A melodious song softly arose.
It carried gentleness and peace, smoothing everything out.
"This is..."
Qin Yu's eyes widened slightly.
What a magical singing voice.
It made the biting wind halt, turning docile.
It also revitalized weary spirits.
This was the help many travelers yearned to encounter.
Qin Yu subconsciously tilted his head up, looking toward the mountain peak.
Something was calling from there.
Wanting him to go, to fulfill their meeting.
"Mmm... such a comfortable wind."
Sandrone swayed her legs, smiling and narrowing her eyes.
She knew the wind's retreat wasn't accidental.
It was clearly because her huddling inside Qin Yu's collar had been discovered, which had summoned the song.
The puppet girl swayed her body, looking a bit troubled.
It felt a little hurtful to say...
She still preferred huddling next to Qin Yu in the cold wind.
However, thank you anyway.
Sister Columbina.
"..."
In the darkness, the Spirit turned towards Qin Yu.
Its ethereal form flickered, seeming to extend an invitation.
Qin Yu's eyes narrowed.
This Spirit seemed to possess its own consciousness.
"She's guiding you."
Sandrone suddenly said softly.
"Guiding me?"
"You don't know the stories of Spirits, do you."
"I only know they lead me to treasure chests."
Qin Yu thought for a moment and shook his head.
He wasn't an adventurer.
He hadn't interacted much with these things.
"My companion is truly dense."
Sandrone sighed lightly, a tone of regret in her voice.
She looked as if Qin Yu should read more.
Qin Yu: ...
"In any case, let's touch the Spirit first."
Qin Yu pondered for a moment and made his decision.
If you meet a Spirit and don't touch it, there's definitely something wrong with you.
As soon as the words left his mouth, the Keqing in his arms stirred.
"Are you still cold, Miss Keqing?"
"You looked quite comfortable just now, all snug."
Sandrone smiled, her tone caring.
But the hint of sarcasm was unconcealed.
"Thank you for your concern, I'm not cold at all."
Keqing snorted and looked at Qin Yu, saying:
"What are you planning to do."
Although the cold wind had receded, and she could finally leave his embrace.
The now-lazy Keqing cat didn't want to leave just yet.
It wasn't just because of the warmth, which differed from that of a doll.
Also, Qin Yu was right.
The place was so small...
Huddling together was unavoidable.
She instantly convinced herself, excusing Qin Yu.
Yes, a perfect explanation.
It wasn't that she wanted to hold on a little longer, absolutely not.
"Keqing, are you willing to trust me?"
Qin Yu looked at Keqing, his expression serious.
What he was about to do would be very exciting.
It was necessary to confirm beforehand.
"Trust you...?"
Keqing blinked, somewhat confused.
His serious and solemn expression was like he was about to confess.
If he was serious, then should she...
The girl's mind raced with many thoughts.
However, in reality, she coughed lightly.
"Of course, I trust you."
"After all, we're partners who pull overtime together..."
As she spoke, her tsundere nature flared up again.
Keqing turned her face away and playfully punched Qin Yu.
A corner of Qin Yu's mouth couldn't help but curve upwards.
Keqing cat, does anyone know how cute you are?
I really want to take you home and keep you.
"That's great, Keqing."
"Let's start now."
Qin Yu smiled in relief and was about to bend down.
Judging by his posture...
He seemed to be reaching for Keqing's long, fair legs.
"Wait a moment, what are you doing!"
Both Keqing and Sandrone exclaimed in surprise.
It was late at night, and they were alone.
What are you going to do to a beautiful girl like her!
"Don't misunderstand."
Qin Yu said helplessly, pointing at the little Spirit in the distance.
"Of course, I'm going to jump over there holding Keqing."
"Jump over?"
Keqing's expression changed slightly at the words, and she refused directly.
Such a long distance, how was that possible?
Even she alone, activating her Electro skills, couldn't do it.
"Keqing, you said you'd trust me."
Qin Yu sighed helplessly, sounding disappointed.
"I'm not doubting you."
Keqing's lips parted slightly, wanting to explain.
The girl who spoke her mind freely in front of others
now cared about the feelings of others.
Though it was only Qin Yu.
"If you're not doubting me, then what is it?"
"...I'm just worried about your safety."
Keqing mumbled after a long pause.
This bad guy was always pushing her to say it.
Did he really want to see her embarrassed?
"So that's how it is."
Qin Yu blinked, deep in thought.
The tsundere Keqing cat, such words were rare.
Very satisfying, thank you for the treat.
"Don't overthink it, it's just ordinary concern!"
Facing Qin Yu's gaze, the girl puffed out her cheeks and emphasized.
"Eh—"
Qin Yu's gaze became more suspicious.
"Eh what, let's start quickly."
Keqing snorted, feigning coldness and looking away.
She flicked her twin ponytails, hitting Qin Yu.
She also raised her small fists, her gaze threatening.
Do you believe me or not!
"Alright."
Qin Yu smiled slightly and nodded.
If he didn't believe her, the Keqing cat would bite.
"Then I'm starting."
Qin Yu bent down and asked softly.
"...Mm."
Keqing pulled down the hem of her skirt with one hand and said softly.
Picking her up and crossing the cliff...
Could this be the legendary princess carry?
By the way, she had already taken off her black stockings.
Her fair legs shimmered faintly under the moonlight.
If they were to touch directly...
Keqing bit her cherry lips, not daring to think further.
She raised her other hand and quietly hooked it around Qin Yu's neck.
She also flicked away the puppet girl who had been leaning on his shoulder.
"Keqing?"
Qin Yu subconsciously looked up.
He met a pair of moist, shimmering eyes.
The girl lowered her gaze slightly and quietly turned her face away.
"Let's do this, I believe in you."
She said, looking as if she would let Qin Yu do as he pleased.
After all, they were partners who pulled overtime together.
It was normal to do something together.
Qin Yu: ...
He had a feeling something strange was about to happen.
Just as the atmosphere became awkward.
"My companion, this is unfair."
Sandrone, who had been flicked away by Keqing, protested.
She wanted a princess carry too!
"If your main body doesn't sleep, you won't grow any bigger."
Qin Yu had no interest in the puppet form of Sandrone.
"You'll regret this later."
Sandrone snorted and made a mental note.
"..."
Qin Yu rolled his eyes and indicated he wasn't worried at all.
Could she possibly call for backup?
Or perhaps her main body would suddenly appear?
It seemed impossible no matter how he thought about it.
...
"Relax, it'll be over in a moment."
Qin Yu picked up Keqing.
The girl's body was soft and light.
Like a well-behaved cat.
"Mm... hurry up then."
Keqing nodded softly, not looking at Qin Yu.
It was actually a princess carry, how embarrassing!
Thinking this, the girl couldn't help but sway her legs.
Then, both of them froze.
The delicate sensation of skin rubbing against skin was transmitted to each other.
This feeling had a strange magic.
Attracting them to want to explore further.
"Hold me tight."
Qin Yu didn't linger on the feeling and said sternly.
He was a decent person, he couldn't overthink it.
"Mm."
Keqing wrapped her arms around Qin Yu's neck and looked up curiously.
She also wanted to know how Qin Yu would manage to get them both to the mountain top.
"Here we go."
With that, Qin Yu half-crouched down.
At the same time, a large amount of Anemo energy gathered towards him.
As the wind howled, an eye of the storm formed with Qin Yu at its center.
A terrifying power was rapidly accumulating.
"Such exquisite Anemo control!"
Keqing's eyes lit up.
This level of wind field could indeed carry them a sufficient distance.
Sandrone blinked and gave a soft "Oh?"
Another move he'd never seen before.
My companion, how many trump cards do you still have?
"Hoo!"
Qin Yu shouted lightly, leaping into the air with Keqing in his arms!
[Combat Talent: Chihayaburu]
The next moment, he kicked off the cliff face behind him!
Instantly, they were propelled like cannonballs towards the cliff platform where the Spirit was.
"Careful, there's still some distance!"
Shu—
Qin Yu was clearly prepared.
In the darkness, a deep cyan light flashed.
[Combat Talent: Fuurin Kazan]
Two mid-air leaps, and they landed steadily.
The entire process was executed flawlessly.
As expected of the joyful Anemo user, the overworld is truly joyful.
"So amazing, we actually made it over like this."
Keqing's eyes sparkled as she murmured.
This kind of dashing and elegant feeling was quite cool.
She was now tightly held in Qin Yu's arms, her posture obedient.
A pair of jade feet couldn't help but slightly curl up in excitement.
Someone looked at them several times.
"Have to be amazing, but low-key."
"My companion, don't get too carried away."
"Cough."
Qin Yu and Keqing reacted and turned their faces away simultaneously.
...
Next, they followed the Spirit's guidance, heading all the way up.
Along the way, there were no major incidents.
"Hoo!"
With one final leap, they finally reached the mountain top.
However, the scene before them made Qin Yu freeze.
The previous Spirit had long since vanished.
And under the moonlight, a desolate world unfolded before them.
Ominous black fog condensed here, emitting ancient malice.
Plants and animals had lost their vitality, withered and decaying.
What's more, some had undergone unknown mutations.
"Is this... a Calamity's resentment?"
Qin Yu realized something, his heart chilling.
Someone had set up an experimental device here.
And the experimental subject was none other than the power of a Calamity!
"Yes, it's the experiment of the Fatui's second Harbinger, the Doctor."
"Truly a disgusting power."
Sandrone said softly, her tone icy.
As she murmured softly, a song resonated around her again.
It was a song Qin Yu had never heard before.
It didn't belong to Inazuma, nor even to humanity.
But he could sense the deepest sorrow within the song.
The world before them subtly changed.
This was an abnormal space.
Qin Yu looked at his now empty arms.
Keqing had disappeared at some point.
"She's unharmed, just asleep."
The puppet girl looked at Qin Yu and smiled faintly.
"Welcome to the World of Song."
"Or, you could say, the third Harbinger... the Maiden."
"A constructed mental world."
"She wants to meet you."
Qin Yu looked at Sandrone, his eyes flickering.
The girl swayed her body and said softly:
"Here, there's my story."
"Would you like to experience it with me?"
"My companion."