Genshin Impact: The Origins

Loyalty

(from Shahasra's point of view)

Finally, it's over. It looks like most of us succeeded. Yashiro and Tenryou were showing off our weapons. Wait, why do I feel like I'm forgetting something important?

"Shahasra, come here," my father called.

I went to him. "What is it, Father?" I asked.

"Your duel is about to start. Are you really sure you want to do this?" he asked.

"Darn, I totally forgot about that. I knew I had remembered it just moments ago. Anyway..."

"Yes, I'm sure. But before that, Dad, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, what is it, Shahasra?" he replied.

"Did Kaedehara Zenjiro or someone from the Kaedehara clan poison Mother when she was pregnant, or..."

My father sighed. "It seems nothing can escape your grasp. Yes, you guessed correctly. The Kaedehara clan didn't do it; someone else did and framed Zenjiro for it. But back then, I was desperate and heartbroken. I made a foolish decision that I will never forgive myself," my father replied.

"Then, let me correct your mistake," I said firmly.

"Shahasra, what are you planning to do?"

"If I tell you, that would spoil the surprise, wouldn't it?" I replied.

***********

Soon after, our duel began. Everyone gathered around the stage, surrounding us. Takashi and I stood face to face in the center. My father stood between us, acting as the referee for the match.

"Both of you, introduce yourselves and bow to each other," my father instructed.

"Raiden Shahasra from the Raiden Clan," I said.

"Kaedehara Takashi from the Kaedehara Clan," he replied.

"The rules are simple. No use of elemental powers. The battle will end if one person surrenders or can no longer fight. Try to avoid causing serious injuries. If things become too dangerous, I will intervene," my father explained.

"Both of you, take your fighting stances," my father ordered.

We took our positions, prepared for battle. Takashi and I both used the same sword art style: Isshin arts. After all, his father had been my father's right-hand man.

"Begin!" my father shouted.

Our battle commenced, and to my surprise, he was a skilled fighter. He had honed his abilities meticulously. I wielded my Raijin for this battle, as using Shinigami was not an option.

"Wow, this kid is great. He's almost as skilled as you," Raijin remarked in my head.

"Yeah, one mistake and I could lose," I replied.

Well, it looks like he's holding back a little. Perhaps it's because his sword is different from mine—it has a sharp blade, and he wields it with lightning speed. One mistake, and I could end up sliced apart like a leek. I'm glad he doesn't have a vision. Our battle continued in this manner.

My sword struck him repeatedly, and at first, he brushed off the hits. I think he assumed Raijin wouldn't hurt him because of its reversed blade. However, after a few hits, he changed his mind. Although Raijin doesn't cut, when used with speed and strength, it can inflict serious bruises, broken bones, or internal bleeding.

After a serious fight, he made a mistake. He attempted a feint and tried to take me down, but I saw it coming. I countered his attack and sent his sword flying. Then, I kicked him in the chest, sending him sprawling backward. He tried to get up, but he fell over.