arrow_back Genshin Impact Quests 
Chapter III: Act II
The Morn a Thousand Roses Brings
The Sabzeruz Festival is about to begin. As agreed, you return to Sumeru City to find Dunyarzad and take part in the festival together.
Find Dunyarzad
Paimon:
There she is! Dunyarzad, we're back!
Dunyarzad:
Just as promised, Traveler and Paimon! I'm so glad that you two came back to celebrate Lesser Lord Kusanali's birthday.
Dunyarzad:
Hehe, indeed! The festival is tomorrow. We have been preparing for so long that I can't help but feel a little nervous.
Paimon:
There's no need to be nervous! Paimon's sure that Lesser Lord Kusanali will feel everyone's gratitude.
Dunyarzad:
Hehe, thanks, Paimon. I hope that everyone who comes to the festival will also have a good time.
Dunyarzad:
Speaking of which, did you manage to make your way to Port Ormos? Discover anything over there?
Paimon:
Of course we went! A lot of things happened there...
Dunyarzad:
*sigh* I see. Sounds like you two had another exciting adventure...
Dunyarzad:
...If there is another chance, I would love to join...
Dehya:
*sigh* My lady, if you went to Port Ormos in your current state, we'd both be in for a lifetime of trouble.
Paimon:
Dehya! You were eavesdropping!
Dehya:
Ahem, it's called covert protection! Keeping an ear out for what's going on around my employer is part of the job.
Dunyarzad:
It's alright, Dehya. I merely said that I "would" like to go. I know better than to think my body could handle it, hehe.
Dunyarzad:
The festival is tomorrow. I've been doing nothing but causing trouble for you, so Dehya, please take some time to relax. I'll be fine.
Dehya:
...Hm, even when you put it that way, it still doesn't feel right...
Dunyarzad:
Don't worry, my guardian knight.
Dehya:
Okay, fine, but only tonight. Tomorrow's a big day, and many no-good scumbags are gonna take advantage of that.
Paimon:
*yawn*
Dunyarzad:
Oh, you two must be exhausted from your long journey back to the city. My apologies for not realizing this sooner.
Dunyarzad:
I've already prepared a room for you to rest. Please follow me.
Paimon:
Whoa, you're so thoughtful! Paimon's so ready!
Go to Dunyarzad's arranged accommodation
Dunyarzad:
Here we are. It's also fairly close to where I've been staying.
Paimon:
It looks really nice!
Traveler:
Sorry for the trouble, Dunyarzad.
Dunyarzad:
Hehe, not at all. Just tell me more about your adventures when you next get the chance.
Paimon:
That's Paimon's specialty! Paimon can tell you stories next time!
Traveler:
About our plans for tomorrow...
Dunyarzad:
Oh, if you don't mind, how about we all walk around together tomorrow?
Dunyarzad:
All of my friends will be working the festival, and Dehya is still insisting on her "covert" protection...
Paimon:
Yeah? It'll be pretty hard to relax and enjoy the festival if Dehya's constantly hovering over you, right?
Dunyarzad:
Then let's meet at the nearby bazaar first thing tomorrow morning. Have a great night!
Paimon:
It's a deal! Good night, Dunyarzad!
Dunyarzad:
I may be too excited to fall asleep tonight. See you tomorrow.
Paimon:
Paimon's starting to really look forward to the Sabzeruz Festival, too! Will there be lots of yummy food?
Paimon:
Oh no, no... Thinking about food is just gonna keep Paimon up all night. The earlier we sleep, the better. Let's go inside, Traveler.
Go to the appointed place and talk to Dunyarzad
Dunyarzad:
Traveler, Paimon! I've been waiting for you two.
Paimon:
Good morning, Dunyarzad! We must've overslept a little bit, hehe.
Dunyarzad:
Not at all. I arrived early.
Dunyarzad:
Phew... Today is finally here! I must cherish every moment as if it were gold.
Paimon:
You've worked so hard for this day. You gotta enjoy it to the fullest!
Dunyarzad:
Hehe, you know it! It's just that... as expected, I had some trouble falling asleep last night. I'm hoping my body won't be too much of an issue today.
Dunyarzad:
Well, shall we? Let's start with the stalls over there.
Follow Dunyarzad
Dunyarzad:
Many vendors came out of the blue to support the event, and they insisted on covering costs themselves. Let's go give them some business.
Paimon:
They paid for everything out-of-pocket? Sounds like they're not in this just for the Mora.
Dunyarzad:
Hehe, they all said that contributing to a lively festival atmosphere is more important than money, especially since we don't often get to celebrate Lesser Lord Kusanali's birthday.
Paimon:
Ooh, they're selling food over that way! Let's go take a look!
Talk to Dunyarzad
Dunyarzad:
This is... a stall offering foods from the Haft-Mewa Feast.
Amal:
Oh-ho, you could tell straight away! I thought most people nowadays wouldn't know.
Paimon:
Mushrooms, flowers, and all kinds of fruit... It's all vegetarian stuff. Paimon's a little disappointed...
Paimon:
So what's the "Haft-Mewa Feast" you mentioned just now?
Dunyarzad:
It's another Sabzeruz Festival tradition. People used to set their tables with seven different foods...
Dunyarzad:
Generally speaking, the most common selections were foods like Rukkhashava Mushrooms, Nilotpala Lotuses, Sumeru Roses, Sunsettias, Kalpalatas, Harra Fruits, and Zaytun Peaches.
Paimon:
So the Sabzeruz Festival is a vegetarian holiday...
Dunyarzad:
Hehe... You don't have to be a vegetarian to enjoy the spread. We just use the seven foods to symbolize the seven virtues of the Dendro Archon.
Paimon:
Wait, but if that's the case... If Sumeru uses vegetarian food to represent the Dendro Archon...
Paimon:
Then wouldn't the Pyro Archon's festival be full of food like roasted fowl, juicy meatballs, grilled steak...
Paimon:
Traveler, we have to go to Natlan as soon as possible!
Dunyarzad:
Hahaha... I hope your wish comes true one day, Paimon.
Paimon:
Thanks! Alright, how about we also check out some of these other stalls?
Kimiya:
Dear customers, would you like to try your hand at alchemical divination?
Paimon:
What's alchemical divination? Those two things sound like they'd be fun to try together.
Kimiya:
Right? I thought the same when I first heard about it. It is said to be a mysterious craft invented by none other than Lesser Lord Kusanali herself.
Paimon:
So... how does it work?
Kimiya:
It's quite simple. After you give me any two alchemical reagents, I'll use them to perform a random transmutation.
Paimon:
Sure sounds random... So random that it'll probably fail.
Kimiya:
That is precisely what we need. After the transmutation fails, your one and only diviner here will interpret the remnants.
Dunyarzad:
Well... According to Lesser Lord Kusanali, everything is interconnected, and all that occurs can be traced back to fate. You can say this is a pearl of old wisdom.
Paimon:
Why does everything sound so much more credible when Dunyarzad says it? Are you guys working together?
Kimiya:
So that's the true wisdom behind it! This young lady sure knows her stuff. So, how about it? Want to give it a try?
Traveler:
Alright, I guess I can give it a go.
Talk to Kimiya
Kimiya:
Okay, one moment... Hmm... It's the Moon.
Paimon:
Paimon wants to take a look too... Is it...? It looks more like a pie that Paimon bit into.
Kimiya:
Hmm... Generally speaking, the Moon signifies... It means... Wait a moment...
Paimon:
Is he really looking it up in a book...
Kimiya:
Oh, I remember now. It means illusions and lies.
Dunyarzad:
Illusions and lies...? That sounds rather ominous...
Kimiya:
Yes, but this book says that if you trust your intuition and overcome your fears, the sun will surely rise.
Paimon:
He's not even trying to hide his book anymore.
Dunyarzad:
...Naturally, fate will only ever show you the beginning of a journey. It is up to you to forge your own ending. Hehe, thank you so much. I'll keep that in mind.
Kimiya:
Oh, it's nothing. I'm just learning as I go, haha... ha...
Paimon:
Guess that was still pretty interesting. Okay, on to the next stall.
Follow Dunyarzad
Dunyarzad:
They say the Sabzeruz Festival was very lively a long, long time ago.
Dunyarzad:
Large flower carriages used to parade through the city. As they headed towards Port Ormos, people would throw flowers, candy, and liquor all along the way...
Paimon:
Dunyarzad's eyes are sparkling right now!
Dunyarzad:
*sigh* I wish I could have seen that spectacle. But if you ask me, I'm sure Nilou's Dance of Sabzeruz will be just as impressive!
Talk to Dunyarzad
Children:
Farris! Farris!
Vihar:
Atten-tion! Soldiers, fall into formation if you want any Yalda Candies!
Paimon:
It's a weird guy with a weird hat.
Children:
Hey, it's Dunyarzad!
Vihar:
Hahaha... Miss Dunyarzad, the children love you even more than Yalda Candies.
Vihar:
In the few short days it took to prepare for the Sabzeruz Festival, the children have all grown very fond of you.
Dunyarzad:
Uh... Ah, hallowed Knight of Flowers, it is an honor that you know my name!
Vihar:
A—Ah, ahem... Atten-tion! In the name of Farris, the Knight of Flowers, I commend you on your contributions to the glorious Sabzeruz Festival.
Vihar:
Alright, little soldiers, take your Yalda Candies and don't forget your loyalty to Lesser Lord Kusanali. Dismissed!
Children:
Yes, Knight Farris!
Paimon:
Uh... Just what is going on here...
Dunyarzad:
Hehe. Farris, the Knight of Flowers, is another Sabzeruz Festival icon, and one immensely popular with children. In the past, the actor portraying Farris would also sit on a flower carriage.
Vihar:
It's all thanks to Miss Dunyarzad's sponsorship that the children can make such wonderful memories today.
Dunyarzad:
As are we to you, Vihar.
Vihar:
Not at all! Oh, speaking of tradition, do you want some Yalda Candies? They're a festival staple, and I happen to have some boxes readied here. Take a look and pick whichever one you want.
Paimon:
Whichever one... Don't these boxes all look the same?
Vihar:
Haha, this is the fun part. Each box contains a random flavor — it's up to the luck of the draw. Flavors include Lavender Melon, Harra Fruit, Sunsettia...
Paimon:
Ooh, those all sound pretty good...
Vihar:
...And there's also Lizard Tail and Onikabuto.
Paimon:
Huh!? What's up with those two flavors?
Dunyarzad:
Onikabuto is a little spicier than Lizard Tail.
Paimon:
Dunyarzad, y—you tried them before! Hmm... Traveler, help Paimon pick one. Paimon wants the Sunsettia flavor!
Paimon:
It's alright, Paimon believes in you!
Dunyarzad:
Hehe, I also believe in your intuition.
Vihar:
Great! These boxes of candy are numbered one to five from left to right. Which one do you want?
Vihar:
Atten-tion! That's unfortunately Lizard Tail.
Paimon:
*sigh* Paimon thought you survived so many epic battles because you had incredible luck, but looks like Paimon was wrong.
Vihar:
The Sunsettia-flavored candy was in box number four. How about this? The most important thing is that everyone has a good time at the festival, so please take both boxes!
Paimon:
Really!? Thanks a lot, Knight of Candies!
Vihar:
It's Knight of Flowers! Not Knight of Candies!
Dunyarzad:
Hehe... Paimon really wilted the carriage-less Knight of Flowers.
Paimon:
They all basically sound the same! We got our candy, so let's keep going.
Dunyarzad:
Oh, actually, I just remembered that I left something behind. Since you're here...
Dunyarzad:
Can you come with me to get it?
Paimon:
Dunyarzad, you probably forgot because you're so excited about the Sabzeruz Festival!
Dunyarzad:
Haha, how embarrassing.
Talk to the Eremites
Badis:
...Tch, we're too late. Who knew the little lady was such an early riser.
Idder:
I know, right... Hey, wait a minute. Boss, isn't that her?
Badis:
Oh, that most certainly is! We're in luck. She's walking right into our clutches.
Paimon:
Those Eremites don't look like they're up to any good...
Dunyarzad:
...Who are you? I don't believe the Homayanis hired you?
Badis:
Heh, that's right. We haven't received any of their Mora, but... I wonder how much the Homayanis would shell out to get you back?
Paimon:
They're a gang of kidnappers! Traveler, hurry and protect Dunyarzad!
Dehya:
Hey! Did you scumbags even consider that the Homayanis might've hired a merc that outclasses you?
Badis:
You're... Dehya!? Dehya the Flame-Mane... No wonder we mercs haven't heard anything about you for so long. You sold your unruly mane to the highest bidder.
Dunyarzad:
Don't speak so disrespectfully. My family started working with her as gratitude for her past kindness to us...
Dehya:
Don't worry about it, my lady. Just some friendly banter between mercs. One punch and those rabid dogs will expose themselves for what they really are.
Badis:
Hmph, aren't your claws all dull by now? Don't get too cocky!
Dehya:
Traveler, take Miss Dunyarzad to a safe location.
Paimon:
No, we're gonna stay and help. There's too many of them!
Paimon:
Hm... You're right. Alright, fine!
Dunyarzad:
Please be careful, Dehya.
Dehya:
Don't waste your time worrying about me — this is my job. Look out for yourself. After I've wiped the floor with them, I'll go find you all.
Talk to Dunyarzad
Dunyarzad:
*cough* *cough*
Paimon:
Dunyarzad, are you okay? You look a little pale. Are you in shock?
Dunyarzad:
I—I'm fine... My body always reacts like this whenever I exert myself too much...
Paimon:
You sure you're okay...?
Dunyarzad:
Phew... I'll be fine after some rest. I'm more worried about Dehya... After all, none of this would've happened if I hadn't insisted on coming out today...
Paimon:
Yeah, don't worry!
You and Dunyarzad wait nearby for a while...
Dehya:
My lady, Traveler, found ya.
Paimon:
Dehya! You took care of 'em so fast.
Dehya:
Any more of them? Or rather, did anyone follow you?
Traveler:
No, I just checked.
Dunyarzad:
Dehya, your arm...!
Dehya:
Oh, this? I'm fine — it's just a scratch. Normally, they wouldn't have been able to land a hit on me at all, but I'm still getting used to this new greatsword.
Dunyarzad:
Please let me take a closer look...
Dehya:
C'mon, it's nothing. Us mercs aren't as fragile as you think.
Dunyarzad:
Hold on, you said something about a new greatsword? What happened to the one you were using before?
Dehya:
Uh... About that... Well... I sold it 'cause I was low on Mora. Stuff like this happens every now and then.
Dunyarzad:
It can't be... The anonymous donation that was used for the venue's final round of preparations...
Dehya:
*sigh* Hehe...
Dunyarzad:
...
Dehya:
Uh, hey, Miss Dunyarzad, I wasn't trying to make you cry. I'm not gonna lose my commission because I made my employer cry, am I?
Dunyarzad:
...Pfft... Hehe... Okay, making your employer cry won't affect your commission, but selling your weapon without permission and getting hurt... I'll have to re-evaluate your performance.
Dehya:
Hahaha... You're so unreasonable, my lady.
Dunyarzad:
Hahaha...
Dunyarzad:
...Thank you very much, Dehya.
Dehya:
... *sigh* Don't be like that. I get embarrassed really easily.
Dunyarzad:
*cough* *cough*
Paimon:
Are you feeling unwell again, Dunyarzad?
Dehya:
My lady, your condition... Traveler, can you take her somewhere to rest? I'll look around the area to make sure we're safe from an ambush.
Dunyarzad:
Truly... I'm sorry for the trouble, everyone...
Take Dunyarzad somewhere nearby and rest
Dunyarzad:
*pant* Phew...
Paimon:
Are you feeling better, Dunyarzad?
Dunyarzad:
Yes, much better. Just give me a few moments, and I'll be good to go.
Dunyarzad:
...I didn't realize you were concerned about it. I guess I shouldn't continue to keep it a secret.
Dunyarzad:
I was actually... born with Eleazar. It's terminal now.
Traveler:
Eleazar!
Paimon:
Can't believe it's Eleazar...
Dunyarzad:
Oh? You've already heard of Eleazar. In that case, you probably know about its severity.
Dunyarzad:
Sumeru's current medical advancements still haven't been able to find a cure. The disease's progression can only be delayed through environmental therapy...
Paimon:
Dunyarzad...
Dunyarzad:
There's no need to be sad. I've always lived with Eleazar, and I came to terms with it a long time ago.
Dunyarzad:
Compared to the simple fact that I am afflicted with this, its effects on my life have been much more painful.
Dunyarzad:
I know that my family loves me dearly. They've done all they can to provide the best environment for me, so that I can live for that much longer. However, I know... I will one day succumb to this.
Traveler:
...
Dunyarzad:
Did you know? Before I ran away from home this time... the world outside of my home didn't even know that I existed.
Dunyarzad:
Since I was a child, all I could do was sit on my bed and stare at everything outside of my window.
Dunyarzad:
I'm sure my family is worried and disappointed in me for running away, but I... I just didn't wanna have any regrets.
Dunyarzad:
I wanted to meet other people. To me, there is nothing more beautiful than being able to meet and speak with others.
Dunyarzad:
Not to mention the incredible time spent preparing for the festival, the joy on everyone's faces here, and all the support I've received from friends like Dehya...
Dunyarzad:
This way, when my final day does arrive, it will be less sorrowful.
Dunyarzad:
At the very least, many people will remember that I once existed in this world, right?
Paimon:
A—As long as you don't forget Paimon, Paimon also won't forget about you! Ah... No, even if you forget Paimon, Paimon will still remember you!
Dunyarzad:
Hehe... Thank you two so much. I apologize for the depressing conversation. This is... This is out-of-character for me.
Dunyarzad:
To be honest, Lesser Lord Kusanali gave me the courage to do all of this. If it weren't for her encouragement, I wouldn't have taken that first step.
Dunyarzad:
...Thanks. There will always be frustrations in life, but I know that the point of living is not to leave behind any regrets.
Dunyarzad:
Oh, right! Isn't it almost time?
Paimon:
Huh? Almost time for what?
Dunyarzad:
Isn't the Dance of Sabzeruz about to begin? It's the part of the festival that I've been looking forward to the most...
Dunyarzad:
Nilou will recreate that legendary scene with her most splendid dancing, and the Sabzeruz Festival will conclude amid everyone's applause and blessings...
Dunyarzad:
And with that, my wish will also...
Paimon:
Then what are we waiting for? Let's go to the stage!
Dunyarzad:
...Yeah! We should still make it in time!
Go to the Grand Bazaar and see the Dance of Sabzeruz
Setaria:
...Were you not aware that the law prohibits this type of performance from taking place without prior permission?
Paimon:
Over there... Someone's yelling at Nilou.
Dunyarzad:
I think I just saw the Akademiya's Grand Sage... Why is he here in person?
Nilou:
But the Dance of Sabzeruz is one of the key parts of the Sabzeruz Festival. If we can't perform it...
Setaria:
The Sabzeruz Festival... The law also prohibits the private hosting of large-scale, religious festivals. Only the Akademiya can host such an event.
Setaria:
If you continue to resist, we will have to order an investigation into every single event organizer...
Setaria:
The Grand Sage has already granted you much leniency. I advise that you exercise tact.
Nilou:
How... How did things turn out like this...
Dunyarzad:
The Akademiya was originally responsible for the Sabzeruz Festival, but they've failed this responsibility for many years. I need to speak with them...
Dunyarzad:
...This is a hard pill to swallow, but... sigh, you're right. Things would only get worse.
Azar:
Art... Dance... Aren't you ashamed of pursuing such frivolous and meaningless activities in this land of knowledge and reason?
Azar:
Our Archon created the utopia that is Sumeru City for all scholars who sought validity, verity, and truth... while people like you wish to defile it.
Nilou:
No, I believe that our Archon never rejected the arts. Even the Goddess of Flowers dedicated a dance to her...
Azar:
With your lack of intellectual credentials, I do not believe you are qualified to debate with me. What you should be doing is finding workers to tear down this ridiculous eyesore.
Azar:
When we return, have the Scribe draft an ordinance before the next Jnagarbha Day that prohibits public art performances. We will announce it to the public later via the Akasha.
Setaria:
Understood. I will inform him when I return.
Azar:
...
Azar:
The Sabzeruz Festival... Go celebrate the birth of that god to your heart's content.
Paimon:
Nilou, are you okay?
Nilou:
Oh, Dunyarzad. You all saw that just now...? The Grand Sage ordered us to stop the performance...
Dunyarzad:
Yeah...
Nilou:
Let's go somewhere the Akademiya can't find us and perform there... Ahh, but how do we let everyone know... And what about the atmosphere and the stage...
Nilou:
Or we could get people to block them off so they can't interrupt the performance... Agh... No, they just threatened to investigate the organizers. If we were caught...
Dunyarzad:
Nilou, it's alright. Don't worry about it.
Nilou:
But you've been looking forward to the Dance of Sabzeruz so much, and I know how important this festival is to you. I don't want you to have any regrets...
Dunyarzad:
It's okay. Seeing you care this much about my feelings is more than enough.
Dunyarzad:
It would be too risky to continue the Sabzeruz Festival at this point. I don't want to get everyone in trouble...
Nilou:
...If you say so, but... You can sneak out for the next Sabzeruz Festival, right? We'll make sure the next one is a smashing success!
Dunyarzad:
*sigh* The next one...
Dunyarzad:
...Yes! Okay, it's a promise! It WILL be a smashing success!
Paimon:
Paimon can't believe this is how things turned out. Those heartless geezers...
Dunyarzad:
It really is okay. There's nothing we can do about it.
Dunyarzad:
*sigh* Still... I'd be lying if I said I had no regrets. I would have loved to see Nilou's dance.
The Sabzeruz Festival was forced to come to an unfortunately abrupt end...
Talk to Paimon
Paimon:
*sigh* A lot happened today... It's a shame the festival ended the way it did...
Paimon:
Nilou and Dunyarzad promised to make the next Sabzeruz Festival a success... But Dunyarzad is running out of time...
Paimon:
Yeah... *sigh*
A plan has been set in motion somewhere unknown to you...
???:
*beep*
???:
All connections have been secured to construct the most stable framework possible.
???:
The project has entered its most critical phase. Power has begun to flow from __.
As agreed, you go to the festival with Dunyarzad and others... Wait... This feels somewhat familiar...
Talk to Paimon
Paimon:
*yawn* Oh! We're gonna be late. It's all because you wouldn't get out of bed!
Paimon:
We should go meet Dunyarzad right away!
Go to the appointed place and talk to Dunyarzad
Paimon:
Good morning, Dunyarzad! Sorry we're late, hehe.
Dunyarzad:
Not at all. I arrived early.
Paimon:
Uhh... You seem kinda tired... Did you not get enough sleep?
Dunyarzad:
I'm doing well. There's no need to worry. Shall we go? Let's start with the stalls over there.
Paimon:
Sure... Uh? Traveler, why are you just standing there? Let's get going!
Talk to Dunyarzad
Dunyarzad:
This is a stall offering foods from the Haft-Mewa Feast.
Amal:
You are quite well-informed, Miss! I thought most people nowadays wouldn't know.
Paimon:
They're all plants... Aw, Paimon's a little disappointed...
Paimon:
Actually, what is the "Haft-Mewa Feast" you mentioned just now?
Dunyarzad:
It's one of the Sabzeruz Festival's traditions. People used to set their tables with seven different foods to symbolize the seven virtues of the Dendro Archon.
Everything is so familiar that you feel at a loss...
Kimiya:
...The remnants appear to be in the form of the Moon.
Paimon:
Really? Paimon thought it looked like some kind of food.
Kimiya:
Hmm... The Moon signifies... Hmm... It's escaping me for now. Wait a moment...
Paimon:
Is he really looking it up in a book?
Kimiya:
Oh, right, it means illusions and lies.
Kimiya:
But if you trust your intuition and overcome your fears, the sun will surely rise.
Dunyarzad:
Understood. I'll keep that in mind.
Kimiya:
Oh, it's nothing. I'm just learning as I go, haha... ha...
Paimon:
Guess that was still pretty interesting. Okay, on to the next stall.
Talk to Dunyarzad
Children:
Farris! Farris!
Vihar:
Alright soldiers, now that you have your Yalda Candies, don't forget your loyalty to Lesser Lord Kusanali. Dismissed!
Children:
Yes, Knight Farris!
Paimon:
What's going on? Is this a play?
Dunyarzad:
Farris, the Knight of Flowers, is another Sabzeruz Festival icon, and one immensely popular with children.
Vihar:
Haha, it's all thanks to Miss Dunyarzad's sponsorship that the children can meet the Knight of Flowers.
Vihar:
Oh, do you want some Yalda Candies? I happen to have some boxes readied here. Take a look and pick whichever one you want.
Paimon:
Uhh, what's to pick? Don't these boxes all look the same?
Vihar:
Haha, it's not that simple. Each box contains a random flavor — it's up to the luck of the draw. Flavors include Lavender Melon, Harra Fruit, Sunsettia...
Paimon:
Ooh, how interesting!
Vihar:
...And there's also Lizard Tail and Onikabuto.
Paimon:
Ugh! Why do those flavors even exist!?
Paimon:
Hmm... Traveler, help Paimon pick one. Paimon wants to eat the Sunsettia flavor!
Vihar:
Great. These boxes of candy are numbered one to five from left to right. Which one do you want?
But your body subconsciously reaches for number four.
Vihar:
Ah, excellently chosen! Number four is indeed Sunsettia.
Paimon:
Haha, Paimon bet you had incredible luck, and Paimon was right!
Paimon:
Huh? Are you saying that you instinctively chose the right box?
Paimon:
Hmm, but now that you mention it... Paimon also had the feeling you'd choose the right one... Is that kinda like what you felt?
Paimon:
Maybe we didn't sleep very well last night, or maybe we slept too much.
Traveler:
I'm sorry, Dunyarzad, but I need to leave for a moment.
Dunyarzad:
Oh, sure.
Paimon:
Huh? Where are you going? You're just gonna walk off like that?
Go to Lambad's Tavern
Paimon:
A feeling of... déjà vu?
Paimon:
Paimon knows what that is! It's when you feel like you've already experienced whatever is going on...
Paimon:
In that case, Paimon also felt something like that today... But that's just our brains playing tricks on us, isn't it?
Paimon:
So, why'd you run here in such a hurry?
Paimon:
So that's it! You're intentionally doing things you usually wouldn't, and seeing if you still get that same feeling of déjà vu...
Lambad:
Welcome, you two! Are you here for lunch? What would you like to eat?
Traveler:
One Charcoal-Baked Ajilenakh Cake, please.
Lambad:
Got it. You don't look like you're from these parts, but I gotta say, you've got good taste. I'll give this order to the kitchen.
Paimon:
Charcoal-Baked Ajilenakh Cake! Isn't it that... that burned thing that didn't look tasty at all?
Paimon:
Oh... Paimon understands what you're trying to do now... You'd never normally order something like this...
After some time, the Charcoal-Baked Ajilenakh Cake is served...
Paimon:
That... thing... Are you really gonna eat it?
Paimon:
Isn't this... going a bit too far...
Traveler:
Here goes!
Paimon:
H—How was it? The look on your face is telling Paimon that it tasted awful...
Traveler:
No... It actually tasted really good.
Paimon:
Then, you mean...
Paimon:
That's impossible! We were just talking about how gross it looked...
Paimon:
...So would this be a case of taste bud déjà vu?
Paimon:
Paimon also gets the impression that we've been here many times, even though we aren't regulars.
Paimon:
Umm... How about... we go out again and try something else.
Talk to Dunyarzad
Paimon:
Hey, Dunyarzad is sitting by herself on that bench over there...
Paimon:
What a coincidence, Dunyarzad! We meet again! Uh, why are you sitting here all by yourself?
Dunyarzad:
Oh, I ran into some kidnappers just now, but thankfully, Dehya came to my rescue. I started to feel unwell after that, so I sat down here.
Paimon:
Kidnappers? Oh my goodness! Are you hurt?
Dunyarzad:
I'm okay. Dehya's arm got scratched, but it isn't serious.
Paimon:
Phew... That's a big relief. But Dunyarzad, you seem a little down today... It's the Sabzeruz Festival, and you've been looking forward to it so much.
Dunyarzad:
Not at all. I've always been like this. Excessive physical exertion or strong emotions tend to aggravate my illness.
Dunyarzad:
Besides, no matter how amazing today may be, it is but a single day. After however many more days, my time will come to an end.
Paimon:
Paimon doesn't quite follow you, and Paimon feels like something's really got you down right now...
Traveler:
I'm so sorry for leaving you behind earlier.
Dunyarzad:
It really is fine. I don't mind.
Dunyarzad:
Huh? Did something happen?
Paimon:
Dunyarzad... have you ever felt déjà vu? You know... Like when you've already experienced something that's happening right now?
Dunyarzad:
Déjà vu? No, but my days have been the same for years now. Even if I were feeling déjà vu, I suppose I would already be used to it.
Paimon:
Oh, Paimon sees... Then, is it only the two of us...?
Dunyarzad:
It's almost time.
Paimon:
Huh? Time for what?
Dunyarzad:
Nilou's Dance of Sabzeruz is about to begin. Let's go.
Go to the Grand Bazaar and see the Dance of Sabzeruz
Azar:
...With your lack of intellectual credentials, I do not believe you are qualified to debate with me. What you should be doing is finding workers to tear down this ridiculous eyesore.
Azar:
When we return, have the Scribe draft an ordinance before the next Jnagarbha Day that prohibits public art performances. We will announce it to the public later via the Akasha.
Setaria:
Understood. I will inform him when I return.
Azar:
...
Azar:
The Sabzeruz Festival... Go celebrate the birth of that god to your heart's content.
Paimon:
Nilou, are you okay?
Nilou:
Oh, Dunyarzad, the Grand Sage ordered us to stop the performance...
Dunyarzad:
It's okay. There's nothing we can do about it.
Nilou:
But you've been really looking forward to this. I don't want you to have any regrets...
Dunyarzad:
It truly is unfortunate, but I don't wanna cause trouble for anyone. Didn't the Grand Sage say that he might investigate the organizers?
Nilou:
True, but... *sigh* Well, okay, we'll just have to try again next year, hehe...
Dunyarzad:
The next festival... I probably won't be around by then.
Nilou:
Wait... What did you just say?
Dunyarzad:
No, nothing. I'll be heading back to rest. Thank you for your help, everyone.
Paimon:
Paimon can't believe what those heartless geezers did!
Paimon:
Did Dunyarzad already go back? We should also return and get some sleep.
The Sabzeruz Festival was forced to come to an unfortunately abrupt end...
Return to the accommodation and rest
Paimon:
So in the end, you still couldn't figure out what that déjà vu feeling was all about?
Paimon:
Hmm... Maybe it really was because of exhaustion...
Paimon:
Same here! That's why Paimon stopped thinking about it halfway through the day.
Paimon:
Then how about we settle in and get a good night's sleep. For now, we can chalk things up to exhaustion... We can do more thinking tomorrow!
A plan has been set in motion somewhere unknown to you...
???:
*beep*
???:
...Observing a modest drop in the output of Jnana Energy, but values still remain within normal parameters.
???:
Continue to monitor for variances in the data, and find the cause as soon as possible.
You come to attend today's Sabzeruz Festival, but you are haunted by a lingering sense of déjà vu...
Talk to Paimon
Paimon:
*yawn* Why does Paimon feel so tired after so much sleep?
Paimon:
Anyway, we should go meet Dunyarzad right away.
Go to the appointed place and talk to Dunyarzad
Paimon:
Good morning, Dunyarzad! Sorry to keep you waiting.
Dunyarzad:
Not at all. I arrived early.
Paimon:
Huh? Paimon thinks you sound kinda tired... Did you not get enough sleep?
Dunyarzad:
I'm doing well. There's no need to worry. Shall we go? Let's start with the stalls over there.
Paimon:
Great idea! Let's get going. Traveler... Uh, hey, Traveler?
Talk to Dunyarzad
Everything is so familiar that you feel at a loss...
Vihar:
Haha, it's all thanks to Miss Dunyarzad's sponsorship that the children can enjoy the Sabzeruz Festival.
Vihar:
Oh, are you interested in Yalda Candies? I have some boxes of candy here. Pick whichever one you want.
Paimon:
Hmm, not much of a choice... All these boxes look the same.
Vihar:
Haha, it's not that simple. Each box contains a random flavor — it's up to the luck of the draw. Flavors include Lavender Melon, Harra Fruit, Sunsettia...
Paimon:
Hm-hmm~ They all sound pretty tasty.
Vihar:
...And there's also Lizard Tail and Onikabuto.
Paimon:
Huh!? What were those last two!?
Paimon:
Hmm... He'll help me choose. Paimon wants the Sunsettia flavor!
Vihar:
No problem. These boxes of candy are numbered one to five from left to right. Which one do you want?
You point at number four.
Vihar:
Oho? I like your confidence — no hesitation at all. Ah, congratulations! Number four is indeed Sunsettia.
Paimon:
Haha, Paimon knew he always had incredible luck!
Paimon:
Umm, Paimon's not really interested in the other flavors.
Vihar:
Ah... W—Wait, how did you know? Don't tell me that you already knew which flavor was in each box?
Paimon:
What? He was right about all of them?
Vihar:
That couldn't have been luck. H—How is this possible? I packed all those boxes this morning, and they've been sealed ever since. You couldn't have known beforehand.
Vihar:
...Mind reading? X-ray vision? Or some kind of magic trick? This is way too freaky...
Paimon:
Tell us what's going on! Since when did you get superpowers... Traveler?
You seem to see a little girl...
Traveler:
Just now, that was...
She feels very familiar to you, so you decide to follow her.
Paimon:
Hey! Where are you going?
Follow the familiar figure
Paimon:
What are you looking for? Why did we come here?
A familiar figure... An overwhelming sense of déjà vu...
Paimon:
Traveler?
Traveler:
Over there.
Paimon:
That's...
You keep following the girl...
Talk to the mysterious girl
???:
...
Traveler:
...
Paimon:
Look! That's... Isn't that Dunyarzad!?
Paimon:
What's happening here? Why are there two Dunyarzads?
???:
You already know that this isn't your first Sabzeruz Festival, don't you?
???:
I'm sure you already know how to use this.
Paimon:
A Knowledge Capsule? Where did you get it...? What's inside?
???:
You should use it too, Paimon.
Paimon:
Ah... Y—You know Paimon?
Paimon:
...Well, this seems kinda sketchy, but... Paimon feels like this is what we should do.
After touching the Knowledge Capsule, countless memories resurface in your mind.
Paimon:
Wh—What the!?
Paimon:
This is our twentieth time at the Sabzeruz Festival? Hmm, no... The thirtieth? Fortieth? Just how many times have we been to the Sabzeruz Festival?
Paimon:
Have we been trapped in a single day? If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have even realized...
Paimon:
What the heck was inside that Knowledge Capsule?
???:
Your memories are still scrambled? Try your best to remember. This isn't the first time we've met, and I answered that question a long time ago.
Paimon:
Uhh... Let Paimon think... Ohh, it's coming back... Meeting you was the real catalyst for restoring our memories, and... the Knowledge Capsule was just your means of showing our minds the way...
Paimon:
What about everyone else? Why are you only helping the two of us?
???:
Your sense of déjà vu is stronger than everyone else's, yes? As for an explanation... You two received the blessing of Dendro, and you also have special, sensitive constitutions.
???:
It was as if a single sheet of paper was separating those memories from your consciousness.
Traveler:
What's wrong with the Dunyarzad over there...?
???:
A familiar question. I think this is the seventh time you asked that.
???:
As you can see, she isn't doing well. You probably sensed it, too — the Dunyarzad you were just with is different from the first Dunyarzad you met.
???:
That "first" Dunyarzad is in front of you right now, and... she doesn't have a lot of time left.
???:
Hehe, looks like you're almost done sorting out your brain.
Nahida:
Oh yeah, I'm Nahida.
Traveler:
I know; you introduced yourself before.
Nahida:
Good, you passed the test.
Paimon:
What's happening...? You can awaken our memories, and you seem like you know what's going on... Wait, please don't tell Paimon even you don't know!
Nahida:
Everything in this world runs in a loop... This cycle is called a "samsara." You, me, and everyone else are all stuck inside a one-day samsara...
Nahida:
As for the truth... That's on you to find out. If you were told the truth instead of discovering it yourselves... It would literally blow your minds. I don't know how you'd be after that.
Nahida:
I can only give you surface-level help, like bits of information and subtle hints. For the rest of the time, I'll be doing all I can to slow down Dunyarzad's illness.
Paimon:
She looks like she isn't doing well at all... Her illness gets worse after each Sabzeruz Festival...
Nahida:
If we can break out of this samsara, I might be able to save her.
Nahida:
...But as things are right now, she's just a small bird in the sky that's about to lose its last feathers. All I can do is raise a gale to delay her fall.
Paimon:
You sure love to use weird analogies.
Nahida:
Analogies are wonderful tools. They let you use existing knowledge to understand unfamiliar things.
Nahida:
Okay, so... With what you know so far, what do you think the truth is?
Traveler:
Hmm... Let me collect my thoughts...
After going over what happened in detail, you believe the only plausible explanation is "Time Loop."
Nahida:
A time loop... *sigh* You've given similarly wrong answers in the past. A pity.
Paimon:
Still the wrong answer... Paimon thought that made a lot of sense! It feels like time's just repeating itself.
Nahida:
A simple time loop can't explain some of the phenomena. You two are still missing a lot of information. Unfortunately, I can't give you any more hints...
Dunyarzad:
*cough* *cough*
Paimon:
Dunyarzad...
Nahida:
The Sabzeruz Festival is happening every day, but that doesn't mean we can waste an infinite amount of them. Hurry and find the truth before today's festival ends.
Paimon:
Let's think about our current situation... To save Dunyarzad, we have to escape the samsara of the Sabzeruz Festival...
Paimon:
And to do that, we need to figure out what's happening — the "truth"...
Paimon:
Nahida rejected the idea of a time loop, so we must have missed something, right?
Paimon:
Paimon's memories say that we've already done this many times, but... let's go talk to people again. It's more productive than sitting here and scratching our heads... Why don't we start with... those stall owners?
Ask around for clues about the current situation
Paimon:
Hey there!
Amal:
Hey, it's you guys again. Where's your cultured friend?
Paimon:
She... She's feeling a little unwell.
Amal:
I see. Did you come back to buy something? I guarantee the freshness of my products. I harvested them from the forest just yesterday.
Amal:
Huh? What brought this about? I hurried back from the forest yesterday, and I'm selling produce here today. I haven't felt anything strange.
Paimon:
Hmm... To put it another way, if you really, really think about it, was "yesterday" truly "yesterday"? Did you actually come back from the forest yesterday?
Amal:
What kind of philosophical nonsense is this? Are you two daydreaming?
Amal:
Didn't you know that no one dreams in Sumeru? Go somewhere else if you want to find someone to daydream with, hahaha...
Paimon:
Ugh... He actually has a point. Is this a dream? Is everyone dreaming?
Paimon:
Hm, true. It's so weird that people here don't dream! Why is that?
Paimon:
Anyway, if this all really were just a dream, we would've woken up a long time ago. Let's keep asking around.
Ask around for clues about the current situation
Kimiya:
Oh, it's you two! Was my divination so accurate that you felt compelled to compliment me in person?
Kimiya:
Oooh, I knew it! I told you, the gods' divination is highly accurate. You just hadn't fully understood its significance yet. Hahaha...
Paimon:
You're really excited about this, huh... That's exactly why we came back. Help us better understand it!
Kimiya:
Er... Help you better understand it...? W—Well, that isn't exactly what I excel at...
Paimon:
So you're admitting that you don't have a clue?
Kimiya:
Anyway, what kind of situation did you get into?
Kimiya:
Huh? Hold on a second... I thought you guys just lost your wallet or fell for a scam...
Kimiya:
What you just said... Are you serious? Does that kind of thing actually happen in real life?
Paimon:
Paimon knew you weren't going to believe it!
Kimiya:
Marvelous, truly marvelous... I believe you. Recall the interpretation of your divination... The Moon, illusions, and lies... It really felt like an omen.
Paimon:
When you say it like that, the divination does sound like it's related to what's going on. Can you read any more into it?
Kimiya:
I believe that the Archon's revelations are never more than vague hints. Anything more specific is beyond the reach of mere mortals.
Kimiya:
The book only says, "If you trust your instincts and overcome your fears, the sun will surely rise."
Paimon:
So that's how it is... Looks like fortune-telling is just fortune-telling — it's no good for practical problems.
Paimon:
We haven't made any progress. Who else can we talk to?
Traveler:
Let's try talking to Dehya again.
Paimon:
Hm, Paimon remembers that we've tried talking to her a couple of times, but she always thinks that we're playing pranks on her. You think she'll brush us off again?
Paimon:
Yeah... If we tap into Dehya's strong sense of responsibility as a mercenary, then she'll definitely take us seriously.
Paimon:
At this time of day, Dehya's probably just finished beating up those kidnappers. Let's go find her!
Talk to Dehya
Dehya:
...I'm fine, my lady. It's just a scratch.
Paimon:
Perfect timing! Both of you are here.
Dehya:
Paimon, Traveler, you came at just the right time! Listen, there was a dangerous—
Dehya:
Huh, you saw? Then why didn't you jump in earlier? If someone was protecting Miss Dunyarzad, I could've went all-out. Anyway, can you do something for me?
Paimon:
You want the Traveler to take Dunyarzad somewhere to rest up while you check to see if there are still any kidnappers around. Did Paimon get that right?
Dehya:
...How did you know what I was going to say?
Paimon:
We need to say something convincing...
After going over what happened in detail, you believe that Dehya's Claymore is the compelling evidence.
Paimon:
Tell her, Traveler!
Dehya:
...
Dehya:
I didn't tell anyone about that, including Miss Dunyarzad. You couldn't have known... And just now, you literally took the words right out of my mouth. What's going on?
Paimon:
Alright, so this is the situation...
You explain everything to Dehya...
Dehya:
It's kinda hard to believe what you just told me... First, let me make something clear: Most of us desert-dwellers might not be the scholarly type, but we do have basic common sense...
Traveler:
Haven't you noticed something off about Dunyarzad?
Paimon:
She's quieter than usual, uninterested in anything, and really gloomy...
Dehya:
Yeah, she isn't the same as before, but...
Dehya:
...Her parents said that this is how she was like at first.
Paimon:
Eh? At first?
Dunyarzad:
I don't quite understand what you are all talking about. I'll go rest on the bench over there.
Dehya:
My lady... Are you angry...?
Traveler:
Come with me. I'll show you some evidence.
Dehya:
...Alright. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt since you knew about my greatsword. Let's make this a quick trip — Miss Dunyarzad isn't completely safe here.
Bring Dehya to Nahida
Paimon:
Nahida, we brought a friend. Are you busy?
Nahida:
...I thought I told you that it won't help to bring anyone here.
Paimon:
We just wanted her to see the real Dunyarzad's condition...
Dehya:
The real Dunyarzad? ...Where? And who are you talking to?
Paimon:
Huh?
Nahida:
*sigh* I told you that you two are special. Other people can't see me or Miss Dunyarzad here.
Dehya:
Hold on... Over there, is that...
Traveler:
Y—You can see her?
Nahida:
Wow, how perceptive... Does she have invisible antennae?
Dehya:
Miss Dunyarzad... she's lying down here, isn't she? How's she doing?
Paimon:
Her condition's really bad, and she's basically in a coma. How did you know she was here?
Dehya:
I can sense her aura... There are also lingering feelings of something like regret or disappointment. What happened...?
Paimon:
Do you believe us now? The Sabzeruz Festival has been repeating itself...
You begin discussing the issue with Dehya, who finally understands the situation...
Paimon:
...So you think the sages are behind this?
Dehya:
Yeah. They've always been against us. It wouldn't surprise me if they're using the Akasha to intentionally repeat the Sabzeruz Festival as a sick joke.
Paimon:
Hmm, you have a point... Aside from the Dendro Archon, the Akademiya's sages are the only ones in Sumeru who could pull off something like this.
Paimon:
Maybe there's more to the Akasha than we know?
Traveler:
Nahida, can you tell us anything about the Akasha?
Paimon:
Right! Didn't you awaken our memories using something that looked like a Knowledge Capsule? That means you must know something about the Akasha!
Nahida:
The Akasha relies on the power of a Gnosis to operate, as it is the manifestation of the God of Wisdom's power. It compiles the wisdom of the entire populace, and it grants knowledge to the people.
Paimon:
A Gnosis can do that!? No wonder the Akasha is so magical — it's being powered by the Gnosis of Sumeru's Archon.
Dehya:
So, this Nahida you mentioned... What did she say?
Paimon:
She said, and Paimon quotes: "The Akasha relies on the power of a Gnosis to operate, as it is the manifestation of the God of Wisdom's power. It compiles the wisdom of the entire populace, and it grants knowledge to the people."
Dehya:
Compiles the wisdom of the entire populace, and grants knowledge to the people... Wait...
Traveler:
What's up?
Dehya:
I get the "grants knowledge" part — that's what people have always used the Akasha for. But compiling the entire populace's wisdom? How does that work?
Paimon:
Did she mean that the sages enter new knowledge into the Akasha?
Paimon:
Oh yeah, that sounds about right. What do you think?
After going over what happened in detail, you believe it has something to do with the "Abnormal Mental Fatigue"
Dehya:
You mean... The Akasha is causing our mental fatigue? Now that I think about it, my head's been feeling unusually heavy.
Dehya:
When the desert-dwellers set off on their quest for knowledge, a sage once said, "Knowledge always comes at a price."
Dehya:
Compiling the entire country's knowledge...You think the Akasha pulled a 180 and is extracting information from us?
Traveler:
But how would it do that...?
Dehya:
Who knows? The Akasha can put knowledge into our heads, so who's to say that it can't also poke around in there? We don't know any specifics.
Paimon:
What's the point of doing something like that?
Dehya:
Just think about it... If you could combine the knowledge of every single person in Sumeru, then you can basically turn Sumeru City into a single, massive brain...
Dehya:
...This hivemind could make breakthroughs in problems that even the smartest geniuses can't crack.
Nahida:
An excellent deduction. And the analogy comparing Sumeru City to a massive brain? Ahh, I love it.
Paimon:
In that case, we should take off our Akasha Terminals right away! Maybe that'll solve this problem?
Dehya:
Yeah. I was only wearing this for show in the first place. Didn't expect the Sages to cook up such a conspiracy... Mark my words, when this is over, I'm getting evidence and exposing this whole thing to the public!
Everyone removes their Akasha Terminals...
Paimon:
How does everyone feel?
Traveler:
Actually, I also noticed something else.
Paimon:
Huh? What is it?
Paimon:
Oh, that! Paimon knows what you're talking about! It's a single, soft beep that sounds like it's coming from the Akasha Terminal.
Dehya:
The sound of a beep... Could it be a prompt tone for when the Akasha is operating?
Traveler:
I heard the same sound in Port Ormos.
Paimon:
That's probably an important clue. We weren't using our terminals, but we heard a beep anyway...
???:
*beep*
Traveler:
!!!
Paimon:
Traveler, did you hear that!?
Dehya:
I heard it, too! Our ears aren't messing with us. There was definitely a beep, but it sounded like it was coming from inside my head!
Dehya:
We took off our Akasha Terminals... How...?
A plan has been set in motion somewhere unknown to you...
???:
Phase runtime has exceeded its expected length. At this rate, there may be casualties...
???:
But... we cannot lose all of our progress.
Now you know very well that this is not the first time you have attended the Sabzeruz Festival. To save Dunyarzad, you must find a way to get to the bottom of the truth.
Talk to Nahida
Paimon:
Paimon remembers everything!
Nahida:
...Good, you adapted quickly this time.
Traveler:
At the end of last night...
Paimon:
We definitely took off our Akasha Terminals last night, but we still heard that beep. Why's that?
Paimon:
But now, we can at least confirm one thing: The Akasha definitely has something to do with whatever's trapping us in this cycle!
Paimon:
Paimon doesn't get it... Why would the Akasha go this far if all it wants is everybody's wisdom?
Nahida:
It's extremely difficult for lab rats in an experiment to understand why they're being treated the way they are.
Paimon:
If we're lab rats, then what are you? Nahida, you've never told us anything about yourself...
Nahida:
Hmm... I guess I'm the Moon.
Paimon:
The Moon? Wasn't that the result of our divination?
Traveler:
...
Nahida:
Anyway, knowing who I am won't help you get closer to the truth, so you should focus on other things. Don't get distracted and miss any clues~
Paimon:
Okay then... Dehya helped us a lot yesterday, so let's go find her. If Paimon's reading the time correctly, those kidnappers should be showing up soon.
Talk to Dehya
Dehya:
Ah, there you are. I've already taken care of those kidnappers. My lady, did you get hurt?
Traveler:
Hold on, something's not right...
Paimon:
Eh? Dehya!?
Dehya:
What's wrong? Why are you both gawking at me like that?
Paimon:
Y—You didn't get hurt this time!?
Dehya:
Huh? What do you mean, "this time"? Why are you so surprised that I managed to get out unscathed? Those kids were amateurs.
Dehya:
Shhh... How did you know about my greatsword? I haven't told anyone about it. Please don't tell Miss Dunyarzad!
Paimon:
So Dehya's lost her memories after all...
Dehya:
Anything strange...? You already know that I got a new greatsword. Hmm... if I had to say something, it's weird how such a new weapon could feel so familiar.
Dehya:
It's as if... I've already used it to fight a countless number of battles.
Paimon:
You're saying that although you don't remember using it, your body... feels like it does?
Dehya:
That's right. Both mercenaries and warriors heavily rely on muscle memory. Only knowing the theory of battle won't get you anywhere.
Paimon:
Traveler, what do you think?
Paimon:
Yeah, Paimon's feeling really hopeful!
Traveler:
Is it possible that... we have already broken free?
Paimon:
Ooh, you're right! Earlier in the samsara, something like this would've never happened.
Traveler:
We'll know for sure at the end of the day.
Dehya:
I have no clue what you two are talking about, but it's still dangerous here, so—
Paimon:
So you want us to take Dunyarzad somewhere else to rest while you check if there are still more kidnappers around. Right?
Dehya:
How did you know what I was gonna say...? Can you read minds?
Paimon:
Forget it, go and do your thing.
Talk to Nahida
Paimon:
...Phew, it's finally nighttime. Aside from Dehya not getting injured, everything seems to have stayed the same.
Paimon:
Listen, Nahida! We found out that Dehya got out just fine today, even though she got injured every other time she fought the kidnappers.
Paimon:
Do you think the samsara has been broken? Have we saved Dunyarzad?
Nahida:
Really? Good job on all that progress. Get some good sleep tonight.
Paimon:
Hey, what kind of an answer is that?
Nahida:
"Tomorrow will come." Everyone assumes this as common knowledge, but the only way you can know that for sure is if you experience tomorrow.
Nahida:
How many "today"s has it been? Is it possible that "today" will be followed by "yesterday"? Does "tomorrow" truly exist as anything beyond a made-up concept?
Nahida:
It's even possible that this entire world is a lie, and the history of the whole world has just been one endless Sabzeruz Festival.
Paimon:
Okay, okay, no more! Paimon's brain has already shut down!
Nahida:
Hehe... That's why it makes no sense to waste your energy thinking about things you will learn tomorrow.
Nahida:
Get some good rest! Ya know... Use the bathroom and flush your anxiety dookie away~
Paimon:
Huh? Hold on, what did you just say? Did Paimon hear you correctly?
Nahida:
Hm? People always say they feel a sense of relief after they take a dook-dook. That's why I suggested you could try that. Is that so strange?
Paimon:
Ugh... It's so strange and so against common sense that Paimon is at a loss for words... You were sounding kinda smart just a minute ago!
Traveler:
...We're going to go get some rest.
Paimon:
Yeah... Even though it's happy and lively at the Sabzeruz Festival every day, it feels like it's been a long time since we've really gotten to relax. Let's go back to our room.
A plan has been set in motion somewhere unknown to you...
???:
*beep*
???:
Continue the harvest. Compared to what we stand to achieve, these sacrifices are trivial.
The samsara of the Sabzeruz Festival continues. Are you really getting close to the truth?
Talk to Nahida
Paimon:
...We're still in the same day!
Traveler:
As expected, it's not as simple as we thought.
Paimon:
Nahida, you already knew last night that we didn't break out of the samsara! Why didn't you tell us?
Nahida:
Would there have been a point? You would've spent the night with new worries, with tomorrow still out of reach.
Nahida:
In that case... You might as well rest within that brief moment of hope. An opportunity like that doesn't come by often, and I thought it might help you clear your minds.
Paimon:
Paimon thought the dook-dook did that! Ah, whatever, guess you were looking out for us after all.
Nahida:
Hehe, of course. In the time we've been together, you two have been everything to me.
Paimon:
Uh... Paimon's flattered and everything, but maybe you're taking things a little fast...
Nahida:
Hehehe... What I mean is, even though I had asked you to solve this puzzle, you two are still the only ones who can see me and sense my presence.
Nahida:
In other words, if you weren't here, I may as well not exist. That's why you two have been everything to me. Get it?
Paimon:
Uhh, Nahida's talking about confusing stuff again...
Nahida:
Anyway, that's enough chit-chat. So Traveler, did the new clues yesterday help you gain a new understanding of the situation?
Traveler:
The time loop theory is indeed incorrect.
Paimon:
Huh? Why are you scrapping your previous theory?
Paimon:
Oh yeah, you're right. Gosh, how did we not notice that? In a simple time loop, people's physical conditions should also reset.
Nahida:
So, what's your new hypothesis?
After going over what happened in detail, you believe the only plausible explanation is "Memory Deletion."
Nahida:
Um...
Paimon:
Ooh! Then the beep we hear every night could just be indicating the deletion of our memories.
Paimon:
That's why when we wake up, everyone thinks the Sabzeruz Festival hasn't happened yet. It's already the next day, but everyone still thinks it's the day before.
Paimon:
But muscle memory can't be erased. That's why Dehya has been getting better at using her greatsword! Now everything makes sense!
Nahida:
...Hm, a brilliant deduction.
Paimon:
Nahida, tell us if we're right or wrong!
Nahida:
To put it simply, it's as if you've mistaken a Pyro Crystalfly for a Firefly in the night. You lost sight of its true nature because you focused too much on your perception that it glows.
Paimon:
That isn't simple at all!
Traveler:
Still the wrong conclusion, huh...
Nahida:
Why don't you go talk to Miss Dehya again? You might learn something new.
Paimon:
Right... She did help us find our latest clue, after all. Let's go!
Talk to Dehya
Dehya:
...There you are. Really took me a while to find you.
Paimon:
As expected, Dehya also didn't get hurt today.
Dehya:
Get hurt? Why would I? Don't underestimate me.
Paimon:
Well, you're still getting used to your new greatsword...
Dehya:
Truth be told, I also think it's pretty strange. It just suddenly felt so familiar in my hands... Wait a sec, how did you know I got a new greatsword to begin with? I didn't tell anyone about it...
Paimon:
Traveler, could you explain the situation to her today? Paimon's gotten a little sick of doing it...
Paimon:
Oh, that works.
Traveler:
You suddenly became proficient with your greatsword because...
Dehya:
...What happened to you guys while I was gone? Did you get brainwashed by some cult?
Paimon:
Umm, don't think too hard about it. Just take what we're saying at face value.
Dehya:
...Alright then. Let me get this straight. You're telling me that my body's already gotten used to this greatsword, but my brain just doesn't remember it?
Paimon:
Yes, your memory's being erased every day.
Dehya:
Then I'd have to disagree. That's impossible.
Paimon:
Oh? Why do you think that?
Dehya:
If we've actually been reliving the Sabzeruz Festival day after day, then what happened to the things we used, the money we spent, the food we ate?
Dehya:
Common sense says my wallet should've emptied itself a long time ago. There's no way I wouldn't have noticed that.
Traveler:
I've thought about that, too.
Paimon:
Right... They could use the Akasha to record what everyone did that day, and then use the city's resources to replenish everything...
Paimon:
It's not very likely, but it's also not impossible.
Dehya:
No, it is impossible. I've got proof.
Paimon:
You have proof? Where?
Dehya:
*sigh* You two are surprisingly serious about this nonsensical discussion. Fine, I'll play along for a little longer.
Dehya:
Come with me. Miss Dunyarzad, please come along as well. I still can't guarantee that this area is safe.
Go and check the evidence Dehya mentioned
Dehya:
This is it.
Paimon:
Huh? This a wooden training dummy. What about it?
Dehya:
See those marks on the dummy? Those are the result of several days' worth of practice.
Dehya:
Let's say the sages didn't replace it every day. Shouldn't it be hacked to pieces by now?
Paimon:
That's true, but what if they did?
Dehya:
Then the sages would have had to reproduce every mark I left during previous training sessions.
Dehya:
I'm a professional fighter. My martial school has always emphasized the importance of refined control.
Dehya:
The force, angle, and entry point of each strike is calculated and deliberate. That's why I remember every mark on the dummy, as well as my state of mind as I made each strike.
Dehya:
It's just as they say: Each swordsman has their own unique style, and even the same swordsman can't make the same cut twice. It would be impossible to copy these marks.
Paimon:
Is it really impossible? What if they used some fancy machine to carve every single mark?
Dehya:
People often say that a Kamera's photo can never replace an artist's painting because the former has no spirit to it.
Dehya:
The same thing applies here. At a mere glance, I can differentiate carved marks from the results of combat training.
Dehya:
Phew... I hope that cleared things up for you? Hey, is this that new Brainsercise game that's been super popular with the scholars lately? It's surprisingly fun.
Dehya:
Anyway, it's getting late. I should escort Miss Dunyarzad to Nilou's stage. See ya later.
Paimon:
Welp, back to square one. Is our memory deletion theory also wrong? *sigh*
Paimon:
But at least we've reached some other conclusions in the meantime?
Paimon:
Yep, that's true. So... can we think of any new ideas right now?
Paimon:
Strange? Paimon feels like everything's been strange lately...
Traveler:
How come... we've never thought about leaving the city?
Paimon:
Huh? Leaving the city... You're right! It's really strange how we never thought of such a simple solution. Many things should become clear if we can confirm the flow of time outside of the city.
Paimon:
Paimon can't believe it... Did we miss this because we're tunnel-visioning too hard on our other theories, or because we're just too tired?
Paimon:
How about we go back and ask Nahida? Maybe we've forgotten something about leaving the city.
Talk to Nahida
Paimon:
Nahida, we're back!
Nahida:
You're back early today. Did you find something new?
Paimon:
Sort of. We're mostly sure now that we're not in a time loop, and we also aren't in the real world. But at the same time, we have a new question...
Nahida:
Leaving the city... As far as I remember, you've mentioned your plans to do that twice before...
Traveler:
!?
Paimon:
We did? But we don't remember anything! What happened after we talked about those plans? What did we say when we got back?
Nahida:
Let me think... I don't think you ever actually told me what the outcome was. Oh — it's probably more accurate to say that both times, you never came back the whole night.
Nahida:
But you two sometimes stay out the entire night anyway, so at the time, I didn't think too much about it.
Paimon:
It is true that sometimes we lose track of time during our investigations. Before we know it, it'll already be the next day. But still... neither of us remember anything about leaving town.
Nahida:
Really? That's kinda strange. In theory, I should've already awakened all your memories.
Paimon:
Yup! Something here's definitely fishy. Let's get to the bottom of this tomorrow!
A plan has been set in motion somewhere unknown to you...
???:
*beep*
Discovering the truth behind the samsara of the Sabzeruz Festival is not enough. You still need to find a way to break out of it. The good news is, you now see a glimmer of hope...
Talk to Nahida
Paimon:
Good morning, Nahida! Wait... Now that Paimon remembers everything, should we instead say, "Good morning, Lesser Lord Kusanali"?
Nahida:
...
Paimon:
Hey, what's wrong, Nahida? You don't look too good...
Nahida:
...I'm afraid that what you're thinking right now is correct...
Paimon:
Did Dunyarzad already disappear? No way! Are... Are we too late?
Nahida:
The real Dunyarzad's consciousness has indeed disappeared. It can no longer endure the constant dream harvesting.
Paimon:
Paimon can't believe it... Wait, so what about that other Dunyarzad? Just what is she? Is she also going to disappear?
Nahida:
She's actually something like a puppet, but not completely.
Nahida:
The real Dunyarzad's consciousness could no longer keep playing her role in this dream...
Nahida:
So, another Dunyarzad appeared to replace her in the dream. Just like the grass and the trees, that Dunyarzad is just a building block of the dream that helps to keep it going.
Paimon:
But personality-wise, she's nothing like the real Dunyarzad...
Nahida:
Puppets are stiff and can't copy a living person's vitality. After all, they're just there as filler.
Nahida:
You know, speaking of which... The old Dunyarzad might not have been too different from a puppet.
Paimon:
Dunyarzad truly believed that she met you within her consciousness, and it was you who inspired her... So you do remember her after all!
Nahida:
Yes. Back then, her family was overly protective of her. No one cared about her personality or thoughts. It was as if she only lived to stall her Eleazar.
Nahida:
I just gave her a little wisdom so she could look at life in a new way... So that she could be her own person. But even so, she still...
Nahida:
...Far from it. I'm still a long way off from being a real archon.
Nahida:
I couldn't even save her. If I were a competent archon, I wouldn't have let my most faithful follower die at the Sabzeruz Festival with so many regrets...
Paimon:
Please don't beat yourself up over it, Nahida! It's the Sages' fault, and theirs alone!
Nahida:
I... I'm not beating myself up. All I did was to rationally observe the distance between myself and a real archon.
Paimon:
Don't be like that, Nahida. Even real archons are still allowed to be sad...
Nahida:
...
Nahida:
To prevent more tragedies like this, we must end the samsara as soon as possible.
Paimon:
Great! But how do we do that?
Nahida:
Although this Sabzeruz Festival dream is under the Akasha's control, only humans can dream. Even the Akasha is unable to create them.
Nahida:
That means this dream belongs to a host who created it.
Paimon:
Huh... So how should we find that person?
Nahida:
Well, if this is someone's dream, then everything here must come from deep within their consciousness ...
Nahida:
...Which means, with the power of imagination, they can change anything in this dream.
Paimon:
Imagination? What do you mean by that?
Nahida:
Imagination means breaking through what you perceive as normal.
Nahida:
Like when a server at a tavern brings a plate to you, you'd naturally assume that food is on it.
Nahida:
However, if you're the dream's host and you become aware that you're dreaming, when you imagine gold and Mora on the plate...
Nahida:
...The dream will respond in kind, and the server really will bring you gold and Mora.
Nahida:
But right now, our host is unaware that this is a dream. No matter how many times they're served, it will always be food.
Traveler:
So we find the host — then what?
Nahida:
Find some way to make that person realize that they're dreaming. Usually, once that happens, the person will wake up and the dream's samsara will be broken.
Paimon:
How are we going to find them, though? If it could be anyone, it'd be like looking for a needle in a haystack!
Paimon:
And even if we did find them, how are we supposed to make them realize they're dreaming?
Paimon:
After all, like you said... "Don't wake a sleepwalker."
Nahida:
It's extremely difficult, yes. But the only ones who can do it are you two. Remember, everything you've achieved up to this point has all been for the sake of finding the host and ending the samsara.
Nahida:
As for me... during this time, I'll be out of town.
Paimon:
"Out of town"? Are you going to that place full of dreams where the Traveler went?
Nahida:
Yes, I want to try something. There must still be a small wisp of possibility...
Nahida:
Hurry and go. Dreams are supposed to be fantastical, romantic, and full of pleasant surprises. Unnecessary things like this samsara... need to end.
Nahida leaves.
Paimon:
*sigh* Paimon's still a little upset that we've come this far, only for Dunyarzad to...
Paimon:
She was such a good person with such a simple wish, but fate was against her.
Traveler:
I just feel so demoralized.
Paimon:
Yeah... Saving Dunyarzad is what kept us going this whole time.
Paimon:
But we mustn't lose hope, Traveler! Dunyarzad would definitely want to see us save everyone else. So let's break this samsara for her sake!
Paimon:
Paimon's wondering... Do you think the sages would get one of their own to be the host of this dream? Feels like it would be easier to control it that way, no?
Traveler:
Unlikely.
Paimon:
Huh, that's true. Plus, the sages probably weren't counting on there being other factors beyond their control — like Nahida and us.
Paimon:
So, who do you think the host of the dream is?
Paimon:
Ooh! That would make sense! Farris, the Knight of Flowers, is a symbol of the whole Sabzeruz Festival, right? Pretty core character.
Paimon:
Let's go ask him some questions, shall we?
Talk to Farris, the Knight of Flowers
Vihar:
Hm? You're back. You left in a hurry last time. Is everything okay?
Paimon:
Everything's fine, just... Umm, it's a little hard to explain. Uh, would you mind taking part in a little experiment with us?
Vihar:
An experiment? That came out of nowhere... I'm listening, though. What do you need me to do?
Paimon:
Could you... make a wish?
Traveler:
Imagine your wish coming true before your very eyes.
Vihar:
You want me to make a wish? Is that a new Sabzeruz Festival tradition or something?
Paimon:
Less questions, more wishing!
Vihar:
Okay, okay...
Vihar:
My wish, my wish... Um, okay, I'm a little nervous saying this out loud, but... I want Miss Dunyarzad to be happy.
Paimon:
Oh...
Vihar:
I noticed earlier that she looked a bit down, and she wasn't really talking to anyone.
Vihar:
She just doesn't seem like herself. She's always so gentle and kind, and all the kids love her...
Vihar:
I've also wondered if the reason she asked me to be Farris, Knight of Flowers is because I'm special to her, or something...
Paimon:
So... you have a crush on Dunyarzad?
Vihar:
Uh, heh... Haha... Is it that obvious? Hmm, after what I just said, I guess it is.
Vihar:
When she placed the hat of the Knight of Flowers onto my head, she said to me, "I want everyone to have a happy Sabzeruz Festival."
Vihar:
What she didn't realize was that I'm not that interested in how everyone else feels... In that moment, I just wanted to be her Knight of Flowers for the rest of my life. Fifty years, a hundred years... I'll serve her till the end of time.
Traveler:
...
Vihar:
...Okay, yeah, that was a bit much. Felt like the right moment to get it off my chest, but... ahem, that was pretty embarrassing.
Vihar:
Okay, I'm ready to make my wish: I would like Miss Dunyarzad to appear in front of me right now, with a smile on her face... Here goes...
Paimon:
Please come true...
Traveler:
Please come true...
Vihar:
I'm gonna open my eyes, ho-ho!
Vihar:
Oh... You're...!
Paimon:
What!?
Vihar:
...Phaki? Sorry, but only one portion of Yalda Candies per person. Back home you go.
Vihar:
Hahaha... Nice try, you two. Anyway, never mind, I don't need to see her appear right in front of me. As long as she's happy, hahaha...
Paimon:
*sigh* Guess he isn't the host of this dream after all. Should've expected it wouldn't be this easy.
Paimon:
It seems like everyone who knows Dunyarzad loves her, but none of them has any idea that she...
Dehya:
My lady, step back!
Paimon:
That sounds like Dehya! Oh, right, this is when Dunyarzad bumps into the kidnappers.
Traveler:
I'll teach them a lesson they won't forget.
Paimon:
Huh? But Dehya can handle them... Hey, Traveler!
Return to the accommodation
Dehya:
...Oh? It's you. Great timing! Please take—
Dehya:
Hey, this is my job. The Homayanis pay me, not you.
Dehya:
You... Ugh, alright fine, knock yourself out. Why are you so worked up anyway? It's not like I don't trust your fighting skills...
Dehya:
...Anyway, watch yourself.
Badis:
So you got yourself some back-up? Hmph, suit yourself! You're goin' down!
Talk to Paimon
Paimon:
Traveler... Were you just taking your anger out on those guys?
Paimon:
*sigh* You and Nahida both... Dunyarzad wouldn't want to see you two like this.
Paimon:
Oh, and speaking of her... Paimon just remembered something.
Paimon:
Remember how during the first Sabzeruz Festival, before the samsara started, we came here with Dunyarzad because she wanted to pick something up?
Paimon:
She said it was because she had forgotten something.
Paimon:
Okay, so Paimon's memory is working so far... Anyway, Paimon also remembers that she's staying somewhere around here. She pointed it out to us the night before the Sabzeruz Festival.
Paimon:
Yeah, even if it's only a tiny clue, it'll probably still help us more than this needle-in-a-haystack search...
Paimon:
This is the place. It's rude to enter other people's spaces without permission, but desperate times call for desperate measures!
Paimon:
Hey, the windows are unlocked. Okay, Paimon's gonna take a peek inside.
Paimon enters the room and returns a while later, carrying something...
Paimon:
This was only a temporary residence, so there was pretty much nothing inside except this book on the table.
Paimon:
Should we open it?
Paimon:
Wow... Dunyarzad wrote all of this. Sounds like she was always thinking of us, even while we were away...
Paimon:
Even though she was also busy preparing for the Sabzeruz Festival, and had all her health problems to worry about...
Paimon:
She must have wanted to give this to us as a gift on the day of the Sabzeruz Festival, right?
Paimon:
If we hadn't found this book, we never would have known...
Paimon:
But now that we know, we can't even thank her...
Traveler:
Dunyarzad...
Paimon:
Hey, where are you off to now?
Talk to "Dunyarzad"
Paimon:
It's Dunyarzad's puppet...
Traveler:
Thank you.
Despite all your efforts, you could not save Dunyarzad. You sit on the bench, seized by mixed feelings.
Paimon:
Traveler...
Paimon:
You must be exhausted.
Paimon:
Come to think of it, we've been stuck in this place for a really, really long time. Heck, even the last time we were chatting happily with Dunyarzad feels like an eternity ago...
Paimon:
Paimon still remembers when we were sitting here, and the way her eyes sparkled when she talked about Nilou's Dance of Sabzeruz...
Traveler:
...I can barely recall it now.
Dunyarzad:
...There will always be frustrations in life, but I know that the point of living is to not leave behind any regrets.
Traveler:
!?
Paimon:
That was what the real Dunyarzad said, wasn't it? Does that mean...!?
Traveler:
Dunyarzad...?
Dunyarzad:
Yes, Traveler? What is it?
Traveler:
...
Paimon:
Oh... So she's still just a puppet. But just now... How come...
Paimon:
What? Where are we going this time?
Traveler:
To watch the Dance of Sabzeruz.
Watch the Dance of Sabzeruz
Setaria:
If you continue to resist, we will have to order an investigation into every single event organizer...
Setaria:
The Grand Sage has already granted you much leniency. I advise that you exercise tact.
Nilou:
How... How did things turn out like this...
You stand in front of Nilou.
Nilou:
Ahh... Traveler? You don't have to get involved. He's a sage from the Akademiya. I don't want to drag you into this...
Azar:
...Traveler?
Paimon:
Traveler, what the heck are you doing!? If you get arrested by the Akademiya, that's another day gone to waste!
Azar:
...
Setaria:
...
Paimon:
Wait... They're not reacting! Have they been scared stiff...?
Paimon:
Oh, of course! If this is the sages' plan, they wouldn't put themselves through this...
Paimon:
So they're just substitutes.
Nilou:
What is this? What happened to the Grand Sage and his entourage?
You notice the purple Padisarahs on the stage.
Nilou:
Hehe, like I said, they symbolize the Goddess of Flowers, after all. It's just a shame that all the real Padisarahs went extinct after her death.
Dunyarzad:
Yes. The Greater Lord brought forth new Padisarahs in memory of the Goddess of Flowers, but she ultimately could never truly replicate that beautiful shade of purple.
Nilou:
Ahh, "that beautiful shade of purple"... Aren't these flowers real Padisarahs, just like the ones from the legend? I didn't even notice! Dunyarzad, did you find these?
Paimon:
But didn't you just say all the real flowers went extinct after the Goddess of Flowers passed away? So how...
Nilou:
Yeah. What's going on here...?
Traveler:
Nilou, close your eyes.
Nilou:
Huh?
Traveler:
Imagine that the Grand Sage and his entourage are not here in front of you.
Nilou:
You guys are acting weird... But okay, I'll try.
Nilou:
Mmm...
Nilou:
Hey~
Paimon:
Th—They disappeared! So Nilou's the host. What a surprise!
Paimon:
Purple Padisarahs don't exist in the real world anymore, but in Nilou's subconscious, they can appear as decorations on the stage.
Paimon:
It's just like the example Nahida told us. People assume there will be food on a plate, and Nilou assumed there would be real Padisarahs in the flower pots.
Paimon:
So when you saw the flowers, you instantly knew it was Nilou?
Traveler:
Correct.
Paimon:
But if we want to end the samsara, we need the host to become aware that they're dreaming.
Paimon:
How should we make Nilou realize that...
Nilou:
Am I dreaming?
Paimon:
Huh!?
Traveler:
How did you come to that conclusion?
Nilou:
Hehe, so I'm right? Is this Lesser Lord Kusanali responding to our celebration of the Sabzeruz Festival?
Paimon:
Wrong guess, but you aren't completely wrong, either... The point is, what made you think this is a dream?
Paimon:
As far as you know, people in Sumeru don't dream, right?
Nilou:
Yeah, but have you heard the tale of the First Sage? To prevent a calamity, he went on a journey to find the Dendro Archon.
Paimon:
Ooh, sounds familiar! Dunyarzad told us a story like that when we first arrived in Sumeru City. So it was about the First Sage, huh?
Nilou:
Yep, but in the part you heard, he hadn't become the First Sage yet. There's more to the story...
Nilou:
His piety and wisdom were acknowledged by the Dendro Archon, and she finally gave her blessing to him.
Nilou:
All kinds of spectacular scenes appeared in front of the First Sage, as if all the knowledge in the world was being painted onto a canvas right before him. He was captivated.
Nilou:
After who knows how long, he mastered all the knowledge he could comprehend.
Nilou:
Afterward, he said to the Dendro Archon, "I miss my parents, my wife, and my children. I've been away from home for far too long. They must be worried."
Nilou:
The Dendro Archon smiled. The next second, the sage found himself lying in his bed, as if he had just woken up from a dream.
Nilou:
His wife, lying next to him, said: "You're off to search for the Dendro Archon today, aren't you? Have a safe journey, my love."
Nilou:
In the end, the First Sage took care of many disasters in Sumeru City and founded the Akademiya. What a happy ending!
Paimon:
So... The First Sage was dreaming ever since the beginning of the story? He never went on his journey?
Nilou:
Yes, but his faith and determination were conveyed to the Dendro Archon, so she blessed him in the form of a dream.
Paimon:
Paimon understands where you're coming from now. That's a really interesting connection... But we really gotta wake up soon, like the sage in the story.
Nilou:
I see. Well, it just so happens that today's Sabzeruz Festival is almost over, too.
Nilou:
Since we're in a dream, let's make this final Dance of Sabzeruz as beautiful as we can!
movie
The music comes on, and Nilou performs the Dance of Sabzeruz before it all ends. Many people gather in front of the stage. While the performance continues, the oneiric world begins to fade. You seem to see Dunyarzad, who watches Nilou's dance with glee, a satisfied smile on her face.
The merry music stops, and it is time to wake up from the dream.
Talk to Paimon
Paimon:
*yawn* Good morning, Traveler. Paimon feels like she's been asleep for the longest time...
Paimon:
...Paimon's head feels super heavy. Did we oversleep? ...Do you even remember going to sleep last night?
Paimon:
Paimon thinks it was... after the Sabzeruz Festival...
Paimon:
*gasp* The Sabzeruz Festival!
Paimon:
Have we finally escaped from the Sabzeruz samsara?
Traveler:
I remember now!
Paimon:
Quick, take off your Akasha Terminal!
Paimon:
She's not in her room. What happened?
Traveler:
Let's go to the usual spot!
Paimon:
Huh? What usual spot?
Find Dunyarzad
Katheryne?:
Well done, Traveler and Paimon.
Katheryne?:
And... Thank you, Dunyarzad, for organizing the Sabzeruz Festival for me.
Dunyarzad:
I'm sorry, who are—
Paimon:
Dunyarzad! *sniff* *sniff* You're okay! Oh, don't scare us like that...
Traveler:
Dunyarzad...
Dunyarzad:
Oh! Traveler, Paimon! I have something amazing to tell you!
Dunyarzad:
I just had a dream... and I saw Nilou performing the Dance of Sabzeruz!
Talk to Nahida
Paimon:
You're actually Nahida, aren't you! Paimon felt like Katheryne was acting weird when we met at the Sabzeruz Festival.
Paimon:
And Dunyarzad... Did you save her?
Katheryne?:
It's a really long story. We shouldn't disturb her. Her consciousness is still weakened.
Katheryne?:
Let's chat somewhere else. How about by the Traveler's favorite bench?
Talk to Nahida
Paimon:
Let's talk about Dunyarzad first. It's such a relief that she's all right!
Nahida:
Hmm-hmm. After we parted on the last day of the Sabzeruz Festival, I left the city and saw what the Traveler had described.
Nahida:
Among the countless dreams, I found one that was growing fainter and fainter. This proved my suspicion.
Nahida:
Once Dunyarzad could no longer bear the Akasha harvesting her dreams, her consciousness began to dissipate — but this also meant it escaped the Akasha's control.
Nahida:
Such a small fragment of consciousness can't last for very long, though. It will return to its original dream...
Nahida:
Where both will gradually fade until they completely disappear.
Nahida:
I used all the power I had to keep her dying dream alive as long as possible, but it still wouldn't have lasted for much longer if it hadn't been for you two breaking the samsara.
Paimon:
So it looks like we did manage to save Dunyarzad in the end. And not a moment too soon!
Nahida:
Oh? Why are you two smiling so happily? I thought you'd be so moved that you'd start crying... Hmm... I need to spend more time observing human emotions.
Paimon:
Both are fine! Everyone reacts differently!
Nahida:
Alright, you two must have a lot of other questions for me, right? After all, you saved my faithful believer. As your reward, I'll answer any and all questions.
Paimon:
At the Avidya Forest, there was this incense that made the Traveler fall unconscious and dream of a huge tree and a red sky...
Nahida:
You also heard someone's voice, right? It said "world" and "forget me"?
Paimon:
Yeah! So you DO know! We've been wanting to ask you what that was about, and if the red sky was related to Khaenri'ah...
Nahida:
Hmm, it seems like the Traveler established a connection to Irminsul. That was a message left by Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's residual consciousness in Irminsul... perhaps her last memory before she died.
Nahida:
As you two probably know, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata disappeared after the disaster in Khaenri'ah. The timings of these events do line up, so your suspicions are reasonable.
Paimon:
A message from Greater Lord Rukkhadevata? We thought it was from King Deshret!
Nahida:
King Deshret... That god who died even longer ago? Some present-day desert-dwellers still worship him. You probably just heard some of their conspiracies.
Paimon:
Okay... So, what does the message mean?
Nahida:
...I still haven't managed to decipher it. Even the Akasha isn't currently capable of doing that.
Nahida:
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's residual consciousness in Irminsul seems to be contaminated with something that has a very dangerous aura to it.
Nahida:
Many devoted scholars go mad as soon as they connect their consciousness... I've warned the Akademiya about this many times, but people still keep falling victim to it.
Nahida:
But I believe this is the key to saving Irminsul. That's why I've kept trying to decipher it.
Paimon:
So the tree in the vision was Irminsul... Oh, Tighnari also said that Irminsul is sick. Is it because of the contaminated consciousness?
Paimon:
But if even you can't figure out what that vision was all about, it seems like our search for you was all in vain...
Nahida:
The Traveler wasn't affected after coming in contact with that consciousness. I've never seen anyone like that. With you here, we may have a chance at deciphering it...
Nahida:
No, we MUST decipher its secrets. I've already eliminated all other factors that might affect Irminsul. This is the only one left.
Nahida:
This puzzle has life and death at stake... It could determine Irminsul's fate... as well as Teyvat's...
Nahida leaves.
Katheryne:
Hmm... Traveler? Paimon? Why am I here? Do either of you know?
Paimon:
Uhh... Maybe you were sleepwalking? You know, you can't wake up a sleepwalker. We, uh... We happened to walk by, so we thought we'd wait for you to wake up!
Katheryne:
I see. Huh... I should visit my maintenance personnel sometime. Oh, I'm fine. I better go. Thank you.
In your memory, you never seem to have tried to go outside the city, which is curious.\nToday you decide to try...
Talk to Nahida
Paimon:
...Our memories are back!
Traveler:
Let's go and try to leave the city today.
Paimon:
...About that... Well, where should Paimon begin...
Traveler:
Huh? Paimon, what do you mean?
Nahida:
Traveler, aside from your memories that were just restored, I have another message for you.
Traveler:
Another message? From who?
Nahida:
Listen to it and you'll understand.
Traveler:
"...Can't go back... There are countless spaces here. Our Sabzeruz Festival in Sumeru City is just one of them..."
Traveler:
This is... my own voice!?
Paimon:
Traveler, you should be missing two days' worth of memories. Paimon will fill you in...
Two days ago.
Paimon:
...It's time to carry out our plan from yesterday!
Traveler:
Let's go and try to leave the city today.
Paimon:
Okay, let's go!
Head to the city gate to find a way out
Merchant:
...Why can't we leave the city? What is the Akademiya up to now?
Guard:
Don't ask me. It's not like I can tell you anything. This is a direct order from the Grand Sage. Just wait until tomorrow.
Merchant:
I have a real emergency. My goods have already arrived at Port Ormos. If I don't hurry, they'll be stolen...
Guard:
That's your problem. Make sure you make a request in advance next time.
Merchant:
B—But it's not like you can just predict business matters in advance... *sigh*
Paimon:
It looks like the Akademiya already announced a lockdown for Sumeru City today. How completely unsurprising...
Paimon:
Let's go and question them.
Paimon:
Hello sir, why can't we leave the city today?
Guard:
Here we go again... Don't ask me, I don't know either.
Guard:
We just received an order that no one is allowed to enter or exit Sumeru today. They didn't tell us anything else.
Guard:
Hmph, angering me won't get you anywhere. If I had that kind of insider info, I would have left this stupid post a long time ago.
Paimon:
It looks like he really doesn't know.
Paimon:
If we can't get anything out of him, let's take matters into our own hands. Why don't we climb over the walls? Those guards can't be everywhere at once.
Paimon:
This is a good spot, and the guard hasn't noticed us at all. Let's hurry...
Traveler:
Paimon, stay here.
Paimon:
Huh!? Why? Are you going to leave Paimon behind?
Paimon:
B—But what if things get really weird out there and you get into some trouble? Th—Then Paimon won't be able to help you!
Paimon:
Ugh... Paimon knows that Paimon can't do much, but we've always been together, haven't we?
Paimon:
...
Paimon:
...Okay, Paimon will wait for you.
Paimon:
Promise Paimon that you'll come back as soon as possible. Just a quick look!
Traveler:
Okay, okay...
Paimon:
And please be careful!
Talk to Nahida
Paimon:
Ah... Memories...!
Traveler:
Let's go and try to leave the city today.
Paimon:
Traveler! W—W—Waaaaaah!!!
Traveler:
Wh—What's wrong, Paimon!?
Paimon:
Paimon thought Paimon would never see you again! Y—You just disappeared!
Paimon:
Paimon waited for you for hours and hours at the city wall, and you never came back! You promised Paimon that you were only taking a quick look! *sniff*
Traveler:
Wh—What did I promise?
Nahida:
Paimon, calm down. He's here now. I don't think he understood what you were saying.
Paimon:
*sniff*... Paimon doesn't care. Paimon wanted to go look for you, but you also said that Paimon should stay... Paimon was so worried and so scared the entire day...
Traveler:
I won't leave you behind.
Paimon:
*sniff* ...Okay, Paimon will forgive you. The most important thing is that you didn't actually disappear... Paimon was so scared that you had gone into another world!
Nahida:
Okay, Paimon, can you tell us your perspective of what really happened yesterday...
Paimon describes your plan from yesterday...
Nahida:
I see. Using two people's different perspectives...
Paimon:
After that, you left the city. Paimon kept her eyes on you the whole time, but then you disappeared in an instant...
Traveler:
You sure that's what you saw? You weren't zoning out or anything?
Paimon:
No way! Paimon was watching you with the fullest attention.
Nahida:
What's your perspective, Traveler? You sure you don't have any memory of this?
Traveler:
Yes, I don't even know that "yesterday" existed.
Nahida:
I guess that explains everything. You also lost your memories the last two times you tried to leave the city. Those days' memories can't be awoken.
Paimon:
So if we leave the city, our memories will be completely erased?
Paimon:
It really sounds like something big outside of the city is being hidden on purpose!
Paimon:
But this way, we'll also never discover what's outside...
Paimon:
Something like a message? But how can we send it back?
Nahida:
...Don't look at me like that. I... I'm not used to being stared at.
Nahida:
Well... Okay, okay. You want something that can pass on messages, right? Give me some time, and take care of Dunyarzad for me.
Paimon:
Yep! Now we're talking!
After a long wait.
Nahida:
...I'm done. Here you go.
Paimon:
What? Isn't this just an Akasha Terminal?
Nahida:
I made some little changes. Akasha Terminals are already capable of sending messages. I just tweaked it so that it can connect to any node.
Paimon:
To make something like this... Nahida, you really know the Akasha like the back of your hand! Anyway, we can use this now to record a message, right?
Nahida:
Yep. I will help you save the messages. It should be pretty easy to use. I just can't guarantee the user's status and signal coverage when they're outside the city...
Paimon:
We'll never know until we try! At least we're taking the initiative now!
Traveler:
It's worth a try.
Paimon:
Let's go then. Let's expose those sages!
Traveler:
I still think you should stay.
Paimon:
Ahh... Alright. Paimon isn't as worried about being separated since it happened once yesterday, but... Paimon still isn't happy about it...
Traveler:
See you tomorrow, Paimon.
Paimon:
Okay! See you tomorrow, Traveler!
Talk to Nahida
Paimon:
...That covers everything that's happened so far.
Nahida:
Yes. Although the signal was choppy and had some interference, we still managed to receive two messages from you when you were outside.
Paimon:
Okay, now that you understand what's going on, let's hear the messages together!
Traveler:
"...Can't go back... There are countless spaces here. Our Sabzeruz Festival in Sumeru City is just one of them..."
Traveler:
"...I've entered another space... Before me are flowing sandstone and howling fish... Impossible and surreal sights..."
Traveler:
"...All these spaces are empty except for the occasional ones that contain mute puppets rather than people... I can't sense any human presence..."
Paimon:
...That's one heck of an info dump! It sounds like you left the Sumeru City space when you set foot outside of the walls.
Paimon:
...But everything looked completely normal when Paimon was looking out from the inside! That's unbelievable. And if we take your word for it, the other spaces all had very weird contents...
Nahida:
There's one final part here... I only received it late last night.
Traveler:
...These spaces have been disappearing one after the other... Absorbed by something like a sun in the sky...
Traveler:
*beep* ...And now, even the final space has also disappeared...
Traveler:
...Behind me, a lot of spaces just appeared again from thin air... I get it now! Those spaces are actually—
Traveler:
*buzz*
Paimon:
Ah... Ugh, why did the message end right there? What did the Traveler want to say? What are those spaces?
Nahida:
Probably because "yesterday" just happened to end at that moment.
Paimon:
Oh, right, Paimon did hear a beep from the Akasha. Did it come from here or from the message?
Nahida:
The message. It should've come from the Traveler's Akasha Terminal.
Paimon:
After the beep, Traveler said, "Even the final space has also disappeared..."
Nahida:
Traveler, what do you think that "final space" could have been?
After going over what happened in detail, you believe the only plausible explanation is "The Space Where We Were Yesterday."
Paimon:
Ohh, so that's what it is! After the sound of the beep, the final space — the Sabzeruz Festival — also disappears, and we're taken to the next day.
Paimon:
Later on, Traveler also mentioned a bunch of new spaces materializing behind them... Do lots of new spaces appear every day?
Paimon:
Paimon's head is spinning... Just what are these "spaces," anyhow?
Nahida:
Well, consider this, for all the horrors of the Archon War, at its heart, it was just a game where a bunch of gods fought over seven seats.
Nahida:
So no matter how strange or spooky things might look on the surface, maybe all they point to in the end is a small and simple secret.
Paimon:
Wow, the Archon War, huh? That's an analogy and a half.
Traveler:
A "secret," huh...
Traveler:
Give me some time. I need to organize my thoughts.
Paimon:
Hey, where are you going?
Organize your thoughts on the familiar bench in the city
Paimon:
Do you want some alone time to think? Alright then, Paimon won't disturb you.
Dunyarzad:
...The Dance of Sabzeruz is about to begin. I'm going to go watch it.
Traveler:
The Dance of Sabzeruz... It's that time already...
Paimon:
Okay, um... Why don't you go ahead, Dunyarzad? We still have some other stuff to do first.
Dunyarzad:
Okay then. See you later.
Paimon:
Have you figured it out yet, Traveler? Time is ticking away.
Traveler:
I think I know the answer now.
Paimon:
Awesome! What is it? Paimon wants to know! ...Wait, no, let's meet up with Nahida first. You can tell us both together. This time, we're gonna get to the truth!
Talk to Nahida
Nahida:
You're back. I've been waiting forever for you two. Judging by the looks on your faces...
Nahida:
Are you ready to take your Sabzeruz Exam and graduate from the festival?
Traveler:
Ask away, Miss Nahida.
Nahida:
Hehe, okay, first off... Have you discovered the hidden truth?
After going over what happened in detail, you finally understand what "The Truth Behind Dreams" means.
Paimon:
People in Sumeru think they don't dream, but the truth is, the Akasha steals their dreams without them knowing it.
Paimon:
And those spaces with no human presence are stolen dreams without their host? That would explain why they sounded so weird when he was trying to describe them...
Paimon:
Huh, so people in Sumeru do dream after all. In fact, we're all in one big dream together right now!
Nahida:
Correct answer. Now, how did you conclude that the Akasha is capable of this?
After going over what happened in detail, you believe the only plausible explanation is "The Akasha Is a Manifestation of the God of Wisdom's Power."
Paimon:
Ooh, okay. Those dream-controlling creatures in the forest also get their power from the Dendro Archon, right? That would explain why the Akasha has the ability to control people's dreams, too.
Paimon:
But... is stealing everyone's dreams really how the Akasha compiles their wisdom? Isn't there anything more to it than that?
Nahida:
Dreams are fantastical, complex, and full of imagination. People's brains are the most active when they're dreaming.
Nahida:
In other words, dreams are rich bundles of human wisdom.
Paimon:
So in other words, the complete opposite of how Haypasia understood it...
Paimon:
Paimon remembers her saying that the sages think dreams are "foolish delusions," and the fact that no one dreams is a blessing from Greater Lord Rukkhadevata... Hmph, so it was all a dirty trick!?
Paimon:
The real story is that the sages from the Akademiya are using the Akasha to steal people's dreams for their own use, huh?
Traveler:
Yes, and they don't intend to stop there.
Nahida:
Oh? By the sounds of it, you understand the current situation pretty well. So then, what about this samsara?
After going over what happened in detail, you believe the only plausible explanation is "Mass Production of Dreams."
Nahida:
Correct. The Akasha is keeping each person's brain in a constant dream state, but also separating their consciousness from their own dream.
Nahida:
Their disembodied consciousness is placed inside the collective dream of the Sabzeruz Festival along with everyone else's, while their now-vacant dreams are harvested by the Akasha.
Nahida:
No one is any the wiser as another day passes in the dream, and so begins another samsara cycle...
Nahida:
People "wake up" to yet another dream about the Sabzeruz Festival, the dreams that belong to them are once again harvested by the Akasha... and so it continues.
Paimon:
So... this is like a dream factory, and the Akasha is... a dream-harvesting machine. Did Paimon get that analogy right?
Nahida:
Very good, Paimon. Using analogies well is an excellent habit to get into.
Paimon:
Okay, so that beep we keep hearing is actually from our real-life Akasha Terminals... Taking off our terminals in this dream doesn't do anything...
Nahida:
Alright, last question... Who am I?
Traveler:
You are Lesser Lord Kusanali.
Nahida:
Hehe. So you noticed.
Nahida:
Aww, I thought that one would be the hardest question. That's why I put it last.
Paimon:
Pff, that wasn't hard at all. Even Paimon guessed that! Everything about you is different. We just didn't wanna expose you is all.
Paimon:
Now that you mention it... Nahida, you've been hinting to us since the very beginning...
Paimon:
It's funny thinking back to when we were asking all over the place for info about Lesser Lord Kusanali. Paimon didn't expect to meet you like this!
Nahida:
Yes, those can wait until we're back in real life.
Nahida:
On the other hand, I'd be happy to answer any more questions you have about here and now.
Nahida:
You asked me this question before. My answer was: "It would literally blow your minds."
Nahida:
Now that you know this is all a dream, this answer should hopefully make more sense...
Nahida:
Have you heard the saying "Don't wake a sleepwalker"? Likewise, if someone suddenly had told you all of this instead of you learning it on your own...
Nahida:
Your notion of reality and dream would be thrown into irreversible confusion. I couldn't expose you to that kind of risk.
Nahida:
That's why I could only give you very subtle hints and some suggestions. Long story short, I'm really sorry I had to keep you guessing.
Nahida:
Deceiving the people of Sumeru with no regard for their safety... No matter what they're trying to do, this is unforgivable.
Nahida:
After we end the Sabzeruz Festival samsara, we have to look into them...
Paimon:
How can the sages of the Akademiya do this behind their Archon's back? This is ridiculous!
Nahida:
In the end, I'm just the Moon. The real Sun is long gone.
Paimon:
A Sun and a Moon... Nahida's talking in riddles again...
???:
*beep*
Paimon:
Oh, we're out of time today.
Nahida:
I'll tell you how to break free of the samsara tomorrow. See you then...
Nahida:
"Celebrate the birth of that god"...
Nahida:
Could it mean...