Esmeralda Story Quest Act 2


A/N: This takes place before the Sakoku Decree was lifted.


Chapter: Vitae Cyberus

Act II: Ancient Awakening

Requirements: 1 story key, Chapter II Act III: Omnipresence Over Mortals, Esmeralda Act I: Mechanical Insight


While exploring Narukami Island, you come across a group of Ruin Sentinels.

Defeat the Ruin Sentinels.

Paimon: Another victory for the great traveler and his trusty companion Paimon!

Paimon: Still, doesn't it seem like these Ruin Sentinels have been appearing more often recently?

Paimon: And this group isn't even close to any ruins! Did they get lost?

Paimon: Let's go ask Katheryne. Surely the Adventurer's Guild will have answers.

Talk to Katheryne.

Paimon: Hey Katheryne! We have a question for you!

Katheryne: Greetings, traveler and Paimon. What do you want to know?

Paimon: Say, Katheryne, has the number of Ruin Sentinel sightings been particularly high recently?

Katheryne: You're right, Paimon. The Adventurer's Guild has noticed this as well. We are in the process of getting a team to investigate. Are you interested?

Paimon: You can count us in!

Katheryne: Then this will be your next commission. Investigate the increased Ruin Sentinel activity, and, if possible, suppress their movements.

Katheryne: I understand that you are a powerful and experienced adventurer. However, due to the danger that this commission poses, I highly recommend bringing a partner with you.

Paimon: A partner? Do you have a suggestion?

Katheryne: Indeed. Although she is not officially part of the Adventurer's Guild, Esmeralda will be of great help in your endeavor. I believe you are acquainted with her.

Paimon: Esmeralda? Oh, she's the one with the Ruin Hunter! Do you know where she is?

Katheryne: Unfortunately, we do not know where Esmeralda is currently staying. You will have to look for her yourself.

Katheryne: Once you have found her, head to these coordinates to begin your investigation. I wish you all the best. Ad Astra Abyssosque!

Paimon: Now that Paimon thinks about it, we haven't met Esmeralda for a while. Where do you think she could be, traveler?

Aether: She said that she'll be at the factory, didn't she? / She should still be in Liyue.

Paimon: That's right! She said that she'll be researching the Ruin Guard factory in Liyue! Let's go and see if she's still there.

Paimon: Still, we're going to need to get back to Liyue first. Let's go ask Beidou.

Look for Beidou in Ritou

Paimon: Hey there, Beidou!

Beidou: Well, if it isn't the traveler and Paimon. What can I do for you two?

Paimon: We're looking to return to Liyue.

Beidou: Well, then you've come at the right time! We're just about to go to Liyue Harbor to pick up some supplies.

Paimon: Great! Can we come along?

Beidou: Of course! Actually, we've just about finished the preparations to set out. If you'd come any later, you'll have missed us.

Paimon: Well, good thing we came looking, then. Thanks for the help.

Beidou: No worries. I have to ask, though, why are returning so soon? I thought that you still had things to do here.

Paimon: Actually, we're looking for a friend of ours. There's something going on with the Ruin machines around in Araumi, and she's the best choice to help us out.

Beidou: I see. Then I'll take it that you'll need a return trip as well, right?

Paimon: That's right. If it's too much trouble for you, we could -

Beidou: It's no problem at all! Our supply run is mostly for Inazuma, so we'd be returning anyway. Just come find us when you're done in Liyue, and I'll bring you right back.

Paimon: Thanks, Beidou!

You and Paimon board the Alcor, and the Cruz fleet return to Liyue harbor.

Beidou: The fleet will be anchored here for three days. We'll wait for you, but try to come back before then.

Paimon: No worries, captain! We'll be back before you know it.

Beidou leaves.

Paimon: Well, we're back in Liyue.

Paimon: Now, where could Esmeralda be?

Aether: She mentioned a factory the last time we met.

Paimon: That's right! Paimon remembers now.

Paimon: Esmeralda said that she'll be at the Ruin Guard factory in Lingju for the time being. Let's start searching there.

Head to the factory in Lingju Pass.

Paimon: Here it is.

Aether: Let's go in.

Paimon: Wait! Didn't Esmeralda say something about fortifying the factory?

Paimon: Paimon remembers that she said she'll be using Ruin Guards to chase away the Treasure Hoarders!

Aether: She told us to use the back door.

Paimon: That's right! The main entrance is going to be full of traps and Ruin Guards. Paimon thinks that that might be dangerous, even for us. Let's go in from the back.

Paimon: ...

Aether: ...

Paimon: Esmeralda never told us where the back door was, did she? Ugh, how annoying.

Paimon: Well, it's up to you, Aether. Should we just go ahead, or do we look around and see if we can find the back entrance?

Option 1: We'll go in through the main entrance.

Paimon: Well okay then, if you think you can handle it. Let's go.

Enter the factory.

Defeat the Ruin Guards.

Disable or bypass the traps.

Defeat all enemies.

Open the final door.

Paimon: Whew, that was a tough time. Paimon kind of wishes we had taken the back door instead. It'll have - eep!

Esmeralda (Daisy's laser aimed at Aether and Paimon): Oh, it's you two. Didn't I tell you to go around the back?

Esmeralda: Now I have to rearm all those traps you triggered. And pull more Ruin Guards out. What do you have to say for yourself?

Paimon: Well, you didn't tell us where it was! How are we supposed to use the secret entrance if we don't know where it is?

Esmeralda: Didn't I? Oh, I must have forgotten. I'm sorry...

Option 2: Let's look for another way in.

Paimon: Alright. Always good to avoid fighting a bunch of Ruin Guards.

Paimon: Where should we begin? Let's look around.

Look for the back entrance.

Open the door.

Enter the factory.

Find your way to the control center.

Paimon: We're here! Paimon is so glad that we didn't have to battle Ruin Guards to get here.

Esmeralda: Who's there?!

Esmeralda: Oh, it's you two. Hello. I see you remembered to go around the back. It'll be a shame if you destroyed all those traps I set up out front.

Paimon: Yeah, Paimon would rather not go through a bunch of traps as well.

Paimon: But it wasn't easy to find the door! You forgot to tell us where it was!

Esmeralda: Oh, really? I'm sorry. But you know the way now, right?

Paimon: Hmph.

(story continues here for both options)

Esmeralda: So, what brings you here?

Esmeralda: (If you took the front entrance) Looking for a fight?/(If you took the back) Miss me?

Esmeralda: Or are you here to help me with my research?

Paimon: We need your help, actually.

Esmeralda: My help? I assume it's to do with Ruin Guards?

Paimon: Kind of. It involves another type of automaton, which is your specialty, right?

Esmeralda: Another type? Do you mean Hunters?

Paimon: No, actually. They're called Ruin Sentinels. I think they're only found in Inazuma. Have you heard of them?

Paimon: They can hide around ruins as cubes, then when you come close, bam! They turn into all kinds of monsters and attack!

Esmeralda: The Ruin Sentinels can transform? What do they look like?

Paimon: Yeah, they come in a bunch of shapes. I think we fought crabs, jellyfish, mini regisvines.

Esmeralda: Biomimicry? Wait, I think I saw something about that! Let me check.

Esmeralda rifles through a pile of scrolls and books.

Esmeralda: Here it is! Do they look anything like this?

Paimon: (gasp) That's right! This one looks just like a Ruin Defender!

Esmeralda: Amazing. This is one of a few designs I found in the archives of this factory. The production of these machines was originally considered but deemed unfeasible.

Esmeralda: That's why this factory was designed to create humanoid automatons only, like Ruin Guards and Graders.

Esmeralda: You said that the Ruin Sentinels are found in Inazuma, right?

Paimon: Yup! In Araumi, on Narukami Island.

Esmeralda: According to my research, the biomimetic Ruin Sentinels have greater processing power and memory capabilities than Ruin Guards.

Esmeralda: All that, of course, means that their power consumption is significantly greater than usual, hence their smaller size.

Esmeralda: With Inazuma being the nation of Electro, there must be something there that can allow them to be sustained more easily and allow mass production.

Esmeralda: I'm definitely in. How are we going to get to Inazuma, though? Wasn't there a massive storm?

Paimon: Don't worry, we've got a friend who can get us there. Are you ready to go?

Esmeralda: I'll need some time to pack up. Give me a day or so. Where should we meet? Preferably with as less people as possible.

Paimon: There's a ship at Guyun Stone Forest, the Alcor. We'll go first and tell the captain to expect you.

Esmeralda: Sounds like you've got things prepared already. Oh, what about, you know... (gestures at Daisy)

Paimon: Oh, no worries. We'll tell the crew. I'm pretty sure they've seen stranger things.

Esmeralda: Alright, see you tomorrow.

Wait for the next day and board the Alcor.

Paimon: Hey there, Beidou!

Beidou: Paimon and Traveler! Welcome back! Did you find who you were looking for?

Paimon: Yup! Esmeralda's on her way. How's the ship? Are you ready to sail?

Beidou: Sure am. The cargo is loaded and the fleet is all set to go. Say, you'd never told me why you're bringing someone over to Inazuma.

Paimon: Well, we mentioned it's to do with the Ruin machines. They've been acting up recently, and the Adventurer's Guild wants to find out why.

Paimon: Esmeralda specializes in dealing with them, so we thought she'll be perfect to help us. Oh, she's -

Furong: Captain! There's some kind of Ruin Hunter nearby. It seems to be approaching the Alcor. Should we send someone to eliminate it?

Beidou: A Ruin Hunter, eh? Well, let's -

Paimon: Wait! I was just about to say, Esmeralda has a Ruin Guard! Hunter! Thing... Anyway, that might be her!

Beidou: Hold on. You're telling me that your friend managed to take control of a Ruin Hunter?

Paimon: That's right! We'll go check it out. If it's her, we'll bring her over, and if it's an actual Ruin Hunter, the traveler can handle it.

Beidou: Alright then. We'll be here if you need help.

Go to the unknown sighting.

Paimon: Look! It's her after all!

Paimon: Hi Esmeralda!

Esmeralda: Hello. Is that the ship? It looks impressive.

Paimon: Yup! That's the Alcor, Beidou's flagship. Have you heard of it?

Esmeralda: Beidou? The pirate captain? How'd you get her to help you?

Paimon: The traveler and I are good friends with her. Come on, we'll introduce you.

Return to the Alcor.

Beidou: Whoa, you sure that thing is safe?

Paimon: Of course! Esmeralda won't hurt us.

Esmeralda: Um, yeah. Daisy's safe.

Beidou: You call your Ruin Hunter Daisy? Huh. Well, I've heard stranger names. Do you control it?

Esmeralda: I... Yes, I can. Are you the pirate captain?

Beidou: Ha! I sure am, kid.

Paimon: That's right! Beidou is the best captain in all of Teyvat! She'll get us to Inazuma safe and sound.

Beidou: Hah, you're too kind.

Furong: Um, cap, are you sure about this? The Ruin Guard could smash the ship.

Esmeralda: She won't. I'll make sure of it.

Beidou: I'm not questioning your ability, but are you absolutely sure that you can control it? These things have a tendency to be unpredictable.

Esmeralda: I'm sure. If you'd like, I could put her into a dormant mode for the journey.

Paimon: You can do that?

Esmeralda: I won't like it, but yes. Even I know that machines like this are dangerous onboard a ship.

Beidou: Well, that is a great idea. It'll help put the crew at ease, at least. Are you fine with it?

Esmeralda: It's no problem. If you can bring me to the cargo hold, I'll place Daisy there.

Beidou: Alright. Come with me. Traveler, please wait here. We'll be back soon.

Beidou leads Esmeralda to the cargo hold.

Paimon: I wonder what the crew thinks of all this.

Paimon: Let's talk to them while we wait.

Talk to the crew.

Talk to Furong.

Furong: I don't trust that machine.

Paimon: It won't hurt anyone.

Furong: So you say. You've earned the crew's respect, traveler, so we're willing to trust you.

Furong: That doesn't mean that I'm just going to let it be. I'll be keeping an eye on that machine.

Furong: If it does something to endanger our lives or the ship, you will be held responsible, hero or not.

Talk to Huixing.

Huixing: Your friend managed to bring a Ruin Hunter under her direct control? How'd she even manage it?

Paimon: Even Paimon still doesn't know! You'll have to ask Esmeralda herself.

Huixing: Incredible. I'm definitely going to have to talk to her about it.

Talk to First Mate Juza.

Juza: The captain trusts you, which means that I trust you as well. Still, a controlled Ruin Hunter... that's not something that you see every day.

Juza: Let's hope that nothing bad happens.

Paimon: Trust us, it'll be fine!

Juza: We'll see. Not to doubt your word, but automatons have always been dangerous.

Beidou and Esmeralda arrive back on deck. Daisy is nowhere to be seen.

Beidou: Alright. Cargo has been loaded. Get ready to set sail, everyone.

The voyage to Inazuma is smooth, and you soon arrive in Ritou.

Esmeralda: So, this is Inazuma. It's... stormy. I can feel the Electro energy in the air.

Paimon: Yup, that's the thunderstorm isolating Inazuma. Hopefully, the Raiden Shogun will lift it soon, and we can come and go as we like.

Esmeralda: Hm. Alright, then. So, where're we going?

Paimon: To some ruins around Araumi. Let's go, I'll explain on the way.

Paimon: Bye, Beidou!

Esmeralda: Thanks for the trip.

Beidou: It's nothing. A friend of Aether's is a friend of mine. And you didn't break anything, so that's a bonus. Well, I'll see you around.

Head to Araumi.

Esmeralda: So, tell me what's going on.

Paimon: Well, Araumi is a place where Ruin machines tend to gather, for some reason.

Paimon: Normally, there're just a few of them running around, but recently, more and more have been seen.

Paimon: Some of them have been getting closer to the city as well, so the Adventurer's Guild has been commissioned to check it out.

Esmeralda: The Adventurer's Guild? Isn't this kind of thing more for the city guard to handle, if they pose a threat to it?

Paimon: Yup! The Tenryou Commission is responsible for the security of Inazuma, but because of recent events, their manpower is lacking.

Paimon: Because this strange activity is not considered a high priority, they've got the Adventurer's Guide to handle it instead.

Esmeralda: Recent events?

Paimon: Haven't you heard? The traveler here went one on one with the Raiden Shogun and defeated her! We singlehandedly ended the Vision Hunt Decree and exposed the Fatui's schemes!

Aether: That's not quite how it went down.

You and Paimon explain what happened in Inazuma.

Esmeralda: Wow. That's a lot to take in.

Paimon: You seriously haven't heard of any of this?

Esmeralda: Excuse me, I was in a factory in the middle of the Liyue wilderness for the past few weeks. It's not as if I can get someone to run all they way out to tell me about what's going on.

Paimon: Well, good point.

Esmeralda: Now, back to the commission. You mentioned that the Ruin machines are spreading out over the island.

Paimon: That's right. We need to stop them before someone gets hurt.

Esmeralda: Alright. The automatons usually stay near ruins, so any that are found far from such sites can be considered abnormal.

Esmeralda: Here, I have some long-range sensors. I need you to find some automatons that are in abnormal locations and disable or destroy them.

Esmeralda: Once they are disabled, place the sensor. It will hijack the machine's power core and relay the information to me.

Esmeralda: Once I have enough data, I can find the source of the Ruin machines.

Esmeralda: While you do that, I'll set up my equipment here. Any questions?

Aether: Can you repeat that? (replays previous dialogue)/No questions. (continues story)

Esmeralda: Great! You should get going then.

Find Ruin machines in abnormal locations. (x2)

Disable or destroy them and place the sensor. (x2)

Go to the last location. (a Fatui camp)

Paimon: Fatui? What are they doing here?

Paimon: Look, there're some Ruin Sentinel pieces. Gasp. Are the Fatui investigating the Ruin Sentinels as well?

Paimon: Let's get them!

Defeat the Fatui.

Place the last sensor.

Paimon: Why are the Fatui still here? Paimon is sure that they are up to no good, as usual.

Paimon: Well, we've cleared out their camp at least. Hopefully, that'll stop them.

Paimon: Let's go back and see if Esmeralda has found anything.

Return to Esmeralda's camp.

Paimon: We're back! Hey, did you know that there are Fatui around here?

Esmeralda: Fatui? Why?

Paimon: Paimon thinks that they are also investigating the Sentinels.

Paimon: Hmph. After all that they've done here, how dare they still stick around so suspiciously.

Esmeralda: Will they be a threat?

Paimon: Nah, Aether already cleared out the camp. Paimon thinks that they won't bother us. Have you found anything?

Esmeralda: Actually, I did! The source of the Ruin machines' power is coming from somewhere just off the coast of Araumi.

Esmeralda: There appears to be some kind of command unit there, which is drawing power off of a Leyline.

Esmeralda: I've taken a look over there, but there's nothing there. That means that there must be a cavern, probably a ruin of some kind, underground.

Esmeralda: We need to find out where it's entrance is, and find our way to the location I found. Let's go!

Head to the marked location.

You enter a large cavern with machinery scattered around the sides. There is a Perpetual Mechanical Array in the center of the open area. When it notices you, it immediately attacks.

Paimon: What is that?!

Esmeralda: A Perpetual Mechical Array! Oh, what a find!

Paimon: A what? Ugh, doesn't matter. Quickly, traveler! Destroy it!

Esmeralda: What? No, I want to study it! Do you have any idea how rare such a magnificent machine is?

Paimon: It's trying to kill us!

Esmeralda: Ugh, fine. But can you at least try to keep it as intact as possible?

Defeat the Perpetual Mechanical Array. (lower its HP to 20%)

Esmeralda: That's enough! Stand back, I'll handle the rest.

Esmeralda uses a device to subdue the Perpetual Mechanical Array. It powers down.

Paimon: Phew, what a tough fight.

Esmeralda: Such a shame that you had to do so much damage to it, though.

Paimon: It was trying to kill us!

Esmeralda: I understand, but...

Esmeralda: Nevermind. Let me take a look at it.

Esmeralda looks through the wreckage.

Esmeralda: I've found the control unit! This is amazing!

Paimon: Control unit? Wait, does this mean that you can control the Perpetual Mechanical Array?

Esmeralda: In theory, yes. Control units like this one were used by the creators of these automatons to, well, control them.

Esmeralda: If this one is still operational, or if I can repair it, I believe that it will be able to let me control the Array.

Esmeralda: That's assuming that the Array is still functional, anyway. Let me see.

Esmeralda inspects the Perpetual Mechanical Array.


Cutscene

Esmeralda: You know, this Array is actually still quite intact. You've managed to keep most of the circuitry intact while attacking it.

Esmeralda: Honestly, that's very impressive. Thanks for that. You've saved me a lot of trouble.

Paimon: That's great! It was no feat for someone like the traveler, who -

Paimon: Wait, did you hear that?

A group of Fatui enter, led by a Fatui Pyro Agent. Aether enters a combat stance and Esmeralda glances over at them, still focused primarily on the Array.

Paimon: Fatui! Looks like we didn't chase them off after all.

Fatui: Hah! So you did manage to defeat the Perpetual Mechanical Array.

Fatui: In the name of the Tsaritsa and the Harbingers, we claim this site!

Fatui: Surrender, and you may just live for another day.

Paimon: They're after the Array? We must stop them!

The Fatui open fire, hitting the Array and damaging it. Aether summons his (dull) blade and steps forward, but is interrupted by Esmeralda as she steps up.

Esmeralda: You march in here, interrupt my work, threaten us, and dare attack the Array?

Paimon: Uh oh, she looks mad.

Esmeralda: Have you no respect for science?

Fatui: If you think about resisting, I'll make sure that you join your science in the trash!

Esmeralda: That's it! You asked for this!

Esmeralda's Vision flares, sending out a wave of Geo energy. The inactive Ruin Sentinels nearby activate, lights glowing red. More of the machines, buried in and around the cavern, erupt into motion, floating to the power core of the Pepertual Mechanical Array. The Ruin Sentinels transform, turning into a massive robotic dragon. The mechanical dragon roars, attacking the Fatui with a powerful laser. Defeated, they flee. The automaton collapses, splitting back into its components.


Paimon: What the heck was that?! When could you - How even - What?!

Esmeralda: I... That was... wow, I didn't think that I could do that.

Paimon: What did you do, exactly?

Esmeralda: I'm so... ugh... tired... Need food.

Esmeralda collapses.

Paimon: Oh no! She collapsed! We need something sweet to revive her.

Paimon: I know! Let's make a Mondstat Hash Brown. It's sure to give her energy.

Make a Mondstat Hash Brown.

Give Esmeralda the Mondstat Hash Brown.

Esmeralda: Phew. Thanks for that. I feel much better now.

Paimon: Great! Now can you tell us what just happened? What was that?

Esmeralda: Remember how I said that the Ruin Sentinels were designed for biomimicry? You mentioned crabs and jellyfish.

Esmeralda: Even the Perpetual Mechanical Array was mimicking a Hypostasis. That's a major part of how these can be so powerful in combat.

Esmeralda: Mimicking the strategies of local life forms that have survived for so long allows them to be effective in their operations.

Esmeralda: You know, they -

Esmeralda: Ahem. Anyway, the source code for mimicking a dragon was actually already written into the control unit. That's what I was looking through when the Fatui showed up.

Esmeralda: The problem with the dragon form was that it simply required massive amounts of power. The inbuilt power core couldn't supply that.

Esmeralda: But we are on a Leyline. I used my Vision to tap into it, and, well... that happened.

Paimon: Woah. That's awesome!

Esmeralda: Ha! Yes, it was. Unfortunately, that took a lot out of both me and the Array. I'm going to be fine after a while, but the Array... Sigh.

Paimon: What's wrong?

Esmeralda: A power surge of that magnitude would have overloaded... well, basically everything. It would take me weeks to repair it, and even then, I'm not sure if the damage is reversible.

Esmeralda: Of course, given that the dragon form was integrated into the Array, it's possible that it had fail-safes to control the energies. I won't know for sure until I can properly investigate.

Esmeralda: Come back in, um... a day? I should be done with diagnostics by then.

Paimon: Wait, before we go, Paimon has a question.

Paimon: Do you know why the Ruin Sentinels are acting up? Can we consider the commission complete?

Esmeralda: They'll no longer bother anyone outside their usual places, that I can tell you.

Esmeralda: With this control device, I can order them back to the ruins. As for why they started roaming, I'm not sure of that yet. Maybe tomorrow.

Paimon: Alright then. See you tomorrow!

Esmeralda: Bye.

Report to Katheryne

Paimon: Hey Katheryne! We're back!

Katheryne: Ad Astra Abyssosque, Traveler and Paimon. Have you completed the commission already?

Paimon: Yup! Esmeralda's got it under control. The Ruin Sentinels won't be wandering around anymore.

Katheryne: Impressive work. How'd she do it, if I may ask?

Paimon: Oh, we found a... what was it, a control unit?

Paimon: Esmeralda managed to use it to call all the Sentinels back.

Katheryne: I see. Well, then I can consider this commission completed. Here is your reward. Remember to share it with Esmeralda.

Paimon: No worries, we will.

Received item: Esmeralda's commission reward

Wait for the next day

Return to the cavern

You meet Esmeralda standing outside the cavern. There is a heavy metal door in the path, locked.

Paimon: Hey, Esmeralda! What's going on? Why's the door locked?

Esmeralda: Heh, uh, yeah. So you see, I was just doing some slight experimentation yesterday. Nothing major; just trying to find a way for the power core of the Array to draw additional power from the Leyline.

Esmeralda: I mean, there was actually an overload system in place. It was meant to be able to withstand direct Leyline energies. But in doing so, I decided to temporarily bypass the control unit.

Esmeralda: I had to because the power that I needed to run would have probably caused some damage to it, and I had to stabilize the output before replacing the unit.

Paimon: What could possibly need so much energy? Wait... you were trying to activate the dragon again, weren't you?

Esmeralda: Yeeeah. I was. You see, the Array could only take direct control of a few Ruin Sentinels at once. In order to recreate the dragon, I needed to improve the control unit.

Esmeralda: Oh, that reminds me, it has a name now. In its systems, it is known as the Eternal Automaton Command Core. Personally, though, I like to call it Legacy. I think it sounds nicer.

Paimon: That's not the point! Why would you reactivate it?

Esmeralda: Why? This is the greatest technological discovery in the past centuries! It may just have the secret to creating artificial life itself! Of course I was trying to reactivate it!

Paimon: Woah, ok, we get it. So why are you stuck outside here?

Esmeralda: Um, that. Well, I mentioned that I removed the control unit, right?

Esmeralda: Yeah, without that, Legacy must have reverted to its original programming.

Esmeralda: To protect the Leyline and its power source from external threats.

Esmeralda: So now it's basically gone feral and attacks anyone who tries to get in. I can't get past it to shut it down.

Paimon: So now you need us to defeat another giant mech for you. Well, good thing Aether's used to fighting all kinds of Ruin machines.

Esmeralda: Thanks a lot. When you're ready, come tell me, and I'll open the gate. Please try not to damage it too badly.


Start Boss Battle

Defeat Legacy, the Eternal Automaton Command Core.

(After 40% damage, enter phase 2.)

Esmeralda: Traveler! I've managed to tap into the Leylines! I'm going to direct its power to you. Hold on.

Esmeralda: Watch out! The Leyline energy is overwhelming my systems! Draw on the power from the surroundings, Aether! It'll give you a boost.

Esmeralda: But be careful, Legacy will also try to use this power. You must prevent it from doing so, or it will unleash an extremely powerful ability!

(The Leyline power erupts, filling the room. It consolidates into three Energy Orbs at the three Surge Gates in the room, which the traveler can collect to gain a temporary buff. Blue Orb - increased speed and decreased stamina consumption. Red Orb - increased attack power. Green Orb - increased defence and resistance to interruption. Legacy will try to drain the Surge Gates, exposing its power cores in the process. Target the cores to prevent it from doing so. If it absorbs a Gate, it uses a powerful ability and the Gate no longer generates Orbs. Blue - Legacy gains a shield and increases its cast speed. Red - Rain missiles down upon the entire room, dealing massive damage. Also increases its attack. Green - Summon a group of Ruin Sentinels. Legacy's cores will no longer be exposed while it performs certain attacks, and it gains additional defense.)

(After Hp reaches 10%)

Esmeralda: I've got the control unit. Taking manual control. Good work, traveler.


Esmeralda: I'm assuming full control of Legacy's systems. Initializing manual override... Shutting down all systems.

Legacy shuts down.

Esmeralda: Phew! What an ordeal.

Paimon: What exactly is that thing? Paimon almost got blasted!

Esmeralda: Legacy is the Eternal Automaton Command Core created by Khaenri'ah. Didn't I already tell you that?

Paimon: I mean, yes, but... What does... Ugh...

Aether: Why was it created?

Esmeralda: For the same reason that the Ruin Guards were created.

Esmeralda: Legacy is a war machine.

Esmeralda: It was designed to be capable of battling incredibly powerful beings, beyond that of any Vision bearer.

Esmeralda: Honestly, I was kind of surprised that you managed to defeat it. Actually, I've never seen your Vision.

Paimon: Aether doesn't have one! He's a special case.

Esmeralda: Elemental affinity without a Vision? Curious. I'd investigate further, but I have other things to do right now.

Paimon: It's because he's from another world!

Esmeralda: Another world... No wonder I've never seen your abilities before. No wonder you could take down Legacy.

Paimon: That's right! Still, something like this is very scary. What if it decides to go on a rampage?

Esmeralda: No need to worry about that. I'll make sure it behaves.

Paimon: Wait, so you can actually control it now?

Esmeralda: That's right. The control unit is fully functional. Legacy is under my control.

Paimon: That's awesome! Can Paimon try?

Esmeralda: No offense, Paimon, but you're not smart enough for that.

Paimon: What? Paimon's plenty smart!

Esmeralda: Here, take a look.

Paimon (looking in confusion at the control unit): Uhhh... Can you explain it to Paimon?

Esmeralda attempts to explain, but Paimon is unable to understand.

Paimon: Alright, Paimon gets it! It's complicated... What a shame. Paimon wanted to pilot a dragon.

Aether: Maybe you could ask Dvalin.

Paimon: Oh, good idea. I'll be sure to ask when we're back in Mondstadt.

Esmeralda: Dvalin?

Paimon: He's a dragon we met, a companion of the Anemo Archon. We saved him from an Abyss plot. We're friends now.

Esmeralda: Friends with a dragon... You really are something else.

Esmeralda: Well, the talk was nice, but I have to get back to my work. There are many tests that I have to conduct.

Esmeralda: Actually, I think that you can help in that. If you come back every week or so, we can have a battle. I'll unleash Legacy for you to fight.

Paimon: What? Isn't that dangerous?

Esmeralda: I'll make sure it doesn't perform any lethal strikes. As for you, Aether, don't hold back. I'll repair any damage that you do.

Paimon: And how'll this help?

Esmeralda: The amount of data I can collect from such a battle would be incredible. Don't worry about that. I'll handle the data. Just do your best.

Paimon: What do you think, traveler?

Aether: Sure. It'll be good practice.

Esmeralda: Great. We can start next week.

Paimon: Oh, before we go, here's your part of the reward for the commission.

Esmeralda: Oh. Thanks.

Paimon: Alright then, bye for now.

Esmeralda: Bye.

Quest complete.

Unlocked 'Legacy of the Ancients' weekly challenge.