arrow_back Genshin Impact Quests 
Song of the Welkin Moon: Act II
Elegy of Dust and Lamplight
The Wild Hunt has left many secrets behind, and the shadows hidden within the Abyss begin to churn. After chaos strikes, unease spreads amongst people, making them desperate for solutions...
Go to Nasha Town
Heikki:
The Wild Hunt assault on Starsand Shoal, you mean? Huge wave. First I've ever seen of that size. Good thing it was so brief.
Miemo:
No, no, I mean there's been another, to the north of Nasha Town.
Seppo:
What? How many does that make in the last couple of days now? What are the Lightkeepers playing at...
Miemo:
Can't be helped. There were only a handful stationed on our side in the first place, and the cannon hasn't been fixed yet either. They've been strained to breaking point for a while now, I'll bet.
Heikki:
*sigh* I'm bugging out if this goes on much longer. And here you all told me this was a good place to do business... Fool me once, I say!
Seppo:
Hey now, this could be our big break! My second-eldest brother made his fortune off Wild Hunt attacks, you know. C'mon, let's get moving. There won't be anything left for us if we're late.
Heikki:
Left for us to... scavenge? Mm... I did hear about an overturned cargo vehicle over there...
Miemo:
Hey.
Seppo:
*clears throat*...
Paimon:
Huh... Should've told them that those are dangerous thoughts.
Paimon:
Guess you're right. Even if we solved this Wild Hunt problem, they'd probably just jump head-first into some new danger if they thought they could earn some quick Mora...
Traveler:
Some self-reflection might not be unwarranted, y'know...
Paimon:
Hmph... Paimon'll have you know that when it comes to staying outta trouble, greed and cowardice make the perfect match!
Traveler:
Should you really be proud of that...
Traveler:
(Still, the Wild Hunt's been getting wilder ever since we foiled that mysterious phantom's plan at Starsand Shoal.)
Traveler:
(The two of them seem closely connected, and that phantom may very well attack again... even though we know almost nothing about it.)
Traveler:
(...In fact, where would we even begin with such an investigation?)
Paimon:
Hey, look — Aino and Ineffa are here in Nasha Town. Ooh, considering what those people said earlier, d'you think they're here to fix that cannon up?
Traveler:
Let's go say hello.
Paimon:
Hehe, dying to know something, aren't ya? You totally zoned out just now...
Paimon:
Hah! Paimon can even guess what you want for dinner... She'll place the orders tonight, don't you worry!
Paimon:
A—Anyway, let's just go, shall we?
Talk to Aino and Ineffa
Ineffa:
Ah. Familiar faces identified — our good friends, Traveler and Paimon.
Aino:
Whoa, free manual labor detected!
Paimon:
Those evaluations could not be more different!
Traveler:
Might I ask who this is?
Ineffa:
This is Sousi, Sergeant Major of the nearby Lightkeepers. He's stationed here in this town.
Paimon:
Wait, that means...
Ineffa:
He is Flins's superior, as far as position is considered.
Sousi:
A pleasure to meet you all.
Ineffa:
This is Traveler and Paimon, friends of ours. They're experienced adventurers who are new to Nod-Krai.
Paimon:
Hi there!
Traveler:
Pleased to meet you. Were you talking about the cannon, by any chance?
Sousi:
Indeed. The sooner we can get it firing again, the quicker we can ease our current... predicament.
Sousi:
Two more Wild Hunt incursions have come sweeping in at different locations after the last one at Starsand Shoal. Our manpower is already stretched, as it is — this is more than we can handle.
Paimon:
Hasn't Flins gone back to your HQ to ask for reinforcements? When will they arrive?
Sousi:
Huh. Has he now?
Paimon:
Yeah... That's what he said he was gonna do, anyway.
Sousi:
Hmm... He hasn't contacted me about that yet. As per standing orders, he should be leading a team to root out the Wild Hunt, but I haven't received any reports for a while now.
Sousi:
*sigh* Well, he does act outside the remit of his orders sometimes. I'm his superior, yes, but I wouldn't say I have much control over his actions.
Paimon:
So he made the call for backup on his own initiative?
Sousi:
Hard to say. Contacting HQ's a tricky business. I should know, I've tried. They either refuse my requests outright, or end up dragging their feet.
Sousi:
And all the while, we're the ones who have to deal with the Wild Hunt — which, by the way, can strike anywhere in Nod-Krai without warning, sweeping across vast swathes of land. This has been a real test of our endurance, to say the least...
Sousi:
We need to send our personnel where they're needed most. A single missive will not do much to change HQ's attitude, I fear.
Sousi:
Flins understands this well enough, I'm sure.
Traveler:
(He sounds nice enough, but it feels like he's hiding something. This whole spiel sounds like a smokescreen.)
Sousi:
We usually sort our foes ahead of time into ones that our Ratniki will take care of, and ones that we'll target using the cannon.
Sousi:
I've finished the preliminary dispatch work already, but this cannon...
Aino:
Okay, okay, okay! "Hurry up, Aino." "Fix this, Aino." You fix it if you're in such a hurry! That, or bring me some snacks. This is tiring work over here!
Sousi:
Ugh... Could you at least tell me how long we'll be delayed? We're way past our scheduled firing time.
Aino:
Well that's your fault for firing too often recently! Machines get overworked too, you know? You could try thinking about their feelings for once, maybe?
Paimon:
Sorry, what? A machine's... feelings?
Ineffa:
In layman's terms, this refers to wear and tear. As such, a machine is more liable to fail the "unhappier" it becomes. The exact probability here would be...
Sousi:
Alright, alright. I'm not good at this stuff, I know that. But let me stress that we Lightkeepers are the primary financial backer of this cannon — and our backing does cover the fees for subsequent repair and maintenance.
Aino:
Hmph. And I'd say that was a good deal for you! You should thank the Krumkake Craftshop — that means me, by the way — for making you such a huge and powerful weapon for such a measly price!
Aino:
Do you even know how much it would've cost you if you'd bought all the parts legit and fresh off the assembly line?
Ineffa:
Reminder: Your future snack budget will have to be halved without the long-term commission payment, Aino. Calculating: A viable and cheaper option... Lavender Melon Candy.
Aino:
What? No! Absolutely not! I... L—Let me think, alright? It should take, maybe... three more hours?
Paimon:
Wouldn't this place be crawling with more monsters than there are Fungi in Sumeru by then!?
Sousi:
That might not be the concern you think it is. The monsters of the Wild Hunt are only active in the immediate vicinity of its attacks. They will not spread any further... on their own initiative, at least.
Sousi:
We Lightkeepers will also keep an eye on those areas, both to monitor the monsters and to prevent people from entering the cannon's blast radius.
Sousi:
That said... I'm afraid I can't wait three hours before dispatching manpower to the locations that the cannon won't be firing on.
Aino:
And here's where my need for "manual labor" comes in. There are some checks I haven't finished yet, but with your help, I can get the repairs done sooner.
Paimon:
Wait, but we don't know a thing about this stuff. How much help will we be?
Aino:
You'll be fine, trust me! Just take this — oh, and this.
Paimon:
Whoa, uh, this book is... so heavy... and what is this?
Aino:
You can use this Beep-Boopitta to run diagnostics on the cannon. It'll tell you what to do. Oh, and this book will help you understand Beep-Boopitta.
Ineffa:
This cannon was built using more than 50 components from different factories and manufacturers. Aino has bound the manuals into one volume. Also, please note: the device's name is "Birgitta."
Paimon:
S—So it's manuals all the way down, huh...
Aino:
Yup. And if you're quick about this, we might just cut our time-to-fire down by a whole two thirds.
Traveler:
We'll do what we can.
Sousi:
I'll go with you.
Aino:
Nice! So, you'll check the outside, and Ineffa, inside. Come find me in the control room once you're done. Cool? Cool.
Ineffa:
Instructions received. Please go about your work seriously as well, Aino. No snacking while I am away.
Aino:
Hey! A little snacking will also improve my efficiency by two thirds!
Conduct inspection
Paimon:
Aino's explanations for things that don't interest her are a bit... "meh," aren't they? Or is that just how geniuses are?
Paimon:
Isn't Beep-Boopitta just following us around? Sure doesn't seem as smart as she said it is. How are we even supposed to know what to check?
Sousi:
I've watched Ineffa perform routine repairs before. It seems some sort of maintenance port must first be found, and then this small robot will automatically interface with it.
Paimon:
Ah, so you're in the know. Nice! What does that port look like?
Sousi:
Now that I'm not so sure of. Let's search around together and see what the robot reacts to.
Paimon:
Works for Paimon.
Paimon:
Is this it? Hmm, probably not... Or this one? Oh, ew! Stinks of machine oil!
Birgitta:
...
Traveler:
Nope, not here, either...
Sousi:
Hmm, that thing over there looks promising.
Paimon:
Where? Ooh, yeah, it does. Let's try it out.
Paimon:
Whoa! It's flying...! Does that mean we got it right?
Paimon:
So, uh... What do we do now?
Traveler:
Lemme give it a try.
Confirm inspection results
Paimon:
Well, whaddya know? Aino was right. We got this working without understanding a thing Beep-Boopitta said!
Sousi:
Still, it's impressive how you figured things out right away.
Paimon:
Paimon's up next, along with this stupidly heavy book. Let's see... Should be just like checking a dictionary, right?
Paimon:
The matching result for this symbol is... "Check passed. All systems normal." Wait, is that it?
Sousi:
Well, as they say, "no news is good news."
Paimon:
Yeah, guess you're right. Just feels like we did all this stuff for nothing, that's all... On to the next spot, then.
Paimon:
Hehe, Paimon's getting the hang of this now. It's this thing, right?
Traveler:
I'll handle it.
Paimon:
And this time... Huh? Why are you angry? Oh... Huh, looks like its expressions are also prompts of a kind. Which page is that on...
Paimon:
We need to take note of the order in which its eye colors change — purple, red... Hey, slow down! Paimon didn't catch that!
Birgitta:
Beep-deep— bee-dee-deep—
Paimon:
Wha... So now we've got musical prompts too? Weren't you only supposed to be a "beep-boop" machine?
Paimon:
Alright, one final stop. This was quite a trip, huh?
Sousi:
Agreed. I must say, you two have a talent for maintenance work. A bit shaky at points, but not bad for your first job...
Paimon:
Heh, good eye! Paimon's the real deal when she deals for real, y'know!
Sousi:
Really, I'd have liked to share the load, but you were really getting into it, and I didn't want to interrupt.
Paimon:
Ugh, couldn't you have mentioned that earlier?
Traveler:
Anyway, let's get this all done in one go.
Confirm inspection results
Little Robot:
Beep-boop-dee-deep!
Traveler:
What does that mean? Does the book say anything about it?
Paimon:
Hmm, a pictorial prompt this time... Don't worry, Paimon's just about gotten the hang of which prompts are listed where.
Paimon:
Uh, we gotta take note of the flashing patterns... "1 yellow flash, nothing for 2 seconds, then 2 yellow flashes" means... the components here are overdue for regular maintenance.
Paimon:
"Maintenance is a high-priority task. The device will be rendered inoperable until it is complete. Switch Beep-Boopitta to Input Mode to send out a signal to unlock components."
Paimon:
The description of Input Mode isn't on this page. Ugh, more page-flipping...
After more page-flipping, then even more page-flipping, Paimon manages to adjust the little robot as instructed.
Paimon:
Phew, that was a real struggle... Well, Paimon needs a break now.
Traveler:
Good work, Paimon.
Sousi:
Good work indeed. But it seems this Input Mode requires some additional work to operate.
Traveler:
Allow me.
Talk to Sergeant Major Sousi
Sousi:
Looks like we're all good. We can remove this thing now.
Traveler:
What is it, anyway?
Sousi:
No clue, frankly. But whatever — I got a feeling we've all given up trying to figure this cannon out.
Sousi:
I'll go get the replacement component. We should be done once we pop it in here.
Sousi:
What do you think? Maintenance work's easier than running errands, wouldn't you say?
Paimon:
Hehe, that's for sure. We're counting on you, Sousi!
Paimon:
Y'know what? Paimon took him for the stony type at first, but he's actually a pretty nice guy.
Paimon:
Let's wait for him here, huh?
Ineffa:
Are your tasks complete?
Paimon:
Yep. Sousi's gone to get the replacement component — we'll be done here once we put it on.
Ineffa:
Allow me to check against the recorded data... Yes. This component is approaching its replacement deadline.
Ineffa:
The cannon will generate immense recoil when fired. If this is not controlled, the firing platform will become misaligned. This part is designed to anchor the cannon and ensure accuracy when aiming.
Paimon:
Huh. So if the cannon isn't fixed in place... will it start spinning around like some kind of massive firework?
Ineffa:
A novel analogy... but an apt one. The large-scale damage that might follow would be undesirable by anybody's standards.
Ineffa:
This component is currently easily damaged. The materials are not up to par, and there are still some design flaws. But Aino and I are working to improve it.
Ineffa:
Estimated waiting time remaining: 7 minutes. Would you like a krumkake?
Paimon:
Yay! Dessert's just the best after a hard day's work!
Ineffa:
Certainly. It will be ready shortly.
Voice from Somewhere:
*ding*
Ineffa:
Observation: Freshly-baked krumkake results in the most efficient improvements upon human happiness indices. As such, I activated an internal heater before starting repairs.
Paimon:
Hehe, thanks for the treat! Aino's lucky to have you.
Traveler:
Thanks for the food.
Sure enough, Sousi returns seven minutes later on the dot. You finish installing the spare part before returning to the control room.
Aino:
Thanks! Things went great over here too. So, as we agreed, I'll have the cannon up and firing in no time!
Ineffa:
Understood. I will inform the inhabitants of Nasha Town and have them make preparations for the shock and noise that will inevitably ensue.
Sousi:
And I will inform the Ratniki stationed around Wild Hunt anomalies to make sure they fall back in a timely fashion.
Sousi:
Thanks for your kind assistance. I'd better make a move — Ratniki from other sites should have sent reports back here, and I'll need to sort them out promptly.
Paimon:
Righty then. Seeya!
Paimon:
Bet this huge cannon's a real sight when it fires.
Ineffa:
That is correct. A huge crowd tends to gather on its own accord on such occasions.
Ineffa:
Pure, bright energy rays have never failed to inspire obsessed admirers. If you are interested, you can come back later to behold it in all of its glory.
Paimon:
Sure. We did help fix it, after all, Traveler. It'd be weird if we didn't want to see it in action.
Paimon:
Oh, yeah. Wonder where that strange phantom went, never mind what it's doing...
Paimon:
Let's try our luck at The Flagship. See you later, guys!
Aino:
Heheh! Just be sure not to miss my masterpiece in action!
Go to The Flagship tavern
Paimon:
Is it just Paimon, or are there more people here now? Just as well, since we're sniffing for intel and all...
Traveler:
Might as well go in and ask around.
Paimon:
And maybe — just maybe — let's get some of their Berries and Fried Meat too, huh? We still haven't had it yet!
Traveler:
Ah, now you show your true motives.
Paimon:
Aw, c'mon... Why so uptight?
Valta:
Excuse me, are you guests? Ah, if you wish to return to your room while the Banquet is on, please use the side door.
Paimon:
Uh, no, we're not heading back to our room. Are we not allowed in here right now?
Valta:
That is correct. Only those invited to the Banquet may enter. Our goal is to ensure that our regulars can enjoy peace of mind and comfort, so that they can speak freely with one another.
Valta:
Haha. Familiar with our ways already, I see.
Valta:
But here in Nod-Krai, "channels" hold equal value to Mora. I am but a lowly employee, so you'll have to forgive my inability to help in this matter.
Paimon:
It's fine. Can't be easy being you.
Paimon:
Hmm... Looks like we'll have to switch "channels," then...
Traveler:
And I know just the person.
Paimon:
Nefer, right? The Curatorium does seem to already have an amazing intel network up and running.
Paimon:
B—But if we ask her straight up, she'll likely squeeze us for all we're worth...
Paimon:
Ooh, Paimon's got a plan! Lauma got Nefer to help her prep some medicine, right?
Paimon:
We'll be heading to Hiisi Island later anyway to ask Lauma to help us use the Moon Marrow... Couldn't we deliver the medicine while we're at it?
Paimon:
If Nefer doesn't mention a payment, we can cash our services in as a favor. If she does... then we can use it to haggle!
Traveler:
A cunning plan if ever I heard one.
Paimon:
Hehe, the thought of Mora made it worth the effort of thinking up, hehe... C'mon, let's go!
Visit the Curatorium of Secrets
Valta:
Apologies. If you wish to return to your room while the Banquet is on, please use the side door.
Paimon:
Hey Black Cat, we're here— Oh, it's you this time.
Nefer:
Hello, you two. What's up?
Paimon:
Not much, just here to say hi! Also, we'll be going to Hiisi Island later... so we can deliver the medicine to Lauma for you, if you need?
Nefer:
(How "thoughtful" of them... Bet they want something from me in return.)
Nefer:
Well... The faster the delivery, the better, naturally. And we're lacking free hands right now, so that would be a great help.
Nefer:
Jahoda's gone to get the medicine, and she should be back any moment now. If you have nothing else to do, feel free to wait here — I'll have someone bring you some snacks.
Paimon:
Don't mind if we do, then. Thanks!
Nefer:
Oh yes, I'm sure you've all heard about what's going on. Nasha Town's in turmoil, and right now, everyone wants intel — whether it's to strike it rich, save their lives, or escape whatever predicament they've found themselves in.
Paimon:
Ah, so you're busy making Mora. How nice...
Nefer:
It's not all good news, I'm afraid. We're stretched so thin that our clients have taken to competing for our services via "auction."
Nefer:
The price for taking priority slots has all but skyrocketed... In other words, we've had to suspend "free" intel handouts for now.
Paimon:
(She...! Ugh, she cornered us right away. Did she guess what we really wanted from the start?)
Traveler:
Is there anything we can do for you, then?
Nefer:
*sigh* If there's anything that worries me right now, it's the Wild Hunt. It affects everything we do, yet the number of people who can ensure "cargo safety" in the face of such a threat is vanishingly small.
Paimon:
Hmm? That doesn't sound too hard. If you need something delivered, hit us up and consider it sent!
Nefer:
Is that so? But... Ah, no, no, forget I said anything. I mean, you're great heroes. How could I waste your precious time on trifles like these?
Nefer:
Is there, now? You should've said so sooner! Far be it for me to extort you, of all people, for intel... But seeing as you so kindly made me an offer, I suppose I'll accept.
Paimon:
(Agh! What's there left for us to say here...!?)
Traveler:
On account of our previous cooperation?
Nefer:
More like... our common perspective.
Nefer:
Most who live here only wish to defend their own interests — but we are different, are we not? We both seek to resolve the chaos that the Wild Hunt has caused.
Paimon:
(Hmph... More like "make a profit off the Wild Hunt"! Paimon doesn't believe a word she says!)
Nefer:
Dissatisfied, are we?
Nefer:
The number of commissions over at the Adventurers' Guild spikes during tumultuous times too. Would you call taking those jobs for Mora a sin?
Paimon:
Well, uh... That's...
Nefer:
We might squeeze some advantage out of chaos, but equally, chaos could uproot everything we've built at any time. Such is the threat of the Wild Hunt today.
Nefer:
And what business would there be left, should it end in some great slaughter, or put to flight many who call Nasha Town their home?
Nefer:
And as I understand, the two of you are here in Nod-Krai to follow a trail of clues yourselves, no?
Paimon:
Well, yeah...
Nefer:
In that case, we should keep Nod-Krai the "paradise" people say it is. At least, until our respective goals have been accomplished.
Nefer:
You must understand. No force exists here that would inspire unconditional unity amongst all parties.
Nefer:
After that incident with Lauma, I'm inclined to believe you. Your selflessness is admirable, to be sure, and rare around these parts.
Nefer:
(Though it's rare for a reason, kid...)
Nefer:
Just a shame that our mysterious phantom has hidden itself well. Between that and its ability to shift shapes, it will no doubt be a most slippery customer.
Nefer:
Really, I'd be all too glad to pass on any additional intel I gain. We make a good team after all, don't you think? You front and center, me behind the curtain.
Paimon:
That... does make sense. Sorry, Nefer. Paimon took you for someone who only cares about profit.
Nefer:
A well-placed "only" indeed, Paimon. Nothing is wholly divorced from profit of some kind.
Paimon:
Wait. So you were ready to work with us from the start?
Nefer:
Why, of course. In fact, I was wondering when I might bring this up the moment you entered.
Paimon:
B—But...!
Jahoda:
Hey Boss, I'm back—! Huh? You guys are here too?
Nefer:
Indeed they are. In fact, they've volunteered to deliver the medicine to Lauma on our behalf, and totally free of charge. Such kind souls, aren't they?
Jahoda:
Really? Great! In that case, guess I'll be clocking out now—
Nefer:
Ah, ah, ah... Got a few more places for you to visit right here, dear.
Jahoda:
(Huh? Haven't I already worked a few days' worth of overtime already...? Eh, well, guess the extra Mora's pretty nice...)
Paimon:
Well, we'd better get this medicine delivered, pronto.
Traveler:
Wait a sec... Is this salt?
Paimon:
Huh? Surely not? The special medication from before wasn't salt, was it?
Jahoda:
Wait, that can't be! Let me see... Agh! This... This isn't right. How could it be salt!?
Nefer:
*sigh*...
Jahoda:
Ugh, it was raining back there, so... Could it have happened while I was resting in the store...!?
Jahoda:
Sorry! Sorry, Boss! I'll get it back right now. Trust me, I'm super fast!
Paimon:
Hey, hey! Slow down, you might get hurt!
Nefer:
Well, then. Any plans? If not, what say we go into town and ask around about the Wild Hunt?
Paimon:
We were thinking of doing that, but we didn't get much out of it... The townspeople are a bit wary of us, and we can't get into The Flagship right now...
Nefer:
Ah, yes. The Banquet is on today. Perfect timing — that's where we'll go.
Paimon:
Huh? Can you get us an invitation?
Nefer:
Oh, come now. What are we, sticklers for the rules?
Go to The Flagship once again
Valta:
Lady Nefer, a pleasure to see you. Oh? And our guests from earlier, I see.
Nefer:
That's right. My apologies, consider it my fault for not having explained the Banquet's rules to them beforehand.
Valta:
Oh, no, it was no trouble at all. Please, do come in.
Paimon:
Uh... Yeah, sure. Thanks.
Paimon:
(Not even an invitation check? Paimon didn't realize Nefer was such a big shot... Guess "channels" really do take you places.)
Mingle with the crowd and wait for an opportunity to act
After you enter, Nefer brings you and Paimon to a spot near the bar before walking into an inner room to talk business with The Flagship's manager.
As you wait, you notice that everyone seems wary of the two of you, and the volume of the chatter lowers significantly.
This stifling atmosphere persists until Nefer returns...
Paimon:
Finally! Now, what do we—
Nefer:
Pardon me. I'm sure we're all having a good time, but I would like you all to meet a mysterious guest I invited for just this occasion.
Nefer:
I give you tonight's special guest, a renowned mixologist from Mondstadt!
Paimon:
A—Are you serious!?
Traveler:
Ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor.
Paimon:
N—Nice to meet you all...
Nefer:
I'm sure that no more needs to be said about Mondstadt's wine industry — after all, we are all connoisseurs of fine drink here.
Nefer:
The special drinks menu is being set before you as we speak. Now then, for a time, let us set aside our worries and enjoy these exotic spirits from afar.
Kauro:
Ah, I see. A new face for the bar.
Dobrawa:
And here I was thinkin', "that ain't a familiar face." No wonder...
Mojca:
Well, it's a rare occasion to be sure. Wanna order a glass or two?
Satajalka:
Hmm, sounds intriguing...
Nefer:
I spoke to the owner. The bar is all yours.
Nefer:
The recipes are available for your perusal here. Not to worry, I've taken the liberty of removing the more... challenging options.
Traveler:
I guess we'll just have to give this a shot.
Traveler:
Previous experience coming in handy. Who'd have thought it...
Paimon:
How'd you set this all up so quickly?
Nefer:
Well, as long as you know what both sides need, negotiations are essentially just a process of confirming the deal. No one would turn a beneficial offer down now, would they?
Nefer:
The Flagship already had plans to invite a professional mixologist from Mondstadt anyway — so consider this a trial run, with the list of drinks brought out in advance.
Nefer:
Demyan will assist you. Serving guests with drinks will be the perfect opportunity for you.
Nefer:
Of course, every guest will have their quirks, so you'll have to be careful not to arouse their suspicions.
Paimon:
Got it. We'll give it a try.
Nefer:
In the meantime, I'll go mingle with some of the guests who... pique my interest. There'll be a little event during the Banquet's second half, by the way. See you then.
Deliver the drinks to the guests
Mojca:
Ever consider returning to Snezhnaya?
Satajalka:
Huh. Would I be killing myself with fright here if that was an option?
Take the opportunity to gather intel
Satajalka:
Tell you what. I envy people like you. I'm like a man in a leaking boat — soon to be food for the fish.
Satajalka:
I wouldn't have come to this dump if there were any better place to be.
Mojca:
Come now, surely it isn't that bad. We've still got the Lightkeepers.
Satajalka:
Heh. You trust 'em? I wouldn't. Wouldn't trust anyone, really. We're stuck with the Wild Hunt here. The Snezhnayans can't be bothered, the Lightkeepers can't spare the people... And everyone else? They're a mess.
Satajalka:
I'd sooner put an ounce of faith in that cannon...
Satajalka:
Forget it. Let's just drink. Let's see if this new mixologist is worth the billing.
Deliver the drink to the guest
Onni:
I doubt the Snezhnayans will stand idly by if this Wild Hunt problem gets any worse.
Rauha:
I wouldn't be so sure. Do they look like they give a hoot about anything other than their precious research?
Onni:
H—Hey— Tch...
Take the opportunity to gather intel
Rauha:
Bet you some people are just waiting for this place to fall further into chaos...
Onni:
You've got a plan for that, then?
Rauha:
Hard to say. But what I can say is that the situation in Nasha Town will get out of hand if that cannon isn't fired soon.
Rauha:
That gun's a symbol — the most solid proof that ordinary folks like us can stand up against the Wild Hunt.
Onni:
W—Wait. What are you angling for, exactly?
Find a place to be discreet and keep gathering intel
Rauha:
Well, what if that was nothing but an illusion? What if, let's say, the cannon was never meant to be fired, for our sakes at least?
Onni:
...Surely this town is still of value to those who control it?
Rauha:
Of course, of course. But that's all it is. Value. For us, though, there's no place but Nasha Town — and we're putting its life, and ours, in their hands.
Onni:
I get what you mean... *sigh* Let's just see how this plays out first.
Deliver the drink to the guest
Paimon:
Oh, so this order was yours, huh?
Nefer:
Indeed. So, any notable news?
Traveler:
Not for the moment.
Hintsa:
Ah, you two must be Nefer's friends. A pleasure to meet you. If you've got a moment, let's have a drink — on my tab, of course.
Paimon:
Paimon doesn't recall there being any other orders right now. Sure then, we can take a break.
Hintsa:
Haha. Then come, sit! Demyan, two Wildberry Trails, if you would — without alcohol. Much obliged!
Hintsa:
Hintsa's the name. I help out at the Rossum Workshop in town — they usually put me in charge of making and repairing simple machines.
Paimon:
Paimon's name is Paimon. Pleased to meet'cha!
Nefer:
...Anyway, help me keep an eye out, alright? Valuable intel will be suitably compensated.
Hintsa:
Oh, come on, is that how it is between us? I mean, I wouldn't even have this job if it hadn't been for your help back then.
Paimon:
So you've known each other a long time?
Hintsa:
That's right. I came to Nod-Krai with nothing at all. Would've starved on the streets if I hadn't met Nefer.
Hintsa:
She lent me money to study a craft, and even introduced me to Aino and the Voynich Guild, which is how I slowly carved out a living for myself.
Paimon:
That's... Yeah, that's a huge favor.
Paimon:
Huh, so Nefer can be a nice person sometimes huh?
Hintsa:
Haha! Well, I'd also say she needed a willing and able machinist at her disposal.
Traveler:
Wait, don't we already have Aino for that?
Hintsa:
Come now, Aino's talents are better spent on issues bigger than basic machine repair and component manufacture.
Hintsa:
I did think myself a dab hand at such work at first, but compared to her, I might as well be a trainee who couldn't weld a wire to save his life. Got the scoldings to show for it, too.
Hintsa:
It took me a long while, but I finally got to the point where I could make my own machines and even maintain some of Aino's relatively complex ones, like kuuvahki detectors or mechanical arms.
Nefer:
He's the one responsible for maintaining Jahoda's robotic arm.
Paimon:
Ooh, speaking of that, didn't Sousi have a mechanical arm too?
Hintsa:
That's right, one of Aino's masterful designs. I could never design one of those in my life, but if you gave me its blueprint, I could hammer one out.
Hintsa:
Nowadays, I've got regular customers, which makes for a decent keep. Even got a kid, if you can believe it — I wouldn't have, had you told me my future when I first arrived here.
Hintsa:
On the flipside, being a family man means I can't just flee this place whenever I feel like it... so I'm afraid I'm counting on you to help solve this Wild Hunt crisis.
Nefer:
All the more reason to be proactive and do your part. Wringing our hands in despair does us no good in times of crisis.
Nefer:
Oh, wait. Just another question that's been bothering me. Have you heard anything about people seeing illusions within Wild Hunt anomalies? People they know, perhaps?
Hintsa:
Hmm. I have heard of humanoid shapes being sighted, but familiar faces... No.
Hintsa:
Most would think they'd lost their wits from fright if they started hallucinating. After all, no ordinary person could survive an assault from those monsters.
Hintsa:
Does this have anything to do with our current Wild Hunt crisis?
Nefer:
Perhaps, perhaps not.
Hintsa:
Ah, alright, I get it. I'll keep my ear to the ground for you — and naturally, my lips will stay tightly sealed.
Nefer:
Then we'll take our leave. Enjoy your drinks.
Nefer:
He's a social man. You can often find him here chatting with friends, and he's had contact with all manner of clients.
Nefer:
Since he's never heard of the Wild Hunt exhibiting the power to imitate familiar faces, might it be safe to assume that our phantom wants to keep that a secret?
Paimon:
Huh, that does sound worth noting... How about we go talk to a few more people?
Nefer:
A good idea, and one our upcoming activity will facilitate. Let me show you how it's done.
Nefer:
Come, back to the bar.
Return to the counter and take part in the activity
Demyan:
Thank you for waiting, everyone. The Roulette Showdown is ready to begin.
Kauro:
Finally! Haha.
Dobrawa:
C'mon, let's go try our hand.
Tuija:
Joining us, new guy?
Paimon:
Uh, we'll pass...
Tuija:
Haha, no you won't. The one who'll be mixing the Roulette Special has to take part — those are the rules.
Paimon:
Ah, but...
Traveler:
(There's Nefer's hand-signal again. Let's go with it.)
Traveler:
Sign me up.
Tuija:
Haha! That's more like it!
Nefer:
Since we have a new friend with us today, let me go over the rules in brief.
Nefer:
The wheel before you is divided into an inner and outer circle. Participants must take turns to spin the pointer of the inner circle. Whatever beverage it stops at, our lucky contestant will drink.
Nefer:
The drinks are divided into juice, tea, and alcohol, with that last further divided into three levels by intensity.
Nefer:
Spin your way to a non-alcoholic beverage, and you'll score no points. Otherwise, you get 1 to 3 based on alcohol content.
Nefer:
During a round of drinking, one participant may choose another with less points than them, and pose a question, which the other party must then answer.
Demyan:
This sounds like it might favor those who score higher, but push your luck, and you might not recall any answers you were given the next day. Defeats the purpose, wouldn't you say?
Tuija:
And that's why the person mixing the drinks has to take part. Y'know, just in case they decide to pour heavy, then sit back and watch the show.
Satajalka:
(Not that our newcomer looks like the drinking type. Either way, looks like we're in for a show.)
Nefer:
Anything you drink will be replenished — and additionally, I have decided to sponsor a "grand prize" for this grand occasion...
Nefer:
...A single serving of "Dark Horse."
Kauro:
What? Do my ears deceive me? A chance to drink "Dark Horse" in Nod-Krai?
Mojca:
"Dark Horse," eh... Guess we'll have to take part now, huh?
Nefer:
Hehe... Indeed, the "Dark Horse" could be yours to enjoy, so long as your luck holds — and so long as you can remember its taste the day after.
Nefer:
And if our lucky winner can drain the whole serving in one go, they will gain the right to ask everyone a question, regardless of their score.
Paimon:
High-risk, high-reward... That's gotta be some strong alcohol.
Nefer:
Now, if there are no other questions, let us begin. Allow me to get the ball rolling.
Nefer:
Intensity 3? Looks like I'll have to put my back into it today.
Mojca:
Let's go!
Paimon:
Wow, this is kinda intense...
Tuija:
My turn, my turn! Alright, man, 'fess up. You've been making a killing lately — where's it all been coming from?
Satajalka:
Hey, bro, I heard you met up with some big shot from the Voynich Guild! Mind introducing me sometime?
Mojca:
Tch... A normal drink, huh? Must be my lucky day.
Demyan:
We've reached the final round of the Roulette Showdown. Let's see who gets the last laugh.
Mojca:
Gotta shay, you Mondstadters really know your alrcohol... Those rrecipes are... superr good... teash me, would ya...
Kauro:
Hahah, I wuz wantin' to ask 'bout yer waif... Err, your wife...
Traveler:
(I've rolled non-alcoholic drinks without fail the last few rounds. This zero-point game is no accident...)
Traveler:
(Similarly, Nefer's been maintaining an ever-so-slight lead, and has been using it to ask ever-so-slightly probing questions. That can't just be luck.)
Traveler:
(I can tell that Dobrawa was lucky enough to survive stumbling into a Wild Hunt. But Nefer's turn is...)
Demyan:
You're up.
Traveler:
(...!)
Traveler:
(...Ahhh. She left him to me.)
Tuija:
Whooooa! Newface here just drew the "Dark Horse"!
Satajalka:
Bottoms up! Bottoms up!
Traveler:
...
Paimon:
H—Hey. Will you be alright, Traveler? You wanna just give this one to Paimon?
Tuija:
Whoa, he actually downed it in one gulp!
Dobrawa:
Nice job! No wonder you Mondstadters have such a reputation!
Traveler:
What did you see while you were inside the Wild Hunt anomaly?
Dobrawa:
Me? Well, what do you think? Monsters, of course!
Traveler:
Only monsters?
Dobrawa:
Absolutely. If there was something else, I didn't stop to see it. Just took off as fast as I could...
Dobrawa:
Oh, and guess who showed up just as I'd gotten out of there? Those good-for-nothin' Ratniki, that's who.
Dobrawa:
If my luck had been just a little worse, they'd have found nothing but my corpse — or whatever was left of it, anyway.
Dobrawa:
...Either way, there's nothing in there you'd want to see.
Traveler:
(Even those who have had a personal encounter with the Wild Hunt know nothing about the strange phantom we saw. It seems Nefer's judgment was on point.)
Nefer:
I see some downcast faces. Why, have we all hit our limit?
Tuija:
Says who? I'm still raring to go!
Kauro:
Cuz you... din' drink... Dat mush...
Nefer:
Hehe, in that case, let me raise another glass — to a blast of a Showdown, and a wonderful evening.
Deliver the drinks to Nefer
Paimon:
Hmm? Are they playing cards? Paimon spies some Elemental Dice...
Nefer:
Same as usual, then? One die, 100,000 Mora.
Korhonen:
I'm not here to do business with you...
Nefer:
Come now, I've already ordered us drinks. Or are you looking to add another line to your ledger of arrears?
Korhonen:
...
Paimon:
O—Oh, so this is a business deal?
Nefer:
So, let's go over this again. One die, 100,000 Mora.
Nefer:
...
Korhonen:
...
Nefer:
...
Korhonen:
...
Nefer:
Hehe, then we have a deal. Come, you two, take a seat as well.
Korhonen:
*sigh* What are we even doing here?
Korhonen:
I can give you three things: The features of the Wild Hunt, the exact locations where it has appeared, and the intel we've received from the Lightkeepers.
Korhonen:
The Wild Hunt is in fact a phenomenon linked to Abyssal power. Fog and monsters follow in its wake, posing a lethal danger to ordinary people.
Korhonen:
On the flipside, these monsters cannot leave the fog, so the disaster cannot spread quickly—
Nefer:
We already know all that.
Korhonen:
*sigh* Fair enough. Then I won't beat around the bush.
Korhonen:
Here's a map of current Wild Hunt anomalies that I snagged from the Lightkeepers, including the locations they'll soon be bombarding.
Paimon:
That's... a lot.
Korhonen:
We've never seen anything like this either. That's why everyone's so worked up.
Nefer:
That's not enough. Four dice.
Korhonen:
Cool it, alright? I'm not done...
Korhonen:
Now, the Lightkeepers don't want you to know this, but weirdly enough, more Wild Hunt sites have disappeared than their involvement would indicate.
Paimon:
Isn't that normal? They're not the only ones fighting the Wild Hunt, after all. Adventurers do that too... and maybe some just go poof by themselves?
Korhonen:
I'd agree. And really, we've always had a small, stable discrepancy between reported anti-Wild Hunt ops and anomalies cleared. That variance... has become a gulf lately.
Paimon:
What could that even mean...
Korhonen:
I've got two theories. One, that some new force is clearing the Wild Hunt out in secret... or two, that some Ratniki are not reporting the work they do on purpose.
Korhonen:
The odds of the former happening is low. Not many organizations can even engage the Wild Hunt, never mind keep those operations a secret.
Korhonen:
If you're interested, I'd recommend following the latter train of thought.
Paimon:
Hmm, Paimon doesn't really get it... What would anyone gain from doing that?
Traveler:
Let's just note it down first.
Nefer:
Now that's what I call interesting intel. No wonder you've been doing well for yourself lately — even if you've mostly just been reselling my intel.
Korhonen:
Please... stop. This is all I've got for you.
Nefer:
Oh, stop that. Why, people might start thinking me a bully.
Nefer:
Let me give you an opportunity, instead — out of respect for your independent intelligence-gathering. An answer to a simple question, for 50,000 off your debt.
Nefer:
Have you heard of people seeing familiar faces within a Wild Hunt anomaly, or experiencing something akin to, say, an illusion?
Korhonen:
No, nothing like that. Nothing at all but ghostly shadows...
Nefer:
Nothing at all, hmm? Not even for 50,000 Mora? Either you don't take your debt seriously, or you're confident you can pay it off...
Korhonen:
H—Hey, no means no, alright? This is about my dignity as an intel broker — Mora doesn't factor in here at all.
Nefer:
Okay, well that puts me at ease.
Korhonen:
Ugh, you really are the same as ever...
Nefer:
And you've learned quite well. Go on, then. I'll swing by again — sometime soon, perhaps.
Korhonen:
...
Paimon:
So... You're his creditor?
Nefer:
Indeed I am. He's resold my intel quite a few times now, pocketing the difference afterwards. Rather dishonest dealing, if I may say so.
Nefer:
As luck would have it, he would only purchase information from me when he was just about done negotiating with his buyer, so I arranged a little something just for him. A painful lesson, you might call it.
Paimon:
Ergh, that sounds brutal...
Nefer:
Oh, I was downright beneficent in charging for that betrayal. It was more about the message, really.
Traveler:
Good thing we're on the same team...
Nefer:
In any case, I believe that's all we'll get here. Let's go through what we've learned outside.
Analyze the information you have with Nefer
Nefer:
Most of our intel seems quite dispersed, so let's try piecing it all together.
Paimon:
Well... First, no one else has seen that weird phantom, apart from our encounter on Starsand Shoal.
Nefer:
Indeed. And we have that from multiple accounts, so each statement corroborates the others.
Paimon:
What in Teyvat could that phantom be planning...?
Traveler:
The Wild Hunt anomaly that occurred at Starsand Shoal seems quite unique.
Nefer:
Agreed. Instances of the Wild Hunt afflicting Nod-Krai in general have increased in frequency, but the phenomenon itself hasn't changed much.
Nefer:
What you encountered must have been something special, with our mastermind concealing themselves within... in order to target the Moon Marrow.
Nefer:
In which case, two questions arise: Who is this mastermind? And why would they want the Moon Marrow?
Traveler:
(Additionally, that intel broker mentioned that some Lightkeepers might be withholding information. Given the inconsistencies in Flins's words and deeds, he might be a likely suspect...)
Traveler:
(But... let's not share that with Nefer for now.)
Nefer:
I'll continue investigating along these two lines. We can reconvene again if any progress is m—
Jahoda:
I—I—I'm back!
Jahoda:
Luckily, the store owner kept the medicine bottle I left on the table safe for me. Here you go!
Paimon:
Thanks a bunch, Jahoda! Take a break, you've earned it.
Jahoda:
Oh no, I've got work to do later, and anyway, isn't the cannon about to go off?
Jahoda:
I was watching it the whole way back, praying it wouldn't fire — not until I got back, y'know? Again, lucky me.
Paimon:
Huh, so you're interested in that big gun?
Jahoda:
Of course! I mean, just think about it. Something that size is bound to be comprised of thousands, even tens of thousands of parts, fused in such a way that it can operate smoothly and fire off a super-giant, super-strong beam!
Jahoda:
Isn't that just so cool— I mean, miraculous? Like, a miracle created through countless careful calculations?
Nefer:
Mmm. It has been a while since the last time it fired. Go on, feel free to go watch. Work can wait — for a while.
Jahoda:
Ah, thanks, Boss! Anyway, y'all wanna come? It'll be worth the while and worth your wait, I swear!
Paimon:
Eh, might as well. Fruits of our labor and everything, y'know?
Jahoda:
Woohoo, let's go! Kaboom!
Paimon:
Wow, what a crowd! People seem pretty excited, too. Just goes to show how big a deal this cannon is, huh?
Jahoda:
Oh, for sure! One shot, one kill — problems solved! Simple and practical, just the way we like it.
Jahoda:
And even if that wasn't how it worked, just listen to how it roars! If that isn't "power," I don't know what is...
Jahoda:
If only I had that kinda strength...
Paimon:
Hey, don't think like that! Your skills and smarts have been a big help to us too!
Jahoda:
(R—Really? They think that? Ohh... I'll do my best next time we work together, for sure!)
Paimon:
Hey, look, it's starting!
Mojca:
Whoo!
Onni:
Nice one!
Tuija:
Finally, all fixed up. Nothing to fear now, hahaha!
Jahoda:
Hehe, awesome. Felt that one in my bones!
Paimon:
Whew... That sure was powerful... and pretty dazzling, too! Guess that's why everyone's been counting on this thing. Surely the Wild Hunt doesn't stand a chance!
Jahoda:
Ahhh! I feel so... alive right now! Overtime? Hah. It's gonna be a piece of cake!
Paimon:
Y'know, Paimon's been wondering... If you're so interested in machines, why don't you go work for Aino?
Jahoda:
Hehe. That's what we call drawing a line between your work and your hobbies.
Jahoda:
I've got some mechanical talents, sure, but this job I have now? No one can do it but me — not even Aino or her silly robots!
Jahoda:
Anyway, gotta go. Seeya later—!
Paimon:
Says the person who got salt and medicine mixed up...
Paimon:
Huh... Looks like the crowd's breaking up as well. Let's head over to Hiisi Island — best not keep Lauma waiting.
After repairing the giant cannon and successfully dispersing the Wild Hunt, you make for Hiisi Island to attempt to get some clarity regarding the memories of your spaceship.
Go to Hiisi Island and give the medicine to Lauma
Paimon:
Let's see now... What's changed since we were gone?
Traveler:
Not as much as I'd imagined.
Paimon:
Yeah. If anything, looks like things are settling down. That's Lauma for ya!
Paimon:
Hey there, Lauma. We're back!
Traveler:
How have things been these past few days?
Lauma:
The clean up work has been much more complicated than I expected. Solving problems that have built up over time is a tall order, to say the least...
Lauma:
I believe it will take a few weeks more. Fortunately, those who remained appear to have shaken off the initial confusion and are becoming more proactive by the day.
Lauma:
It's as if they've finally been forced to come face-to-face with what their faith actually is.
Paimon:
And it's all thanks to you!
Lauma:
No, I... I should have done this a lot sooner.
Lauma:
I've been focused on taking care of myself these past few days, so I'm in a good place. And since you're looking after the Moon Marrow for us, I should be able to help you investigate the truth of the past.
Traveler:
Thanks for remembering.
Paimon:
Speaking of which, have you heard anything new about that phantom?
Lauma:
I've tried asking around, but to no avail.
Lauma:
What about you?
Paimon:
We haven't made much progress either, but here's what we've got...
Lauma:
I think I've got the gist of it... Sounds like you've got your work cut out for you too. Don't forget to take good care of yourselves.
Lauma:
In any case, come this way, Traveler.
Traveler:
...
Paimon:
What do you see?
Traveler:
(This is... Nod-Krai? This all looks familiar...)
Traveler:
(Is that... a shooting star in the sky?)
Traveler:
(No, wait! That's our spaceship!)
Paimon:
Is it over already?
Lauma:
This appears to have occurred a long, long time ago. The memories I sensed are highly turbulent and disordered, so that is all my power allows me to discern.
Traveler:
(At least we now know where our spaceship landed in Nod-Krai... Near Starsand Shoal, or so it seems.)
Traveler:
(That matches with what Lumine told me... But I want to know more...)
Luonnotar:
!!!
Paimon:
Huh? What's the matter?
Lauma:
The flowers changed color...
Traveler:
(These flowers are a reflection of The Damselette's powers. Does that mean she's...)
Traveler:
(I remember her mentioning that she wanted to use the Moon Marrow to restore some of her power...)
Traveler:
Paimon...
Paimon:
Yeah, we should go see her, and see if we can help her in some way.
Lauma:
I'll leave that in your hands, then.
Paimon:
Oh, wait — here you go! This is the medicine you asked the Curatorium of Secrets to help prepare earlier.
Lauma:
Ah. Thanks for coming all this way with it. You've been a huge help.
Lauma:
Also... If I may, I have a feeling that "Kuutar" might be able to help you get a more detailed glimpse at the memories about your spaceship.
Paimon:
Ooh, that's true. She's the Kuutar, after all!
Paimon:
But we'd best check if she's doing okay first.
Paimon:
Seeya later, then!
Go to the Silvermoon Hall to see The Damselette
Paimon:
Oh... She doesn't look so good...
Paimon:
S—Sorry for disturbing you, but are you okay?
The Damselette:
...
Traveler:
Has your condition worsened?
The Damselette:
...Dizzy.
The Damselette:
...It's like... I'm returning to the moon.
Paimon:
Wait, it's not that bad, is it!?
The Damselette:
Hmm? I... sense the moon's power... within you?
Traveler:
We got the Moon Marrow back from the Fatui. Can it help you in any way?
The Damselette:
Mmm... And what do you require this time?
Paimon:
C'mon, don't even think about that. Right now, you gotta focus on getting better!
The Damselette:
...
Traveler:
(Has this just become habitual for her, after living in relationships of mutual benefit for so long...?)
Traveler:
I might need your assistance in the future.
The Damselette:
...Oh. Very well.
The Damselette:
Give me your hand.
You take The Damselette's hand and pass the power from the Moon Marrow slowly over...
The Damselette:
*exhale* ...Back to earth. My thanks.
Paimon:
Uhh, your feet never left the ground... But anyway, feeling any better?
The Damselette:
Significantly.
The Damselette:
The moon within your body... it is as silent as a reflection in the water... Fascinating.
The Damselette:
I merely drew forth a ray of its light from the water. Enough to keep me tethered to the ground for now.
Traveler:
I think I sensed some other changes as well...
The Damselette:
That is the "Moon Goddess's Favor." All things I come into contact with will bear this mark.
The Damselette:
It is harmless, and will fade over time.
Paimon:
Speaking of which, do you wanna be the Moon Marrow's custodian, now that you've got your power back?
Paimon:
It's supposed to be something that belongs to a "god" in any case, right?
The Damselette:
It is the remains of Aria, Goddess of the Eternal Moon.
Paimon:
So it does have to do with... Wait, what!?
The Damselette:
Did you not know this already?
Paimon:
Lauma just said it was different from the other fragments, and that she could sense divine power within it.
The Damselette:
And she is correct. When I drew that ray of moonlight from the Marrow, I also drew some memories from within.
The Damselette:
That is how I know that it belongs to the Goddess of the Eternal Moon.
Paimon:
But Lauma also saw the past by using the Moon Marrow. Why didn't she see that...
Traveler:
(Lauma mentioned that she could only catch brief, blurry snippets... Perhaps this is something that only a Moon Goddess could sense...)
The Damselette:
There were once three moons in the sky, each belonging to a goddess who ruled over it.
The Damselette:
But after the war of funerary flame, all three lay slain, and two of the three moons were shattered during the conflict.
The Damselette:
After Aria's death, her power coalesced into this Moon Marrow...
The Damselette:
The Iridescent Moon's remains have never been found, and while the Frost Moon's goddess died herself, her moon was never broken.
The Damselette:
As the prophecy stated, this moon would birth a new deity sooner or later — the entity the Frostmoon Scions call the "Kuutar."
The Damselette:
I can sense that my power belongs to the Frost Moon. But it lies beyond the false sky, too distant from me.
The Damselette:
Forget "controlling" it... "Sensing" it alone requires immense effort.
Paimon:
W—Wait, l—let Paimon count this up... We have the Eternal Moon's Marrow with us, no one can find the Iridescent Moon's... Does that mean you have the Frost Moon's Marrow inside you, then?
The Damselette:
No. It can only form after the moon goddess is dead. Consider it a form of energy core.
The Damselette:
You may as well ask if there are rocks on the moon.
Paimon:
Oh, so you're saying that you represent the Frost Moon's power, right?
The Damselette:
Yes. Now, a god with a Gnosis is named an Archon... Since you bear the Moon Marrow, does that make you a "Moon Goddess"?
Traveler:
I doubt that's the same thing...
The Damselette:
You do not wish to become one?
Paimon:
That's not really the problem here! Also, why are you so eager to pass that title on to someone else!?
Paimon:
Anyway, never mind this "becoming a Moon Goddess" stuff for now. We're asking if we should return this Moon Marrow to you.
The Damselette:
I do not desire it.
Paimon:
Huh?
The Damselette:
Nor does it desire to come to me.
Paimon:
And... What does that mean?
The Damselette:
When I came into contact with its power, I sensed a kind of... "rejection."
The Damselette:
I can only guess that this is because I, too, am a Moon Goddess. Two moons will not rise at the same time, let alone consume one another.
Traveler:
Guess it's stuck with me for now, then.
Paimon:
You sure that's gonna be okay? Lauma did say that you've hidden its power well, but The Damselette sensed it just fine.
Paimon:
And it's the Wild Hunt we're dealing with here, not some run-of-the-mill enemy. If it detects the Marrow...
The Damselette:
The Wild Hunt? You speak of that phenomenon as if you were describing a person.
Paimon:
Well, it sure looks like there's a person behind it all — someone with a super clear goal, too. They've been after the Moon Marrow non-stop!
The Damselette:
That seems to ring a bell...
Paimon:
Huh? Does it really?
The Damselette:
My colleagues used to mention someone, back when I was still with the Fatui.
The Damselette:
He hailed from Khaenri'ah, gaining Abyssal power during the Cataclysm... and he had a consuming fixation on the moons...
Paimon:
Khaenri'ah? Well, we don't know if the phantom we saw has anything to do with that, but the details kinda match... What was his name?
The Damselette:
I only know what others called him — the "Rächer of Solnari."
Traveler:
One of the Five Sinners!?
The Damselette:
Ah... There was that title too, yes.
Paimon:
Eh!? Wait a second... Dain mentioned him, didn't he? D—Does that mean that our enemy is Rerir, one of the Five!?
Traveler:
If that was the case, surely he'd be stronger than this, though...
The Damselette:
I have heard that he disappeared not long after the Cataclysm.
The Damselette:
But when I asked my colleagues where he went, they replied, "Do you really not know?"
Paimon:
Why would they say that...
The Damselette:
The tale of his final fate has it that he fell into the "moon's reflection," from which there can be no return.
Paimon:
Wait, hold up, pause... There's just... too much information!
The Damselette:
I felt the same. They seemed to think that I should be the one who would know everything about the moons.
The Damselette:
But as I said... My "prologue" lies beyond the false skies. I do not even remember my name...
Paimon:
Oh...
The Damselette:
Either way, following his departure, the Wild Hunt situation worsened drastically — and it has since become a byword for Abyssal disaster.
The Damselette:
The present phenomenon may have inherited the same title, but it far surpasses its past incarnation in both scale and lethality.
Paimon:
Ugh. To think that we're up against one of the infamous Five Sinners...
Paimon:
That's way too much for us to handle! That incident on Starsand Shoal must've been luck, then... or maybe he wasn't giving it his all?
Paimon:
And even then... He still defeated Marionette...
The Damselette:
Oh? What did you just say? Would you mind... repeating that?
Paimon:
Err... That's your... ex-colleague? So... we were on Starsand Shoal together, and she was beaten by the Wild Hunt too...
The Damselette:
...
Paimon:
Did you just... laugh?
The Damselette:
...No.
Paimon:
(She totally did!)
Paimon:
Are you two on bad terms, or something?
The Damselette:
No... I simply imagined the put-out expression she must have worn in that moment, and found it... interesting.
Paimon:
She seemed quite shaken.
The Damselette:
Oh, she'll adjust soon enough. She's very good at that.
Paimon:
Okay, anyway... We've gotten off topic. Now that we know how dangerous the guy targeting the Moon Marrow is... You sure you wanna carry it around with you, Traveler?
The Damselette:
If Fatui intelligence is to be believed, Rerir would prevail even if all of Nod-Krai were to stand against him.
The Damselette:
Perhaps something restricts him... if only for the moment.
Traveler:
...
Traveler:
Before I decide, there's a favor I'd like to ask you, Columbina.
The Damselette:
What do you need?
Traveler:
Do you think you'd be able to show me what happened when my sister and I arrived in Nod-Krai? I mean, when our spaceship first landed?
The Damselette:
Sure.
Paimon:
That was quick!
The Damselette:
As I said — this, to me, is but a single ray of moonlight. Nothing to it.
The Damselette:
Give me your hand, and ready yourself.
Traveler:
...
Traveler:
(This is what we saw before, only clearer...)
Traveler:
(It seems we landed safely, at least...)
Traveler:
(...)
Traveler:
(A lot of time appears to have passed...)
Traveler:
(We're still inside the spaceship. To think we were in there for so long... When did Lumine get out, I wonder?)
Traveler:
(Wait. Is that... Lumine!?)
Traveler:
(But, how can that be? No one left the ship from the moment we landed... The door hasn't even been opened yet!)
Traveler:
Where... is this?
Lumine:
Aether! Come on! We have to leave this place!
Traveler:
What?
Paimon:
H—Hey! Are you okay?
Traveler:
Our spaceship... A long, long time passed after we landed...
Traveler:
No one left the ship during that time, but Lumine... found me from outside of it, somehow...
Paimon:
Huh!? How would that even be possible?
Traveler:
I don't know...
The Damselette:
The secrets within memories are like cookie crumbs. Take a bite, and they go everywhere.
Traveler:
(There's... something seriously strange going on here. I have to get to the bottom of this.)
Traveler:
(But as Nefer said, there'll be nothing to investigate if Nod-Krai is destroyed first...)
Traveler:
...
Traveler:
Alright. I'll keep the Moon Marrow with me.
Paimon:
Uhh... Well, if you say so, Paimon can't stop you, but still... oooh...
The Damselette:
Will you need my help?
Traveler:
Help with...?
The Damselette:
I could help you conceal the Marrow.
Paimon:
You could? That'd be great!
The Damselette:
Detecting it within you is already no easy task, but I can teach you to further conceal its presence using kuuvahki.
The Damselette:
Like this...
Paimon:
Ooh! Looks like a shield!
Traveler:
(This... feels so soft and gentle... just like the moonlight...)
The Damselette:
Can you sense it? Now, try to maintain it.
Traveler:
...
The Damselette:
You learn quickly.
Paimon:
Huh. Looks pretty sturdy. Could probably be used in self-defense in a pinch, huh?
Traveler:
Thanks for teaching me that...
Paimon:
Are you always here, Columbina? It's kinda dangerous out there, sure, but have you, like, taken a walk outside or something?
The Damselette:
...I ...
The Damselette:
...Dislike strangers.
Traveler:
And where do we rate on that scale?
The Damselette:
Slightly better.
Paimon:
Yeah! The Frostmoon Scions have changed since you last saw them. Who knows, you might actually like 'em.
The Damselette:
...
The Damselette:
I will consider it...
Paimon:
She seems kinda tired...
Traveler:
Probably hasn't spoken this much in a while...
Paimon:
Either way, thanks for agreeing to help us.
The Damselette:
...It wasn't much.
The Damselette:
The flowers here... They like guests like you.
With The Damselette, you not only uncover surprising truths from your memories but also learn the true identity of the phantom masquerading as your sibling. He may well be one of the Five Sinners Dainsleif once mentioned — Rerir, the Rächer of Solnari.
Return to see Lauma and share your new intel
You relate the gist of your conversation with The Damselette to Lauma (without the Moon Goddess joke.)
Lauma:
The Rächer of Solnari... I've never heard that name before.
Lauma:
Let's keep this news confidential for the time being. It would only cause even more panic amongst the people of Nod-Krai.
Lauma:
But if this Rerir is as you describe, he will be a truly formidable opponent if we try to take him on by our strength alone...
Paimon:
Yeah... Things might be okay if everyone was willing to work together, but right now...
Traveler:
If we don't stick together, we'll be picked off one by one.
Paimon:
Exactly! Whatever the case, let's start by telling those we can get to join up about the crisis!
Paimon:
As it happens, we have our own reasons to protect Nod-Krai... But even if we didn't, we'd never leave people in the lurch. That ain't our style!
Lauma:
Thank you. The Frostmoon Scions will stand with you to prevent this crisis as best we can.
Lauma:
In addition... I believe that the relationships between the various factions in this land are not cast in stone.
Lauma:
The winds of change are blowing, and we Scions have nowhere to run. Our faith, our sect... all of it is here.
Lauma:
Whether our foe is the Fatui or this Rächer, we must stand our ground and remain true to ourselves, even to the last.
Traveler:
Thank you.
Paimon:
Let's see... Speaking of allies, the Krumkake Craftshop is the closest by, right? Ineffa's sure to help us!
Contact Aino and Ineffa
Ineffa:
Friendly approach detected. We meet again.
Paimon:
Listen, listen, we've got updates on the Wild Hunt situation!
Aino:
Mmhmm, mmhmm...
Ineffa:
Threat level... exceeds expectations.
Aino:
Pfftooey! Doesn't matter if he's the Rächer of Solnari, or Solari, or whatever. One volley from my cannon and he'll be blown to smithereens!
Aino:
You were there when we fired it, right? If that isn't the kind of firepower that helps you sleep at night, I don't know what is!
Paimon:
True, but the cannon only works against shambling monsters, right? What if Rerir's super fast?
Aino:
Well... We'll just get Ineffa to go grab him and tie him down.
Paimon:
You're not taking this seriously at all, are you!?
Aino:
Anyways... Firepower's not a concern. See those canisters over there? That's all concentrated kuuvahki, which we'll be shipping to Nasha Town.
Aino:
More than enough ammo in there to blast that Fatui research facility to bits in a single shot!
Paimon:
You... sure have been looking forward to this battle, huh?
Aino:
Of course! This is gonna be the shot that shocks the world! All Nod-Krai — heck, all of Snezhnaya — will know my name once we're through!
Aino:
Sure. Travel safe!
Ineffa:
Aino, there remains intel left unshared.
Aino:
Ohhh, right, yeah... Since you're investigating the Wild Hunt, something pretty weird's happened in Nasha Town. Should probably watch out for that once you're back.
Aino:
Remember that Sousi guy, the Ratnik in charge of firing the cannon? He's... been found dead in their organization's offices.
Paimon:
Wait, what!? Didn't we just see him like... half a day ago?
Aino:
Yeah. It's still new news, so not many people are in the know. We were only informed because we'd worked together closely... and even then, only just now.
Aino:
I'll send Ineffa over to Nasha Town with some flowers later... *sigh*
Paimon:
He seemed like a good guy. Didn't put on any airs despite being a superior officer, either.
Ineffa:
The data concurs. This gentleman appears to have been one of the most accomplished amongst the Lightkeepers' Sergeant Majors.
Ineffa:
His character has also received commendation. Most would have lacked the motivation to fatally attack him.
Paimon:
That makes it even worse...
Aino:
Hey! What do you mean "actually"?
Aino:
Either way, I'm not clued in on the details. Only Ratniki have been allowed on-site to investigate the scene. You'll have to find some way in if you want to check it out for yourselves.
Paimon:
Got it. Let's go, then. You coming along, Ineffa?
Ineffa:
My tasks are incomplete. The last few batches of ammunition must be randomly inspected. You go ahead.
Paimon:
Alright, we'll see you later!
Go check on the Lightkeepers
Paimon:
This must be it. Doesn't look like there's any chance of us getting in with that Ratnik guarding the door, though...
Paimon:
Should we go speak to the guard first?
Nefer:
Might as well try squeezing blood from a stone.
Paimon:
Eh!? Nefer! When did you...
Nefer:
I came over to take a look as soon as I received the news just now. Aino told you about this, then?
Traveler:
Yes, while we were passing by the Krumkake Craftshop.
Nefer:
Before we start, shall we see if we've made the same guess?
Traveler:
Looks like the Wild Hunt is on the move.
Nefer:
Indeed. Quicker than we thought, as well.
Nefer:
Keep your eyes peeled for any clues once we get in. No need to jump to conclusions.
Paimon:
Uh, but how are we supposed to get in at all?
Nefer:
Just follow me.
Zvoni:
I'm sorry, but we're not open to guests right now.
Sieciech:
Sorry about that. They're here to investigate.
Zvoni:
...All of them?
Sieciech:
The paperwork checks out.
Zvoni:
Alright then, enter.
Enter the crime scene to begin investigating
On the way upstairs to the crime scene, you briefly relate the information about the Rächer of Solnari to Nefer...
Paimon:
Whew... Paimon might've said this before, Nefer, but you sure do come prepared.
Nefer:
Sieciech, my old friend — fill us in, if you would.
Sieciech:
Greetings. If you would allow me...
Sieciech:
The murder happened not long ago. The Sergeant Major was killed by a single piercing strike from a polearm. We have performed a preliminary sweep of the crime scene to facilitate investigation.
Sieciech:
No obvious signs of a violent struggle, no damaged doors or windows. The culprit must have used some other means to enter the room unopposed before performing the deed.
Paimon:
Entering unopposed... So, do you think there's a chance that the culprit would usually have right of entry?
Traveler:
(It could have been Rerir in disguise, like how he turned into Lumine...)
Sieciech:
At the moment, the most valuable lead we have is based on an eyewitness report from a nearby resident.
Sieciech:
Specifically, that Flins was seen entering and leaving this place in the time period when the crime most likely occurred.
Paimon:
Fl—Flins!?
Sieciech:
We have tried to contact him, but he has not replied.
Nefer:
Very odd indeed.
Paimon:
So... He's the prime suspect right now, right?
Sieciech:
To be honest, I'm not particularly inclined to believe that this was an inside job. Flins can come across a bit eccentric, but he does well in missions on the whole.
Sieciech:
He also had no disagreements with the Sergeant Major that we know of, so he lacks a motive to commit such a terrible crime.
Sieciech:
But neither the eyewitness report nor the nature of the fatal wound itself are in his favor... So we are looking for him at present.
Nefer:
Looks like there's not much else to dig up here. Let's go outside and discuss what we've seen.
Traveler:
...
Traveler:
Agreed.
Synthesize the clues you presently have
Nefer:
So, the evidence points to Flins, and he just so happens to have disappeared without a trace. A sticky situation indeed...
Nefer:
We know that this "Flins" could have been Rerir in disguise, but we lack the evidence to prove this to anyone else.
Nefer:
Furthermore, Flins has left us with many questions, all of which will require a reasonable explanation.
Paimon:
Yeah. He said he would report back to headquarters, but it seems he hasn't gone at all. What could he be doing...
Traveler:
(The first time I met Flins, I did notice that there was something odd about his lantern... Some power concealed within it.)
Traveler:
(Now that I think about it, that power was somewhat similar to Abyssal energies I've encountered before...)
Traveler:
(In the worst case scenario, "Flins" might be an entirely fabricated entity...)
Nefer:
Let's approach the issue this way. First, we must determine our culprit. Was it Flins? Or Rerir in disguise?
Traveler:
It's got to be the latter...
Paimon:
Yeah. What reason would Flins have to murder Sousi anyway?
Nefer:
None, as far as I know. And even if he had a motive, it would have been easier to do so out in the wild, rather than in Nasha Town.
Paimon:
Yeah, they would have often gone out on missions together — plenty of chances there.
Nefer:
Yes, but there's one thing worth noting here. Remember the intel we got back at the tavern? No one has ever seen a phantom that can take the form of other humans within the Wild Hunt.
Nefer:
This means that he has been hesitant to abuse this ability, or allow it to become common knowledge... Likely so that he could act in secret under other guises.
Paimon:
But no matter what, borrowing identities comes with risks, right? What if you bump into the person you're imitating along the way?
Nefer:
Precisely. In other words, his goal must have been worth the risk — similar to how he came in disguise to obtain the Moon Marrow.
Nefer:
He likely knew, then, that the real Flins would not appear and get in his way during this time.
Traveler:
And why was he able to determine that?
Nefer:
We'd have to ask Flins ourselves, I'm afraid. But we shouldn't jump to any conclusions here. We can't discount the possibility that he might actually be the murderer himself — not yet, at least.
Nefer:
And there are other, less likely scenarios — for instance, Rerir may have already killed Flins long ago, and been living as him for some time now...
Nefer:
Yes. That is our ticket to a breakthrough.
Paimon:
Then we've got to find him before the Lightkeepers do, or we might never see him again...!
Nefer:
Steady now. Our friend should be back soon.
Sieciech:
We've tracked him down — to a beach north of Nasha Town. The Wild Hunt is present too, so we're putting a force together.
Sieciech:
...I'll have you know that this is top-secret information I'm leaking here.
Nefer:
Don't worry. You'll receive a top-class reward in return.
Nefer:
The beach is all yours. I'll stay and slow the Lightkeepers down — things might go south if you bump into one another.
Paimon:
Oh right, before we go! Should we reveal Rerir's secret?
Paimon:
Since he's trying to keep it all hush-hush, why don't we just pull the curtains on his little trick? That'll teach him to sneak around pretending to be other people!
Nefer:
Hehe...
Paimon:
Hey! Why are you laughing?
Nefer:
Oh, I was just imagining how satisfying that would feel... But I'm afraid this revelation would only stir up more chaos.
Nefer:
Setting aside the matter of evidence, some may trust Flins on our account, whereas others would suspect him on account of his behavior.
Nefer:
Tossing him into a swirling tumult of public opinion like that might just give Rerir more opportunities to capitalize on.
Nefer:
And think about it — once people learn that he can masquerade as those they trust, would they continue to welcome friends into their homes with such open hearts?
Nefer:
Unease grips the hearts of those in Nasha Town already. We should avoid throwing more fuel onto the fire.
Paimon:
...Yeah, you're right. You've really thought of everything, huh? Nothing for it, then. We've just gotta find Flins!
Nefer:
Indeed. But just in case, let me stress once more — we should neither be excessively afraid of "Rerir," nor trust in "Flins" too lightly.
Nefer:
This light source is of special Lightkeeper design. It provides illumination within Wild Hunt anomalies, and can briefly dispel the Abyssal fog within.
Paimon:
Oh, right, we'll have to deal with that mess too... Yeah, this'll be important. Thanks a bunch, Nefer!
Nefer:
You're welcome. I've charged it to your account, by the way.
Paimon:
Hey, you—
Help Flins
movie
Flins engages in a fight against the Rächer of Solnari, cloaked in mist. His lamp is corrupted by the Abyss, and he himself is wounded as a result. Your timely arrival stops the Rächer of Solnari from landing a deadly blow.
You sense that the lamp has been corrupted and ask Flins to hand it to you. The two of you reach an accord, and with Flins's protection, you successfully purify the Abyssal influence within the lamp and restore it to its former radiance.
Flins catches the lamp as you toss it back and drives his spear with thunderous force at the Rächer of Solnari, dispelling the mist cast over the shore. Unfortunately, the Rächer of Solnari vanishes once more.
Paimon:
So you were tangling with Rerir out here, all by yourself.
Flins:
So... That vile phantom hiding inside the Wild Hunt has a name of his own— Argh...
Traveler:
Let's find a spot to rest first.
Paimon:
Yeah, you don't look so good...
Flins:
...Sorry you had to see me like this. All the same, you have my sincere thanks for your aid.
Flins:
To think you had the power to so easily cleanse the filth staining the lantern, which tormented me so...
Flins:
Might I ask what magic that was, or whose pupil you are? I believe I might have saved some face had I mastered just a fraction of such abilities.
Traveler:
I don't understand it either. Just my constitution, I think.
Flins:
And an enviable constitution it is. A pity that such abilities cannot be acquired.
Paimon:
Why did Abyssal power just burst out of your lantern, anyway...?
Flins:
That is a long story. Many moons ago, when on Wild Hunt clearance duty, I shattered one of its cores, only for a special crystalline object to fall out.
Flins:
I sensed a power surging within it that was at once familiar yet strangely illusory...
Flins:
I freely confess to being an avid collector of ancient gems, coins, and other curios. And curiosity it was that had me store this crystal inside my lantern.
Flins:
Afterwards, I wound up collecting a few more such crystals quite by accident, and discovered that they could merge into a single piece without my prompting... Though my understanding ends there.
Flins:
It was only recently that they began slowly emitting Abyssal energy, which could neither be dispelled nor weakened.
Paimon:
Is that what Rerir claimed belonged to him? That must be what he's after, then.
Flins:
I concur. And here's the kicker... Before, he was exceedingly weak. In fact, I've already beaten him several times, though I could not destroy him completely.
Flins:
But I noticed while engaging him that the crystal fragment would restrict my powers. As such, it occurred to me that I should hide it rather than tangle with him any longer.
Flins:
Alas, he has proved most fixated upon this fragment, and for some reason, his strength has grown by leaps and bounds since I last encountered him.
Flins:
And where, might I ask, would it be safe? Or do you think it wiser I threw it away?
Flins:
Were our places switched, would you discard it, knowing that its perilous might was beyond your ability to counteract, yet capable of causing greater harm should it lie beyond your grasp?
Paimon:
Yeah! Throwing it away would mean giving the bad guy what he wants! But exposing yourself to its corrosion and growing weaker by the day... That sounds super dangerous, too...
Flins:
Only those who shoulder risks are qualified to welcome in the turning of the tide. Those who flee when troubles come are nothing more than deserters...
Flins:
Though I shan't deny that I have your fortuitous arrival, and most outstanding assistance, to thank for my continued ability to speak such platitudes.
Flins:
Either way, it seems this fragment is now utterly still. That must have made it useless to Rerir — I doubt he would have retreated so readily otherwise.
Flins:
I imagine this wasn't the only reason you came looking for me, though...?
Paimon:
Uh, well, no, but...
You briefly tell Flins about Rerir's murder of Sousi, and about the subsequent attempt to frame him.
Flins:
Ah... I see.
Traveler:
Can you think of a reason why Rerir would try to frame you?
Flins:
To use the Lightkeepers to find me, I suspect. I did not inform anyone of my true whereabouts, so he should have had more difficulty tracking me down.
Flins:
They alone have the ability to quickly pinpoint my position. Our Sergeant Major has a kuuvahki-powered device that can be used to detect others who bear a lantern.
Flins:
They usually don't pay my whereabouts much mind, unless they absolutely must find me.
Paimon:
Uh, you mean this thing?
Flins:
Yes. Where did you pick this up?
Paimon:
We found it inside a lantern when we first charged into the Wild Hunt anomaly.
Flins:
It must belong to a Ratnik dispatched to investigate the area... who, it seems, dropped everything and fled the moment they saw the Wild Hunt massing to strike. Well, at least they're not dead.
Paimon:
Guess it's not surprising how they found you so fast, then. But... If Rerir could've shapeshifted into Sousi, why didn't he just use that kuuvahki device to find you himself?
Flins:
Were he to use it, that device would likely fail to act as it should — owing to Abyssal interference.
Paimon:
Ahhh, guess that explains it...
Flins:
So... Not only is this Rerir ruthless, but a purveyor of dirty tricks too.
Flins:
You might not be familiar with Sergeant Major Sousi, but he put his heart and soul into every mission.
Flins:
Our deployments are subject to orders from headquarters, and his orders were to be stationed long-term in Nasha Town. As such, he was very seldom able to go back and visit his family.
Flins:
He worked so, so hard, seeking to produce excellent results that might convince them to transfer him out.
Paimon:
Oh...
Flins:
But every year, they would say, "Wait a little longer." "Wait a little longer." He often wondered if it was because he was lacking somehow.
Flins:
In truth, everyone had nothing but the highest praise for him. But good work does not always lead to good outcomes.
Flins:
The higher-ups would think, "He's doing great where he is. Let him stay there forever." A most convenient choice, for them at least.
Flins:
Whereas his subordinates would think, "Wouldn't it be a shame if we were to lose such a talented, easygoing boss?"
Flins:
So he waited, and he waited. Until the world closed its eyes in the depths of the night, and a lantern was slowly lit for him alone, that no one could see.
Flins:
...
Traveler:
It's a tragic story.
Flins:
One that has played out many times throughout history.
Flins:
...Another reason to take this Rerir's head.
Paimon:
*sigh* At least we now know that he's looking for these fragments inside Wild Hunt anomalies...
Flins:
And yet, what did the Sergeant Major have to do with any of this? Why did he have to die?
Paimon:
Could Rerir be angry that the cannon Sousi set up to fire destroyed the fragments he wanted to collect?
Flins:
Hmm... Could you take me to the scene of the crime?
Flins:
We shall just have to exercise some discretion, then. Come on, let us be on our way.
Return to the crime scene in Nasha Town
Flins:
I understand the situation, more or less. Much has happened, I see.
Flins:
Either way, I suppose we were lucky not to receive a "warm welcome" on the way over here. It seems my fellow Lightkeepers do not wish to make this case public just yet.
Paimon:
Yeah... Guess Nasha Town's already been enough of a mess lately.
Flins:
Let's stop here. Any further, and the Ratniki might detect us.
Flins:
Since you two can enter, I'll have to request that you kindly "pick me up" once you're inside...
Paimon:
Oh? And how are we supposed to do that...?
Flins:
You'll know when the time comes. See you later.
Paimon:
Ugh, still acting all mysterious... But he seemed pretty confident, so guess we gotta trust him.
Paimon:
H—Hello...
Zvoni:
Ah, you're the special assistants for this investigation, right?
Paimon:
Yup, that's us.
Zvoni:
Well, you're just in time. We're basically done investigating the crime scene. All that's left is to finish writing up some records, then properly dispose of Sergeant Major Sousi's remains.
Zvoni:
If there's anything else you'd like to look into, this is your last chance to do so.
Traveler:
Find anything new?
Zvoni:
Sadly, no. The motive behind the killing remains a mystery, and while we somehow managed to get news of Flins, an unexpected accident caused us to miss him.
Zvoni:
But considering that Nefer from the Curatorium of Secrets came forward to help investigate, I have no doubt that a breakthrough's not far off.
Traveler:
(Expert use of delaying tactics on her part. Excellent work...)
Paimon:
We'll do our part too! Alright, we're going in. Seeya later!
Investigate once again
Paimon:
Phew, we're in — thanks to Nefer's reputation, once again.
Paimon:
But we still know nothing about how Flins is gonna enter, or how we'll pick him up... never mind how we'll leave later on.
Traveler:
...
Paimon:
Is something the matter, Traveler?
Traveler:
There's a strange light by the window.
Paimon:
Huh, that looks like Flins's lantern... But where is he, exactly?
Traveler:
...
Paimon:
Well, we've got the lantern. What now?
The light of the lamp quickly forms a familiar figure. In a moment, Flins materializes before you.
Paimon:
Waa— Ergh, Paimon almost screamed out loud! You never said you could do magic like that!
Traveler:
Now that's what I call going incognito.
Flins:
This lantern may have a rather peculiar shape, but so long as it doesn't glow, it won't stand out in the dark.
Flins:
I calculated that you would have already entered, so I chose a spot visible from the window before using light to send you a signal.
Flins:
As I thought, you're both sharp-eyed and on the ball.
Paimon:
Hehe, the perks of being veteran adventurers, huh?
Traveler:
What you just did... Surely that can't be accomplished through elemental power alone?
Flins:
Your composure is more impressive still. You're right. That required a little... trick of my own.
Flins:
But let us leave such trivial topics for a more relaxed moment. Our time is limited, after all.
Flins:
Hmm. Just as I thought... Come, try sensing it yourself.
Traveler:
(It's very faint, but there is some residual power near the wound that feels identical to the Abyssal energy that surged from Flins's lantern.)
Flins:
Identical powers must flow from the same source. It was the Wild Hunt, then, that took my form and killed the Sergeant Major... but why do this?
Paimon:
To sow chaos by depriving the Lightkeepers of one of their commanders?
Flins:
If the Wild Hunt's true form is powerful enough to stand against the world as you claim, I fear not even the full force of Lightkeepers could stand against him, let alone the handful of us stationed in Nasha Town.
Flins:
He would have no reason whatsoever to pick quarrels with individual "ants."
Flins:
Let's look again more closely. We must leave no stone unturned.
Flins:
Well, that makes things simpler. In that case, allow me to disturb the fallen. May the ghost-flame guide your spirit, may you rest in peace...
However, despite a very thorough search, few new clues emerge.
Flins:
When we fought, he seemed like quite a reckless foe — certainly not the meticulous mastermind type. Yet here we are, grappling with this enigma he has left us...
Paimon:
If we can't get any leads, we might have to go back and find Nefer...
Paimon:
Ugh, the longer we're stuck here, the likelier he is to achieve his goal... This is so frustrating.
Traveler:
(Is that all? Have we really tried every angle, found every clue?)
Traveler:
(Hmm...)
Traveler:
(...!)
Traveler:
Paimon, look at the flashing light on his arm.
Paimon:
You mean this...?
Flins:
I'm not well-versed in machinery... but that means his mechanical arm is malfunctioning, right? It might have been broken in combat...
Paimon:
No, that's not right. Paimon remembers this signal. We saw it before while repairing the cannon.
Paimon:
It doesn't mean that the components are damaged. It just means that they're due for regular maintenance, so the device has stopped operating...
Paimon:
But the real problem is that—
Paimon:
Yeah... He even helped us find the maintenance port!
Paimon:
It could still be a coincidence, but considering it hasn't been long at all since we were repairing that cannon...
Flins:
...The Sousi you met could have been Rerir in disguise. In other words, he played the Sergeant Major before disguising himself as me.
Paimon:
That's right! If only there was some way to prove it...
Flins:
You mean Hintsa?
Paimon:
We had a short chat with him once at the tavern, but it's so late... Guess it'll have to wait till tomorrow.
Flins:
I know where he lives. The situation is critical, so let us now take up the role of uninvited guests ourselves.
Flins:
Ah, yes, and one more thing...
Flins:
Remember to "pick me up" by the window.
Look for Hintsa and ask about the situation
Hintsa:
*yawn* ...Ah, it's you two... and Flins. Given the hour, I guess it must be an emergency?
Flins:
It is indeed. Our sincerest apologies for interrupting your rest.
Flins:
We're investigating a certain matter in connection with Sergeant Major Sousi. We'd like to know if he has sent you a request for maintenance to be performed on his mechanical arm.
Hintsa:
Sousi... Oh. So the rumors I heard... are they true?
Hintsa:
*sigh*... You know what? Forget it... I'm sure it's complicated. No further questions from me. Just a moment — I need to check my records.
Flins:
Thank you for your understanding.
Hintsa:
Got it. Eight days ago, he came to request a round of regular maintenance, but as it happened, I had run out of the required components.
Hintsa:
His mechanical arm is especially sophisticated, having been designed by Aino personally. The parts, too, could only be made by her.
Hintsa:
As such, they usually take several days to arrive. In fact, this time, he even asked me if we could push his request forward.
Hintsa:
And I understood, completely. Not being able to use your hand... That's rough for anyone, but even more so if your job involves fighting out in the wild. So I did my best to convince Aino to rush the job...
Hintsa:
And eventually, the parts arrived — three days ago, if I remember correctly. I sent word to the Lightkeepers immediately, but he never showed up. I assumed he was just out on some mission or other...
Hintsa:
Uh... What's with those faces? Everything alright?
Flins:
You've provided us with some very crucial information, Hintsa. You have our thanks.
Flins:
We can't make everything public yet, but once our investigation is complete, I will return to thank you and provide an explanation on behalf of all the Lightkeepers.
Hintsa:
No worries. Just glad I could help.
Paimon:
Thanks. Good night!
Hintsa:
Good night. Hope the investigation goes well.
Flins:
It seems that it is as we guessed. The "Sergeant Major Sousi" you encountered while repairing the cannon was actually Rerir in disguise.
Flins:
Eight days ago, he had yet to act, but at some point after that, he attacked and imprisoned the Sergeant Major.
Flins:
With the immense gap in strength between them, the job was finished in a single blow — and thus, Rerir had no opportunity to discover the malfunctioning mechanical arm.
Flins:
Perhaps his mastery of shapeshifting extends only to outward form — and not, therefore, to complex internal mechanisms. Hence his oversight of the uniquely mechanical traits of the Sergeant Major's arm, and in turn, this flaw in his disguise.
Paimon:
You're saying he thought no one would realize his mechanical arm was actually made of some kinda black muck on the inside, so long as it worked, right?
Paimon:
Hmm. Still seems like there's a lot of guesswork involved here, but it mostly makes sense...
Flins:
This also has me stumped for the moment. The cannon has always been used to destroy the Wild Hunt, and it works as intended.
Flins:
But how would that help Rerir, exactly...?
Flins:
Assuming he plans to collect the fragments within Wild Hunt anomalies, firing the cannon works against him, since it would blast those fragments to smithereens.
Paimon:
Ugh, so we solved one mystery only to dig up another...
Paimon:
This is getting Paimon kinda down... *yawn* and sleepy, too...
Traveler:
We've been on edge for too long, it seems.
Flins:
Yes, I'd say it is high time we took a break. Seems like there's a lot left to investigate.
Flins:
We'll have to fight Rerir eventually — and we'll do a poor job if we're not well-rested.
Paimon:
Yeah, we should totally get some sleep first...
Flins:
A reasonable suggestion. I have no doubt that my quarters have been turned inside out by now, at any rate.
Flins:
My colleagues have never failed to live up to my expectations of their discourtesy.
Paimon:
W—Well, guess we'll just have to "pick you up" as usual...
Flins:
That would be good, yes. Feel free to put the room costs on my tab.
Bring Flins back to The Flagship to rest
Paimon:
Whew, back inside! We can finally take a breather! Okay, Paimon, in and out!
Flins:
Haha, I suppose we could all take a moment to unwind. Hmm, as I recall, our first meeting took place not far from here. Ah, the nostalgia.
Flins:
Had you already sensed the unique power within my lantern at that time?
Traveler:
Yes, which is why I asked you to give it to me.
Flins:
I see. Ah, words truly do fail to capture your superlative insight.
Flins:
Fortunate, then, that Abyssal energy was only leaking from the fragment in miniscule amounts when we first met, or I might have been in for a real interrogation.
Paimon:
Yeah... Hard to say how that would've played out. We've had a whole bunch of unpleasant run-ins with the Abyss...
Flins:
You mean to ask why I'm going this far to oppose him? Well, as a Lightkeeper, I'd say I'm simply doing my job.
Traveler:
Come on, don't play games with me.
Paimon:
Yeah! You're covered in more mysteries than Paimon could shake a skewer at. You can't just get out of explaining yourself by making lame excuses!
Flins:
Hmm, alright. I suppose I do owe you some honesty, whether out of gratitude or the need to build trust.
Flins:
Your deductions have been quite correct. Should one wish to conceal oneself within a lantern, elemental power alone is not enough.
Flins:
You know humans well, and naturally, you understand their limits.
Flins:
But some things that humans would consider difficult are quite normal in the eyes of non-humans.
Paimon:
So you mean you're one of the latter?
Flins:
Have you heard of how Snezhnaya was once the realm of the fae?
Flins:
This race is no longer of any importance, but they still exist — as evidenced by the fact that I am standing before you.
Paimon:
We've heard some scattered legends, but... that's all Paimon thought there was to it.
Flins:
I once turned my heart toward humanity, and thus did I experience loss. I once labored and did much, and put an end to my tale with my own hands.
Flins:
When you realize you are floating in the middle of a vast ocean, you cannot help but feel that swimming in any direction would be equally meaningless.
Flins:
Would it not be better, then, to simply sink?
Flins:
But before I could sink to truly lightless depths, chance had it that I should be awakened by a band of Ratniki.
Flins:
They were facing a horde of Abyssal monsters, and could not last against such a disparity in strength, yet none fled.
Flins:
Those who dwell in darkness for long enough become exceedingly sensitive to all light — and the first light I saw upon awakening was that which shone from their eyes.
Paimon:
Is that why you chose to help them?
Flins:
Perhaps I was moved by their valor. Perhaps I simply saw my past self in them, and was moved to action for the first time in a long, long while.
Flins:
But I was freshly awoken, and my powers were limited. I could not prevent casualties altogether.
Flins:
The survivors and I buried the fallen heroes... That was the origin of the "Final Night Cemetery."
Traveler:
And that's why you chose to become a Lightkeeper...
Flins:
Well, not exactly. I was just more familiar with them, so joining up seemed the most convenient way to experience human life.
Paimon:
Doesn't sound too believable...
Flins:
Well, I believe it. Besides, I'm well past the age when one might believe in "things that must be done."
Flins:
Nonetheless, there are still some things I will not allow to happen. The chaos that Rerir has been stirring up is one of them.
Flins:
Tomorrow, I shall go and check our records to see if I can find any connection between the Wild Hunt, Rerir, and the cannon.
Paimon:
Will you need us to get you where you need to be?
Flins:
Oh, I'll be fine. I keep a backup copy at my residence in case of emergencies.
Paimon:
Can... you even go back there right now? Won't there be Ratniki watching it?
Flins:
Thanks for the reminder. I believe they'll have checked my place, but they won't have stayed. All things are ranked according to their priority, and we lack the manpower for such an open-ended stakeout.
Flins:
And even if someone is waiting, I have ways around that. I am the master of my own house, after all.
Paimon:
Alright then, we'll trust you. *yawn* We sure ended up chatting for a while, huh? Paimon's super tired now, but... Y'know, feels like we can breathe easier, now that we know you better.
Flins:
Haha. I didn't take you for the cautious sort.
Flins:
Anyway, I hope you'll help me keep this a secret. I'd prefer others not to know about my past unless strictly necessary, nor do I want to attract more trouble on account of being a fae.
Traveler:
Don't worry, I won't say a thing.
Paimon:
Paimon's lips are sealed too!
Flins:
Alright. Thanks again for your help. Good night, you two.
You and Flins discover that the cannon's firing is Rerir's doing, but his motives remain a mystery. Either way, you are running out of time...
Return to your room to rest
Paimon:
Ergh, so much noise... What's going on this time...
Urho:
Hey! Where's Flins!? Is he here, or isn't he?
Demyan:
We would be most obliged if you would pipe down a little, dear guest. Our other guests are resting...
Urho:
Resting!? We're all about to be done for, and you're talking about rest!?
Urho:
Flins is a Wild Hunt shapeshifter, here to deceive us all! If we don't get rid of him now, there'll be no end to this!
Gori:
You'd better give him up — if anything happens, your business here is done for. You want that, huh?
Taisto:
Or are you in cahoots with him? You with the Wild Hunt too, huh?
Paimon:
What happened? Did something leak out?
Paimon:
But we were so careful last night... How did anyone see us?
Paimon:
Wh—What do you mean?
Paimon:
This is so confusing... What do we do? These people are no match for Flins, but they're super heated right now...
Paimon:
It's not like all the unusual stuff about him will make it any easier to explain, either.
Traveler:
Let's go buy some time.
Paimon:
Okay!
Urho:
Hey! Let us in, now!
Demyan:
My apologies, my apologies.
Paimon:
Hold on! Calm down, everyone!
Nefer:
What in Teyvat is the meaning of this racket? Are you intent on depriving both the Voynich Guild and the Curatorium of Secrets of even a moment's rest?
Nefer:
Boss, do we really have to entertain people who don't respect the rules? Call a few of your boys and have them thrown out.
Gori:
And what hole did you crawl out of?
Nefer:
A watering hole, of course — the one you've just disturbed. A place to get a moment's respite from all the recent unhappiness, and to escape from all this talk of the Wild Hunt, or strange ghosts and phantoms.
Nefer:
Who'd have guessed people like you would come bursting in, shrieking louder than any ghoul?
Urho:
Tch. This is a matter of utmost importance! We've got solid evidence. All we need now is to confront Flins, face-to-face!
Taisto:
Exactly! And you sure don't look like an impartial party either, Nefer.
Nefer:
Oh, don't I now? How about this then, Boss? Let them do their search. If they find their man, they can have their little chat.
Nefer:
But if they don't, then they owe everyone here an apology — as well as compensation for all the racket they've caused.
Paimon:
Wait, it's... Huh?
Demyan:
Alright, alright... I suppose that's the only way. If we don't let them in now, they'll be back sooner or later... *sigh* What a mess.
Paimon:
Oh, alright then...
Nefer:
Well? I'd say that sounds like an impartial proposal. What say you? Or are you suddenly unsure of yourselves?
Urho:
Hmph. Come on, everyone. Move it!
Gori:
...No sign of Flins...
Taisto:
B—But... How can that be? Hasn't he always stayed here!?
Nefer:
Done searching, are we? Guess it's time to uphold your end of the bargain, huh?
Urho:
Waaaaaah!
After teaching the group a harsh lesson, Nefer finally lets them go. You leave the area as well.
Nefer:
So, Paimon. You've been waiting to ask me something, haven't you?
Paimon:
Yeah, uhh... How did they even find us here?
Nefer:
My inside man with the Lightkeepers informed me that you paid the crime scene a late-night visit. I surmised that you must have rendezvoused with Flins and obtained some new information.
Nefer:
Then, early this morning, a group of people gathered at the town gates, news spreading amongst them that the Wild Hunt could disguise itself by taking on familiar faces.
Nefer:
Everyone started throwing out the names of possible suspects — no one, seemingly, was exempt.
Nefer:
And amidst it all, Flins's name started gaining more and more traction. I'm sure his solitary lifestyle may have played a part, but I wouldn't discount Rerir throwing fuel on the fire in secret.
Paimon:
So, did Flins make his escape after hearing about this?
Jahoda:
Hehe. And that's where I — Jahoda, the quick-witted, fleet-footed backbone of the Curatorium — got my chance to shine!
Jahoda:
While everyone was super focused on the argument in the main hall, I alone noticed an opening—
Nefer:
I got her to climb up to a window to help Flins out, only for her to return with nothing but a lantern.
Jahoda:
...Aw, come on, Boss, I was just getting started!
Nefer:
We initially intended to bring Flins back to the Curatorium and wait those people out, but I never expected this to be all that was left.
Nefer:
I imagine, though, that he wouldn't have left something that was so seemingly important to him behind.
Jahoda:
Might he intend to come back and get it later? Maybe... I'm not sure.
Paimon:
W—Well, he's outta harm's way now, so that's not super important, right?
Nefer:
Oh?
Paimon:
What Paimon means to say is... We've got lots of new intel to share!
Nefer:
Hmm... Alright then. Jahoda, contact the others. We're going to need all hands on deck.
Nefer:
Let's have this discussion over at my place.
Go to the "Curatorium of Secrets" to inform your companions of the new intel
Nefer:
I see. So Flins has a fragment taken from within a Wild Hunt anomaly...
Jahoda:
Is he gonna be okay now that he's on his own again?
Paimon:
Earlier, he said that the fragment had gone still, so it's probably of no use to Rerir now.
Jahoda:
In that case, Rerir shouldn't have any reason to keep pursuing him, right? So was all that ruckus back at The Flagship just an act of spite, or what?
Lauma:
If I were him, I would have simply turned my attention to collecting other fragments.
Nefer:
A reasonable course of action. Remember what we heard back at the tavern, Traveler? The actual number of Wild Hunt anomalies destroyed has been greater than Lightkeeper records would indicate.
Nefer:
Some of these must have been Rerir's doing. He must have been seeking more fragments.
Paimon:
This much is pretty easy to understand... But why would he pretend to be Sousi and put so much effort into getting the cannon up and running again?
Jahoda:
Maybe 'cause that'd be more efficient than having to clear anomalies himself?
Aino:
Yeah, I'm confident that the ammo we're packing has the oomph to do that. But I am a mechanic, after all — for me, test data and their conclusions speak loudest.
Aino:
Why don't we find a few of those fragments ourselves and use kuuvahki to carry out a little experiment?
Ineffa:
Our lab could certainly accommodate such a test.
Paimon:
In other words, we gotta destroy a couple of anomalies and collect fragments from them, right?
Lauma:
Lightkeeper operations have just about ceased following the Sergeant Major's passing.
Lauma:
Meanwhile, the Wild Hunt continues to grow in scale by the day... I fear only we can keep the situation under control now.
Paimon:
Then we'd best act fast. Paimon's got a bad feeling about this...
Nefer:
A feeling we all share, I'm afraid.
Traveler:
(The fragments, the cannon, kuuvahki, Rerir, and the Abyss... There must be some thread linking all these factors together.)
Traveler:
(Besides, is getting revenge on Flins truly Rerir's sole aim?)
Traveler:
(We're missing some decisive connection here, but we're running out of time.)
Lauma:
There are three Wild Hunt sites that must be dealt with urgently... But I believe we have the capacity to handle it.
Aino:
Works for me. Ineffa and I will take our workshop assistants to deal with one of the sites.
Nefer:
The Curatorium will handle another.
Lauma:
And we Frostmoon Scions shall deal with the remaining one.
Lauma:
...
Nefer:
...
Paimon:
Heh, Paimon didn't think she'd ever get to see everyone here carrying out a plan together like this...
Jahoda:
Never mind you — this is a first for me, too...
Aino:
Let's head out, then. We'll meet back up at my lab with the fragments.
Nefer:
Understood.
Lauma:
Time is of the essence now. Our foe could make his next move at any moment, so we must stay in contact with one another.
Paimon:
Gotcha. Stay safe, everyone!
Jahoda:
Huh...
Jahoda:
Anyone seen the lantern? Has Flins dropped by already?
Go to the Final Night Cemetery to meet Flins
Paimon:
No one's guarding this place, just like he said. But, uh, where do we find the information he mentioned?
Flins:
This way.
Flins:
Let's move. We're running out of time.
Paimon:
Ah, there you are! Okay, let's split up and make this happen...
Paimon:
...Or not! How are we supposed to read through this many files!?
Traveler:
Yeah, this might be...
Flins:
Difficult, yes, but it is also our most efficient option.
Flins:
To expose the true intentions of this Rerir, we need to dive into Nod-Krai's history.
Paimon:
*sigh* Hope we don't land on our heads, then...
Paimon:
Ahh! Gh—Ghost!
Traveler:
What's the matter?
Paimon:
That file s—s—suddenly moved by itself!
Paimon:
This is a graveyard, right, Flins? D—Do these things just kinda... happen?
Flins:
Many strange things happen here, but this is not one of them.
Paimon:
B—But that file really did m—m—move by itself!
Paimon:
Hey, come out! D—Don't scare Paimon like that!
Traveler:
...
Traveler:
(I don't sense anything.)
Flins:
Hmm? "Wild Hunt Phenomena Log"? Hmm...
Paimon:
Hey, another file's moving!
Traveler:
With a similar title, too...
Flins:
Are we... being given hints? I feel no hostility. On the contrary — it seems we're being aided, somehow.
Paimon:
Really? H—Hey, seriously, another one? O—Okay, then... Paimon'll read this one!
Paimon:
Phew, finally finished! Paimon sure could use a long break from long words now... Hope she can remember it all.
Flins:
The material I've read through has all been about past Wild Hunt incidents of enormous scale. What about you?
Traveler:
Pretty much the same here.
Paimon:
Paimon as well! Guess that makes three of us.
Flins:
Hmm. Whatever this is, it seems to want us to notice something. Let's bring our files together and give them another look through.
Paimon:
Alright, Paimon'll go fetch hers!
Paimon:
Hmm, all these incidents look pretty different...
Flins:
Wait, I've noticed something. Before the occurrence of these huge Wild Hunt events, a smaller-scale one would erupt in the exact same location.
Flins:
And look — all these smaller-scale Wild Hunt site reports share a common outcome.
Paimon:
They'd be detected, but would go inactive before any forces could be sent to deal with them. They could then be sealed directly using a Tideseal Stone... Eh, but why?
Traveler:
Was Rerir actively clearing these sites?
Flins:
Some of these records are too old. I doubt he had regained the ability to act freely yet, or we would have met long ago.
Paimon:
Ah, and here's another similarity! "Kuuvahki in nearby soil completely drained." Could this be important, somehow?
Flins:
Kuuvahki and the Wild Hunt are mutually opposed forces.
Flins:
We Lightkeepers previously believed that these small Wild Hunt sites would temporarily go inactive due to being neutralized by the kuuvahki present in the soil.
Flins:
But now that we've synthesized all this data, there is a key issue this hypothesis cannot explain...
Flins:
Indeed. Despite the name, I would not call a Tideseal Stone's sealing powers "watertight," exactly — but for it to fail and the situation to deteriorate in such short order...
Paimon:
Urgh... Paimon feels like she's almost got it...
Traveler:
(The Wild Hunt was not suppressed by kuuvahki. Instead, it became stronger...)
Traveler:
(And Rerir wants to use Aino's cannon, the ammo of which is also made using kuuvahki...)
Traveler:
(Could it be—!?)
Traveler:
He can use kuuvahki?
Flins:
Yes, that might be it. It could be that when kuuvahki and Abyssal energies meet, the stronger side will suppress the weaker one.
Flins:
And while kuuvahki can indeed destroy small-scale Wild Hunt anomalies, should Rerir be strong enough... the kuuvahki might be his for the taking instead.
Paimon:
P—Paimon kinda gets where we're going with this!
Flins:
What are you referring to?
Paimon:
We had a real close encounter with the Abyss in Natlan. It's a force that tries to taint everything... Ergh, it's hard to explain in detail, but basically, your reasoning makes sense!
Flins:
Was there a gap between him pretending to be Sergeant Major Sousi and the cannon being fired?
Paimon:
There was! Aino needed to make some adjustments after we finished those repairs. Rerir, disguised as Sousi, left at that point...
Paimon:
...Leaving him more than enough time to shapeshift into you, return to the Lightkeepers' office, and set up the crime scene, before heading over to the cannon's target area and absorbing the kuuvahki.
Flins:
It all makes sense... And all that, just for the fragment I had with me.
Flins:
It begs the question: What makes it so special that he needs it so badly?
Traveler:
That's... still a mystery.
Voice from Somewhere:
*knocking*
Flins:
Hmm? That's odd. We shouldn't have any guests.
Flins:
I'll go take a look.
Flins:
Ah, it's... an ibis.
Paimon:
It's carrying a letter! Ooh, Lauma must've sent it. She can speak to little animals.
Paimon:
Let's see here...
Lauma:
"Situation Urgent: The cannon began operating shortly after we left Nasha Town, and is preparing to fire."
Lauma:
"It is locked on to Starsand Shoal. Please return to Nasha Town and assist with all haste. Lauma."
Paimon:
That's gotta be Rerir's doing! But why's he using the cannon again? Didn't he already fire it once before?
Flins:
No time for speculation. He's already made his preparations. If you recall, his body was incomplete when we last met.
Flins:
If this bombardment continues to increase his strength, he might regain his "complete" form.
Traveler:
A "complete" Sinner...
Paimon:
Wh—What should we do? There's no way we're getting back to Nasha Town in time!
Traveler:
We'll just have to trust them.
Flins:
...Let's go to the cannon's target site. That's where we should find Rerir — and that's where we'll stop him.
Flins:
One moment, just let me get this news to Lauma. Nasha Town is in their hands now.
Paimon:
Go, fly! Not a moment to lose!
Rush to Starsand Shoal to stop Rerir
Flins:
You're here. As expected.
"Rächer of Solnari":
Humans... You never change. Always trying to use powers you neither comprehend nor control.
"Rächer of Solnari":
But it is also thanks to you that I found a way to return.
Paimon:
You've messed with the cannon again, huh? Sorry, but this round's not gonna go your way!
"Rächer of Solnari":
Ah, hahaha... Such faith in your companions.
"Rächer of Solnari":
But will the inhabitants of Nasha Town understand why they wish to stop the cannon? I think not.
"Rächer of Solnari":
When all they see is the Wild Hunt surging up everywhere they look, the cannon must seem like their only lifeline.
"Rächer of Solnari":
This is the truth I have revealed to them.
"Rächer of Solnari":
They did this all of their own volition.
"Rächer of Solnari":
The zealous worship of power leads only to annihilation of equally zealous proportions. True power does not heed the commands of the weak.
Flins:
You were waiting for us to leave Nasha Town, then.
"Rächer of Solnari":
Of course. I imagine the one you call "Aino" would have managed to stop the cannon otherwise. Shame, then, that you proved one step too slow.
"Rächer of Solnari":
In their folly, the townspeople will bar the path of all who seek to stop the cannon — and your kind-hearted, weak companions have not the stomach to deal with them. The cannon will not be stopped now.
Flins:
Well, sir, you look most pleased with yourself. In that case, before you put us out of our misery, I would like to ask you a question, if I may.
Flins:
See this fragment? It once haunted your dreams, but now, it seems useless to you. What is it, exactly?
"Rächer of Solnari":
Hmph. That... is my corpse.
Paimon:
S—Sorry, what!?
"Rächer of Solnari":
My body was once torn into countless pieces and hurled into the swirling chaos of time itself. But even so, my life and will were not extinguished.
"Rächer of Solnari":
Ah... Every last fragment calls to me. Sooner or later, they shall welcome my return.
Paimon:
What are you even saying...?
Flins:
Huh, so the terror of the Wild Hunt was, in fact, caused by scattered pieces of your corpse... I guess they don't call you one of the Five Sinners for nothing.
"Rächer of Solnari":
Hmph. Serendipity guided the fragments to construct an incomplete version of myself, upon which I began collecting more within Wild Hunt sites across the land...
"Rächer of Solnari":
But each time, the fragments I obtained were hardly worth mentioning.
"Rächer of Solnari":
While that which you hold in your hand... was my heart.
Flins:
So that's why it responded so strongly to you.
"Rächer of Solnari":
Only by retrieving this most critical piece could I gain mastery over the turbulent kuuvahki energies and be fully reborn.
Flins:
Hence you fired that first shot hoping to regain enough power to seize the fragment from me.
Paimon:
Are you completely crazy? Weren't you afraid of dying?
"Rächer of Solnari":
Dying? Hahaha... Such power has no hope of killing me. It may destroy my form over and over, yet always, I rebuild it. It may smash my flesh and crush my bones, thousands of times and more, but that is of no consequence to me.
"Rächer of Solnari":
What truly infuriates me, however, is how you've destroyed my heart. All that suffering, everything I endured... and all for nothing!
"Rächer of Solnari":
I have adapted to the strength and flow of this kuuvahki. The next cannon shot will multiply my strength immeasurably.
"Rächer of Solnari":
It will not be a full restoration, no. But it will be more than enough to destroy any in this world who stand in my way.
"Rächer of Solnari":
Still, I suspect the kuuvahki will have rendered you down to nutrients for my consumption well before you have the time to kneel before me.
Paimon:
Traveler...
Paimon:
Behind you... Look at that light...
Talk to everyone in front of town
A short while earlier...
Aino:
Dang it, who fired up the cannon without my say-so!?
Ineffa:
Its defensive barrier has also been activated, likely in anticipation of interference by malicious actors.
Lauma:
The air is thick with fear and anxiety... It's spooking the birds and beasts. What exactly is going on?
Nefer:
You're here. Looks like this was all part of Rerir's plan. Not only did he plant seeds of suspicion in people's hearts... Seems he's now igniting them.
Nefer:
Jahoda's gone in to scout out the situation. She'll be back any minute—
Jahoda:
I'm back, I'm back! Oh, it's bad out there. Rumors flying everywhere you turn... Something about the Wild Hunt preparing to spawn a wave of monsters, the likes of which we've never seen before...
Jahoda:
...But that's not even the worst of it.
Jahoda:
Lots of folks don't even believe the cannon can prevent this crisis, so they're getting ready to make a run for it. Others are trying to make a quick buck out of this whole mess...
Lauma:
How could they still be thinking about Mora when such a catastrophe is imminent...?
Nefer:
Unprecedented danger brings unprecedented opportunities in its wake... A chaotic situation can bury much wrongdoing.
Nefer:
Even those who flee without reserve put themselves at the mercy of the divine. Is it any wonder, then, that some will aim to profit?
Nefer:
After all, a gamble that might rewrite one's entire life is hard to come by.
Lauma:
Even so...
Nefer:
Well, seeing as you disapprove of their actions so strongly, Lady Moonchanter, I suggest that you be the one to handle them. Not like that's the only major problem on our plate right now...
Ineffa:
Affirmative. We must quell the chaos in Nasha Town as soon as possible. Also, the unexpected activation of the cannon entails a high risk of incorrect operation. This must be stopped in a timely manner.
Jahoda:
Well, about that... People have been talking about how someone might come to stop the cannon. They've decided they won't let anyone in.
Aino:
What!? I made that thing! They can't just take it from me! Let me over there — what are they gonna do, stop me?
Nefer:
They might, if Rerir has already formulated some countermeasure.
Nefer:
For example, he might have spread a rumor that the Wild Hunt would take your form...
Aino:
Ugh...
Ineffa:
Possibility: High. If they view the cannon as Nasha Town's only hope, they are likely to conclude that anyone who tries to stop it must be with the Wild Hunt.
Ineffa:
We will face strong resistance, but they are just ordinary people. Brute force must be avoided if possible.
Lauma:
There's no time. Let's go into the town. I'll find some way to calm the townspeople, you find a way to stop the cannon.
Lauma:
Oh, you're back. Mm? And you have a letter?
Lauma:
...Traveler won't make it back in time, so they're heading straight over to Starsand Shoal instead.
Jahoda:
Wait, what? Isn't that the cannon's target? Why would he go there!?
Ineffa:
Assessing Risk Level: Maximum.
Aino:
So if we can't prevent the cannon from being fired...
Nefer:
Then he's prepared for the worst...
Lauma:
And we must ensure that his trust in us is not misplaced. Let's go.
Continue onward
Nefer:
Most of those we've met so far have been attempting to escape, so they haven't gotten in our way. But it won't be so easy from here on out.
Nefer:
Looks like they've formed groups to protect the cannon. If they believe that we're with the Wild Hunt, we'll have no choice but to force our way through.
Ryksa:
Is that... Lady Lauma? But... are you... really her?
Lauma:
Ah, it's you, Ryksa. I believe you recognize this power, having lived on Hiisi Island for so long. It is not something that anyone else could imitate.
Ryksa:
I do, yes... So it really is you, my Lady.
Ryksa:
But why are you here? Really, I... I believe you, but the others... Well, they'll be on high alert.
Lauma:
The townspeople have been misled into believing that they needed to activate the cannon. I am here to stop them.
Ryksa:
But...
Lauma:
I know what you wish to say. Our island and Nasha Town have never had close ties. There should be no reason for me to intervene.
Lauma:
But you chose to leave the island — you had the resolve and the courage to start a new life.
Lauma:
It is unfair — unjust — that you should be dragged into this mess just as that life was about to begin.
Lauma:
I seek to redress this injustice, not only for you, but for everyone here who wishes to live their lives free from this chaos.
Lauma:
Please, have faith in our longstanding friendship... and that this is where my heart has led me.
Ryksa:
...Thank you, my Lady, thank you... Please, help us.
Lauma:
Then come. I need you to step forward alongside me, and to do your part too.
Ryksa:
Alright. I understand!
Nefer:
Hah, seems we chose the right person for the job. Alright, everyone — let us meet again later.
Aino:
Huh? You're not coming with us?
Nefer:
We won't be able to calm this storm by our power alone. As such, I'll need to contact some... Let's call them friends in high places, shall we?
Nefer:
Let's go, Jahoda.
Jahoda:
O—Okay...! See you again, everyone... Um, that is, if we can...
Continue onward
Ryksa:
Lady Moonchanter, there's a child here!
Lauma:
It's alright now. Go, quickly.
Suoma:
You wretched monsters! You're not getting anywhere near the cannon!
Lauma:
The monsters you fear do not exist here. The madness you have fallen to has been the source of untold disasters.
Bartol:
You think we had a choice!?
Lauma:
"Destiny" is no excuse for greed and destruction.
Lauma:
The choice has always been yours to make, and it remains so even now.
Quell the disturbance before you
Ineffa:
Thank you for bringing us here. We can quickly overcome the barrier by going upward from over there.
Lauma:
The cannon is all yours now.
Aino:
Got it. Thanks, Lauma. Ineffa, give her a krumkake.
Ineffa:
Orders received and immediately deferred. Departure takes priority—
Lauma:
Please, everyone, listen to me.
Lauma:
I will not deny that we hold different beliefs, but in the face of the immense threat that hangs above us all, we must persist in trusting one another.
Lauma:
Otherwise, rifts will surely form, prized open by those who harbor ulterior motives.
Lauma:
If your fear is born of helplessness, if you flee because you know not how to fight, then follow me, you who are lost.
Lauma:
I am no god, but so long as we hold our candles steady and unite beneath the same moonlight, no deception or rumors can be concealed from us.
Lauma:
Let us resolve, then, to defend ourselves — and to stand firm against the false illusions by which our foe seeks to beguile us!
Stop the cannon from firing
Aino:
This isn't good, Ineffa. We gotta hurry!
Ineffa:
Scanning... Kuuvahki ammunition fully loaded. Preheating complete. The cannon is going through its final pre-fire checks.
Aino:
*sigh* ... Alright. Let's hit the emergency brake.
Ineffa:
Assessment: Not enough time. Emergency brake will cause internal explosion of stored kuuvahki. Damage assessment: Incalculable. Nasha Town likely to be blasted skyward.
Aino:
No, no! I mean a manual brake. You know, the primitive kind.
Ineffa:
A "manual brake"... Understood. Roger that.
movie
As the cannon prepares to fire, Ineffa races toward the tower's summit, but arrives too late. A searing beam of light splits the heavens, hurtling straight for Starsand Shoal.
Flins lifts the lamp and chants the prayer that unleashes his powers. You leap skyward and meet the beam of light, shield in hand. A moment later, Flins joins your side, and the two of you take this devastating blow head-on.
In the distance, Ineffa pulls at the cannon with all her might as the beam is redirected at the sky. After a series of violent explosions, it dissipates into a shower of energy that rains onto the ground. However, the kuuvahki rain upon Starsand Shoal is rapidly corrupted by the Abyss, congealing like poison into an ominous portal. Having achieved his goal, the Rächer of Solnari emerges from within, revealing his true identity.
Talk to the completed Rerir
Flins:
Hah... Well, that's not good.
"Rächer of Solnari":
Sluggish, torpid... This body is a disappointment.
"Rächer of Solnari":
I can barely muster... Tsk, ten percent of my original strength... You've ruined everything, again...
Flins:
Let me guess... You didn't get a human body back, did you?
"Rächer of Solnari":
Hah... Urrgh... Raaaarghhh!!
Paimon:
Ahh! What's with him!?
Traveler:
(This is bad! His presence feels completely different now... He's even stronger than before!)
"Rächer of Solnari":
Vedrfolnir...! Rhinedottir...! Arrghh... Tholindis! Tholindis!
Flins:
Watch out! Whatever rationality he still had when he was searching for his body is gone... All that's left is the calamity you see before you, a monster fueled by nothing but his own obsession!
"Rächer of Solnari":
It matters not... Having a heart... Being human... It's all irrelevant, completely and utterly insignificant!
"Rächer of Solnari":
You! You matter not... Nor does anything in this world! Gah! Argh, argh! None of it matters to me!
"Rächer of Solnari":
Heh... Heh...
"Rächer of Solnari":
...Fools. Time to die.
movie
The Rächer of Solnari pursues you relentlessly and mocks you for seeking nothing more than a joke. However, his attacks are halted by a sudden blast — the Harbinger, Marionette, and her robot Pulonia arrive. Confronted by his old enemy, the Rächer is shocked by the transformation of her creation, now standing as his equal. Even so, he manages to find an opening and binds Pulonia before turning toward you for the killing blow.
Just as all seems lost, a ray of light belonging to The Damselette envelops all of you. Between the loud protests of Marionette, you are forcibly teleported away.
Talk to The Damselette
Paimon:
We're... We're safe?
Flins:
It seems this young lady aided in our escape. You have my sincere gratitude, dear madame.
Flins:
The flowers here bloom in such peaceful silence. I imagine you would not have invited anyone here, were it not an emergency.
Traveler:
Huh, talk about a good judge of character...
Flins:
Oh? I take it that means you've been here before, then? In that case, I count myself fortunate to be your associate.
Marionette:
Columbinaaaa... What did you do that for!?!?
Marionette:
I studied his abilities inside-out... Equipped Pulonia with comprehensive countermeasures... We were going to settle the score...!
The Damselette:
But he still broke through, did he not?
Marionette:
What, you expect a battle to be completely one-sided!?
Marionette:
I just... didn't expect him to have no sense of honor, whatsoever! Pulonia would have been fine in a head-on clash, but battles just... get chaotic...
The Damselette:
Oh... So you actually thought you could win.
The Damselette:
Have you been taking care of yourself lately? Your calculations seem to have deviated quite seriously. Perhaps you could try sleeping and rising earlier, or you could adopt my previous recommendation and—
Marionette:
Hey, listen here, Columbina! I tolerated your nonsense previously because we were colleagues.
Marionette:
There's a Fatui warrant out on your head, and don't you forget that. Don't make me fight you right here and now.
The Damselette:
Oh, I was just a little concerned about you, that's all... Just like that time when you weren't making any progress with your research, so you went and cooped yourself up all alone...
Marionette:
That was none of your business! And don't you ever drag me out to one of your freaky hovels again!
Marionette:
Come on, Pulonia. We're leaving!
Paimon:
Um... W—Well, anyway, thank you!
The Damselette:
I was worried about you, too — not only because the remains of the Eternal Moon Goddess cannot fall into his hands, but also... because you've done much for me yourselves.
The Damselette:
And then I... Well, I brought your associate along for the ride, too. But that was as much as I could do.
Flins:
You're not afraid to speak your mind, miss — I like that. Please, call me Flins. It is my honor to make the acquaintance of one such as yourself.
Paimon:
Still, what do we do now? Rerir's gotten stronger again. At this point, it doesn't seem like we can beat him.
Flins:
We did block most of the kuuvahki, so I'd say we've put a lid on his plans, for now at least.
Flins:
But we still don't know what his aims are, and he may continue gathering power... So we must be very careful.
The Damselette:
After you left, I could no longer sense his presence...
Paimon:
That means it's safe out there for now, right?
Flins:
A question, if I may, kind Miss Columbina.
Flins:
When the cannon's kuuvahki beam was deflected earlier, I saw several bolts of energy streak toward Hiisi Island, only to be blocked. Did you also have a hand in that?
The Damselette:
No.
Flins:
I see... Curious.
Paimon:
Oh, yeah. The cannon veered off course in the end, didn't it? Paimon wonders how Aino and the others are doing. Let's head back and check on them!
Flins:
In that case, Miss Columbina, I shall not disturb your serenity any longer. Thank you once again for coming to the rescue.
The Damselette:
Go now, all of you. Do not worry.
Traveler:
Thank you...
The Damselette:
Ugh... Aah...
The Damselette:
My strength... still isn't returning...
The Damselette:
It seems my time... is running out...
Rerir used the cannon in Nasha Town to obtain a complete body. The chaos caused by the Wild Hunt is far from over...
Return to Nasha Town and reunite with your companions
Everyone convenes, recounting what happened to them and sharing what they've learned...
Lauma:
Fortunately, we were able to minimize the harm. Only a few townspeople were hurt.
Lauma:
But the Rächer of Solnari has now gained a complete form, while we still know nothing about his goals.
Ineffa:
It seems we have done something akin to releasing a vicious Qucusaur into the wild.
Ineffa:
...I am sorry. Is no one here familiar with Qucusaurs?
Paimon:
P—Paimon knows what you mean, but that analogy seems more than slightly understated...
Nefer:
He said that this world means nothing to him, so it is possible that he doesn't have a reason to fight us at the moment.
Nefer:
If his objective had been revenge alone, we would likely have no recourse.
Jahoda:
Is there, uh, still time for me to tender my resignation?
Jahoda:
Just kidding, just kidding! Don't worry, Boss, I know there's no running now!
Aino:
So my cannon, my pride and joy, was a hindrance rather than a help... Gah! You know what? I'm gonna dismantle it, right now!
Paimon:
That's right, and it still works on normal Wild Hunt anomalies. Don't let this get you down, Aino!
Nefer:
Flins, we'll need you to attend to the aftermath with the Lightkeepers. Don't worry, I've explained everything to them. You're in the clear.
Flins:
My thanks — for that, and for everything else I hear you did to help us arrive at the truth.
Nefer:
Had you been willing to show yourself in public more often, you would not have been so easy to isolate, you know.
Flins:
Heh, point taken. I will give that some thought.
Flins:
Hmm. I suppose that's one way I'd benefit from replacing Sergeant Major Sousi...
Paimon:
You mean, you're being promoted?
Traveler:
He's joking, Paimon...
Paimon:
Was Paimon the only one who didn't get that?
Flins:
Well, Traveler, if you've got a moment, would you like to come with me?
Flins:
There's a certain gentleman I'd like to send off on his final journey.
Follow Flins
Flins:
This man was like a lighthouse...
Flins:
Here he lived, as if it were a mere matter of course, and brought light and grace to those around him. But people, once used to illumination, are apt to ignore the lantern's presence.
Flins:
Slowly, gradually, he came to think as such himself.
Flins:
"I have achieved too little, I must do better, there is more work to be done..."
Flins:
Perhaps his end was tragic, but I remain proud of the way in which he illuminated the path for others.
Flins:
Every shadow born of the light shall remember it.
Paimon:
Poor guy...
Traveler:
I once heard the tale of a Lantern Fae.
Flins:
Heh. I've heard that one, too.
Flins:
Is that so?
Flins:
Well, you're right. It may seem that our efforts were in vain, that Rerir achieved his goals.
Flins:
But we will pursue him to the last, even if the outcome is not what we wish for.
Flins:
It is not dissimilar to the role of a Graveyard Keeper...
Flins:
We do not seek to bring the dead back to life, only to grant them peace.
Traveler:
I'm glad to hear that's how you see it.
Flins:
Yeah.
Paimon:
Wh—What are you two talking about? Care to explain?
Traveler:
Not right now, Paimon. I'll tell you when we get back.
Paimon:
Okay...
Flins:
Either way, the Lantern Fae is not playing the leading role in these final rites.
Flins:
"Light-bearer, with your blood, you have paved the road to glory and justice."
Flins:
"Even as we hurry on, bruised and battered though we may be, stay awhile and look back upon the world and all its love and hatred."
Flins:
"Until it closes its eyes in the depths of night, and a lantern lit for you alone flickers softly into life."
Flins:
Thank you for everything, Sergeant Major Sousi.
Chat with Aino and Flins
Aino:
Flins? Don't see you coming around here often. Just feel free to take a look. I'm busy right now.
Flins:
Well, I've come to visit you, Miss Aino. Here — I've brought some snacks from town in their traditional butter flavor. So, where should I leave them...
Aino:
Shh! ... Ineffa might hear you.
Aino:
...So, what's the occasion? Are you... gonna to say that the Ratniki will be taking over all Wild Hunt incidents after that hiccup with the cannon?
Flins:
And criticize a genius like yourself on account of results that none of us could anticipate? We would not be that crass.
Flins:
If we really did do that, I daresay we shall never again see technological breakthroughs.
Aino:
Hmph. Sweet-talker...
Flins:
It gladdens me to have set your heart at ease.
Aino:
Anyway, what's the matter, exactly?
Flins:
Well. Could you help me repair this lantern? I did bring it to Nasha Town to get it fixed, but it broke again during our previous battle.
Aino:
You want a genius like me to go fix a lantern?
Flins:
Oh, my apologies. Perhaps this request should be better directed to Miss Ineffa, and perhaps the snacks too...
Aino:
Wh—Wh—Wh... I... I mean, I can totally do this, no problem. Wait right there. I'll be done before you can say "Fix-it!"
Flins:
Much obliged, then.
Aino:
And next time this happens to you, make sure to come to me first, you hear?
Chat with Ineffa and Lauma
Ineffa:
Krumkake creation complete. Please, enjoy while it's hot.
Lauma:
Thank you for going to the trouble of remembering that, Miss Ineffa. May this taste bear witness to a friendship that will endure forever and a day.
Ineffa:
Understood. However, I fear that krumkakes do not keep for that long. A week at most may pass before their taste deteriorates.
Lauma:
Hehe, that's not quite what I meant by... Hmm?
Ineffa:
Oh? We appear to have some guests.
Lauma:
Ah, they must have followed the aroma of the krumkake... It's alright, come closer. Ineffa is a friend.
Ineffa:
Affirmative. In fact, I can devise a cereal omelette based on individual preferences, before crushing it into servings to share around.
Lauma:
...
Ineffa:
What are they saying?
Lauma:
They... are discussing your address. They wish to go home with you.
Chat with Nefer and Jahoda
Jahoda:
Boss, I... Do you remember that thing... that I wanted to ask your opinion about?
Jahoda:
On a scale of 1 to 10, how much effort should the Curatorium of Secrets put in if we were to work with others again?
Nefer:
Hehe.
Jahoda:
Is that a 1? Isn't that kinda low...
Nefer:
Guess again.
Jahoda:
Wait, you mean zero? But wouldn't we just be slapping our brand on the joint venture and calling it a day? Why even team up at that point?
Nefer:
*sigh* ...Jahoda.
Nefer:
What I mean to say is that there is neither an upper nor lower limit.
Jahoda:
Huh! That's just like you, Boss, always thinking ahead...
Jahoda:
Wait a minute, that's not an answer at all, is it? C'mon, just give me a number, boss, please!
Chat with Dori
Dori:
Hmm? What brings you here? Didn't expect to see you around again...
Paimon:
And where have you been, huh? Didn't run away or anything, did ya?
Dori:
Oh, of course not! I was simply elsewhere discussing business deals.
Dori:
Indeed, it was all thanks to you that my little store was saved. *sob* I am grateful. So grateful...
Traveler:
Okay, okay, you can cut it with the acting now...
Dori:
What? Why, I wasn't acting in the slightest!
Dori:
And didn't I tell you that my prices were reasonable? Ah, but you still turned to that Curatorium of Secrets, or whatever it is they call it.
Dori:
*sigh* If even regulars such as you abandon ship like this, what can a businesswoman do but take her wares elsewhere...?
Traveler:
You're way too wary of the Curatorium...
Dori:
And how should I not be, hmm? Running small overseas enterprises is no mean feat — never mind when such formidable competition exists...
Dori:
Ah, forget it. Fortune and destiny are as one, so there is no use complaining.
Dori:
It's not as if Nefer did me no favors on account of our common homeland when I first arrived.
Dori:
If anything is to blame, it is the lack of opportunity to have her owe me in turn, big time!
Dori:
Now then! Should she ever need anything, you make sure — no, make doubly sure — to inform me first, alright?
Talk to The Damselette
Paimon:
Columbina! What are you doing here?
The Damselette:
Hmm? Was it not you who recommended such walkabouts to me?
Paimon:
Yeah, but aren't you afraid the Fatui will see you?
The Damselette:
Sandrone seems uninterested in my capture, and the others are unlikely to risk making contact at all. They have more troublesome affairs to deal with.
Traveler:
(Rerir, if I had to guess... He is a threat to all who live in Nod-Krai.)
Paimon:
Well, it's good to come out for a walk either way. So, how do you feel? Is Nasha Town to your liking?
The Damselette:
Mmm... The flow of kuuvahki is somewhat turbulent, and the people are ill at ease.
The Damselette:
However...
Paimon:
However?
The Damselette:
Is this where you purchased the dishes you "treated" me to?
Paimon:
(Are you serious? That's what she's concerned about? Berries and Fried Meat?)
Paimon:
Um, well, we can take you to grab a bite if you'd like to. There's all sorts of delicious stuff out here that you won't get to try at home.
The Damselette:
...You've been quite subdued. Thorny questions on your mind, perhaps?
The Damselette:
I could not gain any insight into his schemes, I fear.
The Damselette:
Now that he has donned a shape and form, selling his power short would prove a fatal error.
The Damselette:
But that power of his plays host to an obsession that borders on mania.
The Damselette:
I cannot say if that fixation is directed at the moons or at something else...
The Damselette:
Perhaps understanding the subject of his fixation shall prove key to repelling him in the future...
The Damselette:
Well, Sandrone's daily routine is highly irregular, while The Doctor often orders people around. As for Arlecchino...
The Damselette:
Hmm? Was that not what you were curious about?
The Damselette:
Well then. Have you been to that Experimental Design Bureau of theirs? That "weapon" will play a key role in the Tsaritsa's plan. That's what I've heard, anyway.
The Damselette:
And what plan is that, precisely? Well, I cannot say I care.
The Damselette:
I could look into the Eternal Moon's marrow for you, if you wish it so.
The Damselette:
But after our previous attempt, I suspect your spaceship has been intentionally hidden away.
The Damselette:
Perhaps someone has certain truths they wish to hide from you, or from others.
The Damselette:
And I doubt there are many who could accomplish such a feat.
The Damselette:
I... still wish to return to the moon that belongs to me.
The Damselette:
That is where the answers lie buried. That... is my true "home."
Epilogue
"Rächer of Solnari":
...Interesting.
"Rächer of Solnari":
You've followed me this far. Why not show your face?
Varka:
Haha, right, right! Right you are. I forgot to introduce myself.
Varka:
The name's Varka. Knight of Boreas, and Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius.