[After spending the entire afternoon accompanying Clara and helping her out, Clara came to feel that you were just like her father—always knowing exactly what she needed. You and Clara have established a father–daughter relationship.
Hearing her sweetly call you "Father," you're filled with emotions too complex to describe.
At thirty years old, you can't help feeling that your life as a dad has officially begun—though it'll probably be a life filled with Clara's well-intentioned chaos.
Reward obtained: (Kairo's Crimson Echo — 'Family': Each time Kairo is attacked, there is a 35% chance to automatically remove one negative status effect.)]
Kairo truly hadn't expected this quest objective to be completed this way.
He'd thought it would take some great act of heroism, not… being called "Father."
And yet, here it was—mission accomplished in the most dramatic fashion possible.
Still, this reward was rather peculiar.
Just as that thought crossed his mind, a surge of energy descended from above—silent and unseen, like a breeze that slipped straight into his body.
The power felt like a blessing from the void itself—warm and gentle, yet tinged with an indescribable mystery.
As it entered his body, a strange sensation spread rapidly through him.
It was as if some invisible energy had softly wrapped around his form.
It seemed this power flowed from the bond he'd formed with Clara—her Path Resonance influencing his Crimson Echo, transforming it from destructive force into protective energy, washing away fatigue and the faint internal strain from years of training.
He could feel it clearly—delicate, precise, and soothing—repairing the body in ways he had never experienced before, as though old injuries were being restored without a trace.
"This…"
Kairo frowned, looking down at his hands.
He raised them up to inspect them closely, but saw no visible change.
Yet he felt it—a soft power covering his body like invisible armor.
His breathing became lighter, his internal energy flowed more smoothly than ever before, and his entire body felt astonishingly nimble.
"What… is this power?"
Kairo muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing with curiosity.
He tried to channel it, but found it didn't behave like the destructive Path Power he knew.
It wasn't violent, nor could he control it actively—rather, it lay dormant, protective, ready to act only when he truly needed it..
When he took a step forward, he immediately noticed his body moving more fluidly—his reactions sharper, his movements more natural, as if everything had been finely adjusted.
And beneath it all, there was a quiet sense of safety, as though something unseen was shielding him.
"No… this isn't the Crimson Echo."
Kairo's brows furrowed deeper. He knew the feeling of that energy well—it was oppressive, wild, hungry to consume.
But this? This was completely different.
No destruction, no devouring.
Instead, it radiated comfort and support, like a guardian's embrace.
He tried again to command it, but it stayed elusive—unresponsive to his will.
It wasn't a power he could actively control, but one that waited silently, ready to act only when needed.
"Don't tell me… this is the Power of Preservation."
Kairo's expression turned strange.
"Brother Kairo."
Klee's soft voice broke his thoughts.
She was staring at him with wide, expectant eyes, wondering why he hadn't said anything for so long.
"Alright, alright. I'm not going anywhere."
Klee paused briefly, glancing back at the still-simmering chaos at Cider Lake, but her excitement over the day's fun outweighed any fear. Snapping back to reality, Kairo smiled helplessly…
Meeting Klee's eager gaze, he chuckled. "We'll talk about it when you get out, alright? But next time, we really need to discuss your bomb situation."
"Okay!"
Klee's face brightened instantly. She bounced on her toes, tugging playfully at Kairo's sleeve.
"Brother Kairo is the best! I'm going now! Don't forget to wait for me!"
Kairo patted her head gently. "Go on then. The sooner you confess, the sooner your confinement ends."
Klee nodded hard, hoisted her big backpack, and hopped off down the path.
Her cheerful voice echoed into the distance:
"Brother Kairo, you have to wait for me! You're not allowed to run off!"
Kairo watched her small figure disappear down the road and rubbed his chin in thought.
Seeing Klee's joy and attachment reminded him of Clara, whose Path Resonance had unlocked unique abilities. Perhaps the bonds he forms could have a similar effect.
"Anyway, better report to the Adventurers' Guild first."
Murmuring to himself, Kairo started walking toward Mondstadt.
Before long, he arrived at the city gates.
"Kairo, you're back."
One of the Knights of Favonius stationed there greeted him hurriedly.
"Don't wander off again—people reported strange phenomena near the northwest side of Cider Lake due to the massive noise—no monsters were seen, but it sounded dangerous enough for concern because of the huge noise. You're lucky you weren't outside; it could have been dangerous."
Kairo: "..."
His lips twitched slightly.
Well… in a sense, that was partly his fault.
"I understand. Thanks for the warning."
He nodded politely, exchanged a few words with the knight, and then headed straight to the Adventurers' Guild.
"Welcome back, Adventurer Kairo."
As soon as he entered, Katheryne greeted him with her usual courteous bow.
"How may I assist you today?"
"Task submission."
Kairo replied while taking out a few Small Lamp Grasses.
After processing the handover, Katheryne handed him a small pouch of Mora.
"Time for a good meal," Kairo muttered, turning toward the Good Hunter.
When it came to food, he never shortchanged himself.
As he walked, he opened his personal panel:
[Name: Kairo]
[Age: 30]
[World: Honkai–Star Rail Universe]
[Talent: None]
[Path Skills: "I Want to Help Too! (Clara), Family (Clara)]
[Attribute: Physical]
…
[Evaluation: the thirty years of wandering aimlessly at last began to converge toward purpose. You now stand at the threshold of change.]
"No talent… Physical attribute? What kind of setting is this?"
Kairo rubbed his chin, falling into deep thought.
It seemed the panel reflected not only his body's state but also the unique resonance formed through his connection with Clara—her Path Resonance subtly influencing his Physical attribute and the new 'Family' ability.
While he pondered—
At that very moment, inside the Knights of Favonius Headquarters…
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