Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [31]

"Anyone else?"

Silence filled the air; no one dared respond.

How could they? Everyone else was already on the ground.

Who knew if they were even alive or dead?

Mei stepped forward, her movements measured as she scanned the surroundings.

Dressed in a flowing violet outfit, her hair cascaded down in long strands, braided into a thick plait. Her demeanor was icy, her posture stunningly elegant.

"Wow."

Chisato stared with her mouth agape, her face full of awe.

She's so cool!

Gulp.

Somewhere in the crowd, someone swallowed audibly.

Beautiful. She's too beautiful.

That was the thought in everyone's minds.

Yet, there was an almost surreal, dreamlike quality to her beauty.

If this stunning presence was awe-inspiring, then the warriors sprawled across the ground painted a stark contrast—pure horror.

Where did this woman even come from? She's too violent!

"Y-you… insolent…"

Shinsuke's expression was ghastly, his body trembling with fury.

She had single-handedly defeated an entire squad of samurai…

These were elite warriors from the Tenryou Commission, not some random rabble!

"You!"

He opened his mouth to bark something threatening but swallowed his words immediately.

That icy, dangerous aura…

It felt like he was standing in front of the Raiden Shogun herself.

This is insane. How could that be?

"You're the only one left."

Mei's voice was cold as she fixed her gaze on Shinsuke.

The man tried to straighten himself, smoothing his clothes with forced composure.

"I am the head of the Kanjou Commission, a servant to the Shogun herself!" he declared arrogantly.

"How dare you threaten me!?"

The crowd exchanged uneasy glances.

In Inazuma, the Raiden Shogun was the embodiment of absolute power.

Under her authority, all were subjugated.

His words carried undeniable weight.

No matter how strong this mysterious woman was, could she surpass the Raiden Shogun?

Impossible. Absolutely impossible.

Kamisato Ayaka let out a soft sigh of relief.

She had initially assumed Mei to be a cold, aloof country girl with a sweet tooth.

Who would have thought she could fight like this?

Still, now that Shinsuke had invoked the Shogun's name, surely Mei would show some restraint.

Ayaka quickly devised a plan: shield Mei for now, then come up with an excuse to pacify Shinsuke.

In the end, the situation would likely resolve without further escalation.

Her thoughtful mind worked swiftly, but Ren raised an eyebrow beside her.

For some reason, he had a bad feeling about this.

Thinking back to how this country girl even dared to snub that foxy kitsune, he muttered internally, She wouldn't, would she?

"The Raiden Shogun?"

Mei approached Shinsuke slowly.

"What, scared now? You still have time to beg for forgiveness."

Shinsuke sneered, his expression brimming with arrogance.

It was as if he believed the Shogun herself was standing right behind him.

But soon, his expression froze.

"She's strong? That's laughable."

Mei's voice rang out coldly, dripping with disdain.

Everyone's mouths fell open.

What did they just hear?

Did this woman just question the Shogun's strength?

She must be insane. How dare she!

Ren covered his face.

As expected of you, country girl with a sweet tooth.

"Insolence! How dare you insult the Shogun!"

Shinsuke pointed a trembling finger at Mei, his face pale with rage.

Mei's gaze turned frostier. She raised her hand, preparing to strike.

If this man's only claim to authority was so pitiful…

Then…

The crowd gasped in shock.

She was serious!

At that moment—

"Mei, stop."

Ren had somehow appeared at her side, speaking softly.

Mei turned to look at him.

He smiled.

"You shouldn't go too far."

"…"

Mei said nothing, but she slowly lowered her hand.

The chilling aura around her dissipated.

She returned to being the quiet, aloof country girl everyone had first seen.

Shinsuke staggered back, his expression a mix of relief and disbelief.

Ren let out a breath of relief and offered a sincere "Thank you."

Thankfully, Mei listened to him.

If she had gone through with her strike, there would have been no turning back.

Mei snorted coldly, her tone laced with displeasure.

"These weaklings—I could have handled them."

Hearing her words, Ren couldn't help but laugh.

"Doing anything you want? Do you think you're the Raiden Shogun?"

Mei fell silent for a moment before replying coolly, "You're scared."

Ren was taken aback, then admitted frankly, "Yes."

"You might not understand the Raiden Shogun," he continued.

"If you anger her, the consequences will be severe."

Mei remained unbothered, clearly not taking his words seriously.

Thinking she might not have grasped his meaning, Ren leaned closer and whispered,

"She's a terrifyingly violent woman."

"…"

Mei suddenly turned to face him, her expression almost glaring.

Ren hesitated, confused.

Was she mad?

Why such a strong reaction?

Could she have some grudge against the Shogun?

"Hmph."

Mei ignored him, flipping her thick braid with a flourish as she walked away.

All she left behind was her cold, indifferent back.

---

Mei rejoined Chisato and the other girls.

She crossed her arms, saying nothing, as if stewing in silent irritation.

Ayaka offered a gentle smile.

"Mei-san is quite… straightforward."

She was putting it mildly.

Taking down an entire squad of elite samurai barehanded—could that really be described as "straightforward"?

The conflict ended there.

The head of the Yashiro Commission, Kamisato Ayato, had arrived, bringing a message from Yae Miko.

At this point, Shinsuke didn't dare provoke Mei any further.

All he wanted was to leave as quickly as possible.

"Thankfully, no one was hurt."

Chisato forced a smile, her expression strained.

She knew it was time to return to her cold, lonely household.

But…

Chisato glanced at Ren in the distance, her eyes filled with longing.

She really wanted to watch the fireworks festival with him.

Sensing her gaze, Ren looked over.

He waved lightly and said flatly,

"Come on, your father is waiting for you."

Chisato bit her lip as her hopes crumbled.

As expected.

---

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