The transport ship was docked in the distance.
"Everyone, be careful with the cargo—"
A middle-aged man wearing a straw hat shouted from the side of the ship.
He had discovered a derelict Ruin Guard on another island.
It had been confirmed by reliable adventurers accompanying him.
This Ruin Guard was ancient and had been scrapped.
Upon hearing this news, everyone's spirits soared.
As long as they could transport it back to Narukami Island.
They were sure to make a lot of mora.
"Don't worry, it's just a Ruin Guard."
"We'll start once it's secured."
A busy sailor on the ship replied.
Someone even kicked the behemoth casually.
It wouldn't move anyway.
"Good!"
The middle-aged man's face was flushed with excitement as he looked at the transport ship.
Shadows loomed over the deck.
Its hardened shell and massive cannon core.
Were enough to inspire awe.
It was a combat machine that had slept for an unknown number of years.
And now, it was about to turn into glittering mora.
But no one noticed.
While they were busy with the transport.
The motionless Ruin Guard trembled slightly.
A faint light flashed from its core.
...
Qin Yu noticed the Ruin Guard in the distance.
Logically, transporting abandoned machinery shouldn't cause any trouble.
This was also permitted by the Shogunate.
But...
Qin Yu looked at the doll-like girl in his hand.
Although wary, he had to admit.
When it came to tinkering with machinery, the doll was a professional.
With that thought, he walked towards the Ruin Guard.
"We've known each other for so long, there should be some trust by now."
Sandrone said softly, clinging to Qin Yu's finger.
"Do you, an Eleventh Harbinger, believe that?"
Qin Yu chuckled.
As a Harbinger of the Fatui, although wielding power.
Internal strife was commonplace.
To speak of trust in him was simply ridiculous.
"Qin Yu, you are different."
Sandrone shook her head slightly.
She cupped Qin Yu's fingers and said with dissatisfaction:
"Look at me properly."
Qin Yu raised his hand.
"How am I different?"
"I can tell you secretly."
Sandrone's beautiful eyes fluttered as she reached out her small hand to Qin Yu.
For the first time, she, who had always faced cold machinery, was enveloped in a strange warmth.
It was also the first time she had talked with a man for so long.
Even though she had been treated roughly by this man...
Sandrone's lips curved slightly.
Sister Columbina would be angry if she knew.
She was the Third Harbinger, the "Marionette."
The one who cared for her.
It didn't matter.
Qin Yu would eventually become her "material."
As long as Qin Yu accepted the perfect modification...
He could stay by her side forever.
She would be very patient.
"It's too far, closer."
The sea breeze blew, and the doll's eyelashes trembled.
She was like an exquisite elf, as if truly alive.
Qin Yu brought his raised hand a little closer.
He wasn't afraid of this doll playing tricks.
"The wind is too strong, closer."
The girl's voice was soft.
Qin Yu brought Sandrone before him.
At such close range, he could see everything about the girl.
Her face was exquisite, elegant, and composed.
Perhaps due to avoiding the Fatui, there was a hint of fragility in her brows.
The girl was held in his palm, unable to move.
Like a fallen bird, her entire being depended on him.
Fragile, yet beautiful.
But also harboring danger.
"Actually, it's..."
Sandrone leaned close to Qin Yu's ear, drawing out the words.
Qin Yu listened quietly.
Suddenly, the wind died down.
A light voice sounded in his ear.
"You and I are destined to be together, as partners."
Qin Yu's eyes widened as he looked at Sandrone.
[Ding, Sandrone's emotional points +1]
[It's the long-awaited girl's hug emotional points]
[By the way, about the previous system message]
[Collecting Harbinger doll emotional points unlocks targeted missions]
[Targeted unlock talent: The International group lineup]
Qin Yu: ...
System, what do you mean.
[It's the Hug System, it means nothing]
[It means what it means]
Qin Yu: You think I would do that for a talent...
[Killing two birds with one stone, no need to be coerced]
[The choice is still yours]
The light voice dispersed with the wind.
The girl noticed his changing expression and smiled faintly.
Such a different reaction from cold machinery.
She suddenly wanted to research him further.
She had to obtain Qin Yu as soon as possible...
This serene atmosphere did not last long.
"?"
Qin Yu grabbed the doll and was about to throw her into the sea.
Sandrone clung to Qin Yu's fingers, refusing to let go.
"Let go of me."
"Sigh, a man who doesn't understand romance."
...
After a verbal probing with the doll-like girl.
His vision suddenly darkened.
Qin Yu looked up at the Ruin Guard.
Even sitting on the ground, its oppressive aura did not diminish.
It was a war machine from a fallen nation.
Possessing considerable combat power.
"Lord Qin Yu, you have arrived!"
In the distance, a squad of samurai approached in formation.
The young leader of the squad came forward and bowed respectfully.
"No need for formalities."
Qin Yu waved his hand, "I am just a member of the Resistance."
"This..."
The samurai exchanged glances, not daring to speak.
You are already by the General's side...
"Notify the people here to evacuate first."
Qin Yu said no more and waved his hand.
The samurai of the Tenryou Commission, though puzzled,
immediately carried out Qin Yu's order.
"My Lord, what are you doing?"
Qin Yu slowly drew his blade and glanced behind him.
In the shadows, a dangerous red light suddenly flared.
Instantly locking onto Qin Yu.
"Time to get some exercise."