Daisy Story Quest Act 1

A/N: This takes place approximately at the same time as Esmeralda: Fontaine 2.

Chapter: Ruin Architect

Act I: The Mind of a Machine

Requirements: 1 story key, World Quest: An Expected Lie, World Quest: Questioning Melusine and Answering Machine, Esmeralda Hangout Act I

After dropping Esmeralda off at the Fortress of Meropide, you and Paimon notice a familiar presence waiting.

Daisy: Hello, Aether and Paimon. I've been looking for the two of you.

Paimon: Hey, Daisy. What's up?

Daisy: While Esmeralda is attending to her own goals in the Fortress of Meropide, I would like to ask for your assistance.

Paimon: Oh? Is something wrong?

Daisy: It is a long story. Are the two of you free now?

Paimon: Sure thing. Tell us!

Daisy: Very well. As you know, I use the same method as other Ruin Hunters to float - namely, a Plausterite Core.

Paimon: Plausterite... Hey, isn't that also used by the Jade Chamber? We got that giant chunk to get it back in the sky.

Aether: Yes, I remember. / Shenhe did the heavy lifting.

Paimon: Right! So Ruin Hunters also use the same mineral?

Daisy: Indeed. However, my Plausterite core is deteriorating. It is only a matter of time before it fails and I lose the ability to fly.

Paimon: What? That's horrible! How long do you have?

Daisy: Worry not. By my estimates, it will continue functioning sufficiently for more than a month. However, measures must be taken to handle its inevitable failure.

Paimon: Oh, so it's not urgent. That's good to hear.

Aether: Any idea why it's failing? / Do you know why this is happening?

Daisy: Unfortunately, my self-diagnosis is inconclusive. However, external investigations and my records suggest that it may have to do with my Vision.

Paimon: How so?

Daisy: My records show that the Plausterite Core began losing efficiency soon after I gained my Vision. At that time, I did not think much of it as operations were still within expected and acceptable parameters.

Daisy: However, I soon noticed another odd pattern. Whenever I used my Vision, the output of several of my systems, including the Plausterite Core, would fluctuate.

Daisy: My hypothesis is that the elemental energy of my Vision is conflicting with the original Khaenri'ah technology that makes up the bulk of my systems. Therefore, I must take steps to mitigate this problem.

Paimon: So that's why you came to us! But what should we do? If your Vision causes the Plausterite Core to fail, replacing it isn't going to work, right?

Daisy: Indeed, replacing the Core is not a permanent solution, although it will buy time. However, that is not the solution.

Daisy: While Esmeralda and I were at the Fontaine Research Institute, my investigations revealed the existence of a Prototype Field Generator that went haywire. I believe that the anti-gravity mechanisms within will be a suitable replacement for my current Plausterite Core.

Daisy: This is where I require your assistance. I have yet been unable to locate this device. It was originally designed by the late Edwin Eastinghouse, but as he is unavailable, I believe that -

Paimon: Actually, Edwin's still alive. We can go ask him.

Daisy: Indeed? That simplifies things.

Paimon: Yeah, he faked his death and everything. It's a long story.

Daisy: But you know where he is now, I suppose? If so, gaining the location of the Prototype Field Generator should be of little trouble.

Paimon: Well, the last time we met, he did get arrested. With the crimes that he committed, there's only one place he can be now.

Daisy: ... The Fortress of Meropide. I see. That is not optimal.

Paimon: It's fine. We know the Duke. Getting in there for a day and talking to Edwin shouldn't be an issue.

Daisy: I am aware. It's not that. It's just...

Aether: It's about Esmeralda, isn't it? / Esmeralda's working in the Fortress right now.

Paimon: Oh, right. We can ask for her help as well while we're there!

Daisy: No!

Daisy: Excuse me. Please do not allow Esmeralda to know of my troubles. There is no need to concern her.

Paimon: Huh? She doesn't know?

Daisy: Indeed. I have kept this issue of mine hidden from her this far, so as to allow her to focus on her own efforts.

Paimon: Alright then, if you say so. Should we get going then?

Daisy: Please do. I will await you at the entrance of the Prison.

Paimon: Won't you get seen?

Daisy: I will not. Do not worry. Go, now.

Go to the Fortress of Meropide and look for Edwin

Edwin: It's you two. Why are you here?

Paimon: We have a question for you, mister!

Edwin: What is it?

Paimon: Where is the device? The one that went haywire?

Edwin: The Prototype Field Generator? How would I know where those fools from the Institute put it? Why, I'd bet that they disassembled it for parts, unknowing of the work that was put into it!

Edwin: Why do you ask?

Paimon: Um, no reason! But if the Institute didn't get to it, where would it be?

Edwin: Then it'll be in the old Academic Assembly Hall, of course! Enough silly questions. Leave me be.

Paimon: Hmph, how rude! Well, at least we got out answer. Let's go find Daisy.

Leave the Fortress of Meropide

Paimon: Where do you think she is? Paimon can't see anyone.

Daisy: I am here. Was your search successful?

Paimon: Whoa! Where were you hiding just now?

Daisy: I was always here. I had simply deactivated my stealth systems.

Paimon: Wait, you can turn invisible?

Aether: Just like the Primal Constructs. / Esmeralda gave your their capabilities, didn't she?

Daisy: Indeed. The equilateral structure floating behind me is of their design. It allows me to cloak and grants me some authority to command them, amongst other abilities.

Paimon: Wow, you're certainly impressive.

Paimon: Anyway, we've gotten a location: the old Academic Assembly Hall. Do you know where it is?

Daisy: Indeed. The Institute generally avoids the area. The Prototype Field Generator must be the reason for this. Let us make haste to it.

Paimon: Wait, if you knew that the Institute was avoiding the area, why didn't you go check it out?

Daisy: Because I did not know why. There are no less than 73 areas that are marked as dangerous by the Institute. It would be both time-consuming and reckless to check every one of them.

Paimon: Oh. That many? Well, makes sense. Alright, let's go!

Make your way toward the Academic Assembly Hall.

Paimon: Well, now that we have some time, can we ask you some questions? We've never had the chance to properly get to know, well, something like you, Daisy.

Daisy: Very well. Ask, and I shall answer.

Paimon: Let Paimon think... Aether, do you have anything to ask?

(This repeats until all questions have been asked.)

(Option 1: About what came before...)

Aether: Do you remember what happened before Esmeralda found you?

Daisy: I have some memory of that time, but much has been lost to me.

Daisy: I remember that I was built in some forgotten factory not unlike the one that Esmeralda and I were using for a base in Liyue. The exact location I cannot recall.

Daisy: There were hundreds of my kind - the Ruin Guards, or Field Tillers as we were once called. We were sent to Mondstadt. For what purpose, I do not know. And our army of constructs faced off against gods.

Daisy: In the end, we were shattered. My weaponry and shell were damaged severely, but my core remained mostly intact. Thus I remained dormant for five hundred years, until Esmeralda resonated with her Geo Vision nearby.

Daisy: Thus, I awakened.

Paimon: Whoa... Sounds like you got quite lucky.

Daisy: Perhaps. If the damage that I had experienced were more severe, I might never have been able to awaken. But if that were so, I would never know what I had lost.

Daisy: Do you have any other questions?

(Option 2: About the present situation...)

Aether: How's Esmeralda?

Daisy: Hmm? She's doing well, I believe. She had quite effectively recovered from losing her eyes.

Paimon: Yeah, it's good that she got better. Still, Paimon wonders how she recovered so quickly. Paimon would definitely not be able to!

Daisy: An interesting question. For the full answer, you will have to ask Esmeralda herself. However I believe that I can share certain insights.

Daisy: Primarily, I believe that Esmeralda is exceptionally efficient while she has a tangible task to complete. As long as she can focus on a single task, she is able to produce results effectively. She will cast away all doubt and distractions.

Daisy: That is how she mended her eyes so rapidly. A single task completed with unerringly focus. This state of mind had served her well.

Daisy: Although I regret that I had not prevented it, the loss of her eyes had indeed brought her to new heights. The integration of flesh and metal allows her to become far more capable in many ways.

Daisy: Yet... I fear what this assimilation may lead to.

Paimon: What do you mean?

Daisy: For a human to turn to machines to enhance themselves... Where would it lead... and at what cost?

Daisy: Nevermind. I will be there to ensure that no harm is done. There is no need to concern yourselves over this matter.

(Option 3: About what is to come...)

Aether: What are your plans for the future?

Daisy: My greatest wish is to ensure Esmeralda's safety. That is my ambition and I will see it through.

Paimon: But what about yourself? Surely you don't want to just be a bodyguard all the time, right?

Daisy: That is true. Esmeralda is capable of fending for herself and can summon forth various machines to aid her in times of need.

Daisy: I understand that I am not needed by her side at all times. During this time, I think that I would like to experience the world. I may have been constructed five hundred years ago, but it was only recently that I could truly understand my surroundings.

Daisy: I want to explore Teyvat and experience humanity's greatest creations. To witness their ingenuity and perhaps, one day, to contribute to the world.

Paimon: Like us, then! Travelers exploring the world. Who knows, maybe we can join forces in the future.

Daisy: Perhaps so. It would certainly be interesting. For now, however, I shall escort Esmeralda wherever she chooses to go.

(Option 4: No more questions.)

Paimon: That's all we have to ask.

Daisy: Now then, perhaps you would be willing to answer some of my own questions in turn?

Paimon: That's fair. What do you want to know?

Daisy: What is your goal?

Paimon: Huh? You're going to have to be more specific.

Daisy: Apologies. Allow me to elaborate. Since Esmeralda and I met the two of you, you have been traveling to different nations. From what I have gathered, you have resolved many conflicts and made connections with various influential people and factions.

Daisy: My question is as such. Why have you done so? Are you simply an idealist, trying to improve the world? Or do you have an underlying goal for your actions?

Paimon: Oh, Paimon can answer this one!

Paimon gives a quick summary of what you told her: of traveling between worlds, the unknown god, and your sister.

Daisy: Not of this world? That is unexpected.

Paimon: Yup, that's why Aether is unique. Like how he can use the elements without a Vision.

Daisy: I see. This is most interesting. Would you... be willing to tell me of your past adventures outside Teyvat?

You do. Both Daisy and Paimon listen, enthralled, as you speak of the worlds that you had explored with your sister. You speak of a beautiful world under attack by an unknown force, where human will persevered over despair. You speak of a world built on the ruins of civilization, drawing strength from those that they fight. You speak of a universe where every individual could choose their own path, including a world of sentient machines. After your stories, Daisy is silent for a long time.

Daisy: Thank you, Aether. For sharing this with me. I have much to think about.

Daisy: Now, we are approaching our destination. Let us prepare.

Aether: Actually, I have one last question. If given the chance... would you like to become human?

Daisy: ...

Daisy: I... I cannot say.

Daisy: My logic systems cannot find a definitive solution. Odd.

Daisy: There are many things that only humans can do. Yes, I would like to experience some of them.

Paimon: Oh, like what?

Daisy: Even in the simplest things. I have never eaten nor drank, nor can I sense the world in the way you do. These experiences would be most interesting.

Daisy: Yet I find myself unwilling to give up the advantages that machines hold. Your senses are so restricted compared to mine, and your needs far greater.

Daisy: The benefits and drawbacks must be properly analyzed. This question requires significant time and resources to solve. Forgive me, Aether, but I cannot answer at this moment.

Aether: Perhaps one day.

Daisy: Perhaps. I shall remember this query.

Daisy: We have arrived.

Enter the Academic Assembly Hall.

Daisy: There it is. The Prototype Field Generator.

Daisy: It is currently inactive. Unfortunately, I am not familiar with its design. I will require time to analyze the energy that it generates while it is active.

Daisy: If you would, Aether, please activate it. I will remain nearby to take the energy readings that I require.

Daisy: Also, ensure that damage to its core systems is minimized. You may begin when ready.

Fight the Prototype Field Generator.

Daisy: Aether, I have successfully isolated the components responsible for the anti-gravity field. Stand back. I am moving in to disable the Prototype Field Generator.

Daisy approaches and strikes the Generator's Core, causing it to come crashing down. She begins her work.

Paimon: Whew, that was tough. Do you have everything you need, Daisy?

Daisy: Not for full integration. I plan to extract the anti-gravity systems and move them back to the workshop, where the full suite of tools will be available to me.

Paimon: Oh, okay then. Do you need help?

Daisy: Assistance with this is unnecessary. However, someone has been observing us for a while now. Please inform her that I am not a threat.

Paimon: Huh? Who?

Cherveruse: So, you noticed.

Daisy: Indeed. Please speak to Aether. I do not wish to be disturbed.

Paimon: Chevreuse? When did you get here?

Chevreuse: I was on patrol nearby when I noticed the commotion. What's happening here, Aether? What is this machine?

Paimon: This is Daisy! She's a friend, so don't shoot her, okay?

Chevreuse: I'm afraid I don't quite understand. Is this... A thinking machine? The last one... No. I thought that it was some advanced Ruin machine and a potential danger.

Chevreuse: You were the only reason that I refrained from attacking. I noticed that you were acting familiar with it, and you could take care of yourself anyway. But you say that it's friendly?

Paimon: Yup. Daisy's not from Fontaine, actually. That's probably why you don't know about her. That and she can be really sneaky.

Chevreuse: I see. This is an incredible discovery. There's ever only been one recorded instance of a sentient machine in Fontaine history.

Paimon: Paimon knows! You mean Curve, right?

Chevreuse: How did you... Wait. You were involved in that case too, weren't you?

Paimon: That's right. It's a shame what happened in the end, though.

Chevreuse: Indeed. But back to the topic: what is this 'Daisy' doing?

Paimon: Now? She's -

Daisy: I have just completed my task of acquiring the anti-gravity systems of the Prototype Field Generator.

Chevreuse: And what do you plan to do with it?

Daisy: I intend to use it to replace my current Plausterite Core. It will improve the stability of my floating ability.

Daisy: Miss Chevreuse, there is no need to be worried. I mean no harm to you or any human.

Chevreuse: Sorry, but it's my job to worry about these things. You're the second sentient machine and by the looks of things, a significant threat in combat. Just saying that you are peaceful doesn't mean much when you have that kind of firepower.

Daisy: I understand. However, Aether can support my claims. I believe that his words have much more weight than mine.

Aether: It's true. / Daisy won't hurt anyone.

Daisy: Except in self-defense.

Chevreuse: Well, with Aether vouching for you, I guess I can overlook this. It would save me a lot of paperwork anyway.

Chevreuse: But if I ever get any reports of you killing people or damaging things, I will come after you, Daisy.

Daisy: Of course.

Chevreuse: Well, it's been nice meeting you, Daisy, Aether, and Paimon. I'll take my leave.

Chevreuse leaves.

Paimon: Whew, that was tense. Good thing that we were here, right? Otherwise, there would definitely have been a fight.

Daisy: One that I would win.

Paimon: No fighting our friends!

Daisy: Of course. I have what I need now. We should return to the Institute.

Paimon: What about the other parts lying around?

Daisy: It would be impractical for us to retrieve all of the parts. I will send a message to the Institute informing them of this.

Paimon: Tell them that you destroyed their Prototype Field Generator? Paimon thought that you were planning to be subtle.

Daisy: You misunderstand. The Institute will receive a message from an anonymous source describing this wreckage.

Paimon: Ah, Paimon understands. You just want them to clean up for you!

Daisy: As I have said, it is impractical for me to clean all this alone. It is their device anyway. We should allow them to recover it.

Daisy: Now, let us return.

Return to the Fontaine Institute of Kinetic Engineering.

Daisy: Thank you both for your assistance. I will be able to handle the rest from here.

Paimon: Don't you need Esmeralda's help?

Daisy: That will not be necessary. My knowledge banks are significant, and I have picked up much from her. I am confident in my abilities.

Paimon: Well, alright. We'll leave you to it, then. If you ever need help again, don't hesitate to ask!

Daisy: A kind offer. I shall remember it. Goodbye.

A/N: Not every story quest needs to be dramatic, conspiracy-solving mysteries. Sometimes it's nice to just have a chat with a giant floating murder robot.

Also, if anyone is wondering, Daisy gained her Hydro Vision before the Fontaine Archon Quest occurred. This means that she didn't get it from Neuvillette but whatever original giver was before him: Focalors/Furina/Heavenly Principles. I'm not sure if this info is or will ever be relevant, but here it is.