Inside the Grand Narukami Shrine, the blades of Sode no Shirayuki and the massive Skadi scythe collided fiercely, their ice elemental energies clashing and freezing the very air around them.
Miyuki was knocked backward by the enormous force, staggering several steps before regaining her balance. Having just recently ascended to godhood, she still had a slight gap in strength and technique compared to Kamisato Ayaka.
"Ah, I lost," Miyuki said breathlessly, putting away her scythe with a gentle smile.
"Miyuki, you're truly a martial arts prodigy," Ayaka praised sincerely, sheathing her own sword. "I've trained in the Kamisato Art since childhood, and even in all of Inazuma, my swordsmanship is considered top-tier. Yet you learned scythe techniques only this morning, and you're already able to keep up with me."
Ayaka couldn't help but envy Miyuki's incredible talent—it was almost absurd how quickly she had improved.
But Miyuki didn't seem particularly interested in fighting. She smiled softly, saying, "It's getting late; I'll go prepare lunch for everyone."
With that, she turned and headed for the kitchen.
Ayaka moved gracefully toward Akio, who was quietly sipping tea nearby, and leaned gently into his embrace.
"Akio, Miyuki's martial talent is extraordinary. Don't let such a genius go to waste. She could become a truly remarkable warrior," Ayaka suggested.
Akio smiled warmly, gently kissing Ayaka's lips, and replied, "Don't worry, my dear. Miyuki can train if she enjoys it; if not, she still has me. I'll always protect you all. Here by my side, you can all do whatever makes you happiest."
"Mhm," Ayaka nodded lovingly, relaxing in Akio's arms, savoring his warmth and tenderness.
...
"Jumpy Dumpty!" On Yashiori Island, a cheerful voice echoed, followed immediately by an earth-shaking explosion.
Klee's bouncing bomb flew out, and the Rift Hounds in the distance were instantly doomed.
Before they could even register their attacker, they vanished into a mushroom cloud, leaving behind nothing but smoke, dust, and a massive crater.
"Nicely done, Klee!" Murata Himeko lifted the little girl up, praising her warmly.
For the past two days, Himeko and Klee had been traveling across Inazuma, eliminating countless monsters.
"Hehehe, Klee's happy to help Sister Himeko!" Klee giggled brightly. "Besides, Jean always restricts Klee from playing with bombs. I'm having so much fun these past few days!"
"Well, playing with explosives inside the city is indeed dangerous," Himeko gently pinched Klee's adorable cheek. "But does she not even let you play outside?"
"Sometimes Klee goes to bomb fish at Cider Lake…but Jean doesn't allow that either," Klee said sadly, lowering her head.
"Aww, poor little Klee," Himeko's heart melted seeing Klee's pitiful expression.
"Um… Brother Kaeya even summarized some survival rules for Klee: 'Bombing in the city—solitary confinement. Hurting someone with bombs—Jean comes knocking. Setting mountains on fire—Klee's done for,'" Klee whispered softly.
"Hahaha, that's quite the precise summary," Himeko laughed heartily.
"Would you like to stay longer in Inazuma in the future? Big sister Himeko can take you out to play with bombs whenever you like," she offered gently.
"Huh?" Klee's eyes sparkled with excitement, but then she quickly shook her head. "No, no. Even though Klee loves Brother Akio and Sister Himeko, the Knights of Favonius are Klee's family. Klee needs to stay with her family."
"Such a sweet little girl," Akio's voice suddenly sounded from behind them.
"Oh?" Himeko turned around instantly, delighted. "Akio! What are you doing here?"
"I had some free time. Jean mentioned you took Klee out to clear monsters, so I came to check on you," Akio smiled gently. "How have things been going lately?"
"With Klee here, we've cleared most monsters near inhabited areas," Himeko nodded proudly.
"Big Brother Akio!" Klee waved enthusiastically.
Himeko gently set Klee down, and the little girl immediately ran into Akio's embrace.
"Aw, little Klee is amazing," Akio praised warmly, lifting her up.
"Hehehe, it's nothing! Sister Himeko said doing this would help the people of Inazuma and help Brother Akio too, so Klee's very happy," she giggled, hugging Akio tightly.
Little Klee adored Akio, feeling a special warmth whenever she was with him.
"Alright, Himeko, Klee, you've both worked hard these days. Let's go back to Inazuma City—I'll treat you two to something delicious," Akio suggested cheerfully.
"Yay!" Klee cheered immediately. "Klee wants grilled fish!"
"Of course, anything for little Klee." Akio looked at Himeko gently. "Oh right, Himeko, I have a gift for you."
"Hmm?" Himeko raised an eyebrow, anticipation flickering in her eyes.
With Klee in one arm, Akio opened his other hand, revealing a shimmering, amber-colored gemstone core.
"This is…?" Himeko sensed it immediately—it was another Pseudo-Herrscher Core.
"This is the Pseudo-Herrscher Core of Earth, possessing the power to control gravity," Akio smiled, handing it to Himeko.
"Thank you, Akio." Without hesitation, Himeko accepted the core and absorbed it into her body.
"Wow!" Klee watched in awe as Himeko took in the core's power. "Such a pretty gemstone!"
"Do you like it, Klee?" Akio asked with a smile.
"Yes!" Klee nodded eagerly.
"In that case, here's one for you too—as a reward for clearing monsters in Inazuma," Akio produced a small, exquisite Ice-type Pseudo-Herrscher Core, carefully handing it over to Klee.
He had placed a special seal on the core, limiting its active power to a safe level for Klee's age and maturity. After all, while Klee had no ill intent, she was notorious for accidentally causing chaos. If a core was left uncontrolled, even Mondstadt City might be in danger.
However, the core's power would gradually unlock itself as Klee matured.
"Wow! It feels so cool!" Klee happily absorbed the ice core, feeling a refreshing chill spread throughout her body. A new, gentle power surged within her hands.
"It's ice! Yay!" Klee clapped excitedly.
"From now on, Klee, you mustn't use this power to cause trouble. Only use it to protect people, okay?" Akio reminded gently.
"I promise, Big Brother Akio! Klee will protect everyone in Mondstadt!" Klee nodded seriously, determination shining brightly in her innocent eyes.
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