Esmeralda Story Quest Act 3


A/N: This takes place after the previous Fontaine chapter.


Chapter: Vitae Cyberus

Act III: Mortality and Morality

Requirements: 1 story key, Esmeralda Act II: Ancient Awakening, Chapter IV Act V: Masquerade of the Guilty, World Quest: An Expected Lie


One day, you and Paimon are exploring Elynas when you notice something in the sky. From the distance, it looks like a dragon. As you watch, it drops down out of sight nearby.

Paimon: Whoa, what was that?! It looked like a dragon!

Paimon: Let's take a look, shall we?

Go to the area where the unknown creature landed.

Paimon: Eh? Esmeralda and Ariel? In Fontaine?

Ariel: We meet again, Aether.

Esmeralda: Hello, Aether, Paimon.

You notice several things. One, that Esmeralda has bandages wrapped around her eyes. Two, that Ariel's left arm has red gashes and scales. Three, there is a pile of dormant Ruin Sentinels behind them.

Aether: What happened to you, Esmeralda? / What happened to you, Ariel? (repeatable)

(Choice 1)

Esmeralda: Well, I'm... Injured, as you can see. There was an... incident with a few Scorpions. I was hurt and lost my eyes. I... I need your help, Aether.

(Choice 2)

Ariel: I was in combat with an evil creature. It defeated me and laid upon me a curse of some kind. I require your aid to purge this darkness from me.

(Continued)

Paimon: Wow, looks like you two have been through a lot.

Paimon: We've got to help them, Traveler! But... who should we help first?

Aether: Let's help Esmeralda regain her sight. / Let's help Ariel cleanse the curse.

(Note: Selecting the first choice begins Esmeralda's Story Quest, while the second begins Ariel's. The Quest corresponding to the unselected choice can be started after the completion of the selected one. Obviously, for this chapter, Esmeralda's Story Quest is chosen.)

Paimon: Alright, then. Sorry, Ariel, but Esmeralda needs our help more. We'll help you later, Paimon promises!

Ariel: Not to worry. I can handle myself. Come and find me when you are free.

Ariel: Goodbye, Esmeralda, Aether, Paimon. I'll see you around.

Ariel leaves.

Esmeralda: Thanks for agreeing to help me.

Paimon: No worries, Esmeralda! That's what friends are for. So, how can we help?

Esmeralda: Right. I want to make new eyes.

Paimon: What? Is that possible?

Esmeralda: I'm not sure. But Daisy thinks so, and I believe her.

Esmeralda: For now, I'm trying to get my hands on some information about the mechs in Fontaine. Guardmeks, I think?

Esmeralda: I think that studying their visual systems can give me some insight to creating my own. Could you help with that?

Paimon: That's am ambitious plan! Hey, Aether, what do you think?

Aether: Maybe the Fontaine Research Institute could help.

Paimon: That's right! They specialize in mechanical engineering. We could get their help as well.

Esmeralda: That's great. Help me get some parts, then let's go visit this Institute.

Paimon: Alright! Sounds like a plan. Let's go! There should be some Guardmeks nearby.

Esmeralda: Slowly, please. Come on, Daisy.

Head for the nearby location.

Esmeralda: In the meantime, tell me about how you changed Fontaine.

Paimon: Oh? What makes you think that something like that happened?

Esmeralda: ...

Paimon: Alright, fine. Let's see...

Paimon: Our friend got arrested, but we managed to get him out. Then we solved a case that was cold for 20 years. Oh, then we got arrested.

Esmeralda: What?

Paimon: Oh, don't worry, it was on false charges. We actually went to the Fortress of Meropide to investigate one of our friends' disappearance. Childe - have you heard of him?

Esmeralda: A Harbinger...

Paimon: Yes. Then we saved the nation from a prophecy 500 years in the making. We're kind of heroes now.

Esmeralda: Again. Well done.

Paimon: Hehe, thanks. We're amazing.

Daisy: There are Guardmeks in the area.

Esmeralda: I'll leave this to you and Daisy. Try not to break their optical sensors.

Defeat the Guardmeks.

Paimon: Alright, that's that. You got the parts, right, Aether?

Aether: Got them.

Paimon: Great. Come on, Esmeralda. To the Research Institute!

Go to the Fontaine Research Institute.

Paimon: Hey, Edwin!

Raimondo: Oh, hello there, Honorary Senior Researcher and assistant. What brings you here?

Esmeralda: Honorary Senior Researcher?

Raimondo: And who is this young lady?

Paimon: Raimondo, this is our friend, Esmeralda.

Paimon: Esmeralda, this is Raimondo, a senior technician. He should be able to help.

Raimondo: You need my help? How may I be of assistance?

Paimon: Do you know anyone who can help with... Well, with helping make artificial eyes?

Raimondo: Artificial eyes... For this lady, I presume.

Esmeralda: Yes. I need help with integration. I have knowledge of the technology, but biology is not my specialty.

Raimondo: I see. Let me think...

Raimondo: I'm afraid no one comes to mind.

Paimon: What?

Raimondo: This situation is complex. I can think of several people who have the required knowledge of optical technology, but we are an engineering institution - as such, we do not have biologists in our rank.

Paimon: That's not great. Do you know where we could find someone?

Raimondo: Hmm... Let me check. Yes, there is someone who might be able to help. A biologist, Martin Brosseau. The records say that he was invited to help determine Arkium's danger to humans, and that he works... Oh.

Paimon: What is it?

Raimondo: That's the Fatui insignia.

Paimon: He's Fatui? You got a Fatui member to help with your research?

Raimondo: Not me specifically, but yes. The records say that he was cooperative and knowledgeable, if blunt with his words.

Paimon: Is there anyone else?

Raimondo: I'm afraid not.

Paimon: Well, what do you think?

Esmeralda: I don't trust the Fatui, but I have to try.

Aether: It's our only lead. / We'll keep an eye on him.

Paimon: Alright then. Do you know where he is, Raimondo?

Raimondo: The records don't say. You'll have to look for him yourself.

Paimon: Well, it's a good thing that we have some friends in the Fatui. Let's go find Lyney, Traveler. He should be able to help.

Paimon: Great! Let's go.

Aether: Wait up. / Esmeralda, do you have a place to work?

Esmeralda: No, I don't. I just arrived in Fontaine.

Paimon: Oh! Raimondo, do you have a spare workshop we could borrow?

Raimondo: There are plenty of spare areas around the Institute. Usually, we can't allow just anyone to use them, but you are the Honorary Senior researcher.

Raimondo: Let's see. If you need a workshop for what you mentioned... How about this one? It's not too abandoned; the place should be safe and the equipment should still be serviceable.

Paimon: Sounds great to Paimon. What do you think, Esmeralda?

Esmeralda: I'll take your word for it.

Paimon: It's decided then. Thanks, Raimondo. Let's go find Lyney.

Paimon: Come on, Esmeralda. And... Paimon just noticed, but where's Daisy?

Esmeralda: She's hidden nearby. She'll follow us, don't worry.

Paimon: Alright. To the city!

Go to Lyney's house.

Knock in the door.

Lyney: Ah, Traveler! What a pleasant surprise. What brings you to my humble abode?

Paimon: Hey, Lyney. This is Esmeralda, a friend. We need your help.

Lyney: A friend of Aether's is a friend of mine. How can I help?

Paimon: We're looking for someone named Martin Brosseau.

Lyney: The name doesn't ring any bells, I'm afraid.

Lyney: Is there anything else you know about him? Even the greatest magician would struggle to perform without any equipment.

Paimon: Well, he was helping with the Fontaine Research Institute for some time. There should be some records.

Lyney: Hmm... Alright, I'll help you look for him. Wait here for just a moment.

Lyney returns after some time.

Lyney: Well, you're in luck, traveler! 'Father' has agreed to help you guys. She's sent someone to find him and send him your way.

Paimon: Wow, really? That's great!

Aether: Does she expect anything in return? / Do we need to pay her back?

Lyney: Nope, not this time. But she expects you to remember that she helped you.

Paimon: Paimon understands. The Kanve wants a favor back in the future, right?

Lyney: That's right. So, where should we send Martin?

Paimon: There's a workshop at the Fontaine Research Institute. Here's the address.

Lyney: Got it. I'll send him there to find you.

Paimon: Alright! Thanks, Lyney.

Esmeralda: Thank you.

Lyney: No problem. Aether's a good friend of ours. I'm sure you've heard of his achievements, right?

Esmeralda: Ah, yes. It's quite the list.

Paimon: Hehe, we're pretty awesome. See you soon, Lyney!

Lyney: Goodbye.

Return to the Workshop.

A man is waiting there.

Paimon: Hey, who's that?

Martin: My name is Martin Brosseau. You're the ones I'm looking for, I presume.

Paimon: Wait, already? That was fast.

Martin: I have no time to waste. Are we going to begin or not?

Bring Martin into the Workshop.

Paimon: So, do you know why we asked for you?

Martin: I do. You, fox lady. Sit down and stay still.

You and Paimon wait while Martin examines Esmeralda.

Paimon: So how is it? Can you help?

Martin: You want me to make a biomechanical conduit, yes?

Martin: Of course, I can do it. But not here.

Paimon: Why not?

Martin: Have you looked around? This place is an unsanitary mess. How long has it been since you cleaned?

Paimon: We just got here. it was unused before.

Martin: Hmph. That explains the mess. I will not do such a delicate operation here. It will take place at my clinic, where my tools are. And where it's clean.

Esmeralda: That makes sense. Where is it?

Martin: This address. I will have preparations done by tomorrow afternoon. Come then.

Paimon: Got it!

Martin: Goodbye.

Martin leaves.

Paimon: Well, he certainly doesn't mince words. Fortunately, he agreed easily enough. But Esmeralda, are you sure about this?

Esmeralda: Why? What's wrong?

Paimon: Well, not to jump to conclusions, but he is Fatui, and both of us have had bad interactions with them before.

Esmeralda: I know... But there's no other choice. Also, didn't they help you out with the crisis in Fontaine?

Paimon: That's true.

Esmeralda: You'll be there with me, too, right?

Paimon: Of course! You can count on us.

Wait until the appointed time. (1200 - 1800 the next day) Go to the location.

Martin: Excellent, you're on time. Preparations are done. Lay down on the table, Esmeralda.

Esmeralda does so.

Paimon: So, how is this going to work?

Martin: Hmph. I'm going to install a mechanical base to interface with what's left of her optic nerves.

Martin: It will be able to convert data from whatever machine you want into signals that her brain can understand. As for the cameras or whatever, I'll leave that to you, as requested.

Martin: As for the two of you, you are now my assistants. Paimon, whenever I tell you to get a tool, you get it and hand it to me. Understand?

Paimon: Huh? Oh, got it.

Martin: Good. Traveler, I will have certain tasks for you. Follow my instructions.

Aether: Understood.

Martin: Good.

Esmeralda: What about me?

Martin: You will be drugged.

Paimon: What?

Martin: Is that such a surprise? The patient must be sedated for all invasive surgery like this.

Paimon: But...

Martin: But you don't trust me, yes? That's why the two of you are here.

Esmeralda: It's ok. Let's begin, Mr. Martin.

Martin: Great. I will now be injecting a drug to knock you out while the operation takes place.

Martin does so and Esmeralda quickly falls asleep. The surgery begins, with you and Paimon helping Martin. He works quickly and efficiently. It takes some time, but the operation is completed.

Martin: I'm done. No complications. She'll be out for a few more hours. I'll leave here here in your care.

Martin: When she wakes, bring her to her house and tell her to take it easy for a few days. Then she can go off and do whatever.

Martin: My work here is done. You two take care of her. I have other issues to attend to.

Wait for Esmeralda to wake up.


Esmeralda: Ugh.

Paimon: She's awake! How do you feel, Esmeralda?

Esmeralda: I'm... fine, actually. Did the operation go well?

Paimon: Yup! No complications, according to Martin. He said that you can move around but should take it easy for a few days.

Esmeralda: Great. Please thank him for me when you see him again.

Esmeralda: Now, help me get back to the workshop, please.

Return to the workshop.

Paimon: Hey, what's this?

Esmeralda: Is something wrong?

Paimon: No, it's just... There's a pile of books here. Looks like there's a note here, too. Let me read it...

Paimon: 'I found some books on biomechanical engineering. I hope it helps.' - Raimondo.

Esmeralda: That's perfect. I can finally get started.

Esmeralda: But maybe tomorrow, I'm really tired now. Are you two still willing to help me?

Paimon: Of course! We won't rest until you're up and running again!

Esmeralda: Thank you. You're the best.

Wait until the next morning.

Esmeralda: Alright, we can finally get started. I need the two of you to help.

Paimon: Of course! What can we do?

Esmeralda: I was hoping you could find and read out some parts of the books.

Paimon: Piece of cake! Let's get started, then.

You and Paimon spend a few hours reading the books to Esmeralda while she gets some materials and begins working. Unfortunately, it seems like little progress is made, and Esmeralda gets increasingly frustrated.

Esmeralda: It's no use! I can't do anything like this! It's too slow...

Esmeralda: At this rate... It'll be years before I can even make a basic prototype! I... I... *sobs*

Paimon: What should we do, Traveler? Esmeralda seems upset. Should we try to cheer her up?

Aether: Let's go for a walk. / It'll clear our heads.

Esmeralda:... Okay.

Paimon: Where should we go?

Aether: I have an idea. / Follow me.

Go to the Icewind Suite.

Maillardet: Sir, ma'am, are you ready to take part in the Icewind Suite?

Esmeralda: What's this?

Maillardet: You stand before the Icewind Suite, a magnificent creation of the Research Institute. Allow me to introduce Coppelius and Coppelia, clockwork meka dedicated to the art of dance and combat.

Esmeralda: Really? That sounds amazing.

Esmeralda: ... If only I could see it.

Aether: Consider this an incentive for you to persevere. / Don't give up.

Paimon: Yeah! Once you get your eyes fixed, we'll come back here and enjoy the show.

Esmeralda: Are you going to fight it?

Aether: Would you like me to?

Esmeralda: Yes, please. Daisy can watch and share it with me. Maybe I'll get some inspiration.

Paimon: Alright then. Be careful, Aether.

Maillardet: Shall we begin?

Aether: Try Dirge of Coppelia. / Try Nemesis of Coppelius.

Begin the battle.

Paimon: Yeah! Go, traveler!

Several images flash on the screen, of Aether (and his Dull Blade) battling against the two clockwork Meks. Eventually, Aether is victorious.

Esmeralda: Congratulations on your victory, Aether.

Esmeralda: These Meks are truly marvelous. I'll definitely come back to take a look.

Paimon: That's the spirit! Thanks, Maillardet. Let's continue, shall we?

Continue walking.

Paimon: Oh, and this is the Opera Epiclese, where the most important trials and performances in Fontaine are performed.

Paimon: Paimon remembers what happened here. We took part in quite a few trials ourselves - first Lyney's, then Marcel, then Furina... wow, so much has happened.

Esmeralda: The two of you always seem to be caught up in some great adventure, huh?

Paimon: Yeah, sure looks like it. We still get to help a lot of people, so Paimon doesn't mind!

Paimon: Wait! Is that who Paimon thinks it is?

Paimon: It is! Hey, Neuvillette! Out on a walk?

Neuvillette: Oh? What a surprise. You've managed to catch me during a break in the ongoing trial.

Neuvillette: What brings you here, Traveler and Paimon? Is there something you need?

Paimon: Nothing like that! We were just passing by when we ran into you, Neuvillette.

Paimon: Oh, introductions! Neuvillette, this is our friend Esmeralda. Esmeralda, this is Iudex Neuvillette, Chief Justice of Fontaine.

Esmeralda: Hello.

Neuvillette: Greetings.

Paimon: Actually, Neuvillette, we have something to ask you. You see, Esmeralda has trouble with her work due to her injuries. Do you have any advice?

Neuvillette: Injuries... If you don't mind me asking, what happened to your eyes?

Esmeralda: I got hurt while I was exploring some ruins in Sumeru.

Neuvillette: Ruins?

Esmeralda: Yes, I was there to analyze the machines within.

Paimon: Yeah, her specialty is artificial life, and she's really talented.

Neuvillette: I see. You mentioned that you were having trouble? Such topics are not my area of specialty, but I could direct you to a few researchers.

Esmeralda: There are people doing research on artificial life? But I was told that the topic was forbidden.

Neuvillette: Forbidden? Ah, you must be referring to the Sumeru Academia, correct? I believe that researching artificial life falls under their six cardinal sins.

Esmeralda: Yes, that's right. I was warned to stay away from that topic.

Neuvillette: Well, I do agree that it is a dangerous topic. However, Fontaine's laws do not prohibit such research.

Paimon: You mean...

Neuvillette: If you wish to pursue this line of research while you are in Fontaine, you will face no penalty. That is, of course, if you do not break any other laws while doing so.

Neuvillette: Also, this protection will only be applied within Fontaine. I cannot enforce the laws of this nation upon another.

Neuvillette: Still, one step at a time. I believe that you are looking for help with your eyes?

Esmeralda: One step at a time... I see. Thank you so much. Aether, Paimon, let's go back.

Paimon: Looks like taking a walk was a great idea after all. Alright, we'll be returning now. See you, Neuvillette.

Neuvillette: Farewell.

Return to the Workshop.

Paimon: So, Esmeralda, what's the plan? Did you get a new idea?

Esmeralda: Yes, it appears that I was being too greedy.

Paimon: Greedy? What do you mean?

Esmeralda: Well, my usual style is very modular. I make things that can be upgraded and modified easily.

Esmeralda: That's why it was relatively easy for me to add all the various upgrades to Daisy.

Esmeralda: That's what I did for this, too. But, well, it's really hard to make something line this compatible with a bunch of upgrades, even if I could see what I was doing.

Esmeralda: But that was too rash of me. Instead, why not just make the most basic prototype first? As long as it works, even if I can only see in black and white, it'll be an improvement.

Esmeralda: Right, Aether, help with this...

You spend a few more hours helping Esmeralda with her work.


Cutscene

The screen is black. Esmeralda speaks. "Alright, it's done. Let me just push it in... Ugh, that feels weird."

Static fills the screen. Esmeralda's heart soars. It was working. The screen turns dark again, with just a few words displayed in a corner. 'Boot sequence complete. Initializing connection...'

'Connection established.'

Esmeralda opens her eyes. What she sees will be remembered forever, despite the poor quality of it all.

A dark, messy room. A massive humanoid robot, its eye glowing a soft, cautious yellow. A pale floating fairy, hands clenched in anticipation. And a blonde traveler, his concerned and hopeful expression filling her vision.

"It works! Thank you so much!" she exclaims and wraps Aether in a hug.


Quest complete.


(Optional) Talk to Esmeralda.

Option 1: How are you?

Esmeralda: I'm feeling great! I can see again! Oh, you have no idea how happy I am!

Esmeralda: Still, it feels kind of weird. I didn't add the ability to blink, so every time I try, nothing happens and it feels so odd.

Esmeralda: I need to get that fixed quickly.

Option 2: How are the eyes?

Esmeralda: They're working, which is all that matters. I can't make out some smaller details or certain colors, but it'll do until I can make better ones.

Esmeralda: Far better than not being able to see anything, at least.

Option 3: What will you do now?

Esmeralda: Well, first I need to clean this place up. It's an absolute mess.

Esmeralda: Then I'll make some better eyes. As great as it is to see again, the image quality is really bad.

Esmeralda: I'll need to improve that, and make it self-cleaning, and add a bunch of extra stuff... There's lots to do.

Esmeralda: After that... Could you show me around? For real this time?

Aether: Of course. / I'll wait for your call.

Esmeralda: Yes! Awesome!

Option 4: I hope things go well.

Esmeralda: Me too. Right, I should get to work.

(Optional) Talk to Daisy.

Daisy: Thank you.