(Next day)

Aether was waking up. He saw Paimon and the rest of the party. The Valkyries who were changed were back in their default outfits. And the CPUs and CPU Candidates were back in their 4 Goddesses Online outfits.

Paimon: Are you awake?

Aether: Ugh... It's morning again... What's up? Has something happened?

Paimon: It might sound hard to believe, but no. Nothing's happened.

Kiana: Nothing's happened.

Xinyan: You're awake? Then let's bring you up to speed: We've searched everywhere, and found nothing unusual at all.

Kaedehara Kazuha: Based on the previous two mirages, we should have been able to find something that acts as an entrance.

Aether: That's weird.

Mona: Is it possible that the time has not come yet?

Fu Hua: Probably. It is merely the calm before the storm.

Xinyan: You mean, we should wait a little longer?

Mona: Yes. Plus, Fischl is still nowhere to be found, and I highly suspect that she's even more eager to find the entrance than we are. So let's wait. Let's give the mirage... no, give Fischl some more time.

Everyone agrees with Mona and takes a break. Then, they continue the search in two groups. After numerous round trips with little success, something finally appears on the beach.

Paimon: There's something on the beach!

On the beach was a book and a raven statue.

Kaedehara Kazuha: A book? And next to it is... hmm... a raven statue?

Paimon: This statue looks a lot like Oz...

Noir: It does.

Mona: Why did these two items appear together? Did the raven bring the book here?

Sakura: Doubtful. Oz and Fischl did not come back here.

Xinyan: What's the book about? Is it a diary?

Mona: Let's see... "Hymn of the Holy Land"? I've never heard of a book by that title.

Paimon: From the cover, it looks like... it was written by Fischl herself?

Xinyan: That would certainly fit her personality. "Hymn of the Holy Land"... interesting, I like it.

Blanc: So do I. I'd want to add a book like this to my library.

Kaedehara Kazuha: As a title, it has a sacred ring to it.

Paimon: So what should we do? Should we touch it?

Mona: ...Fischl's still not back.

Sakura: Would it even be ok to go inside without Fischl guiding us?

Mona: Never mind, let's head inside first. Once Fischl finds the book, I'm sure she'll be able to catch up with us.

Paimon: Paimon agrees! It's like we're peeping into her diary, so Paimon's sure she'll wanna come in and stop us.

Noire: As much as I'm against looking at people's secrets in diaries. It has to be done.

Neptune: So let's go!

Upon touching the book, they enter the mirage within...​​ The domain was some kind of castle in a kingdom in the sky. Then a narrator spoke.

Narrator: "Though this truth has long faded from popular memory, scholars have long known that Prinzessin Fischl von Luftschloss Narfidort first descended upon the world during the Time of Chaos, roughly six hundred years before the Era of the Saints."

Mona: What? A narrator?

Xinyan: We really are inside a book, huh. There's even a narrator telling us the story.

Patrick: This feels like when that narrator in our adventure in Fairytale Rhapsody wanted to narrate and we were irritated by his storytelling.

Paimon: Oh no, the path has been cut off. We can't go across.

Mona: There's a device over there that appears to be waiting for us to approach it.

Paimon: Is it just Paimon, or does everything in this place seem just a little bit over-deliberate?

Mona: Well, it is the Holy Land, what did you expect...

Paimon: Yeah, everything's so blatant... it's clearly begging to be noticed.

Xinyan: That's our Fischl for ya!

As they went to the device, the narrator spoke again.

Narrator: "The Prinzessin harbored much sympathy for all living things, and wished to never see them in pain. She harnessed the power of darkness and dreams to weave the night, and gave it the task to safeguard all living things."

The device was called Gaze of the Deep. It was a puzzle. After solving the first Gaze of the Deep puzzle, the bridge was not cut anymore.

Sakura: So it works like the Memento Lens.

Neptune: And the puzzle piece just moved into its rightful spot.

Elizabeth: Let's continue! I want to see more!

Gemina twins: Yeah!

The three lolis ran over to the steps then up.

Theresa: Woah woah woah! Wait for us!

The group went to the stairs then up. But as they did, the narrator spoke again.

Narrator: "The people celebrated and worshiped the Prinzessin's authority, and followed her call to migrate to the sacred land that would eventually be known as the Immernachtreich."

Paimon: It really is the Immernachtreich!

Kiana: Fischl's kingdom.

Mona: Mm, it really looks the part... I'm quite impressed.

Neptune: We're gonna find out more about Fischl's backstory!

Bronya: And find out where she really came from.

They entered the castle and solved another Gaze of the Deep puzzle then went up.

After crossing the first bridge, the narrator spoke again.

Narrator: "We established a nation on the Holy Land, revered the Prinzessin as The Absolute One, and introduced poetry, theater, and adventure to the Kingdom, laying the groundwork for the Immernachtreich."

Neptune: What is your backstory, Fischl?

After using another Gaze of the Deep to repair the second bridge, the narrator spoke again.

Narrator: "When the rain finally ceased, the Prinzessin descended from the palace steps, as to allow all her retainers to behold her unparalleled glory."

They crossed over the second bridge.

Neptune: Could Fischl really haven gone through the events the narrator is telling us?

Noire: Maybe.

Mei: She is the Prinzessin.

They went inside and heard a voice.

???: Help! Heeeelp!

Paimon: That was a cry for help! Who could it be?

Blanc: Whoever that is, needs our help.

Bronya: And we better find this person.

They looked down.

???: Someone, please, help me!

Paimon: Uh, isn't this a statue?

???: Please don't refer to me like that! My name is Leon, and I am a knight of the Immernachtreich.

There was a raven statue with a knight helmet and a purple scarf.

Paimon: A knight? But you don't look like one...

Seele: He has the knight helmet.

Leon: You can't tell? Anyway, please don't speak ill of Sire Ozvaldo. He personally designed and distributed the armor for Die Nachtraben Ritter.

Aether: "Sire Ozvaldo"?

Mona: Traveler, you must have heard that one before, surely? Oz's full name, "Ozvaldo Hrafnavins."

Aether: I remember.

Neptune: Well, now we know.

Xinyan: Oh... So "Megistus" was the easy pronunciation...

Kaedehara Kazuha: I agree.

Mona: Haha, or so it seems...

Leon: Dear friends, I apologize for interrupting your lovely conversation, but I believe you haven't been informed that the gate ahead has been locked.

Paimon: Yup, that's news to us.

Leon: I'm hoping you'll be kind enough to save me, and in exchange, I'll gladly teach you how to unlock the gate.

Mona: Well, I guess we'll have to save you then.

Neptune: Another puzzle to be solved!

They use the Gaze of the Deep devices and help Leon leave the cellar, leading him right to them.

Leon: Valiant heroes... No words can express how grateful I feel right now. Thank you very much. Remember, this is the password that unlocks the gate. "May my people be freed from the shackles of ancient decrees."

Vert: Alright. Thank you for the password.

Leon: You are very welcome.

They go to the gate where Paimon says the password in Fischl's accent.

Paimon: "May my people be freed from the shackles of ancient decrees."

And then the barrier disappeared.

Kiana and Neptune: It worked!

They continued onward.

Noire: (Was Fischl really a ruler over a kingdom in another world?

After repairing the path to the tower with the Gaze of theDeep, the narrator spoke again.

Narrator: "The Great Sekretär, the lords, and the devoted Nachtraben Ritter mounted the tower to pledge their allegiance to the Prinzessin, kissing the hem of her exquisite purple dress and taking pride in their loyalty."

They kept going till they reached a book.

Paimon: Looks like it's a dead end ahead. There's only a book.

Xinyan: Do you think what we just heard is the story from the book?

Mona: So the "Holy Land" in the book's title refers to the Immernachtreich. This book sings the praises of the Prinzessin from the perspective of the people in her kingdom.

Fu Hua: All about Fischl herself.

Blanc: So in this kingdom, Fischl is the ruler here.

Aether: I guess this is kind of an autobiography...

Kaedehara Kazuha: We're on the last page of the book, but the story doesn't seem to have ended.

Paimon: What happens next? Paimon wants to know what happens next!

Kaedehara Kazuha: I guess we'll have to keep exploring. As for this book... wait, I have an idea... Now that we've finished it, let's close it.

So Aether closes the book. Instead of ending up back at the beach. They ended up in a room of some sorts.

Mona: Huh? We've been transported again, but we're not back on the beach.

Paimon: We are somewhere in... Mondstadt.

Fischl: Greetings, Honorable Kaiserin der Verurteilung.

Kiana: Fischl?

???: Amy, dear, I've made Steak and Fisherman's Toast. Come on, eat up before they go cold.

Theresa and Noire: Amy?

Theresa: Is that Fischl's real name?

Noire: We're about to find out.

Fischl: Ahem! Mother...

???: Oh, look at me, being so forgetful. Ahem! Dost thou knowest, Prinzessin der Verurteilung, that the hour of luncheon encroaches?

Fischl: Of course, Mother.

???: Ah, behold the view from the window, a delight to the senses! Prinzessin, Kaiserin, would you care to join the Kaiser der Verurteilung for a grand royal picnic? We shall enjoy the scenic view and partake of the delicacies granted to us by the heavens.

Fischl: Yes, I shall gladly join you!

Mona: ...

Kaedehara Kazuha: ...Oh.

Xinyan: Uh... does anyone wanna say anything about that?

Aether: ...

Patrick: We have a lot to say about that.

Kiana: This is a real truth.

Neptune: It's a huge plot twist.

Noire: Fischl is not her real name.

Blanc: Amy is her real name.

Vert: Just why would she change her name?

Seele: So she's not a real princess after all.

Bronya: Just something from a fantasy.

Xinyan: Okay, I'll bite. So "Amy"... that's Fischl's real name?

Paimon: Seems like it. The other two voices were probably her mom and dad.

Neptune: And she was playing Princess when she was a child.

Mona: ...Why are all of you giving me that look!?

Kaedehara Kazuha: Forgive me if this comes across as rude, but... is your surname truly Megistus?

Neptune: Because you might have been making it up too like how Fischl made the whole thing up about being a ruler of a kingdom.

Mona: Hmph, you think I was bluffing? My full title is and always has been "Mona Megistus, the Astrologist."

Kaedehara Kazuha: ...My apologies.

Noire: I believe you.

Xinyan: Don't you think that's a bit long?

Mona: Well, it's a special case. Only geniuses get titles like this.

Paimon: Well, that makes no sense...

Kiana: My full name is Kiana Kaslana.

Theresa: My title is World's #1 Cutie.

Neptune: Us CPUs and our little sisters don't have surnames. Except for Uzume. She has a full name. Uzume Tennoboshi.

Fu Hua: My full name is Fu Hua and that's it. Kevin called me by the last part, Hua.

Patrick: I was named after one of my uncles who passed away a while after I was born. While my brother was named after our father like how my father was named after his father.

Mona: What are your thoughts on the scenes we just witnessed?

Kaedehara Kazuha: Well, it seems that "closing the book" is one way of affecting change in this mirage.

Xinyan: Well, I think it's sweet that Fischl's parents are willing to play along with her.

Mona: They probably didn't indulge her forever. Based on the voice, this was surely a memory from her childhood? It's a different story now she's grown up.

Paimon: You know a lot about Fischl, Mona!

Mona: After all, we've been friends for quite a while.

Theresa: Even after being all grown up she's still calling herself the Prinzessin der Verurteilung.

Mona: Speaking of...I wonder where Fischl is now?

Kaedehara Kazuha: That voice mentioned that she was heading out. We may as well go outside, and see if we can find anything.

Upon leaving the room, they ended up back at the beach.

Paimon: Oh, we're back.

Kiana: We are.

Paimon: Wait, why are we back? We haven't finished the story yet!

Mona: This feels as awful as purchasing a counterfeit astrology tutorial, or realizing you've forgotten your wallet in the middle of dinner...

Paimon: ARGH!

Mona: Argh! This is torture!

Patrick: Not another cliffhanger.

Neptune: Not another cliffhanger!

Xinyan: I think they're a little bit upset.

Kaedehara Kazuha: To be honest, I also don't like to read books that end on an unexpected cliffhanger.

Patrick: Neither do I. It's always a huge pain. Just like bad endings. And tragic endings. And fillers.

Neptune: Just as bad as cliffhangers from motion pictures having to wait years until the sequel comes out!

Paimon: Motion Pictures?

Neptune: Nothing!

Blanc: Sometimes cliffhangers are necessary to get readers hyped up for what's to come next.

Bronya: Agreed.

Xinyan: Haha, no one likes that. Alright, let's enter the mirage again.

Paimon: Good idea! Let's go!

They touched the book again but nothing happened.

Xinyan: ...Eh?

Blanc: Huh?

Kaedehara Kazuha: We're still here, it's not working.

Blanc: Now why is that?

Xinyan: That's odd. We were able to enter earlier, but now, we can't.

Mona: Why!? Why are we being denied the opportunity to finish the book!? This is pure sadism!

Neptune: Very bad!

Blanc: OPEN!

Blanc summoned her hammer to smash the book but Rom and Ram grab her and hold her down.

Rom and Ram: BLANC! CALM DOWN!

Kaedehara Kazuha: Hmm... Maybe it's because we've already reached the end of this book.

Blanc: What are you talking about?

Kaedehara Kazuha: Before leaving the mirage, we saw that the book had been flipped to the final page. I believe "Hymn of the Holy Land" is divided into multiple volumes.

Blanc: Oh. More volumes.

Blanc calms down and her sisters let her stand up.

Paimon: It's like one of those sneaky light novel marketing schemes... "If you want to know what happens next, please buy the next volume". Yuk.

Mona: Hmph! I have to see the ending.

Blanc: That's just how most authors are. Wanting their stories to be really long and with sequels and prequels and spin offs. And not wanting their stories to end by continuing their stories in more volumes.

Bronya: That is so true.

Patrick: When reading the next book you hope for the ending only to end with another filler cliffhanger then you have to find the next volume and wait a really long time till the next volume comes out.

???: Oh, oh, yes, the ending. Everyone wants to see how the books ends.

Mona: Huh? Who's there?

???: Oh, oh, heavens above, she saw me. Stand up straight, stand up straight.

A raven statue appeared.

Mona: You're...

???: I'm "Ask-Me-For-Directions Arnold".

Paimon: That name's a little on the nose!

Nepgear: Way too long.

Mona: So, Arnold, let me ask you something...

Arnold: It's "Ask-Me-For-Directions Arnold"!

Mona: ...So, Ask-Me-For-Directions Arnold, let me ask you something!

Arnold: Yes, Ma'am!

Mona: Are there other volumes of "Hymn of the Holy Land"? Where can I find them?

Arnold: Oh, oh, you're asking the right person. "Hymn of the Holy Land" is the sacred scripture of the Immernachtreich. There are three volumes in total, with the other two stored in two high locations in the castle. If you wish to find the second volume, you must climb to the very top floor of the tower.

They noticed a tall tower on one of the islands.

Mona: Tower? You mean, that tower over there?

Arnold: That is, indeed, the tower where the sacred scripture is stored. If you look closely to the cave right over there, you'll find a secret passage that will swiftly take you to the tower.

Mona: Okay, thank you, Arnold.

Mona began to walk away from the Raven Statue.

Arnold: It's "Ask-Me-For-Directions Arnold"! Do you have any other questions for me, fair maiden? Concerning, perhaps, my relationship status, or monthly income...?

Mona: No! Goodbye! Let's ignore that raven and proceed! There's a secret passage in the cave ahead that leads directly to the top of the tower.

Noire: You said it.

They all walked away to get to the tower.

Arnold: Oh, oh, but Ma'am! Are you sure you're not interested in me? I only shared with you the secrets of the Immernachtreich because of your great beauty! Ma'am! Wait...! Why did the lady appear so irritated? Did I say something inappropriate? Oh, what must I do to win her heart?

Neptune: SIIIIIIIIMP!

Neptune shouts out.

Vert: I think that stone Raven was in love with you, Mona~

Mona blushes deep red.

Mona: IN LOVE?!

Vert: I could tell from what he was saying.

Mona: I HAVE NO INTEREST IN LOVE! I am an astrologist! I can't have anything like love slow me down from my astrology!

Vert: *giggles* You say that now. But soon you will find someone you love.

Mona: JUST SHUT UP!

Mona turned into water and sped away.

Neptune: How cowardly of her. Running away after blushing.

Noire: That was rude of you to tease her about love.

Blanc: That's actually not a bad idea for a light novel. "An Astrologist in love"

Bronya: Better keep that in mind the next time we come back to Yae Publishing House.

Sakura: I'll be sure to tell Miko.

They go through the secret passage and make it up to the tower where they encouunted two Raven Statues who were guards.

Solemn Raven: Hey, stop! Who are you?

Severe Raven: You don't look like citizens of the Immernachtreich. Explain yourselves! What's your purpose here?

Paimon: This place even comes with guards!

Aether: Don't panic.

Paimon: Uh... What are you doing?

Aether: We are personal retainers of the Prinzessin.

Solemn Raven: How can you prove that you are Her Highness's retainers?

Mona: Hmph, such an absurd question betrays your ignorance. "May my people be freed from the shackles of ancient decrees."

Severe Raven: Th—That's the password of the Immernachtreich! They really are Her Highness's retainers!

Elizabeth: We are! We are her retainers!

Solemn Raven: Oh my goodness. We didn't know! Please forgive us...

Paimon: Now step down!

Rozaliya: Or else we'll make you!

Solemn Raven: Y—Yes, we're leaving now...

The two guards move out of the way then disappear.

Paimon: They are gone.

Kaedehara Kazuha: This is the second volume of "Hymn of the Holy Land." Everyone ready?

Paimon: Bring it on!

They touch the book then enter into the domain. Then they hear the narrator again.

Narrator: "However, the Immernachtreich soon became plagued by a perpetual nightmare. Tasraque, the wicked dragon, infiltrated the subterranean, crossed the bottom of the sea, and eventually came to roam above the capital."

Xinyan: Huh? A dragon? The only thing I noticed is the gloomy weather.

Kaedehara Kazuha: Could the dragon be... some kind of metaphor?

Patrick: Maybe.

Mona: If that's so... Her arch-nemesis, Tasraque, the wicked dragon, is made up of everything that opposes her and rejects her fantasies.

Rom: She can still be a kid at heart.

Ram: Who still loves fantasies and loves being inside her imagination.

They solved the first Gaze of the Deep puzzle then upon traveling to the upper part of the stairs, they hear the narrator again.

Narrator: "Knowing their peril, the people prayed to The Soteria."

They had to solve puzzles as they kept going up and spinning the tower and using more Gaze of the Deep puzzles.

The Narrator spoke after they solved the second Gaze of the Deep.

Narrator: "The Prinzessin descended to confront the dragon, but the great battle was certain to damage the castle."

They hear the narrator again after solving the third Gaze of the Deep puzzle,

Narrator: "Finally, she pierced through the dragon's scales with Thundering Retribution, and spoke to all amid a downpour of the dragon's blood. She said..."

When they reached the top, they heard a familiar voice.

Leon: Help me! Somebody, please!

Paimon: Aaaah, we've just got to the interesting part! What did the Prinzessin say!?

Xinyan: That voice sounds familiar. Is it that Nachtraben Ritter fella again?

Noire: It's Leon again.

Sakura: He got into another pickle.

Blanc: What the Prinzessin said will have to wait.

Bronya: She's right. We'll figure it out later.

The group approached the area where they found Leon.

Leon: Oh, thank goodness... Huh? What are you guys doing here!?

Mona: We should be the ones asking that. What are you doing here?

Liliya: We'll talk about our reasons later. Right now we better save you.

Leon: I'm sorry you have to keep seeing me in such a wretched state. I suppose I'm still not good enough to play the role of a qualified Nachtraben Ritter...

Kaedehara Kazuha: "Play the role"?

Vert: What are you talking about?

Leon: I'm ashamed to admit it, but I'm not a real knight... rather, I'm a new actor who recently landed a job to play the role of a knight in a theater troupe!

Paimon: That's not really something to be smug about.

Leon: Ah, well, you see, that's where you're mistaken! Theater is an essential part of Immernachtreich's culture. A fantastic theatrical performance is the greatest tribute we can pay to Her Highness.

Xinyan: Oh, so this is your local culture?

Leon: Exactly! So I'm delighted that I got to play the knight!

Mona: Why does the Prinzessin enjoy the theater so much?

Seele: Is there a reason?

Leon: Her Highness once said, "Celebrate me by staging a play in the wilderness. Bow down to me, and bring me beautiful dreams in return for everlasting glory within the eternal darkness." I believe it is because Her Highness appreciates true art, and can also sense emotions hidden deep within the souls of humankind. The crystallization and sublime expression of emotion is the heart of theater. People who truly understand theater always have a beautiful, sensitive heart, filled with a rich array of emotion.

Mona: ...So that's how it is.

Kaedehara Kazuha: Thank you for your answer, Sir Knight.

Leon: O—Oh! Th—Thank you so much for calling me a knight! So, basking still in this honor, I will be off to my battleground. May we meet again!

Paimon: Hopefully not... Be more careful in the future!

Leon: Oh, and please remember the password to unlock the gate, "Upon my command, spread your wings and take flight."

Vert: Thank you Mr. Leon~

Leon: Oh uh... yes... you're welcome... beautiful lady.

They go to the gate then Paimon says the password.

Paimon: "Upon my command, spread your wings and take flight."

The barrier disappears then they go up to the book.

Paimon: Ahh, the book has appeared!

When they closed the book, they appeared in a corridor at night.

Fischl: Greetings, my most esteemed Father and Mother. Today is celebrated as a festival in the Immernachtreich, and I hope you can both spare some time...

Fischl's Father: Amy, come on now, darling. You can't be carrying on like that at this age.

Fischl's Mother: You're a big girl now. It's time to forget the fairy tales.

Fischl: But...

Fischl's Mother: Oh, and I almost forgot to mention. I've bought you a new set of music coursebooks. Give them a read, won't you? You should dedicate your time to something more meaningful.

Fischl: ...O—Okay, Mom, I... I understand.

Neptune: Oh dear... her parents wanted her to forget her fairy tales.

Rom: They shouldn't do that to her.

Ram: That's so wrong.

Blanc: No matter how old you are, you never forget about your fairy tales.

Patrick: I may be grown up but I never forget about fantasy.

Noire: So Fischl has been keeping up her fairy tales to this day and refuses to let go and keeps alive the illusion of the Immernachtreich.

Vert: And she doesn't want to be a normal girl. Just a Prinzessin. Maybe she ran away from home to continue her fairy tales of the Immernachtreich.

Kiana: Maybe.

When they went up stairs, they ended up back at the tower.

Paimon: We're back again.

Kaedehara Kazuha: I believe we have just witnessed the true nature of the wicked dragon.

Xinyan: *sighs* This is something I am all too familiar with. There are always people who believe that our passions are a waste of time.

Theresa: Huge jerks they are.

Blanc: Making their children forget fantasy.

Vert: At least we didn't have parents who would forcefully make us forget our passions.

Neptune: We're CPUs and nobody superior to us never told us to forget our passions.

Noire: Exactly. We all have passions that we never forget about.

Kiana: Which is exactly why children run away from their families. To continue their passions with no one telling them what to do.

Mona: Huh? You're—

Arnold was back.

Arnold: Ask-Me-For-Directions Arnold.

Mona: I mean, you're back, why?

Arnold: Oh, I came because I bet you'd be looking for the third volume of "Hymn of the Holy Land."

Mona: Well, you bet right on that front...

Arnold: You need not do anything for me, my dear lady. The opportunity to behold your beauty is the finest reward I could ask for. I shall give you the answer you seek. The third volume of "Hymn of the Holy Land" can be found on the top floor of the royal castle.

Kaedehara Kazuha: Is it guarded by anyone?

Arnold: Oh, oh, but of course, sir. What sort of a question is that? No nation would treat its most treasured books as if they were just cast out into the wilderness.

Kaedehara Kazuha: That means we will still find Nachtraben guards stationed there.

Arnold: It is a citizen's utmost honor to guard the sacred scriptures. But it matters not. I'm quite sure the fine lady merely seeks to peruse them, and has no malicious intentions. Your face is captivating and full of wisdom, and the company you keep appears to be heroes of some renown. I have the utmost faith that you will be able to comprehend the meaning behind the stories in our sacred scriptures. Her Highness's accomplishments were documented by Oz, the Great Sekretär, and became great treasures of the Immernachtreich. I wish Her Highness joy and happiness every time I read those books.

As they were leaving, Vert spoke.

Vert: He was flirting with Mona again. Trying to make her fall for him.

Mona blushed deep red and crossed her arms.

Mona: I told you before I have no interest in love!

Vert: You say that now, Mona. But someday you will find someone you will love~

Mona: SHUT UP VERT! My astrology is my main focus now! I don't have time for some romantic thing!

Vert: *giggles*. Your reactions are funny.

So they go to the top floor of the royal castle. And at the spot were the same two guards.

Solemn Raven: Stop! Ugh, it's you guys again!

Paimon: What's your problem? We're the Prinzessin's personal retainers.

Severe Raven: Cut the lies! Her Highness doesn't keep company with nobodies like you.

Mona: Oh really? Are you prepared to take responsibility for what you just said?

Severe Raven: I'll say it again. Her Highness doesn't keep company with—

???: Who are these "nobodies" you speak of?

Solemn Raven: Her Highness and Sir Oz!?

Oz: I must say, guards, it's immensely disrespectful of you to make such remarks to the retainers of the Immernachtreich.

Fischl: Hmph. How dare you treat one's handpicked retainers with such disdain? Begone!

Solemn Raven: But...

Fischl: Don't you "but" me!

Severe Raven: Y—Yes, Your Highness!

Both guards disappear.

Noire: They're both really stupid.

Paimon: Fischl, Oz, you're back in the crew!

Fischl: Hmph, you may consider that the case for the time being.

Oz: What mein Fräulein means is that it took us a long time to reach this place. She couldn't bear to leave you all here, even though she did not wish to confront this mirage.

Xinyan: Didn't wanna confront it, huh? Sounds like Mona was right.

Paimon: It felt like we were peeking into your diary.

Fischl: ...Nonsense. Despite the existing threats, the unrivaled glory of the Immernachtreich would not exist in this world if I, the Prinzessin, were the sort of person who could be easily swayed.

Oz: What mein Fräulein means to say is that there are other troubles in this area.

Kaedehara Kazuha: Troubles? Have you run into anything dangerous?

Fischl: ...Um... this matter can be revisited later. For now, let us proceed with more important work.

Noire: You're right. We have important work to do.

Xinyan: Let's get this show on the road! The book's right in front of us, let's not just stand here.

They opened the door and came back to the domain.

Fischl: Hmph... majestic but fragile, vast yet vulnerable... this domain both amazes and sickens me!

Neptune: Why?

Oz: She means that she has never seen such an extravagant mirage before, and even she is enthralled by it.

The group walks up then uses the Gaze of the Deep to repair the bridge then cross over and enter the garden. In the garden was a miniature castle floating.

Paimon: There's a castle here, but some parts seem to be missing. Fischl, is this yours?

Fischl: Hmm... allow me a moment to reminisce.

Oz: Mein Fräulein, you may recall that this is the toy castle you accidentally destroyed in a moment of deep distress.

Fischl: Oz! Don't say it out loud!

Neptune: Drop the act, Fischl. We found out the truth. Your real name is Amy.

Fischl: It is not!

Neptune: Don't deny it. Your parents used to support you in your fairy tales but as you grew older they wanted you to stop but instead you chose not to stop your fantasies. And now here you are living your fairy tales in the Immernachtreich just like when you were a child obsessed with these sorts of things...

As Neptune kept talking, Fischl was blushing deep red and holding her head. That's when she had enough.

Fischl: ENOUGHHHHHHH!!!!!!! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! I did no such things!

Neptune: Yes you did. And you just did an outburst.

Fischl: I DID NOT!...

Fischl stopped herself and went back into character after calming herself down.

Fischl: As I was saying. I suddenly recollect that two pieces are currently missing from my royal domain.

Paimon: So we have to find two missing pieces...

Narrator: "...spoke amid a downpour of the dragon's blood. She said, 'May my people be freed from the shackles of ancient decrees.'"

Oz: Such wise and compassionate words could only come from your own writing, mein Fräulein.

Fischl: Hmph, yet this kingdom appears to be anything but what I've described. The shadows lurking behind the scenes are disconcerting...

Narrator: "Prinzessin Fischl again continued her song, and the interwoven chords of her sacred words became the Immernachtreich's hymn."

Kiana: Alright. We split up. One group will go the east pathway. The other group will go the west pathway.

Paimon: Good idea! Should make things easier.

So the Valkyries, CPUs, CPU Candidates, and Patrick went east while the others went west.

The group that went east had to solve the Gaze of the Deep puzzles to find the piece

Blanc: Could you imagine someone finally living their fantasies in a mirage?

Seele: I made that story Bronya and I came up with, to become a reality in a video game. I can believe that.

Patrick: The Unown from "Pokémon" can make anything into a reality and alter reality. That reminds me of those.

Kiana: The Sea of Quanta has many possibilities. Like an alternate reality where your fantasies come true.

When they found the piece, the narrator spoke.

Narrator: "When the people worshiped her, she replied, 'Celebrate me by staging a play in the wilderness.' Bow down to me, and bring me beautiful dreams in return for everlasting glory within the eternal darkness.'"

Sakura: Fischl must really love darkness in her fantasies.

The other group was doing the same thing. When they found the piece from the west pathway, the narrator spoke again.

Narrator: "She picked up mere stones to carve out mountains and oceans, before bestowing upon her people castles and towns. My magnificent kingdom is a small and forbidden paradise."

Paimon: That sounds like a happy ending to Paimon!

When both groups came back, they placed the pieces on the toy castle then used the Gaze of the Deep and the toy castle got bigger into a real floating castle. Wind currents appeared.

Neptune: Wow! It turned into a real castle! Floating in the sky! Wind currents! Let's go!

Neptune jumped then brought out her wind glider then rode the wind currents. The others followed. They rode the wind currents after repairing the toy castle.

Leon: Aah! Help me!

Noire: Not again.

They entered the library and saw Leon in a pickle again.

Paimon: Paimon had a feeling he'd show up... again!

Leon: Please don't say that. I can assure you that this will definitely be the last time!

Noire: It better be.

So they used the Gaze of the Deep puzzle and saved Leon and brought him up.

Xinyan: Fella, if you want to survive and thrive, you should be more careful next time.

Kaedehara Kazuha: A successful journey requires perseverance, courage, as well as a keen sense of danger. You have the first two, but in the future, please strive to be more vigilant.

Leon: I shall remember your words for the rest of my life. But it is time to say our final goodbye. You may not have noticed, but the weather has improved, and the sea has become pleasant and calm... We have awaited this day for a long time. You may be amazed that someone as reckless as me could become an actor, but please believe me when I say it's not by chance. Every Nachtraben is looking for a way to contribute to the world. We just want to find our place, our destiny. We were born to seek the roles that fate has assigned us to play. You may not be aware that "Hymn of the Holy Land" is also a book of prophecies.

Paimon: Prophecy? But Paimon thought it was a sacred scripture?

Leon: Yes, it is. Hundreds of years ago, the Immernachtreich was engulfed by a menacing shadow, but our ruler stood by and did nothing, as if she had lost interest in ruling the kingdom.

Leon: Soon after, Oz, the Great Sekretär, appeared among us. He brought us the sacred scriptures, and a most encouraging prophecy. That prophecy is just as it's described in the book, and predicts a blessed future for the Immernachtreich. As a result, we became convinced that the gloomy skies would eventually clear, and we have been eagerly waiting for that blessed day. The Soteria... the Prinzessin der Verurteilung. She will eventually remember the paradise of the Immernachtreich, and on that day, we will devote to her the plays that were promised in the prophecy. That is why I have stepped forward to take on the role of a warrior. I'd do whatever it takes to prove my devotion to her.

Fischl: ...

When Fischl came into view, Leon was shocked.

Leon: Y—Your Highness?!

Paimon: Oh, right, yeah she was lurking in the back when we rescued you for some reason...

Neptune: And you never even noticed her.

Fischl: My citizen, thy will is strong enough to sunder the wicked dragon's wings. I shall now receive thy blessing.

Leon: It is my utmost honor!

Fischl: Thou hast done well. 'Tis also most evident that thou dost possess the virtues of a knight. Go, take thy position, and wait for the performance to begin.

Oz: We commend your unfaltering loyalty to Her Highness. Her Highness will now lead her retainers into battle against the shadow that plagues the Immernachtreich.

Leon: ...Thank you, Your Highness, and thank you, everyone. In that case, I will take my leave! Oh, by the way, please keep in mind that the password for the gate ahead is "Sieh an, mein Sommernachtgarten!"

Then Leon disappeared.

Paimon: Paimon's confused. What were you guys role-playing just now?

Fischl: Is there not a single one of my lords and ladies who understood my precepts? Fools.

Oz: What mein Fräulein means to say is that you are all rather stupid.

Some of them felt so affended that they summoned their weapons in anger.

Mona: Yeah, you didn't need to translate that!

Blanc: You've just made us mad.

Kaedehara Kazuha: I suppose this is the important business Her Highness warned us about earlier.

Xinyan: Let's get this over with!

Paimon: Huh? Wait! What is it? What's happening?

Noire: Forget it. Let's just continue.

They went up to the gate then Paimon said the password.

Paimon: "Sieh an, mein Sommernachtgarten!"

The barrier disappeared then they made their way to the book.

Paimon: There's the book! Let's go and close it. Let's hope we won't get transported to another strange place this time...

When they closed the book, they ended up in another library.

Mona: Library? Why are we inside a library?

Fischl: ...

Blanc: What's wrong Fischl?

Fischl: You must be the arch-nemesis I've been looking for, the useless and cowardly so-called Prinzessin?

Up above was another Fischl. In a different dress.

Immernacht Fischl: Hmph, how laughable. What gives you the impression that you can defeat me? You should know, over the past few days... I've seen all of your fear and trepidation.

Paimon: Why is there another you? Is it a shadow?

Immernacht Fischl: Shadow? Yes... I suppose that probably describes our connection aptly enough. So, have you come to surrender to me, little Amy?

Fischl: Ugh... you...

Immernacht Fischl: And that raven over there... You must be Oz? Excellent. I have been waiting for you for a long time. I heard that a great sekretär named Oz brought the "Hymn of the Holy Land" into Immernachtreich. I suppose that was you.

Oz: ...At your service, mein Fräulein.

Xinyan: Why did you call her mein Fräulein?

Oz: As you can see, that's also mein Fräulein over there. And if she is mein Fräulein, then does that not make her my master?

Kaedehara Kazuha: ...Seems logical enough.

Neptune: What if there were more than 2 Fischls? Won't you have difficulty on choosing to serve who?

Oz: Not really.

Immernacht Fischl: I might as well inform you that the Immernachtreich is a place with no way out. Now that you've made it here, I shall crush you and make you my servant. As for Oz, despite bringing over that hideous Book of Prophecies, and causing the foolish citizens to fall to their knees worshiping that piece of nonsense... Why don't you come over to my side? After all, "Fischl is destined to team up with Oz."

Oz: Mein Fräulein flatters me. I see no reason to refuse.

Oz teleports to Immernacht Fischl.

Fischl: Oz!? Where do you think you are going!?

Mona: He's actually going over to the other side... Fischl, haven't you taught your raven anything about loyalty?

Fischl: Gah! This is not the time to discuss my shortcomings! Have you been bewitched, Oz? Why should you trust that she's telling the truth? Is not the Immernachtreich a sacred land of liberty and theater?

Immernacht Fischl: You are gravely mistaken if you presume the Immernachtreich to be some kind of amusement park.

The Valkyries, Patrick, CPUs, and CPU Candidates started to feel anger inside of them.

Immernacht Fischl: Listen closely... it is a tomb for those who cannot face reality. You will be buried here, and I will take Oz, the product of our imagination, and live forever in the royal castle.

Fischl: ...A tomb...?

Immernacht Fischl: You of all people should know about this. Why does it always rain in the Immernachtreich? Why isn't there any music in this so-called paradise?

Fischl: ...Because of you! It's all because of you!

Immernacht Fischl: How pathetic! No, dearest Amy, you, not I, are the one responsible for all of this!

Fischl: Ugh...!

Patrick had enough and shot a sword covered with fire at the Immednacht Fischl but she blocked it with magic.

Immernacht Fischl: Do not disturb me! You dreamed up a vast kingdom, but you can't bear its weight. Swayed by fear, you can't face the very world you've created. You may try to avoid it, but the fact is: You can't change yourself. I came here in your stead precisely because you failed to show up. The Immernachtreich is now mine, and it is not your place to tell me what to do!

Fischl: I... I...

Immernacht Fischl: Amy, you are but a weak fool who does not deserve this world. Begone.

Valkyries and CPUs: SHUT UUUUUUPPPPPPPP!!!!!!

Immernacht Fischl: Do not tell me what to do!

Xinyan: Hey, are you done?

Mona: For you to give yourself such a piece of your mind, it must have been bothering you for a long time.

Fischl: Mona... *sobs*

Fischl was talking in a normal voice. Not her usual voice.

Rom: Now she's talking normally.

Ram: How dare that imposter talk down on the real Fischl!

Mona: Oh? What's that look on your face?

Fischl: I... I...

Mona: Hmph. You're not going to admit defeat, are you?

Fischl: ...I hate to admit it, but... she might be right...

Kaedehara Kazuha: No, Please do not think that. Your Highness, do you still remember why we came here?

Fischl: Kazuha...

Kaedehara Kazuha: I am a samurai from Inazuma who's been entrusted with your safety. These individuals also responded to your call.

Xinyan: Having your own tomb does sound pretty cool, but the Immernachtreich is not a tomb.

Fischl: Xinyan...

Patrick: You still have us.

Noire: We're your friends.

Neptune: That's right. You may not have Oz anymore. But you still have one thing your fake self doesn't. Friends.

Kiana: We've got your back, Fischl.

Mei: And no matter what you're called. Amy or Fischl. You will always be the Prinzessin.

Nepgear: We all never give up.

Uni: That's right. We never give up.

Fischl: You guys...

Immernacht Fischl: ...Oh, so you've made some friends. But do you really think that's enough for you to defeat me?

Neptune: You bet we are! We're plenty enough to defeat you!

Immernacht Fischl: Shut up! Do not disturb me when I'm talking! I am your fear, your dark side. I am the nightmare from which you have never escaped in all these years. Standing before me, you are nothing.

Fischl: ... ... ...No. I can't... I... I can't lose. Not now. I will be the one to claim victory! Just you wait, I will make you regret everything you said!

Herrschers, Seele, CPUs, and CPU Candidates: TRANSFORM! 

https://youtu.be/tj1Y35XrShE

The Herrschers, Seele, CPUs, and CPU Candidates transformed into their other forms. Then Patrick used a command seal and summoned the servants who were originally with them when they got to the archipelago.

(1:40)

The group begins to charge. Fischl shot her Electro arrows and used her Electro moves. Even without Oz, she stayed strong and was still fighting.

They killed the monsters as they kept going.

Kaedehara Kazuha: Take it one step at a time and don't rush. You can win as long as you maintain a level head.

Purple Heart: And you'll be able to win as long as you have us!

Black Heart: You're friends.

Xinyan: Get it together! Don't lose to anyone, and definitely don't lose to yourself! You ain't weak, that's not true at all.

Patrick: As long as you have us, you're not weak!

They approached the stairs to the upper floor.

Mona: Hmm? Oh, my divination attempts are working again. And the stars say... the Fischl I know will obtain a landslide victory.

Fu Hua: That's great!

They ran up the stairs then approached Immernacht Fischl. Then the music stopped.

Immernacht Fischl: Impossible! How did you make it through that nightmarish library... Stand down!

Fischl: ...Do you still think I'm going to lose?

Immernacht Fischl: You...!

Purple Heart: You should just give up now. There are 33 of us. And only 2 of you.

Immernacht Fischl: NEVER! I'LL NEVER GIVE UP!

Fischl: You looked down on me. You thought I was a worthless coward. And yes, I did use to be like that, because... I am someone who can't face reality, who spends all day daydreaming, and can't cope with setbacks or criticisms.

Patrick: (Same here. I daydream all day too. Constantly.)

Fischl: But now I understand. I understood as soon as I first laid my eyes on this mirage. Do you see that incredible world out there? So vast, so breathtaking... that is my imagination, the source of my power.

Fischl: You act so arrogant under that dark cloak of self-obsession. But that's not your true nature. You're no Prinzessin. You're just a narcissistic speck of dust hiding in my shadow! You are the true loser, the one who's holding me back!

Immernacht Fischl: Oof!

Purple Heart: And a coward too!

Green Heart: With no elegance at all. And ugly

Fischl: You hide your fear and cowardice behind a facade of thorns and self-loathing. You are far weaker than me.

Purple Heart: YEAH YOU TELL HER!

Fischl: Now give it back!

Immernacht Fischl: Wh—What?

White Heart: You know exactly what she's talking about.

Fischl: Return to me what is rightfully mine! The Immernachtreich, the castle, my people... and, most importantly, my companion, Oz!

Black Heart: That's right. Return Oz back to his rightful master.

Oz: Oh, mein Fräulein, you speak with such eloquence and vigor now. You've truly matured into the Prinzessin.

Fischl: You've got some nerve opening your beak, traitor!

White Heart: After what you did!

Oz: No, mein Fräulein, I've come here to prove something to you all. As we all know, Oz will always follow Fischl, the Prinzessin der Verurteilung. It should make no difference whose side I am on, because you're both Fischl.

Purple Heart: You're confusing, Oz.

Purple Sister: He is confusing.

Oz: But consider this: When I switched sides, you did not lose your identity, did you?

Kaedehara Kazuha: Indeed. These are words of wisdom.

Fischl: What do you mean "my identity"?

Oz: Whom do you suppose "Fischl" truly is?

Fischl: ...Huh?

Black Heart: What are you talking about?

Oz: This is my question to you, mein Fräulein.

Fischl: Fischl is... well... Fischl is...

Immernacht Fischl: She's a loser... a coward who refuses to confront her true self behind the fantasies and lies.

Oz: No, you are wrong.

Fischl: Fischl... is... me?

Oz: Ah, you caught on most rapidly.

Fischl: Huh? ...That's it?

Oz: Indeed, mein Fräulein. Fischl is sometimes the Prinzessin der Verurteilung, and other times not. She may be courageous and arrogant, but she may also be weak and cowardly. Fischl is you. Both noble and humble, she is a first-rate adventurer with few friends and the Prinzessin der Verurteilung, the Sovereign of the Immernachtreich. Fischl is both timid and strong. She's afraid of others' gossip, yet yearns for their respect. Most importantly, Fischl is often self-deprecating, beating herself up countless times, yet she always finds a way to rise again. Mein Fräulein, no one merits the name Fischl more than you do. It's a complex yet simple name that represents the beauty of dreams and liberty. With or without loyal admirers, Amy will always be Fischl. You are Fischl, the enlightened one who has always carried that belief in her heart.

Fischl: ..."May my people be freed from the shackles of ancient decrees."

Oz: Thank you for creating the Immernachtreich and giving us a homeland, for authoring the "Hymn of the Holy Land" in your subconscious, which offered us hope for a bright future. Please embrace your darkness and return to your true form, Your Highness.

Both Fischls held their arms out

Immernacht Fischl: ...

Then Immernacht Fischl disappeared.

Fischl: ...

Fischl now wore the dress.

Paimon: Whoa! Fancy-dress Fischl vanished! Wait a minute... and now she's back?

Mona: The shadow seems to have returned to Fischl's heart, where it belongs.

Black Sister: Good riddance to that selfish jerk of a fake copy.

Fischl: ...Hahaha, everyone, lend me your ears!

Xinyan: There she is!

Theresa: The Prinzessin.

Fischl: Hehe, citizens of the Immernachtreich! Do you hear my summons?

Kaedehara Kazuha: Yes, Your Highness!

Mona: Ugh, there she goes again, I am so done with this...

Fischl: Oz speaks the words of truth. Today is a grand occasion, for it is the day that I seize back my heart and reclaim control of my kingdom. I hereby announce... Welcome to the Immernachtreich!

Everyone: Yaaay!

A cutscene plays.

Narrator: One stormy night. A girl found a way to the future in the library She said to herself:

Fischl: I shall create my dream kingdom. I'll carve mountains and oceans, and erect castles and towns.

Narrator: Then she spoke to those who shared her dream:

Fischl: Please be proud of all that is unreal. For we are greater than this world! For our magnificent kingdom is a small and forbidden paradise

(Cutscene ends)

They were back at the Archipelago at the castle on the island. Fischl stood in front of the book.

Fischl: (What a wonderful day. I reclaimed my heart and became the true Prinzessin der Verurteilung. The Immernachtreich really appeared. Even so, I know that all the negative emotion I've been harboring in my heart will not simply go away. And that's okay. I'll carry these imperfections with me as I fight on, because I now know that what I have is unique and wonderful.)

Paimon: Fischl, the stage is all set up outside! Wanna go check it out?

Oz: Lady Paimon, do watch your words.

Paimon: Oh, right! Okay, Your Highness, wouldst thou care to venture outdoors and... checketh stuff out?

Aether: Pffft...

Fischl: Ahem! How dare you, retainer of mine, mock the great and dignified Prinzessin der Verurteilung?

Aether: I'm not mocking you. I'm just happy to see you back to your normal self.

Fischl: ...Hehe, I concur!

Black Heart: Indeed you do.

Purple Heart: Even if someone calls you by your real name. You're always gonna be the Prinzessin. Fischl Amy.

Kiana: And we won't tell anyone that your real name is Amy. Fischl von Luftschloss Narfidort.

Fischl: Thank you. Now let us rejoice and celebrate this historic moment for the Immernachtreich!

Paimon: Oh, there's something we've gotta do! Your Highness, Oz, please excuse us for a moment.

Oz: Very well, see you soon.

They go to try to contact Venti again.

Paimon: C'mon, let's try to contact Venti again.

Aether: Okay.

Dodocommunication Device: Dodoco! Dodoco! Dodoco!

Finally someone answered.

???: Oh? It's you.

Everyone: Huh?!

Aether: Whose voice is that? I don't think I've ever heard it before?

Theresa: I don't recognize it either.

Paimon: Huh? That isn't the Tone-Deaf Bard?

Aether: I'm sorry, who are you?

???: You're right, we've never met before. I know you want to communicate with someone beyond the islands, but you can't do that right now. So I cut off your connection.

Paimon: Huh!?

Kiana: Why?!

???: Wouldn't you rather find out the answer for yourself than ask someone else? The fantastic mirage represents the "deep dream," the most fundamental reflection of the human heart. Go see for yourself. Witness everything with your own eyes, and when this is all over, tell me what you feel about it.

Then the mysterious person hung up.

Aether: ...She hung up.

Paimon: Who the heck was that!?

Theresa: Whoever that was, must have been able to get access to the device.

Paimon: This is weird. How was she able to cut off our connection to Venti... and why would she wanna know what you feel?

Green Heart: Maybe she was curious about us.

Paimon: Hmm... Nope! Paimon doesn't get it!

Aether: Me neither.

Patrick: (Could that have been one of the Fatui Harbingers?)

Theresa: (Maybe it was the Dendro Archon.)

Paimon: It's kinda eerie, but... but Paimon will protect you! Paimon will be there for you no matter what!

Aether: Okay. Let's keep this between us for now.

Purple Heart: Right.

Kiana: We'll keep it a secret.

Aether: (There was no trace of malice in her words. It seemed like she was reaching out for something. I'm not sure what answer she's looking for from me, but I will wait until I've seen everything.)

(The next day)

Xinyan: Everyone, over here!

Everyone comes over.

Kaedehara Kazuha: Is everyone awake now? Mona says that she has something important to tell everyone.

Fischl: The first glimmering daybreak after the return of the Immernachtreich most certainly revitalizes one's innermost spirits.

Oz: What mein Fräulein means is that she is ready to take on the next challenge.

Paimon: Yeah, we're rested and ready too!

Neptune: And ready to fight against more monsters and solve more puzzles.

Mona: Alright. Then I'll get to the crux of the matter. I just peeked into my scryglass, and there's a new mirage forming on the island over there. And... I have a feeling that this one is my mirage.

Xinyan: Oh, so now it's Mona's turn. You were with us for all of ours, seems like it's time for us to go with you into yours!

Mona: Ugh... well, I'm sure there's nothing to see, really.

Neptune: Other than your backstory and your past. I can't wait to see your backstory and your past.

Mona: Uhh...

Mona blushes.

Oz: Lady Megistus, are you embarrassed?

Mona: No, absolutely not! Haha... It's not like I'm worried about everyone judging me after seeing my embarrassingly pathetic mirage or anything...

Kaedehara Kazuha: This emphatic "no" sounds rather like a thinly disguised "yes"...

Neptune: A lie.

Kiana: Trying to hide something.

Mona: Well... *ahem* Astrologists are often regarded as something out of this world, right? But what if my mirage is nothing like that...?

Fischl: Fret not. Your Prinzessin is not so foolish as to entertain preconceived notions on how thy mirage should or should not present itself.

Xinyan: Yeah, me neither! Not that I have low expectations of you, Mona, but personally, I think you're a kind soul, and you shouldn't feel like you have to live up to anything more than that.

Kaedehara Kazuha: I'm sure Mona's mirage will stay true to her kind heart.

Paimon: Yeah, and it's not like we're going in there just to do some sightseeing. There's other reasons, too, right?

Aether: Yeah. Maybe... ...we'll find some clues about the unusual phenomena there.

Bronya: And puzzles to be solved.

Mona: ...Really? Well, okay then. I suppose I'm not worried as long as everyone doesn't get too excited. Alright then, let's get going.

They approached the marked area on Minacious Isle.

Mona: According to my scryglass, we've arrived at the mirage. Okay, let's find the entrance first...

Paimon: Is that it, over there?

Paimon pointed at something on the ground.

Xinyan: Huh, this looks like some kind of pool.

Paimon: Uh, we're not gonna have to swim to get in, are we?

Mona: ... Wait, do we have a non-swimmer among us?

Kaedehara Kazuha: No, I don't think that's the real problem here...

Mona: Ahaha, someone's scared, huh? Well, then, I'll go first.

Fischl: And there she goes! She's gonna show off her oh-so-perfect swimming skills now!

Oz: Ahem! Please be mindful of your wording, mein Fräulein.

Vert: Because that was offensive.

Fischl: Ohh! Right!

Mona: See you later!

Mona dives in.

Paimon: Whoa, Mona dived right into the pool and disappeared! Let's catch up with her!

Neptune: Cannonball!

Neptune cannonball dives into the water.

Noire: Hey, don't leave us behind!

Noire follows after Neptune. Then everyone else did.

(Domain)

They found themselves in the domain.

Kaedehara Kazuha: What a spectacular structure...

Vert had hearts in her eyes.

Vert: What a beautiful area I've never seen before. A perfect idea for level ideas.

Xinyan: Wow, I've never seen anything like this... Hey, uh Mona, your mirage is amazing!

Fischl: Though it falls short of the glorious Immernachtreich, one must admit that it is an impressive realm nonetheless, Lady Megistus.

Mona: (Whew, at least it's not showing me getting lectured by the old hag. Thank goodness...) Well, what else would you expect of a genius astrologist's mirage? Okay, let's get started.

Everyone looked around the area. Neptune picked up one of the star-like things.

Neptune: I wonder what this thing is?

Aether went to the investigation point where it showed the tutorial. He figures it out then picks up things called Asterism Shards them in the slots of one of the things that was linked to one of the star patterns above the doors then one of the doors open.

Paimon: Whoa! It's open!

Blanc and Bronya: Let's go!

They went through the door and went into another area where there was another puzzle called the astral puzzle.

Neptune: Another puzzle!

Mona looked at the Star Guides then up at the pattern.

Mona: They must look exactly like what's above.

Kiana: Just leave it to us.

After solving the puzzle, an Exquisite Chest appears then a star comes out and another Asterism Shard. The star was moving away from them and going to the door.

Paimon: Hmm? There's a star over there...

The star was moving away from them and going to the door.

Paimon: And now it's gone! Let's follow it!

So they follow the star back into the main area where the star goes into the pool.

Paimon: It made its way inside!

Patrick: (I've seen water looking like space before. Like in that episode of "Adventure Time" with the Banana Man voiced by Weird Al Yankovic.)

Theresa: I wonder where it will take us?

Neptune: Looks like we better find out.

Vert: It's all part of the adventure after all.

Neptune and Vert dive in first. The others followed. And indeed, they were teleported to another area where they continued following after the star.

???: I've always been very proud of my talent in astrology.

Mona: Huh? What in the... Is that my voice!?

Neptune: It is your voice. Looks like we're going to learn a truth about you.

Mona: Uhh...

Noire: Now she's getting nervous.

They continue following the star. Then a wall moved revealing a long hallway and kept going. But the walls were moving and made them and the star change course.

???: I believe that astrology is a valuable discipline, and that it is capable of revealing the inner workings of this universe.

Even the floors were moving up and down.

Mona: Uh, that's me talking to myself...

Noire: It really is you.

Mona's voice kept speaking.

Mona: When people discovered I could perform divination, they began to bombard me with inquiries. "When is my missing son going to be found?" "Do they love me or not?" "Will I ever recover?"

Neptune: Wowwwwww... What a heavy backstory you have.

Mona: It's nothing to be sorry about

Noire: Of course it is. Everyone needs comfort. Including you.

Mona: I don't need comfort.

Kiana: Now she's acting Tsundere. Denying the truth.

They heard Mona's voice again. The walls kept moving.

Mona: Being the honest person I am, I told them exactly what I saw through the scryglass. Though honesty may bring about resentment, I—I couldn't lie in the face of such a noble art. "Astrology is a scam!" "That's insane!" "Can you please leave me alone now? I need some space..." It felt as if I was being stabbed with razor-sharp knives formed by their disappointment. I could see the future, yet I felt miserable... as if I'd fallen into an abyss.

After completing the challenge, they were in a space.

Oz: Lady Megistus... this is heartbreaking.

Mona: Ugh, please don't try to comfort me. It'll only make me feel embarrassed...

Vert: But you need comfort to feel better.

Mona: I told you it will make me feel embarrassed.

Xinyan: C'mon, you don't need to pretend in front of us! Need a hug?

Mona: N—No!

Vert hugs Mona from behind causing Mona to blush from feeling Vert's chest.

Vert: Now now now. Don't push us away~ Nobody can handle their own backstories. You clearly need comfort from us.

Mona: GET OFF ME!

Mona forces Vert off.

Mona: I told you I don't need comfort!

Neptune: You're funny when you get angry.

Kiana: Really you are.

Bronya: Focus on the matter now.

Mona: That was really how I felt back when I first started out in astrology but... I've matured now. I'm no longer so easily swayed by random people's opinions.

Fischl: Who would've thought! Even Megistus the Court Archmage was not spared of vexatious times in her career.

Kaedehara Kazuha: It must have been difficult to be misunderstood by others... I'm glad that you were able to move past that.

Mona: Actually, there are many who have given up astrology due to similar circumstances. But, I am a genius, so it's only fair that I'm able to accomplish what others cannot.

Paimon: It's pretty inspiring to hear you say all that in an amazing place like this!

Theresa: You're awesome, Mona!

Bronya: Hmm!

Bronya gives a thumbs up and so does Seele.

Seele: You really are.

Aether: You're definitely a genius.

Mona: Yes, good, keep going.

Oz: Ahem... sorry to interrupt, but the door is that way.

Mona: Alright, I'll let you shower me with praise after all the mysteries are solved.

They entered the mirage door and ended up back outside on the archipelago.

Kaedehara Kazuha: The surroundings appear to have changed. This isn't the beach we originally left.

Oz: The area appears to be the mountains of Mondstadt. Wait, have we been sent back to Mondstadt?

Jeanne: Doesn't look like it.

Fischl: Yet the boundless ocean still surrounds us.

Mona: There should be another pool around here for us to enter.

Xinyan: Over here, y'all!

Everyone walks to the pool. Some of them tried going in but couldn't.

Mona: Hmm? Why isn't it letting us enter?

Paimon: Oh, something seems to be floating on the water there...

Xinyan: Uh... is it a painting? Or what is it...?

Kaedehara Kazuha: It seems to be hinting at a specific place.

Fischl: It is anticipating that the Prinzessin would guide her loyal followers to the location that has been chosen by fate.

Mona: Why is it always you that has to take the lead... Ugh whatever, it doesn't matter. Let's just find this place first.

So they go find the place that was shown on the pool where they see a Hilichurl digging something up but then Aether kills it then they go to the spot and find an Asterism Shard

Kiana: Another Asterism Shard. Well, time to go back to the pool.

So they went back to the pool and finally they were able to go into it. They were back in the domain then they use the shards they found to unlock another door. Then they solve another astral puzzle where they found another star in another chest.

Paimon: Look, there's another star! Let's follow it!

Seele: It's gonna go into the pool.

They followed the star into the pool. They were back in the same space where they kept following the star. They heard Mona's voice again.

Mona: Astrology reveals the truth unreservedly. But, not everyone is willing to accept their fate. No matter. Running into difficulties is part of practicing the craft. I must also become stronger myself in order to convince people. I once met an adventurer on a mountain who also happened to be picking fruits. He was even kind enough to share some with me. So, in return, I agreed to perform a divination for him. The results were terrifying. I advised him to give up adventuring as soon as possible, otherwise he could meet his end within the next two years.

Upon reaching the invisible maze, a star map appeared above.

Mona: He fell silent for a while. Surprisingly, he didn't doubt the results of my divination like others had, but he looked quite perplexed. "Even so... I have to keep going. Adventurers can't just give up in the face of hardship." With that, he picked up his pack and headed for the peak.

Carmilla: What a sad memory.

Elizabeth: A man refusing to believe in his future fate. Nobody can run away from their fates after seeing the future.

Carmilla: It was our fate to become me, to commit the crimes we've done, and our fate to be killed.

Jeanne: It was our fate to die before we became servants.

Sakura: Kallen never even wanted to be saved by Otto but he changed her fate anyway. It was her fate to die and sacrifice herself for others but Otto created an alternate timeline where Kallen did not die or get killed.

They followed the star up a set of water stairs. It started to rain.

Tamamo: It was my cursed fate to turn into an evil nine-tailed fox because I was already cursed. It was also my fate to die as well.

A mirage door appeared.

Mona: However, try as I might, I could never forget that incident. ...Why is that?

They entered the mirage door and found themselves back outside on the island.

Paimon: Oh, we're back again!

Xinyan: So uh, Mona, is that adventurer... dead now?

Mona: ... That was the only time I ever saw him. And that was more than three years ago, which means... he's no longer alive.

Paimon: But isn't there still a chance that he's alive? You know, like maybe you just made a mistake?

Aether: But that's not fair.

Patrick: We've seen people being able to smash their futures and avoid what they saw in future visions. It was possible to change the future and avoid fates.

Neptune: And a hero was able to win by not following a prophecy and won without a legendary sword or a legendary armor.

Mona: You can't call it divination if you reject anything bad and believe the good unreservedly. That's just self-deception. Of course, casually performing divination for fun might be a different matter, but in my field of expertise, there's no room for lies. To contradict my own reading would be a blasphemy against astrology.

Kaedehara Kazuha: Cruel, but truthful. Such is fate.

Mona: I don't usually say things like this, but while we're on the topic, I really hope you don't confuse astrology with those fortune stick peddlers that you see along the streets. Astrology does not exist to please. We astrologists are here to verify and witness the truths of this world. ... Which is why astrology is a disdained profession! It is a mighty art, but unfortunately one that annoys people nonetheless.

Fischl: Why dost thou protest so much, Lady Megistus? Thou seemst not to be the sort with whom one would be loathe to be associated.

Oz: What mein Fräulein means is that she's glad to be friends with you.

Fischl: No! That was not what I said! Whatever has gotten into you, Oz! You misinterpret my utterances with an increasingly alarming frequency!

Oz: Oh my, why could that be? Perhaps I have been concerned that mein Fräulein could offend her friends and have been attempting to soften her words?

Xinyan: Although you're the only astrologist I know, you've left an awesome impression on me. You're not annoying at all! Those who go snooping around for secrets, yet ignore whatever they don't wanna hear? They're the ones who should reflect on themselves. Knowing your fate doesn't come cheap.

Kiana: And you're really beautiful and cute too. Anyone would fall in love with you.

Kaedehara Kazuha: If one could simply avoid fate with just a few words, no one would have to endure the pain of parting. Mona, don't take others' comments to heart. Follow your heart and never forget what's right.

Theresa: Just keep doing what you love, Mona.

Mona: I—I don't need comforting, thank you very much! I'm very tough, you know!

Aether: Then why are your ears red?

Mona: Oh, uh...

Neptune: Because you're blushing~

Mona: Shut up! Well, then... Umm... Th—Thank you.

Fischl: What dost thou say? Speak up, and offer your highest reverence and blessings to the Prinzessin.

Xinyan: Okay, okay, Your Highness... Instead of making a scene, why don't you go collect the other fragments in the new location reflected by the pool? We can't enter the mirage without 'em.

Oz: Mein Fräulein, you are the only one with eyes sharp enough to locate the secrets.

Fischl: If that's the case, very well, I shall proceed to the beach...

Xinyan: Let's go, Mona.

Mona: Oh, okay! Coming!

Kaedehara Kazuha: ...Haha.

After finding another shard, they went back to the pool and ended up back in the Temple of the Star Latitudes.

Fischl: Huh, we've returned here once more.

Paimon: Looks like the story's not finished yet. Let the adventure continue!

Neptune: Yeah! Let the adventure continue!

So they used the shard they found and another shard to open another door, then they solved another astral puzzle and opened the Exquisite Chest. A star comes out. And they find another Asterism Shard.

Paimon: It's another star.

They follow it back to the pool.

Paimon: Huh? It stopped by the water but didn't go in...

Rozaliya: Now why is that?

Liliya: Don't know.

Paimon: Seems almost like it's waiting for something...

Vert: Maybe we have to open another door, solve another astral puzzle, and find another star. That would be most logical.

Mona: You may be right, Vert.

Vert: Now let's get back to work.

After opening the fourth door they solved the astral puzzle and opened another Exquisite Chest where there was another star.

Paimon: Ooh, there's another star here. Was the first star waiting for this one?

Neptune: It was!

Seele: Let's bring it back.

They brought the star back then both stars went into the pool then the whole pool drained then everyone jumped down then went though the mirage door.

They appeared in a house.

Mona: Whoa! Wait, how the...

Kaedehara Kazuha: Another house in Mondstadt?

Mona: What are we doing in my house!!!

Fischl: Your house? This is your house?

Oz: My, how unexpected... I heard Lady Megistus lived a modest life, but this abode...

Paimon: Look at these labels on these books on the ground... "Only one of its kind, 990,000 Mora..." Hey! That's super expensive!

Xinyan: There are so many expensive-looking hardcovers over here... So this is what an astrologist's room looks like...

Kaedehara Kazuha: The rooms are exquisitely designed... This place must be very expensive.

Neptune: What another plot twist this is. So many plot twists we've had.

Kiana: So this is where Mona lived before hiding from her master.

Aether: So Mona's rich...

Kiana: It was our misconception this whole time...

Mona: Hey, I'm just occasionally out of Mora, that's all. I never said I was a pauper.

Noire: So you earn a lot of Mora, then waste it all at once.

Mona: HEY! IT'S NOT LIKE THAT!

Fischl: You're not? Ugh, so what about those times I treated you to meals? And had you over to my place for dinner?

Oz: Mein Fräulein, mind your phrasing.

Fischl: Ahem! Thou wert blessed with the coveted opportunity to enter the palace of the Immernachtreich and meet with the Kaiser and Kaiserin der Verurteilung. Or hast thou conveniently forgotten this magnificent occasion?

Mona: Oh, yes, the stew and cold cuts your mother made were heavenly! Mmm, I could go for some more of that right now...

Oz: Lady Megistus, this is not the time for such things!

Xinyan: Is that Mondstadt cuisine? I wanna try some! I heard Mondstadt has lots of local delicacies, especially meat dishes.

Fischl: Hmph, then I shall extend to you the honor of meeting the Kaiser and Kaiserin with me on a future occasion.

Paimon: Really? Hey guys, we should go too!

Kiana: I'm in!

Kaedehara Kazuha: Now that you mention it, it has been a while since I visited a friend's house. I shall gladly oblige. Oh, but shouldn't we bring some sort of gift?

Oz: Those people are very kind and understanding, so please don't worry about that. Just bring yourselves.

Blanc: We are.

Bronya: Yes.

Mona: You seriously have to try her mom's cold cut platter. It's her specialty, or something — anyway, it's simply delightful!

Oz: Not to interrupt, but perhaps we should start working on the puzzle at hand? Ever since I entered this place, I have found myself most preoccupied with that ornament...

Mona: Oh, right.

They touch the strange ornament.

Paimon: Whoa!

Then they ended up in a domain. They had to go forward, so they did. Then they hear Mona's voice again.

Mona: Astrologists are able to understand the most complex signs among the stars. And because of this, we are not allowed to show any arrogance. If one believes that astrology grants them unlimited power, they will face banishment by the stars. In the past, I was ignorant enough to think that I understood all fates in the universe. Maybe it was some form of punishment... but I became lost. I couldn't see the stars any longer. "You should not get confused. If you should become confused one day, not even astrology will be able to help you then." That's what the old hag said. We astrologists can't predict our own fate. But today, those words seem to carry a different meaning. I understand now that people won't always follow a beacon's guiding light. Even though the way forward may be dark and dangerous, they will still resolutely forge ahead. Fate is called such precisely because it cannot be altered or reversed.

While they were listening to Mona's voice, the walls were moving just like before. They thought they came to a dead end with no bridge but that's when Mona moved forward and there was an invisible bridge then they went up a starry ramp.

Mona: I understand the governing laws of the universe, and have glimpsed secrets between heaven and earth. Observing it is enough for me, there's no need to force it to change. There are no perfect legends, and no heroes that can save everyone. Instead of dwelling on my helplessness, what I should do... ...is seize my own destiny. ...Looks like it's coming to an end again.

They followed the star to the end of the path then they all went down the floor falling

They were in a space again.

Fischl: What a magnificent view...

Oz: Lady Megistus, I believe this is the firmest evidence yet of your immense genius. You truly are the greatest archmage in the history of the Immernachtreich.

Mona: Thank you, although the Immernachtreich really doesn't have that much of a history...

Kaedehara Kazuha: ...Stars like diamonds, and the moon like a pearl. This is the most brilliant night sky I have ever beheld.

Patrick: That reminds me of a children's song. (Twinkle Twinkle Little Star).

Xinyan: It's beautiful... To call up such a mirage, Mona must have a vast and boundless sea of stars in her heart.

Patrick: Looks like something out of a European painting.

Kiana: It does.

Neptune:Ike a certain starry night sky painting.

Mona: ...

Aether: Mona, what's the matter?

Mona: ...I'm just thinking, these must be the things that we aspire to. This night sky is incredibly beautiful. In fact, I might go so far as to say it's even more beautiful than what I usually see in divinations. All the stars are in their rightful place. ...This is definitely my mirage. Only here can I see extraordinary sights like these.

Paimon: Extraordinary? Why do you say that?

Mona: You know, the night sky of Teyvat is truly marvelous. All the answers in the world seem to have been hidden within. "When is my missing son going to be found?" "Do they love me or not?" "Will I ever recover?"

CPUs and CPU Candidates: Mona.

Mona: As your stars move across the sky, they record all your life events in their path. And among all the people in the world, a considerable number will see their stars deviate from their path. When your stars are on track, it means you will be healthy, happy, and at peace. Conversely, if your stars go off track, everything will get worse. The starry sky in my divinations would never look as perfect as this. Some stars would lose their way, and others would fall... ...I wish everyone could be happy, and stay on track. To this end, I offer advice and tell the truth. I know it's useless. All fates are already revealed in the night sky, with mine, too, just another among them. I can't change anything.

Patrick: How very sad...

Jeanne: Very sad...

Mona: Even so... outside of astrology, outside of the words of truth, I still cling to the wisp of an irrational fantasy. We must all live within the confines of reality, but... call me presumptuous, but I still believe in miracles. In this vast sea of stars, there are stars for you, for me, for everybody. What are the chances of one star encountering another? Are these encounters not the most wonderful miracles in all of destiny? ...I don't know. But within Teyvat, the stars in the sky will always have a place for us. Even if astrology is resolutely rational, fate remains arbitrary, cruel, but romantic. ...

Aether: Mona, you seem to have been deep in thought...

Kiana: Have you found the answer?

Mona: ...I think I have figured out what those stars are hiding. "Now, I will seize my own destiny."

To seize the destiny, they had to find a star. So they looked around but every time they got close to a star, they disappeared and reappeared every time they were further away. That is until they saw one star moving then they captured it.

Then a cutscene played.

Mona: There was a transparent bird made of crystal. It was beautiful and fragile, and could sing the most beautiful songs. But since mortals couldn't even see it, they believed it to be a trick. How could a transparent bird possibly exist, let alone sing? When the bird heard that, it flapped its wings. And flew across mountains and seas. All the way to the night sky, where it turned into a star. Its brilliance was so dazzling that it illuminated everyone. It allowed all those that could see it to follow its light through the dark night. To sail through the seas under the guidance of the stars. It was born in wisdom, but trapped in ignorance. It has never voiced a complaint, for this is its destiny. Guiding people to see their destinies is the very meaning of its existence.

They ended up back on the island.

Paimon: We're back here again. So... Are we completely out of the mirage?

Mona: How strange... My mirage didn't contain any hints on the Fatui or the machine... Does that mean they had nothing to do with these mirages after all?

Fu Hua: We can't say for sure yet.

Mona: Or perhaps these mirages are a mere consequence, and not part of a process at all?

Paimon: Umm, Paimon's lost...

Mona: I mean, these mirages were not steps towards solving the mystery, but rather a direct effect of whatever is going on.

Kiana: Explain better.

Mona: Someone did something to bring the mirages into being. As they were just passive side products, it was natural that they couldn't provide us with any useful information.

Xinyan: In other words, those mirages were only about ourselves.

Fischl: Hmm, pure materializations of ourselves... Interesting.

Kaedehara Kazuha: ...

Everyone: Hmm...

Kaedehara Kazuha: Everyone, maybe we should go back to where this whole thing began. During our first day on the island, Traveler, some others, and I checked out the Fatui camp together. We found a strange machine there, as well as some disoriented Fatui.

Aether: This is correct.

Neptune: We did.

Kaedehara Kazuha: The researcher who spoke to us claimed that the machine was just a Fatui industrial invention. He even promised to not disturb us.

Paimon: Right right, and the cappy-cap guy looked half asleep the entire time. He kept talking nonsense!

Nepgear: Like a coward.

Kaedehara Kazuha: I wonder, is it possible that "madness" and "mirages" are two different outcomes of the machine's influence? If so, everything can be traced back to that damaged machine — except for the difference in how it affects people. This, I believe, is caused by differences between the affected people themselves.

Mona: ...!

Kiana: Mona?

Mona: When you put it that way... it is indeed difficult to distinguish dreams and hallucinations. So what you're saying is, the device affected us differently because we are different from the Fatui?

Kaedehara Kazuha: Yes, and according to our observations over these past few days, I think... the difference is that we all have stronger willpower.

Xinyan: ...Yeah, I can get behind that. People with strong willpower will hallucinate instead of falling into madness, but those who break too easily can't maintain a stable mirage.

Paimon: In other words, we should go back to the Fatui camp and destroy that machine right away.

Liliya and Rozaliya: Destroy!

Fischl: No, it should be repaired, rather than destroyed.

Oz: What mein Fräulein means is that rashly destroying a machine we do not understand may lead to more serious consequences. It would be better to find a way to repair it first.

Kaedehara Kazuha: Right, it pays to be cautious.

Mona: If my guess is correct, that machine is capable of influencing the human brain. So we'd better tread carefully.

Paimon: So let's go now! There's no time to waste!

Nepgear: I can repair the machine. I'm skilled at machines.

So they went to where the Fatui machine was.

Paimon: Hey, look! Isn't that the same guy we saw on our first day here?

Vert: It looks like it.

Researcher: Ahaha... *hic* Everyone's gone crazy. Everyone should get out of here! We'll... We'll never wake up... But I was right, my precious, you are invincible... hehe...

Noire: Is he drunk?

Jeanne: He looks drunk.

Elizabeth: Maybe he's just gone crazy.

Xinyan: Precious? What's his precious?

Researcher: A miracle machine... Definitely not... impossible... *hic*!

Mona: I think he's referring to that machine.

Fischl: What a drunkard, hmph.

Oz: Oh goodness, the smell of alcohol... Mein Fräulein, please allow me to fan the fumes away with my wings.

Patrick: That's one of the reasons why drinking alcohol is bad and why we should never drink alcohol.

Mona: Excellent, please fan them away for me, too.

Aether: Me as well.

Oz: Certainly.

Vert: Allow me to assist with some Anemo wind.

Kaedehara Kazuha: I've checked the surroundings, but there's no one else here. Isn't that strange? The Fatui is a big organization, but he is the only one left at this camp. What's more, we didn't even see him the last time we were here.

Kiana: Maybe they left?

Theresa: Hardly.

Kaedehara Kazuha: Even the larger gentleman from the first time is missing. I think... they must be hiding somewhere. As for why they may be hiding, I'm afraid we'll have to ask him.

Paimon: But he's as drunk as Tone-Deaf Bard... Should we wait for him to sober up?

Fischl: Cleanse him with the holy spring of punishment!

Oz: Mein Fräulein means to splash him with water.

Paimon: Sounds like a good idea. Let's try!

Seele: And allow me and Mona to splash him with our Hydro water.

Everyone takes out their water bottles and empties them over the collapsed Fatui researcher... Seele and Mona also use their Hydro powers to materialize water and slash it on the man too.

Paimon: Hey, he opened his eyes!

Researcher: Hm... Huh?

Mona: Hey, are you one of the Fatui? Can you tell us what happened here and what that machine is for?

Researcher: ...F—Fatui... ...Hah! Fatui! Oh... those blockheads from the administration will regret it now! Haha! That's what you get for rejecting my research and forcing me to... Forcing me to... to conduct my research on this deserted island... My precious! My precious... *sobs*

Paimon: Why is he crying? Looks like he has a lot of pent-up emotions...

Rom: Maybe the Fatui must have said bad things about him which caused him to say bad things about them.

Researcher: ...You mocked me... and my precious invention! You... you don't know anything about the future. Only my invention... can help us conquer the world! Haha... hahaha... Idiots, such idiots, hahaha... Ow! Don't hit me! I won't blow up the lab again... I'm sorry! I didn't mean to...

Ram: He's gone crazy!

Xinyan: This man's gone insane. There's no way we can communicate with him.

Kaedehara Kazuha: He wasn't like this when we first met him. It looks like the effects have grown worse, to the point of driving him mad.

Researcher: *sobs*... My manuscript, my manuscript! Only that... can save... save... *sobs*

Fischl: Manuscript? Where is it?

Researcher: Don't yell at me, don't yell at me... *sobs*

Paimon: Fischl, don't yell at him!

Fischl: Hmph! Then I'll...

Mona: Let me try. Kind sir, look at me. Now tell me, where did you hide your manuscript?

Researcher: *sobs* No, no, don't force me to write a report... *sobs* Go away...

Paimon: Ugh, he's completely lost in his own imagination...

Kaedehara Kazuha: Allow me. ... Please excuse me!

Kazuha stands quietly for a while, then throws the researcher over his shoulder and onto the ground.

Kaedehara Kazuha: Haah!

Noire: Kazuha!

Researcher: *sobs* Ow! My butt... *sobs* My brain is finally starting to work again... It's not a mushy mess anymore...

Kaedehara Kazuha: Can you tell me where you put the manuscript?

Researcher: The manuscript... the manuscript... is in the crack over there...

Xinyan: Whew, finally! Otherwise, I was gonna have to blast some of my loudest rock 'n' roll in his ears.

Paimon: Kazuha hesitated for a long time before making a move. He's so nice.

Aether: Yup. He's destined for greatness.

Kaedehara Kazuha: Everyone, let's search the stone cracks nearby for the manuscript.

Aether: (The researcher came to his senses briefly after Kazuha's throw, but soon fell unconscious... Did his mental state deteriorate, or did Kazuha knock him out...?)

They go to the crack, then Fischl finds the manuscript.

Fischl: Found it!

Oz: Congratulations! We've found the key to solving the problem!

Mona: Let me see... Hmm...

Mona takes the manuscript and studies it carefully...

Mona: Just as I thought. This machinery named "Cognitive Mimicry" is capable of altering the state of people's brains. It was invented by the researcher we met earlier, his name is Persikov. According to the manuscript, the Fatui officials did not support Persikov's research. They believed he had taken the wrong path. But Persikov insisted on putting his machine to use. In order to achieve that, he disassembled the machine and used his connections to transport the parts to this deserted island.

Paimon: How did they find this island? The Fatui's intelligence network's not to be underestimated.

Mona: Persikov was dead set on carrying out his experiments on this island. Most of his subjects were junior Fatui soldiers who all signed a waiver before the experiment. ...It looks like they really thought this machine would benefit the Fatui.

Kaedehara Kazuha: How does the machine work?

Mona: That's most likely top-secret. The manuscript didn't reveal any details, but Persikov did mention that the machine was modeled after the power of a god.

Bronya: A god from Celestia?

Mei: It's obviously yes.

Mona: Does that mean... there's a god connected to these dream-like mirages, and the Fatui found a way to research it?

Fischl: Indeed. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to reproduce the god's power.

Aether: (Wait, so there's some sort of... Mirage Archon?)

Mona: Anyway, Persikov's experiment did not go as planned. The machine broke down just days after it was activated. They tried to fix it, but... The technologically illiterate Fatui soldiers completely ruined the machine. Even its most important component of all — the crystalline cores — got ejected and disappeared.

Oz: A testament to the importance of maintenance in all aspects of life. I believe we can all learn something from this.

Mona: Persikov may be a mad scientist, but he didn't want to see his subordinates suffer. Besides, if he didn't solve the problem, he would end up going insane as well. As a last resort, Persikov went out on his own to look for the cores. But he was just a sickly researcher unfit for the task. He had to give up. Then, Persikov went searching for the soldiers who had gone mad and strayed from the group, and took them to a hidden cave.

Kaedehara Kazuha: I think that was where they were at the day we arrived on this island. Persikov was taking a strong Fatui soldier somewhere.

Mona: Yes. It took Persikov all of his strength to get all the missing soldiers into the cave. He tried to snap them out of it with music and poetry... But nothing worked.

Xinyan: We came here once but there was no one around. Come to think of it, that must've been the day Persikov was busy gathering the soldiers into the cave.

Mona: There's good news and bad news written on the last few pages. The good news is, Persikov managed to figure out the location of the crystalline cores by piecing together the snippets of information he could get from the delirious soldiers... The bad news is, Persikov failed to revive them, and eventually succumbed to the device's influence himself. The last few pages of the manuscript are just unintelligible drunken scribbles.

Fischl: It appears that the responsibility for this issue now falls to my retainers and I.

Aether: Never thought we'd be saving the day on a vacation... I feel a sense of purpose.

Neptune: Yeah... saving the day again. Which is a good thing.

Mona: There's a map in the manuscript. The markings should indicate the locations of the crystalline cores.

They looked at the map.

Paimon: We've got no choice but to find the crystalline cores now!

https://youtu.be/aF-a06YjvDQ

So they went to one of the islands where they had to fight against monsters then solve a puzzle to get the Crystalline Core.

Paimon: This should be one of the crystalline cores mentioned in the manuscript!

Kiana: One core down. Two to go.

Vert: Soon this will be over and we can relax.

They go to the next island to find the next core. There they had to solve the same puzzle and got the second core.

Paimon: And here's the second one.

Neptune: Just one more core and we return back to the machine.

They go to the final island where the last core was. They solve the puzzle and got the last core.

Paimon: We've found all the crystalline cores. Let's put them back into the machine!

They came back to the machine with all 4 cores. Then the music stopped.

Nepgear: Alright, let's insert the cores.

So Aether, Nepgear, and Kiana put the crystalline cores into the machine. 

Paimon: We've inserted all the crystalline cores. Mona, is that all we needed to do?

Mona: I think so. That's what the manuscript says anyway.

Kaedehara Kazuha: Let's give it some time. Hopefully, it'll return to normal.

Everyone sits around the campfire, chatting and cooking barbecue. Once the machine is fixed, the situation seems to improve. Soon, they hear footsteps approaching...

It was Fatui soldiers.

Fatui Sergeant: Aah! Someone's in our camp!

Fatui Recruit: Hey, who are you people!?

Fatui Sergeant: Hold on, look at the machine... is it fixed?

Fatui Recruit: What? But Mr. Persikov is still lying on the ground over there.

Paimon: We're the ones who fixed the device. Yeah, you're welcome!

Nepgear: We did nothing wrong here! You should be thanking us for fixing the machine!

Mona: We could have had a nice, relaxing vacation, if all of this hadn't ended up occupying so much of our time.

Fischl: Hmph! Apologize to me and my retainers at once!

Fatui Sergeant: Huh!? Oh no, oh no, I—I'm outta here...

Fatui Recruit: Hey, hey! Don't leave me here on my own... Mr. Persikov's still there, we need to save him!

Neptune: Hahahahahahahahah! They ran away.

Theresa: Like cowards! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Xinyan: Haha, those two definitely seem a little more lucid now.

Kaedehara Kazuha: It looks like we succeeded.

Paimon: Yay! Let's get outta here then. Paimon wants to spend the rest of this vacation back at our own camp.

Aether: You mean Klee's camp.

Theresa: It was her's before.

Paimon: Yeah! But it feels like our camp now, kinda like our temporary home, hehe.

Oz: Then perhaps we should call it the Embassy of the Immernachtreich and Dodoland.

Paimon: Huh? No! That's too many words. Paimon would prefer something easy to remember.

Bronya: We can work with that.

Paimon: Come on, let's go home now.

They returned back to the camp.

Paimon: *yawn* Whew! After coming home to a nice big meal then having a long lie down, Paimon's finally starting to feel relaxed.

Sakura: It's about time too. It's long overdue.

Fischl: Hehe, is the hospitality of the Immernachtreich to thy liking?

Paimon: Paimon's loving it!

Oz: Wonderful. Mein Fräulein invited you all here not only to witness the arrival of our Holy Land, but most importantly, she wished that you could all relax and enjoy the summer.

Xinyan: Great! Well, I've come to the right place — I love it here!

Fischl: May this place become an eternal paradise.

Oz: Mein Fräulein says she hopes to go on more adventures with you here in the future.

Himeko: That would be great.

Neptune: We'd love to fight by your side again sometime.

Xinyan: Of course! And you should come find me in Liyue when you get the time. I'll show you around. Oh, also, my friend runs the best restaurant in Liyue. I'm sure you'll love it.

Fu Hua Xiangling.

Xinyan: If you're into opera, you should go see Yun Jin. She's the nicest person, and she likes making friends with new and interesting people. I'm sure the two of you will have plenty to talk about with your shared passion for theatrics.

Fy Hua: Yun Jin. Of course.

Fischl: Oh? If Lady Xinyan speaks so highly of it, then I must entertain the idea.

Kaedehara Kazuha: Traveler, I have a suggestion.

Kaedehara Kazuha: There is a snack called Roasted Lavender Melon in Inazuma, which goes rather well with fish. Why don't we roast some fruit and seafood for dinner tonight?

Aether: Roasted Lavender Melon sounds great. I've tried it before!

Kaedehara Kazuha: Oh? Did you try it in Inazuma?

Aether: A few Inazuman friends made some for me.

Sakura: One of them was Itto and Kuki.

Kaedehara Kazuha: Haha, that's great. You know, I want to follow your example and travel around the world. Hopefully, I can also make good friends along the way.

Aether: Knowing you, that shouldn't be a problem.

Kaedehara Kazuha: That means a lot coming from you, Traveler.

Mona comes back.

Mona: Ah, you're all here.

Mona: I've noticed an issue. Although we've fixed the machine, as you can see — the mirages on the islands have still not disappeared.

Noire: I wonder why?

Kaedehara Kazuha: I've noticed that, too. But considering it took some time for the mirages to appear, it may also take some time for them to disappear.

Mona: Yes, that's definitely possible. In other news, my scryglass seems to be working fine now. The divination results are also looking about right, although...

Aether: Although what?

Mona: Although there are some parts in the results that I don't quite understand... it's as if there is some sort of power surrounding us, and it's still watching us.

Kaedehara Kazuha: Do you think it's caused by the machine, or perhaps Persikov?

Mona: Sorry, I'm also not sure. All I know is that the power is not hostile at the moment. Whatever it is, it doesn't seem to harbor any ill will toward us.

Aether: (That reminds me, there's one unanswered question on these islands. But the group is unaware.) I'll keep that in mind.

Mona: Well, although there's nothing left to disturb us, and we can finally kick back and enjoy our vacation, we still ought to be cautious while we're on these islands.

Vert: Yes. We can finally lay back.

Mona: I will keep seeing what the stars say every day.

Kaedehara Kazuha: I promised Fischl that I'd be her guard. I can help.

Mona: Good, I'll be counting on you. ...*sigh* Goodness knows why those girls are so carefree about everything. I suppose it falls to me to be extra vigilant.

Theresa: It's time.

Aether: Paimon, come with me!

Paimon: Oh, coming!

Aether: Let's go over there.

The outlanders walk away to a distance.

Paimon: Ohh, so we're gonna call the Tone-Deaf Bard, right?

Jeanne: Yes. We are. Hopefully he will answer this time.

Dodocommunication Device: Dodoco! Dodoco!

The Dodocommunication Device ringed till someone finally answered.

Venti: Well hello there, strangers! You finally called! I thought you were having so much fun that you'd completely forgotten about me.

Paimon: Nope!

Jeanne: They haven't forgotten about you at all.

Paimon: Tone-Deaf Bard, a whole bunch of really strange things happened!

They tell Venti everything that has happened on the islands over the past few days...

Jeanne: and that's it.

Venti: A strange machine that can imitate the power of a God? Wow, haha, I didn't know the Fatui had plans like that. Their imaginations are truly running wild.

Neptune: Very evily.

Paimon: So judging from your tone, it sounds like you don't know any more about this than we do?

Venti: Alas, I am but a humble bard who sings for his Mora in the tavern. Why would I know anything about it?

Paimon: Ugh, so annoying...

Venti: But, other than that, did you have fun?

Kiana: Kind of...

Paimon: We did! We ate a lot of yummy food and saw loads of amazing things. It was really cool!

Neptune: It was a great experience.

Aether: Overall, I'd say it was pretty satisfying.

Venti: Hehe, that's good. The point of traveling is to record any feelings stirred along the way. As long as you had an unforgettable experience, this journey has served its purpose. As for the mysterious voice, although we don't know who it was, not only did she not harm you, she also helped you to gain a better understanding of each other, right? If you look at it that way, maybe she meant you well. I mean, if she was able to intercept Alice's communication tool, I'm sure she's also plenty capable of attacking you.

Paimon: Hmm, Tone-Deaf Bard is right...

Aether: ... I understand.

Mei: So do we.

Seele: We understand.

Venti: Hahaha, I'm glad to bring you some peace of mind. Just enjoy your vacation to the fullest, and don't forget to tell me all about the marvelous mirages when you get back. I want to record all these beautiful memories, and turn them into ballads. Every summer will become an unforgettable song.

Aether: It's a deal.

Bronya: Deal.

Venti: Then I'll just wait for your return, guys. Happy vacationing!

Venti hangs up.

Paimon: If Tone-Deaf Bard thinks it's okay, then maybe there's nothing to worry about. After all, Tone-Deaf Bard is still a god. We should probably trust him.

Aether: Indeed.

Paimon: Let's head back, we don't wanna keep everyone waiting.

Blanc: You're right. We better get back.

Paimon: Hold on, didn't Fischl say earlier that she's going to catch some crabs? Paimon wants to go too!

They started to walk back but the outlanders stopped.

???: Now you have solved the mystery... doesn't it make you feel happy, satisfied?

It was the mysterious voice again.

Aether: (That voice...!)

Theresa: I guess you could say that.

???: Don't worry, I won't hurt you. I'm just a little bird that sometimes flies by these islands, and am now watching you from far, far away.

Only Aether and all the outlanders could hear the voice. But Paimon did not hear the voice.

???: I just so happened to sense a power here that has something to do with me. I was curious, so I landed on the beach to quietly watch everything that took place on these islands.

They walked to the beach.

???: ...It was fascinating. The ones who came here to work were so busy, and yet I still saw genuine smiles on their faces from time to time. And then all of you arrived later on, bringing your glorious dreamscapes and wonderful willpower. Your dreams are like the pure and delicate bubbles floating on the water. The more beautiful the illusion, the more it fascinates me. I'm not able to travel myself, but I do admire free spirits like yourself. So I helped them design a little something for you all. I hope you liked it.

Aether: Who are you?

Neptune: Aren't you going to tell us who you are? We don't want to be left with not knowing who you are.

???: As I said, I don't have an agenda. I'm just a little bird. I stopped here to admire your lives — joys, sorrows, and all. You are special people, with unique and brilliant glows. I decided to communicate with you in this way because I'm really curious about you. There is no need to wonder about my name. Maybe one day in the future, we will meet in another place. You will know soon enough When that time comes, I think you'll be able to recognize me. Hehe.

Aether: (The voice has faded... Was she directly speaking into my mind?)

Paimon: Hey, what are you doing? The crabs don't catch themselves!

Kiana: Oh, nothing! Just admiring the sunset!

Theresa: We'll be right over there! Just give us a few seconds!

They walked closer to the beach.

Aether: (...What did she mean...)

A Dendro symbol briefly appears in front of them. Which made them, except Aether, realize something.

Aether: ("Meet in another place"... But when, and where?)

Aether goes back to the camp. Except the others.

Theresa: Could that have been the Dendro Archon?

Fu Hua: Maybe. We saw the Dendro Symbol.

Neptune: More mysteries to be solved.

Vert: Looks like we'll find out once we get to Sumeru. Can't wait to meet that Loli Archon.

Himeko: Let's go back to the others.

Everyone: Ok.

They return back to everyone.

(Serenetea Pot, Night)

They held another meeting at the long meeting table.

Theresa: It was the Dendro Archon who spoke to us.

Kiana It sounded like she already knows who we are.

Sakura: Once we get to Sumeru, I'm hoping that Kusanali will recognize us.

Kallen: I believe that now we should enjoy our own vacation now.

Homura: I've been waiting.

Yumi: Finally All of us can enjoy our own time off.

Miyabi: For all of us to enjoy.

Asuka: First thing in the morning, we go!

Everyone: Yeah!