Genshin Impact: I am the Great General of Liyue

Chapter 128 Huiyuan's PTSD

D'Artagnan had only intended to dissuade Tok from taking the matter seriously, which surprised him.

"I want to...I want to protect Sister Donya..."

With the same brown hair, the same blue eyes, and the same reason for fighting, Datalia couldn't help but feel delighted and praised him.

“Good answer, Tok.”

Looking at the two brothers who appeared in his line of sight at the same time, Huiyuan couldn't help but sigh, "When brothers are of one mind, their strength can break metal. With you two brothers in the family, there must be a great sense of security."

D'Artagnan glanced at Hunyuan briefly, withdrew her hand from stroking Tok, stood up, and continued speaking.

"Once we return to Winter's End, I'll start teaching you combat techniques... From now on, you'll be in charge of protecting Tonya, okay?"

"Hehe...Don't worry, brother!"

Looking at Tok like this, even Paimon, who dislikes "the relative's child" no matter how much he dislikes him, can hardly resist praising him.

“When he’s not so willful, Tok is a really good boy.”

Ying nodded in agreement with Paimon's idea and commented, "Protecting your family is a great reason."

Looking at Tartaglia now, Ying feels a deep sense of familiarity, as if she were seeing her own brother. Perhaps... without Paimon's companionship, it would have been difficult for Ying to optimistically make her way to Liyue.

For Ying, Paimon is not only emergency food, but also her best companion. Perhaps her appetite is astonishing, her expenses are huge, and she doesn't gain weight, but as long as Paimon is there for her every day and shows that flawless smile, it's all worth it, no matter how much Mora is needed.

"We've spent enough time in Liyue, shouldn't we take a boat back, Tok?"

Upon hearing this, Tok, who was about to go back, immediately changed his obedient demeanor and started to act sullen.

"Hey, but...but brother, you've been so busy you haven't had a chance to play with Tok properly..."

"Tok, you know your brother is very busy with work... and Sister Traveler has already taken you on a good 'trip,' right?"

Seeing D'Artagnan also struggling with unrequited love, Paimon gave him a disdainful look, knowing everything.

(He just felt that he couldn't keep it a secret any longer...)

Tok activated his passive ability "Poor Eyes" and his skill "Paimon Bargaining Technique," saying, "Well, then, brother, I'll grant Tok one wish, and Tok will obediently go back!"

"Who taught you to haggle like this?"

Upon hearing D'Artagnan's words, Paimon shyly averted her gaze, pretending not to know anything. Although Huiyuan had been in charge of bargaining before, how could the talkative little Paimon just stand there without saying a word? Every time Huiyuan was about to close the price, she would suddenly cut it in half, catching everyone off guard.

Seeing Paimon's expression, D'Artagnan laughed and said, "Haha... Alright, what do you say?"

"I want to visit the 'Toy Research Institute' here!"

Without paying attention to the content of the wish, D'Artagnan agreed without hesitation.

“Sure. After all, Tok traveled all the way to Liyue for me... As his older brother, I should show him the same sincerity for his last wish before leaving.”

"That's right! Hehe."

The so-called Toy Research Institute is actually the place where the Ruins Guard appeared when we first encountered Tok.

Considering the descriptions of the Thousand Rock Army and D'Artagnan's habit of using real-world references when making up lies, it's hard not to guess that the Toy Lab is actually the Ruins Guardian Lab. Thinking of this, Paimon glanced worriedly at Tok and D'Artagnan.

Before Paimon could say anything, Tok skipped along and invited, "Kind sisters, come on over! It's Tok's turn to show you around!"

The young master lowered his head slightly and pondered for a moment, then a plan emerged in his mind.

Paimon sensed something was wrong, but it was too late.

Just like before at the Northern Bank, D'Artagnan mimicked his younger brother's expression, a slight smirk playing on his lips as he said dismissively, "Heh heh... Travelers, you wouldn't be the kind of people who disappoint children, would you?"

"Ugh, the brothers' offensive is starting again... Damn it, Traveler, Sister Lingling, let's go!"

......

The group followed Dadalia to the "Toy Research Institute".

Outside the entrance to the research institute, there are various metal pipes, and several unpowered ruins guard the surrounding area.

Huiyuan's first impression was that it was filled with an eerie atmosphere. It felt so familiar. She must have never been here before.

"This is it, Liyue's 'Toy Lab'."

D'Artagnan turned to the group and pointed to a cave entrance that was not very noticeable.

For some reason, while Huiyuan found the eerie environment unsettling, Tok wasn't afraid at all. Perhaps it was because the atmosphere in Zhidong was so oppressive? Probably. After all... the lady's death only caused Zhidong to shut down for half a day; a country like that should be filled with the resentment of those working overtime.

"We're here! I can already hear the machines inside, so cool!"

Listening to the sounds of various instruments and gears, Tok couldn't wait to go inside and have a look.

Huiyuan shivered and instinctively hugged herself.

"What's going on? This place feels so strange...it suddenly got so cold..."

Her hands were already icy cold. Even though the temperature was perfectly comfortable, Huiyuan felt like her hands were about to get frostbite.

Huiyuan couldn't resist any longer and subconsciously put her hands inside her clothes to warm them.

D'Artagnan looked at the cave entrance from which smoke was billowing out and began to explain it to the traveler.

"I knew a little about this before; this should be considered the 'Doctor's' 'Toy Lab.' The 'Doctor' is another 'Executor' of the Fatui, and he has a habit of tinkering with old things occasionally... This ruin was modified by him to study the Ruin Guardian."

Upon hearing the word "Doctor," Huiyuan instantly understood where this eerie feeling came from.

(It's PTSD! No wonder I felt inexplicably scared... I fell for that crazy doctor's scheme before, and I still remember the feeling of my stomach being cut open so clearly. It's really terrifying...)

After listening to D'Artagnan's account, Paimon asked in confusion, "Huh? Were the Ruins Guardians created by you Fatui?"

D'Artagnan shook his head, denying it.

"No, those monsters are more closely related to the 'Abyss,' and strictly speaking, they're our enemies... We're just conducting research. As for why the Ruins Guardians have been appearing recently... it's probably just because they've gotten bored and lost interest in this place."

Paimon crossed his arms in dissatisfaction and began to comment.

"Another executive with a terrible temper!"