Tale of Dreams Plucked From Fire

But the door looks closed...

Rawr...

Well, it had better be. I mean, an open door would mean that our path to the great treasure is long gone!

Huh. You do have a point there, Chikya!

...Huh, to think that it was exactly as those woven scrolls and texts concerning them stated. What do you think? See that Phlogiston Engraving right there by the door?

Rawr!

That's right. You're a quick one, little fella. Sharp-eyed, too. Researchers have said that Saurian visual acuity differs by species...

Saurians are generally further-sighted than humans are, though from this distance, anyone from the tribe who isn't a visually impaired old lady could spot this Phlogiston Engraving.

So this shining thing is what you call a Phlogiston Engraving, Chikya?

Wait, you've been adventuring in Natlan, but you've never heard of Phlogiston Engravings?

Anyway, speaking of phlogiston...

The origin of Phlogiston Engraving, narrowly speaking, comes from the days when Natlan was still ruled by a Pyro Dragon, who caused humanity to exist only in primitive tribes.

In those days, only the dragons could use phlogiston. But the Sage of the Stolen Flame, Waxaklahun Ubah Kan, risked life and limb to steal the flaming seed of it from the great volcano.

As such, humans began imitating the way dragons controlled the substance, creating a language by which humanity could exert that same control. This is the basis of modern Natlan's phlogiston usage.

The results of that are Phlogiston Engravings, like the one you see before you right now. Magnificent, isn't it? It's still intact even after all these years, still visible to the naked eye!

Ooh!

Rawrr!

Alright, your turn, Traveler!

...Yeah, whoo.

C'mon, that's kinda bland.

Roo...

Huh. I didn't know you were the independent sort like that, Traveler.

So, the Phlogiston Engraving here is...

As I said before, Phlogiston Engraving is also a language. It looks like a mere pattern, but those well-versed in the art can understand the meaning therein.

And, as a scholar on the subject, I should only need a day to analyze these patterns...

Rawr...

W—Wait, you're gonna take a whole day?

Yeah, what about it? Now, the pattern looks flat, sure, but every last hook and turn can redefine the meaning behind the phlogiston flow within.

Wow, that's super complicated...

Yup. Phlogiston Engraving scholarship is a most masterful field of study.

So, what if you just read the meaning directly using phlogiston?

D—Directly...!? Well, you could certainly do that, but the meaning could — and I do mean "could" — contain some discrepancy...

Wait. You can use phlogiston? But you're an outlander, aren't you?

Well, I could do it the moment I arrived in Natlan...

Really? I never knew that could happen. How could that— I mean, what a rarity! Quite expected of you... I suppose.

Anyway, this is a good opportunity to try to sense the phlogiston for yourself.

So, what's recorded on that Engraving?

It reads as follows...

Hmm, that is indeed what it says... Answers of this sort are pretty easy to verify... And in any case, this is a pretty classic theme.

There should be an Unveiling Script somewhere around here with which we can unlock this Phlogiston Engraving. Where is it, though?

Rawr!

Yes, a script with which to unveil this Engraving... Wait, you understood me, little guy?

Rawr!

Hmm? He turned around? Is he trying to say that the Script is behind us?

Paimon was just about to say that this place was getting hotter the deeper in we got, but she sure didn't expect this whole place to be filled with lava!

Careful, {REALNAME[ID(2)|SHOWHOST(true)]}! If you slip, that might just be the end of you...

Roo... Rawr...

Huh, now that you mention it, floaty little Paimon's the safest here!

Hehe, that's just one of the reasons Paimon's awesome, you know!

They say that those whose heads get too big wind up floating away...

Paimon's always floating anyway... But that didn't sound like a compliment.

Err?

You're a real bright spark, Paimon, you know that?

That... didn't sound like a compliment either, Chikya. Anyway, never mind all that!

This is the thing we were looking for, right? Hmm, it just looks like a clay ring with phlogiston patterning on it...

Do you think this one's valuable, by any chance?

Very much so... In fact, it's probably worth a large sum of Mora. But its real worth lies in its ability to open the path to the Upper SanctumHanan Pacha.

You've seen the islands floating in the sky, haven't you?

You mean the ones above the lake...

That's right. We call those the Upper SanctumHanan Pacha, due to their inaccessibility by either humans or Saurians.

They say that the "legendary elixir that heals all wounds" can be found there, in fact!

For people like us, who are constantly in conflict. That is a pure land of peace, a utopia created by the very first human to use phlogiston.

And now it's time for a question, class. What was the name of that sage who, in the past, stole the flaming seed of phlogiston? {REALNAME[ID(2)|SHOWHOST(true)]}?

Rraaaawr! Rawrr! Rawr!

Very enthusiastic, but I don't think I heard you right!

Rooowr!

Alright, now then. Your turn, lad. What's your answer?

Close, but not quite! It's Waxaklahun Ubah Kan. Shame about that, but it's minus 10 points from you, lad!

Anyway, we usually call him the Sage of the Stolen Flame, which is easier by far.

Some also call him a madman or a lunatic, but I'd call those compliments as well. He did do some very impressive things regardless, after all.

He stole the flaming phlogiston seed from the giant dragon and created the Upper Sanctum using that power, before teaching it to everyone in the tribes.

This is also, or so the ancient scrolls say, where humans first began practicing with phlogiston.

And this special Spiritdoor is a sort of trial. Activating this door will grant you access to the Spiritway that leads to the Upper Sanctum...

Rawr!

While I don't know what you're saying, yes, that's where the treasure is. Legend has it that it is a gift given by the Sage to those who pass the trial.

Rawr! Rawr!

H—Huh, so that's the story... What's the trial like, then?

Let me have a look.

Nah, it's fine, I've seen the Phlogiston Engraving on this Spiritdoor enough times to sear it into my memory...

"If you wish to open this path, seek three Unveiling Scripts."

That's right, pretty much the same as before. We just need to find three Scripts this time!

Hehe, I mean, drawing info directly from phlogiston is impressive, but I'd personally put more stock in my graphic language comparisons.

It seems like this Spiritdoor already has an Unveiling Script embedded into it. See? A third of it has already been lit up...

So we just need to find two more!

Hmm?

Argh, my back's aching again... I'll wait for you here while you find those Unveiling Scripts, alright?

This place is very dangerous, so keep your eyes peeled, lad!

So is this how a Spiritway looks when illuminated?

The ancient woven scrolls said that when the dim path lights up, it will be like a bonfire being roused once more into a blaze... and they weren't exaggerating.

Ah, right! You're back at last. You alright over there, Paimon?

Yeah, Paimon's fine!

And you, {REALNAME[ID(2)|SHOWHOST(true)]}?

Rawr!

Well, still not getting you there, but it seems you're uninjured too.

And finally, Traveler... Eh, I knew you'd be fine, lad. You've got a bright future ahead of you, after all!

Some concern would have been nice all the same...

Eh, that would be unnecessary. The only thing you need is the "trust" of others, and you should be proud of that.

Seriously, though, this place is frighteningly full of liquid phlogiston. I was concerned for a moment there that you'd not come back.

Couldn't have returned on my own power with this bad back, after all. If you'd failed to return, I'd have turned into jerky over here, without ever having found that cure-all elixir!

...Ah!

What's wrong, Chikya? What's with that sudden look?

I just remembered that when tidying up ancient scrolls previously, I did spot an account of our ancestors swimming in lava.

At that time, I thought, "Swimming in liquid phlogiston? Madness!" Reckoned it was some wild storyteller's yarn, I did.

Well, now that you think about it, those were probably...

Rrooo...

It's hard to imagine why anyone would draw that, but yeah, just thinking about it gives me the heebie-jeebies.

No wonder my friend gave me a pained look, like one looking at some emotionally-warped humanoid monster, when I told that story as a joke.

We drifted apart thereafter. Gah, that was one of my only friends, you know?

Anyway, never mind. Let's head back to the tribe and talk there instead. This whole "friends" business should start looking up once the Sage of the Stolen Flame's gift returns with us in glory!

And what's that gift supposed to be, the power of hypnosis?

No, but Mora and dreams of success are effective, if dirty, substitutes.

Anyway, for the sake of friendship— Actually, screw that! We're doing this for the gift, for ourselves, and for... Well, for selfish reasons, anyway, because we deserve it all and more! Let's rock!

Still, this is the first time I'm riding a Spiritway... You'll dodge if I end up vomiting, won't you?

Uh...

Rwargh...

Alright, alright, don't worry, you all. I'm just kidding!

As expected, the Spiritdoor below is connected to the one in these ruins, such that the passage may extend into the skies.

The woven scrolls record rightly — ah, I'm so proud of myself for believing in them!

Rawr!

Yes, yes, and you're awesome for cooperating with me, {REALNAME[ID(2)|SHOWHOST(true)]}. Heh, what an adorable little fellow you are.

How would you like to jump ship over to me, hmm? Three square meals of one Grainfruit guaranteed.

Now, don't you go looking down on the Grainfruit, it's a real hit amongst Saurians, and it's healthy for them, too.

Roooah... Ooroo...

Haha, I'll take that as a no, then. Ah, to be so close — I'm getting a little envious.

We were around when {REALNAME[ID(2)|SHOWHOST(true)]} first opened his eyes... You didn't have a chance to start with.

That so, that close, huh... That might make for a very painful goodbye if that time should come, though.

Err?

Alright. We're about to reach the Upper Sanctum, but, uh... Let me take five real quick. Goodness, my back hurts.

Has it always been that way?

Oh, come on, it's not that bad. You know, you leave yourself open to tricks by constantly taking people so seriously.

If anything, my back pain's decreased mysteriously since meeting you.

I wonder what that is... Is there something special about your body, and would that work with a piece of it of any size, like, say, a thumb?

Would you mind giving one to me? I'd give you mine in exchange.

Wanna give it a shot?

Err?

Wait, what sort of weird trade is that...

...Okay, so, I don't know how you grew up, lad, but I'm sure most people would've refused.

I was just trying to scare you, y'know... Didn't think you'd get me instead.

*sigh* Alright, just a bit longer, and the pain in my back should subside... And then we can head to the Upper Sanctum together.

Huh. I didn't think you'd be able to fend them off with those thin limbs of yours...

Don't underestimate Traveler! He's taken way bigger things out than that!

Rawr!

Hmm, looks like roping you in was the right choice. Hehe... Ah, guess I've got a good eye, eh?

And here I thought you were going to compliment me!

Haha, I'll bet you've received lots of that, what with your strength and all. Just let poor Chikya get her share too, would'ja?

Look at the pictures on these walls. We've come to the right place!

Now, according to the ancient scrolls... We need to continue onward.

Let's get moving! Err, not too fast, though... Gotta have some care for the wounded — and by "wounded," I mean "me"!

That big lunk isn't going to start getting up, is it...

There'll be trouble if it does, but there's only one way through... Do I have to dig a path from on top to get around it? How long will that take...

Well, aren't you bold, lad? Listen good, alright? Your youth means you've still got chances to make mistakes aplenty, but... W—Wait, where'd you come fr—

Ah... Ow, ow, ow.

Whoa, Traveler, what did you do to her? That wasn't some sorta invisible attack, was it?

Err?

I didn't do anything...

That was my back acting up. I've been stooping for a good long while, inching my way toward that big lunk, and I stood up too fast. Surefire way to bring the pain, is what it is.

Used to be that it'd only flare up when I'd turn my back at a specific angle, but these days, one careless move leaves me in a world of hurt for a good long while.

And just so you know, it's pain o'clock now, Traveler, so... *hiss* Don't make starting conversations from behind people a habit, alright?

And what about you two? I mean your names...

Paimon's Paimon, and this lil' Tepetlisaurus here is {REALNAME[ID(2)|SHOWHOST(true)]}.

I see, I see. In that case, I guess I'll call myself...

"Call yourself"? What, are you gonna give us a fake name?

Well, a person's gotta be on their guard while on a walkabout, don't they? Bah. And here I was going to give you my love rival's name. A young'un, she is, and energetic too — and worst of all, she's got a healthy back!

But forget it. That would be unfriendly competition — if you take my meaning. So have my real name instead: Chikya.

Rawr!

Heh, and aren't you a cute little fella? You're calling my name, I know it. Anyway, you can call me Big Sis Chikya — not Aunt Chikya though. That one I forbid.

Alright, Big Sis Chikya.

Good, that's good. You've got a fine future ahead of you, lad.

Anyway, what are you doing here, Big Sis Chikya?

And isn't that the million Mora question? What would a person be doing here amidst naught but ruins? What would your answer be, Traveler my lad?

To rob others, or be robbed!

...I'm sorry. What sort of environment did you grow up in...?

Either way, minus 10 points for getting it wrong! What I'm doing... is treasure hunting.

"Wow, treasure!" There you go, Paimon. Spared you the effort.

Seriously? What are you, some serial line thief? And Paimon's gonna say it anyway — "Wow, treasure!"

Rawr... Rawr!

Haha, you all sure do get along. Who knows, if I hadn't spent so much time tidying woven scrolls that my back gave out, I might've made some good friends myself!

Either way, I'm on the hunt for an "elixir that can cure all injuries" I discovered in a secret scroll — you want in?

As everyone knows, if we Masters of the Night-Wind have anything aplenty, it's woven artifacts recording stories of our past. We can split the elixir, should we find it...

But the true issue here is my back pain! Walking from the hot springs down at the People thereof was exhausting enough, so I need able help for the next leg of my search!

Therapeutic springs my foot — didn't work worth diddly-squat...

*sigh* I might look like this now, but I, too, was once a pretty lass who'd ride leaping Iktomisaurs on the regular!

Rawr!

Hehe, I see you're interested in that elixir, hmm, {REALNAME[ID(2)|SHOWHOST(true)]}? That curiosity will be the root of future success, you know.

Mmm? ... Rawr!

An "elixir that can cure all injuries"! That sounds amazing!

Let's go check it out, then...

Those unmoved by treasure can barely be called human! Why, even the coldest-blooded Saurians get fired up when they hear the word!

Rawr!

Exactly!

Right, then. In that case, our first objective will be to get past this big lunk... After you, esteemed Traveler.

J—Just one moment, lad. You seem rather strong...

Ah... Ow, ow, ow.

Whoa, Traveler, what did you do to her? That wasn't some sorta invisible attack, was it?

Err?

That was my back acting up. I've been stooping for a good long while, trying to observe that mechanism, and I stood up too fast. Pretty sure way to bring the pain, is what it is.

Used to be that it'd only flare up when I'd turn my back at a specific angle, but these days, one careless move leaves me in a world of hurt for a good long while.

And just so you know, it's pain o'clock right now, so... Gah! Try to understand this suffering adult, would'ja, Traveler?

And what about you two? I mean your names...

Paimon's Paimon, and this lil' Tepetlisaurus here is {REALNAME[ID(2)|SHOWHOST(true)]}.

I see, I see. In that case, I guess I'll call myself...

"Call yourself"? What, are you gonna give us a fake name?

Well, a person's gotta be on their guard while on a walkabout, don't they? Bah. And here I was going to give you my love rival's name. A young'un, she is, and energetic too — and worst of all, she's got a healthy back!

But forget it. That would be unfriendly competition — if you take my meaning. So have my real name instead: Chikya.

Rawr!

Heh, and aren't you a cute little fella? You're calling my name, I know it. Anyway, you can call me Big Sis Chikya — not Aunt Chikya though. That one I forbid.

Alright, Big Sis Chikya.

Good, that's good. You've got a fine future ahead of you, lad.

Then, uh, Big Sis Chikya? Why did you call out to us again?

And isn't that a million Mora question? What would a person be aiming to do amidst naught but ruins? Why don't you answer, Traveler my lad?

Looking for someone to rob, perhaps?

...I'm sorry. What sort of environment did you grow up in...?

Either way, minus 10 points for getting it wrong! What I'm doing... is treasure hunting.

"Wow, treasure!" There you go, Paimon. Spared you the effort.

Seriously? What are you, some serial line thief? And Paimon's gonna say it anyway — "Wow, treasure!"

Rawr... Rawr!

Haha, you all sure do get along. Who knows, if I hadn't spent so much time tidying woven scrolls that my back gave out, I might've made some good friends myself!

Either way, I'm on the hunt for an "elixir that can cure all injuries" I discovered in a secret scroll — you want in?

As everyone knows, if we Masters of the Night-Wind have anything aplenty, it's woven artifacts recording stories of our past. We can split the elixir, should we find it...

But the true issue here is my back pain! Walking from the hot springs down at the People thereof was exhausting enough, so I need able help for the next leg of my search!

*sigh* I might look like this now, but I, too, was once a pretty lass who'd ride leaping Iktomisaurs on the regular!

Rawr!

Hehe, I see you're interested in that treasure, eh, {REALNAME[ID(2)|SHOWHOST(true)]}? That curiosity will be the root of future success, you know.

Mmm? ... Rawr!

An "elixir that can cure all injuries"! That sounds amazing!

Let's go check it out, then...

Those unmoved by treasure can barely be called human! Why, even the coldest-blooded Saurians get fired up when they hear the word!

Rawr!

Exactly!

Look at the pictures on these walls. We've come to the right place!

Now, according to the ancient scrolls... We need to continue onward.

Let's get moving! Err, not too fast, though... Gotta have some care for the wounded — and by "wounded," I mean "me"!

But the door looks closed...

Rawr...

Well, it had better be. I mean, an open door would mean that our path to the treasure is long gone!

Huh. You do have a point there, Chikya!

...Huh, to think that it was exactly as those woven scrolls and texts concerning them stated. What do you think? See that Phlogiston Engraving right there by the door?

Rawr!

That's right. You're a quick one, little fella. Sharp-eyed, too. Researchers have said that Saurian visual acuity differs by species...

Saurians are generally further-sighted than humans are, though from this distance, anyone from the tribe who isn't a visually impaired old lady could spot this Phlogiston Engraving.

So this shining thing is what you call a Phlogiston Engraving, Chikya?

Wait, you've been adventuring in Natlan, but you've never heard of Phlogiston Engravings?

Anyway, speaking of phlogiston...

The origin of Phlogiston Engraving, narrowly speaking, comes from the days when Natlan was still ruled by a Pyro Dragon, who caused humanity to exist only in primitive tribes.

In those days, only the dragons could use phlogiston. But the Sage of the Stolen Flame, Waxaklahun Ubah Kan, risked life and limb to steal a flaming seed of it from the great volcano.

As such, humans began imitating the way dragons controlled the substance, creating a language by which humanity could exert that same control. This is the basis of modern Natlan's phlogiston usage.

The results of that are Phlogiston Engravings, like the one you see before you right now. Magnificent, isn't it? It's still intact even after all these years, still visible to the naked eye!

Ooh!

Rawr!

Alright, your turn, Traveler!

...Yeah, whoo.

Wow, that was a bland response, Traveler.

Rroo...

Huh. I didn't know you were the independent sort like that, Traveler.

So, the Phlogiston Engraving here is...

As I said before, Phlogiston Engraving is also a language. It looks like a mere pattern, but those well-versed in the art can understand the meaning therein.

And, as a scholar on the subject, I should only need a day to analyze these patterns...

Rrooo...

W—Wait, you're gonna take a whole day?

Yeah, what about it? Now, the pattern looks flat, sure, but every last hook and turn can redefine the meaning behind the phlogiston flow within.

Wow, that's super complicated...

Yup. Phlogiston Engraving scholarship is a most masterful field of study.

So, what if you just read the meaning directly using phlogiston?

D—Directly...!? Well, you could certainly do that, but the meaning could — and I do mean "could" — contain some discrepancies...

Wait. You can use phlogiston? But you're an outlander, aren't you?

Well, I could do it the moment I arrived in Natlan...

Really? I never knew this was a thing... I mean, how could it— I mean, what a rarity! Quite expected of you... I suppose.

Anyway, this is a good opportunity to try to sense the phlogiston for yourself.

So, what's recorded on that Engraving?

It reads as follows...

Hmm, that is indeed what it says... Answers of this sort are pretty easy to verify... And in any case, this is a pretty classic theme.

There should be an Unveiling Script — which is another Engraving, by the way — somewhere around here with which we can unlock this one.

Huh? So... the thing you just picked up along the way was actually an Engraving's Script? Ha-ha, what luck!

Rawr!

Well then, let's integrate the Unveiling Script into the Engraving.

Well, Traveler? Did you find the key text we need? Don't worry, there's no rush. The walls around us might help you find something.

Look on the bright side, lad. You've already saved us a day's worth of time. So really, there's no need to hurry!

And it's no big deal even if you don't find the Unveiling Script. The important thing is to watch your step!

Sure, a "one step at a time" approach is slower than most, but better to take each step with care, than with haste!

"If you wish to open this path, seek three Unveiling Scripts."

Paimon was just about to say that this place was getting hotter the deeper in we got, but she sure didn't expect this whole place to be filled with lava!

Careful, {REALNAME[ID(2)|SHOWHOST(true)]}! If you slip, that might just be the end of you...

Roo... Rawr...

Huh, now that you mention it, floaty little Paimon's the safest here!

Hehe, that's just one of the reasons Paimon's awesome, you know!

They say that those whose heads get too big wind up floating away...

Paimon's always floating anyway... But that didn't sound like a compliment.

Err?

You're a real bright spark, Paimon, you know that?

That... didn't sound like a compliment either, Chikya. Anyway, never mind all that!

This is the thing we were looking for, right? Hmm, it just looks like a clay ring with phlogiston patterning on it...

Do you think this one's valuable, by any chance?

Very much so... In fact, it's probably worth a large sum of Mora. But its real worth lies in its ability to open the path to the Upper SanctumHanan Pacha.

You've seen the islands floating in the sky, haven't you?

You mean the ones above the lake...

That's right. We call those the Upper SanctumHanan Pacha, due to their inaccessibility by either humans or Saurians.

They say that the "legendary elixir that heals all wounds" can be found there, in fact!

For people like us, who are constantly in conflict. That is a pure land of peace, a utopia created by the very first human to use phlogiston.

And now it's time for a question, class. What was the name of that sage who, in the past, stole the flaming seed of phlogiston? {REALNAME[ID(2)|SHOWHOST(true)]}?

Rraaaawr! Rawrr! Rawr!

Very enthusiastic, but I don't think I heard you right!

Rooowr!

Alright, now then. Your turn, lad. What's your answer?

Close, but not quite! It's Waxaklahun Ubah Kan. Shame about that, but it's minus 10 points from you, lad!

Anyway, we usually call him the Sage of the Stolen Flame, which is easier by far.

Some also call him a madman or a lunatic, but I'd call those compliments as well. He did do some very impressive things regardless, after all.

He stole the flaming phlogiston seed from the giant dragon and created the Upper Sanctum using that power, before teaching it to everyone in the tribes.

This is also, or so the ancient scrolls say, where humans first began practicing with phlogiston.

And this special Spiritdoor is a sort of trial. Activating this door will grant you access to the Spiritway that leads to the Upper Sanctum...

Rawr!

While I don't know what you're saying, yes, that's where the elixir is. Legend has it that it is a gift given by the Sage to those who pass the trial.

Rawr! Rawr!

H—Huh, so that's the story... What's the trial like, then?

Let me have a look.

Nah, it's fine, I've seen the Phlogiston Engraving on this Spiritdoor enough times to sear it into my memory...

"If you wish to open this path, seek three Unveiling Scripts."

Hehe, I mean, drawing info directly from Phlogiston is impressive, but I'd personally put more stock in my graphic language comparisons.

It seems like this Spiritdoor already has an Unveiling Script embedded into it. See? A third of it has already been lit up...

So we just need to find the remaining two Scripts... Wait, didn't you two find them on our way here already?

Hmm?

Ah, you truly do have a bright future ahead of you. I didn't think you'd have such foresight. Even I, one hailing from the Masters of the Night-Wind, one who works with Iktomisaurs every day, must confess my shock.

In that case, let us integrate the Unveiling Scripts into the Phlogiston Engraving, just like before.

So this is the Upper Sanctum, huh... From down below, you'd think it was all gray and empty up here...

Rawr!

Who'd have thought it would be like this...

Indeed. It is said that the floating matter here is held together by the power of phlogiston, itself a highly vigorous energy source... It's a strange phenomenon, but that's the best way to understand it for now.

This also explains not only why grass and flowers grow above it, but also how it warms cooled earth anew, and ignites a conflagration of souls in the darkness.

This is the phlogiston... Won for us by the Sage of the Stolen Flame, snatched from the very claws of the giant dragon.

Hmph, and speaking of which, that reminds me... When some people in the tribe lay eyes upon the Upper Sanctum...

...They have the nerve to doubt that a mere human could create such floating islands through the power of phlogiston, thus concluding that the Sage of the Stolen Flame must have been a kind of dragon too.

Rawr?

Just because they couldn't do it themselves, they insist that anyone who could must've been superhuman. I'd rather not hang around with people who have such a losing mentality.

Uhh, anyway, what about the treasure and the elixir?

Given that's what we've come for, it doesn't look like there's much for us here!

Rawr...

Hehe, you didn't actually think this was going to be that simple, did you? We're being put to the test by the "mad" Sage of the Stolen Flame, after all.

If the ancient scrolls are right, we must find some mechanisms to activate, complete the final trial, and then reach the center of the Upper Sanctum...

But I have no more idea than you as to what this so-called center is supposed to look like. Thinking back, I'm sure the images of the floating islands I've seen before were a bit different from what we're seeing now...

But it's possible that as I've aged, even my memory — which I was once so proud of — is becoming unreliable. Anyway... seeing as we've come this far, let's rely on our intuition instead!

So, how are we going to activate these mechanisms?

Hmm... You should be able to activate them using phlogiston, just like with Phlogiston Engraving?

That's what's shown in the scrolls, anyhow. Apparently, the Phlogiston Chiseliths all over Natlan were based on the mechanisms here... Making these mechanisms incredible relics in and of themselves.

Well, lad, you've shown great promise so far, hehe. Time you went and gave it a try, hmm?

Whew, this should be the last mechanism...

This one's no different from the others. Chikya, you sure you haven't fallen for some kind of trick?

Rawr...

Of course not! When it comes to deciphering ancient scrolls, I have great confidence... some confidence... well, a certain degree of confidence in my abilities!

Your confidence is shrinking by the second! Gah, help!

Anyway, I'm fairly sure this isn't the last mechanism. If I remember rightly, it should be larger and... more complete?

"Floating islands"...

Young lad, irrespective of the great promise you've shown, no one will understand you unless you speak in full sentences.

...As for whether the treasure is real, and the elixir really exists... Well, you'll only know once you've given it a try.

Rawr!

If it doesn't work this time, it'll work the next; and if not here, then somewhere else. As long as you stay in the game, a miracle's bound to happen sooner or later!

I'll take that as a compliment!

Rawr!

Hehe, see, {REALNAME[ID(2)|SHOWHOST(true)]}'s excited too. Come on then, Traveler, use phlogiston to activate the mechanism!

Well I never, a hidden island in the center of the Upper Sanctum... *sigh* And there I was, wondering why it looked so different from what I saw in the pictures.

So my memory's fine after all. I wouldn't be in charge of looking after all those ancient woven scrolls if it wasn't, hmm?

But apart from that even larger rock in the middle, there's nothing else here... Or could this giant rock itself be the Sage's legendary gift?

Rawr?

...At this point, I'm genuinely stumped. In all the scrolls I've seen, when the heroes pass the trial and reach this place, they should sense the spirit of the Sage of the Stolen Flame.

As long as you've reached this place by passing the trial, you're supposed to feel as if you're being called, somehow.

But I've no idea what that means in practice. I was under the impression that I'd be able to work that out once I got here, that I could... *sigh* Looks like that was wishful thinking...

Rawr... Rawr?

Huh... {REALNAME[ID(2)|SHOWHOST(true)]}, are you seeing this?

Rawr!

Then... Do you know what it means?

Rawr...

You... saw something? You saw something!? Gracious me! So the one worthy of the gift was you after all, young lad?

Huh? Paimon didn't see anything either... Weird.

I saw a golden pattern...

Rawr! Rawr!

A golden pattern? You mean, the same one you saw the first time you met {REALNAME[ID(2)|SHOWHOST(true)]}?

Wait, Paimon thought you were just seeing things back there!

Rawr! Rawr!

{REALNAME[ID(2)|SHOWHOST(true)]}, telling Paimon to look up's no use, she can't see it! But seeing as you've said it's there...

So maybe the one that left it behind was the Sage of the Stolen Flame?

What, what? You mean to say that you've previously been given a sign by the Sage of the Stolen Flame...?

I said you had a bright future ahead of you, lad, and what lies before you now, but a future oh so radiant? I knew you showed great promise — I wouldn't have taken a shine to you otherwise! So, have you figured out how to receive the gift?

Rawr!

Yes, I just have to...

The water level has risen somewhat... and the spring's now full of phlogiston.

The water below my knees is warm, and I can feel a warmth flowing through my limbs... A lovely sensation.

So the Sage's gift wasn't an "elixir that can cure all injuries," but rather the hot spring here?

Paimon's not exactly surprised, given the People of the Springs aren't far off...

Rawr...

Hehe, {REALNAME[ID(2)|SHOWHOST(true)]}'s looking pretty cozy there.

This isn't just any old hot spring, little floaty Paimon. Once a hero who has been chosen bathes in this spring, they'll be granted the power to wield phlogiston.

Huh, really? So... What'll happen if Paimon dives in?

Hmm, good question... Yes, I think I know. You'd still be Paimon, just a soaking wet one.

Whaaat... Ugh, Paimon thought she might get to use phlogiston too, and transform into some kind of super awesome Pyro Paimon!

Sadly, I think not, because you haven't been chosen...

Wait a minute, Chikya... You knew that this hot spring would be the final gift, yet you claimed you were searching for an "elixir that can cure all injuries," and that you'd share it with us too!

Hehe, there are so many types of injury in the world. How could you possibly expect a single elixir to be able to heal them all?

But when it comes down to it, wisdom is the solution to all our worries. Yes, I tricked you this time, little Paimon. But when we make mistakes, we learn from 'em, and take one step closer to resolving our worries... Isn't that a wonderful outcome too?

Huh, okay... That actually kinda makes sense...

No, not at all. My heart still aches from the niggling pain of all my various injuries. And in that sense, I've been tricked as well — tricked terribly, by myself.

Even if I took a bath in a hot spring filled with phlogiston, I would still be unable to use it. In the past, so the ancient scrolls say, tribespeople who could not already wield phlogiston only ever learned to do so by passing the trial...

So it hasn't had any effect at all!

...Wait. You're clearly from Natlan... but you can't use phlogiston?

Rawr?

Paimon, you know, these delayed responses of yours can be quite hurtful at critical moments like this! Yes, nearly everyone in Natlan can use phlogiston, but "nearly" is not "all."

When I was very young, I once suffered a grave injury, in connection with the Abyss...

It was a miracle that I even survived, and I was in terrible health. I told you I could jump great distances with an Iktomisaur on my back, but I'd be fooling you — for Iktomisaurs can float up and make themselves as light as a feather, so they don't weigh a thing.

It may well be due to this injury that I am unable to use phlogiston. No matter what I try, I simply can't do it. I've wracked my brains, pored over all kinds of different scrolls...

Though others view them as virtually obsolete, I am well-versed in analyzing "Phlogiston Engraving" through patterns. I put lots of effort into memorizing all the meanings, honing a great memory while doing so.

For me, teaching the children of our tribe the basics about phlogiston was also an opportunity to observe how they would discover the ability to use it. And speaking of which — I'm quite popular with the children!

I know everything there is to know about phlogiston, and the more I understand, the more in awe of it I am. But the more awe I feel, the more regret and frustration I feel for not being able to wield it myself.

*sigh* It was all thanks to you that we were able to make it through all those trials. I understand that to learn skills like our ancestors did, sacrifices must be made...

But I simply don't have that kind of courage. Perhaps that's why I can't use phlogiston, haha...

Chikya...

Rawr...

It's alright, I came to terms with it a long time ago. If it doesn't work this time, there's always next time. I'll find a way eventually!

Thank you so much... I'm grateful for everything you've done for me, Traveler. I know I keep saying it, but you have a fine future ahead of you, lad. Not only are you amazingly talented, but you're so kind as well.

Unlike me, for whom everything seems to be set in place now... Lad, I'm sure you'll have many more incredible adventures to look forward to.

I'm a little jealous, to be honest!

Traveler, young lad full of promise — wherever the road takes you, may your travels be smooth, forever and always!

And the same to you...

I'm sure you'll achieve your aspirations!

Even if there's no "elixir that can cure all injuries," Paimon's sure you'll find an "elixir that can cure your injuries"!

Rawr!

Haha... Thank you Paimon, Traveler... and last but not least, {REALNAME[ID(2)|SHOWHOST(true)]}.

...Your words have genuinely moved me, Traveler. Really, I'm touched by what you've said, lad —because you're someone that people can count on.

Alright, let me rest here a while longer. This hot spring's mighty relaxing, after all. I'll soak in here for a bit, then get back to poring through ancient scrolls for a cure...

*sigh* I might be in for a scolding for running off from home, though...

But just as you said, lad, I'll have to work hard to achieve my aspirations!