[Combat Talent Unlocked: Thousand Winds Strike]
[Leap into the air with the power of Anemo]
[Applies a knock-up and pull effect]
[Can be released mid-air]
What is a surprise? This is it.
The value of this talent, naturally, needs no further explanation.
Qin Yu took another step on the path of the joyful Anemo user.
[Incidentally, given the deep friendship with Kaedehara Kazuha]
[The system has gifted you an additional talent]
Qin Yu:?
When did the system become so benevolent?
[Do you want it or not?]
Qin Yu nodded, "Of course, I do."
[Innate Talent: Sword of the Departing Wind]
[When Thousand Winds Strike comes into contact with elemental energy]
[It will apply corresponding elemental damage to the plunging attack]
...
Two cold lights clashed, stopping just short of a decisive blow.
Kaedehara Kazuha took several steps back, sheathing his sword.
"Long time no see, Qin Yu."
"Your martial arts have grown stronger again."
He shook his numb wrist and smiled.
"Kazuha, it's you!"
Qin Yu's eyes lit up, and he exclaimed in surprise.
It was his good brother with whom he had shared a blanket under the bridge back then.
The two Anemo youths felt a great sense of familiarity upon meeting.
They put away their weapons and shared a strong embrace.
"Heh heh... I can't believe I still haven't beaten you."
Kazuha playfully punched Qin Yu's arm.
He then curiously observed the doll-like girl.
Was this the girl Qin Yu had been talking to all this time?
She was truly magical, like an elf with a spirit of her own.
"Hello, Qin Yu's friend."
Sandrone curtsied, lifting her skirt, her movements elegant.
She tilted her head up and smiled,
"By the way, I am Qin Yu's partner."
"Partner...?!"
Kazuha was slightly taken aback and looked at Qin Yu.
What was the deal with this doll-like girl?
Brother, you're playing a bit too wild.
Qin Yu opened his mouth, about to explain.
What nonsense is she speaking in front of others!
"Yes, and we've already done a lot..."
Sandrone said nonchalantly as she tinkered with a core.
"If only he could be a little gentler..."
Seeing the girl frown and sigh.
One might think Qin Yu had committed some beastly act.
"Hello, sister-in-law."
Kazuha pondered for a moment and said earnestly.
"Mhm."
Sandrone's lips curved slightly, accepting the greeting with composure.
Completely ignoring Qin Yu's gaze, which seemed to want to throw her into the sea.
"Kazuha, you've misunderstood."
Qin Yu, with a dark expression, pulled Kazuha a little further away.
"I'm very happy for you, Brother Qin Yu."
Kazuha waved to Sandrone and smiled.
Although he didn't quite understand.
He would respect his brother's choice.
Qin Yu was exasperated, "What are you so happy about!"
"This woman is very dangerous."
"With Brother Qin Yu's strength, I'm not worried."
Kazuha patted Qin Yu's shoulder, offering encouragement.
...
After a period of casual chat and reminiscing.
"Kazuha, come out to sea with me."
"Sorry, I still have some business to attend to in Inazuma City."
Kazuha looked out at the sea and politely declined.
Qin Yu felt a slight regret but didn't press further.
His friend was accustomed to drifting.
"Lord Qin Yu, a reply from the Yashiro Commission!"
A samurai approached outside the port.
Qin Yu took the letter and opened it to read.
A moment later, he put down the letter, his gaze thoughtful.
"The puppet girl was telling the truth."
It was information regarding the recent activities of the Fatui.
A factory had been destroyed, and the Fatui were operating there.
They claimed they were searching for lost materials...
But if one combined what the puppet girl had said.
And the Fatui agents appearing in Inazuma City...
Qin Yu's eyes flickered.
There was also the message from Kamisato Ayato:
Disagreements had emerged within the Harbingers.
"Do you need any help?" Kazuha asked with a smile.
Qin Yu silently shook his head.
If the puppet girl was truly being hunted...
He looked into the distance.
A massive Ruin Guard had been dismantled.
Amidst a pile of cold mechanical parts.
The delicate, doll-like girl appeared out of place.
She was struggling to lift a core.
The sea breeze blew, making the girl sway precariously.
It seemed she would fall to the ground at any moment.
Her small body was still somewhat inconvenient.
Sandrone sensed Qin Yu's gaze and looked at him.
Her slightly furrowed brow was quite endearing.
She parted her rosy lips and panted,
"My partner... you're so big..."
"Quick... come and help me."
Qin Yu silently turned his face away.
He really should throw this woman into the sea.
"Brother Qin Yu, sister-in-law is waiting for you."
Kazuha patted Qin Yu's shoulder and smiled.
"I already told you that's not it!"
...
Qin Yu picked up the core.
And casually lifted Sandrone along with it.
She hugged Qin Yu's fingers, swinging in the air like a swing.
"What's the use of this thing?"
Qin Yu examined the core and said softly.
"I don't like it when you question the machinery."
"You'll know once it's assembled."
Sandrone glared at Qin Yu and huffed,
"You've already investigated, haven't you?"
Qin Yu fell silent and put her aside.
"My partner, are you willing to trust me this time?"
"If you try any tricks, you'll face the consequences."
"Hmph, a man who talks tough."
Sandrone poked Qin Yu's finger, a slight smile on her lips.
Qin Yu, you will eventually be by my side.
...
The ships had assembled and were ready to depart.
"Kazuha, I'll treat you to a drink next time."
Qin Yu waved to the shore and smiled.
"Forget it, you know my tolerance for alcohol isn't great."
Kazuha smiled helplessly and waved his hand.
"By the way, if you happen to meet the Traveler."
"I hope you can help her out in Inazuma."
Qin Yu heard this and shook his head, "I haven't heard she's arrived."
"Is that so? She must have gotten lost again."
Qin Yu:?
He felt something was amiss.
...
The figures on the shore gradually became smaller.
Gazing at Inazuma City, Qin Yu took a deep breath.
Beside him, Sandrone was busy with her machinery.
Her focused expression radiated a different kind of charm.
Suddenly, the girl softly murmured,
"My partner, are you thinking of me in your heart?"
Qin Yu nodded slightly.
"I am."
"I'm thinking about whether to throw you into the sea."