"Don't be nervous, I just have a few questions for you."
Kamisato Ayato's smile was warm, like that of an enthusiastic old friend.
He was experienced in dealing with special agents.
"Swoosh—!"
Beside him, a Shogunate ninja drew his short blade and pressed closer.
"Bring him back alive."
Kamisato Ayato said with a smile.
"Lord Yashiro Commissioner, I don't understand."
The servant silently retreated, his expression suddenly changing.
His previously dull demeanor turned sharp, his eyes growing cold and ferocious.
*Thump!*
He stomped on the ground, and instantly, a dark, ominous black mist spread, erupting with astonishing speed.
"This power again."
Qin Yu frowned and murmured.
"Heh, a rather high-quality Delusion."
"It seems he holds a high position among the children personally raised by Arlecchino."
Sandrone twirled strands of her hair, smiling.
Although she was a Fatui Harbinger, it didn't mean she was willing to make a move for Arlecchino.
Having some fun first thing in the morning naturally made her mood pleasant.
"Hmph, since I've been exposed, then… farewell!"
The Fatui agent sneered and dashed out of the Komore Teahouse.
The power of the Delusion turned him into a shadow, formless and traceless.
"So, he's from the Debt Collection unit."
Qin Yu chuckled and took a step forward.
*Swish—!*
A deep green light flashed, and with his innate talent for two-stage wind steps, he instantly appeared in front of the agent.
Trying to escape? Impossible.
Qin Yu's current combat speed had reached a terrifying level.
Do you even understand the value of a happy wind-boy?
"You can't get away."
Qin Yu raised his hand, and Geo element power, brilliant as the golden sun, condensed.
He also uttered the line that should have belonged to a Debt Collector.
A hunter must be prepared to become the hunted.
"Damn it!"
A scorching red light streaked across, and a sharp ritual blade instantly slashed towards the defenseless Qin Yu.
As one of the most outstanding children of the Hearth, his combat ability was also extremely strong.
"You will pay the price for your underestimation!"
But before he could reveal the villain's characteristic sinister smile, an irresistible immense force was transmitted from the ritual blade.
The difference in their strength was like that between an ant and a giant elephant.
"Boom!"
The Geo element power erupted, and a figure was sent flying backward.
A complete and utter crushing.
"That's it?"
Qin Yu patted his clothes and said calmly.
With the Jade Shield talent in hand, he couldn't even be bothered to dodge.
"Cough cough…! Even if I die, I will… ugh!"
The agent finally came to his senses and struggled to commit suicide.
But before he could act, a mechanical device clad in deep blue optical camouflage materialized behind him.
*Screech—*
A laser shot out from the device, turning into a solid form that rigidly locked onto his entire body.
"Ah—!"
The agent fell to the ground, struggling, his mouth open and eyes closed.
"What is this?"
Qin Yu looked at Sandrone, who was slowly retracting her small hand, with surprise and asked instinctively.
Invisible optical camouflage, lasers that could become solid…
This was clearly futuristic technology existing in fantasy!
In the chaos, the small mechanical device displayed powerful practical value.
If this were mounted on a combat mecha…
But this advanced feeling didn't seem to be related to Khaenri'ah technology.
"A little trinket from the Scarlet King's technology, not bad."
Sandrone pushed her wheelchair to the agent's side, observing for a moment before expressing her satisfaction.
Ever since she obtained Qin Yu's Scarlet King technology blueprints, she had new ideas.
…
The rest was simple.
The agent was taken away by the Shogunate to be interrogated personally by Kamisato Ayato.
Perhaps they could uncover Arlecchino's plans.
"Alright, I'll head to the Shogunate first."
Kamisato Ayato smiled and patted Qin Yu's shoulder with an appreciative gaze.
"For Her Excellency the General, keep up the good work."
It was still you.
Although he appeared to be a lazy slacker on the surface.
When it came to action, he was fierce and concise.
"Heh heh… Thanks for the praise?"
Qin Yu smiled helplessly and shook his head.
"Oh, right, leave this Shiba Inu with Ayaka for now."
Kamisato Ayato suddenly thought of something and said casually.
Qin Yu nodded and looked at the large Shiba Inu.
Let's call you… Kamisato Ayaka's dog.
...
"Goodbye."
Qin Yu watched Kamisato Ayato leave and sighed softly.
Being targeted by Arlecchino made it impossible to relax.
Moreover, how many other dangerous individuals like the agent just now were lurking in the shadows?
Where was the sweet everyday life that was promised?
"My companion, you must be troubled."
Beside him, Sandrone's lips curled upwards, and she reached out to touch Qin Yu's abs.
In the warm sunlight, she was like a lazy cat, her eyes narrowed slightly.
Now that it was just the two of them, she could be more unrestrained.
"I almost forgot about you. Are you planning something mischievous again?"
Qin Yu caught Sandrone's small hand and kneaded it without restraint.
It felt good to the touch, and he couldn't put it down.
"Did you not get enough rest last night?"
He also rubbed her face with a serious expression.
If she didn't sleep well again, he would have to personally supervise.
"Mmm… My companion, let go of me…!"
Sandrone's face was being pinched by Qin Yu, her cheeks almost squashed into buns.
After a period of playful wrestling.
"F-First, let's call a truce and talk about important matters."
Sandrone leaned against Qin Yu, slightly out of breath, and gave him a sideways glance.
As a researcher, her stamina was still somewhat lacking.
"Then I'll take you for a walk around here."
Qin Yu slowly pulled Sandrone into his embrace, sniffed her scent, and his gaze was gentle.
The morning courtyard was filled with fresh air, birdsong, and fragrant flowers.
A scene of prosperity.
Of course, this beautiful scenery was merely icing on the cake compared to the girl in his arms.
Using the scenery as an excuse to invite a girl to enjoy it together was the true objective.
Qin someone could still distinguish priorities.
"Mm."
Sandrone softly hummed and wrapped her arms around Qin Yu's waist.
It was like hugging a beloved oversized toy doll.
This real, warm touch was satisfying.
Thinking this, a faint smile appeared on the girl's face, still slightly flushed from their playful scuffle.
She was still tired after working all night.
But this time, Sandrone had found a reliance she could trust.
She liked this feeling.
...
A small path in the woods.
"My companion, are you still thinking about what happened earlier?"
Sandrone lightly fiddled with the tetrahedral mechanical device in her hand and said softly.
Qin Yu nodded at her words, not denying it.
After all, it concerned the people around him.
"Having too many concerns is your weakness now."
Sandrone snorted lightly, hinting at something.
Only realizing now that you have too many people to look after? It's too late.
"Can I play with that mechanical device in your hand?"
Qin Yu coughed lightly, changing the subject.
He was quite curious about the Scarlet King's technology.
"Don't change the subject."
Sandrone slapped away Qin someone's outstretched hand, displeased.
This was clearly a serious matter.
"The more you possess, the more strength you need to protect it all, understand?"
Qin Yu nodded, "What should I do?"
Sandrone spun the device in her hand and continued:
"Arlecchino, for now, you can only rely on the Shogunate."
"...Mm."
Qin Yu felt helpless but could only nod.
Currently, only the Shogunate organization could stand against her.
At this moment, he understood Sandrone's meaning.
He, fighting alone, needed his own power.
"If only I could find a professional intelligence expert to be my secretary."
Qin Yu sighed subconsciously.
"Dreams are filled with everything, it's better to consider the眷属 (jùnshǔ)."
Sandrone struck him down without mercy.
"眷属 (jùnshǔ)?"
"You'll become a god sooner or later."
"Inazuma doesn't have these things."
Qin Yu smiled.
He couldn't exactly go to Watatsumi Island and capture a Ruin Serpent, could he?
"By the way, tell me what kind of person Arlecchino is."
…