Monumental Study

Lady Sorush, and the two of you as well. Perfect timing!

Yeah, you're right. When people say "perfect timing," it's always followed by really troublesome requests... 여행자, maybe we should make a run for it after she's done talking.

Um, please wait! I do have a request to make, but I promise it won't be too much work! Besides, the matter is actually... closely related to Lady Sorush.

Well then... Since it has to do with Sorush, Paimon supposes we'll hear you out.

Wonderful! Please, come with me.

Is it something you can't say here?

No, it's just that some things are easier to understand after you've seen them yourselves.

She should know something about this...

Lady Sorush? What brings you here...?

We found some strange stuff...

Could this be...! Perfect timing!

Yeah, you're right. When people say "perfect timing," it's always followed by really troublesome requests... 여행자, maybe we should make a run for it after she's done talking.

Um, please wait! I do have a request to make, but I promise it won't be too much work! Besides, the matter is actually... closely related to Lady Sorush.

Well then... Since it has to do with Sorush, Paimon supposes we'll hear you out.

Wonderful! Please, come with me.

Is it something you can't say here?

No, it's just that some things are easier to understand after you've seen them yourselves.

Hm? Do you have questions?

Trust me, I'm a righteous person that only wishes to learn of the original contents of the inscription. There's nothing shady involved, I promise.

What does Sosi want to show us? Isn't this just one big stone tablet?

Hmm... did it get eroded? Paimon can't make out what's written on it...

The Khvarena Monument is a valuable artifact to the Order of Skeptics. It only appears this way because its fragments are lost.

Engraved on the monument are the true names of every Pari and the first contract they formed with the Order of Skeptics.

The immortality of the Pari is sustained by the Khvarena Monument. One who manages to collect all four fragments and causes the contract to reappear...

...Will re-establish a contract with the Pari and obtain a power that rivals the gods.

Oh...

Sounds nice and all, but what does that have to do with us?

Yeah, we're not interested in obtaining the power of the gods.

As for forming contracts with Pari... We're already friends with Sorush, so Paimon thinks there's no need for formalities like that!

Who told you we were friends? Do mind your manners, Pale Floater.

Um, you do have a point. We'll be friends once Paimon returns the favor by coming up with an ugly nickname for you! Hehe.

Hmph! Paimon's disrespectful behavior aside, I assume you're planning to task 여행자 with collecting the monument's fragments?

That's very observant of you, Lady Sorush. That is indeed my plan.

Searching is quite a lowly task— Ahem, a task requiring adventure experience is better suited for professionals. And by that, I mean adventurers.

So you seek to form a new contract with us Pari and acquire a power that rivals the gods?

Oh, how very interesting. A mere human, coveting a higher power... Could it be your inflated ego, or utter ignorance?

How could I have such presumptuous thoughts...! I'm doing all this for the sake of research and bringing the historical truth to light.

The Akademiya and the Order of Skeptics went separate ways due to a clash in our ideals, but our research has always emphasized history and heritage.

I have never once coveted a higher power — the only thing I'm after is the contents of the inscription on the Khvarena Monument. It's all for the sake of research, I swear.

The initial contract between us Skeptics and the Pari, and every single Pari's true name! Isn't that enough to pique your interest?

I suppose that's no surprise, coming from an adventurer with Lady Sorush's recognition...

Anyway, this is a formal commission. Please be assured that you will be well compensated by the Order of Skeptics.

Uh, since it's a formal commission with compensation and all, maybe we should give it a go.

Splendid. Here are some clues regarding the locations of the monument's fragments... I trust that you're already familiar with clues like these as experienced adventurers.

Oh, and one more thing. I have indeed sighted suspicious individuals who covet the power of gods. They seem to have come all the way from the snowy lands...

I've seen them sneaking around the Khvarena Monument, and it's clear that they're up to no good. They've even started setting up camp nearby...

I'm sure you wouldn't put up with these outlanders acting as they please on our land, Lady Sorush?

Sounds like the Fatui... We just gotta chase them away, right?

Yes, that's right, go teach them a lesson. They've set up three separate camps — I'll mark them on your map later.

There's a commanding officer among them that watches over the whole situation. Perhaps defeating him would teach these outlanders to abide by our rules.

Okay, enough talk. I leave the matter in your hands while I stay here and continue reading up on relevant documents. With Lady Sorush accompanying you, I'm sure everything will go smoothly.

What does Sosi want to show us? Isn't this just one big stone tablet?

Hmm... did it get eroded? Paimon can't make out what's written on it...

The Khvarena Monument is a valuable artifact to the Order of Skeptics. It only appears this way because its fragments are lost.

Engraved on the monument are the true names of every Pari and the first contract they formed with the Order of Skeptics.

The immortality of the Pari is sustained by the Khvarena Monument. One who manages to collect all four fragments and causes the contract to reappear...

...Will re-establish a contract with the Pari and obtain a power that rivals the gods.

Oh... Speaking of fragments, we did find four strange-looking things...

Sounds nice and all, but what does that have to do with us?

Yeah, we're not interested in obtaining the power of the gods.

As for forming contracts with Pari... We're already friends with Sorush, so Paimon thinks there's no need for formalities like that!

Who told you we were friends? Do mind your manners, Pale Floater.

Um, you do have a point. We'll be friends once Paimon returns the favor by coming up with an ugly nickname for you! Hehe.

Hmph! Paimon's disrespectful behavior aside, I assume you're planning to ask 여행자 to hand the fragments he collected over to you?

That's very observant of you, Lady Sorush. I have indeed been planning to do so. Searching for things, after all, is quite a lowly task— Ahem, what I mean is...

It's a trivial matter to professionals in this area, such as Adventurers... And since it's rather trivial, may I ask if...

Searching isn't just some lowly task! It's not something anyone can do, because you gotta have lots of professional skills! For example... uh...

Paimon thinks you meant keen observation skills!

We're not very interested in obtaining a divine power or anything, but Sosi, you want us to give you these four fragments for free?

Do you seek to form a new contract with us Pari and acquire a power that rivals the gods, human?

Oh, how very interesting. A mere human, coveting a higher power... Could it be your inflated ego, or utter ignorance?

How could I have such presumptuous thoughts...! I'm doing all this for the sake of research and bringing the historical truth to light.

The Akademiya and the Order of Skeptics went separate ways due to a clash in our ideals, but our research has always emphasized history and heritage.

I have never once coveted a higher power — the only thing I'm after is the contents of the inscription on the Khvarena Monument. It's all for the sake of research, I swear.

The initial contract between us Skeptics and the Pari, and every single Pari's true name! Isn't that enough to pique your interest?

I gotta admit, I am a bit curious.

I suppose that's no surprise, coming from an adventurer with Lady Sorush's recognition...

*sigh*...How about I make this a formal commission? As long as you're willing to hand over the fragments, you will be well compensated by the Order of Skeptics.

Uh, since it's a formal commission with compensation and all, maybe we should consider taking it.

Splendid.

Oh, and one more thing. I have indeed sighted suspicious individuals who covet the power of gods. They seem to have come all the way from the snowy lands...

I've seen them sneaking around the Khvarena Monument, and it's clear that they're up to no good. They've even started setting up camp nearby...

I'm sure you wouldn't put up with these outlanders acting as they please on our land, Lady Sorush?

Sounds like the Fatui... We just gotta chase them away, right?

Yes, that's right, go teach them a lesson. They've set up three separate camps — I'll mark them on your map later.

There's a commanding officer among them that watches over the whole situation. Perhaps defeating him would teach these outlanders to abide by our rules.

I really can't bring myself to proceed with my reading until they learn their lesson and retreat... So please, I'm counting on you!

What does Sosi want to show us? Isn't this just one big stone tablet?

Hmm... did it get eroded? Paimon can't make out what's written on it...

The Khvarena Monument is a valuable artifact to the Order of Skeptics. It only appears this way because its fragments are lost.

Engraved on the monument are the true names of every Pari and the first contract they formed with the Order of Skeptics.

The immortality of the Pari is sustained by the Khvarena Monument. One who manages to collect all four fragments and causes the contract to reappear...

...Will re-establish a contract with the Pari and obtain a power that rivals the gods.

Oh...

Sounds nice and all, but what does that have to do with us?

Yeah, we're not interested in obtaining the power of the gods.

As for forming contracts with Pari... We're already friends with Sorush, so Paimon thinks there's no need for formalities like that!

Who told you we were friends? Do mind your manners, Pale Floater.

Um, you do have a point. We'll be friends once Paimon returns the favor by coming up with an ugly nickname for you! Hehe.

Hmph! Paimon's disrespectful behavior aside, I assume you're planning to task 여행자 with collecting the monument's fragments?

That's very observant of you, Lady Sorush. That is indeed my plan.

Searching is quite a lowly task— Ahem, a task requiring adventure experience is better suited for professionals. And by that, I mean adventurers.

Searching isn't just some lowly task! It's not something anyone can do, because you gotta have lots of professional skills! For example... uh...

Paimon thinks you meant keen observation skills!

The strange things we found must be the monument fragments Sosi's talking about, right? So these are the stuff she wants...

Do you seek to form a new contract with us Pari and acquire a power that rivals the gods, human?

Oh, how very interesting. A mere human, coveting a higher power... Could it be your inflated ego, or utter ignorance?

How could I have such presumptuous thoughts...! I'm doing all this for the sake of research and bringing the historical truth to light.

The Akademiya and the Order of Skeptics went separate ways due to a clash in our ideals, but our research has always emphasized history and heritage.

I have never once coveted a higher power — the only thing I'm after is the contents of the inscription on the Khvarena Monument. It's all for the sake of research, I swear.

The initial contract between us Skeptics and the Pari, and every single Pari's true name! Isn't that enough to pique your interest?

I gotta admit, I am a bit curious.

I suppose that's no surprise, coming from an adventurer with Lady Sorush's recognition...

Anyway, this is a formal commission. Please be assured that you will be well compensated by the Order of Skeptics.

Uh, since it's a formal commission with compensation and all, maybe we should give it a go.

Splendid. Here are some clues regarding the locations of the monument's fragments... I trust that you're already familiar with clues like these as experienced adventurers.

Oh, and one more thing. I have indeed sighted suspicious individuals who covet the power of gods. They seem to have come all the way from the snowy lands...

I've seen them sneaking around the Khvarena Monument, and it's clear that they're up to no good. They've even started setting up camp nearby...

I'm sure you wouldn't put up with these outlanders acting as they please on our land, Lady Sorush?

Sounds like the Fatui... We just gotta chase them away, right?

Yes, that's right, go teach them a lesson. They've set up three separate camps — I'll mark them on your map later.

There's a commanding officer among them that watches over the whole situation. Perhaps defeating him would teach these outlanders to abide by our rules.

Okay, enough talk. I leave the matter in your hands while I stay here and continue reading up on relevant documents. With Lady Sorush accompanying you, I'm sure everything will go smoothly.

It seems that you've found all four monument fragments. About the Fatui that covet the power of the gods, especially their commanding officer...

And we couldn't talk any sense into him at all!

Worry not. My Yasnapati has already taught them the lesson they deserve.

Ohh! Thank you for informing me, Lady Sorush. That puts my mind at ease.

According to the records, as long as we return the four fragments to their original places, the inscription on the Khvarena Monument will reappear.

I'll place the honor of returning the fragments in our esteemed Yasnapati's hands, then. I'm sure that would suit your preference too, Lady Sorush.

Lady Sorush, and you two... You...

Never mind that for now! You Skeptics... how could you!

Us Skeptics? You might want to re-organize your thoughts before speaking up.

Is that so... But the incident seems completely arbitrary. His actions have undoubtedly violated the Order of Skeptics' true purpose, so one shouldn't generalize that to the whole order.

But isn't he the uh, Vijnanapati? Are you really gonna let this slide?

Let's put his nonconforming deeds aside for now. There's something of higher importance I need your opinion on... and it has something to do with Lady Sorush.

Well then... Since it has to do with Sorush, Paimon supposes we'll hear you out.

Wonderful! Please, come with me.

Is it something you can't say here?

No, it's just that some things are easier to understand after you've seen them yourselves.

She should know something about this...

Lady Sorush? What brings you here...?

We should ask about Nasejuna first!

Is that so... But the incident seems completely arbitrary. His actions have undoubtedly violated the Order of Skeptics' true purpose, so one shouldn't generalize that to the whole order.

But isn't he the uh, Vijnanapati? Are you really gonna let this slide?

Let's put his nonconforming deeds aside for now. There's something of higher importance I need your opinion on... The fragments you found are closely related to Lady Sorush and all Pari.

Well then... Since it has to do with Sorush, Paimon supposes we'll hear you out.

Wonderful! Please, come with me.

Is it something you can't say here?

No, it's just that some things are easier to understand after you've seen them yourselves.

It seems that you've found all four monument fragments.

Never mind that for now! You Skeptics... how could you!

Us Skeptics? You might want to re-organize your thoughts before speaking up.

Is that so... But the incident seems completely arbitrary. His actions have undoubtedly violated the Order of Skeptics' true purpose, so one shouldn't generalize that to the whole order.

But isn't he the uh, Vijnanapati? Are you really gonna let this slide?

It's meaningless to delve further into his nonconforming deeds. I'm more concerned about the Fatui that covet the power of the gods, especially their commanding officer...

And we couldn't talk any sense into him at all!

Worry not. My Yasnapati has already taught them the lesson they deserve.

Ohh! Thank you for informing me, Lady Sorush. That puts my mind at ease.

According to the records, as long as we return the four fragments to their original places, the inscription on the Khvarena Monument will reappear.

I'll place the honor of returning the fragments in our esteemed Yasnapati's hands, then. I'm sure that would suit your preference too, Lady Sorush.

Phew... Nervous? Me? I'm not nervous at all, simply very... excited.

You! Can't! Do that!

Huh? Why did he come all the way here?

You can't do that, young man. You can't take knowledge away from me.

Knowledge is the source of my power! Oh, imagine how small and weak I'd be without knowledge... I wouldn't even be able to crush a butterfly's wings with my fist...

I don't remember taking anything from you.

Hmph, and we've given you a lot! You humans call them "badges of honor," correct?

Knowledge is the only form of honor, and the only source of power! I need that Pari, that magical little thing... I can smell it on her... the fragrance of knowledge.

Whoa... The guy's insane...

I think he needs to be taught another lesson!

여행자, we can't let him take Sorush!

He won't come back anymore, right...

Is that what you get for pursuing knowledge...

Uh, Paimon doesn't think they're related!

Ahem. Anyway, I think we can try decoding the inscriptions on the monument now.

Whoa, it's really become clearer! What does it say?

How could this be...

From that look on her face akin to a shriveled tree trunk, I'm pretty sure the inscription has nothing to do with contracts or divine powers.

Well, I'm not surprised.

Was Sosi secretly wishing to obtain the power of the gods? Why would she look so disappointed otherwise?

Oh? I can't unhear that now.

I—I'm just a little disappointed, that's all... Um, no! It's not because of the divine powers...

I—I'm just disheartened by the revelation that our predecessor's documentations were factually inaccurate... They chose to leave written records precisely because it was the more reliable medium than passing it down verbally...

I've skimmed through the inscription, and it looks like it contains records of past disasters... and how our Order of Skeptics predecessors dealt with them. Ugh... It's so different than what I've read about.

But which version of knowledge corresponds to the truth? I need to continue looking into this...

It's a good thing to want to learn more! But uh... don't turn into someone like that weird Fatui officer!

Careful not to fall prey to seemingly convincing "knowledge" and descend into madnesss...

That would be an overstatement. We Skeptics believe that true knowledge only surfaces when placed under scrutiny. As long as my will does not falter, I would never stray from the right path.

Hmph...

Thank you for all your hard work on this commission. I hope you're satisfied with the Order of Skeptics's compensation, and wish you a smooth journey ahead.

Strange. Isn't this officer supposed to be a really punctual guy? Why isn't he here?

This is hardly a land of peace. Even the Fatui may be sucked into some sudden conflicts.

Eh? But Paimon doesn't see any signs of a struggle...

Hmph. And yet there are some footprints. Freshly left, at that. Perhaps we might follow them and find something nonetheless?

Wait, they're attacking us?

It seems you have been taken for a foe.

Hey, cut the attitude! We're supposed to be on the same side!

Huh. Still no sign of anyone who might be their commanding officer...

The footprints in the sand continue. So should we.

Hey, you scheming humans! I suggest leaving this place at once — the heritage and secrets of us Pari are not for you to covet, and certainly not within your reach.

...Pari? You're a Pari! Oh, what an amazing experience!

Oh! And there's also a wiry young man with his... pet?

Hey, watch what you say! Paimon's his best friend!

Friend... Why, of course! "Best friend"... What a beautiful sound! I've always wanted to have a "best friend" since childhood...

Wiry young man, you're certainly not in need of two best friends, are you?

I mean... Even if you're the one having two best friends, don't you think it's a little unfair?

Inequities like this are impossible to forgive... So please, hand the Pari over to me. As for how I'll treat it... you wouldn't have to worry. I'll make sure it's used to its full potential.

Insolent fool...

Whoa, he's being so unreasonable... There's no getting through to him!

We can always make him understand without wasting our words... My clever Yasnapati, surely you know what I mean?

Oh, Paimon knows! Sorush wants us to teach him a lesson!

Hmph! Silence, Pale Floater!