Genshin Impact: I Can Obtain Adventure EXP

Watatsumi Island, Sangonomiya Shrine

The sky was clear, and the weather was pleasant. Perhaps due to the abundance of water elemental energy, even the tender green grass emitted a faint, ocean-blue glow.

Coupled with the massive shells embedded in the ground, walking along the paths here felt like being submerged in a brilliant underwater world.

The scenery was indeed breathtaking.

"Up ahead is Sangonomiya Shrine. I've already sent someone ahead to inform Her Excellency. She's likely waiting for you inside," Gorou said, visibly more relaxed now that they had returned to Watatsumi Island.

"You've mentioned Her Excellency so many times during the journey, Gorou. What kind of person is she?" Paimon asked curiously, floating beside Lumine. Lumine, too, stroked her chin thoughtfully and looked at Gorou with interest.

"Uh… how do I put it?" Gorou scratched the back of his head, taking a few seconds to organize his thoughts. Then he began introducing her to Nolan and the others.

"Her Excellency's full name is Sangonomiya Kokomi. She is the 'Divine Priestess' of Watatsumi Island, as well as our supreme leader.

"Our Watatsumi Army is much weaker compared to the Shogunate forces. The fact that we can hold our ground against them is all thanks to Her Excellency's exceptional strategies. Without her, Watatsumi Island would have fallen to the Shogunate long ago."

"Oh, so she's not just Watatsumi's leader; she's also like a military strategist?" Paimon asked, nodding as if she understood.

"That's correct," Gorou replied, his ears twitching slightly, a sign of affirmation.

"She sounds like an extraordinary person," Lumine said, smiling as her fair face lit up.

"She most certainly is!" Gorou replied, a hint of pride in his voice at Lumine's recognition of Kokomi.

As the others chatted, Nolan observed the surroundings. The dirt path they were walking on was lined with several camps.

No, they weren't ordinary camps—they seemed to be field hospitals. After all, this was the rear line, and many of the soldiers in the camps appeared to be injured.

Some soldiers, with graying hair and visibly aged appearances, stood out. They were likely those who had used Delusions, as it was unlikely Watatsumi would send elderly men to the battlefield.

"There seem to be a lot of soldiers who've used Delusions. Didn't you confiscate them as soon as you noticed the problem?" Nolan asked, his tone curious.

"The rumors about Delusions started circulating in the army over a month ago," Gorou explained, his tone heavy. "But since we didn't notice any immediate abnormalities and the front-line situation was dire, we overlooked it.

"It wasn't until a few seemingly unremarkable soldiers—ones without Visions—suddenly displayed elemental powers and performed spectacularly on the battlefield that we realized the gravity of the situation.

"But by then, it was too late.

"Many soldiers who had acquired Delusions kept them hidden, even though they knew the price was their lifespan. They refused to hand them over, thinking that using them was the only way to fight against the Shogunate forces.

"By the time we noticed anything unusual, they had often already been using the Delusions for a long time, and the damage had been done."

Gorou's voice was filled with regret.

It was understandable, though. Everyone wanted to contribute to Watatsumi Island's cause, even if it meant sacrificing their lives.

Simply ordering soldiers to hand over their Delusions wouldn't work. The only way to solve the problem was to destroy the Delusion factories and cut off the source.

Her Excellency had said as much, but even so, they had no leads on the location of the factories.

That was, until a visitor who could "listen to the wind" arrived on Watatsumi Island a few days ago. With his help, they managed to pinpoint the factory's location on Yashiori Island.

It seemed fortune was on their side.

Even though they had identified the factory's location, they had expected it to take a long time to find, and they were prepared for conflict with the Fatui.

But to their surprise, the Delusion factory had already been destroyed by Nolan and his companions.

If that wasn't luck, what was? These people were truly benefactors of Watatsumi Island.

"That's admirable," Nolan said. He genuinely respected people willing to sacrifice their own lives for the greater good. After all, it was something he couldn't do himself.

He stroked his chin thoughtfully, then summoned the "Lumine's Sword God."

"My avatar has excellent healing capabilities," he said. "While I can't restore the lifespan they've lost, I can heal all of their hidden injuries and ailments. That should give them a few more years of good health."

"Really?!" Gorou exclaimed, his ears perking up in surprise.

His excitement was understandable. Watatsumi's medical resources were limited, and often Her Excellency herself had to use her elemental powers to heal the wounded. That was why the field hospital was located so close to Sangonomiya Shrine.

If they could have another healer with elemental abilities, it would significantly ease the strain on Watatsumi's medical system.

Gorou watched Nolan's golden avatar thoughtfully. Wait a minute—wasn't this supposed to be Miss Lumine's avatar? How is it yours? Did you misspeak?

He froze for a moment, then shook his head. Never mind, no need to dwell on it.

"Of course it's real. I never lie," Nolan said with a chuckle, controlling the "Lumine's Sword God" to fly toward the camp beside the road.

Gorou's tail wagged happily as he beamed at Nolan and said, "Mr. Nolan, thank you so much for your help! The Watatsumi Army won't let you assist us for nothing. Once we meet Her Excellency, I'll be sure to report this to her!"

"Heh, it's nothing, just a small effort," Nolan replied modestly, smiling.

Beside him, Lumine and Paimon exchanged speechless glances. Seriously? You're this happy just because someone thanked you a little?

After passing through the medical camp, they finally entered the area surrounding Sangonomiya Shrine, a beautiful structure resembling a radiant pearl.

Aside from patrolling soldiers, shrine maidens were also present, managing the daily operations of Sangonomiya Shrine.

When they saw Gorou, they greeted him with a respectful "General!"

It seemed Gorou held quite a bit of prestige in the Watatsumi Army. Earlier, when they passed through a small village, the villagers had called him "the Undefeated General."

Now that was a remarkable title.

As Nolan pondered this, the group crossed a bridge in the plaza, passed through the square, and arrived at the entrance to Sangonomiya Shrine.

Two shrine maidens stood guard at the door and greeted Gorou with a polite "General Gorou."

Gorou nodded to them and said, "Please inform Her Excellency that I have arrived with our guests. She should already be aware of this matter."

"Understood."

One of the maidens, dressed in a white-and-blue shrine outfit, nodded lightly and opened the grand doors of the shrine to enter and report.

This formal process of meeting a notable figure was nothing new to Nolan and the others.

It didn't take long before the maiden returned. She gently opened the doors again, bowed slightly, and said, "Her Excellency Sangonomiya invites you all to enter."

"Hehe, thank you!" Paimon said with a cheerful smile.

The group stepped through the shrine's doors, where golden sunlight poured through transparent windows, illuminating the spacious hall.

Gorou led the way, guiding them further inside.

After just a few steps, they saw a young girl with long, coral-pink hair standing behind a desk, her back turned to them.

Hearing the sound of footsteps, the girl turned slightly. Her fair face was serene, her ocean-blue eyes calm. She wore a light, airy top adorned with a large bow at the chest.

Her bare midriff revealed her smooth, pale skin and navel. Below her gradient blue-and-white shorts—resembling pearl shells—were white over-the-knee stockings.

The space between her shorts and stockings exposed a sliver of her fair thighs.

This had to be none other than Sangonomiya Kokomi, the "Divine Priestess" of Watatsumi Island.

Her appearance was exactly as Nolan had seen in the game. Without even speaking, her tranquil smile already made her seem approachable.

"Your Excellency, we've completed the task you entrusted to us—or rather, these guests helped us accomplish it. They are…" Gorou said with a hint of excitement as he began introducing Nolan and the others.

"Hello, Your Excellency!" Paimon greeted Sangonomiya Kokomi with a cheerful wave, cutting in after Gorou's introduction.

"Please, just call me Kokomi. No need to be so formal," Kokomi replied with a light laugh, holding a book in her hands to cover her smile.

"Hello, Kokomi," Nolan and Lumine greeted her casually, skipping the formalities.

"I've already heard a brief report from the soldiers who arrived earlier about the Delusion factory. The mission went so smoothly thanks to all of you. I'm truly grateful!"

Sangonomiya Kokomi gave them a gentle bow of gratitude.

[Kokomi Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You, Obtained 500 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.3 (200/300).]

Nolan's character interface conveniently displayed a notification about the gained affection points.

"It was just a commission I happened to take on. I didn't expect it to be of help to you," Lumine said, twirling a strand of her golden hair.

"Exactly! If you want to thank us, how about treating us to a big meal instead?" Paimon added enthusiastically, nodding in agreement.

Nolan glanced wordlessly at Paimon. This idiot really doesn't aim very high, does she?

Kokomi couldn't help but chuckle softly before maintaining her polite smile. "Recently, Watatsumi Island has replenished its supplies, so if Paimon wants a feast, that won't be a problem."

"Hehe, thank you, Kokomi!" Paimon said happily, her cheerful personality quickly easing into familiarity with Kokomi.

"Oh, right, Your Excellency, when we passed by the camp earlier, Mr. Nolan even left an avatar there to help treat the wounded soldiers. I think they truly deserve even greater recognition!"

Gorou repeated what had happened earlier, leaving Nolan feeling a little embarrassed. After all, for him, it really wasn't a big deal.

"Oh? Is that so? On Watatsumi Island, our healers are typically shrine maidens who take on the role, but we're often short-handed. Mr. Nolan, you've truly been a great help once again!"

Kokomi's tone carried a trace of gratitude.

[Kokomi Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You, Obtained 300 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.4 (200/400).]

"Ahem, it was nothing, just a small matter," Nolan said, brushing it off. Seeing another affection increase, he felt like rewards didn't matter much anymore.

I've only just met her, and my affection level is already at level four!

"There's no need to be so modest," Kokomi said gently. "Saving lives is never a small matter. You've helped us destroy the Delusion factory and heal the injured soldiers. These are significant contributions, and we must reward you properly, as Gorou suggested."

Kokomi tapped her gloved fingers against her soft, pale chin, deep in thought.

A few seconds later, she spoke slowly: "I wonder if you'd be interested in joining Watatsumi Island. If you are, I can appoint you as generals of the Watatsumi Army immediately, giving you command over an entire battalion of soldiers.

"With your help, I'm confident we can defeat the Shogunate forces and finally force them to abolish the Vision Hunt Decree!"

Kokomi's perspective was clear and pragmatic. While she wouldn't blindly trust the leadership skills of two newly acquainted travelers, she had complete faith in their strength.

After all, if the two of them could single-handedly destroy a Delusion factory, each of them might be as powerful as an entire battalion.

In that case, whether or not they could command troops was irrelevant. When it came to actual combat, their soldiers might even need to back away to avoid getting caught in the crossfire.

"G-General?" Paimon exclaimed, stunned. She turned to Lumine. "Do you even know how to lead troops?"

Lumine shook her head.

Nolan, though equally impressed by Kokomi's bold offer, understood that he was far from qualified. Growing up under the red flag, he'd never learned anything about guerrilla warfare.

After some thought, he politely declined:

"Haha, like most boys, I've dreamed of becoming a great general, but I'm afraid, Miss Kokomi, that I'm not prepared for such a sudden responsibility.

"Strategy? Commanding soldiers? I've never had any experience with such things—I'm completely clueless. It's better not to take on a role that might create more trouble for you."

"Exactly! Besides, we're on a mission to find the Raiden Shogun, so we can't stay on Watatsumi Island," Paimon said, waving her hands for emphasis.

"I see… so it's just my wishful thinking," Kokomi said, her expression tinged with disappointment. After a moment of reflection, she sighed and said, "But if you refuse the position of general, Watatsumi Island doesn't have any rewards that would adequately match your contributions."

"Miss Kokomi, whether we're rewarded or not doesn't really matter to us," Nolan said reassuringly. "But if you feel that something must be done, how about granting us honorary titles instead?

"We're Honorary Knights in Mondstadt too—it's the kind of title where we don't have to worry about any administrative duties."

Nolan offered his suggestion, wondering if this honorary title would even grant him a special achievement, much like his title in Mondstadt.

Hearing his words, everyone's eyes lit up.

This was a great solution—a perfect way to resolve the issue for both sides. Gorou immediately chimed in: "Your Excellency, I think Mr. Nolan's idea is an excellent one!"

Kokomi nodded. This plan indeed achieved her goal of fostering goodwill while avoiding unnecessary burdens on the travelers.

With a serene smile gracing her pale face, she announced: "Very well, in my capacity as the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island, I hereby bestow upon you the title of 'Honorary General of Watatsumi Island'!"

(End of Chapter)

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