"You are the puppet."
It was noon, and the sun beat down fiercely.
But Qin Yu's gaze was exceptionally cold.
He had clashed with the Fatui many times, forging a deep bond.
After all, it was a relationship forged in the face of death.
Had an Harbinger finally come looking for him this time?
It seemed they weren't planning to settle this peacefully.
"Heh heh... such a terrifying gaze."
"The malice directed at you has nothing to do with me."
The doll-like girl leaned against Qin Yu's arm, a slight curve to her lips.
She extended a delicate hand, gently caressing Qin Yu's skin.
A peculiar glint flashed in her sapphire eyes.
Ah... this warm presence.
It was a living Qin Yu.
More handsome and spirited than in any photograph.
So perfect, he must stay by her side forever.
Faster, faster.
Become her "material."
[Ding, received +1 Emotional Point from Signora]
[New message available for viewing]
Qin Yu's eyes narrowed.
"What is your purpose?"
To openly appear in Inazuma City...
He tightened his grip, crushing the girl in his palm.
Facing the puppet, he did not hesitate.
Even if she was such an exquisite and adorable girl, stirring his heart.
But... she was a Fatui Harbinger.
The joints creaked as he applied pressure.
If possible, he wouldn't mind snapping her neck right then and there.
"You want to kill me?"
Signora didn't struggle, offering an elegant smile.
"..."
Qin Yu frowned, realizing something was amiss.
The material of this doll-like girl was extremely robust.
It was impossible to destroy her easily.
His gaze sharpened.
"Save your strength, blades cannot harm me."
"Just a puppet?"
"Are you doubting my craftsmanship?"
Signora tilted her chin upon hearing this, her eyes shimmering.
When the topic turned to puppets, her gaze changed.
It was the confidence and pride of a "puppet master."
They stared at each other for a long time, the atmosphere thick with tension.
After a while, Signora blinked.
"Such a rough man."
"We've just met, you could be gentler."
Qin Yu snorted and turned towards the port.
The Harbinger's sudden appearance clearly indicated ulterior motives.
"State your purpose."
"Otherwise, I'll throw you into the sea."
He raised his hand, pointing at the doll-like girl, and said coldly.
"Mmm, a direct question, I like that."
Signora hugged Qin Yu's fingers and pondered for a moment.
The next instant, she raised her face and smiled:
"Be with me."
Qin Yu was stunned.
Before he could respond, the girl continued:
"We can have some in-depth exchanges."
"Such as undergoing modifications."
"Becoming my 'toy'."
The doll-like girl's voice was light and clear.
She made no effort to hide her designs on the young man.
"... You Harbingers are all lunatics."
Qin Yu's expression darkened, and he quickened his pace.
He'd rather throw her into the sea.
"Are you sure you don't want to chat a little longer?"
"Shut up."
"Turn left into the alley, it's closer that way."
Qin Yu frowned and walked straight down the street.
"You chose the longer route?"
"That's not a rational decision."
Signora's eyes flickered meaningfully.
Qin Yu finally stopped.
"Willing to negotiate with me now?"
Signora held Qin Yu's fingers, elegant and composed.
"Do you know where I'm going?"
"I know, yet I don't."
Qin Yu's grip gradually tightened.
Signora sighed softly, shaking her head helplessly.
What a man who doesn't know how to cherish.
"The system mounted on the puppet can deduce the route."
She stopped playing coy.
Qin Yu's mind raced upon hearing this.
Was the technology of Snezhnaya that advanced?
Or was this just the puppet's research...
It seemed she had also gathered quite a bit about his habits.
Just why was that?
"What do you want to talk about?"
"First, help me evade those little rats."
Qin Yu's eyes flickered as he glanced behind him.
...
In the alley, Qin Yu moved like a black shadow.
A few Fatui debt collectors couldn't possibly catch him.
Ahead lay the port where the Tenryou Commission was gathered.
"Your speed is incredible."
Signora's voice rang out in admiration.
Observing him in person, she was even more satisfied.
Qin Yu was more outstanding than any material she had encountered before.
Excitement flashed in the girl's eyes.
She wanted to obtain Qin Yu even more.
"Are Harbingers targeted by the Fatui?"
Qin Yu glanced at Signora, his brow furrowed.
The situation had exceeded his expectations.
But he couldn't rule out the possibility that the puppet was deliberately orchestrating this.
"Perhaps according to the Tsaritsa's decree..."
"I have been declared 'dead' unexpectedly."
The doll-like girl smiled and revealed astonishing news.
Yet, a coldness gathered in her tone.
Revenge was not her style to abandon.
Just you wait, Snezhnaya.
She would return for revenge.
"Where is your true body hiding?"
Qin Yu asked after a moment of silence.
"Do you want to cooperate with me against the Fatui?"
Signora's lips curved slightly upon hearing this.
"I want to deliver one final blow to you."
With that, Qin Yu said no more.
He grabbed the doll-like girl and headed towards the docked warship.
He intended to use the Tenryou Commission to confirm some matters.
And that new system message, it was actually...
Just as Qin Yu was lost in thought.
Signora sensed something and chuckled.
"Do you see it?"
"The giant creature that's about to awaken in the distance."
What?
Qin Yu instinctively looked into the distance, his pupils constricting.
"It's a Ruin Golem..."