As All Falls to Emptiness

Ah, Traveler, Paimon. It's been a while.

As it happens, there is a letter here for you. One moment... Here.

A letter? From who?

(Dear diary, I'm Collei. I work as a trainee Forest Ranger under my master, Tighnari. I'm also studying at the Akademiya.)

(I've been getting better and better at reading lately. Mr. Alhaitham says that the written word is a crucial medium for exploring the world and understanding oneself. That's why I decided to start this diary...)

(That said, what should I write about? Things are pretty quiet in Sumeru these days. Life is good. Every day is a fulfilling and happy one.)

(When I think back to the days when I suffered from Eleazar, or way back to when I was injected with god remains... I'm in a much better place now. I hope it stays that way forever.)

(I'll leave it there for now. Master said he'll take me shopping in Sumeru City today, which is great, because I've been meaning to visit the toy seller at the Grand Bazaar for a while now...)

Collei, time to go!

Yes, Master... Huh!?

What's wrong, Collei? Is there something on my face...?

N—No, sorry — I didn't mean to stare. Did Master Tighnari send you to pick me up?

"Master Tighnari"? Haha, what are you talking about?

Tighnari is the General Mahamatra. He's probably busy arresting criminals in Sumeru City... Heh, I mean, if that's what floats your boat, I can introduce you, but...

Wait, Master Tighnari is the General Mahamatra? But what about Mr. Cyno?

Sorry?

Oh oh oh, you mean that guy who just joined the Vahumana Darshan? Rumor has it he's the leader of the Temple of Silence. If that's true, it's pretty impressive.

Sounds like you've been getting to know more and more people since you joined the Akademiya. That's great, but don't let your Forest Ranger duties fall by the wayside, okay?

(What's going on? Sethos is acting like he's my master, and Master Tighnari has taken over Mr. Cyno's job. Is this some kind of prank?)

(If so, it's a weird choice of prank... But anyway, Sethos doesn't look like he's joking. What is this all about?)

Hey, you're zoning out again. I'm gonna buy some tools for the rangers. Why don't you stretch your legs a bit? It's been a while since you last visited the city, right?

Wait...

(He's right... It has been a while since I last visited Sumeru City. Was it always like this? I mean, it feels familiar, yet somehow... Something seems different...)

(Is this really Sumeru City...?)

Lord Kaveh Bay, did you get a chance to review this month's accounts? Any feedback?

Yawn... You mean, the version you sent over a few days ago? Yeah, I took a look when I received it.

I was thinking that maybe our profit margin is a little excessive? I visited some of our commercial partners last month. Their earnings are very slim.

Are you suggesting that we give up some of our profits for them?

Well, since we have more than we need, yes. Making money for its own sake is pointless. Don't worry, I've already planned for it, and the numbers look fine. We can adjust the rates starting from next month.

Also, about that designer you hired... I've had to revise his proposal three times now, but he just doesn't seem to.... *sigh*

Let's cut our losses. Pay him his fee and send him on his way. I'd like you to get Layla on this instead. She was Cyrus's student and she designed the Palace of Alcazarzaray. Seems like a much safer choice...

Hmm? Who's sneaking around over there?

...Mr. Kaveh?

Do you recognize this person, Sir?

Yes, it's alright, We've met. This is Collei, Sethos's trainee. He brought her along the last time I went for drinks with him.

What brings you to the city, Collei? Is your master here too?

(No, no, this is all wrong! Why is Mr. Kaveh saying that too? Tighnari's my master, not Sethos!)

(This can't be real... I have to ask someone else. There's gotta be someone else out there who still remembers the truth!)

...Hey, wait, don't run off! How strange... What's gotten into her today?

Lots of visitors today, I see! Welcome, all, it's been a while.

Hey, Rahman. You know that guy who sells face powder on Treasures Street? I haven't seen him around in a while. Any idea what happened to him?

Oh, you mean Ahangar? Yeah, he got into a brawl with Shevirme on Treasures Street... He's been banned from setting up shop there for now.

Seriously? Well, that's a shame. I was planning to pick out some makeup for you...

Oh, don't worry about it.

The legendary "Flame-Mane" discussing makeup with the Zubayr Theater's star dancer... Haha. Now there's something you don't see every day.

Flame-Mane...

You know, I'm not actually sure when people started calling me that. Maybe the other Eremites thought I needed a fiercer title to scare people off?

To be completely honest, I think the title would fit you better than me, Dehya.

You think? Haha, can't say I've never imagined myself as a merc. If I ever give up the dancing, maybe I'll head to the desert and give the Eremite life a try.

You would?

Is that so strange?

Oh, not at all. In fact, I've actually had similar thoughts before... If I ever get tired of sleeping out in the wild, I think I might go look for a job at the Zubayr Theater.

I've adored the Dance of Sabzeruz ever since the first time I saw you perform it. If the chance ever came up, I'd love to try it out on stage for myself.

Really? If our manager, Setaria heard you say that, she'd hold you to it. Probably grab you by the sleeve and never let you go again.

Hey, when that day comes, I'll do your makeup myself. How's that sound?

Sure! If the day comes, I'd be honored.

Mahamatra Tighnari, we've apprehended the suspect.

They say that the fool is prone to blind faith, but the wise man is not immune to it either.

Siraj, do you have anything to say in your defense?

Tighnari...! You were the one who turned the sages against me! Just a few words of caution from you was all it took to destroy my research!

And now you're trying to stop me again? You should know that mechanical life is the future. We must cast aside our useless flesh and—

That's enough. I'm not in the mood to listen to your lunacy. Anyone could tell you how amateur your work is.

Kareena, Ilyas, put him somewhere safely out of the way.

...Yes, sir!

Next on the agenda is... Hmm?

...Master?

What is it? ...Wait, did Professor Zaha Hadi send you? She's been encouraging me to take on an apprentice... Might be getting a bit ahead of herself there, though.

No! Master, it's me! Collei!

Listen to me, something really weird is going on in Sumeru City. It's like everyone's identities have switched around...

You're not the General Mahamatra, you're a Forest Watcher! Just yesterday, we agreed to come to Sumeru City today to go shopping together, and—

Alright, there's no rush. Let's back up a little.

Your name is Collei, correct? Although this is our first meeting, you do seem strangely familiar somehow. Is there anything I can help you with?

No, no...

Master, Master...

What is it?

Huh?

Did you have another nightmare?

I've told you before, when you're tired, lay down on your back in bed and get some proper sleep. It's much better for you than napping on your front. Poor posture obstructs your breathing, which can lead to all sorts of weird dreams.

Now, we're supposed to go shopping in Sumeru City today, remember? Cheer up, I'll take you to Hushang's. I heard he's got some new toys in stock.

Go wash your face, take some deep breaths, and when you're ready, we'll head out.

O—Okay! Thanks, Master Tighnari.

(Huh... So it was just a dream.)

And yet, dreams can sometimes be a warning of things that will soon come to pass.

Wh—Who who said that!?

That dream felt unusually real, didn't it? Here's my suggestion... Since you're heading into Sumeru City anyway, you may as well tell Lesser Lord Kusanali about everything that happened.

And just to be on the safe side, I think you should also inform your two traveler friends who once helped save Sumeru. I'd write them a letter if I were you.

Time is short... A storm is coming from beyond the bounds of fate.

What a strange situation... No wonder Collei was in such a rush to write us a letter.

Imagine waking up one day to find that everything around you has changed. You might not even recognize Paimon anymore... Ohh, that's a scary thought!

Let's get to Sumeru and find out what the heck is going on!

Collei!

Traveler, Paimon! Thank goodness. I'm so glad you made it!

Of course! We won't let anything happen to you, Collei. So, what's going on in Sumeru City? Looks like lots of people are moving, or something?

Yeah, I was just gonna say.

After I wrote my letter, Master and I went to Sumeru City and told the Dendro Archon everything that I experienced, from start to finish.

What did Nahida say?

She was silent at first. It seemed like she was deep in thought... Then, the next day, we got told that she was ordering everyone to leave Sumeru City immediately and move to Caravan Ribat.

...The entire population of the city has to move?

Not just Sumeru City. The evacuation also includes Lokapala Jungle, Avidya Forest, Ashavan Realm, and Ardravi Valley...

Basically, everyone living in the rainforest must temporarily relocate to Caravan Ribat.

Holy smokes... That's crazy!

Yes, it's quite an operation. Even if people only bring the bare essentials, the scale is simply enormous.

They've requisitioned almost all the Sumpter Beasts in Sumeru for the task. Including the entirety of Dori's Sumpter Beast Park.

The Dendro Archon said that what Collei experienced was not a dream, but a warning.

After our meeting, she immediately summoned the six sages to analyze the situation and discuss countermeasures. They concluded that the events seen in the dream are very likely to become a reality, and that an unknown danger is rapidly approaching.

Oh, uh, please keep that to yourself. We don't want to cause widespread panic.

The official reason they've given is a large-scale renovation of the rainforest's ecosystem. People are skeptical, but there haven't been any major incidents. So far, at least.

The Dendro Archon seemed really worried when we spoke to her... She said you can go visit her in the Sanctuary of Surasthana when you arrive.

She also said she'd hold out until the very end.

Tighnari, Collei, you got a minute? I need a hand here...

One moment, I'll be right there!

As a Forest Watcher, I've been tasked with assisting with the relocation work. There's a lot to be done, and they need all the help they can get.

This will be the final group of evacuees from Sumeru City. While they're away from home, they'll be heavily reliant on outside help.

Thank you for coming in our time of need. As you can see, another crisis is upon us.

Excuse me... Sorry to trouble you, but could you help an old man find his medicine? It's buried somewhere in my luggage.

Where's my mom? Where did she go? *sob*...

Phew... Don't worry, it'll be okay...

Those items are worth a small fortune. Make sure you store them somewhere safe, you understand?

I bet you thought you'd get away with this in the chaos, huh? Guess again! No petty thief gets past me.

(A mass evacuation inevitably comes with all kinds of problems. Nahida wouldn't have resorted to this unless it was absolutely necessary.)

(The strange events of Collei's dream took place in Sumeru City... Whatever danger is afoot, it must start here, which is why everyone has to leave.)

We should go help the evacuees. See you around.

Um... I'm so glad that you believed me and came all this way to help. It means a lot. Please stay safe.

Don't worry! We may not know exactly what's going on yet, but as long as we stick together, we'll find a way through this!

Goodbye! Look after yourselves!

Will do, see ya!

Phew... Paimon's not sure how she found the words to comfort Collei, because honestly, she's kinda nervous herself...

Let's head to the Sanctuary of Surasthana and see Nahida.

Who goes there!? No unauthorized access to this place, by order of Mahamatra Cyno!

Ahem...

Are you blind? It's Traveler and Paimon... Surely, you've seen them before?

Huh? Oh... So it is. I'm sorry, I haven't been sleeping well lately. My nerves are a little frayed.

...The Dendro Archon is in a very vulnerable state at the moment. Mahamatra Cyno is concerned that our enemies might choose this moment to strike, so he's ordered us to strengthen our defenses.

Just seeing you two again already puts our minds at ease. Please, enter. I'm sure everyone's expecting you.

Traveler, Paimon. You made it.

Aha! Perfect timing! Reliable helpers like you are just what we need right now.

It's good to see everyone again. Collei gave us a rough idea of what's going on, but we still have a lot of questions.

What kind of danger is Sumeru City in, exactly? And how come everyone has to move to Caravan Ribat?

At this stage, we can't be certain. We're investigating, but no definitive answers yet.

I take it that Collei told you about her strange dream?

Yeah. Apparently, everyone in Sumeru City was acting super weird. Even you guys. It was like you'd all switched places.

That's right. Collei and Tighnari reported the situation to the Dendro Archon. She believes that it wasn't merely a dream — and that whatever it was has something to do with Irminsul.

It's a reasonable inference. Only through Irminsul can people's memory and cognition be so significantly modified in such a short time.

We don't know why Collei would dream of these things, nor who was trying to warn her. The Dendro Archon decided to connect to Irminsul to investigate more thoroughly.

Has she found anything yet?

Irminsul is connected directly to the Ley Lines. The tree serves as a central hub where the Ley Lines converge, and its core function is to record and store the world's knowledge and memories.

But something has gone awry, severely compromising the performance of this core function.

Information is bottlenecking inside Irminsul, hampering the Ley Lines' flow. If this continues, new information will languish unrecorded, with existing records thrown into disarray.

In short, the souls of the dead will be stranded, while the living have their sense of reality warped.

In the long run, Collei's dream could well become a reality. And that's just the beginning. There's no telling what other nightmares could end up coming true.

(Irminsul... the Ley Lines...)

I have come this far to use my death to open the gates of the Ley Lines to my people.

(In Natlan, The Captain was storing stranded souls inside his own heart. It was only after the rules of the Night Kingdom were amended that they were finally able to return to the Ley Lines...)

(And that was just one nation. A problem with Irminsul itself could end up affecting all Ley Lines worldwide...)

Faced with a growing backlog of information, the Dendro Archon decided to connect herself directly to Irminsul and take over the recording and processing function herself.

But it's an almost impossible task. Individual brains aren't equipped to deal with the sheer volume of knowledge and memories involved. All that information flooding in at once would instantly fry any human mind.

And for a god... *sigh*. Even for a god, the suffering must be unimaginable.

The Dendro Archon's power originates from Irminsul. Any issue with the tree itself takes a toll on her to begin with.

On top of that, she's subjecting herself to the grueling task of processing all that data... It must be torture for her.

And despite all of this, she is somehow finding the strength to investigate the Irminsul situation from within, and send us her findings...

I've finished analyzing the latest data. Looks like our working theory was wrong. There's no signs of Irminsul having been attacked from the outside.

So it's internal, then? Some sort of disease, perhaps...? Hmm, no... I've spent half my life studying the Ley Lines. If Irminsul malfunctioned this easily, the world would've met its end long ago.

...

Cyno? What is it?

Not long ago, I got a tip from the Corps of Thirty that a large number of unidentified merchant caravans had recently been spotted entering Sumeru through Bayda Harbor.

At first, I suspected that they might have something to do with all this, so I sent some people to investigate. But if Irminsul wasn't attacked from the outside...

Don't you think there are more important things to worry about right now than guessing who's behind all this?

It's been over twelve hours with no new intel. If even the keeper of Irminsul is this badly affected, you can imagine how bad things are in there.

Dendro Archon...

Nahida!

What's wrong?

Her breathing is weak! And her elemental energy levels are dangerously low...

Looks like it's time to move to the backup plan.

What's the backup plan?

Get out of the city, and take the Dendro Archon with us.

The entrance to Irminsul is directly beneath the Sanctuary of Surasthana. That means this is ground zero if anything goes wrong.

The Dendro Archon has a very strong connection to Irminsul, but theoretically, this connection should grow weaker with distance.

Under normal circumstances, she could unleash her full power here. But with Irminsul out of control, our first priority is to get her away from here.

The situation is critical. There's no time to deliberate. Everyone in agreement?

I'll deal with it. I'll also let the matra and the Corps of Thirty know to start evacuating.

Let's go. No sense grieving when there's nothing more we can do.

Agreed... We'll be back as soon as this is over.

The last group of civilians has been safely evacuated. The Dendro Archon's carriage will travel with them. Cyno and Hat Guy will protect the convoy.

That's good news... But you don't look very relieved.

With the Dendro Archon in a coma, we've lost our means of investigating the situation.

And with Irminsul still deteriorating, we have no choice but to evacuate Sumeru City. It feels as though we're being pushed along by an invisible hand...

Stop moaning, Cyrus. We're the teachers here. We should be showing a little more confidence, don't you think?

A wise judgment.

Let's move out. To Caravan Ribat.

Sir, all units are in position.

Good. Everything is going to plan. Interfering with Sumeru City is a necessary step, so do not hesitate. The Irminsul situation will not harm you.

We need to speed things up here too. We don't want to keep our client waiting, do we?

No, Sir. You have my word, everything will be completed on schedule.

...

They say that fervent ambition attracts the favor of the gods — and with it, a Vision.

But we appear to be the exception. So, is our ambition not strong enough... or does it threaten the very foundations of this world?

How is the Dendro Archon?

Her breathing is steady. I prepared some therapeutic incense for her, but it hasn't had much effect.

Her vitals are still very weak. Based on the information you've provided, I have a working hypothesis: Her condition is partly due to Irminsul's influence, and partly due to a physiological imbalance caused by the rapid depletion of her power.

Elemental energy usually flows through the body at a relatively constant rate. The body grows accustomed to this rhythm, so when it's thrown out of balance, physical symptoms will appear.

Is this similar to the Ley Lines? Overloading and Withering both directly affect their vitality, potentially causing irreversible damage.

Correct. From a biological perspective, if you overexert yourself, you pay the price with your life. The Dendro Archon is not only drained of power, but her life force is at a critically low level.

Is there any way to restore her health?

I know the Ley Lines have strong self-healing abilities. As long as any blockages or pollutions are dealt with, they can quickly regain their vitality. But what about people... well, gods? What's their capacity for self-healing?

Before we think about that, there's a bigger predicament to resolve. Restoring the Dendro Archon's power requires us to heal Irminsul first — but that will be extremely difficult without the Dendro Archon's power.

...Paimon's already getting lost here.

(Tighnari and Cyno are discussing the current situation at pace. I have to concentrate hard to keep up.)

(Master Tighnari and Cyno look so serious... I've not heard Master speak in this tone for a long time.)

Tighnari.

Master Naphis... Sages.

Tighnari! Haven't seen you in ages!

...Have you gotten taller? Or did your ears get longer?

Hopefully the former, Uncle Baladhuri.

Cyno, where's Professor Cyrus? I thought he'd be with you.

He went out into the wild to investigate the situation. He said that the Irminsul anomaly will likely start to affect the real world soon.

He shouldn't be trotting around alone at his age... Which way did he go? I'll look for him later.

Um... Would someone mind introducing us?

Ah yes, of course. Allow me to do the honors.

I'm sure we're all familiar with Traveler and Paimon. They're the heroes who helped foil Azar's conspiracy and save Sumeru.

These gentlemen and I are the six current sages of the Akademiya. Baladhuri and I are part of the old guard, while the other four took office after Azar and his clique fell from power.

We have Sage Alkindi of the Spantamad Darshan, Sage Firnas of Kshahrewar...

Rtawahist Sage, Shakir, and finally, Haravatat Sage, Rushd.

N—Nice to meet you all!

I've heard much about you. Delighted to finally meet you in person.

Haha, you're younger than I imagined for someone with the power to stand up to fate itself. Thank you for lending your aid to Sumeru once more.

Once we're on the other side of this, could we get a photo together? My daughter has a friend named Isak. He's always talking about you two.

Of course! No true hero would deny a child their wish.

Ahem, back to business. So, with the Dendro Archon currently in a coma, the people have taken temporary refuge at Caravan Ribat — but they cannot stay here forever.

We need to come up with a plan as soon as possible. Firnas, any thoughts?

Well, firstly, having reviewed the data, I'm inclined to agree with your assessment. This doesn't look like an attack on Irminsul from the outside. Rather, it resembles a malfunctioning machine, calculations going haywire and sparks flying.

That being said, before we consider how to fix it, we need to understand precisely what has gone wrong. Furthermore, we somehow need to ascertain this without relying on the Dendro Archon's power.

We have no direct access to Irminsul. However, we might be able to gather the information we need from the Ley Lines. Study the branches to learn about the trunk, in other words.

(Wait... Is that what Cyrus is up to? No wonder he ran off to research in the wild... Curses. Always one step ahead of me, isn't he?)

I heard that while in the Sanctuary of Surasthana, the Dendro Archon had to serve as the central information hub herself. This is a clear sign the situation within Irminsul might be far worse than we can imagine.

Irminsul is vital not just to the safety of Sumeru, but to all of Teyvat. We must be the ones to bear responsibility for this world... To be on the safe side, I think we need to consider some backup plans.

Are you saying we should consider a scenario in which Irminsul is completely destroyed?

I'm merely pointing out that the possibility exists.

You have a valid point. But until worse comes to worst, I believe we should focus our efforts on resolving the Irminsul anomaly and helping it recover.

Collei, I understand that you were the first to foresee this crisis? If it's alright, I'd like to talk with you about it in more detail.

Of course! But even I don't know how I came to have that dream...

If there are no signs of external damage, could it be a stress fracture? Metals tend to suffer from this issue with long-term use, and Irminsul has existed for centuries, after all...

It's possible, but surely a stress fracture would be more likely to cause a complete shut down rather than chaos...

Sages, General Mahamatra... Sorry to interrupt, but something has come up.

What happened?

Some citizens didn't believe that Sumeru City was really in any danger. They slipped away and hid during the relocation, intending to return home.

How many people are we talking?

About a dozen. Sekkura found them while on patrol, but they appeared to be suffering from psychosis... For whatever reason, they were trying to kill each other.

...!

By the time we arrived, there were only two survivors. One was unconscious from their injuries, the other tried to attack us but was subdued.

Where did this happen?

Near Yasna Monument.

...That's not far from Caravan Ribat.

Master.

I know. The Irminsul anomaly is beginning to have effects in the world. I didn't expect it to spread to Yasna Monument so soon... It almost feels like we're being chased relentlessly, with no time to catch our breath.

Sir Cyrus said the same thing. He sent me back to report in while he continues investigating.

I'll go join him.

We'll come with you.

Count me in too. Don't let my age fool you, I can still fend for myself.

Very well. Meanwhile, the rest of us will continue discussing our next steps.

Get back soon.

Take care of yourselves. It's getting dangerous out there.

Please, don't go any further. As you get closer to Sumeru City, there's no knowing what dangers you might encounter.

So this is our mentally disturbed man?

I'm going to gut you all! Hahaha!

Cyrus! You didn't even bring a single guard!? Do you think you're some sort of warrior?

It's fine. Come here and look at this.

Ohhh... It's...

A Ley Line Blossom?

That's right. Flowers that bloom from openings in the Ley Lines, indicating some sort of anomaly.

I don't believe I've ever seen a color like this before.

Did you discover it nearby?

Not just here... Way over there too... They're everywhere! There's even more in that direction!

Hmm...

How did you ascertain the situation further ahead? Didn't you just say that we can't go beyond this point?

Yes, this area is relatively safe so far, but if you continue forward, delusions will start afflicting your mind.

However, some Vision-bearing mercenaries were able to maintain their sanity a little better. They're the ones who brought back news from further afield.

Cyno, do you remember the class I taught on dissecting Ley Line blossoms?

I do, Professor. I received full marks in that course.

Good. After all these years, it's time to put that knowledge into practice. There must be anomalous information hidden within these blossoms. Alkindi, I'll need your help as well.

Been a while since we worked on a project together, hasn't it?

Sure has. Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get to work!

Anything we can do to help?

(Nahida once said that Irminsul doesn't contain any information about me... So theoretically, I shouldn't be affected by such anomalies.)

Will you need my help?

I should be fine.

Alright. Well, don't go too far. There's too many unknowns at this stage.

Let's regroup at Caravan Ribat later. Don't worry, if you don't show up, I'll come and find you.

(Dark clouds gather in the sky, a sure sign that a storm is approaching.)

(Slowly but surely, the strange weather is spreading. The rainforest creatures must have sensed that something is wrong, because they're beginning to flee too.)

(We don't have much time left. Tighnari said that to help the Dendro Archon regain her power, we need to heal Irminsul, but healing Irminsul requires the Dendro Archon's power...)

(Is there any way to solve this puzzle?)

That should be the Heart of Oasis. All we need to do is light it with the Fire Seed and it'll restore Apep with elemental power.

The damage it suffered internally will also slowly begin to heal.

(That's it...!)

(If I use Apep's "Heart of Oasis," I might be able to help Nahida replenish her lost Dendro power without any need to rely on Irminsul!)

What is it? You thought of something?

I know a way to save Nahida.

Really!? Then let's get back and tell the others!

Phew. Glad to see you've returned safe and sound.

Any longer, and we would've gone out looking for you.

Hehe, well this is a nice surprise! Paimon sure feels better with everyone we know here.

It's great to see you all.

We've made some progress, so let's start by giving you and Paimon a quick update.

By dissecting the Ley Line blossoms, we've been able to deduce that although Irminsul is experiencing an anomaly, it has not completely rejected access from the outside.

The Dendro Archon has the power to connect to Irminsul, but there's also another way... I assume you recall the devices everyone was wearing when you first arrived in Sumeru?

Devices? Oh, wait! You mean...?

The Akasha terminals?

That's right.

Of course! It's been so long, Paimon almost forgot all about the Akasha. Wasn't it shut down, though?

Yes, but although the system isn't currently operational, the technological infrastructure is all still there.

And it turns out that a certain someone gets so bored at work that he's actually read through every single one of the instruction manuals.

No prizes for guessing who that was.

If praising others is that embarrassing for you, you can simply spare yourself the ordeal.

Hmph. As much as it pains me to say anything nice about him, there's no denying his intelligence. He rarely forgets anything he's read.

The Akasha is exactly what Sumeru needs at this moment. Between us, we should have all the knowledge and expertise we need to get it up and running again.

But if I recall correctly, doesn't the Akasha need a Gnosis to function?

That's exactly right. The Akasha relies on the Gnosis as a power source, and in its absence, we'll need to find an alternative. To tackle this problem, it looks like we'll be relocating once again.

Namely, to the Temple of Silence... Ring any bells?

It's the only major institution in Sumeru dedicated to preserving the knowledge of King Deshret's civilization. You might find the answers you're looking for are hiding there.

I agree, there's a good chance.

Master Naphis and the other sages have discussed it. As the chaos from Irminsul continues to spread, Caravan Ribat won't be a safe haven for much longer.

We have to move into the desert next. The scholars and sages will head to the Temple of Silence, while the civilian population seeks refuge in Aaru Village.

The Eremites will keep everyone safe during the journey, and Candace will be there to receive us at the village.

This leaves us just one thing to worry about.

Dendro Archon...

She's very weak... We can't afford to wait until Irminsul is fixed. There has to be another way to help her...

Hehe, well luckily, Traveler had a eureka moment while we were out investigating.

Really?

Wow. Nice one, Traveler! Let's hear it.

What say our Amurta experts?

...Theoretically, it's feasible. From what you're saying, although elemental life and elemental energy have their differences, the Dendro Archon has explicitly stated that she can imitate the power of the former.

In which case... as long as Apep is willing, she should be able to convert her own power into a form that the Archon can use.

It wouldn't be difficult for her at all. The only problem is convincing her to help.

I'll find a way to persuade her.

Yeah, even though she wasn't exactly friendly the last time we met, she didn't refuse to talk with us.

Once she realizes the danger that Nahida is in, surely she won't turn a blind eye to it. Uh... well, hopefully not?

Either way, we're not exactly spoiled for choice here.

Hey, it's better than having no options at all!

I agree. Without Irminsul's aid, the legendary Dendro Dragon Apep may well be the only living thing in Sumeru who can help our Archon recover her power.

There's no time to lose. I'll bring this proposal to Master right away. If he and the other sages agree, we'll split into three teams:

The academics will go to the Temple of Silence to look for a solution to the Akasha problem, the Eremites will escort the civilians safely to Aaru Village, and Traveler and Paimon will take the Dendro Archon to see Apep.

There's still a long road ahead, and no knowing if we'll make it — but at least we have a direction now. I'll take it over floundering around in confusion.

If there are no objections, then let's proceed. But before we adjourn, I would like to leave you all with some parting words.

"No matter the distance between us, there will always be an invisible force tying us together. May the bonds forged in the past shine bright like stars and open a new path before our feet."

Huh... Is that from King of Invokations?

No. This one's from King of Invokations: The Sequel.

What's the difference?

The sequel's much cooler.

Couldn't agree more.

Well, it was very apropos. Once this is all over, I'll give everyone a copy of King of Invokations and the sequel to show my gratitude.

Come on, let's get moving.

Tighnari has brought me up to speed. I approve of your plan of action.

But we can't proceed with everything right away. The people need to rest. For many of them, this will be their first time in the desert, so we'll need to find additional personnel to help escort them.

You two, please go on ahead with the Dendro Archon. Let's rendezvous at the Temple of Silence later.

No problem! We got this.

Words can't express my gratitude, so let me just say: I hope everything goes smoothly, for all of us. Goodbye for now.

Alright, let's get going. If Paimon remembers correctly, the last time we saw Apep was in—

Traveler, Paimon... Could I borrow you guys for a moment? It'll only take a second!

Collei! What's the matter?

Well... The thing is...

...Master Tighnari once told me: "After you raise a problem, you should think about how to resolve it." But ever since I had that dream, I feel like I haven't been of any help at all.

I tried my best to keep up with the conversation, but there was so much new information, I couldn't take it all in. So I just wanted to ask... do you have any tips for me there?

Hehe, Paimon knows exactly how you feel.

But fear not! Everything you need to know is right here in Paimon's Notes: Sumeru Chapter!

It's got tons of info about all the things we've seen and heard on our adventures. Uh... Some parts are a little simplified, but hopefully it all makes sense!

You sure kept that one quiet...

Hmph! You see? Being the greatest guide in Teyvat isn't just a fancy title. It takes a lot of hard work.

Paimon doesn't always understand the things you're talking about with other people. Whenever that happens, she notes down the confusing parts and goes over them in her own time.

This is perfect! Could I borrow it?

Sure! Matter of fact, you can keep it if you want. Paimon has another copy.

The spare copy was originally meant for Traveler. Paimon used to worry that one day, he might not need a guide anymore, so she wanted to have a gift for him in case we ever parted ways...

But it doesn't seem so necessary nowadays. We have so many more places to see together, one copy will be enough for both of us.

Thank you so much! But still, these are your treasured memories... I think I'll make my own copy and then return the original to you.

Anyway, that was all — I won't keep you any longer. Have a safe trip! See you again soon!

See ya!

Alright, time to bring Nahida to see Apep... Let's hope that old grouch is in a negotiating mood.

Hah. I had a feeling your kind might come calling.

The Ley Lines are in disarray. Something has gone wrong with Irminsul, yes?

Even from a great distance away, I can sense that Sumeru is headed for destruction.

You who took our home from us, prepare to watch as your own world is plunged into oblivion... Hahaha... Oh, how the cycle of history comes to a poetic conclusion.

This isn't a joke, Apep. Nahida's in grave danger! Can you please help her?

Is she, now? Then, do explain: For what reason should I lend Buer my assistance?

Be not mistaken, the fate of Sumeru is of no concern to me. I am neither the god of this land, nor its guardian.

I may have given my tacit agreement as your kind built homes here and multiplied for generation upon generation... but that does not mean that I bear any responsibility for Sumeru.

Tiny Buer, puny humans... In my eyes, all of you are but intruders who followed in the wake of the Heavenly Principles. I am not obliged to be your savior.

...

...

(This is an awkward silence... Is silence a mandatory part of an audience with a dragon?)

It is done. The Heart of Oasis is supplying her with life force as we speak. It shall not be long before she recovers.

But I should warn you: Buer's existence is closely intertwined with Irminsul. Unless the issues plaguing it are resolved, she will never completely recover her former strength.

Th—Thank you...

Spare me your words of gratitude.

Will giving your power to Nahida affect you in any way?

...You may also spare me your feigned concern.

(Ugh! Just like last time... It's impossible to have a normal conversation with this dragon!)

A dragon sovereign's power is far greater than you can imagine. While I was indeed weakened when the Heart of Oasis ran dry, providing Tiny Buer with a morsel of my life force shall have little consequence for me.

Good to hear...

~♪

...?

(Just like Apep once said, the elemental lifeforms who merged with her have now been reborn.)

(The knowledge, memories, and emotions they once had are gone... They're brand new individuals now. And yet, for some reason, they seem drawn to Paimon and me.)

Ever held in high favor, I see.

Heh, hehe, well, y'know...

The compliment was sincere. Simply accept it.

(Come to think of it... I'm curious how Apep sensed the Ley Line anomaly from so far away, and immediately guessed that something was wrong with Irminsul.)

(Could she know something that we don't?)

...I did once.

That tree was not planted by the Heavenly Principles. Irminsul existed before they ever arrived in Teyvat.

...What?

There was a time when it belonged to Teyvat, to dragonkind.

Its appearance and function then differed greatly from today. The Ley Lines flowed with an abundance of a familiar, primitive form of elemental energy... You may know it as the power of the Light Realm.

The Heavenly Principles usurped and refashioned Irminsul, made it serve humanity, and used it to anchor the fate of the world. Haha... Yet in the end, humanity has failed to protect it.

Heavenly Principles, god of gods... It makes me sick. The enmity between your kind and mine can never be bridged.

As things stand today, holding a grudge against you would serve no purpose.

But there will come a day when we reclaim this world for ourselves. The opportunity will arise, no matter how long we must wait.

I can already sense that far away from here, the Hydro Dragon has wrested his authority from the hands of the usurpers.

Though we have yet to meet, I know that we are both preparing for our revenge day and night.

Uh-huh...

(It's probably best if we don't tell Apep that we're on such good terms with the Hydro Dragon...)

...I hear a great disturbance out there.

Huh? What is it?

Sandstorms come... The Jinn? Hmm, I see.

What happened?

Another calamity approaches. You both seem restless — let us part ways here.

Buer is safe with me. Once she has recovered, I shall return her to your side.

Thanks again. Take care, alright?

I told you already, I have no need of your feigned concern.

(There she goes again...)

(We've done what we came here for. Time to check what's going on out there...)

(...!)

Uh... N—Nahida? You're awake? Are you okay?

Cease your interrogation. Yes, she awoke for a brief moment, but she has now lost consciousness again.

Take it. We shall talk more at another time.

(The moment I touched the key Nahida handed over, a mysterious piece of information appeared in my mind...)

(I don't know what it means, nor how to decipher it, but I will firmly commit it to memory.)

(This must be incredibly important information... I don't know why Nahida would keep it a secret from everyone, but it's probably best that I do the same for now.)

There's no need for everyone to stay here. I'll protect the sages — the rest of you, return to Aaru Village.

Yes, Mahamatra Cyno!

Cyno, what's going on?

You're back! How is the Dendro Archon?

What a relief...

What's with these sandstorms?

It's the Jinn. Countless Jinn have stirred up violent sandstorms across the desert, blocking our path to the Temple of Silence.

Tighnari and Collei have returned to Aaru Village to help. The Jinn are being highly aggressive, so both the village and the merchant caravans require protection.

It's just one thing after another... Where did all of them come from, anyway? In all my trips to the desert, I've never seen anything like this before.

As I see it, the only possible candidate is Gurabad.

Gurabad?

Baladhuri could explain in more detail if he were here. All I know is a rumor I've heard about from previous trips to the desert — supposedly, a great number of dormant Jinn lie sealed beneath that city.

(Jinn from Gurabad, huh...)

(A familiar figure comes to mind.)

Gurabad is, for me, a fated land. I must therefore return back to this city, where my destiny awaits me still.

My master... I am sorry that I couldn't stay by your side for long, that I could not have more time to get familiar with you.

Liloupar...

Paimon and I should take a trip to Gurabad.

Yeah. We once said goodbye to a friend there... Well, maybe not a "friend," exactly, but someone we met on the road, anyway. She was a strange bottle.

If we can find a way to wake her up, maybe she can help solve the situation in Gurabad.

Well, be careful. You may find there's more than just the Jinn to worry about.

You mean, there are other dangers in Gurabad?

It's a sensible assumption to make. The moment we arrived in Caravan Ribat, the Irminsul anomaly started spreading in that direction. Now we've moved to the desert, and suddenly we're plagued by Jinn and sandstorms.

To call it a coincidence would be a stretch.

Don't worry, we've gotten a lot stronger since our last stint in Sumeru!

Raargh!

Eek! When did they show up!?

It appears that the monsters native to the desert have been stirred by the Jinn's activity.

You should get going. We'll take care of things here.

Be careful.

You too.

Don't do anything too risky! You got it?

...It seems my subordinates failed to stop you in your tracks.

Apologies, Sir.

There is no need to apologize. You did well to hold your ground against such a powerful adversary for as long as you did... I must commend your courage and perseverance.

So you're in charge here, huh? First the problems with Irminsul, now this mess in Gurabad... Are you the ones responsible for all this?

I'm afraid I cannot answer that.

Hehe... I assume you aren't naive enough to expect answers from an enemy?

Grr... This guy is so... so... snooty!

However you wanna spin it, you're clearly involved in this somehow. So you can either start talking, or we'll have to make you talk!

Let's get him! ...Traveler? What's wrong?

(Something seems unusual about him... Is he trying to provoke us? This feels like a trap...)

(Judging by the tents and supplies, there must be many more Fatui stationed here than the few we saw on the way in. So where are the rest?)

You're remarkably calm. Some would act more rashly upon finding the ringleader all alone, but you keep your cool... Even as your enemy, I must applaud you.

Did you show yourself just to say that?

Is this you trying to take back control of the conversation? Unfortunately, I really don't have anything to say to you.

I am here merely to indulge my own curiosity... Your names are well known among the Fatui. Naturally, I wanted to observe you up close while I had the chance.

Hey! Don't treat us like we're some kind of... exotic animals in a zoo!

Oh, I wouldn't dream of it. You seem rather predisposed to misunderstand me.

I'm quite aware that you are both heroes of great renown. You have resolved crises in many nations and won countless allies along the way...

I've been following your adventures with great admiration. My only regret is that the trajectory of your journey conflicts with our goals.

What do you mean "admiration"? Sorry, but that sounds pretty weird coming from you...

I don't see why. We may happen to occupy opposing sides, but there is no cause for deep-seated enmity between us. To respect one's enemy is to respect oneself.

Well, now that you're observing us up close, what do you see?

I've observed as keenly as I can. Yet while I endeavor to understand, your true strength remains a mystery to me.

Violence is not my area of expertise either... So, you see, I would much rather converse with you like this than determine a victor with the edge of a blade.

Besides, I've heard that even three moons in the sky failed to eclipse your brilliance. I know better than to bite off more than I can chew.

Three moons...!?

So you have a connection with the Harbinger, "The Doctor"?

Well deduced. Our commander, Dottore, died in Nod-Krai. But there are things that do not end with his departure. We must...

Ah, look at me. I almost divulged more than I should have.

What are you after? Revenge for Dottore? Or are you plotting something else...

I've said quite enough, I believe. There's no point in continuing this conversation... Except to say, I've noticed that you seem to know your way around here quite well. A repeated visitor to Gurabad, are we?

...

I'll take that as a yes. Then I'm sure you'll have heard the story of this place... The "Mother of the Jinn," Liloupar, and the tragic tale of her vengeance that spanned three generations.

It was right here that Liloupar once helped the wise to ascend to the throne. But from that moment on, every king who sat upon it was corrupted by power.

These degenerate rulers lost control over their nation, and with it, the right to occupy that exalted seat.

What are you trying to say?

I once admired you for your adventures. That is the earnest truth. But it appears to me that your journey serves ultimately to uphold the rules of this world.

Are these rules truly just? Does the Heavenly Principles rule with wisdom, or folly? And how can we be sure that The Seven, who wield authority over the world, will not be corrupted?

Do you seriously think you're gonna convince us of anything?

Convince you? Haha. I'm sure my commander already tried that. Why would I waste my breath doing the same?

If a few words from a stranger were enough to make someone completely change their stance, it would only prove that they never had a firm will to begin with.

I am merely stating my position so that we might understand each other better. One's enemy in the present may not necessarily be an enemy for life.

As for what game I'm playing here... I'm simply buying some time. But now, I must bid you farewell.

It was a wise decision not to attack me immediately. Since you did not fall for my ambush, I will now have to ask those in hiding to reveal themselves.

Leave this to us, Sir.

Very well. I trust you to do what is necessary. Stall him while I execute the next step of the plan.

Sumeru City, Irminsul...

Hey, stop right there! Don't you dare leave without explaining yourself!

All units, stop them! Protect the commander!

Found him! Over here!

You're very persistent.

Hey, you! Stop running, and explain yourself! What're you trying to—

Paimon, wait!

Wh—What's this..?

Relax. A small trap like this won't be enough to hold you.

The sandstorms from Gurabad will die down soon enough, but this small window of time was all we needed to launch the next phase of our plan.

(So there was more than one ambush... I shouldn't have let my guard down!)

Don't be discouraged. I knew that someone would come here eventually, so I planned ahead.

Where to chat with you, which door to exit from, even which mechanism to wait by for you... I thought through every detail.

You, meanwhile, know nothing of who I am. So far, you've only heard my voice — and for all you know, it may not even be real.

But not to worry. This is only our first meeting. It shan't be our last.

Just answer me one last question. Why do you continue to follow Dottore? He has conducted countless cruel experiments... even on his subordinates.

"Follow" isn't quite the right word. Let's just say, even those you see as villains have their friends, even if they aren't the most sincere of friendships.

When any set of rules is established, there will be those who benefit and those who lose out. People will do anything to justify what they have gained or escape from the hardship imposed upon them.

Neither he nor I are tolerated by the rules of this world. We were both searching for a new order... Our ideas of the final form that should take may have differed, but our journeys took a shared path.

Goodbye, Traveler and Paimon. I wish you a timely escape... albeit not too soon. I will need a little more time to prepare, after all.

Hey! Come baaaack!

Wait, this dark wall... We've seen these on our adventures before! It swallows people up!

Paimon's sorry... She shouldn't have jumped the gun...

Okay! Hmph, he may have fooled us this time, but we'll get him back!

Cyno and his team are guarding the north. We'll take this side.

There are so many Jinn... We can't let them get into Aaru Village.

Don't fret! I am well prepared for this situation.

Huh? So you have a solution?

Perhaps you're unaware that I have a trusty Jinni partner of my own, Plumpy. If I send her to negotiate with the others, this whole thing will resolved before you can say "Mora."

Off you go, Plumpy!

Blub.

C'mon! What's the holdup?

...5,000 Mora.

Blub.

20,000 Mora.

Blub.

100,000 Mora, final offer!

Blub-blub!

Ah, so she's a hired partner.

Hired partners are reliable too! Plumpy here is a highly skilled negotiator. You'll see — just a few words from her, and...

Blub...

Plumpy...!

Don't you Jinn have any respect for the rules!? This was supposed to be a negotiation! How dare you treat my messenger like this!

You wanna play rough? Two can play at that game!

Aaaah!

...

...

Looks like it's up to us now. Be careful, Collei.

Yes, Master!

There's too many of them!

I can't believe I used 12 rare items in one battle! Ugh... I shudder to think how this is going to affect this month's accounts... The sight of that glaring deficit might be more than my poor heart can take...

Tighnari, how's the situation on your end?

We held the line, though it was a close call. But it looks like they're preparing for another attack... Has something happened?

They've breached our defenses in the south! The Jinn are pouring in! We're moving the villagers to the north as we speak.

We're hemmed in... This is getting precarious. Our margin for error just got a lot smaller.

That's why we wanted to confirm your status. We need to consider our next move carefully...

Bad news! Another line of defense has been breached!

Collei, go with them and assess the situation. Dori and I will hold the line here.

But, Master...! Even with three of us, we barely managed to—

This is not a discussion, Collei. Don't worry about us — she clearly still has plenty of tricks left up her sleeve.

Wait, you can't pin all your hopes on me!

(Oh, great... I've almost run out of the things I brought with me, and the rest is back at the caravan. I should be able to hold out for a little longer, but still...)

Master...

Need any help?

Huh!?

What is it, Collei?

If things continue like this, it won't be long before Aaru Village is overrun by Jinn, and the sandstorms are sure to follow in their wake. I do have a plan, but I can't guarantee it will work.

I don't care. Whoever you are... Please, just help us!

The only one who can help is you. I am merely here to guide you along the correct path.

"I am a spirit created at the beginning, I am a flickering illusion, I am the shimmering light that flows from the eyes of the creator."

What do you mean?

It doesn't matter, you don't need to understand it. Just repeat after me, one line at a time.

Watch out, Jinn incoming!

"I am a spirit created at the beginning."

Phew... Here goes nothing! "I am a spirit created at the beginning"...

Blub...?

"I am a flickering illusion."

"I am a flickering illusion"...

Blub!!!

What's wrong, Plumpy? I've never seen you so agitated before.

That's... But how do you...

Do you know what Collei is reciting?

"I am the shimmering light that flows from the eyes of the creator."

"I am the shimmering light that flows from the eyes of the creator"...

Roar...

It's a song composed by the Goddess of Flowers. But very few records of it remain, even in historical texts. All we have is a few fragments.

Is Collei an avid historian?

Not to my knowledge.

The Jinn have actually quieted down. Although... no, it's more than that. It looks like they're showing... submission.

Hmm... Clearly, the songs left by the Goddess of Flowers have a soothing effect on them. At the very least, they're much calmer now.

Really? Let me try...

"I am a spirit created at the beginning"...

Raargh!!

Eek! Stay away! I'll stop, I'll stop!

It seems like the song only works when Collei recites it. But why?

Collei...

Hyah!

Any luck?

(The only way out of here is by brute force. But too much force, and the entire ruins might collapse.)

(The mechanism is right outside. Maybe there's a way to...)

Heh. When I heard that loud rumbling in the distance, I thought the shifting sands had bust open the gates to some ancient treasure vault... Turns out it was just you guys.

Huh? Wait, that sounds like—

It's been a long while... Did you miss me?

Beep-beep, beep...

Jeht! Benben!

Let's save the catching up for later — first, I gotta get you guys out of there.

This should be the right mechanism... Benben, can you handle it?

Beep!

There we go.

C'mon, let's leave this place.

Hmph, those Fatui sure made themselves scarce. It's like they were never here.

The Fatui? They came to the desert again?

Yup. No idea what they're planning this time... They were being very coy about it.

How have you been, Jeht?

Well, since we last met, I've started my own band of mercs. We've actually made quite a name for ourselves.

Oh yeah — on a slightly different note, I have some good news.

I finally took care of Masseira. Not much to write home about... It was just another day. Found his hideout, dragged him out of his cozy little bed.

He tried to talk me into seeing his point of view, as usual. But I'm way past that by now. There was nothing he could say to save his life.

What about you guys? Bet you'd forgotten all about me and Benben, huh?

Of course not! We're super-duper best friends!

Wow. Sounds like I should make time to visit some other nations, too. Anyway, what brings you to Gurabad?

Oh, right! Paimon almost forgot! We're here to look for Liloupar.

Oh, that bottle?

Oh, that bottle?

Yeah. We need her power to calm the Jinn and stop the sandstorms.

Here's hoping we actually manage to find her, after all the trouble we've been through... Surely, with everything that's been going on in Gurabad, she must've woken up, right? Only one way to find out...

Liloupar!

What a long dream that was... It's been a while, my master.

Oh, and you're here too, little wildcat. The four of us, back together again. Imagine that!

After we last parted ways, I merged with the land beneath Gurabad to suppress the dark calamity stirring in the depths.

It rekindled the flame of vengeance within the Jinn, depriving Gurabad of any hope of peace.

I fought against it for a long, long time — until one day, I sensed a change in a foreign land to the west. Suddenly, the pitch-black Abyss fell silent.

(A foreign land to the west... Could she mean Natlan? Gurabad isn't far from there. Did the Abyssal presence beneath this city fall silent when we defeated Gosoythoth?)

Once satisfied that that dark power could no longer bewitch the Jinn, I too fell into a deep slumber, from which I have only now awoken.

Why have you returned to Gurabad, my master? And why is my sand-swept homeland in disarray once more?

Well... Basically, Sumeru's in danger and a lot of our friends are affected. Some bad guys messed around with Irminsul, and now they've released the Jinn in here.

We managed to chase off the culprits, but we have no idea how to seal this place back up and stop the sandstorms.

Child's play. I shall quell the Jinn and scatter the storms.

Thank you, Liloupar.

No need to thank me, my master. I have granted many wishes in my time, and this was the most trivial of them all.

The sandstorm's gone. The sun shines bright again.

When I said that we'd meet again under a lovelier sun... This was exactly how I imagined it.

Hehe, yay! Although honestly, Paimon would love to hang out with you more, even if the weather sucked!

That goes for me too.

Hmm... Well, there shouldn't be any more Jinn breaking out, right? Are we okay to head back?

Yeah. Let's all head to the Temple of Silence.

Sounds good. You can introduce us to your other friends.

Haha, another adventure begins. Lovely!

So this is the Temple of Silence... I've heard the Nagarjunites mention it in passing, but I never imagined it would be this big. It's colossal...

I thought the Temple moved to the rainforest ages ago? When did they scamper back into the desert?

...I don't know, this plan sounds a little too risky for my liking.

Even in King Deshret's day, this was experimental technology. We have no idea what could happen if we activate it.

Well, unless you know of another viable alternative for the Akasha Terminal, I'm afraid this is our only option.

The plan is sound, and the risks are manageable. However, if we are to proceed, we must act quickly.

The scale of this project is enormous. Even with Kaveh, Faruzan, and every other scholar of mechanics working on it full time, the proposed modifications won't happen overnight...

You're back... Everything alright?

Uh... And who are they?

Friends of yours?

Hehe, pretty much everyone in the Temple of Silence is! This guy's Kaveh, and the one next to him is Alhaitham.

Hello. I'm Jeht, and this is Liloupar.

Oh? A famous name from the history books.

Pleased to meet you. A friend of a friend is a friend of mine, as they say!

Who's "they"?

Huh? ...Do people not say that?

Not in the desert. Friends you can trust, but friends of friends? Gotta keep an eye on them.

Still, I do trust Traveler's judgment. I'm sure you're good people.

The sandstorms have calmed down. I take it the Gurabad problem is resolved? What did you find?

...And after getting all smarmy with us, he trapped us there. Luckily, Jeht used the mechanism outside to free us, and then we got Liloupar to put a stop to the chaos.

Wow... Thanks for being there to help them.

...

So. This mystery man openly admitted that he was merely a Harbinger's subordinate?

Yeah. Is there something weird about that?

(Now that he mentions it, it is a little strange...)

Hehe... I assume you aren't naive enough to expect answers from an enemy?

Well deduced. Our commander, Dottore, died in Nod-Krai.

(He was clearly unwilling to answer our questions when we first met, so why would he admit to being Dottore's subordinate later?)

Are you wondering about his true identity? Or do you think there's a big conspiracy behind all this?

I wouldn't go as far as to call it a conspiracy. Just the simple fact that having someone to shift the blame on tends to prove useful, should trouble come knocking later.

The most important thing for now is to solve the immediate problem. Perhaps that man knew you wouldn't have the resources to investigate his background, and so didn't put much effort into disguising himself.

Uhh... This is all getting a little cryptic for me. I'll let you guys talk while I take a walk with Liloupar.

Jeht?

Aren't you with the Blazing Beasts? What a coincidence. Didn't expect to run into you here.

Eh, we're mercs, you can run into us anywhere. Who's this with you?

So, did you find the solution you were looking for in the Temple of Silence?

You bet we did. This place is incredible — it has everything.

So far, we've discussed a plan and verified its feasibility. Building a new system from scratch is out of the question, so our only option is to modify the Akasha using certain resources we hope to find in the Mausoleum of King Deshret.

According to certain sources in the Temple of Silence, there is a core device in King Deshret's Mausoleum known as "Aaru." Little is known about this device in academic circles, which suggests it was hidden quite effectively.

If these sources prove correct, the energy contained within Aaru may be sufficient to power our Akasha renovation plan.

However, this raises difficult questions regarding technological integration. The sages are still debating it.

Yeah, but I'm sure they'll reach a compromise once they've argued it out.

The people of the rainforest are always cautious when it comes to desert technology, but times of crisis like this leave us with little choice.

Wait. Paimon has a question.

Is this the same Aaru we've heard of before? It's sealed off, right? Some sort of prison where the Goat King, Ibis King, and Crocodile King are locked up.

Well remembered. Yes, that's exactly right.

According to our records, Aaru was the most brilliant creation King Deshret ever conceived of. Built by divine and mortal artisans working together, it was a miraculous accomplishment, and it lies hidden deep within the king's Mausoleum to this day.

That being said, what Aaru actually does and why it was built... Those are deep secrets we are not privy to.

Until recently, I wouldn't have been optimistic that the place even exists. The only reason I'm inclined to believe it now is because we heard it from the Ibis King Thoth himself at his temple... The tale of how the three retainers of Al-Ahmar were imprisoned in Aaru.

Paimon totally gets that. When Paimon first heard about it, she thought it sounded pretty unbelievable, too.

Do you guys still remember that? The Ibis King told us they were trapped in Aaru, and that they had to answer three questions to get out.

I think I remember... "What causes our rise and fall," "what obliterates love and hate," and "what determines truth and falsehood"... those were the three questions, right?

Yeah. If only Nefer were here... She's dealt with the Ibis King before, so she might know more... Oh — Nefer's a friend we met in Nod-Krai.

...Nod-Krai? Huh, funny. She showed up here earlier.

Huh?

Yeah. Had another lady with her, too. Both said they knew you. They contacted the sages, claiming they might be able to offer some assistance.

Really? They came here to help out?

Yes, really. It was just before you got back.

One of them said she's made Nod-Krai her home. If she's the person you were talking about, then...

Looks like betting on Aaru was the right choice.

See? They're right over there.

Nicole, Nefer!

...

Why, hello. We're here to help!

It's a good thing we left early. We almost got locked out!

Locked out? What do you mean?

Oh, you haven't heard? An invisible barrier has appeared around Sumeru's borders, cutting off all travel in and out.

No one can leave and no one can enter. Sumeru has become a lonely island.

Are the Fatui behind this too?

Actually, no. This has nothing to do with them. I suspect it's a defense mechanism within Irminsul itself.

Irminsul is the source of Teyvat's Ley Lines, after all, and Sumeru is the nation closest to it.

I imagine this function was put in place to seal the entire region off in the event of serious damage, preventing the disaster from spreading to the rest of Teyvat. It may have been implemented long ago.

But doesn't that mean that the people here won't be able to escape to other nations if the anomaly keeps spreading?

Currently, that does appear to be the case. Which is precisely why I am here. This is a critical moment for the world, and Sumeru is the eye of the storm.

So you brought Nefer here?

Paimon's surprised you managed to convince her to come back to Sumeru...

Indeed... Even for someone of my wisdom and eloquence, this tested my skills to the limit...

...And why should it concern me that Sumeru's in trouble? Surely you don't think I still have feelings for that place?

Judging by your tone, I suppose you don't.

Sounds like you don't know much about my past. And here I thought you knew everything.

All I know is that the Ibis King is the source of your power. He was quite a prominent Moon Envoy once upon a time... so I do know a thing or two about him.

As for your past, I have ways to learn the full story if I wished to. But everyone has secrets they'd rather keep to themselves, wouldn't you say?

I'm glad you see it that way, Miss Nicole.

I've chosen to call Nod-Krai home, which is why I did my part in its hour of need. That doesn't mean world-saving's become a habit with me. I have no particular desire to play hero in Sumeru, thank you.

I understand. Human emotions do not appear and disappear without cause. There is always a reason to be found behind both salvation and destruction.

Still, if time has taught me anything, it's that human emotions are often complex and in conflict. That's why people change their minds about things all the time.

But that's where we angels come in. Our duty, ultimately, is to guide people towards their deepest, truest desires, and help bring them to fruition.

So I wish to hear about your past. Because I do not believe you are motivated by hatred alone. And if we still arrive at different conclusions in the end, that's okay.

...

...I refuse.

Wait, what? But I set the atmosphere and everything... Isn't this supposed to be the moment when we finally open up to one another?

Is it? Maybe I'm not so good at reading the atmosphere.

...You're right, Nicole. There's more to me than just hatred. Had it consumed me, I'd be left stuck in the past forever, never living in the present.

But I don't think that your guidance can change my mind. The all-consuming sands, the bloodshed both deserved and undeserved... Those old emotions cling to me like a shadow.

Do you wish to shake them off?

...No, I hope to remember them forever. Those emotions and memories shaped me into the person I am today. They'll always be a part of me.

Hmm... In that case, would you like to hear my perspective, at least?

Sure. It's not every day you get to hear an angel's opinion.

A long, long time ago, when the angels still walked freely upon the earth, I found life tedious.

Monotonous work, lukewarm relationships... Things weren't nearly as interesting as they are now. And yet, since the angels' demise, I have found myself missing those days on more than one occasion...

Human emotions are often attached to a person, a place, or an object. When those things are gone, the memories quickly fade, and the emotions slip away along with them.

...

If Sumeru were destroyed, both rainforest and desert would be no more. With the object of your hatred wiped from existence, it would not take long for the memories buried deep in your heart to slowly fade.

Both love and hate are intense emotions. But they are nothing compared to the void left behind when they disappear.

Most sophisticated, Miss Nicole. But anyone focused on the future could only ever applaud the destruction of the things they hate.

Still... I'm a special case. Someone once told me that human memory is more selective than a Mora-hungry merchant choosing between customers. We all need a reality check once in a while, so we don't forget the truth.

As much as I dislike Sumeru, this is no way for it to perish... Alright, you win. I'll help you out a little, but I won't work for free.

How much will you need? You're not going to milk this for all it's worth, are you?

What do you think?

Uh... I'll be upfront with you — I don't have much Mora on me. If that's what you need, I could borrow some from Alice... Or perhaps I could pay in sculptures? The ones I carve are actually worth quite a lot.

Just cover my travel expenses.

Huh? Is that all?

That's all.

Given all the people I owe favors to, I can just about justify a trip to Sumeru.

Jahoda!

Here, Boss. What do you need?

I'm going back to Sumeru for a while. While I'm away, you'll be in charge of the Curatorium.

Wh... M—Me? I—I'm in charge? Whoa... Ahem! Don't worry, Boss! You can count on me!

And that was how the ingenious angel Nicole brought you the perfect person for the job in your hour of need. Hip, hip, hooray!

That was far more detailed than necessary. Not lacking in embellishment, either.

I never thought I'd return, especially not the desert. But life doesn't always go as planned, I suppose.

What's Candace up to? I don't think I've seen her yet.

She's still taking care of things in Aaru Village. Should be joining us before too long.

Oh, and sorry, hope we're not interrupting anything. We have some good news, though.

We're planning to go to the Mausoleum of King Deshret to look for the legendary Aaru, then use it to try and restore the Akasha System.

According to records in the Temple of Silence, the mausoleum houses something called "Aaru's Shut," which can be used to establish connection with Aaru.

We still have some time before we leave, so there's no rush.

By the way, who are these two new faces?

Just call me Nefer. I'm based in Nod-Krai. Did I hear you mention Aaru?

Correct.

Well, I happen to have a connection with one of the three retainers imprisoned inside, the Ibis King. I'm here to get things done, so if you don't mind, I think I should come with you.

That sounds perfect.

Hmm... Miss Nefer, are you from the desert by any chance?

Why do you ask?

I dunno. There's a familiar air about you, plus you mentioned Candace... Sorry, I don't mean to pry. It was just a random thought.

I'm Dehya, an Eremite mercenary. My work usually keeps me out in the desert.

I'm on good terms with Dori, and she's mentioned you all before. It's nice to finally put faces to the names.

However, my associate here is probably less well acquainted with you. Why don't you all introduce yourselves?

Actually, I'm a little better acquainted than you might think.

...!

Huh. Are my eyes playing tricks on me? It looked like you spoke without moving your mouth...

Ventriloquism... I have heard tell of it before.

What is it, Collei?

It's you... You're the voice who's been speaking in my head, aren't you?

You encouraged me to report my dreams to the Dendro Archon, and got me to recite that magic prayer...

Mm-hmm. I have many titles, but let's go with the most pertinent one. I am Nicole Reeyn, an angel who has lived since ancient times.

An angel? Sounds like a big deal... But, uh, what exactly is an angel?

Oh, hmm... Well, we're a rather long-living race of beings. Not gods, technically, but we can still tell you a lot of stories from ancient history.

Yep, and she's also an amazing sculptor!

You could say she's a real creative type.

Haha... Well, Ma'am, if both Traveler and Paimon give you rave reviews, you must be pretty impressive!

Oh, please don't call me "Ma'am." I find it so awkward when people get too formal with me.

Just relax and be yourselves. No need to be nervous.

Miss Nicole, if it's okay... could I ask you a few questions?

Yes, you may. I can see your heart is filled with confusion, and you are desperate for answers.

I also know which questions you want to ask me. Why did you dream of Sumeru City in disarray? Why did those verses soothe the Jinn only when recited by you?

I can guide you to the truth, but it involves a personal secret of yours. I'd prefer to speak with you alone if possible.

I thought we were going to speak alone... This is a lot more people than I was expecting.

What's wrong with it? Even the doctors at Bimarstan allow patients to be accompanied by family members.

Well, if Collei doesn't mind her secret being revealed, I have no problem with it.

Thanks for being so considerate, Miss Nicole. I don't know what secret you mean, but whatever it is, there's no need for me to hide it from my closest friends.

Closest friends! Ah, it's so nice to hear that.

We're here to support Collei through this.

Alright. In that case, I'll get right to it.

Collei, are you aware that there are god remains inside your body?

...I am.

When I was young, I got sick with Eleazar. Nothing could cure it.

The Fatui convinced my mom and dad that they could help, and I was sent to an unfamiliar place.

There were a lot of other kids just like me there. This creepy guy injected us with some strange medicine... which I heard contained god remains.

I can still remember the pain like it was yesterday. But thanks to the friends who've stuck by me all this time, I've gradually been able to overcome those memories.

Anyway... So you're saying that what happened to me has something to do with the god remains they injected me with?

Yes. Those were the remains of Nabu Malikata... the Goddess of Flowers.

...What?

Huh... Fascinating.

...

You don't seem surprised like the rest of us. Why?

The possibility crossed my mind when Collei recited the Goddess of Flowers' song and calmed the Jinn.

Aah! You made Paimon jump! What are you doing here, Liloupar?

I was merely passing through, when I heard the name of the Goddess of Flowers. Be assured that I share your surprise.

You with the hat — are you certain? I sense no trace of the Lord of Flowers within her.

Well, it is a very small fragment. Unless special methodspoems and prayers are used to manifest its power, even her closest acquaintances would find it near impossible to detect.

After the Goddess passed away, her remains were scattered across the desert. King Deshret gathered all the pieces he could find and buried them in the Eternal Oasis, but some fragments remained unaccounted for.

Eventually, the Fatui must have found a way to track some of them down... Presumably for use in some experiment. It's not an uncommon occurrence.

...

Hmm. You're more shaken than I thought. In one sense, you've been extraordinarily lucky. So many people who yearn for this kind of power never attain it, yet you have coexisted with her all this time without even realizing it.

I don't know what to say. I'm glad that I could help everyone with this power, really. But knowing that a fragment of the Goddess of Flowers is inside my body is... It's a strange feeling.

Well, people value their autonomy very highly. Even a well-intentioned intruder can shake one's sense of self.

I understand how you feel, Collei. But once you get used to it, you'll find it's nothing to be concerned about.

Huh... I guess you of all people have a good reason to speak on this.

Two good reasons, in fact. Incidentally, three is the maximum number of Hermanubis's Ba fragments that I could bear.

Let me guess, because two's company but three's a crowd?

Hehe... Thanks for helping to explain the joke, Tighnari.

Not my intention!

Goddess preserve me, I should take my leave. This boy in his wolf's-head hat speaks much too differently from the Hermanubis I remember.

Collei, all I'm trying to say is, no matter how many Hermanubis fragments there are within me, you wouldn't think of me as Hermanubis. In the same way, you are simply you.

Yeah, I know what you mean.

So about that dream I had... Was it a warning from the Goddess of Flowers?

Yes. Just like me, she was an angel created by the primordial humans, born with the instinct to guide living beings.

Though her body and soul have perished, her essence retains its natural instincts. Even her smallest remaining fragments would do their utmost to send you that warning.

The Mother of Dreams, Lord of Flowers and Oases... She must have had a premonition. That is why she gave that dream to you.

I... We won't let her efforts go to waste.

But I still don't understand... Why me?

Yes, why indeed? You weren't the only one injected with god remains, but only in you have her fragments persisted.

I suspect it may be because of the firm will you showed in the face of suffering. She was likely assimilated by that will.

Of course, this doesn't mean you have to shoulder any extra responsibility. As this young man said — you are who you are, and that will not change.

Alright, any further questions from the "family members of the patient"? If not, we should head to the Mausoleum of King Deshret.

Let's move out. Time to put our plan into action.

We all hope it'll work... But will we really be able to open Aaru? And even if all seven pillars of King Deshret agree to let us proceed, the scale of the work to follow is daunting to say the least...

Haven't you handled other big projects before?

I mean, the biggest project I've worked on to date is probably... the Palace of Alcazarzaray, I guess? But this is orders of magnitude beyond that. It's a total nightmare.

Look on the bright side. At least this time, you're actually here when Sumeru needs you most. You won't have to come asking me for details after the fact.

Hmph, mock me all you want! But now that I'm here, things will be resolved far more quickly and smoothly than last time!

(Kaveh's self-doubt disappeared in an instant... Like magic.)

Well, this confidence is most gladdening. Now, go and pack your things. We'll head to the Mausoleum as soon as you're ready.

Why, we've not seen so many visitors... ever, really. What is this place now, a tourist attraction?

Ah. Closer inspection reveals many familiar faces. To what do we dusty old fellows owe the honor? Surely you're not just here to chat?

You surmise correctly. We are here to carry out a rather enormous project.

Hoho, enormous, you say? How large, then? Larger than the gaping void in our lives?

Why, you've even put a smile on Goatie and Croco's faces. All this activity is making for quite the special day.

Pfft. Hahahahahaha!

I know that laugh... Liloupar!? What on earth are you doing here!?

Oh, this is hilarious. Turns out good things really do come to those who wait — as long as you stay alive long enough!

When did you three get locked up in here? And still you act all high and mighty, putting on a show for the younglings... Truly hysterical!

Why you...!

Yes, yes... I know, no need to shout... You're right, Liloupar. Goatie, Croco, and I all have the same problem.

But didn't King Deshret seal you away? How did you break free? And how did you get in here?

Who knows? Perhaps you can ask my master one day, should you ever get the chance.

Behold the executioners of old. Some have turned into fragments residing in human bodies, and others are imprisoned eternally, leaving not a single shard behind.

It's almost tragic, watching lowly prisoners like you act all self-important. Curiosity gnaws at you, doesn't it? Your interest in the outside world threatens to burst you at the seams.

...

I'm starting to take a liking to this magic bottle lady.

Ahem... Time is of the essence. Let's get down to business.

We come to you, O three ancient lords, to request your assistance on behalf of the Akademiya. If we can help you regain your freedom, then please consider lending us your aid.

As for precisely what we need your help with... it's a long story. So, to demonstrate our sincerity, we are prepared to first resolve the problems that plague the three of you.

Alright, alright, stop arguing, Croco. And Goatie, don't you start... What's the harm in letting her speak? It's not worth getting so angry about. Forget about her, the three questions are the crucial thing here.

But do you really have a way to answer them? You once answered the final question, Nefer, but the seal did not open.

Unless, with the passage of time... you have found a new answer?

You could say so. When you first asked me what determines truth and falsehood, my answer was "a liar's soul."

Liars are the best at seeing through the falsehoods of the world, but if you want them to tell you the truth, you have to reach their soul.

I think that makes sense.

I found it quite compelling myself, and I told Nefer so. Unfortunately, it brought us no closer to liberation.

Well, that's simply because it was my answer. Not the one that King Deshret was looking for.

Can you guess which answer Al-Ahmar wanted, then?

..."Time."

And that's not only the answer to the final question. It's the answer to all three of them.

All things wax and wane with the passage of time. Love and hate eventually fade into nothing.

Current affairs are always fraught with conflict and controversy. Only time can distinguish between right and wrong.

You once described King Deshret as a proud man. I'd say that the prouder someone is, the more inclined they are to believe that only time is qualified to be their judge.

Time... time... Well, well.

Indeed... Perhaps, in building Aaru, our King was in fact attempting to reverse time... to bring love and hate, right and wrong, the rise and fall of all things back to their point of origin...

...Whew.

This is the most eventful day I have experienced in a long, long time. You have my sincere gratitude.

Are those three of the Seven Pillars?

Turns out the statues were quite faithful to the source.

You three seem to be in good spirits.

Prison can help a person grow and learn to cherish what they have. Nevertheless, after everything you've done for me, I sincerely hope you never have to experience it for yourself.

Hello, Nefer.

It's good to see you, Thoth the Ibis King.

Nice, nice, nice. Definitely puts my mind at ease, seeing you two getting along so well.

Should we maybe introduce ourselves, or...?

Sure, sure, sure. I'm Sethos, the current leader of the Temple of Silence. This is General Mahamatra Cyno, and this is the former Spantamad Sage Cyrus. But I'm guessing none of that means a whole lot to you?

Everything is equally new to us, in truth. We've been gone from this mortal world for longer than you can imagine.

Let's hold off on the introductions for now. We can always ask Nefer about you later — it'll give me something to talk about with my chosen disciple.

Hah, you're like a helpless parent.

Gods and people of yore are not necessarily welcome in today's world. Self-awareness is one of my finest qualities — I thought I ought to share its fruits with you two.

Is that so? Well, I think we'll take it in stride — just as we did with the three questions. Let's not forget, it was my persistence that won you both your freedom!

Fair point. I have to applaud your persistence.

And I must praise you for your wisdom. Now, state your wishes, young ones.

...I'm sorry?

Why, your tremendous accomplishments deserve a reward, do they not? You must let us do something for you in return.

General Mahamatra, what do you think?

I won't beat around the bush. Sumeru is facing a crisis the likes of which have never been seen before, and we need your help.

Every calamity throughout the ages has been connected to us in one way or another, whether we were its cause or consequence.

Whatever is wrong with Irminsul, it severely affected the Dendro Archon. She fell into a coma, and is currently receiving treatment from the Dendro Dragon.

The Dendro Dragon? I'm sorry... the Dendro Dragon... is helping to heal the Dendro Archon?

Not Apep, surely? Not vicious, cruel Apep who possesses no virtues aside from her basic instincts? Ah, good heavens...

I shudder to think what could have caused Lesser Lord Kusanali to suffer such a plight... Still, why would the Dendro Dragon lend you her aid? She has always held nothing but contempt for the archons... I suppose she and Kusanali must have some history. Hmm...

You can help us make history, too.

Hahahaha, a smooth talker! Well said, lad.

Currently, no one can connect to Irminsul. We hope that by opening up Aaru and making some modifications to it, we can use its technology to our advantage.

...Unfortunately, Aaru is an imperfect creation. King Deshret never managed to realize his full vision before his death. Much remains to be done if it is to be pitted against Irminsul itself.

Besides, I hear your reasons, but to give Aaru up over such would be...

The archaeological records, clearly indicate that although Aaru's construction took a long time, it was not beyond human means to achieve. Modern technology should solve the efficiency issues... We have no choice but to go all in on this.

This is by no means a threat, but the only reason we helped you escape from Aaru was to gain the necessary leverage to negotiate with you.

You asked us to state our wishes — and we have. Each one of us here needs your help, as do all the thousands of people living in Sumeru. They need you, and they need Aaru.

What do we think, my fellow old fogeys? Shall we lend our support, or not?

Since you ask so nicely... naturally.

...Naturally what? Are you for or against?

I simply mean we shall do what comes naturally.

You claim that you wish to open Aaru. Know you, then, that the Golden Slumber created by King Deshret is preserved within?

We do. We understand the risks involved.

In all likelihood, the mortal world will never again be able to replicate King Deshret's work. Never will there be another chance to come so close to creating a utopia... Knowing this, are you sure of your decision?

We are sure. Before people can dream, they must first live.

If your minds are made up... Very well. We shall summon our erstwhile colleagues to discuss this further.

Saint Shesepankh, Saint Bennu, once you surrendered to silence and were buried with King Deshret... But now, we invoke the right to awaken you with our voices.

(I can feel this... strange sensation. The ground is trembling... as if answering the call of the Goat King.)

Saint Bennu, responding to your call. Three Kings detected, initiating autonomous will...

Saint Shesepankh, responding to your call. Three Kings detected, initiating autonomous will...

Ah, Lord Heryshaf, what a long time it has been. I trust you are keeping well?

Then your trust in my wellbeing has long outlived your physical body. You have always opened with that same phrase, in life, death, and now even beyond.

Al-Ahmar is long gone. What is the reason for this meeting?

You're awake? Good. We are voting on whether to give the people of present-day Sumeru access to Aaru and permit them to perform technological renovations. You have the right to support or oppose the motion.

Aaru is the pride of Al-Ahmar... Opening Aaru requires the unanimous consent of the Seven Pillars. I hope you have a convincing reason to present to us.

Sumeru is currently in the midst of a major calamity. Let us not forget that while Al-Ahmar was a stern ruler, he was also a teacher of wisdom.

A god without his people shall cease to exist, and King Deshret's greatest wish was to provide protection for his people. Let us then honor our God King's wishes as we consider our decision.

I do not mean to mock these proceedings, but what is the point of a "unanimous vote" when we know that the last of the Seven Pillars, the Dendro Dragon Apep, will never communicate with us?

This will no doubt surprise your mechanical mind, and I have no intention of trying to persuade you it is true... but Apep is, in fact, healing the Dendro Archon as we speak.

...

Can someone attest to this? Do we have any proof?

I ask the Three Kings, can any of you vouch for the truth of this claim?

Naturally, the Ibis King, Thoth.

What!?

It was Thoth's disciples who revealed the truth to us. We need not debate its veracity — simply let Thoth bear accountability. That way, the rest of us may have a clear conscience.

Heryshaf, you diabolical fiend!

I awakened our former colleagues for you, supported your opinion, and backed your decision. What sort of fiend would do that?

I miss the days when Hermanubis was still around... At times like this, he would offer to take accountability.

What are you trying to say? Is my word worth less to you than Hermanubis's?

Hypocrite though you are, Lord Thoth, you are humorous in equal measure. How could we bear not to associate with a character such as you? I, Saint Shesepankh, approve the Goat King's proposal.

...Since King Deshret is no more, we shall receive no reprimand for acting beyond our remit. Nevertheless, I sincerely hope that those before us understand the significance of what they intend to do.

Remember: The moment that Aaru is liberated, the myriad souls residing within the Golden Slumber will return to the Ley Lines. And once the Ley Lines flow again, these souls shall in turn be received by Irminsul.

To take this step is to bring the perfect afterlife created by our King to a permanent end.

We understand that well, and we have decided to proceed regardless. Furthermore... the contemporary human perspective would contend that confining souls in this way is no act of benevolence. The deceased have a right to rest in peace.

King Deshret's creation is clearly a place of rest and peace, it is just that many do not see it this way... Hmph, but no matter. Saint Bennu approves.

Hermanubis's representative and the Dendro Dragon Apep made their choice ahead of time, while the Goat King, Ibis King, and Crocodile King have also granted permission to liberate Aaru.

By the grace of His Majesty, guided by his wisdom and will... Let the gates of Aaru be reopened.

Hey! Look at that!

What's this? Are we under attack?

No, wait... it's...

(These look like souls... Silhouettes approach us from within the light, then pass through our bodies like wind through a veil.)

Here you are... Through the sands of time... I see you.

Father...? Father, is it really you?

It's Jeht's father, Jebrael! That's right, he entered the Golden Slumber, didn't he...

I smell blood and sand on you... You've grown. Strong as a wild beast, and without shedding a tear.

You... You have to leave, don't you? Please... just answer me this: What... What should I do for you?

This meeting is a blessing from the gods... My soul, once imprisoned along with that of Samail, is finally free. I am truly grateful for the chance to see you again.

That the dead should meet the living is itself a miracle... One brief, precious moment is enough. Enough to set my heart at ease.

Do not weep for me, Jeht. I know you will accomplish many great things in your life. You will go further and climb higher than I ever did. All I ask is that... you take good care of yourself.

Father! Father!!!

...Father...

Hey, Jeht... Um, do you want something to eat? Maybe it'll help you feel better...

I'm fine. Thanks, Paimon.

It was just a little sudden... The chance to see my father again meant the world to me.

He was trapped in the Golden Slumber for our sake, and now, after all this time, he can finally rest in peace... I'm glad. It's a huge relief.

You've grown strong, Jeht. More than enough to fend for yourself.

Yeah... I'll leave the past in my memory, where it belongs. My family, the good times, and the bad.

Goodbye, Father.

Ah, me. What a touching reunion that was. It seems we did a good deed today.

We three retainers, once imprisoned for our iniquity, are surely the least qualified to judge whether this deed is good or bad... Either way, Aaru is open. Now, you have your opportunity — and with it, whatever trouble may ensue.

Although Aaru was created by a god, human craftsmanship was nevertheless required to build the gate that connects it to this world. Perhaps the relationship between gods and humanity follows a similar principle.

As for your proposed renovations, we cannot determine which functions to keep or discard. Proceed as you see fit — but please entrust the task to your most accomplished scholars, or Bennu will be most displeased.

It matters not. The Ibis King shall be accountable if any problems arise. Ibis, you chose to take on disciples, and so it follows that you must accept the risks of associating with humans.

If I'd known you'd be like this, I would've locked all of you away in Aaru, never to leave again for all eternity.

All of us? What does this have to do with me?

Vilify me no further. Scholars, since you have liberated Aaru, allow me to present you with a gift.

Using Aaru's power, we shall install a defense mechanism at our King's Mausoleum. You must be guarded even against Irminsul itself — this shall afford you some convenience.

"Unseen, and unheard." From this moment forth, none may by sight or hearing perceive anything said or done within the Mausoleum.

Amazing... And all this is achieved just with the power of Aaru?

With technology from the heavens, the possibilities are endless. Just because King Deshret did not use it for this purpose does not mean that it cannot be done. So marvel away — this is the reward you have earned.

Alright, well that resolves the issue of confidentiality. What about the technical side? Do we have the manpower?

Why, yes. I've already contacted them. They'll be here soon.