It has been a long time since the Sabzeruz samsara, and many things cannot be ascertained until Nahida gets back in form. Today, they go to the Adventurers' Guild as usual...

Patrick, the Valkyries, CPUs, CPU Candidates, Shinobi, Aether, and Paimon meet up then go to the Adventurer's Guild to speak to Katheryne.

Katheryne: Ad astra abyssosque! We meet again.

Paimon: Hi Katheryne, do you have any commissions for us today?

Vert: We could really use some.

Katheryne: Commissions, huh? Hmmm, let me think...

Katheryne thought before speaking again.

Katheryne: Oh, how about this? Please attend the Akademiya's academic symposium this afternoon, and recite a love poem onstage.

Paimon: Uh, wait, say what now?

Noire: Recite a love poem... on stage?!

Katheryne: And if possible, please also use your Kamera to capture the reaction of the audience upon finishing the poem.

Paimon: Huh? What kind of commission is that?

Noire: I feel embarrassed just imagining it.

Aether: The audience would definitely have a... reaction.

Katheryne: I see... It appears that you're not interested in this commission.

Noire: Something else please.

Vert: Next Commission

Katheryne: In that case, please go to Port Ormos and convince the Eremites there to spend some time volunteering at the local orphanage.

Paimon: Hey! That's not any better!

Kiana: None of those jerks would be interested in taking care of orphans!

Blanc: Isn't that just asking for a beating?

Neptune: They will get their butts kicked by us again.

Aether: Mercenaries and orphanages really don't go together.

Katheryne: Mm-hmm, I'm sure the mercenaries will have some interesting reactions as well.

Paimon: Uh, Paimon's gotta ask... Just who exactly has been submitting these commissions to the Adventurers' Guild?

Katheryne: Oh, the commissioner? Hmm, well actually, I just wanted to see all of you in action...

Aether: You're not actually Katheryne, are you?

Vert: You're Nahida, right?

Nahida: Hehe, was it so obvious? I was hoping you would actually take one of those commissions. That kind of chance to observe humans doesn't come by often...

Vert: Very funny, Kusanali.

Paimon: Ahh, so it's Nahida! Paimon just knew Katheryne wouldn't crack those kinds of jokes. When did you get into her head?

Nahida: Hmm... From when she said "Ad astra abyssosque"?

Paimon: So it's been you this whole time!? *sigh* Are you done resting up, Nahida?

Nahida: Yes. I've been sleeping ever since we parted ways, and I even had a really, really long dream...

Mei: So, the Akasha can't take away the dreams of gods?

Aether: What did you dream about?

Nahida: It was another dream about the Sabzeruz Festival, except it was a happy one! In my dream, I was sitting in the middle of a flower terrace, and everyone in Sumeru City was holding hands as they danced in circles around me... They danced round and round, and everyone looked really happy. I also got to sit on a gigantic flower carriage. Farris, the Knight of Flowers, raised me really, really high above the ground, and I was throwing an endless amount of Yalda Candies at the children...

Paimon: You know, Nahida, maybe your dream is how the Sabzeruz Festival really should be. It's meant to be a joyous time, where everyone gets together to celebrate your birthday...

Durandal: Yeah...

Aether: But in reality...

Nahida: Eh? Wasn't I describing a really happy dream? Why are you all looking at me like that... Wait, could this be an example of the emotion known as "pity"?

Paimon: No, no, we aren't pitying you! That would only make everything worse. We just don't want you to feel too sad.

Vert: I- We never want to lose your cute smile. We'll do anything to protect your smile.

Paimon: By the way, have you had a chance to visit Dunyarzad? How's she doing? The Homayanis haven't allowed any visitors after the festival, so we haven't been able to check on her.

Nahida: Yes, I paid her a visit right after I woke up. She was resting at the time. Her condition has stabilized. However, since Eleazar is a manifestation of the Withering on the human body, we can only cure it by finding a way to take care of Irminsul's own withering. But for the moment, our top focus should still be figuring out what the sages are up to and what they're planning.

Paimon: Right. Who knows what'll happen if they manage to pull off another scheme like the samsara of the Sabzeruz Festival.

Durandal: We need to find out what they're up to.

Vert: And bring them to justice.

Nahida: So, our first priority should be investigating and putting a stop to the sages' activities. As for how we should pull that off, let's discuss it somewhere else. There are too many adventurers around here.

Paimon: Oh, good point! Uh, sorry adventurers, we're gonna be borrowing Katheryne for a little while~!

Vert: Be patient~

They go somewhere else.

Nahida: Let's continue our chat here.

Kiana: Right.

Paimon: Okay. So do you have any ideas on how we can investigate the sages, Nahida?

Nahida: Actually, I've already done a little bit of work on that, but for now, I want to hear your thoughts.

Aether: Possess a key figure in the Akademiya?

Nahida: I've already tried that, but all the key members of the Akademiya — even the Corps of Thirty guards — intentionally avoid wearing their Akasha Terminals. It seems that from the very beginning, they've been guarding against info leaks from the Akasha. Of course, it could also be because they're wary of me.

Paimon: Have you already caught the sages' attention?

Nahida: I'm guessing not yet, but distrusting me would make perfect sense if they ever paid attention to the urban legends about me. In any case, I probably can't take over their minds directly.

Neptune: How about we just go with a direct approach and blow things up while we enter right in! Boom!

Nahida: If you did that, then they will get away and escape with all evidence.

Paimon: And we won't be able to prove them guilty.

Neptune: Oh...

Asuka: How about the four of us sneak in undetected so they can't see us. We're Shinobi. So we know stealth.

Nahida: Their security is high. They can detect you with their terminals.

Asuka: Oh...

Aether: Possess a student and infiltrate the sages' quarters?

Nahida: No way. That's too risky.

Paimon: You mean it'd be too easy to get caught?

Nahida: No, it's not that. We shouldn't involve innocent students in this. A single mistake could completely ruin their lives. Doing that would be ignoring the safety of my people for my own selfish goals. How is that any different from what the sages are doing?

Patrick: Because the sages hate you and are real bad people. And you're not.

Nahida: Doing something as possessing a student and ruining that student's life is also a bad thing to do.

Paimon: Those are good points. Spoken like the God of Sumeru!

Homura: Then what about disguising ourselves?

Nahida: You can't do that. Because they will search through you and know that you are not a sage.

Kiana: Then spread tons of some so we can get in.

Nahida: The sages will sneak away.

Aether: We could grab someone close to the sages and question them?

Nahida: We're in the dark as of now. Since we still don't know anything about their goals, any rash move could tip them off and lead to terrible consequences. After all, every person in Sumeru City is one of their hostages.

Aether: We can't think of anything else.

Kiana: This is harder than we thought.

Paimon: Hmm... Are we really out of ideas? Nahida, you're super smart, so you already have something in mind, right? Don't keep us in suspense — spill the beans already!

Nahida: According to a popular theory from the Vahumana Darshan of the Akademiya, rejecting impractical motions at the beginning of a planning session will give more weight to the actual proposal.

Paimon: Okay, okay, but aren't you the God of Wisdom? You don't have to use that kind of gimmick to make us take your ideas seriously.

Nahida: Well, I've been thinking that if I can't directly possess the leaders, and if I can't get ordinary people involved... Then I should find someone who's already involved, but hasn't decided to side with the sages.

Paimon: You're saying we should recruit a spy? Hmm, that does sound like it could work.

Neptune: Good plan.

Paimon: Oh! Before coming back, we met someone named Alhaitham. He seems like he acts alone, and he likes doing stuff behind the Akademiya's back. They probably aren't in cahoots.

Nahida: Actually, I already have someone in mind. Do you still remember that female scholar named Setaria?

Paimon: Setaria... Paimon remembers now! Isn't she the one who's always trailing behind the Grand Sage of the Akademiya? We ran into her basically every time the Sabzeruz Festival repeated itself. You could even say we're old enemies by now... Paimon still remembers the smug and mean way she always spoke to Nilou!

Vert: And all the negative things she said about the dance and how much she hates you and how much the Grand Sage hates you too.

Nahida: Mm-hmm. I've always liked observing all kinds of people, and Setaria has always stood out from the crowd. She was born in the desert, and was hailed as their greatest genius. Her academic gifts allowed her special admission into the Akademiya, and also gave her the opportunity to serve as the sages' assistant.

Paimon: Oh, Paimon didn't know she was from the desert! She must be pretty special, then. Paimon feels like most of the desert-dwellers around the city are working as mercenaries.

Nahida: The name Setaria means "star." When she lived in the desert, she shone like the brightest star in the night sky. Later on, she was chosen by the Sun. The star was given a place in the daytime sky to complement the Sun's dazzling light. Soon after, the star witnessed the Sun scorching the earth, which brought forth many disasters. The star began to waver. Instead of staying beside such a sun, wouldn't it be better to return and light up part of the night sky? But in the end, she couldn't give up the radiance of daytime. To cope with her shame, the star buried her guilt and closed her eyes...

Durandal: This is no longer just a metaphor...

Aether: Those are Setaria's true thoughts, right?

Paimon: From the sound of it, Setaria's just hung up on the research opportunities here... But she doesn't really support the Akademiya. She still feels guilty about not doing more for the desert, right...? She's just running away from her problems!

Bronya: Disgraceful.

Nahida: Indeed. When they are presented with complex moral issues, many people will simply plug their ears and go with the flow until the problem can't be fixed anymore. She's suppressing a lot of guilt, but before she realized it, she had already become the sages' accomplice. She can't deny her part in their schemes anymore.

Aether: Sounds exactly like the person we need.

Nahida: Right. We must somehow make her face her problems again... That way, not only can we get useful intel from her, but she can also use it as an opportunity to redeem herself. From my past observations, Setaria will take a day off from the Akademiya every ten days to do some shopping in the city. Tomorrow afternoon just happens to be a shopping day for her. That'll be our chance. To prepare, let's go check out some of her favorite spots, and have a quick chat with a few of the vendors there.

So they go gather information from random people at the spots Setaria would go to as Nahida said to do. Nahida changes her voice to Katheryne's voice. The last stop they go to is the restaurant.

Nahida: This should be our final stop. Setaria is always thinking of this restaurant when she's working at the Akademiya, so she always comes by whenever she's out in the city.

Paimon: Nahida, you've really thought of everything!

Nahida: Hehe, it's my duty to protect Sumeru's citizens, after all.

Vert: As a real Goddess.

Nahida: Hi there. I feel like I've seen you down by the docks before...

Qishan: Huh? Sorry, I don't quite remember...

Nahida: If I recall, you were having a discussion with someone about ship-building at the time.

Qishan: Ah, that's right! I've always been really interested in feats of marine engineering. After all, I grew up in Liyue Harbor and spent my entire childhood staring at the ships going in and out of the port. I came to Sumeru to study, but failed to make it into the Akademiya due to my lack of talent. But I'm still discussing all kinds of problems with different scholars, and I'm continuing to study and perform research from the restaurant's basement. I'm sure I'll get into the Akademiya after their next round of exams!

Nahida: What an admirable spirit for learning. Amazing!

Paimon: Sure... But you'll find hard-working people wherever you go!

Nahida: So this restaurant has a basement as well? Huh, first I've heard of it.

Qishan: That's right! It's not usually open to patrons. Most of the time, employees use it for breaks or to hold private events.

Nahida: I see... Guess that makes sense. Well, good luck with your studies, Miss Qishan.

Qishan: Haha, thank you so much. As long as I can make it into the Akademiya as an official student, I'll be happy.

They leave.

Paimon: So, was that everybody?

Nahida: Mm-hmm. Three familiar faces should be enough for Setaria.

Paimon: What's the point of all the information we've collected? Nahida, you still haven't told us how you're planning to make Setaria face her problems.

Nahida: Setaria is already used to avoiding her problems, so we must find a way to break through her usual sensibilities.

Durandal: How?

Nahida: I remember that you mentioned that the Eremites in Port Ormos are all making a fuss about the upcoming resurrection of the ScarletKing Deshret King.

Miyabi: That's what they're always talking about.

Nahida: Although it's all just a boatload of nonsense, the faith of her homeland may turn out to be Setaria's soft spot.

Paimon: Oh, Paimon gets it now... You want to take advantage of the guilt Setaria feels about her homeland.

Twins: Guilt.

Paimon: Although she knows she should return home to help the people of the desert, all she's done is conspire with the sages...

Aether: If King Deshret was to criticize Setaria's actions...

Vert: If King Deshret was to make demands of Setaria...

Paimon: Hmm, so how do we set that up?

Nahida: Well, the ScarletKing Deshret King is long gone, and Setaria is also too smart to fall for any simple tricks... If we simply engaged her under the guise of the ScarletKing Deshret King's believers, she'd definitely be wary of us, and we may not get anywhere. But if we were to "borrow" some of her close acquaintances to talk with her... her reaction would probably be very different.

Paimon: So you mean, you're going to possess those people we just talked to?

Nahida: Yep. Possess them through the Akasha, imply that they've already converted to the faith of the ScarletKing Deshret King, and then convey our made-up "will of the ScarletKing Deshret King." As long as everything goes smoothly, we'll get through to Setaria for sure. She'll never guess that we had anything to do with it.

Paimon: Ahh, so that's how you're going to use all the info we collected on these people — it's so that you won't slip up and break form! Possessing them will only work if you can manage to pass off as them.

Nahida: Exactly! So, best of luck with impersonating them.

Paimon: Huh? Best of luck? B—But we don't know how to possess anyone!

Nahida: That's no problem at all. I'll just share all their senses with you once I've possessed them. As long as you're also wearing an Akasha Terminal, the effect will basically be as if you've possessed them yourself.

Paimon: Huh, that is pretty convenient... But why does he have to do this? Can't you do it yourself?

Nahida: Although I've been observing humans for a while, I've never been good at imitating them...

Paimon: Hmm, you're not wrong... It's always been painfully obvious whenever you try to pass as Katheryne.

Aether: Alright. I'll try my best.

Asuka: I guess that some of us will be spying on Setaria hidden away.

Kiana: And the rest of us will be on standby.

Nahida: *sigh* If it was at all possible, I would've preferred to leave these people alone, but seeing how things are now, I probably should just accept it and push on.

Paimon: Yeah, don't beat yourself up over it! We're only doing this to help everyone, and we'll only be borrowing them for a little while anyway.

Nahida: Alright, then let's give it a go tomorrow afternoon.

Vert: See you tomorrow.

(Next day)

The group was small. It contained Patrick, Kiana, Neptune, Vert, Durandal, Asuka, Nahida in Katheryne's body, Aether, and Paimon. The 3 other Shinobi were hidden. Ruler Jeanne D'Arc was also there but invisible.

Neptune: Alright. The plan is all set.

They see Setaria arrive.

Paimon: Ooh, here she comes! Setaria's here!

Nahida: Let's quietly follow her. Once she starts talking to her acquaintances, we'll find a safe spot to begin possessing them.

Nahida: As for how we'll sway her to our side... I'll leave that to you. Aether, I trust you'll know what to say.

Paimon: Ahh, Paimon's starting to feel kinda nervous! Okay, let's go! Looks like they've already started talking... Let's find a hiding spot and get started!

They went to a hiding spot.

Asuka: Good luck.

Nahida used her power then she entered into Nabiya's body with Aether.

Setaria: ...That's right, you really can't force anything when it comes to love. And besides, everyone around me has a very different background and outlook... Huh? Are you still listening to me, Nabiya?

Nabiya: Oh, o—of course I'm listening! You were talking about troubles with your love life, right? I heard everything you said.

Setaria: Ah, okay then. You just seemed a little distracted for a moment there.

Cat: Meow!

Setaria: Strange... Your cats seem pretty worked up. Is something wrong? I always thought they were quiet, happy kitties... Oh, what are their names again?

Nabiya: Harut and Marut.

Setaria: Ahh, that's right! They are just little darlings, aren't they? Harut and Marut...

Nabiya: Ahem, so which fortune do you want me to read for you today? You must have come for another echo of the divine voice of wisdom.

Setaria: Hmm... I'd like to get another reading on my love prospects, but to be perfectly honest with you, I feel like I've been a real mess recently...

Nabiya: A mess?

Setaria: Well, erm... Could you do a reading on how long it'll take me to finish my current project at work? I really just want to get it over with...

Nabiya: I hear you... No problem at all. Uh, the gods will reveal the truth. ... Ohohoho... The gods have spoken!

Setaria: Pfft... Sorry, your new laugh is just so hilarious, I couldn't help it...

Nabiya: Oh! Uh, please pay no mind to those kinds of details. The gods are asking... "Setaria, why haven't you gone home?"

Setaria: Why haven't I gone... home? Do the gods really know everything I've been thinking about...?

Nabiya: "Setaria, why don't you just go home!" It's a demand now, instead of a question... The gods seem to be truly upset.

Setaria: Ah! Ah... I'm sorry, I know I failed the gods. Please pass on my most sincere apologies and ask for their divine forgiveness...

Asuka: It's beginning to start working.

Setaria: And, if I may ask... Nabiya, is there a specific god who's speaking to you right now?

Nabiya: Hmph, what an inconsiderate and naive question. The god who is speaking to me is, of course, the wisest and mightiest of all: the ScarletKing Deshret King.

Setaria: The S—ScarletKing Deshret King? No wonder he would make such a demand of me... Huh, wait a second... The ScarletKing Deshret King passed away a long time ago... Even though news of the ScarletKing Deshret King's resurrection has been spreading like wildfire, it's all just a misinformation campaign from the Akademiya... How can the ScarletKing Deshret King still exist in real life?

Aether: (Huh? King Deshret's resurrection is a misinformation campaign?)

Nabiya: What insolence! I am the ScarletKing Deshret King's most loyal believer. Do you wish to refute his voice of wisdom?

Setaria: Oh, no, no... As a child of the desert, I am only reveling in his power upon learning that his divine glory has touched even this city. I will think very carefully about his demand of me... I'm sorry, I must go now.

Setaria leaves.

Nabiya: Ah, wait...

Paimon: Whoa, she just ran off in a hurry. She looked pretty upset, too!

Nahida: Well done, Aether! Setaria didn't seem to suspect anything amiss. To have something she's been trying desperately to avoid show up out of nowhere and berate her... That must have shaken her to the core.

Neptune: And remember things she wanted to forget.

Paimon: Nahida, it seems like you understand human emotions really well after all!

Nahida: All I know are some abstract Haravatat theories. In any case, my time with you has shown a lot of them to be utterly useless. I'm still trying to make sense of everything... Anyway, enough of that. Let's hurry and catch up to Setaria.

Paimon: She's at Akim's now, right on cue! Let's get ready to possess him right away!

They followed Sateria quietly then Nahida does the same thing and Aether enters into Akim's body.

Setaria: ...It's okay, I just got caught up in something. Oh, actually, didn't you ask me to help you look for work? What kind of work were you looking for again?

Akim: Uh, masonry work.

Setaria: Oh, right, your old man's craft... How could I forget? Speaking of, how's he doing? Is he feeling any better?

Aether: He's feeling a lot better, and he's walking more now.

Setaria: Ah, that's good to hear. I've been thinking a lot about him... If I could get some more time off, I'd love to pay him a visit.

Jeanne: We hope our plan can work.

Setaria: Actually, while we're talking about him... Is he still living in Port Ormos?

Akim: Yeah, he's been retired there for a while.

Setaria: If you could find the time, please write him a letter. Please pass on that recently, faith in the ScarletKing Deshret King has taken root in Port Ormos, and has begun to spread across Sumeru... He has a quick temper, and has always been a devout follower of the Dendro Archon... I don't want him to get into a fight with those ScarletKing Deshret King believers because of a difference in beliefs.

Akim: Oh? So who are you siding with in all of this? The Akademiya or the ScarletKing Deshret King?

Setaria: Uh, I...

Akim: *sigh* I'm so jealous of you — you were born a child of the desert. Yet, you chose to betray the ScarletKing Deshret King, and now you spend all your time with those crooks from the Akademiya...

Vert: Good roast. The sages really are crooks.

Setaria: Akim...? You don't mean... You've also become a believer of the ScarletKing Deshret King?

Akim: What's so strange about becoming a believer of the wise ScarletKing Deshret King? In fact, aren't you the strange one — the one who still can't pick a side?

Setaria: C—Can't pick a side... Me?

Setaria leaves again.

Paimon: Whoa, Aether! Paimon had no idea you'd be so good at this.

Aether: Before I knew it, I really started getting into the role.

Patrick and Kiana: It was great!

Aether: I wasn't too harsh, was I?

Vert: I think she deserved that for hating Nahida.

Durandal: I agree with you, Vert.

Vert: Thank you Durandal.

Nahida: You really zeroed in on the issue and put it right in front of her. It might feel a bit overwhelming for Setaria... But once everything is over, I'll be sure to pay a visit to her mind and explain everything. Anyway, let's keep going.

They continue following after Setaria.

Paimon: C'mon guys! Setaria's already started talking with Qishan!

Nahida does the same thing and enters into Qishan's body and Aether speaks through her.

Setaria: ...So, Qishan, have you noticed anything weird in the city lately? Like... as if someone was trying to preach to you about something.

Qishan: No, I've been spending all my time studying in the basement. Oh right, speaking of strange things... I celebrated the Sabzeruz Festival so many times that I lost count. That was really weird.

Setaria: Wait, how could you be aware of that!? That should be impossible. Nothing in the report indicated anything like that...

Qishan: Are you still failing to realize that the Akademiya's lowly tricks could never deceive all of Sumeru's citizens?

Setaria: ... ...Qishan, don't tell me that you've converted to the ScarletKing Deshret King as well?

Qishan: What an absurd question. You make it sound like I should be ashamed for becoming a believer of the ScarletKing Deshret King. In reality, shouldn't you be the one who is ashamed? You, who worked side-by-side with the Akademiya and treated people as nothing more than experimental subjects?

Setaria: Please... Please stop!

Setaria runs away.

Paimon: Even now, Setaria's still trying to run from her problems...

Asuka: Maybe it didn't work.

Aether: Did I push too hard?

Nahida: She can no longer justify everything to herself...

Paimon: Hey, she's trying to talk to the guards! What should we do?

Nahida: This is the most important part of all. Quick, get ready!

Setaria: ...Mercenary, you're a member of the Corps of Thirty, correct? Please help me pass a message to the matra right away. The situation in the city is getting out of control...

Rima: Please, try to remain calm, miss. Tell me, what's happening in the city?

Setaria: Heretics are infiltrating the city, and they've already converted many residents to their side...

Nahida enters into Rima's body.

Rima: Heretics? What kind of heresy are you talking about?

Setaria: The ScarletKing Deshret King! Many people I know have suddenly started believing in him, but he's long dead... It's impossible...

Rima: Miss Setaria... Nothing is impossible.

Setaria: Y—You know my name?

Rima: The ScarletKing Deshret King is immortal, and all who defy him will one day pay the price. You must face the truth, Setaria. You tread a treacherous path, and the longer you ignore it, the tighter the Akademiya's grasp on you will become, and the deeper you will be ensnared. Child of the ScarletKing Deshret King, never forget that the desert that belongs to you lies elsewhere.

Setaria saw Akim in Rima's place saying negative things about her. Then she saw the previous people who said who she betrayed the desert.

Setaria: ... *sigh* ...It seems that no matter where I run, I only keep finding more believers of the ScarletKing Deshret King. I have to say, this is a familiar feeling... I've also been running from my guilt this whole time... Guilt over my part in the sages' plans, and from ignoring the letters from the children of my homeland. But no matter how much I may try to ignore or get rid of it, my guilt always comes back.

Rima: You should follow your heart. It's not too late to turn back. You won't necessarily lose your research opportunities by facing the truth. Besides, did you really want to conduct your research while carrying such heavy feelings of guilt?

Setaria: How do you know me so well? Are you truly just a believer of the ScarletKing Deshret King, or are you the god himself?

Rima: That's not important. The important thing is to pass judgment on the Akademiya and its sages, and to correct their mistakes. If you could provide some assistance in this matter, perhaps it could serve as a form of atonement.

Setaria: I've actually never believed in the gods, but I've always believed in serendipity. Your appearance must be a fated opportunity for me to get out of this wretched situation. Please tell me... What can I do for you?

Aether: (Great, we've finally convinced her.)

Asuka: It worked.

Neptune and Vert: Got her.

Rima: Ahem... How much do you know about the sages' current activities?

Setaria: I was just one of the designers for the Mass Dream Harvest scheme... which is what happened around the Sabzeruz Festival. But I know very little about the full scope of the overall project. I'd assume that only staff with the highest clearance would have access to those confidential documents... I've just been working to meet the Grand Sage's specified requirements. However, there's something that's been really bothering me... I heard that a scholar who was previously expelled has returned to the city, and even the sages are still quite wary of him...

Aether: (An outcast that even the sages are still wary of?)

Rima: To fight against the Akademiya, we will need to figure out the nature and purpose of their work. Is there a way for us to get access to the confidential documents you mentioned?

Setaria: It should be possible if we're willing to take some risks. After all, I'm an assistant to the Grand Sage, and I've been working on many tasks outside of the project. One thing, though... I won't be able to transfer the documents to you through the Akasha once I get my hands on them. The sages have always closely monitored all activities within the Akasha. Hmm, let me see... Let's use the most primitive method. Send someone to pick up the documents tomorrow evening at the Akademiya entrance.

Rima: The Akademiya entrance... Wouldn't that be too conspicuous?

Setaria: Don't worry about that. I assure you, this won't be a trap. I'm only suggesting this location because it'll draw more scrutiny for me to leave the Akademiya again. It'll be safest for me to distract the guards long enough to hand you the documents.

Rima: Alright, I trust you.

Setaria: So... If I were to successfully complete this task, would it mean I've atoned for my wrongdoings?

Rima: Umm... That'll depend on the judgment of the Dendro Archon.

Setaria: The Dendro Archon... That's right, her people are the ones we have endangered. As the God of Wisdom, she's also the one responsible for judging and guiding the scholars. ...Maybe it's time for me to find a god to believe in.

Paimon: Just as Nahida predicted, we've managed to bring Setaria to our side...

Nahida: Aether's execution was ingenious. He's the one who deserves all the praise.

Durandal: Yes. He deserves all the praise.

Nahida: Well, now that we've made plans to meet again tomorrow evening, all we can do is to pray for Setaria's mission to go off without a hitch.

Paimon: Pray? But if we're going to pray to the gods, aren't we just praying to you, God of Wisdom and guardian of the scholars?

Neptune: That is true. Since you're here with us. We should be praying to you and you'll actually be able to hear our prayers in person.

Nahida: Me? No, no. The truth is the true guardian of scholars — I've always believed that. Anyway, let's meet again tomorrow evening at the Adventurers' Guild.

Vert: Alright.

Kiana: We'll see you tomorrow night.

Jeanne makes herself visible.

Jeanne: We're going to win.

(Next night)

The party goes back to the Adventurer's Guild.

Paimon: Katheryne, we're here! Oh, hmm... You're the "other" Katheryne, right?

Nahida: That's right. I suppose I'm the "other Katheryne" in your mind.

Aether: Can't we just call her Nahida?

Kiana and Patrick cover Aether's mouth.

Paimon: Shh...! We're on a secret mission tonight, so we need to protect Katheryne's identity!

Nahida: Yep, Paimon's right. We cannot fully rule out the chance that the meet-up tonight is just a trap.

Vert: Something bad could happen if someone found out.

Nahida: If something were to happen, my existence may be the only trump card we'll be able to play.

Nahida: After all, the Akademiya should still be unable to confirm the existence of my consciousness in the outside world.

Paimon: Yep, yep! Exactly, just what Paimon was thinking!

Aether: I somehow doubt that...

Paimon: Ugh... Anyway, enough about that! Let's just make sure to be on our guard!

Aether: Speaking of which... Don't you feel like something is off?

Paimon: Off? What do you feel is off?

Aether: It's just a little too quiet around here.

Paimon: It's the middle of the night — of course it's quiet! You're not getting paranoid, are you?

Neptune: It's natural for streets to be empty at night.

Nahida: No, I think Aether's right. It really is a lot quieter than usual. If you look around, there seems to be fewer people on the streets. I'm not sure if this is the case for the entire city, though...

Paimon: Huh, maybe it's just a coincidence? Maybe Setaria figured out a way to not only distract the guards, but also to get everyone to go to sleep early, just so we can exchange the documents in peace.

Nahida: I also can't quite figure out why things feel a little off... But, now that we're here, let's go ahead and meet her as we planned.

Paimon: Well, regardless... as long as you're here with us, Paimon feels a little safer!

Vert: Let's go prove those crooks guilty.

They start walking to the Akidemiya.

Paimon: Huh, there really aren't many people out right now... Let's hope it'll be this quiet in front of the Akedemiya, and that Setaria managed to distract all the guards...

As they went up the incline, they began to hear voices from people. Durandal and Vert went up and halted everyone.

Vert: That must be where all the people are.

Durandal: We stick to the plan. Asuka, you and the other 3 sneak upward.

Asuka: Right.

The 4 Shinobi disappeared.

Fu Hua: Jingwai's Wings. Take your Higokumaru and your fellow ELFs and make sure that there are no guards around.

Jingwai's Wings: You got it

The small companions leave except Sirin, Bella, and Drago.

Durandal: Rita. You, Sirin, Bella, Drago and the CPU Candidates stay here for back up.

Nepgear: Alright.

Durandal: And remember everyone. Don't let anyone catch you.

The group continued up.

They arrive at the gate of the Akademiya, only to find that a huge crowd has been waiting. Their elated faces seem to indicate that they are expecting someone.

Paimon: What are all these people doing here at this hour of the night?

Seele: Maybe they're excited to see someone?

Vert: Just what is going on?

???: Ah, the triumphant heroes return at last.

A man comes out.

???: And to a rather spectacular welcome, even if I do say so myself.

That's when Patrick, the Valkyries, and CPUs recognized the man which made them summon their weapons with angered expressions.

Nahida: You're... The outcast, expelled from the Akedemiya...

???: Indeed, I am, although these days they tend to call me: The Doctor.

Paimon gets scared then hides behind Aether as he summons his sword.

Patrick: It's him! Number 2 of the Fatui Harbingers!

Theresa: Il Dottore!

Durandal: The second of the Eleven Fatui Harbingers.

Neptune: Or now it should be the Nine Fatui Harbingers since two of them are no longer with them.

Noire: This is no time to get out of context!

Neptune: Sorry! Staying serious!

Il Dottore: Oh? You know who I am?

Vert: We know what you've done to Collei!

Kiana: You remember a green girl named Collei?! Th girl you tortured in experimentation for years?!

Il Dottore: So? What's she matter to you anyway?

Aura bursts out of Patrick.

Patrick.: EVERYTHING!

Then it stops.

Il Dottore: If you're looking for your researcher friend, she has already been taken to confinement. With some basic caution, she could have discovered the listening device on her person. Clearly she lacks the degree of rigor expected of a true scholar.

Vert steps up front.

Vert: We know why you're here. And we refuse to let you get it. You're never getting the Dendro Archon's Gnosis.

Mei walks up too.

Mei: And you're never getting the Electro Archon's Gnosis either.

Il Dottore: Oh yes we are. Do not attempt to stop her majesty, The Tsaritsa's plan. You'll get yourselves killed.

Aura began to radiate out of the Herrschers and the CPUs.

Nahida: The people of Sumeru City... What have you done to them?

Il Dottore: I simply made some minor adjustments to their Akasha Terminals. Now they can deposit information directly into the subconscious.

Durandal: This is mind control!

Il Dottore: No it's not. I wouldn't call it mind control. More like... sharing information to one another.

The mind controlled people began walking to the group.

Il Dottore: As you can see, all these lovely people now believe these Travelers are heroes who have just saved the world. Hehe... My experiment was a success. And now, it seems they can no longer hold their sheer adoration.

They backed up. The others waiting down came in with their weapons in hand ready to help.

Rita: So that's the Doctor, Il Dottore.

Uni: He's very ugly!

Paimon: Oh no. What should we do!? These are all just regular people...

Vert: We have to get through. We have a doctor to beat up.

All of a sudden Nahida gets in front of them with her arms out.

Nahida: Leave now. You need to get out of here.

Paimon: But...

Vert: We can't leave you.

Paimon: That guy's a Fatui Harbinger! We can't just leave you here...

Nahida: Nor can I abandon... the people of Sumeru!

Nahida uses her Dendro power and does something to the Akasha Terminals causing the people to stop.

Nahida: We'll meet again outside of the city.

Vert didn't want to leave the Archon Loli alone against the Habingers. Durandal puts a hand on her shoulder.

Durandal: We have to go Vert. The Gnosis is not in her body. We have to regroup to come up with a new plan.

Neptune: Fighting against the Doctor is gonna have to wait. The players won't be happy about this but the Il Dottore boss is gonna have to wait for another time.

Vert: ... ... ... Alright. Let's go.

Durandal: Everyone! Retreat!

Everyone began to fall back. The Shinobi revealed themselves then retreated too.

Patrick: This isn't over Il Dottore! We will revoke your diplomatic immunity! We will meet again and when we fight against you! We will kill you! And we'll destroy the Tsaritsa's plans to take over Celestia!

They got out of sight. Il Dottore walked up to Nahida.

Il Dottore: I see... You appear to have overridden their mental faculties with your own consciousness. To possess such a powerful mind... You must be... The God of Wisdom

They ran away as fast as they could till they were far away enough.

Paimon: This should be far enough... Phew, Paimon needs to catch her breath first.

Neptune: Fighting against that guy is gonna wait for a really long time.

Vert: He's gonna steal Nahida's Gnosis from the Akasha.

Kiana: He really was mind controlling them.

Mei: He was collaborating with the sages.

Paimon: Is Nahida going to be okay? We only made it out because of her...

Aether: She can jump between minds. Hopefully she'll be fine?

Seele: I'm not sure... that guy was pretty terrifying.

Paimon: Paimon wasn't counting on running into a new Harbinger here, let alone such a high-ranking one! That guy was number two... so scary...

Kallen: Not as bad as number one but still scary.

Selune's Elgy: He could mind control people!

Paimon: He called himself "The Doctor"... Remember Tighnari told us about him. Setaria did say that someone who once got expelled from the Akademiya came back recently... ...and that even the sages are wary of him. Yep, sounds like she must've been talking about The Doctor.

Aether: We underestimated the scale of this problem.

Vert: We also underestimated the number of parties involved.

Paimon: Yeah. Now that The Doctor's in the picture, we're no longer just dealing with the Akademiya — they're in cahoots with the Fatui.

Paimon: But what are the Fatui after this time? Another Gnosis?

Patrick: It's obviously yes. There is no need to ask that. They're going to steal the Gnosis from the Akasha.

Vert: And hand it over to the Tsaritsa.

Kiana: Just like the other two Gnoses.

Paimon: Point taken.

Aether: We need to find a way to reunite with Nahida.

Paimon: Yeah, things would be a lot easier with Nahida's help. Nahida said "We'll meet again outside of the city," but we can't just keep waiting around, right?

Aether: Let's start our own investigation.

Durandal: Let's go find someone else who might be involved.

Paimon: Eh? You mean...

Aether: Let's go find Tighnari.

Paimon: Oh! Right, wasn't he invited by the sages to work on some project when we were staying with him in the Avidya Forest? That has to be the same project.

Paimon: Even though he turned it down at that time, he might still know something. There's no time to lose. Let's go to Gandharva Ville!

Everyone: YEAH!

They were getting close to Gandharva Ville.

Kallen: We're almost there.

Asuka: Finally.

Sakura: Can't wait to see Tighnari again.

Nepgear: Hopefully he can help us.

Tashfin: Hold it right there.

A large group of Ermites came out of nowhere in big numbers.

Tashfin: A large group of girls, a boy, blond-haired traveler, and a floating fairy... We've got you, alright. Take a look around — you've fallen right into our trap.

Paimon: Ah! Are you mercenaries from the Corps of Thirty? Did you come here to arrest us?

Tashfin: Corps of Thirty? We're nothing like those government lapdogs who don't even get scraps for their work. We are an elite brigade that commands the highest commission rate in all of Sumeru. We're here on the orders of a client known only as "The Outcast."

Paimon: "The Outcast"... An outcast from the Akademiya?

Aether: Sounds like The Doctor.

Paimon: But why wouldn't The Doctor just send the Fatui after us?

Aether: Maybe he's taking advantage of the Akademiya's resources.

Patrick: No. Maybe it's because he doesn't want to risk getting the Fatui's diplomatic immunity revoked and can't risk getting the Fatui exposed as criminals.

Neptune: Exactly! That's more logical!

Tashfin: Hmph, still wasting time on idle chit-chat? We'll shut you up soon enough. Get them!

Paimon: You're up, guys!

Everyone: HA!

They all unleashed their attacks all at once wounding some Ermites and then fighting against them. Noire swings her spear around while Homura swings her six swords.

Noire: You're all nothing against us!

Noire stabbed an Ermite through the heart killing him.

Homura: You know you can never win against us!

Homura decapitated an Ermite with her six swords in her fingers.

The second wave came in.

Theresa shot her spears from her Oath of Judah then Fu Hua shot fire balls. Bronya and Blanc healed them.

After defeating the second wave of Eremites, the third wave came in.

Paimon: Ahh, it isn't over yet, guys! Here come reinforcements!

The group decided to get more serious so they unleashed their finishers then finished the last of the Ermites.

Paimon: That was pretty rough... Is that what elite mercenaries are like?

Durandal: Guess so.

Miyabi: They just won't give up.

Aether: It probably won't be long before we see more of them.

Paimon: Yeah, looks like we'll have to keep our guards up.

Paimon: But this Doctor guy seems like a pretty tough opponent... He knew exactly where to set up an ambush. Did he predict that we would try to find Tighnari?

Vert: Maybe.

Bronya: He would need to have a high level of intelligence. With how long he's lived, he's probably studied every day and was able to achieve a superior level of intelligence.

Blanc: That's pretty logical.

Paimon: Ugh, going up against smart people is tough... Anyway, let's keep going.

Sakura: We better find Tighnari right away.

They walked into Gandharva Ville. When they saw Collei, they went to her.

Collei: Oh, it's the Travelers and Paimon! What are you doing back here?

Paimon: Collei, it's nice to see you again! Are you doing alright?

Collei: I... To be honest, I'm not doing too well. My Eleazar has been progressing at a faster rate lately. I'm finding it harder to complete more intricate tasks.

Sakura: Oh...

Collei: As a result, Master Tighnari has taken me off the patrol schedule. He will only allow me to stay here and coordinate other people's tasks.

Paimon: Oh, Collei...

Aether: It seems that curing Irminsul is our only chance...

Paimon: Speaking of Tighnari, did he go off on patrol? We're here to talk to him!

Sakura: It's really urgent that we talk to him.

Collei: Oh, Master Tighnari? He just left the Avidya Forest a little while ago. He was headed to Pardis Dhyai.

Paimon: Huh, he left? But... isn't Tighnari always saying that he never wants to leave the Avidya Forest? He even turned down the sages' invitation.

Collei: I thought it was weird, too... Master Tighnari always prioritizes his work as a Forest Watcher above everything. He almost never leaves his post. He left in a hurry this time, though...

Aether: He didn't give a reason?

Collei: No, I only found out that he left through a message he left behind. He also made sure to delegate all his tasks using a schedule.

Sakura: Why would he do that?

Collei: To leave in such a hurry... I'd guess he had something urgent to take care of.

Paimon: You mentioned that he was going to Pardis Dhyai... What kind of place is that?

Collei: Hm... Master Tighnari originally studied in the Amurta Darshan of the Akademiya, and Pardis Dhyai is something like the Amurta's research base. Many rare shrubs and grasses have been planted there for research. I know that before he became a Forest Watcher, Master Tighnari once spent a long time conducting research at Pardis Dhyai.

Paimon: A research base, huh... Gotta wonder what kind of research Tighnari just decided to work on all of a sudden...

Paimon: Everyone, we don't have a lot of time, so let's go look for him at Pardis Dhyai.

Aether: Please take care of yourself, Collei.

Sakura: Don't push yourself too hard, Collei.

Collei: Ah... Don't worry, I'm fine. I'm used to living with Eleazar by now! If you run into Master Tighnari, please send him my regards.

Paimon: Got it, will do! See you later, Collei!

Asuka: More walking to do.

Kiana: Not necessarily.

(Pardis Dhyai)

They got there with Kiana's Void portal.

Kiana: Just like using a Teleport Waypoint.

As they arrived, they saw someone familiar.

Paimon: Wait, look who it is...!

Aether: Katheryne!

Paimon: Thank goodness, you're okay! We were so worried about you...

Aether: You haven't been reprogrammed by The Doctor, have you?

Paimon: Hey Aether! This was supposed to be a touching reunion, but you're ruining the moment!

Vert: He's just making sure that nothing bad happened to her!

Paimon: That doesn't give him an excuse to do that!

Nahida: Acutally, it's very smart of the Traveler to be wary of me right now. After all, The Doctor has shown that his technology can apparently even control human minds... Plus, it's not like you could've known what happened after we split up, and I was facing The Doctor by myself. Even a pool of stagnant water after a torrential storm can occasionally pass as a patch of sky.

Paimon: Hmm... Paimon feels like only the real Nahida could come up with such an obscure analogy.

Vert: I agree.

Aether: I believe you.

Nahida: Huh? But I wasn't trying to win your trust or anything. All I wanted was to clarify my point...

Paimon: Well, we understand that point now! Please, Nahida, tell us more about what happened. Are those poor people alright?

Nahida: When you left, I was still in the middle of restoring everyone's minds. Thankfully, when The Doctor mentioned "depositing information into the subconscious," he didn't mean engraving information into their minds... ...Instead, he did something closer to creating hallucinations. That was still within my power to fix.

Durandal: Still felt like mind control.

Nahida: Luckily, I managed to finish my restorations and mind-jump away from him just as he was about to capture me.

Paimon: Whew, what a relief... The Doctor sure pulled out some hidden cards, but good thing we had Nahida with us...

Nahida: I wouldn't be relieved just yet. I gave away my true identity when I restored everyone's minds, which means we've lost another one of our trump cards. Also... The Doctor is already an expert at modifying Akasha Terminals. Maybe it's only a matter of time until he captures my consciousness inside the Akasha.

Paimon: Would that mean you'd no longer be able to jump between minds? Then, how do we stop him... He's still at the Akademiya, so it's possible he's already started messing with the Akasha...

Vert: And if the sages found out, they could do the same thing. If he takes the Gnosis from the Akasha, the Akasha will lose its power.

Aether: We need to hurry. Our position will only get worse with time.

Paimon: Argh, it feels like he's toying with us! What a nasty piece of work!

Patrick: Just like what La Signora, Tartaglia, and Scaramouche did to us.

Paimon: Plus, The Doctor's combat ability alone is apparently enough to make him worthy of being number two of the Fatui...

Nahida: We shouldn't give up hope just yet. Let's try to find another way to attack this problem.

Paimon: Actually, Nahida, how did you know we were trying to get to Pardis Dhyai? Have you been waiting for us?

Nahida: Yes, I have. I can see Traveler's Elemental Energy, so I deduced your destination by looking at the direction you were moving in.

Durandal: Our Elemental Energy.

Nahida: You didn't come here for sightseeing, right? Did you find any leads?

Paimon: We're looking for a scholar we know! His name is Tighnari, and the sages once tried to reach out to him. Why don't you come inside with us and see what we can find?

Nahida: Okay. Let's just hope we won't get him into trouble...

Mei: (At least the Doctor is getting more time in the quest than the Balladeer did in the previous Act 3. The fans wanted him instead of the Fair Lady. Now in this Act 3, The Doctor is the one behind the plans.)

They entered the building and inside was an old friend.

Haypasia: Traveler? It is you!

Paimon: Ah! That voice... It's Haypasia!

Aether: Long time no see!

Sakura: Didn't expect to run into you here.

Haypasia: Ahh, what a pleasant surprise! It's so nice to see all of you again.

Nahida: Who's this...?

Paimon: She's a scholar we met in the Avidya Forest! When we last saw each other, she was still training in the uh, what's it called... "Satyavada Life"?

Nahida: Oh... I see.

Haypasia: That's right, we're old friends! You've come at just the right time. Ever since I've come here, hardly anyone has even talked to me.

Paimon: Haypasia, you're way too excited about this! Actually, for you to leave the Avidya Forest means... you're not in training anymore? Wait, no... Did you already finish your training and reach Paripurna Life?

Haypasia: Hehehe... What do you think? My consciousness... has already managed to make contact with the divine.

Nahida: ...Hmm?

Sakura: That's great.

Durandal: Good for you.

Paimon: You did it!? Congratulations!

Aether: You're truly amazing!

Haypasia: Haha, it's so exhilarating to share this sublime joy with others at long last! When my consciousness made contact with the gods... What a supreme and unparalleled experience that was...

Neptune: Being able to contact the gods.

Paimon: That sounds incredible...

Sakura: Enough talk. We came here for a different reason.

Aether: Actually, we're here for Tighnari... We're in a hurry, so let's chat about this next time.

Haypasia: Oh, alright... Actually, please wait — I haven't forgotten my promise to you. Remember? I promised to help you understand what you saw from Irminsul once I gained deeper insights. My current self has not only gained true insight, but I can even help you establish a direct connection to the consciousness of the divine!

Paimon: Y—You can do that?

Aether: Do you believe her, Nahida?

Nahida: I've never heard of anything like that, but... if you want to give it a try, I'll do my best to protect your consciousness during the process.

Haypasia: Hold on, I've brought some Spirit Borneol with me. This is still a crucial part of the ceremony.

Paimon: Uh, we're using that incense again?

Sakura: Looks like it.

Haypasia: Alright, now... hold my hand. I'll help you establish a pathway to connect your consciousness.

Nahida: Okay.

Haypasia: Ready?

Sakura: Yes.

Everyone holds hands. Then they entered the vision.

The "Passageway" has been established and their consciousnesses touch the so-called god...

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

"It took three betrayals for me to finally understand: the world is just an elaborate tapestry of lies. My fury will never be quelled. The first to betray me was a god, my creator... my mother. Valuing strength above all, she saw no worth in me, and I was discarded. The second was a human, my family... my friend. Consumed by fear, he saw me as an abomination. The third was one exactly like me, a hope for the future... a fledgling barely out of the nest. Powerless before his mortality, he broke his promise to me. Humans... they can't be trusted. And the gods fill me with pure loathing. So I said good riddance! I denounce the world and laugh in its face. My chest will never again be defiled by worldly filth. I will scrub away every last trace of human emotion. Then it will be empty, a blank slate, and ready to receive a supreme Gnosis, brimming with pure divinity. Hehehe... Ahahahaha! There is no need to fear. The pain will be brief... Your era... is coming to an end."

Everyone opened their eyes, shocked. Except one... Mei... She had anger in her eyes. Electro was in her pupils.

Paimon: Wh—What was that!

Aether: This is neither the Greater Lord's consciousness...

Durandal: Nor King Deshret's consciousness...

Mei: Scaramouche...

Paimon: Did we actually just see the Balladeer's memories!? Everything matches what we know about him!

Mei: He's had a tragic life after Ei discarded him. Before he joined the Fatui.

Paimon: But how is he connected to the divine consciousness that Haypasia was talking about!?

Sakura: Maybe he's hiding somewhere in Sumeru?

Haypasia: You saw it, right? You felt it, right!? Such a majestic god, such a noble will, such sublime emotion!

Everyone was shocked at Haypasia's happy reaction.

Haypasia: Alas, a shame... If only... If only that which beats within my chest wasn't a filthy, mortal heart... O great and merciful god, please grant me forgiveness and salvation...

Nahida: Do you understand now? I'm afraid this is no Paripurna Life, but rather...

Everyone: Wake up, Haypasia!

Haypasia: Ah...! You... Why are you so mean to me? Why is everyone hiding from me? I found divine wisdom! Shouldn't I receive praise and honor? Haven't I uncovered that light in the darkness?

Paimon: Haypasia...

Mei: She's gone mad.

Haypasia: That's how I always thought everything should be... ...Wait... Have I... already lost my mind?

Haypasia walks away.

Aether: ...

Nahida: Wait, something isn't right!

Durandal: They're here.

A group of people dressed in Eremite garb in Corps of Thirty uniforms jump out, seemingly having lain in wait here for a while. They storm the Pardis Dhyai and start to attack.

They immediately attempt to escape from the garden, but in a panic, Nahida fails to keep up with Them. So Vert helps her keep up with them.

Vert: Protect her.

Everyone summons their weapons and takes on the men.

Mei: The Doctor never knows when to give up. Ha!

Durandal: He really wants us dead.

Seele: Or he wants us captured alive.

Vert was struggling to not let go of Nahida. Then a man sneaks up and hits her causing Vert to let go of Nahida, so she pushes the man out of the way.

Paimon: Nahida!

Nahida tried to run.

Aether: reaches out to her, trying to grab her hand, but he is too late — the body she possessed has been penetrated by a weapon.

This caused Vert's pupils to shorten. That's when it's triggered

Vert: NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vert gets engulfed in a flash of light transforming into Green Heart and stabbing the man to death. And the other two men. That's when she starts going on a rampage instantly killing men.

Neptune: She's gone mad!

At the last moment, Aether touches Nahida's hand, and his consciousness seems to switch... There was a flash of green and the screen fades to black.

When he opens his eyes again, he finds himself in the body of Nahida imprisoned in the Sanctuary of Surasthana confined in the center of a large chamber, meaning that his consciousness is now residing in Nahida's body.

Scaramouche's eyes fill the screen for a brief moment.

"I see you."

Then he notices that he is being watched. So he looks back... and sees The Balladeer, the "nascent god."

The camera quickly pans through a few rooms until revealing a large machine connected to Scaramouche who is in the center.

The camera turned black. Then it showed the group running away with Tighnari.

Paimon: ...Okay, we've finally lost them.

Durandal: You can let go now.

???: NO! I WON'T!

The camera showed Green Heart hugging Aether so tightly refusing to let go.

Aether: !!! *gasp*

Paimon: Are you okay, Nahida? ...Wait, no! Something feels different... Traveler, you're back!?

Tighnari: Oh? The Traveler's back?

Aether: It's me...

He noticed that his head was in between Green Heart's breasts. He turned deep red.

Aether: Can't breathe! Let go!

Green Heart: NO! I Refuse... Oh... You're back? AH!

Green Heart lets go then changes back to Vert.

Vert: I am so sorry! I couldn't let go of you after seeing Nahida get stabbed that I got so angry that a Loli in an adult's body was stabbed and I rampaged!

Aether: What just happened?

Paimon: Nahida was controlling your body for a while. It seems like she jumped over to you as an emergency measure right before the Katheryne puppet was destroyed.

Durandal: But... Vert went on a rampage killing everyone before reinforcements arrived then she grabbed your body and held tight to you then flew away.

Paimon: After that... Tighnari heard the commotion and came over. He helped us defeat the mercenaries, and then he ran with us all the way here.

Aether: This time, she didn't just transfer her mind into my body... Our minds swapped places.

Paimon: What? You swapped places? You mean, your consciousness also went into Nahida's body?

Vert: You were in a Loli's body?

Paimon: Wait, then where is Nahida's consciousness? Where is she now...?

Vert: She must be back in her own body by now.

Tighnari: I never imagined that an individual's consciousness could be transferred around like this... Had I not seen it with my own eyes, I would have never believed it. I don't think this can be achieved with current human technology... Also, while we were running, the consciousness in your body told me to pass on a message. She said: "The Doctor has found a way to trap my consciousness, so I can't journey with you anymore. But even in a moonless night, a shower of starlight can still drown out illusions and lies."

Paimon: Aaagh, oh no... Nahida's trapped in the Sanctuary of Surasthana for good this time!

Vert: I want to go there right now to save Nahida.

Durandal: So do I.

Theresa: It's heavily guarded. We can't. We're just gonna have to wait until we can come up with a plan to storm the Akademiya.

Paimon: Was that message all she left for us? It's pretty vague...

Aether: It's in a code that only we know. We can't let The Doctor figure out what we're up to.

Paimon: Oh, that makes sense! Since The Doctor captured her, she won't be able to say anything without him knowing. She's being extra careful...

Vert: he could try interrogating her.

Paimon: "Even in a moonless night, a shower of starlight can still drown out illusions and lies..." Paimon knows that the Moon, illusions, and lies are from that alchemical divination at the Sabzeruz Festival... Didn't Nahida use a "starlight" analogy before? It had something to do with Setaria...

Vert: "The Moon" refers to Nahida herself.

Durandal: "Starlight" refers to the people of the desert.

Aether: "Illusions and lies" refer to the Akademiya's plans.

Paimon: Ohhh! That makes a lot of sense. Do you think Nahida was telling us to go find help in the desert?

Sakura: Maybe.

Paimon: But she isn't with us anymore... Think we'll be okay?

Sakura: We better be. Or else we'll end up dead or captured alive.

Tighnari: Paimon... you said Sanctuary of Surasthana? Does this mean that this "Nahida" you're talking about, the consciousness who was occupying the Traveler's body... is... the Dendro Archon?

Paimon: Uh... Your guess is correct, but the situation's a bit complicated, so it's really hard for us to explain right now...

Vert: You heard everything so there is no need to hide it anymore.

Tighnari: That's alright. A scholar's curiosity doesn't need to be appeased right away. As for the complicated nature of the situation... Safe to say, I have witnessed that for myself. I've spent some time with you, and it looks like the Dendro Archon's also on your side, so... I trust you.

Paimon: Thank you, Tighnari! Oh, actually, we came here to ask you a question. What do you know about the project that the sages have been working on?

Tighnari: Ah, that... While I was indeed invited to join that project, the sages were always secretive about its scope and goals, so I eventually declined. All I know is that that project has something to do with the restoration of Irminsul.

Aether: I think I know what the project is about.

Paimon: Eh? Did you see something when you were in Nahida's body?

Aether: The Akademiya is... turning The Balladeer into a god.

Mei and Paimon: What!?

Mei: Turning Scaramouche into a god?!

Tighnari: ...Do you have any evidence?

Aether: I saw a "nascent god" under construction. Haypasia also showed us a so-called divine consciousness...

Tighnari: ...

He describes what he saw when he exchanged consciousnesses with Nahida...

Tighnari: Hm, so that's what happened... That explains why Haypasia's symptoms were different from those of the other scholars who went mad. It's because she made contact with the consciousness of a new god who is still in the process of being born...

Mei: (That means that the Doctor is gonna get his hands on Ei's Gnosis too. Even though Sakura already swapped it with a decoy back when we were in Inazuma.)

Paimon: Tighnari, did you leave the Avidya Forest because of Haypasia?

Tighnari: I did. I noticed Haypasia's mental anomalies, but since her symptoms were rather atypical, I secretly took her to Pardis Dhyai, and began searching for a way to return her to her normal self. If I didn't take action, Haypasia would have already been taken by the matra to the desert, doomed to a life of exile at Aaru Village. Now that you mention it, I knew the Akademiya has never thought particularly highly of Lesser Lord Kusanali, but... ...But I still didn't expect them to do something as arrogant as creating a new god. Looks like I made the right decision by not accepting their invitation.

Aether: The Fatui is also behind some of this.

Tighnari: The Doctor and The Balladeer... We have two Fatui Harbingers in Sumeru... Sounds like we're in for a bad time.

Mei: Only the Balladeer went rogue when we were in Inazuma. It's possible that he decided to join them again or the Doctor captured him and forced him to join them again.

Tighnari: From your description, I don't think they've completed their project. There may still be room for us to intervene. But then, what is the connection between creating a new god and restoring Irminsul...?

Paimon: Yeah, it feels like we're still nowhere close to figuring out the sages' goals...

Aether: Let's head to the desert for now.

Vert: We must stop them no matter what.

Paimon: Right. We've pretty much gone over everything we need to know, so we should head out... How about you, Tighnari? What are you going to do?

Tighnari: I'll stay here for now. I still want to try a few more things to help Haypasia. If you're planning to go into the desert, start by heading for Caravan Ribat. That'll be your fastest route. Please come find me here if there's anything else I can do to help. May the spirit of wisdom go with you.

Paimon: Thanks, Tighnari! Hopefully Haypasia will feel better soon! We're off, then.

Durandal: Alright.

Tighnari leaves them as they are now on their way to Caravan Ribat.

Kiana: Now we're going to enter the desert. It will be like after Patrick and I escaped.

Patrick: Yeah... When we escaped from Schicksal.

Homura: I'm already tanned.

Patrick: Now I need to bring in Altera and Ishtar.

Himeko: There is one more thing.

Himeko halted everyone.

Mei: What is it?

Himeko: I think it would be best that we shorten the group. It won't be easy to hide with a really large group.

They talked it over and decided that a small group would go with Aether and Paimon. The ones selected were Patrick, Kiana, Mei, Durandal, Neptune, Nepgear, Vert, and Asuka. The others had to take an alternate route to the desert.