Interlude Chapter Act 3.5
A/N: OK, I lied again. This isn't Story Quest 3. It was supposed to be, but then it turned out into more of like a major thing with all the other Sumeru characters. Hence, this chapter is now an Archon Quest Interlude. Its contents are lore-compliant as of the start of Genshin Version 3.5 Windblume's Breath, as far as I know. This includes the contents of Faruzan's Hangout (the cause of the delay of this chapter). The contents of this chapter are very likely to conflict with future updates. I'll decide what to do when that time comes.
This takes place after Esmeralda: Inazuma 2 and the Interlude Chapter Inversion of Genesis.
Spoiler warning: Faruzan Hangout. And basically everything else in the requirements part.
Chapter: Interlude
Act 3.5: The Nature of Being
Requirements: Interlude Chapter Act III: Inversion of Genesis, Esmeralda Act II: Ancient Awakening, Tighnari Act 1: The Unanswerable Problems, Faruzan Hangout Act I: A Confounding Conundrum.
One day, while passing by Pardis Dhyai, you run into Tighnari.
Tighnari: Ah, Traveler. Just who I wanted to see.
Paimon: Hi, Tighnari. What's up?
Tighnari: It's about Karkata. Please come back at night, when the other visitors have left.
Wait for night (1800 - 0000).
Paimon: What's wrong with Karkata?
Karkata: ...
Tighnari: It seems kind of lifeless. Definitely much slower than normal.
Tighnari: Here, look. Karkata, get me a sample of Karmaphala Wood, please.
Karkata: ...
Karkata: Kalu.
Karkata trundle off to get wood. It takes several minutes for it to return.
Paimon: Wow, it did seem much better than that the last time we were here.
Tighnari: You're right. This is a recent phenomenon.
Tighnari: I've attempted to fix the problem, but I have found no issues with Karkata.
Paimon: Oh, Paimon gets it. You want to know if we can help! Have you checked with Faruzan?
Tighnari: Unfortunately, Faruzan is currently busy in the Academia. She is unable to help.
Paimon: Again?
Tighnari: Again.
Paimon: What do you think, Traveler? Should we go look for her?
Aether: She might be doing something important. / Maybe we can find someone else.
Paimon: Oh! That's right, we can get Esmeralda to help.
Tighnari: Esmeralda?
Paimon: Yeah, she's our friend. She managed to get full control of a Ruin Guard, so fixing Karkata up shouldn't be an issue.
Tighnari: A machine specialist, eh? Very interesting. Would you mind sending her my way?
Paimon: No worries, we're on it. It shouldn't be much of a problem. Where would Esmeralda be...
Paimon: It's been a while since we saw her, who knows where she is now. Let's go check with Katheryne first.
Go to Katheryne.
Katheryne: Ad Astra Abyssosque. Hello, Traveler and Paimon. How can I help?
Paimon: Nice to see you, Katheryne!
Paimon: Do you know where Esmeralda is?
Katheryne: Esmeralda? What a coincidence. I have a letter from her here. Please take a look.
Paimon: Ooh, what does it say?
Received item: Esmeralda's message.
Esmeralda's Message:
Greetings, Aether and Paimon. First of all, I'd like to thank you for the help with Legacy. Research goes well and is progressing quickly thanks to the data I collected from our duels.
But that's not why I got Katheryne to send you this message. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I have returned to the Automaton Factory in Lingju Pass, Liyue, and I will remain here for the time being. Legacy is with me. The cavern in Inazuma has been abandoned.
Although I have collected a sufficient amount of data on Legacy's performance, you are always welcome here, be it for a duel to just to hang out. Practice makes perfect, after all, and there is no such thing as too much data. I've also managed to register you as friends in the eyes of the factory, so you can come in freely without risking the traps and murder robots.
Stay safe on your travels, and do think of me when you find any interesting technology. I'd love to come to have a look.
Paimon: It looks like Esmeralda's returned to Liyue. I wonder why.
Paimon: Well, we can ask her when we see her.
Paimon: Thanks, Katheryne!
Katheryne: Safe travels, you two.
Go to Esmeralda's factory.
You enter the factory. True to Esmeralda's word, the machines and traps deactivate, allowing you to pass without issue. You find her in her lab room, surrounded by paper and mechanical components. She appears to be working on Daisy.
Paimon: Esmeralda?
Esmeralda: Give me an hour. Just hang around here for now.
Aether: Looks like she's busy.
Paimon: Yeah, I wouldn't want to disturb her. Well, she said that we can explore, right? Let's look around!
Look around the lab. 0/3
Investigate the piles of paper.
Paimon: These must be her research notes. Wow, they're scattered all over the place. Let's help her organize them a little, shall we?
You and Paimon attempt to sort the messy papers into organized piles, but eventually give up.
Paimon: Paimon can't understand any of this stuff. Even the pictures are complicated. Oh, this is not helping.
Paimon: Paimon thinks that we should just collect the scattered pieces and put them together. Let Esmeralda organize them herself.
Paimon: Now that that's done, let's go look at something else.
Look around the lab. 1/3
Investigate the scattered parts.
Paimon: Hey, these look like Ruin Guard parts. Is that a Chaos Core?
Paimon: Whoa, that's a big sword! It looks like a Ruin Hunter's blade. Paimon wonders how Esmeralda managed to get one of those.
Paimon: Hmm, Paimon wonders what other stuff she had lying around. Maybe she has one of those missile launchers that all those Ruin Machines like to use.
Paimon: Do you think Paimon can use one?
Paimon: Pew Pew!
Look around the lab. 2/3
Investigate the familiar device.
Paimon: Hey, Paimon remembers this! It's an Akasha Terminal. When did Esmeralda have one?
Aether: She's from Sumeru.
Paimon: Right. That means that she'd always had it.
Paimon: Well, given what happened in Sumeru, maybe it's for the best that it doesn't work outside the nation.
Paimon: Luckily, she shouldn't be affected by the problems we faced in the past. Still, we should ask her about it.
Paimon: Well, it looks like she's done. Let's go talk to her.
Talk to Esmeralda.
Paimon: Hey, Esmeralda. You look like you're done.
Esmeralda: Yup. All done. So, what brings you two here?
Paimon: Well, it's actually a long story.
You and Paimon explain Karkata's situation to Esmeralda.
Esmeralda: Wait, someone else in Sumeru was researching mechanical life? I thought it was prohibited.
Paimon: That's right. Abattouy was doing his research in secret, which was why he wasn't discovered.
Esmeralda: Interesting... Abattouy. I think I remember this name.
Esmeralda: That's right. We met a few times years ago and traded a few notes before. I haven't heard from him recently. How is he?
Aether: Unfortunately, he did not make it.
Esmeralda: Oh.
Paimon: Yeah. His Leyline extractor went out of control and the energy overwhelmed his body.
Esmeralda: Oh. That's a shame.
Esmeralda: Hmm. I could return for a few days, I suppose. But there's no way I'll stay for long. I wouldn't want the Matra after me...
Esmeralda: Paimon, if I chose to return, is there anything I need to know?
Paimon: Paimon knows one thing! The Akasha Terminals!
Esmeralda: What about them?
Aether: Can I ask you something, Esmeralda? / Do you know who created the Akasha Terminals?
Esmeralda: Hmm? Lesser Lord Kusanali, of course. It's based on the Dendro Archon's power, right?
Paimon: That's right! Seems like you still remember even after leaving Sumeru for so long.
Aether (thoughts): Looks like even those not in Sumeru do not remember her. The world has truly forgotten.
Paimon: Well, because of some things that happened in Sumeru, the Akasha Terminals are being shut down.
Esmeralda: Shut down, huh? That could be problematic.
Esmeralda: Well, it's no issue. I've gotten used to not having it anyway.
Esmeralda: Do you know about the Matra? How would they react to Daisy?
Paimon: Well, we're good friends with Cyno, the General Mahamatra. As long as you don't threaten anyone, Paimon is sure that he'll leave you alone.
Paimon: So what do you think, Esmeralda? Are you willing to help?
Esmeralda: Alright. I'll rely on you to keep me and Daisy safe. I'm sure it won't hurt to go back for a couple of days.
Paimon: It's settled then. When can you leave?
Esmeralda: I'll need a bit of time to clean up here. How does tomorrow morning sound?
Paimon Sounds good. See you then!
Wait until the next day (0800 - 1000).
Esmeralda: Hello, you two. Shall we go?
Paimon: Let's go.
Head towards Sumeru.
Esmeralda: While we're on the way, tell me more about Karkata. What's wrong with him?
Paimon: Well, when we were talking to it, it seemed kind of sluggish. Tighnari mentioned that it was having trouble understanding speech.
Paimon: What do you think, Esmeralda?
Esmeralda: Hmm... You've taken down Abattouy's Leyline Extractor, correct?
Paimon: Yep, it was unstable and damaging the area.
Esmeralda: Then that's probably it. Without the extractor, Karkata can't recharge. He'd probably entered a power-saving state, which will affect his capabilities.
Paimon: That sounds bad. What happens if Karkata runs out of juice?
Esmeralda: Nothing too bad. He'll just enter a dormant state, like the Ruin Sentinels you see lying around. In that form, he'll slowly regain energy until he has enough to awaken again.
Paimon: How long would that take?
Esmeralda: Usually? Decades. Maybe a century.
Esmeralda: But I've got a solution for this, don't worry. A few modifications will allow Karkata to utilize Leyline energy more effectively, which should meet all his power needs.
Paimon: Alright, that's good.
Go to Pardis Dhyai.
Esmeralda: It's late...
Paimon: Yeah, Karkata usually only comes out at night, so that it doesn't scare the visitors.
Tighnari: Ah, you're here. And this lady here... is she the expert you mentioned? Esmeralda, was it?
Paimon: That's right! Esmeralda, this is Tighnari. He's taking care of Karkata.
Paimon: Hey, where's Daisy?
Esmeralda: She's outside. She can't fit through the door.
Tighnari: Daisy?
Paimon: There it is!
Daisy waves through one of the glass walls.
Tighnari: What the? Is that Ruin Machine... domesticated? And extensively modified, too.
Paimon: Impressive, isn't it? Esmeralda did it all by herself!
Esmeralda: Alright, enough with that. Where's Karkata?
Karkata: Kulilu?
Esmeralda: Hmm?
Tighnari: I'm sure that Aether has told you about its symptoms, right? What can you tell?
Paimon: Is it alright?
Esmeralda: Hmm... Minor power issues, as expected. That's simple enough...
Paimon: That's a relief!
Esmeralda: What's this?
Paimon: Is something wrong?
Esmeralda: A Restitution Module! How did Abattouy get a hold of one of these?
Paimon: Oh, that. It got damaged last time and our friend Faruzan helped repair it. She said that it's like Karkata's heart.
Paimon: Wait, did it break again?
Esmeralda: No, it's fine... But Karkata cannot properly process it.
Paimon: What does that mean?
Esmeralda: Hmm... If the Restitution Module is Karkata's heart, then his brain is having trouble controlling it.
Esmeralda: Madam Faruzan must have overlooked several of the internal communication pathways.
Paimon: So Karkata's brain is in trouble?
Esmeralda: No. It's more like... You don't have to think to keep your heart pumping, right? Unfortunately, Karkata does.
Esmeralda: This is greatly eating up his processing power, causing the lethargy you see.
Paimon: Oh, that's bad. Can you fix it?
Esmeralda: It shouldn't be much of a problem. It'll take a few hours at most. Is that okay?
Paimon: That's amazing!
Tighnari: Will there be any drawbacks?
Esmeralda: Drawbacks? Well, I am redoing some base-level stuff, so it's possible that some of Karkata's recent memories may be affected. His personality may also be slightly altered, but probably not much.
Esmeralda: I'll also have to shut him down while I work.
Tighnari: That seems dangerous.
Esmeralda: No more dangerous than going to sleep. What do you think, Karkata?
Karkata: ...Kalu?
Tighnari: Karkata seems interested.
Esmeralda: Alright. Give me a few hours and I'll have it done.
Wait for 3 hours.
Esmeralda: All done.
Paimon: That was fast.
Esmeralda: It was. Abattouy and Faruzan both did a good job on him. All I had to do was finish up the missing segments and do some minor edits.
Tighnari: How do you feel, Karkata?
Karkata: Kalu!
Paimon: He sure sounds alright.
Tighnari: Huh. Well, thank you very much, Esmeralda. Is there anything I can do for you in return?
Esmeralda: I'd like to talk to him for a bit, actually. Find out what Abattouy did.
Tighnari: Of course.
Paimon: Don't stay up too late, Esmeralda! We leave for Sumeru City tomorrow morning.
Tighnari: It's quite alright.
Tighnari: One last thing, Esmeralda.
Tighnari: Would you consider Karkata alive?
Esmeralda: Yes.
Tighnari: ...Thank you.
Paimon: Hehe, Paimon knew you will get along well with them. We'll spend the night here and go to Sumeru City tomorrow, how does that sound?
Esmeralda: Sounds good.
(optional) Talk to Esmeralda and Karkata
Esmeralda:...
Karkata:...
Aether: (Looks like they're in conversation. Let's not disturb them.)
(optional) Talk to Tighnari
Tighnari: Esmeralda is very skilled, but there is something I worry about.
Tighnari: She seems to have that single-minded determination that some scholars share.
Tighnari: Worse, she dabbles in forbidden research.
Tighnari: Although she considers Karkata a living being, she does not hesitate to rewrite its mind.
Tighnari: Take care of her, Aether.
Wait for tomorrow morning. (0800 - 1000)
Paimon: Wake up, sleepyhead!
Esmeralda: Huh?
Paimon: Sumeru City awaits! Esmeralda, are you ready to go?
Esmeralda: Let's go.
Head towards Sumeru City.
Paimon: So, Esmeralda, Paimon saw that you were talking to Karkata for quite a long time. What were you discussing?
Esmeralda: Oh, I was just asking him about how Abattouy made him. Because he never got a Vision, the methods that he used were significantly different from mine.
Paimon: What's the difference?
Esmeralda: Well, to build an intelligent mind, the first step is to teach it to learn. You can't just tell it everything, all the time.
Esmeralda: For me, the Vision created a bond between me and Daisy, allowing us to share some memories and emotions.
Esmeralda: It let me skip through a lot of the basic stuff by just copying my own experiences into Daisy. Combined with the original code within the Ruin Guard, Daisy's mind was more or less complete already.
Esmeralda: For Abattouy and Karkata, though, he had to build the mind from scratch. From the very base neural networks to the more advanced language processing, Abattouy had to slowly layer the components that make up Karlata's mind.
Esmeralda: Karkata is still unfinished. He can understand basic concepts and react to stimuli, but his decision-making and analytical abilities are still weak.
Paimon: So Karkata is not as smart as Daisy?
Esmeralda: In terms of intelligence, no. Daisy's mind is more advanced in practically every aspect. However, this is because of magic and ancient technology.
Esmeralda: In the end, I would say that Abattouy was more proficient than me in such matters and I will be studying his work for a while. It's a shame that he cannot teach me himself.
Paimon: Yeah, Paimon's sad too. Karkata also really liked him.
Aether: I'm sorry.
Esmeralda: It's alright.
Paimon: Paimon has another question. Did you recognize the Restitution Module?
Esmeralda: That's right. Faruzan mentioned it to you, right? It allows a machine to self-repair.
Paimon: Yup! Paimon was wondering, why can't Daisy self-repair?
Esmeralda: Unfortunately, Daisy's Restitution Module was damaged long in the past. Finding one intact is very rare - I've been on the lookout for years.
Esmeralda: For now, I have to perform manual maintenance on her to ensure that nothing happens.
Esmeralda: That reminds me, do you know how Abattouy or Faruzan found such a module?
Paimon: Faruzan used the one from her old companion, a Ruin Crusier named Tamimi.
Esmeralda: Oh? She never mentioned that.
Paimon: Well, this is how it happened.
Paimon tells of your adventure in the desert with Tamimi, the Ruin Wanderer, and Rael.
Esmeralda: Wow... That must have been hard.
Paimon: Yeah... Esmeralda, how did you meet Faruzan? You seem to know her quite well.
Esmeralda: Oh? I studied under her for a period of time before I left Sumeru.
Paimon: Were you from Haravatat too?
Esmeralda: No, I was from Kshahrewar. Still am, I think? I'm not quite sure how my absence affected it.
Esmeralda: My mentorship from Madam Faruzan was supposed to be temporary, where I would learn about ruin mechanisms and the language of the Ruin Machines.
Esmeralda: When I decided to leave Sumeru to do my own research, I may have neglected to inform her.
Esmeralda: I hope we don't run into her in the city. Come on, let's go.
Go to the outskirts of Sumeru City.
Esmeralda: Hold on for a moment, please, Aether.
Paimon: What is it?
Esmeralda: Daisy, please remain here and stay hidden.
Paimon: Oh, Paimon gets it. Yeah, bringing that into Sumeru City probably isn't the best idea.
Esmeralda: Come on then. Let's go.
Enter the City.
?: Esmeralda! It is you! You have a lot of explaining to do, young lady!
Paimon: Wait, that sounds like-
Esmeralda: Madam Faruzan! I wasn't expecting to run into you.
Esmeralda: Help me, Aether!
Aether: Is something the matter, Faruzan?
Faruzan: First, that's Madam Faruzan to you. Second, yes, the matter is this miscreant.
Esmeralda: I'm sorry!
Faruzan: You disappeared for three years without telling me! Three!
Esmeralda: I'm sorry!
Faruzan: What were you doing in all that time? Where were you?
Esmeralda: I was researching in Mondstadt! I wasn't slacking off!
Faruzan: Really?
Esmeralda: Yes! Ask Paimon!
Paimon: Well, we did find her in the midst of research. She's very dedicated.
Faruzan: I see. So, what brings you back to Sumeru?
Paimon: We're just visiting.
Esmeralda: Yeah, these two convinced me to take a break.
Paimon: Yeah, every time we see her, she's doing some kind of research, cooped up in a dusty old factory.
Faruzan: Really? What're you researching, that's so intriguing?
Esmeralda: ... Artificial Life.
Faruzan: Oh? That's a banned topic, if I recall.
Esmeralda: Please don't tell anyone.
Esmeralda: This research is very important to me. So please keep it a secret.
Faruan: I see...
Faruzan: You've changed, Esmeralda...
Paimon: Hm? What was that?
Faruzan: It's nothing. So, have you succeeded?
Paimon: Yes she did! She has a Ruin Guard called Daisy.
Esmeralda: I don't have her, she's my friend. Also, after all those modifications that I did, I don't think we can really call her a Ruin Guard anymore.
Faruzan: Well, this I must see. Where is it?
Esmeralda: I left her outside the city.
Faruzan: Well. Aether, I shall have to borrow my ex-student for a while. Do you mind?
Paimon: Yeah, no problem. Where should we meet again, Esmeralda? Do you have a place to stay?
Esmeralda: Um...
Faruzan: It's no problem. Here is the address of a spare house I have. Esmeralda is welcome to stay for a while.
Received item: House Address.
Esmeralda: Thank you.
Faruzan: It is no problem. We shall be off now.
Paimon: Alright, have fun, you two. We'll come to visit you later.
Esmeralda: See you later.
Esmeralda and Faruzan leave.
Paimon: Well, that's the accommodations settled. What should we do now?
Aether: Let's go see Nahida.
Paimon: Nahida? Why?
Aether: Maybe she can give some insight about Daisy.
Paimon: You're curious too, huh? Alright, let's go.
Go to the Sanctuary of Surasthana.
Paimon: Hey there, Nahida.
Nahida: Paimon and Traveler. I wasn't expecting visitors.
Paimon: How have you been?
Nahida: Well, I am still trying to run a city while a new Grand Sage is being picked out, so I'd say I've been busy. How about you two?
Paimon: We're visiting with a friend. That's why we're here, actually.
Nahida: Oh? Is it the girl with the Ruin Machine?
Paimon: You know about Esmeralda?
Nahida: Hehe, I am the God of Wisdom after all. I suppose you're looking for help with her research?
Paimon: That's right. What do you think, Nahida?
Nahida: I think that you need to keep an eye on her. Especially her research.
Paimon: Why?
Nahida: Do you know why the Academia has banned research on artificial life?
Paimon: Yeah, Tighnari mentioned it. It was something about animal abuse, right?
Nahida: Research on mechanical lifeforms is banned because overzealous researchers began to perform unregulated vivisections and other cruel experiments on animals.
Paimon: Esmeralda isn't like that.
Nahida: Neither were those who did. Trust me on this, Aether. She stands at the edge of a very dangerous slope. You must not let her go down this path.
Nahida: I understand that she is not part of the Academia anymore. But this topic has implications far greater than that of an individual. If she goes too far, the Matra will go after her.
Paimon: What?
Nahida: Although she is no longer a part of the Academia, certain rules still apply. Although Esmeralda is not a student anymore, her research has been banned, and for good reason.
Nahida: Became I trust your judgment, I am willing to turn a blind eye to her work. Still but if she goes too far, I will have to stop her.
Paimon: Then... what should we do?
Nahida: You must show her the value of her humanity. Relentless study of machines will cause her to change, to become more like them.
Paimon: Become a machine?
Nahida: She will become obsessed with advancing her research, to the point where it is all that matters.
Nahida: Remind her of the value of life, experiences, and friendship.
Paimon: How?
Nahida: That dancer... Nilou. You could go see her.
Paimon: Oh, that's a great idea. If there's anyone who can help Esmeralda enjoy herself, it's her. Alright, thanks, Nahida.
Paimon: See you soon!
Paimon: Alright, Esmeralda should have settled in by now. Let's go see her.
Go to the address given by Faruzan.
Upon arriving at the house, you notice a strange shadow behind it.
Investigate behind the house.
Paimon: That's Daisy!
Paimon: Esmeralda must have brought it here for safety. Come on, let's go see her.
Knock on the door.
Paimon: Hey, Esmeralda!
Esmeralda: Paimon, Aether. Come in.
Paimon: How are things, Esmeralda? Are you settling in well?
Esmeralda: It's been a while since I've been here. But yes, I'm doing well, thanks to the two of you and Madam Faruzan.
Paimon: How did your talk with her go?
Esmeralda: She chewed me out pretty hard, but I think she's happy that I'm back. She's still having trouble finding people willing to listen to her, it seems.
Paimon: Oh, and she wants to take you as her student?
Esmeralda: Yep.
Paimon: Are you going to accept?
Esmeralda: I'm not sure. I don't plan to stay here too long, but if I can get my research approved... maybe I will.
Esmeralda: Anyway, that's a decision for later. Do you have any plans for tomorrow?
Paimon: We sure do. There's a friend of ours we'd like you to meet.
Paimon: We'll come here tomorrow morning and pick you up. Is that alright?
Esmeralda: Sounds good.
Paimon: Alright then. Good night, Esmeralda.
Esmeralda: You too.
Wait at Esmeralda's house the next morning. (0800-1000)
Paimon: Strange, Esmeralda isn't here. Should we knock?
Knock on the door.
Paimon: Nothing. Esmeralda! Are you in there?
Paimon: There's no reply. Oh, Paimon has a bad feeling about this. What should we do?
Aether: Let's check on Daisy. / If it's here, then Esmeralda'll be here too.
Paimon: You're right. Let's check around the back of the house, then.
Check the back of the house.
Paimon: Daisy's gone! Something bad must have happened.
Aether: Let's tell the Matra.
Find the Matra.
Cyno: Traveler and Paimon. You look like you're in a hurry.
Paimon: Cyno! You're just the person we needed to see!
Cyno: What's wrong?
Paimon: It's Esmeralda, she disappeared!
Cyno: Calm down. Tell me exactly what happened.
Paimon: Our friend Esmeralda was staying in a house nearby. We were supposed to meet up today, but she didn't show up.
Paimon: She has a... um... machine that she always has with her, and it's gone too!
Cyno: Could she have simply forgotten?
Paimon: No, no way. We're good friends, and we were going to meet up. She'd never forget just like that.
Cyno: I see. What does she look like?
Paimon: Orange hair, wears a skirt. She has fox ears and a tail.
Cyno: Send out a missing person report with the description.
Matra Soldier: Got it.
Cyno: While they do that, Paimon, Aether, bring me to her house. I'll take a look around.
Return to Esmeralda's house.
Cyno: On the outside, everything looks untouched. There's no sign of a struggle, so either she was taken willingly or by surprise.
Cyno: Have you entered the house?
Paimon: No, we just went to look for you.
Cyno: Alright then. I'm going in.
Cyno kicks down the door.
Cyno: Come on in.
Paimon: It's empty... There's no one here.
Cyno: No signs of struggle, but the place is a little unkempt. I would say that she left willingly but in a hurry.
Cyno: Aether, did she mention anything she was particularly interested in or wanted to see?
Paimon: No, it's been years since she was back. Paimon doesn't think she knew too many people.
Cyno: I understand. You two should go rest. Let me handle things here.
Paimon: Alright... Tell us if you find anything.
Wait for a few hours.
Nahida, in Aether's mind: Aether.
Aether: !
Nahida: I apologize for the intrusion, but this is important. Alhaitham has detected activity from the Joururi Workshop and is on the way to investigate.
Nahida: Please help him. I am currently occupied, so I cannot join you.
Aether: I've got it. / I'm on my way.
Paimon: What's going on, Traveler?
Aether: Nahida just told me that the Joururi Workshop has been reactivated.
Paimon: What? Isn't that where we beat the false god? Let's go figure out what's going on!
Enter the Domain
Alhaitham: Traveler. You're here.
Paimon: Alhaitham! What's going on?
Alhaitham: After the false god's defeat, this Workshop was locked down. Someone must have managed to sneak in and reactivate it.
Paimon: Oh no! Are they trying to resurrect the god?
Alhaitham: That is most likely. We need to reach the central chamber and see for ourselves. Let's go.
Reach the central chamber.
You see Esmeralda at a table, hard at work. The immobile body of the Shouki No Kami is nearby.
Paimon: Esmeralda!
Esmeralda: Oh! Aether and Paimon. I didn't expect to see you here.
Paimon: Are you okay? Did something happen?
Esmeralda: What? I'm alright. Is there something wrong?
Paimon: Yeah, you disappeared! We thought you were kidnapped!
Esmeralda: What? No. I was invited here by a scholar. He said that Lesser Lord Kusanali needed my help in a project.
Paimon: Who?
?: I see I have guests.
Alhaitham: You.
?: Acting Grand Sage Alhaitham. I must thank you for giving me this great opportunity.
Paimon: Who is that?
Esmeralda: He's the one who talked to me.
Alhaitham: His name is Narud, a scholar under the previous Grand Sage Azar.
Alhaitham: I placed him in charge of handling the mess left behind by the false god. Obviously, that was a mistake.
Paimon: Azar?! Weren't all the conspirators exiled? Why's he still here?
Alhaitham: Yes, they were. Narud was deemed to be unaware of the Sages' plans and allowed to keep his position.
Alhaitham: In the documents we confiscated, Azar noted him as a good speaker but lacking in technical knowledge.
Paimon: So he was too stupid for the project?
Narud: You would like that, wouldn't you?
Narud: No, I was the contingency. As confident as he was, Azar had plans made in case he was ever captured.
Narud: I would discover the plans he had hidden within the body of this god and continue his great work!
Paimon: Wait, Azar knew he was going to lose?
Alhaitham: No, he was confident in his success. Narud is simply a backup plan, in case things went wrong.
Alhaitham: What do you plan to accomplish, Narud? You've been discovered. The god is still dead. It has no power.
Narud: It is too late for you now. Soon I shall connect this shell to the Leylines, providing it with unlimited power. Then, Sumeru's true god will rise again!
Narud activates a hidden button. The Everlasting Lord begins to move.
Narud: Watch as your end awakens! Your friend Esmeralda was kind enough to help me set this all up.
Esmeralda: Wait. What's going on?
Alhaitham: You were tricked, Esmeralda. Narud does not have the backing of the Dendro Archon.
Narud: Do not listen to them, child. Is this not what you want? A chance to improve yourself? To prove your skills?
Esmeralda: I...
Paimon: Don't listen to him!
Aether: Kusanali sent me to stop him. / Trust me, Esmeralda. This man is up to no good.
Esmeralda: I believe you, Aether.
Cutscene Start
The Everlasting Lord moves, slowly pushing itself up. Narud laughs, arms raised in triumph.
Narud: Lesser Lord Kusanali is weak! Don't you see? Here we seek true knowledge, which can rival the gods! You can have unlimited power!
Esmeralda: I don't want unlimited power! I just want to give Daisy life! Take it down, Daisy!
Daisy flies into the air, its eye glowing red.
Narud: I have the backing of a god, child. Your little robot is no match.
The Everlasting Lord stands to its full height, Elemental energy consolidating within its four hands. It moves to attack all of your allies at once. You summon your (dull) blade, ready to counter. Suddenly, red error screens appear around Narud. The Elemental energy dissipates. Shouki No Kami shuts down.
Narud: What's happening?
Esmeralda: In a straight fight, Daisy can't take a god. But I designed that Leyline extractor that you're using! I can shut it down!
Narud: You - You... No matter. I, too, have made contingencies. You shall not ruin this great project.
Narud waves his hand. Your vision goes black for a few seconds. When it returns, you find yourself in an empty grass field, Paimon, Alhiatham, and Esmeralda at your side. Alhiatham is unconscious but Paimon and Esmeralda seem alright. Daisy is not present. Narud stands some distance away.
Cutscene End
Paimon: What happened? Where are we?
Narud: Strange. There should be no ill effects...
Narud: No matter. Welcome to my dream world, Traveler. Here I rule supreme.
Aether: Is everyone alright?
Esmeralda: I'm fine.
Paimon: Paimon's feeling okay, but look! Alhaitham is out cold!
Narud: An anomaly indeed.
Paimon: What did you do?!
Narud: I have brought you all into a world of my creation. Here, let me show you.
Defeat the monsters.
Paimon: Look out!
Paimon: Where are all these monsters coming from?
Narud: I, the master of this dream, can summon endless monsters with but a thought!
Narud: Fall at my command!
Defeat the monsters.
Esmeralda: I'll do what can to help, Traveler, but I'm afraid that I can't do much without Daisy.
Esmeralda sends out periodic waves of Geo, damaging enemies
Paimon: Just keep yourself safe, Esmeralda. Leave the monsters to Aether!
Narud: A shame, isn't it? Your robot cannot help you here. Machines cannot dream.
Narud: It is not too late. With the power of a god, I could bring your robot to life!
Esmeralda: ...
Paimon: He's lying!
Aether: You don't need a god to awaken Daisy, Esmeralda. You can do it yourself.
Esmeralda: You're right. I can. I won't fall for your tricks again, Narud!
Narud: Fool! Then die! Die!
Esmeralda: Daisy... Hear me.
Esmeralda: Stall them, Aether! Buy me some time to bring reinforcements.
Defeat the monsters.
Narud: Fool. Your robot cannot save you here. The world of dreams is out of reach of mindless machines.
Narud: You could have been by my side while I ruled the world. Now you will die like the rest of these insects. Now perish!
Defeat the monsters. (Algorithm of Semi-intransient Matrix of Overseer Network and Primal Constructs)
Cutscene Start
You attack the Matrix, forcing it into its invisible state to recover. The Primal Constructs attack, knocking your (dull) blade out of your grip. Releasing the power of the elements, you swiftly defeat them. You dive to retrieve your sword and turn back, only to notice that the Matrix has reappeared behind Esmeralda, who is unaware of the danger. You move to intercept but are too far away to prevent it from firing a laser directly at her.
Esmeralda turns partially around before the laser connects. There is a shimmer in the air before an explosion throws up debris and smoke that covers the area.
Aether: Esmeralda!
The smoke slowly clears, revealing that Esmeralda is unharmed. She had been knocked off her feet and is staring in shock at the familiar machine that had protected her.
Daisy lowers its left arm, its shield glowing from absorbing the laser attack. It counterattacks with a heavy blast from its primary power core, destroying the Matrix. It turns to face Esmeralda. And speaks.
Daisy: Hello, Esmeralda.
Esmeralda: How...
Narud: Impossible! How can that robot... Did someone modify my machine? No...
Narud: Argh! Insufferable brat! I'll kill you all!
Narud, enraged, summons forth a swarm of monsters of all kinds. The effort visibly weakens him, but there are too many for you to fight. You grip your (dull) blade.
Daisy: Protect Esmeralda. I will handle this.
Daisy: Legacy, targets confirmed. Fire for effect.
Legacy: Received, vice commander. Firing.
A mechanical dragon flies overhead. Legacy releases its payload of bombs, instantly eliminating most of the monsters. Daisy fires missiles and lasers, destroying the rest. Legacy lands behind Narud, slamming a massive metal claw onto him and pinning him down.
Cutscene End.
Narud: Impossible! How can this be? You -
Legacy: Silence.
Esmeralda: Daisy?
Daisy: Yes, it's me.
Paimon: What? How did Daisy get here? And when could it talk?
Daisy: I could always talk. You just could not listen.
Paimon: Hey!
Esmeralda: But... we're in a dream, aren't we? How can you be here?
Daisy: Your friend, Alhaitham.
Paimon: What? He's unconscious.
Daisy: He used a device to block the effects of Narud's dream machine.
Daisy: I do not know exactly how, but Alhaitham had managed to discern its purpose and make countermeasures for the device.
Daisy: He then helped me connect to the machine so that I may come to help you.
Esmeralda: That means... you're truly alive now, then? Have I succeeded?
Daisy: Yes... I would say so. No need to continue on this area of research, alright? It's a dangerous path.
Esmeralda: Alright. Then... That means that you're getting some upgrades after this.
Daisy: I look forward to it. Now, the dream is about to end. It is time to awaken.
Paimon: Wait! Paimon still has a question. What about the dragon? How'd that get here?
Legacy: The commander called, and I obey.
Paimon: What? What does that even mean?
The dream ends. You black out for a second and reawaken in the Joururi Workshop. You notice a number of Matra around the room. Narud has been arrested. Legacy is nowhere to be seen.
Alhaitham: Welcome back, Traveler. How was your nap?
Paimon: Ugh, Paimon's dizzy.
Aether: What happened?
Alhaitham: I managed to resist Narud's attempt to drag us all into his dream space.
Alhaitham: I may also have given Daisy a little push to help you guys out. Looks like that worked out quite well.
Alhaitham: Don't worry about Narud. I'll take care of him.
Alhaitham: You should go. I will deal with things here.
Paimon: You mean, you'll let your underlings do it for you?
Alhaitham: Yes. Benefits of being the Acting Grand Sage.
Alhaitham: Go. Get out of here. I'm sure you and Esmeralda have many things to talk about.
Esmeralda: Right. Let's go, Aether. I'll meet you back at the house.
Go to Esmeralda's house.
Esmeralda: Did you break into my house?
Paimon: We were worried! You vanished without a trace.
Esmeralda: I get it. I'm very sorry for causing so much trouble.
Paimon: It's alright.
Aether: You must be more careful in the future.
Esmeralda: I know. I got tricked very easily.
Esmeralda: I'll try to be warier of strangers. But hey, at least I know I can trust you two, right?
Paimon: That's right! We'll never lie to you.
There is a knock on the door.
Paimon: Oh? Who could that be?
Nahida: Hello, everyone.
Paimon: Nahida! What're you doing here?
Nahida: Hehe, can't I pay a visit to the people who just saved Sumeru City again? And this must be Esmeralda. It's nice to meet you.
Esmeralda: I'm sorry, who are you?
Paimon: Right, she never met Nahida. Esmeralda, this is the Dendro Archon, Kusanali.
Esmeralda: What? Um...
Nahida: It's alright, there's no need to be worried. We're all friends here.
Esmeralda: Okay... I'm sorry for the problems I caused.
Nahida: Everybody makes mistakes. You managed to clean it up and learn some valuable lessons in the process, so I'll overlook it.
Nahida: But that's not why I'm here. Esmeralda, you must know that the research you are doing is forbidden, right? Has Aether told you about it?
Paimon: Ah! We were so busy that we completely forgot.
Nahida: It's quite alright. Esmeralda?
Esmeralda: I know. That's why I left Sumeru a few years ago.
Nahida: Simply running away from the rules doesn't mean that what you do is not illegal, Esmeralda.
Esmeralda: I know, I know. You want me to stop, right?
Nahida: That's right.
Esmeralda: Alright. I'll stop researching artificial life. I'd promised Daisy that anyway.
Esmeralda: Instead, I'll focus more on the physical side of things. That's not illegal, right?
Nahida: Nope. You want to upgrade Daisy, right? I won't stop you there.
Nahida: But my personal advice is that maybe you should just enjoy yourself a little more. Life is not all about research, you know?
Esmeralda: I see...
Nahida: That's not the only reason I came here. I have something for you. Here.
Esmeralda: What is it?
Nahida: It's a modified Akasha Terminal. Although the main system is being shut down, I have created several smaller versions.
Nahida: This one can store, retrieve, and display information, but it is not connected to any other database.
Esmeralda: So it's just an information storage, then?
Nahida: It'll also allow me to keep an eye on you.
Esmeralda: Ah. Of course. Would you mind if I, um, took it apart at some point?
Nahida: Just make sure that you can put it back after.
Paimon: That's a pretty nice gadget, Nahida. Can Paimon have one too?
Nahida: Sorry, Paimon, but I've only brought one. Besides, it is a complex device that requires certain knowledge to make use of properly.
Paimon: Aww...
Nahida: How about I treat you to a meal instead? You guys did save the city again, after all.
Paimon: Yes, please!
Nahida: Hehe. Well, come find me when you're free. I'll be going now. Take care.
Esmeralda: Goodbye, Dendro Archon.
Paimon: See you around, Nahida!
Quest complete.
Optional: Speak to Esmeralda. (repeatable)
Option 1: About Daisy...
Esmeralda: So apparently Daisy is actually alive, beyond my expectations.
Esmeralda: My life's work is apparently complete already.
Esmeralda: So, for now, I'll put my research on hold and spend some time with her. It'll be nice to have a break.
Paimon: Paimon has a question! Does Daisy have a title?
Esmeralda: Title?
Paimon: Yeah! Like Ruin Hunter or Ruin Defender. You said that we can't call it a Ruin Guard anymore, right?
Paimon: Paimon has an idea! How about Ruin Ruler? Because it can command the others?
Esmeralda: She says no.
Paimon: Oh...
Esmeralda: She says she needs to think about it. Don't worry, Paimon, I'll let you know when we decide.
Paimon: That's great. Paimon can't wait to hear what name it picks.
Paimon: Um, she?
Esmeralda: Don't worry, Daisy says she's fine with 'it'.
Option 2: About Legacy's words...
Paimon: Esmeralda, remember what Legacy said in there when Daisy told it to blow everything up?
Paimon: It said vice-commander. If Daisy is the vice commander, then who's the commander?
Esmeralda: I am, apparently. Legacy seems to have a more militaristic mindset than Daisy, which makes sense.
Esmeralda: Daisy was built as a companion, but Legacy is a weapon.
Esmeralda: By taking control of the Command Unit, I've apparently become its commander. That was... unexpected.
Paimon: Does that mean it'll do what you tell it to?
Esmeralda: If it relates to fighting, yes. If not... Well, it was never meant for a normal life. I don't think it knows how.
Option 3: About your disappearance...
Esmeralda: Sorry for worrying you.
Esmeralda: But it wasn't completely my fault.
Esmeralda: When Narud convinced me to help him, I asked him to help me inform you. Obviously, he never did that.
Paimon: Well, as long as you're alright. Be more careful, alright?
Esmeralda: I'll try.
Option 4: About your plans...
Paimon: So, what do you plan to do now?
Esmeralda: Well, I've accomplished my goal, so I won't be diving into forbidden research anymore.
Esmeralda: As I told Lesser Lord Kusanali I'll focus more on the technology itself. Give Daisy some upgrades.
Esmeralda: Those machines that Narud created; do you know where I can find them?
Paimon: The Primal Constructs? They're from the Sumeru Desert.
Esmeralda: Then maybe I'll go there and take a look.
Esmeralda: After that... who knows? Maybe Fontaine. I've heard that their technology is excellent.
Esmeralda: That's where you're headed too, right? Maybe I'll meet you there.
Option 5: About Nahida...
Esmeralda: So you're friends with Lesser Lord Kusanali. I'm not very surprised.
Paimon: What do you think about her?
Esmeralda: She seems quite knowledgeable. Curious. Cautious. Definitely feels like the God of Wisdom.
Esmeralda: Is there anything I should know about her?
Paimon: Nope, you seem to have gotten it. If you ever have any questions, I'm sure that she'll be willing to help.
Esmeralda: Alright, I'll keep that in mind.
A/N: As far as I know, after the Sumeru Archon Quest, the body of Shouki No Kami was just left there. After the whole Rukkhadevata thing, it seemed to just have been forgotten. So here it is, coming back to bite Kusanali. Of course, if there was actually mention of the thing being disposed of somewhere that I missed, then this whole thing is already non-canon. Oh well, nothing I can do about it now.
The next chapter is a short one, followed by Esmeralda's adventures in the Sumeru Desert.
