arrow_back Genshin Impact Quests 
Chapter V: Act VI
A Space and Time for You
Near the Collective of Plenty, you agree to help Iansan conduct a patrol. However, you stumble upon something completely unexpected...
Head to the Collective of Plenty
Iansan:
Oh, "Tumaini" and Paimon... Fancy that. I didn't expect to run into you two here.
Paimon:
Oh, hey! Coach Iansan! What are you doing here all by yourself?
Paimon:
Uh... Just so you know, Paimon didn't come here to train... Paimon's not looking to sign up for any diet plan or bodybuilding class right now.
Iansan:
Hahaha... Alright, got it. But seriously, what do you take me for? Some coach from hell? I'd never force a student into something they didn't wanna do.
Iansan:
That being said... A little aerobic exercise would probably do you some good. You could take over my patrol for a while, that would count...
Iansan:
Yeah, all jokes aside — you're right. I'm looking for some help.
Iansan:
The Collective of Plenty is holding a bodybuilding competition soon, and so many people have been busy squeezing in their last-minute workouts that we've run out of staff for patrols.
Paimon:
Oh, so you've stepped in to cover their work. But... don't you have a last-minute workout to do, too?
Iansan:
I'm good. For one thing, I believe peak conditioning can only be achieved through consistent training over a long timespan. Cramming in a workout at the last minute does next to nothing for you.
Iansan:
But more pertinently... Well, as you can probably imagine, I'm not able to compete in any of the most popular weight classes, and there's no real competition in my own weight class...
Paimon:
Yeah, that makes sense...
Paimon:
...Ohh no, don't look at Paimon like that! We are not the same weight class, and no way is Paimon competing against you!
Paimon:
Traveler, let's just help with the patrol, alright? Otherwise, Iansan's gonna make Paimon enter a bodybuilding competition...
Iansan:
Hahaha... Perfect, I managed to get you on board with just one look.
Iansan:
Thank you both. It should be pretty routine — just keep your eyes peeled and make sure nothing strange is going on in the area.
Iansan:
That'll free me up to check the other section. Let's meet back at the settlement when we're both done.
Paimon:
Sure thing! Just leave it to us. We're experts at strolling and patrolling, don't you worry.
Check on the situation in the cave
Paimon:
Hey, there's a hilichurl here! Is it... sleeping? Doesn't look very hostile.
Paimon:
Why is it hiding away here?
Paimon:
Ah, you woke it up...
Paimon:
Huh!? It ran away... Guess our reputation in Natlan is more fearsome than we thought. Even hilichurls don't wanna mess with us now.
Traveler:
There's something on the ground.
Paimon:
You mean that shiny thing? Must've dropped it as it ran off.
Paimon:
Huh... Paimon bets that hilichurl thought it was a priceless treasure. It was probably planning to hide it here for safekeeping... until we showed up.
Paimon:
Let Paimon take a look! Hilichurls aren't the brightest, so it might not be worth much, but still...
Traveler:
...!
Paimon:
What is it, Traveler? You look so serious all of a sudden...
Paimon:
Isn't this just a regular old key? Hmm, the style is unusual, though. Doesn't look Natlanese... Where do you think it's from?
Paimon:
What do you mean? What hibernation chamber? What spaceship?
Paimon:
*gasp* Wait, you mean... THE spaceship? The one that brought you to Teyvat!?
Traveler:
That's the one.
Paimon:
So... how did that key show up here? Are you sure you didn't just drop it?
Paimon:
Whoa... Yeah, these look identical... So if one of them's yours, does that mean... the other one is...
Paimon:
Knew it... Whew, the keys to a spaceship. Huh, somehow, that really rams home the fact that you really are an actual alien... Wait, no, Descender.
Paimon:
...But anyway, now we know where it came from, the question is — how did it get here? Hmm...
Paimon:
The simplest explanation is that your sister lost her key somewhere not far from here, then that hilichurl found it and ducked into the nearest cave to hide it...
Paimon:
If that's true... It means your sister was here recently.
Paimon:
Yeah... Man, this is so crazy. We only agreed to help with Iansan's patrol on a whim, and now we've made this bombshell discovery and found a huge lead on your sister...
Paimon:
Should we keep following this trail while it's hot? Or do you think we should check back in with Iansan?
Iansan:
Ah, there you are. Looks like you went the extra mile today — thanks for being so diligent.
Paimon:
Oh, hey, Iansan! What's up? Didn't think we'd see you again till we headed back to the settlement...
Paimon:
We were actually just about to go meet up with you. We've made a huge discovery today!
Iansan:
I came here to let you know that you don't need to keep patrolling anymore. The bodybuilding competition has just been canceled, so the usual squad will be resuming their normal duties. They'll be here to take over shortly.
Paimon:
Wait, canceled? Why, what happened?
Iansan:
The Abyss Order attacked.
Paimon:
Huh!?
Traveler:
Didn't expect our suspicions to be confirmed so quickly.
Traveler:
(Sounds like Lumine is on the move again.)
Traveler:
(I'll find a way to speak with her in person this time. I have to.)
Iansan:
I've heard of the Abyss Order, but this is the first time I've known them to take organized action on such a large scale.
Iansan:
It's like they're... preparing to go to war against our entire nation.
Paimon:
One little sect versus the entire nation of war? How are they expecting to pull that off?
Paimon:
Based on everything we've seen from them so far, they usually prefer to act in the shadows. So, what's different about it this time? What could they be after?
Iansan:
No clue. All we know is that they've attacked our tribe, but that doesn't tell us much.
Iansan:
Our defenses are holding strong so far, so I'm gonna head to the Stadium of the Sacred Flame and see what Mavuika knows. If there is any information out there, she's the one people report to.
Iansan:
Want to come with me, Traveler? I'm sure everyone will feel better knowing that the hero of Natlan is on the case.
Iansan:
Great, then let's head over together.
Go to the Speaker's Chamber to look for Mavuika
Iansan:
Mavuika!
Mavuika:
Oh? Great timing, Iansan. I was just about to send someone for you. And it's good to see Traveler's with you.
Iansan:
How are things looking? What's the latest word from the messengers?
Mavuika:
The Abyss Order has been spotted near several tribes at the same time. Clearly, this is a coordinated strike.
Mavuika:
Also, their numbers are much higher than expected. Their organization appears to have grown considerably, but because they're usually so secretive, this is the first we're learning of it.
Iansan:
It sounds like they're throwing everything they have at us... What are they trying to achieve?
Mavuika:
That's what I'd like to know as well. Historically, Natlan has not been a hotbed of Abyss Order activity, and we have no particular quarrel with them.
Iansan:
Could it be... revenge, perhaps? Would they want to get back at us for our recent victory over the Abyss?
Paimon:
Seems unlikely... But then again, Paimon wouldn't put anything past the Abyss Order.
Mavuika:
It's too early to say anything definite. For the time being, we should continue monitoring the situation.
Paimon:
How are the battles going? Not too many casualties, hopefully?
Mavuika:
Well, even if they're committing all their forces to the fight, they're in for a tough time. Our brave warriors have just emerged victorious from an all-out fight against the Abyss itself.
Iansan:
Yep. We have a whole nation's worth of seasoned veterans fighting for us.
Mavuika:
Compared to the true Abyss, the Abyss Order poses a far smaller threat. They cannot endlessly replenish their forces, for starters.
Mavuika:
However, this is still a war, so we must give it our all, and do our utmost to minimize casualties.
Mavuika:
The tribes are organizing their defenses as we speak. Traveler, this is one war that Natlan can handle on its own. If you wish to stay out of it, you'll be safe here at the Stadium with me.
Traveler:
No, this one is personal for me...
Mavuika:
Oh? In what way...?
Paimon:
Yep, that's how it is.
Mavuika:
I see... My goodness. That is... very personal indeed.
Mavuika:
If you don't mind me asking, do you have any idea what her goal could be?
Traveler:
That's what I want to know as well.
Paimon:
Safe to say, they're not exactly on the best terms at the moment.
Paimon:
Ever since Paimon met Traveler, he's been trying to track his sister down and get some answers. But she's been avoiding him.
Iansan:
I see. So you two have fallen out... Heh, a pretty common occurrence between siblings.
Paimon:
Well, yeah, that may be... But the stakes are a little higher where these two are involved!
Mavuika:
They certainly are... Although somehow, it doesn't surprise me that a spat between Traveler and twin could affect the fate of the entire world.
Mavuika:
Just so I'm clear — you're still on Natlan's side, and you have no idea what your sibling is after. Is that right?
Mavuika:
Haha, well that's a relief. When you first mentioned your sibling, I was worried we were about to be thrust into an impossible position.
Mavuika:
Our reports say that the Abyss Order has focused most of their efforts against the Masters of the Night-Wind.
Mavuika:
If you don't plan on staying here with me, I'd recommend going there to lend them a hand.
Traveler:
Sounds great.
Iansan:
I'll join you. Right now, the Collective of Plenty isn't facing a serious threat, so we should support the other tribes.
Mavuika:
Many thanks, you two. Anything you need, send word to me right away.
Talk to Citlali
Paimon:
Look, it's Citlali!
Citlali:
Huh, I wasn't expecting to see you here. Are you here to reinforce us?
Iansan:
How are things looking? Mavuika told us to come here.
Paimon:
Huh... The situation must be pretty dire if it's managed to get Citlali out of the house...
Citlali:
Dire... No, I wouldn't go that far. It's mostly just... irritating.
Citlali:
I heard we're being hit the hardest out of all the tribes. What are they trying to imply? They just think we're pushovers, or something?
Citlali:
The more I thought about it, the angrier I got. I couldn't exactly concentrate on my novel after that, so... Hmph, well, here I am.
Paimon:
So that's how they earned the ire of Granny Itztli, huh...
Citlali:
They call themselves the "Abyss Order," yes? So tasteless. It's exactly the kind of two-dimensional name a clueless writer picks because they don't trust the rest of their writing to persuade the reader of who the real villains are...
Paimon:
Hey, she's saying your sister has poor taste...
Citlali:
Wait, what? Are you saying... his sister is a member of the Abyss Order?
Citlali:
(I only said that because I was mad... but maybe I went too far?)
Iansan:
Hey, let's save the chat for later. We've got some enemies incoming.
Citlali:
Good! A much-needed chance to vent my frustration! And not a moment too soon — things were getting awkward there. Luckily, I'll never have to find out just how badly the rest of that conversation was gonna go.
Paimon:
You didn't have to say that last part out loud, Citlali... Anyway, let's get 'em!
Talk to Citlali
Citlali:
Phew... Much better. That's more like it!
Iansan:
Impressive work, Granny Itztli. If I'd known you were on the case already, I might have reconsidered whether your tribe really needed reinforcements.
Citlali:
Hah! If anyone should be reconsidering, it's the Abyss Order. They picked the wrong target this time!
Iansan:
Experience says that if we head in the direction they were attacking from, we should find their stronghold.
Iansan:
Why don't we press our advantage and destroy their base? They won't know what hit 'em.
Sutura:
Hey, was there a battle here just now? Need any help?
Paimon:
Ah, the warriors from the Masters of the Night-Wind are here!
Iansan:
The battle against the Abyss is still fresh on our minds, so everyone's used to working together.
Iansan:
Well, morale's high and everyone's here. Let's go take down that stronghold!
Talk to Citlali
Iansan:
This stronghold is neutralized. Good work, everyone.
Paimon:
Hmph, the Abyss Order's all bark and no bite.
Citlali:
To be honest, this was anticlimactic. I was hoping for a personal apology at the very least. And ideally, a whole speech acknowledging the superior might of the Masters of the Night-Wind...
Citlali:
Well, whatever. I'll just have to make up for it with some extra wine at the victory feast.
Iansan:
With the stronghold cleared, this area should be safe for the time being. But still... something tells me we can't afford to let our guard down yet.
Iansan:
Maybe it's just me, but an enemy under siege normally defends their stronghold at all costs. The fighting gets more and more intense, right till the bitter end.
Iansan:
But this time was different. With a few exceptions, most of the enemies here gave up and fled the moment that... Well, I don't know, but it seemed like they sensed something.
Citlali:
Huh? Not sure I follow... They did a tactical retreat, that's all. It's just a different strategy.
Iansan:
I'm not convinced... Don't forget, they're radicals who chose to wage war on an entire nation. They don't do things in half measures. It seems out-of-character to cut their losses and run like that.
Citlali:
So you're saying, there's more to this than meets the eye?
Iansan:
I'm saying we don't know enough to be sure of anything at this stage. So let's stay alert and keep our defenses at the ready.
Traveler:
(So, we're no wiser as to the Abyss Order's objective. Back to square one...)
Traveler:
(If I could only get Lumine to talk to me, I could get answers for all of us.)
Paimon:
Paimon had a hunch you might say that.
Paimon:
But you're right. If we can somehow use that key to track down your sibling, maybe we can end this war before things get serious. And maybe you can finally get some answers.
Citlali:
Wait, you're leaving? But I was still debating whether to invite you to the first victory feast...
Iansan:
Go ahead, you two. Citlali and I will take care of things here.
Facing the Abyss Order's assault on Natlan, you decide to return to the cave where the key was lost, seeking a chance to end the conflict...
Return to the area near the cave to investigate
Paimon:
And we're back where we started. That hilichurl probably found the key nearby, right?
Paimon:
Let's look around for clues. There's no time to waste — Iansan and Citlali are waiting for us!
Paimon:
Ugh... We've scoured the entire area, but still nothing. How the heck did the key end up in that hilichurl's hands?
Paimon:
Are we supposed to believe that it just fell out of your sister's pocket as she passed by?
Paimon:
Hah. Seems kinda ludicrous to lose something so important in such a dumb way... But then again, who knows? Sometimes in life, things just go missing and that's that.
???:
Ah! Thank goodness, someone's here... Please, help me!
Paimon:
Whoa! Who are you? What happened?
???:
Uh...
???:
Ah, ugh, no, now isn't the time...
???:
Please, you gotta help me... I'm being chased by monsters, and I can't keep running. Can you do something?
Paimon:
Yeah, where are they? Paimon doesn't see any monsters behind you...
???:
Huh...? I'm sorry, I don't quite understand...
???:
They're almost here... This really isn't the time to be joking around...
Paimon:
Uhh... We're not... We're completely serious. We don't see any monsters.
???:
But how... Ugh, there's no time! They're coming. We gotta run!
Paimon:
What's wrong with that girl? She must be seeing things...
???:
ARGH!
Paimon:
Oh no! It looks like something really hit her... maybe she was right!
Paimon:
Quick, let's see if she's okay!
Paimon:
What's wrong? Are you hurt? What was that?
???:
The monsters... They're right there. You need to get out of here, it's too dangerous!
Traveler:
Let me help you up first...
Traveler:
(Huh!?)
Traveler:
(Suddenly... I can see them...)
???:
Huh? Oh, now you finally see them? Well, it's about time... I nearly kicked the bucket just now...
???:
Great! Thank you, Savior!
Paimon:
..."Savior"?
Talk to the girl attacked by the monster
Paimon:
Umm? You done? Paimon still can't see anything, so she can't tell.
Paimon:
It just looked like you were slicing at thin air. Kinda funny, actually...
Paimon:
Oh, really?
???:
Sure.
???:
Ah...
Traveler:
What's wrong?
???:
I—It's nothing! It's okay, I can see they're all gone now. No need for you to check.
???:
I didn't think much of it when the monsters were breathing down our necks, but now that I've calmed down... holding hands with you like this... I'm just a little shy, that's all.
Paimon:
Huh? Have you never shaken hands with someone before? You sure get flustered easily...
Direidyth:
Well, I... Anyway. I haven't had the chance to introduce myself yet. I'm Direidyth. Thanks for saving me just now. I'm really grateful for your help.
Paimon:
No worries! Paimon's Paimon, and this is Traveler. With him around, you'll be safe from any monsters — as long as they're visible!
Paimon:
So... What was the deal with those monsters just now, anyway?
Direidyth:
Your guess is as good as mine... I could see them the whole time, so when you said you couldn't, I thought you were making fun of me...
Paimon:
Whoa, that must have been scary... The idea that we'd stand by and laugh while some poor girl was being hunted down by monsters...
Paimon:
Mm-hmm!
Paimon:
Don't worry, we aren't like that. When we say we can't see something, it's because we really can't see it.
Paimon:
But more importantly, did the monsters hurt you? How bad is it?
Direidyth:
It's nothing serious, hehe... but I did sprain my ankle back there. I won't be doing any more running for a while...
Paimon:
Good idea! We'll take you.
Direidyth:
Phew... Thank you so much. Despite getting injured, I still feel much safer with you around.
Direidyth:
I'm gonna stay here until I heal up. Don't wanna risk running into any more monsters...
Paimon:
Yeah, you already took a big enough risk coming out here all on your own! Where are you from, Direidyth?
Direidyth:
A small village... far away from here. I walked for what seemed like forever, and lost my way, so... yeah, I have no idea where I am anymore.
Direidyth:
Maybe all these trials and tribulations are part of the journey... no one said finding the Savior is gonna be easy.
Paimon:
...That's the second time you've called Traveler a "Savior." What's all that about?
Direidyth:
Oh, sorry, it just slipped out — I was caught off guard. The resemblance is so uncanny...
Direidyth:
Um, anyway... Let me start from the beginning.
Direidyth:
There was once a sage who passed through my village. People got the sense that she was truly omniscient.
Direidyth:
The sage said that... doomsday was coming, but as that day approached, a Savior would reveal themselves to us.
Direidyth:
The day of disaster is almost upon us. So my grandmother begged me to leave the village and find the Savior before it's too late.
Paimon:
Doomsday...?
Direidyth:
I've heard people talk about the Savior since I was a kid. Growing up, it really made an impression on me. The description is practically etched into my mind...
Direidyth:
So, when I saw your golden hair for the first time... It was like this image that's existed in my mind's eye all these years suddenly came to life. Everything matched...
Paimon:
Ohh... So that's why you were lost for words when you first saw him.
Paimon:
Well, Traveler's definitely got what it takes to be a "Savior." And he's already got a ton of titles, so he won't mind one extra.
Direidyth:
Um, actually I don't think it's him.
Paimon:
What? But didn't you say that everything matched?
Direidyth:
Everything, except the gender. The Savior was described as a young woman.
Paimon:
Oh, for goodness' sake... There are gender requirements to be a Savior? Really?
Paimon:
Oh, of course! If it's not you, then it's gotta be her!
Direidyth:
Who? Who is it?
Traveler:
My sister.
Direidyth:
You have a sister!? Well then, that's it! It's her, it has to be! Oh, thank goodness!
Direidyth:
Please, can you take me to see her?
Paimon:
Heh... Maybe, if you're lucky. It just depends if we can find her.
Direidyth:
Huh? But isn't she your sister?
Paimon:
*sigh* Sorry, looks like Paimon's steered this conversation back to the fallout between you two... It wasn't on purpose, but that's the reality... so it's hard to avoid...
Direidyth:
Okay, fair enough... But since you're looking for her anyway, why don't we team up? We might stand a better chance if we work together.
Direidyth:
Yes. Everyone says that the disaster is inevitable.
Direidyth:
But the Savior will rescue us all from our pain and suffering... I've always dreamed of meeting the Savior.
Paimon:
Do you really buy this whole doomsday thing? Seems kinda far-fetched...
Traveler:
(She spoke with conviction... I don't think she's lying.)
Traveler:
(Maybe it's another lie spread by the Abyss Order?)
Direidyth:
...
Paimon:
(See? She broke eye contact. Sure sign of a guilty conscience! Time to press her for answers.)
Paimon:
What's wrong, Direidyth? Something's clearly bothering you. You wanna tell us what's going through your mind?
Direidyth:
Oh... I just...
Direidyth:
How should I put it...?
Direidyth:
Hmm...
Direidyth:
Traveler looks just like the Savior of my dreams...
Direidyth:
And it's not every day that the Savior of your dreams swoops in and saves the day in your moment of crisis.
Direidyth:
So, I... I'm just a little overwhelmed, that's all. Three seconds of unbroken eye contact is the limit. I don't think my mind and body can handle any more than that.
Paimon:
What do you mean, "limit"? What happens after three seconds?
Traveler:
(How am I supposed to respond to that...)
Direidyth:
...I'm sorry, please forget that I said anything. Let's just... leave it there for now.
Direidyth:
Like I said, I'm going to hide here until I feel well enough to move again.
Direidyth:
If you manage to find the Savior in the meantime, please, PLEASE come and let me know! Thank you!
Paimon:
Are you sure you'll be okay here on your own? Do you have enough to eat?
Direidyth:
I... I'll be fine! I might not be much of a fighter, but I know how to stay hidden. And if I get hungry... I'm sure I'll find something around here, don't worry about that.
Paimon:
Alright then... Well, take care. Being on your own isn't easy.
Paimon:
What a mysterious girl... We should definitely keep an eye on her.
Paimon:
But hey, at least she seems to like you. And it sounds like she's gonna help look for your sister once she's healed.
Paimon:
Anyway, this is probably all the progress we're gonna make for now. Let's head back to the Masters of the Night-Wind and see if they need our help.
Go to the Masters of the Night-Wind
Iansan:
Oh, you're back! How did it go? Find anything?
Paimon:
Nothing substantial, unfortunately. But we had the weirdest experience...
Iansan:
So, I take it that the war's still on?
Iansan:
That's okay — I just wasn't sure, because things seemed to be at a standstill while you were gone.
Iansan:
The Abyss Order hasn't attacked us, and since we don't know what they're planning, we haven't made a move either.
Iansan:
In a word, it's a stalemate. The guards have been keeping watch around the clock, but for everyone else, you wouldn't even know we're at war.
Paimon:
Huh... Really makes you wonder what the Abyss Order's thinking.
Iansan:
I was wondering, Traveler... If you have the time, could you go and pay a visit to the guards?
Iansan:
They've been working a pretty demanding schedule. I was gonna go see them myself, but I'm sure they'd appreciate a visit from the greatest hero of our time.
Paimon:
Aw, but you're a great hero too, Iansan!
Iansan:
Great. Thanks, you two.
Talk to the forward sentries
Sutura:
Wow! "Tumaini," our hero! We've actually fought together before. You probably don't remember it though, hahaha...
Sutura:
You do? Then it's truly an honor to serve alongside you once more.
Paimon:
Thank you for standing guard this whole time.
Sutura:
It's all good! Honestly, it's not been that much work. Haven't heard a peep from the enemy.
Traveler:
Have you seen anything out of the ordinary?
Sutura:
Nothing that would indicate an impending attack. I've spotted a bunch of Abyss Order operatives, but they weren't acting hostile, just hanging around.
Sutura:
There were even moments when they seemed to be meditating. At least, that's what it looked like to me. Maybe it's part of their religion, or something.
Sutura:
Out of an abundance of caution, I asked some shamans from the tribe to take a look, and see if there was anything nefarious at work...
Sutura:
But, they didn't sense anything untoward. So we just put it down to religious ceremony and left them to it.
Paimon:
Interesting... Well, the more time they spend meditating, the less time they spend trying to beat us to a pulp.
Sutura:
Heh, well, the shamans didn't raise any concerns, so how bad could it be? Far as I'm concerned, so long as they don't pose an active threat, they can do all the cult-worship activities they want.
Sutura:
Besides, as soon as everything's in place and we're ready for an all-out offensive, they'll be no match for us.
Paimon:
Sounds like morale is pretty high. Guess there's strength and confidence in numbers. Let's keep going, Traveler.
Talk to the forward sentries
Kantalo:
Huh? ...Is... Is that "Tumaini"? What brings you here? Is this, like, uh... a meet-and-greet?
Kantalo:
Um... Hahaha... I, uh... I wasn't... Ahh, I'm so nervous...
Paimon:
Hey, come on. You'd march to war without so much as blinking. What's so scary about a chat with Traveler, hmm?
Kantalo:
It's not the same thing at all! There are plenty of chances to go to war... but a one-on-one chat with our great hero? That could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Kantalo:
How can I not be nervous? What if I say something wrong? Or... Or if my posture's bad, or if I accidentally make a weird expression with my face? One bad impression can stick for life!
Paimon:
No one's here to judge you on your posture or your facial expressions! Relax!
Kantalo:
*sigh* Alright, then...
Kantalo:
Um... I'm sorry, great hero, but I have a small favor to ask...
Paimon:
Let Paimon guess, an autograph, right? That's easy...
Kantalo:
...May I challenge you to a fight?
Paimon:
What!? How can you be so... audacious and so sheepish at the same time? Hmm, Paimon's starting to think your nervousness is all just an act!
Kantalo:
No no no, of course not... I just figured that if I don't ask now, I'll regret it for the rest of my life...
Kantalo:
But I am still on patrol, so please, Great Paimon, if you wouldn't mind taking over for me for just a few minutes...
Paimon:
Again with the sheepish audacity! Just pick one or the other, will you!
Kantalo:
Woohoooooo! Haha!
You casually exchange a few blows, but victory is already decided.
Kantalo:
Obviously, I never expected to win, but until now, I didn't appreciate just how great the gulf was between us...
Kantalo:
Hahaha, I'll be bragging about the day I got to spar with "Tumaini" for the rest of my life. Today's really my lucky day!
Paimon:
Paimon can't keep up with you. Your tone has changed all over again now you've had a spar with Traveler... What gives?
Kantalo:
Mm, well, some people connect through conversation, but we warriors bond by sparring. And now that I've had a bout with the hero, we're no longer strangers. Nothing to be nervous about anymore!
Paimon:
Okay... Well, each to their own, but Paimon's still gonna stick to conversation.
Traveler:
Have you noticed anything out of the ordinary?
Kantalo:
Not at all. We haven't spotted any new enemy movements.
Paimon:
As Paimon expected... Nothing here, either. Let's do another lap and get back to Iansan.
Talk to Iansan
Iansan:
You're back. So, did the guards find anything?
Paimon:
Nothing much, no. Someone mentioned that the Abyss Order has been doing some kind of meditation or prayer, but apparently it seemed harmless.
Paimon:
Paimon wants to lodge a complaint about one of the guards, though. His name's Kantalo...
Iansan:
Hmm?
Citlali:
Traveler, you're back already? Ah, and no one thought to wake me up, huh!?
Paimon:
In fairness, you look pretty hungover. Can't imagine anyone wanting to wake you up in that state...
Citlali:
I'll have you know I'm perfectly sober when I'm hungover! Uh... Okay, I'll admit that sounds strange at face value, but regardless...
Citlali:
What I meant to say is — I heard something about the Abyss Order engaging in meditation?
Paimon:
Yeah, that's right! Does that mean anything to you, Citlali?
Citlali:
I sensed something strange in my dream. It was vague, but... It seemed as if some "noise" had found its way into Natlan's Ley Lines...
Paimon:
What does that mean?
Citlali:
Hard to say... I don't think it had any tangible effect on the Night Kingdom or on our Ley Lines, but still...
Citlali:
It's like... a signal that exists on a different dimension of reality. It might not interfere with ours, or pose any detectable risk, but I just get the sense that something strange is going on.
Paimon:
So even someone as familiar with the Ley Lines as you can't tell what's going on...
Paimon:
No wonder the shamans that Sutura called to the front lines couldn't sense anything.
Citlali:
Iansan, I think we should go talk to the Chiefs. There's no point dragging this out. We need to take the initiative and drive the Abyss Order out of Natlan for good.
Iansan:
If that's the counsel of Granny Itztli, I'm sure the Chiefs will agree. But it will still take us some time to gather the required force.
Iansan:
In war, adequate planning and preparation is the key to victory.
Citlali:
Sure, but the finer details aren't my concern. Anyway, I'll leave you to it. Just remember to come find me when you're ready to talk to the Chiefs.
Citlali:
Oh? Sure, what is it?
Citlali:
Huh... You mean, only select individuals can see them? Hmm, now that's a strange one. I guess they could be... manifestations of a disturbed psyche? Or... extreme negativity, embodied in physical form?
Citlali:
It could also be a simple case of dead monsters whose souls got stuck here somehow. Well, I say simple — things quickly get confusing when you start looking into monster souls. For starters, trying to figure out which classification system to use is a real pain in the—
Paimon:
Alright, we get it... Granny Itztli's learning and wisdom knows no bounds. But could we just get the short answer?
Citlali:
Hey, I was just thinking out loud! You really think I was just trying to flaunt my knowledge?
Citlali:
...Anyway, the short answer is... There are many potential explanations for the kind of phenomenon you describe. That said, it's not something I've ever encountered in all my years.
Paimon:
Wow, okay. Well, if Granny Itztli's never seen it, it might as well not exist, right?
Citlali:
Hey, I'm not THAT old!
Traveler:
I agree, it's hard to say what it was for sure.
Iansan:
Care to elaborate on what happened? This all sounds rather mysterious...
You tell the two about what happened...
Citlali:
Really? You had to hold her hand to see the monsters? Sounds a little contrived...
Paimon:
Huh? That's the part that bothers you?
Iansan:
Maybe the point is more that it requires direct physical contact, whether that be hand-holding or otherwise.
Iansan:
But that's neither here nor there... What bothers me is, it sounds like she's convinced that your sibling, the leader of the Abyss Order... is a "Savior."
Iansan:
That really makes me question whose side this girl is on... and whether what she told you about her background is actually the truth.
Iansan:
Sorry if that comes across as paranoid. It's just hard not to be suspicious of everything when we're in the middle of a war...
Paimon:
Actually, Paimon feels like you make a fair point...
Citlali:
Whoever this girl is, she sounds like bad news.
Paimon:
Okay, well you're clearly just jumping to conclusions!
Iansan:
It's hard to know what to make of it. A young lady all by herself, lost in the middle of nowhere... sees monsters that no one else can, calls the leader of the Abyss Order her Savior...
Iansan:
At the very least, we should remain vigilant. Keep a close watch on her.
Paimon:
Sounds sensible. On that note, we probably shouldn't have left her by herself in that cave...
Iansan:
Traveler, we still need some time to muster our forces — maybe you could check on her if you're not busy. Just be careful.
Paimon:
It's settled, then! Let's go check on her.
Return to the cave to investigate
Paimon:
Here we are. Direidyth will still be here, right?
Paimon:
It's so quiet, though... Uh-oh, what if Iansan was right? Maybe she never intended to stay here at all...
Paimon:
Traveler! Watch out!
Traveler:
...!!!
Traveler:
(Shoot, maybe Direidyth really is a—)
Direidyth:
Hey-yah!
Direidyth lashes out, only to realize it's you...
Direidyth:
Ah... sorry, sorry! I didn't know it was you! I heard a noise, and I thought it was the monsters coming to get me...
Direidyth:
Did I hurt you? I'm so sorry, I... I wasn't thinking straight...
Paimon:
Whew... That was scary. Paimon thought we'd walked into a trap...
Paimon:
Maybe we shouldn't have sneaked in without announcing it. Then you would've known we weren't monsters.
Direidyth:
To be honest, I've been really on edge since you left. I just have this constant feeling that any second, the monsters are gonna come back and get me...
Direidyth:
And it's not like I can run from them...
Direidyth:
There's also no way to cook here. It's good you got back when you did. Another... hour and a half, and you probably would've found me starved to death.
Paimon:
That's weirdly precise... Though, it does explain why your attack on Traveler was so weak.
Paimon:
Wait, but if you really thought you were gonna starve or get killed by monsters, why'd you promise that you'd be okay here on your own?
Direidyth:
I... Uhh... I just didn't want to lose face in front of my hero...
Direidyth:
You already saved my life once. That's more than enough. I just... don't wanna come across as a constant burden.
Paimon:
*sigh*... For someone on the brink of starvation, you're pretty preoccupied with your image. What's the real reason?
Direidyth:
What...? Th—That is the real reason... I'm kinda baring my soul here, y'know...
Traveler:
(Could she really just be an injured civilian?)
Direidyth:
Anyway... So, um... Could you make me some food now...?
Paimon:
Paimon's getting hungry now too... Go on then, you can join us for dinner.
Direidyth:
Whew... I am so full. Thanks for saving me, again... Starvation feels like a distant memory now.
Paimon:
Heh, you can really pack it away, Direidyth! Guess that explains how you had the energy to make it this far.
Direidyth:
Oh...
Direidyth:
(I tried so hard to hold back, but it looks like I still came across like a total glutton...)
Paimon:
Paimon didn't even realize how late it is! Hey, the night sky here is really pretty.
Direidyth:
Yeah... And it's all thanks to you both that I'm able to relax and enjoy it.
Direidyth:
I was cooped up in that cave the whole time you were gone. Now I'm finally out, the air seems fresher, and the stars more beautiful than ever before.
Paimon:
Uh... You weren't in there THAT long...
Direidyth:
When I was young, I used to lie on the roof of my house, gazing up at the stars...
Direidyth:
And often, my mind would drift to this question... "Is this starry sky actually real?"
Traveler:
(Wait... Why would she think that? Does she know about the false sky?)
Direidyth:
But my grandma would tell me, the answer to that question doesn't really matter.
Direidyth:
"Think of all the people in our village who spend their entire lives here," she'd say. To them, that little village is their whole world.
Direidyth:
And so, if it's our destiny to live beneath this sky all our lives, then whatever may or may not lie beyond — this is our world, and that sky is real to us.
Paimon:
Uh... Paimon kinda gets you... but also not really...
Paimon:
Is it kind of like... how journeying with Traveler is everything to Paimon right now?
Direidyth:
I really treasured my "world." For a really long time...
Direidyth:
The village was my everything — the houses, the scenery, stories I always loved to hear about the Savior.
Direidyth:
But I could never bring myself to agree with grandma. Even if the village was my entire world, I still had to know what lay outside its borders!
Paimon:
Yeah! Go you!
Direidyth:
Hehe, so I finally ventured out, and set off on my journey to find the Savior.
Direidyth:
I'm going to make my world bigger, one step at a time... And I'm not gonna stop until I've seen what's beyond the stars!
Direidyth:
Maybe then, I'll finally get an answer to the question I had as a child.
Traveler:
Beyond the stars...
Direidyth:
Who knows... maybe one day, I'll be sitting and chatting just like we are now, but with someone from another world.
Paimon:
Yeah, "one day"... Ah, if only we could tell her. But it's probably best not to open that can of worms right now.
Direidyth:
I need to find the Savior and protect my world. Then, I can make sure it continues to grow.
Direidyth:
That's the most worthwhile thing I can think of doing, so I've been giving it everything I've got!
Paimon:
Y'know what? That's pretty cool. Paimon kinda wants to root for you now.
Direidyth:
Ah, sorry, I got a little carried away... I always get chatty after a hearty meal. Just like my grandma, hehe...
Traveler:
(The more we chat, the more convinced I am that she's not a bad person...)
Traveler:
(And it doesn't sound like she's been brainwashed by the Abyss Order. Maybe we can afford to trust her?)
Direidyth:
Hold on... Shh! It's them! The monsters are back!
Paimon:
Where? Oh, still invisible, huh?
You take her hand again, and an enemy, previously unseen, appears before your eyes.
Direidyth:
...Can you see them now?
Traveler:
Yeah. Stay back — I'll handle them.
Paimon:
Paimon still can't see anything, but please, be careful!
Talk to Direidyth
Paimon:
Huh? Wow, that was fast... Did you get all of them?
Paimon:
Paimon's slowly but surely getting used to the sight of you fighting thin air...
Paimon:
You doing alright, Direidyth?
Direidyth:
...
Paimon:
Direidyth? Hey, it's okay, there's nothing to be scared of anymore...
Direidyth:
...Oh... I—I'm fine... I just spaced out there for a moment.
Paimon:
You... spaced out? That's a pretty bold move under the circumstances...
Direidyth:
I was just, uh... The image of Traveler fighting to protect me — I was trying to commit it to memory. Seems like the least I can do.
Paimon:
Alright... Whatever floats your boat.
Direidyth:
Anyway, there are no more monsters in the area, and it's getting late. Why don't you stay here tonight?
Paimon:
Sounds reasonable to Paimon! What do you think, Traveler?
Traveler:
(I'm personally satisfied that Direidyth isn't a threat, but... it can't hurt to monitor her for another night.)
Paimon:
Alright! Direidyth, we'll be... Huh? Direidyth? Why are you going in alone?
As you stare at the Hibernation Chamber key in your hands, you start to relax and drift into a deep sleep...
Soon, a vivid dream fills your mind...
Sleep and enter the dream...
Traveler:
(This is... the Night Kingdom?)
Traveler:
(Lumine! And... the Lord of the Night?)
Lumine:
...
Traveler:
(!!!)
Traveler:
(My head... It hurts!)
Traveler:
(...)
Traveler:
(My headache... it's gone...)
Traveler:
(I think... I hear a voice in the darkness.)
???:
...Doomsday... a fitting name indeed.
???:
A blood-red sky...
???:
Wild beasts that slaughter all in sight...
???:
Endless pain, a terrible curse that cannot be reversed...
???:
And... the birth of a Savior.
Talk to Direidyth
Traveler:
(!!!)
Traveler:
(That dream I just had...)
Direidyth:
Ah, you're awake... I—I'm sorry, I didn't mean to, uh...
Traveler:
(Was she holding my hand?)
Direidyth:
You just... looked quite distressed, like you were having a nightmare...
Direidyth:
I thought if I took your hand into mine, you might find it soothing... At least, that's what my family always did when I had nightmares.
Direidyth:
But it didn't seem to work on you... In fact, I think I made it even worse... I'm so sorry...
Paimon:
Oh? Is that right...
Paimon:
Hmm... You'd better not be trying to pull a fast one on the Traveler...
Direidyth:
What!? Don't be so... I have more self-control than that!
Paimon:
...Self-control? What does that have to do with it...?
Traveler:
(Ugh, I still can't remember anything... What did I see in my dream just now?)
Traveler:
(I think I saw Lumine in the Night Kingdom at the very start of the dream... But I can't remember what happened next...)
Traveler:
(Never mind. If the memory is gone, I can't force myself to remember it...)
Paimon:
Uhh... No way is Paimon getting back to sleep after this!
Paimon:
You go ahead, but for the rest of the night, Paimon is staying up to keep an eye on this young lady!
Direidyth:
Aww... Do I really seem that shady to you...?
Paimon:
Well, Direidyth, this should be enough food for three days. Make sure you eat the perishable stuff first, so nothing goes to waste. ...You can tell which stuff is perishable, right?
Direidyth:
Yeah, I can tell from the ingredients. Thank you so much for making all this for me.
Direidyth:
Three days will definitely be enough time for my ankle to heal. Then, I'll continue on my journey to find the Savior.
Paimon:
Alright, then we'll be off. Bye for now, Direidyth!
Direidyth:
See ya... Wait, but if this is goodbye... How am I supposed to find you again?
Direidyth:
Oh... I mean, what if I find your sibling? How am I supposed to let you know?
Paimon:
Ah, that's a good point... We share the same goal, but we're constantly on the road, so we've got no fixed address...
Paimon:
How about this? When the time comes, you can just write a letter to Mavuika. She'll be able to find us for sure!
Direidyth:
Mavuika? Who's Mavuika?
Paimon:
It's the Abyss Order! They're here!
Paimon:
But... It doesn't look like they're marching to war. More like they're... running away?
Direidyth:
Where? What are you talking about?
Paimon:
A bunch of Abyss Order thugs... You don't see them? They're heading right this way...
Direidyth:
That's strange... I guess it's my turn to not be able to see the monsters.
Direidyth:
Ahh, you're right! I see them now... You weren't joking after all. So this is what it's like...
Paimon:
What a weird situation. What is making these monsters invisible? Is it Direidyth, or the monsters themselves? Or is it us?
Paimon:
Well, might as well mow these ones down. Just so they can't pose a threat to the tribes.
Paimon:
Woohoo, all done! Their morale seemed super low... Guess they really were on the run, huh?
Direidyth:
So, there's no more of them, right? I still can't wrap my mind around this... Why couldn't I see them until you took my hand?
Traveler:
Believe me, I'm as baffled as you are...
Traveler:
(The plot thickens. Turns out there are also monsters which I can see, but Direidyth can't...)
Paimon:
So, any ideas on why those monsters might have been running away? Maybe something went down on the front line?
Paimon:
Paimon's getting a little worried about Iansan and the others... Let's head back to the Masters of the Night-Wind right away!
Paimon:
We gotta go! Bye for now, Direidyth!
Direidyth:
See ya — and please, take care!
Many strange events have unfolded between you and the girl named Direidyth, all while the conflict between the Abyss Order and Natlan rages on. Amidst this turmoil, the one who will shift the tides of war is preparing to take the stage...
Meet up at the Masters of the Night-Wind
Paimon:
Hey, Iansan, we're back!
Paimon:
We ran into quite a big group from the Abyss Order just now. Has something happened at the front?
Iansan:
...
Iansan:
The front line has collapsed.
Paimon:
Huh!? But how!?
Iansan:
No, no, relax. THEIR front line has collapsed, not ours.
Paimon:
Phew... Feels like you could've phrased that more clearly at the start... This is good news, right? Why do you still look so serious?
Iansan:
No... We're still mustering troops. Nowhere near ready to go on the offensive.
Iansan:
So at first, I was also confused about what exactly happened out there...
Iansan:
But just now, I got the full story from a guard who was on the scene. He watched the enemy lines crumble in real time...
Paimon:
Wh—What did he see?
Iansan:
...One person. Just a single individual... They stormed the enemy lines and attacked with a vengeance, cutting them down like paper dolls...
Iansan:
They wielded an unknown power, and fought with a sword style that no one recognized... The guard who relayed this to me said that before he even had time to react, the enemy was decimated...
Iansan:
I'm only recounting what I heard, and I'm sure the guard in question must be exaggerating to some extent... But still, we have to identify this person...
Iansan:
And assuming they're a neutral party, we'll need to figure out how to engage with them... Clearly, they're a force to be reckoned with, so we don't want to come across as too weak or too hostile... It's quite a diplomatic conundrum.
Paimon:
Um... You don't need to sweat it, Iansan. From your description we're already pretty confident that we know this person.
Paimon:
Honestly, with the Abyss Order acting out so publicly, it's about time he showed up...
Traveler & Paimon:
...Dainsleif!
Wait for Dainsleif to show up
Dainsleif:
Hmm? Were you... waiting for me?
Paimon:
It's been a while, Dain! And yeah, after we heard what went down, we figured you'd shown up.
Paimon:
You caused quite a stir, you know. Um... this is a friend of ours from Natlan. Her name's Iansan. She insisted on coming here to thank you in person.
Iansan:
It is my honor, Mr. Dainsleif.
Iansan:
Thank you for breaking the stalemate in our war against the Abyss Order. Natlan is fortunate to share a common enemy with such a mighty warrior as yourself.
Dainsleif:
No need to thank me. I hunt the Abyss Order for my own reasons.
Paimon:
Please don't mind him, Iansan! He always talks like that, but he's a pretty nice guy deep down.
Iansan:
It's quite alright. Uwezo Iansan respects those of great power. It's quite clear that he meant no offense, and I am still delighted to make his acquaintance.
Iansan:
Anyway, since you're old friends, I'll leave you to catch up for now. Take your time.
Paimon:
Sure thing. You probably have plenty of other stuff to do anyway, right? Since this war isn't exactly over. See ya later, Iansan!
Paimon:
Hey, Dain, would it have killed you to be a little more polite? She's our friend!
Dainsleif:
Iansan, yes? I will remember the name. But I will not invest more emotion than is necessary when dealing with the citizens of The Seven. It is a matter of principle for me.
Paimon:
Ugh, so stubborn... but whatever. So anyway, Dain, do you have any new info about the Abyss Order for us? Any idea what they're trying to achieve with this war, for example?
Dainsleif:
Never before have I seen the Abyss Order take action on such a large scale...
Dainsleif:
Taken at face value, it seems highly illogical. In a war with the Natlanese, the odds are stacked firmly against them — they surely cannot be unaware of this. Their true goal must be a deeper one...
Paimon:
We thought so too! But it sounds like you're no closer to learning what that goal is than we are.
Dainsleif:
I've been on the case for some time. Even captured and interrogated several Abyss Order members...
Dainsleif:
Yet still, I am none the wiser. I can only assume they have gone to great lengths to keep their real operations a secret.
Dainsleif:
I have a bad feeling about this. The Abyss Order is wasting a lot of its forces attacking Natlan, so whatever they stand to gain must hold enormous value to them.
Paimon:
What do you think we should do?
Dainsleif:
Since we lack actionable intelligence, for now, we might as well continue to focus on the fighting.
Dainsleif:
Leave them to their secret plots. If they're so willing to sacrifice manpower for it, I intend to make that sacrifice greater and more painful than they could ever have anticipated.
Dainsleif:
If we use this opportunity correctly, I believe we can eliminate the vast majority of the Abyss Order's forces.
Dainsleif:
They'll never be able to mount such a large campaign ever again. That outcome is well worth our time.
Traveler:
And the sooner we can do that, the better.
Dainsleif:
That's right. The ideal scenario would be to destroy them before they can reach their goal.
Paimon:
Paimon gets it: Nothing in the world can satisfy you like making mincemeat out of the Abyss Order, right?
Dainsleif:
Right.
Paimon:
Wow, okay... A rare candid response from Dain...
Dainsleif:
What about you? Any news to share from your end?
Paimon:
Well, actually... We found his sister's Hibernation Chamber key near the Collective of Plenty. She must've lost it...
Dainsleif:
So she's here in person... Unsurprising, given the scale of this operation.
Paimon:
Oh, and there's more! After finding the key, we also ran into this weird girl.
Paimon:
She kept seeing monsters that we couldn't see... And then, this other time, we saw a load of monsters, but she couldn't...
Paimon:
She also said she was on a journey to find the "Savior." Her description of this savior matched Traveler pretty closely, so we figured it's probably his sister...
Dainsleif:
Hold on... That girl called her the Savior?
Dainsleif:
...
Paimon:
Yeah, that's right! Is something the matter, Dain?
Dainsleif:
The last time I heard that term was before the Cataclysm... And not just that — it referred to your sister then, too.
Dainsleif:
But who would still believe in the myth of the Savior when the Cataclysm has already taken place...? It makes no sense.
Paimon:
Wait, wasn't his sister called the Princess though? Where did this Savior thing come from?
Dainsleif:
Well, when she was first granted the title of Princess...
Dainsleif:
The Vinster King and the entire Court of Khaenri'ah set about loudly proclaiming the might that she would bring to the nation.
Dainsleif:
They made it sound as if with her there, all pain and suffering would be washed away, and the future of Khaenri'ah would be brighter than anyone could imagine...
Dainsleif:
"The Savior" was the celebratory title given to the Princess by those who believed this rhetoric.
Dainsleif:
Of course, you know how that story ended. In hindsight, the cruel irony is glaring. All that title really stood for was the Vinster King's lust for power.
Paimon:
Sounds like the people of Khaenri'ah really believed in her...
Traveler:
(Is that why Lumine is so determined to revive the homeland? Because she thinks she's failed as the Khaenri'ahn's Savior?)
Traveler:
(But that certainly doesn't explain everything. There must be other reasons.)
Dainsleif:
As for the girl you met... Allow me to offer some speculation.
Dainsleif:
I suspect she is descended from pure-blood Khaenri'ahns afflicted with the curse of immortality. They must have re-settled somewhere remote, cut off from the rest of the world.
Dainsleif:
That would explain how her people retained their ancient beliefs, including the myth of the golden-haired Savior.
Paimon:
Ah! Paimon gets it now! So, a bit like Kaeya? Except she grew up somewhere more isolated?
Paimon:
Still, that doesn't explain the invisible monster situation...
Dainsleif:
If she can't provide us with any more valuable intelligence, I suggest we shift our attention back to the Abyss Order.
Paimon:
Sure. Also, why don't you stay with us at the Masters of the Night-Wind for tonight? You must be tired after all that fighting today.
Dainsleif:
I will consider it, but we must discuss our next steps first thing tomorrow morning. We can't give the Abyss Order any time to regroup.
Talk to Dainsleif
Dainsleif:
...No, we can't give them that much time...
Paimon:
Is that... Dain and Iansan discussing strategy together? Huh, looks like they're getting along just fine.
Paimon:
Morning! What are you guys talking about?
Iansan:
Ah, you're here. I have some good news to share with you.
Iansan:
We just got word from the Scions of the Canopy. Their intelligence has reported that they've discovered the Abyss Order's headquarters in Natlan.
Iansan:
After their front lines dissolved, the bulk of their forces fell back to that area. It's also where their central command is located.
Iansan:
The location — the Cinder City.
Paimon:
Cinder City, huh? That tracks... seems like their kind of place. Hey, this is great! This could be our chance to crush the Abyss Order once and for all!
Paimon:
And with any luck, maybe we'll find your sister there, too!
Iansan:
Yep. Our army is almost ready, and we've sent a message to Mavuika to let her know the plan. We can't really launch an operation this big without the okay from the Archon...
Dainsleif:
I beg to differ. This is wasting time.
Dainsleif:
You have the intel you need, so act on it. Every second you delay only increases the Abyss Order's odds of survival.
Iansan:
I've already explained my reasoning, Mr. Dainsleif. I understand your concern, but an immediate strike is not on the cards for us.
Dainsleif:
Very well, then I will go there alone. Thank you for the intel, Iansan.
Paimon:
You're gonna go on your own!? Come on, be sensible. Just wait a tiny bit longer, and you'll have a whole army going with you...
Iansan:
It's all right. I support your decision, Mr. Dainsleif.
Paimon:
Huh!? Shouldn't you be talking sense into him?
Iansan:
I admire his courage, and I believe he is strong enough to take on the Abyss Order on his own.
Iansan:
And even if things don't go to plan, he just needs to bide his time until we arrive with reinforcements.
Iansan:
Mr. Dainsleif... I wish you the very best of luck.
Dainsleif:
Mm, thank you.
Paimon:
Uh... Looks like he's waiting for you to say something, Traveler...
Paimon:
*sigh*... For a second there, Paimon actually thought he was gonna brave it alone... and then he called his own bluff.
Talk to Dainsleif
Paimon:
Is this the place? The Abyss Order's hideout in Natlan?
Dainsleif:
All these years, the Abyss Order has managed to either stay hidden or fiercely defend their position... This may be the first chance I've ever had to finally make a serious dent in their forces.
Dainsleif:
Which reminds me — once the fighting starts, I can't promise I'll be able to have your back at a moment's notice...
Dainsleif:
But if you run into any Abyss-powered mechanisms, feel free to leave them to me. I'll take care of them when I can.
Paimon:
It's been so long since we fought with Dain side-by-side. Paimon's confident we can clear this place out long before Iansan arrives!
Paimon:
And if you get to meet your sister again, even better. Let's go!
Continue onward
Iniquitous Baptist:
Twilight Sword, Dainsleif... Is this really what you want?
Dainsleif:
It is indeed. I will take every opportunity to hunt you down to the last man.
Paimon:
So, where's Traveler's sister, then? Or is this guy supposed to be in charge here?
Iniquitous Baptist:
So, this is a "hunt" to you... I must say, I pity you, Dainsleif. The death you dole out so readily to others is a luxury you yourself cannot enjoy.
Iniquitous Baptist:
But today, that is the least of your worries... Do you realize that all your years of pursuing us are being rendered utterly meaningless, even as we speak?
Dainsleif:
Your riddles tire me. The overwhelming advantage is ours, at least for the moment. You know what that means for you.
Dainsleif:
I'd like to see what makes you believe you've already won... or that you can still turn the tide of this war.
Iniquitous Baptist:
Then, allow me to be frank. As far as we are concerned... Our Princess has already won by other means.
Iniquitous Baptist:
And I do not merely mean this battle. No, Her Highness has achieved something far greater...
Iniquitous Baptist:
...For today, the Abyss Order's greatest wish has finally been fulfilled.
Dainsleif:
Tch...
Iniquitous Baptist:
Our Highness quietly infiltrated the Night Kingdom to exploit that realm's past experience with Ley Line reconstruction...
Iniquitous Baptist:
And then used the Loom of Fate... to re-weave the Ley Lines of Khaenri'ah.
Paimon:
What!? She used the Loom of Fate?
Paimon:
Wait, does this mean the attack on the Masters of the Night-Wind was all a smokescreen to give her some cover?
Paimon:
Oh, no... This... makes too much sense...
Iniquitous Baptist:
Correct. As of now, our homeland has been revived...
Iniquitous Baptist:
And all of my comrades that you have slain, Dainsleif... They shall forget the struggles that have beset them these past five hundred years, and begin their lives anew in a Khaenri'ah restored to life.
Traveler:
...
Dainsleif:
What a load of drivel.
Dainsleif:
Your falsehoods are riddled with flaws. My ears tire of your tedium.
Paimon:
Right, you still need a few steps after that... Such as, finding a place to host the Ley Lines you just rewove.
Paimon:
Plus, if it was really so easy, Mavuika and The Captain would have had a way easier time during the war.
Dainsleif:
I have one simple question. If Khaenri'ah has indeed been revived as you claim, then where is it?
Iniquitous Baptist:
Oh, you poor fools, clinging to delusions even after the truth has been plainly revealed to you...
Iniquitous Baptist:
Think back on the past few days. Have you truly not noticed anything amiss since the start of the war?
Traveler:
(Anything amiss... Are there signs that I could have missed?)
Citlali:
I sensed something strange in my dream. It was vague, but... It seemed as if some "noise" had found its way into Natlan's Ley Lines...
Paimon:
What does that mean?
Citlali:
Hard to say... I don't think it had any tangible effect on the Night Kingdom or on our Ley Lines, but still...
Citlali:
It's like... a signal that exists on a different dimension of reality. It might not interfere with ours, or pose any detectable risk, but I just get the sense that something strange is going on.
Traveler:
(I also vaguely remember... seeing Lumine in the Night Kingdom, facing the Lord of the Night...)
Traveler:
(Wait... That's not all. There were other signs as well...)
Traveler:
(Assuming he is right, then another possibility arises:)
Traveler:
(Maybe I'm in a different time and space from Direidyth. If she's Khaenri'ahn like Dain suspects, then that means...)
Traveler:
(This revived Khaenri'ah that he speaks of might actually exist... And despite hailing from that separate time and space, Direidyth has found a way to communicate with us.)
Dainsleif:
Whatever may be going through your mind right now, do not trust it. I urge you not to believe his lies.
Dainsleif:
The notion that Khaenri'ah has been revived is preposterous. Unless I see it with my own eyes, I refuse to entertain it.
Dainsleif:
There is only one thing that should demand our attention in this instant... and that is silencing this man for good!
Talk to Dainsleif
Paimon:
That should be all of them, right? So... We've destroyed the Abyss Order's headquarters in Natlan, but somehow, that didn't feel satisfying at all...
Traveler:
...
Paimon:
Are you still thinking about what that guy said, Traveler? You look really worried.
Dainsleif:
I understand. You think... she might be from the revived Khaenri'ah, yes?
Dainsleif:
I have said my piece — I doubt Khaenri'ah could be revived so easily. But if it will give you some peace of mind, you should talk to her and test your theory.
Dainsleif:
I will stay here and do some post-battle cleanup. Perhaps there are some clues left to be found.
Dainsleif:
...
Dainsleif:
!!!
Dainsleif:
...Hmph.
Dainsleif:
I thought your voice and attitude seemed familiar... My mistake. I should have made sure you were dead earlier.
Dainsleif:
The curse of immortality has struck you too, then, Haden.
Haden:
Five hundred years on, and you still refuse to address me as "master"...
Haden:
Don't forget, Dainsleif. You may be the renowned "Twilight Sword," while my arm has grown too feeble to swing a blade...
Haden:
...But I taught you everything you know about wielding a blade.
Dainsleif:
Hah. Your arrogance and malice cost you all of my respect long ago.
Haden:
Be that as it may... Under the circumstances, I see no further reason for us to fight. The curse of immortality means neither of us has a way to completely destroy the other.
Dainsleif:
Speak for yourself. I intend to kill you a hundred times over.
Haden:
...
Haden:
*panting*
Haden:
*cough*... Have you... finally had enough? You weren't joking then, huh...
Haden:
Never, in all my worst nightmares, have I experienced anything close to the pain of a hundred deaths... *cough* Surely, there's no point taking out all your hatred on me alone?
Dainsleif:
That was just for your actions in the Abyss Order. If I took into account what you did in Khaenri'ah... You'd soon find out how much darker your nightmares can become.
Haden:
Alright, I believe you. Still, aren't you at least a little tired now? Why don't we sit down, perhaps chat a little?
Dainsleif:
...
Haden:
What? Not a fan of reminiscing about old times? Well, I suppose you don't have many fond memories to look back on.
Dainsleif:
I never thought you'd side with the Abyss Order, Haden.
Dainsleif:
You could have easily blamed the Princess for her betrayal.
Haden:
Indeed. When the Cataclysm first struck, everyone prayed for the Savior to deliver them, but she was nowhere to be found.
Haden:
Yes, we knew that the great Abyssal power within her had been divided up...
Haden:
Yet we still despaired at her choice to leave us.
Haden:
Still, I believe that everything she's doing now — including her regret over what happened — comes from a genuine place in her heart.
Haden:
And besides, who else can we place our faith in? We are proud Khaenri'ahns, are we not? I mean... we can hardly turn to the gods.
Dainsleif:
Hmph. I suppose you have changed a lot over the past five hundred years. Otherwise, I'd have never expected you to forgive her.
Dainsleif:
Had you been so generous during your time at the Knight Academy as my instructor in Black Serpent Bladework, I might not have come to loathe you so much.
Haden:
Hehe... Is that so.
Dainsleif:
All my good deeds were clearly in the spirit of the Academy's code of chivalry. Yet I received corporal punishment for being "restless and brash."
Dainsleif:
And as much as it pains me to bring up his name... Even my co-student, Surtalogi, was prosecuted for following the spirit of knighthood. He even lost limbs over it.
Dainsleif:
There's little point discussing it now, of course, but... All of this was your doing, wasn't it, Haden?
Dainsleif:
You wore a mask of benevolence as you viciously suppressed the next generation of knights, all to bolster your own position and reputation.
Haden:
...
Dainsleif:
What? Too cowardly to admit it?
Haden:
...I'm sorry, Dainsleif. I would apologize to you for those actions, truly. But the fact is...
Haden:
...I honestly can't remember them anymore.
Dainsleif:
...
Haden:
Look at me — look at what has become of me. Only by the Abyss's grace have I managed to maintain this physical form.
Haden:
But as for the rest... Memories, spirit, emotions, personality... They have long become eroded, fragmented beyond recognition.
Haden:
Even if mine was a past steeped in sin, or in shame I once longed to hide... I would wish to remember it.
Haden:
Without my history, I... I fear I will become another person entirely.
Haden:
...I would like to apologize for any misdeeds that are mine. So please, tell me everything. Tell me about the Khaenri'ah we once called home.
Dainsleif:
...No wonder your personality struck me as different. Memories are indeed a crucial part of a person's identity.
Dainsleif:
So. The Khaenri'ah we once called home...
Dainsleif slowly closes his eyes. Countless memories of Khaenri'ah flood into his mind...
All the sights, memories, and feelings — everything etched into the heart and mind — are gradually brought back to the forefront again, alongside a feeling of nostalgia and loss.
Simply recalling everything seems to take a long, long time...
Haden:
You seem to remember much... Could you tell me more about it? About our golden age?
Dainsleif:
I'm not interested. I have neither the time nor the sympathy.
Haden:
Is that so... What a pity. But this will be quite sufficient, as long as the Loom of Fate heard what I could not...
Dainsleif:
The Loom of Fate... What have you done? Tell me.
Haden:
I'm afraid I owe you yet another apology, Dainsleif. You were right — I lied to you earlier. Your wits are too sharp to be fooled by me.
Haden:
The homeland hasn't yet been revived. In fact, even the Ley Line weaving is not yet complete.
Haden:
Think of Ley Lines as the collection of memories concerning a given place. To re-weave Khaenri'ah's Ley Lines as they were five hundred years ago, we would somehow need to retrieve almost all the memories of Khaenri'ah from that age.
Haden:
The Loom of Fate cannot weave without an abundant supply of memories...
Haden:
And so, we relied on everyone in the Abyss Order to provide what they could. Even though fragments are all that remain in most cases, the more we all share, the more that can be restored.
Dainsleif:
So, the Loom of Fate is running as we speak? And the so-called "meditation" your members have been performing... its purpose was to supply the Loom with memories, wasn't it?
Haden:
Indeed. We, a people in exile, stranded five hundred years in the future, will weave our homeland anew, and bring the nation of our dreams back into the real world. Ah, what a glorious undertaking!
Haden:
What a shame it had to take this long. After five hundred years, most of our memories have faded — and a world woven from broken memories shall itself be broken.
Dainsleif:
So that's where I'm supposed to come in? You look for assistance from your mortal enemy, who has sworn to hunt you down?
Haden:
Precisely. For you possess a ring, left to you by your elder brother, which continuously resets your body's condition...
Haden:
Of course, your memories are susceptible to erosion just like ours. But of all Khaenri'ahns who remain, you are sure to remember the most.
Haden:
We had to obtain the memories in your mind, whatever the price. Even if it meant sacrificing our entire army as bait.
Dainsleif:
...So this was your true goal. To lure me here, guide me into a state of meditation, and access my memories...
Dainsleif:
So be it. A few of my fading memories for your entire army? That strikes me as a fair trade. I appreciate your generosity.
Dainsleif:
You're gambling everything you have on the Loom of Fate... This could be a costly mistake for you in the long run.
Haden:
Perhaps! But that is the gamble Our Highness has chosen to make. And thanks to you... the Loom of Fate has now finished weaving the Ley Lines. New Khaenri'ah... is complete.
Dainsleif:
Enough about your beloved leader. You said you would pay any price for my memories, did you not?
Dainsleif:
In that case... Prepare to be slain another hundred times for your deception.... I hope it was worth it.
Haden:
...
Talk to Direidyth
movie
Direidyth stands alone at the mouth of the cave, staring into the distant sky, as though she can't hear your calls. Only when you draw near does she notice you. As you stand side by side, she reaches out to take your hand... and in an instant, the scenery changes before your eyes — the sky bleeds crimson, and the earth itself is swallowed in a sea of flame...
Traveler:
(What is this... Could this be... The Cataclysm?)
Traveler:
(Is this... Where Direidyth is right now? So, she really is...)
Direidyth:
We're... not from the same world, are we?
Traveler:
No... I come from your future.
Direidyth:
Wait, but that's great! That means the world isn't going to end.
Direidyth:
In that case... Tell me, what happens to Khaenri'ah? What happens to my homeland?
Traveler:
...
Direidyth:
No, wait... don't answer that.
Direidyth:
We can only fight for our future if the future is unknown. I still believe the Savior can turn things around.
Direidyth:
I'll carry on looking for her, even if you're not there to protect me...
Direidyth:
Although... In a way...
Direidyth:
...I've already found my Savior — it's you. You protected me, and I believe you can protect us all... you're the one who can change everything.
Direidyth:
It's just... too bad that we're not from the same time or place.
Direidyth:
...
Direidyth:
Oh, one last thing, before I forget. I know how much you want to find your sister. Surely, she must be desperate to find you, too?
Direidyth:
So... Is there anything you can give me as a memento? Proof that we met?
Direidyth:
That way, when I do find her, I can convince her that you're also searching for her.
Traveler:
A memento...?
Traveler:
(Wait...!)
Direidyth:
Huh...? What is it?
Traveler:
(If this is her future... If this is her fate...)
The instant you make your choice, time and space around Direidyth come to a standstill.
Lumine:
So that's what happened... Istaroth, the Ruler of Time, must have had a hand in this.
Lumine:
There's no other way that this meeting could have taken place.
Lumine:
I knew only the ending. I've always been curious about the events that led to it.
Lumine:
When the Cataclysm first began five hundred years ago, I, as the Princess of Khaenri'ah, was preparing to do my part — to fight back with all my might...
Lumine:
But then this girl, Direidyth... she found me.
Lumine:
The irony was that even as she desperately begged me to save the world... she brought me news of you.
Lumine:
I was stunned. And I was suspicious of her claim that you were searching for me... But then, she showed me the key to your Hibernation Chamber.
Lumine:
We'd been separated ever since I awakened in Teyvat. I searched the whole planet, and found no trace of you anywhere... And then she brought me that news at the worst possible moment...
Lumine:
I was faced with an extremely difficult decision.
Lumine:
I desperately wanted to see you again. But Khaenri'ah was in equally desperate need of my help.
Lumine:
I knew that no matter what I chose, I'd regret my decision for the rest of my days.
Lumine:
So I steeled myself against the guilt and made my decision. I went to see you.
Lumine:
But when I found you, you were still in hibernation. Even the key to the chamber was still secure on your person.
Lumine:
I couldn't make sense of what I was seeing, but there was no time to think... I just grabbed you and ran. That's where we are right now — an intersection in our memories.
Lumine:
This question has haunted me for the past five hundred years... I never imagined the answer would come to me like this.
Lumine:
So, my actions five hundred years in the future set everything in motion... Are you mocking me, Istaroth?
Traveler:
(Direidyth succeeded in bringing us together. But unfortunately, it is versions of us five hundred years apart.)
Traveler:
(She hoped that the Savior would rescue Khaenri'ah, save the entire world... but instead, the news she brought led the Savior to make the complete opposite decision...)
Traveler:
(How awful... Is that her fate? Is that how her story must end?)
Lumine:
Not yet, but I've taken a very important step. Now, the Ley Lines of Khaenri'ah are complete.
Lumine:
I'd always thought that Teyvat's Ley Lines were locked by the Heavenly Principles. No more can be added, and existing ones cannot be replaced.
Lumine:
But then, I learned that Natlan's Night Kingdom appeared to be an exception to the rule... It has intrigued me ever since.
Lumine:
So, I directed the Abyss Order to feign an attack on Natlan, buying me some time to enter the Night Kingdom and negotiate with the Lord of the Night.
Lumine:
Unfortunately, for other reasons, even the Night Kingdom cannot host any new Ley Lines... The most I could get was some room to carry out the weaving process.
Traveler:
(The Lord of the Night did say before that even she can only "reconstruct" Natlan's Ley Lines. It's probably for the same reason.)
Lumine:
Still, I received the Lord of the Night's permission, and activated the Loom of Fate.
Lumine:
Using an Inteyvat as the base, I was able to grow a realm based on the Khaenri'ah of five hundred years ago, superimposing it over present-day Natlan's spacetime.
Lumine:
That superimposition is what allowed you and Direidyth to cross paths.
Traveler:
(That's what I saw in my dream... She's not lying about that, at least. But what I don't understand is, why did the Lord of the Night agree to this?)
Lumine:
After that, the new Khaenri'ah was enriched with memories of the old, drawn from the Abyss Order's members in their meditation sessions.
Lumine:
With those memories as raw materials, and the superimposed realm as a template, the Loom of Fate finally finished its work.
Lumine:
What I now hold in my hand is the Atlas of the New World.
Lumine:
This is the product of the Loom of Fate, holding within it the entire network of New Khaenri'ah's Ley Lines. With this, the nation once known as Khaenri'ah can rise again.
Lumine:
One day... I will find a suitable host location for it.
Lumine:
...
Lumine:
When I first arrived in Khaenri'ah, five hundred years ago... My memory was completely blank.
Lumine:
It was only after I had served as their Princess for many years that I slowly began to remember everything, including you.
Traveler:
(What? Your memories were erased!?)
Lumine:
But recovering old memories didn't simply erase the part of my life I spent in Khaenri'ah. I still see it as my second home.
Lumine:
That is why my guilt weighs so heavily on me. But even so, that only constitutes part of my motive.
Lumine:
More importantly...
Lumine:
If I wish to speak with the Heavenly Principles as an equal, I will need the might of an entire world behind me.
Traveler:
...
Lumine:
...
Lumine:
...?
Lumine:
I know you always want to change fate — we both do. But this time, I won't let you succeed.
Lumine:
I cannot miss the chance to reunite with you five hundred years in the past — no matter what.
movie
A thousand emotions well up within your chest. The one who stands before you is your dear sister, yet the words they speak make you feel more distant than ever. "This whole thing, your plan... What does it have to do with us?" Faced with your doubt, Lumine looks like she wants to say something. After a moment, she speaks at last: "All along... it's only ever been about us." Then, she holds the Atlas of the New World aloft, and the space where Khaenri'ah once stood begins to fold into its design. At the very end, you and your sister stare at each other, neither uttering a word... and in the blink of an eye, Lumine, Direidyth, and the space you are in vanish into thin air. You are left standing on an open plain, as though nothing had ever happened.
Head to the Masters of the Night-Wind and talk to Iansan
Iansan:
Our hero is back! Everyone's been waiting for you.
Iansan:
The Abyss Order made a full retreat before our forces even arrived on the scene... All thanks to your efforts, no doubt? Oh, and Mr. Dainsleif's, of course.
Iansan:
...Hmm? What's wrong? You look upset.
Paimon:
Paimon doesn't know the details, either. Traveler just... disappeared after taking Direidyth's hand... It was like they got sucked into another world.
Paimon:
Paimon was looking all over for him... and then he suddenly reappeared, right back in the same spot. But looking a lot more glum.
Citlali:
*yawn*...
Citlali:
I think I got the gist of what happened... Something to do with your sister? I spoke with the Lord of the Night in a dream just now, and learned quite a lot.
Paimon:
Huh? You met your sister?
Paimon:
And you didn't think to tell Paimon right away!? Well... Never mind. Paimon can see that you're pretty down right now. But let's go over everything later, alright?
Citlali:
What your sister accomplished... it all but defies comprehension. I was stunned when I heard about it, too.
Citlali:
But what surprised me the most was that the Lord of the Night actually chose to allow it...
Citlali:
The Lord of the Night did try to explain it to me, but... in a word, it's complicated.
Citlali:
During the war with the Abyss, Mavuika had an argument with The Captain.
Citlali:
Mavuika believed that we should fight to protect our culture and memories, while The Captain believed the preservation of the Ley Lines should come before all else.
Citlali:
So, the Lord of the Night was very intrigued when presented with the Loom of Fate, and informed of its ability to weave Ley Lines.
Citlali:
She saw your sister's actions as a potential third option. Namely, to preserve an entire nation in the form of an "Atlas."
Iansan:
Preserve a nation...? You've definitely lost me now.
Paimon:
Uh... You're not the only one. Paimon's got no idea what's going on either.
Citlali:
With that in mind, the Lord of the Night gave the go-ahead once she was satisfied that the Loom of Fate wouldn't have any real effect on Natlan.
Citlali:
However... I believe she imposed an additional condition of her own...
Paimon:
An additional condition? Did she ask for something in return?
Citlali:
No idea. She wouldn't tell me what it was.
Paimon:
Huh...
Iansan:
Alright, well, let's not overthink this for now — we just won a war! Time for a well-earned drink to celebrate.
Iansan:
I trust the Lord of the Night unreservedly. I'm sure she only involved herself to take a problem off our hands. So, it's one less thing for us to worry about.
Iansan:
Don't you agree, Traveler?
Iansan:
Come on, let's head back to the Collective of Plenty. Varesa should be there, too — we'll treat you to a real feast.
Iansan:
Huh...?
Citlali:
Iansan, leave him be.
Citlali:
This might be hard to understand for an extrovert like you... but some people need alone time to recharge every once in a while.
Paimon:
Traveler...
Return to the cave you were previously in
Before you know it, you've fallen asleep, drowning in a myriad of thoughts.
You faintly sense what feels like someone clasping your hand...
But this time, it sends you into a deep sleep, where sweet dreams await.