By the sea, dark smoke and dust surged into the sky, engulfed by heatwaves.
People evacuated with the help of samurai, watching from afar.
"Heavens, what's happening over there!"
"It seems the Ruin Guard has gone berserk."
"What are you afraid of? Lord Qin Yu is there."
The crowd chattered amongst themselves, discussing the events with great interest.
From their expressions, there was no hint of panic.
After all, they had witnessed the recent rampage with their own eyes.
The legendary terrifying war machines.
They were nothing more than a single strike from Lord Qin Yu.
With such a powerful figure present, there was no need to fear.
"Qin Yu?"
Amidst the crowd, a young ronin appeared silently.
He slightly lifted his straw hat, a flicker of thought crossing his eyes.
"Kid, is this your first time on Narukami Island?"
Someone chuckled, "You don't even know Lord Qin Yu."
"I am merely a wanderer, traveling the world."
The young ronin smiled slightly at this.
Qin Yu, that was an old friend of his.
However, he heard that the current him had changed greatly.
Thinking this, he let out a soft sigh.
"The wind carries a familiar sound."
"It's time I went to see him."
...
Rumble—
The Ruin Guard collapsed with a crash.
Under Qin Yu's sword, it was directly cleaved in half.
"Lord Qin Yu, too strong!!"
The samurai of the Tenryou Commission cheered, filled with excitement.
The samurai's thoughts were simple.
Respect was earned through strength.
And Lord Qin Yu before them was no exception.
He had dealt with the Ruin Guard so effortlessly.
He was truly someone valued by the Shogun herself!
"Mm, secure the perimeter."
"And help me contact the Yashiro Commission."
Qin Yu nodded slightly, sheathing his blade.
"Yes!"
The samurai dispersed, leaving Qin Yu alone at the scene.
And...
"Let me touch—"
The puppet girl prodded Qin Yu's fingers, expressing her dissatisfaction.
"Touch what?"
"You, of course. Let me examine you."
Sandrone's beautiful eyes sparkled as she raised her small hands.
Qin Yu's endless tricks had piqued her interest.
He had clearly not used his full strength to dismantle the Ruin Guard.
How many more secrets did this man hide?
She truly longed to delve deeper and study him right now.
[Ding, Sandrone's Emotion Points +1]
[Talent Unlock Progress: ...]
"?"
Qin Yu stepped on the machine cut in two, shaking his head.
"Stop talking nonsense, or I'll throw you into the sea."
Sandrone sighed softly, what a rough man.
Qin Yu stared at the large metal mass at his feet, contemplating:
"What to do next."
"Let me handle it."
"You..."
They looked at each other, falling into silence.
A slight curve formed on Sandrone's lips.
"My companion, are you still wary of me?"
"When you have complete control over me now..."
"You can do anything you wish."
Qin Yu's face darkened, "Behave yourself."
With that, he slowly opened his palm.
The bound little bird finally gained a little freedom.
But the bird did not rush to leave.
"Mmm, the warm feeling is gone."
Sandrone smoothed her plain white dress, a hint of regret in her voice.
Her disheveled hair added a touch of fragility to her beauty.
Making one want to capture her in their hands and ravage her fiercely.
"Let's begin."
"Don't worry, I'll take care of the rest."
After their cooperation in disabling the guard, the atmosphere had slightly eased.
"..."
They stared at each other, another silence falling between them.
Sandrone stomped her foot.
She gestured to the large metal mass with her chin, speaking softly:
"My companion, where is your gentlemanly demeanor?"
"Are you going to let me, a mere girl, approach it alone?"
Qin Yu tutted and slowly crouched down.
He picked up Sandrone, intending to place her at the core.
"What are your hands touching?"
"..."
"That place is also forbidden."
"Tsk, such a fuss from a mere puppet."
Qin Yu's gaze swept over Sandrone, a pout on his lips.
This little flat board, as if he would be interested.
Absolutely impossible.
"My companion, you are thinking of something disrespectful, aren't you?"
Sandrone landed lightly beside the core.
She tilted her face up, a slight smile playing on her lips.
"Do you know?"
"Puppets have very developed sensory systems."
Qin Yu's hand paused, realizing something.
Sandrone turned around, letting out a soft hum:
"Everything you do will be transmitted to the main body."
"Including what you just touched..."
"So, my companion, you must take responsibility."
Qin Yu took a deep breath. Was she trying to frame him?
"It seems you rather enjoy this game."
"Shall we try again?"
In the breeze, Sandrone's plain white skirt fluttered.
Having been intently observing Qin Yu's reaction, she smiled.
"..."
Qin Yu frowned, his gaze fixed on a certain spot.
It was only then that he noticed.
The perfect maiden should have had flawless ankles, yet hers were incomplete.
With a puppet's pride, such a flaw should not exist.
"Surprised, my companion?"
Sandrone lifted her skirt and twirled gently.
She did not shy away from the defect on her leg.
"Actually, my legs are temporarily..."
After listening, Qin Yu understood.
So, the sickly aura surrounding Sandrone was...
"No need to doubt, I'm only telling you this."
As she spoke, Sandrone approached the core.
"Although I'm happy that you can listen."
"But... my companion."
She looked at Qin Yu and gave a sweet smile.
"Be careful... behind you."
Before she finished speaking, a chill suddenly appeared behind him.
Qin Yu's pupils contracted, and he drew his sword instantly.
The next moment—
"Clang!"
Blades clashed, sparks flying.
The flashing blade reflected a figure.
It was the young ronin wearing a straw hat.
"Long time no see, my friend."
He lifted his face and smiled.
"You are..."
Surprise flickered in Qin Yu's eyes.
[Ding, Character Check-in Successful]
[Brand New Five-Star Talent Unlocked]
"Kazuha!"