Headlong Into the Sands

Looking at the map... We should be getting close...

Speaking of which, the closer we get, the more Paimon's heart feels like it's beating out of her chest...

Must just be jitters of excitement.

Excitement... Yeah, sure. That's it...

Oh, look! It's Tighnari and the others! Everyone's here bright and early.

They must have set out last night.

Yeah, the desert's a pretty harsh environment. Better to travel at night and beat the heat.

Hey, everyone! We're here!

Ah, right on time.

Looks like the desert's treating you okay so far.

You don't need to worry about me. It's not too hot yet, and I'm properly hydrated.

Alright, we're just waiting on the two people Miss Layla mentioned, and then we'll be set.

What about Djer?

He's staying behind. If we don't make it back after a certain time, he'll be in charge of rescue operations.

You can count on me.

Nice. You've thought of everything!

Oh, and Cyrus said he'll be in Aaru Village, so he's also available if we need help.

Haha, amazing. Having people to watch our back is making Paimon a lot less nervous!

Did you get a good night's sleep, Layla?

Yeah, I did.

After hearing about what happened, my advisor gave me some time off to rest, so my studies are on hold for now.

Then, does your advisor know you're back in the desert to investigate?

Yes. But, I was only allowed to come after I mentioned the General Mahamatra would be there too.

Hehe, quite the reputation you've got there, Cyno!

Hmm?

Uh, something wrong? You haven't said a word this whole time. Are you in a bad mood or something?

No.

Being skilled with words also means being a good listener. I'm just reflecting on what you're sayi—

Ah! Alhaitham! Kaveh! Ha, over here!

Darn it. I was just setting up a brilliant—

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm sure you'll find another chance.

The important thing is, our Scribe and our renowned architect are here at last.

Haha, high praise...

But, wait, why am I renowned and not him? He's just as famous as Cyno, Dehya, or Nilou...

That just means your level of fame is even greater. How could a lowly Scribe hold a candle to you...?

Lowly scribe? Please. All those strings you pulled to get those new books from the House of Daena... What do you call that?

Borrowing. Anyone with an employee ID can do it.

Uh huh, yeah. The House of Daena bends over backwards for just anyone, does it?

Send a report to Lesser Lord Kusanali, then. Let her know someone at the Akademiya is abusing their position.

Hey! I never said abusing—

Haha, impressive verbal sparring, as always...

Beep-boop! Beep-boop!

Oh, hello to you too, Mehrak! Well, looks like your assistant is raring to go, Kaveh.

So, I say we get this show on the road. No sense delaying the inevitable.

No need. We're in this together, remember?

Djer! This is the entrance, yeah?

Yes!

Perfect! Then, if we're all set, let's get moving.

Pffft! Ugh, Paimon's mouth is full of sand... Ugh! So that's what falling into quicksand feels like...

If this was quicksand, we would have struggled to breathe. No... I think this was regular sand. And we didn't sink into it, we fell through it... into this place.

Agreed.

Hehe, in other words, sounds like a "you" problem, Paimon.

Haha, very funny. No way Paimon's the only one...

Pffft! Blech!

Hah! See?

Heh.

What? I'm the only one with sand in my shoes? Yeah, right...

(This place... looks kind of familiar...)

(Well, looks like everyone made it here unscathed. Let's keep going.)

(According to the other Layla, there should be a door nearby with a strange device in front of it... Ah, there it is.)

(But the door is shut, and the device... seems to be out of energy? In that case, it should be disabled.)

(Good. At least we won't fall into the same trap. I should probably remind everyone not to touch anything, though.)

Well, that goes without saying.

Fair point. There's just one problem, though...

The only way forward is through that door.

Oooh, is it time to hunt for a key? Paimon loves this part!

Don't worry, with our adventuring experience, we'll find it no problem! Let's get searching!

Mehrak... This isn't really your old home, is it?

Beep-boop?

Hehe, no idea what that means, but Mehrak does sound pretty happy.

So, mechanical life forms do have the capacity to miss home. A novel discovery.

Well, with Mehrak leading the way, we should be safe, right?

Beep-boop!

Hold on, at this rate, Paimon's gonna lose her title as best guide to a mechanical suitcase...

Awww, thanks! Hey, wait! What do you mean, "useless"?

Well, no weird mental symptoms so far... I'll take that as a win.

That said...

There are three doors here...

So... we split up. Divide and conquer. Otherwise... this whole thing is in ruins.

Ah, no pun intended on that last part. I swear.

Yeah, that might be our best option.

Okay.

Good idea. And, the minute things go south, we go back the way we came.

Ooh, this is getting exciting...

So, who's teaming up with who?

Paimon calls dibs on Traveler!

This chamber is huge... I can't even imagine what it's used for...

Oh!

What's wrong?

I seem to have stepped on some kind of... stone slab?

Huh, there's a pattern on this... But, it's hard to make out with all the dust.

Hm? Look. The shape seems to match the markings on the ground over there.

Let's slot it in and see.

And, we have a match. Looks like we need to find the other three broken slabs.

Let's search the area. But, be careful where you step.

Huh, it worked!

It's a picture of...

Three Hermanubises?

That can't be right. The ears aren't vertical.

Oh, true. And the looks fall short. My hat is much better-looking.

A goat, an ibis, and a crocodile...

Oh, wow. Our botanist knows more than just plants.

Riveting observation.

I was just thinking... These three figures look a lot like the Seven Pillars of King Deshret.

That's right. These are our colleagues.

Our what now?

You sure about that?

Haha, just kidding. What I meant by that is, these were Hermanubis' colleagues back then.

The middle one is the Goat King Heryshaf, Minister of Ministers, the god Amun's most trusted chancellor.

Records say he was the deputy king of the desert sands, chief among the Seven Pillars.

Someone even more impressive than Hermanubis... I wonder if that ever "got his goat."

...

Sorry, couldn't resist.

...Pfft.

Ahem... Okay... that was a good one.

Wait, really? I've got so much more where that came from...

Ahem! Where were we?

This is Sobek the Crocodile King, Captain of Captains. As the name suggests, he was a valiant commander, and had dominion over all weapons of war.

And finally, this is the Ibis King Thoth, Scribe of Scribes.

Your memory's pretty impressive. I bet you're almost as good as me at memorizing cards.

A scribe... Did he manage archives, then? Like Alhaitham?

Wait, that's all Alhaitham does? I never knew being an Akademiya Scribe was such a cushy job...

Well, that's how his... friend put it, anyway. But, it does seem like he has a lot of free time.

Well, I don't know much about the Akademiya, but I'm sure the Ibis King had more responsibilities than that.

The Temple's records say he represented the wisest aspects of King Deshret, inventing the desert script and arcane arts at his king's command.

He must have been quite the impressive man, then.

Or creature, depending on how you look at it.

...Still, why are these three the only ones represented here? What about the other Pillars of King Deshret?

Maybe because... the three of them were extra close?

Huh, kinda like us.

Oh, yeah! Maybe we should have someone inscribe us on a commemorative stone slab, too.

Or... we could just take a picture. It would serve the same purpose.

Anyway, no more distractions. Huh... Doesn't it look like there's writing carved into the corner?

Huh, there is... and it's in the ancient desert script, too.

Looks like the Ibis King left you some homework.

Gimme a sec. I'll try and translate it.

"...The ministers are unvirtuous, the scribes unwise, the captains unworthy..."

"...My end is not humanity's end..."

"...Hereby bestow upon you all... the far side ofAaru Eternity..."

Wait, so... They went to Aaru?

It doesn't sound like it was their idea...

The far side of Eternity... is said to be the final land of dreams for all desert dwellers. But if such a place did exist, wouldn't it also be an inescapable prison?

Yes, and based on the writing here, it's clear King Deshret wasn't pleased with these three.

This "gift" he bestowed upon them... seems more like a punishment. Such is the power of a king, I suppose.

Which means, the goat's the one who got "got" in the end.

Huh... Yep. Not as good the second time.

W—What!? I—Impossible!

...

Well, looks like that's all we can learn here. Should we keep going?

Yes. No time to waste.

Oh, Mehrak stopped.

What is it? Found something?

Hmm... Looks like something covered in sand.

Let's get it out, then. C'mon...

Oh, it's a stone slab! Good job, Mehrak!

Bee-bee-bee-boop!

Let's take a look.

Huh... Looks like this part of the picture goes... over there?

In that case, there must be other pieces.

Alright, then let's look arou— Hey! Why are you sitting down?

Hmm? I thought Mehrak was helping.

Oh, so you do know what that word means? Great. Are we supposed to just sit back while Mehrak does all the work?

No, I doubt you could do that.

Exactly.

But I can.

You... I...

Beep-boop!

See?

Ugh, it's all coming back to me... How insufferable it is to work with this no-good, do-nothing—

We could be more efficient, I agree.

I'll work on this piece. You take care of the rest.

Looks like we found them all — the pieces fit together like a glove.

But we can't see what's on them...

Turn around.

Huh?

Look.

Oh! I've seen this before. It can create strong winds — just what we need to clean off the slab.

C'mon, let's— Hey!

Don't worry about me. If I sit here, I won't be in the way.

Oh, you don't want to be in the way? Then, sit right in front, so the device can blow you straight back to Sumeru City.

Done!

Huh... That's one big cat.

And there's a shattered crown... I think it's depicting some kind of story.

Look, there's writing too.

"...The Ibis King answered the young noble... granting him the wisdom he sought..."

"...But the fragile crown was shattered by lies in the end..."

"...Here I leave the name... Goudarz."

Goudarz? I've seen that name in a history book before...

He was a young noble who sought to save his realm, and a king who once united the desert...

That's right. Although, his methods were rather shameful.

During his long reign, he betrayed his family and the nobles who supported him, only realizing the error of his ways after his enemies left him nowhere to turn.

But by then, it was too late.

Seems like a common occurrence across history...

Different people, same mistakes — it's an inevitable pattern, destined to repeat itself.

...

The writing mentions "the Ibis King," but a cat is depicted here. Does that mean...

So far, what's depicted on the slab seems true to history.

In which case, this cat is either a proxy for the Ibis King or a manifestation of said King himself.

Exaggeration is a common method ancient records use to highlight a being of higher status.

And, as we know, Layla and Djer both heard the sound of a cat while escaping the ruin.

You're saying, the Ibis King, one of the legendary Seven Pillars of King Deshret, is here, still helping those in need?

I'm saying, we can't rule it out... Hmm?

Meow...

Wait, there it is! The cat!

Beep-boop!

Ah! Mehrak went after him!

The cat's showing us the way forward. Come, let's follow.

Okay!

Huh, the cat's... gone.

Yes, but look where he led us.

Ohhh...

Another slab... It looks similar to the last one.

...

Oh, by all means. Take your sweet time. Wouldn't want you to overexert yourself!

Huh, the scene depicted here...

...Seems to be a different tale.

"The Ibis King answered the Jinn-blooded dancing girl... granting her the wisdom she sought..."

"...But enemies plotted to kill her close kin... Snake venom was her self-chosen end..."

"...Here I leave the name... Makhaira."

The "Temptress of Woe"?

You've heard of her?

Of course. I don't just sit around doodling all day. She's mentioned in tons of papers about the desert.

As I recall, she was given as a gift to the tyrant king of Gurabad, and later seized the opportunity to kill him.

After getting her vengeance, she reigned as queen for many years... until her enemies attempted a coup, and she took her own life.

That's more or less the version I've read as well. It seems this queen also had dealings with the Ibis King.

Yeah, I'm starting to find this whole "granting wisdom" business a bit concerning. I mean, considering how Goudarz and Makhaira ended up, it might not have been a good thing.

But, at the same time, if the cat guiding us is linked to the Ibis King, then he doesn't seem like a villain either...

People are complicated, and the same is true of the servants of the gods, no matter their wisdom or power.

Let's reserve judgment for now and keep moving.

Oh, Paimon meant to ask earlier, have your memories come back, Layla?

No, sorry...

To be honest, nothing about this experience feels familiar.

Besides, my focus is the stars, so I don't spend a lot of time exploring ancient ruins.

Guess that makes us the senior researchers in this scenario! Stick close, alright, Layla?

O—Okay!

Wow, what a tall ceiling...

Yeah, but for such a big place, it's so... empty. Like no one ever lived here.

Sure must've been boring to live in ancient times, staring at ceilings all day.

Now that you mention it, I've heard some people used to draw star maps on their vaulted ceilings.

Some would even make them transparent to better observe the movement of the stars.

It sounds so nice... stargazing from the comfort of your own home...

Wait a second. I think I... see something up there.

Go check it out for us, Paimon.

Huh? How is Paimon supposed to do that...? Oh, right! Flying... duh.

Alright! Sit tight, everyone. Adventurer Paimon will be right back...

Okay!

So, there's nothing super special up there. Just a couple of shelves, tables, jars, and scrolls...

And a whole bunch of dust, dirt, and sand... You really wanna search through all that stuff?

Well, when you put it that way...

C'mon then, let's see what we've got! Paimon's hoping for something super valuable!

It's a little high-up, so be careful.

Thanks! I'll stick close.

Okay, now let's take a look...

(Seems like the notes of someone who was trapped here.)

Maybe this person fell in by accident, like Mr. Djer and me?

Yeah, maybe. But, they don't sound super worried about their situation.

So, either this person's an ace adventurer like Traveler, or some kind of... super optimist!

An "optimist," huh... I wish I could be that sort of person...

That's right! You're detailed and passionate — great qualities for an adventuring buddy!

This "optimist" seems super obsessed with exploring every corner of this place... That could've gotten them in big trouble, for all we know!

Hehe... Well, I appreciate the compliment.

It's almost magical how words like that can make you feel like... you can do anything...

I only wish that magic could last a little longer... until I figure out my new study topic, at least...

Let's keep reading.

Oh, looks like you were spot on, Paimon.

See, told ya! That's what happens when you don't think things through!

And all this talk about seniors and juniors... He was a student just like you, Layla!

He sure talks a big talk for a student, though. You'd think he was some kind of old scholar instead...

Huh...

What is it? Did Paimon say something wrong?

No, not at all.

I was just thinking, and this might sound rude, but the way this person speaks is just so...

Cold?

You noticed too!

I mean, it's good that he helped treat his companion's wound, but it didn't seem like it was out of kindness. More like, he was looking out for his own self-interest... or thought he could get something out of it.

I don't know... Maybe I'm reading too much into it.

No, you're right...

Yeah...

If you're both in this dangerous situation together, wouldn't you mention them at least once?

If it were Paimon, she would write down the name of every single person she was with! No one would be able to get away!

Well, you'd all be stuck there together, so...

Actually, I find Paimon's approach quite sensible. It makes sense from a safety perspective too.

That way, if anyone came to the rescue, the notes would be able to tell them everything they needed to know.

Whoa, that's genius-level thinking!

O—Oh... Well, I learned that from Madam Faruzan, actually. I'm not speaking from personal experience or anything...

It's a very useful tip.

Oh, no, no. I—I'm just a student!

It's fine! You taught us something, so you're our teacher! Simple as that!

Anyway, from the looks of things, the student who left these notes behind was pretty weird... Let's keep reading.

Whoa, hang on. That's a lot of information. Paimon needs a moment to take this in...

The Ibis King... So, did this person actually meet the Ibis King here?

Nefer talked about the Ibis King before...

S—Sorry, who?

Oh, you've never heard of the Ibis King? Strange...

Geez, not again. Stop teasing her, Traveler! You know she was asking about Nefer!

Anyway, Nefer's, um... a friend of ours, and she's mentioned the Ibis King before, but not in much detail...

(Huh, Paimon handled that pretty well, actually. She managed not to spill any of Nefer's secrets.)

(Guess the boss of the Curatorium has earned her respect and then some.)

Oh, I see.

Well, that's not too surprising. Most people in Sumeru know about King Deshret, and most in the Akademiya have at least some knowledge on the Seven Pillars.

Legend has it, King Deshret ruled the desert at the head of several wise retainers, guiding their people to pursue the limits of wisdom.

He also left behind treasures for future generations, which continue to be relevant in nearly every research discipline.

Now, this message indicates this student and his senior were rescued by the Ibis King.

But to think it's possible to meet him in a place like this...

We don't know when these notes were written, but didn't the Seven Pillars disappear a long time ago...?

There's something else that's odd.

Yeah, the notes made it sound like his powers were restricted.

Also, the mention of "this form"... What is that supposed to mean...?

I'm not sure... Let's keep reading.

Oh, this is the last page. There's even a signature at the end.

Well, sounds like they made it out! Guess it was a happy ending, after all!

I hope so...

Wait, but it says, "The Ibis King cannot be trusted"...

Huh, our friend said something similar... that the Ibis King was a liar...

And the notes did make it seem like something wasn't quite right with him...

Ah! Maybe he wasn't one of the Seven Pillars at all, but some kind of... con-artist!

A thousand apologies, eminent lord. Paimon meant no offense...

Eek! G—Great Ibis King! If you heard that, Paimon didn't mean it! Please forgive her! Don't trap us here...

I think Paimon raises a good point. Let's keep our guard up just in case.

Alright, I think that's all the clues around here. How about we—

Beep-boop?

Oh, it's Mehrak! That means Kaveh and the others should be around here, right?

Hello? Anyone up there? Can you hear us?

Yeah, we can!

You know, sound travels just fine in an empty chamber like this. You don't have to shout...

Of course, if you're shouting to express your excitement at being reunited, by all means... pretend I never said anything.

Yelling like this is kinda exhausting. C'mon, let's head back down.

Wow, we all ended up in the same place, huh...

Yeah, what a coincidence!

Indeed. Or as I like to call it... the Chai factor.

...

...

...?

...

Huh? Um, ahem... No reply?

Just say it...

Alright.

Because it's spice to sweet brew again.

?

Oh, hey! That's a new version!

Wait, what? You've never heard that one?

...

What are you looking for?

A place to sit and read my book.

Oh, great! What else is new?

Well, looks like everyone made it through unscathed.

Let's take this chance to get some water, rest a bit, and discuss what we learned. Sound good?

Yeah. Let's debrief.

Welcome to my humble abode.

Oh, uh... Your house sure is... spacious, Lord Ibis King.

Haha, I fear it's not quite what it used to be.

In fact, it has long ceased to be my home at all. It belongs to the descendants of the cats I once raised.

Such adorable creatures, aren't they? Take the one I'm "borrowing" here, for instance. A chubby fellow, with such lovely fur...

Ahem! Anyway... Tradition dictates that a special guest such as yourself be presented with a gift.

Alas, it's a first come, first served basis, you see. I fear, with the passage of time, none are left.

What!? So the treasure's gone already?

Hah! "Treasure," you say? Hm, not an inaccurate description.

Yes... and no.

I have the power to grant gifts inaccessible to the masses. The only requirement is answering a question... Not a bad deal, yes?

Of course, my questions were given unto me by King Deshret, who in turn received them from the Mistress of Flowers. There are three, and no more.

What causes our rise and fall?

What obliterates love and hate?

What determines truth and falsehood?

The more he talks, the less Paimon understands...

I see... That must mean Goudarz and Makhaira managed to answer two of the three.

Haha! Another who understands!

Oh! So that's the event those two slabs are depicting!

Ah, priests and their records... A singular obsession, and quite boring too...

After being imprisoned within Aaru, I could, on occasion, take the form of a cat to converse with those around me, but I despised speaking to them.

No conversational skills whatsoever!

Now, humans like you, who stumble in here from time to time... You are much more interesting.

Hold on, we're getting off-topic again...

The three questions you just mentioned — what are they for, exactly?

Ah, that is a story that begins with King Deshret...

And we're in for another long one...

Nostalgia for the past is common to us all, is it not?

And our king... He was such a proud, solemn man in those days...

He watched us speak of the present and the future, of the wisdom we possessed or were about to obtain.

We were his proud retainers, confident in our belief that, so long as each one of us used our abilities to the fullest, progress was inevitable.

Yet, King Deshret's ambition was not destined to be allowed in a closed-off world such as this, so nothing went as planned.

In fact, from the beginning, there were signs an outcome of this nature was inevitable. Because, although there were Seven Pillars, one was forever absent.

Al-Ahmar would insist the Dendro Dragon Sovereign was one of us, but the dragon herself rejected that idea.

Huh, like a card you can never seem to draw from your deck.

More like a card that was never in the deck to begin with.

Alas, that's just who Al-Ahmar was. There was nothing we could do about that.

And I always preferred chess to cards.

In the end, life grew unbearable for our king. But, of course, those who remain must continue to live on.

But, subjects like us were less fortunate. After all, the fate of a retainer is decided by the king, including the chance to walk away.

So it was, then, that King Deshret had Croco, Goatie, and I locked up within Aaru, where we remain to this day.

Croco...

Uhhh... Goatie...?

Ah, of course. You're more familiar with their full names — Sobek, the Crocodile King and Heryshaf, the Goat King.

Hehehe, and let me tell you... When it comes to chess, Heryshaf was a habitual back-seat strategist, always spewing nonsense from the sidelines. While Sobek was all too quick to take his terrible advice, to the point where I was the one who got accused of cheating.

Chess is an exercise in patience, and that man couldn't sit still to save his life. He could never excel at that game.

In fact, neither of them were good at chess. Even so, we played together often. And, since I was always the winner, we got along quite well.

...Hm? What are you laughing at? Were we not good friends?

Uh... No one's laughing... Paimon would never!

No, not you. It's Goatie. He's laughing for no reason again. Can you not hear him?

Ah, right. Of course you can't. The two of them are inside Aaru, as am I, so only I can hear them...

What is even going on here...

Has he, like, started to lose it after being trapped for so long?

That does happen to prisoners serving life sentences.

Speaking of which, how's Azar doing these days?

I doubt he's "doing" much of anything.

Just what I wanted to hear.

What is the meaning of this? You doubt my words? Hmph, I have half a mind to not talk at all!

Oh, no. They're not questioning you, Lord Ibis King, just discussing other things. Please, continue.

Hmm. In that case... Where were we?

Uh, getting to the part about the three questions, hopefully...?

Ah, yes! We're almost there.

Before I entered Aaru, King Deshret said I could be released from my eternal seal, if I chose humans who could provide the correct answers to those three questions.

The first person who caught my eye was Goudarz.

I asked him, "what causes our rise and fall?" He answered, "conspiracy and betrayal, for it renders the righteous and wise unable to succeed, and thus nations fall."

I found his answer quite interesting, so I bestowed upon him the power to "deceive."

The second human I chose was Makhaira.

I asked her, "what obliterates love and hate?" She said unto me, "I have nothing left to lose. Vengeance alone can quench both love and hate."

I found this to be another fascinating response, so I granted her the power to "be loved."

But both of them ended up...

Hehe... Now then, young one, riddle me this. Did their answers point to this fate, or was it the power I bestowed upon them that determined their end?

I'm just an observer who doesn't understand their circumstances, so I can't answer.

A clever reply.

I do not wish to comment, either. It is all in the past at this point.

My only wish was for their answers to be acknowledged by King Deshret's rules, and bring me one step closer to freedom.

As for the final person... Her fate remains to be seen. So, I will not reveal her name.

(That must've been Nefer, then...)

I asked her, "what determines truth and falsehood?" and found her answer quite compelling, so I bestowed upon her a gift to match.

As you can see, however, I have not been freed, so it's clear... the answer she gave at that time was wrong.

But, alas. Three people were chosen, and three questions were asked, so now all I can do is wait.

Wait until her wisdom is in line with the rules set forth by my King... until she has found the true answer to that question.

No wonder there was no third stone slab, then.

Or perhaps, you're just not ready to include her in the story, though that might be a generous interpretation.

Well, it's not merely because her story remains unfinished.

As the remaining priests of this place left or passed on, there were none left to record the events that followed.

Besides, stone slabs are few and far between in the Great Red Sands. In the sprawling desert, very few things, or people, even manage to leave a trace.

But, sometimes, I can't help but wonder...

If that young man from several centuries ago had been willing to answer my question, would I have left Aaru by now?

Wait, so there was someone else?

Of course. It has been thousands of years, after all. All sorts of people have stumbled upon this place, but I only chose the "special" ones.

That young man had such a singular intelligence, though his companion, by contrast, was rather average.

Wait. Could that have been...

The author of those notes we found? The student named Zandik?

Ah... Yes, I think that was his name.

In truth, I was unsure whether I should grant him my third remaining gift.

He was, of course, exceedingly clever, but he was also mistrustful and narcissistic in equal measure, and there did not seem to be a line he was unwilling to cross.

Too much power could be dangerous in the hands of someone like him, so I found myself rather relieved when he declined my gift.

Oh, he turned you down? Did he give a reason?

Yes.

He said he "didn't need it."

I still remember the look in his eyes... Nothing stood out, per se, and still... I could sense contempt and disdain radiating from his gaze.

I could not give an exact reason, but on instinct, I just knew... It would not end well to get close to a man like that.

So, I tricked him.

Stick close to your companion, I said. "Only the descendants of Tulaytullah can come and go as they please. Leave him behind, and there is no escape for you."

So, does that mean his companion wasn't a descendant of Tulaytullah?

Oh no, that part was true. The lie was in the other half. Anyone can enter or exit this place — there are no restrictions.

I saw that his companion was exhausted, and was concerned Zandik might leave him behind.. Or worse, that some other "accident" might befall him... So I made up an excuse to prevent Zandik from going a step too far.

Oh, and speaking of, Zandik's companion had the same blue hair and pointed ears as you.

!

Wait, does that mean... Layla's also a descendant of Tulaytullah?

Indeed.

When Hermanubis founded that city, he took in many who had nowhere else to go. Today, their progeny are scattered to the four winds, and indeed, are far more numerous than I could have imagined.

So, the person you protected could have been my ancestor...

Yes, yes. You're very welcome for that.

Could I... ask another question, Lord Ibis King?

Of course. I have nothing but time, I'm afraid.

Did you also save me and a man named Djer?

I did.

You two were quite unlucky, bumping into a device King Deshret once used to measure human brain power. That contact caused more knowledge than you could handle to flood into your minds.

So, I replaced that knowledge with simpler, repetitive information.

Of course, the side-effect being the same thought repeating over and over again in your mind. But, that should resolve itself in time.

How many moons are there in the sky?

Yes, that was the phrase I used in your head. I forgot the other one, though I believe it had something to do with food...

Both were spur of the moment decisions, so no need to dwell on the meaning too much, hehe...

Oh, I see... Thank you, Lord Ibis King.

As I said, young one. You are most welcome.

If you're inclined to return the favor, perhaps you could turn off that device so no one else can trigger it.

There's only so much a cat's paw can do, so I'm afraid this is something I must leave to you... or Mehrak, I suppose.

Don't worry. That device can no longer be activated.

Oh, splendid! Another one bites the dust!

Such is the fate of things here. Day by day, little by little, the remnants of ages past fade into obscurity.

For that reason, the gifts of bygone eras, be they tied to your blood or technological in nature... are not to be revered. They are tools, nothing more.

...Disrespectful? Hmph, I simply make the most of what I have. Besides, our King has been gone all these years. What good does it do to revere him now?

Oh, are you talking to the Goat King again?

No, no. Croco this time.

He's pestering me for another game of chess. Says he wants to even the score.

Wishful thinking, if you ask me. If we counted one push-up for every loss, he'd owe me three hundred thousand by now.

Of course, that's just a rough estimate. I've never kept count.

It appears that's something you like... being someone unable to be defeated.

Hm, I suppose so...

Alright, then! Time for me to extend my winning streak, and for you all to head home.

Best of luck to you.

Hehe...

In truth, deep down, I know even the answers to those three questions will not change my fate.

But that is for me to reckon with. Go on now!

Excuse me, do you even know what time it is? I've harvested three crops of tomatoes while you've been gone!

You're exaggerating, Professor.

I'm making a point! There's a difference!

Sincerest apologies for keeping you waiting, Professor Cyrus.

Our mistake. Please accept our apology.

See? That's what I call manners. Now, are any of you hurt?

Nope! It went way smoother than we expected, actually.

I presume the investigation is complete, then? Come, come, tell me all about it.

Oh my, did you luck out.

If you've read the work from the Vahumana Darshan, you would know that the Ibis King has... Well, let's call it a mixed record.

Perhaps he's softened up a bit in his old age, and that's why he chose to help you.

Or... Perhaps he just didn't have a good enough reason not to help us.

Beep-boop!

See? Mehrak agrees.

How do you even know that's what Mehrak meant? That could have just been a happy noise.

In any case, there's a lot to be happy about! We figured out what happened to Layla and Djer, and there were some unexpected takeaways, too!

Yeah, I never expected to learn about my ancestry...

I've always thought of myself as just an ordinary student. I never would have even considered something like that could be true...

Come to think of it, our ancestors might even have been friends at some point.

Huh, you're right!

Maybe I should take a trip back home to see if I can find any records about that...

Oh, I was just throwing that out there, haha. I wouldn't want you to go to the trouble...

It's fine. My advisor gave me a break, and I still have a few days left, so...

Oh, wait! My study topic! I haven't made any progress at all! No, no. I need to focus on that instead...

One thing at a time, Layla.

R—Right...

Couldn't you help her, Professor?

Eh? N—No, no. I could never—

Me, you say? I'm from the Spantamad Darshan, and I don't think that Naphis or Zaha Hadi research the stars.

All I have to offer are my home-grown tomatoes...

Although, I suppose it's not impossible. I can ask a few old friends to recommend some interesting topics.

You really don't have to! It sounds like a lot of work...

Hardly! A few passing questions while we water the plants... It's no trouble at all!

Thank you so much!

Of course! Now, it's getting late, and you all must be tired. Let's wrap things up here.

Some say desert nights are the sun taking mercy on us after the heat of the day, so let's leave while she still feels merciful.

I hope everything goes well in there. I've got your back from out here.

We just need one more...

Meow...

!

Look! A cat... Could it be the same one Djer mentioned?

I don't think we need to worry about startling him. He doesn't seem afraid of people.

Yeah, if anything, it seems like he wants us to follow.

Oh, he led us to the last piece. Hehe, who's a good kitty...

I... never thought I'd hear you say something like that.

You've clearly never heard how the Professor talks to his tomatoes, then.

Alright, well that's that. Now, we need to figure out how to get rid of all this dust...

Behold! The Great Vayuvyastra!

...Be honest. You've been waiting to say that for... how long now?

Just... activate the mechanism.

I think that's everything. Most of the documents are in the ancient desert script, except these ones...

These seem old as well, but the handwriting makes them stand out.

And there are dates on them.

Right! Let's arrange them in chronological order before we read through.

Better get to work. Good luck.

The desert is ever unchanging... I hope it isn't too harsh on the young ones...

You made it back safe and sound! Glad to see it!