfort them.

But—

—Reality pulled her back.

Nahida's eyelashes fluttered.

Painful memories surged forth, drowning her in an icy abyss.

She slowly closed her eyes.

No… this wasn't how things should be.

She had already—

"It's ready! Come on, take a look!"

A sudden voice pulled her back.

"..."

That voice—Ren.

Nahida shuddered slightly, her eyes opening on reflex.

Before her, the candlelight still flickered.

Surrounding the warm glow were the girls, all smiling as they looked at her, their gazes gentle.

"Happy birthday!"

A soft round of applause accompanied their heartfelt blessing.

"Everyone..."

Nahida murmured, momentarily at a loss.

The scene from her dream… was now a reality.

They had gathered together, just for her.

Warmth spread through her chest. She felt… happy.

"Go on, take a look."

A warm hand grasped her wrist—gentle in its touch.

"Ren...?"

She turned to the side, and in her eyes reflected Ren's familiar face.

He was her sun.

Kind and thoughtful, utterly unlike the sage in her memories.

"What are you waiting for?"

Ren smiled at her, his gaze filled with encouragement.

No matter what happened before…

Now, I'm here.

I won't let you suffer anymore, Nahida.

"...Mm."

Under the candlelight, Nahida's lips curled into a soft smile, warm and healing.

Thank you, my sun.

She turned back, reaching out her hands.

Before her, a birthday cake sat on the table.

Bathed in candlelight, the creamy frosting shimmered with a dreamy glow.

Adorned with fresh fruit and delicate sweets, it looked simply delicious—

Like a treasure from a dream.

"This is... for me?"

She asked softly, her eyes growing even gentler.

Ren had prepared a gift for her.

And he had hidden it from her all this time.

"Of course."

Ren reached out, ruffling her hair with a smile.

"Right now, you're the little angel who deserves all the love in the world."

"Do whatever you want—don't hold back."

"I want to share it with everyone… Let's eat together!"

Nahida tugged at Ren's hand, eager to share her birthday gift.

The others exchanged knowing smiles.

She really is a little angel… how adorable.

"Alright then."

Ren nodded and was about to cut a piece for Nahida—

Smack!

A sudden slap landed on his arm.

"Ren, are you an idiot?!"

A lively voice, filled with dissatisfaction, rang out.

Ren froze.

"Yoimiya, what now?"

He turned toward her, sighing helplessly at the sight of her puffed-up cheeks in the candlelight.

"How could you forget to tell Yoimiya about such an important day?!"

She huffed, shooting him a glare.

Ren had officially been deemed unworthy.

"Nahida, little one, this is for you!"

Yoimiya ran over and crouched beside Nahida, extending her hand with a beaming smile.

"Huh?"

Nahida blinked in surprise.

In Yoimiya's open palm lay the candy she had received earlier.

"Really? I can have this?"

Nahida asked in delight.

"Of course!"

Yoimiya patted her chest proudly.

Such a cute girl needs to be pampered properly!

So… can I give you a hug?

"I have a gift too."

Chisato stepped forward, pulling out a few blossoming branches.

She held them in both hands, presenting them to Nahida.

"Flowers..."

Nahida accepted them, her eyes sparkling.

"The flower cart sways, Nahida opens her eyes."

"This time… so many people are here to celebrate with her."

"I'm so happy."

She murmured, her smile full of joy.

She reached up, wanting to tuck a flower into her hair.

"If you like it, let me help."

Hiiragi Chisato smiled as she, too, approached.

She wove the flowers into a delicate crown, gently placing it atop Nahida's head.

"Thank you, Chisato."

Nahida held onto the crown, swaying happily.

Like a little forest spirit.

"She looks so cute."

Ren muttered under his breath, mesmerized.

Too cute… this has to be illegal.

"Wow, she looks amazing!"

Yoimiya grabbed Ayaka's hand excitedly.

No wonder we're friends—so talented!

"...Seems like everyone came prepared."

Sandrone propped her chin on her hand, deep in thought.

She glanced around—she hadn't brought anything.

"Well… I suppose this will do."

After a moment, she pulled out a small mechanical toy.

A miniature carriage.

"Nahida, this is for you."

Nahida gently stroked the delicate toy.

She could tell it was crafted with great skill.

"I heard you mention a flower cart earlier, so… this is yours."

"You were my first little customer before my business even started."

Sandrone smirked, casting a glance at Ren.

You spoil her so much—guess I can't fall behind.

And besides… Nahida really was adorable.

She liked this little white-haired fairy.

—And so, one by one, gifts were exchanged.

Until, finally—

Everyone placed their hands together.

"Happy birthday, Nahida."

Under the candlelight, Nahida tilted her head, smiling.

"Thank you, my sun."

"Ren..."