They exited the village chief's house.

Neptune: That was certainly some excitement.

Paimon: Let's get some food in us, and then we'll— Whoa!

Alhaitham was outside.

Paimon: Where did you come from?

Vert: How long have you been here?

Alhaitham: Well, as you can see, I am merely sitting here and reviewing what we have deduced thus far.

Paimon: You were gone for ages, and now you're suddenly sitting here musing to yourself? Where have you been, anyway?

Noire: We barely saw you.

Alhaitham: ...

Paimon: Hey, what's with the silence!

Alhaitham: You never think things through before asking questions. I'm giving you some time to make up for that.

Kiana: Now that's slow.

Paimon: Huh!? Argh, Paimon's so mad! Paimon's gonna give you an ugly nickname!

Aether: Go ahead, I won't stop you.

Kiana: Neither will we.

Patrick: I wonder what you're gonna come up with this time?

Paimon: Uh, um... Never mind, Paimon's got nothing...

Kiana: Out of creativity.

Paimon: YOu want Paimon to give you an ugly nickname too?!

Kiana: No!

Paimon: There's just nothing super obvious to pick with this guy... It makes it so hard.

Alhaitham: Well, you've heard nothing to suggest I left this whole time. So clearly, I stayed in the village to investigate. Anyway. You plan to leave Aaru Village and keep searching for the truth of this matter, yes?

Durandal: That's the plan.

Paimon: Yep, we're not gonna find out anything more by staying here. So we thought that we might as well take the search elsewhere.

Alhaitham: ...

Paimon: Enough with the silent treatment!

Aether: Maybe he's giving us time to think...

Alhaitham: No, I'm just surprised that you decided to team up with him.

Cyno was behind them.

Cyno: Alhaitham, you haven't helped us out at all ever since we arrived at Aaru Village. Bold of you to question our choices.

Aether: That's true.

Paimon: Yeah! You're all talk!

Alhaitham: While you were investigating, I had my own work to do, which I've now finished.

Paimon: Really? Paimon doesn't believe you.

Vert: Then show us proof.

Alhaitham: To be honest, we aren't really a team, so I have no obligation to inform you of my whereabouts. Not to mention that going separate ways allowed me to find some important information that you all had missed.

Paimon: Huh? Right here in the village?

Alhaitham: Correct.

Cyno: What did you learn?

Alhaitham: I'm going to take you to someone. But before that, you need to understand where she's coming from.

Paimon: What does that mean?

Alhaitham: How do you think the residents of Aaru Village feel about what we're doing?

Aether: ...

Alhaitham: In other words, do you truly believe every single word the villagers tell us?

Aether: ...!

Mei: No... It can't be.

Paimon: You mean... some of them lied to us?

Alhaitham: Hiding the truth does not necessarily equate to lying. Again, these people have their reasons. Remember what Candace said? Most people in Aaru Village don't necessarily care which deity is in charge of Sumeru. That's because whether the Scarlet KingKing Deshret or the Dendro Archon has power is of little significance to them. By contrast, the perils of their daily lives are ever-present concerns. They won't simply share everything they know with you without good reason. That's why you believed there was no further information to be found in this village.

Aether: So you're saying we can find new info from someone we've already spoken to.

Alhaitham: Glad you're following along. Among those you have talked to, there's someone who was consciously keeping you out of the loop. In fact, she's been observing your every move since you arrived. The reason being... To someone who only wants to live their life in peace, any external factors introduce unpredictability into the equation.

(A flashback begins.)

Shani: Whaaa! Those eyes, those fierce eyes! Y—You look like a real fighter...

Cyno: Don't change the subject.

Alhaitham: It's quite obvious that she's intimidated by Cyno's authority and strength.

Shani: R—Right! You were asking about the Vil— I mean, the mad scholars.

Alhaitham: She corrected herself mid-sentence because she's aware that there are Scarlet KingKing Deshret fanatics in the village. If she sounds too friendly towards the Village Keepers, she could easily make herself the Radicals' next target.

Shani: I think it's been a few days since I last saw them? I usually go to bed pretty early, so I'm not too familiar with what goes on at night.

Alhaitham: Remember? She made a point of denying her involvement in anything that occurs at night.

Shani: But honestly, I feel quite sympathetic towards them. Even though they act a little strange, they've helped me in the past. If it weren't for them, my house would've collapsed long ago.

(Flashback ends)

Alhaitham: After speaking to the village chief, it became clear that the Village Keepers had protected Aaru Village at night. In other words, the young miss was very much awake during that time.

Paimon: Then why would she lie?

Alhaitham: By getting involved with an outsider, she risks drawing unwanted attention to herself. As for why she might be so wary about all this... Maybe you should ask her.

Cyno: I'll pass on this one.

Cyno: You said that she is afraid of me. If so, it's best if I stay out of this.

Bronya: So she was just trying to protect herself.

Paimon: We're on it!

The same group that went last time goes to Shani's house with Alhaitham.

Alhaitham: Miss Shani, as we discussed earlier, I've brought some people with me.

Shani: ... Mr. Alhaitham, I'm aware of where you stand, but... How can I make sure that your friends think the same as you?

Paimon: Huh? What do you mean? We need to clarify our stance or something?

Alhaitham: Go ahead and talk to her. You'll get the answers you want. Go on, earn her trust.

Homura: That's it?

Paimon: Is it really that simple...?

Shani: Um, may I call you "Traveler"?

Aether: Sure thing. Hi, Miss Shani.

Vert: And you can call the rest of us by our real names.

Shani: Hi, Traveler. I want to ask you something.

Shani: Do you think the resurrection of the Scarlet KingKing Deshret can truly change Sumeru for the better?

Aether: ...No.

Vert: Never.

Shani: Why's that?

Aether: Because it'll only result in conflict.

Homura: And we hate fighting in a war.

Shani: That's very similar to what Miss Candace says. I know you are friends. That's why I'm willing to talk to you, even though I do have some reservations. Before, I wouldn't even have the courage to ask something like this.

Shani: Traveler, do you believe our lives will get better?

Aether: ... I can't promise anything. But I'll do the best I can.

Paimon: Yeah! We came here from another nation, so it isn't wrong of you to be wary. And... we aren't really residents of any one nation...

Vert: Not on this continent to be more specific.

Paimon: But even so, we've met lots of people from different places and we've always fought for what we believed in. We have friends in Sumeru, and we want to help them... That's why we decided to stay here for a while.

Shani: ...

Shani exits her house.

Shani: I... want to trust you.

Durandal: Thank you.

Shani: My apologies for posing my questions like that. To be honest, I didn't expect you to come back for more information.

Paimon: Alhaitham told us that you have your reasons. It's okay, we understand!

Shani: The fact is that I'm... Only one side of my family is desert folk. I don't really fit in anywhere in Sumeru.

Shani: Some believe in the Dendro Archon, while others believe in the Scarlet KingKing Deshret. I don't belong to either side, and neither side would want me.

Paimon: Speaking of which, the Radicals mentioned that they despise traitors... Do they just think that anyone who's different from them is a traitor?

Shani: Yeah... Some people can be so narrow-minded when it comes to bloodline and beliefs... It makes no difference what I say or how I behave, I'll always be suspected of having ulterior motives. Slowly, I just stopped talking to people. I pretended not to hear or see anything. All I want is to live my life in peace... ...And then it happened. The Village Keepers who had helped me disappeared with no explanation, and I didn't dare breathe a word about it to anyone... until now.

Alhaitham: You can tell them. I'm sure they'll keep your secret.

Kiana: And we will. Your secret is safe with us.

Shani: Alright. I'll tell you what I told Alhaitham. I actually have a sharper sense of hearing than most. Sometimes... I hear strange crying sounds in the night.

Paimon: Eek! There are ghosts!?

Shani: Perhaps. I'm not sure. It's faint, but it's definitely the sound of crying. It comes from far away in the distance, and always carries very raw emotion. It used to be louder and more frequent, but ever since you arrived in the village, it doesn't seem to happen as often, and when it does, it's much quieter. I have to focus really hard to make it out.

Alhaitham: I confirmed this with the guards on night duty. They also have someone with a good ear, and he's heard similar sounds at night. But because we're in the middle of a desert, he would rather believe that they are the cries of beasts than ghosts.

Aether: Could you make out where the sounds were coming from?

Shani: There's really nothing around these parts... except for an old hospital not far from the village.

Xuanzang: An old hospital?

Alhaitham: I think they used to use it for treating Eleazar... But it's been abandoned for years.

Aether: We need to check out that hospital!

Paimon: Yeah, let's go!

Durandal: I'll go get the others.

Durandal gets the rest of the party and they begin walking to Daral Shifa.

After a lot of walking, they make it to Daral Shifa where the abandoned hospital was.

Paimon: Is this the place? It's in terrible shape... and there's sand everywhere.

Alhaitham: Empty and forgotten. An ideal place to hide people.

Homura: And for crooks to hide in.

Noire: A hide out.

As they got closer, monsters appeared.

Paimon: Aaah, monsters! Watch out!

Vert: Just leave them to us.

(After defeating the enemies)

Paimon: Phew... They were easier to deal with than Paimon had expected.

Vert: Monsters are sometimes always easy to beat. As long as your levels are high.

Neptune: High levels! Exactly!

Cleopatra: At least you have me here with you now.

Aether: What were you even expecting?

Paimon: Uh... super strong bandits? Or monsters taller than buildings dropping out of the sky? Or y'know, something like that.

Vert: Those would be nice.

Alhaitham: ...

Alhaitham stares at a Dendro Monument then walks to it.

Paimon: He looks super serious... We gotta stay on our A game, too!

Everyone: YEAH!

Alhaitham: ...This is the one.

Alhaitham's Vision flashes and the Dendro Monument is activated. The barrier on the hospital entrance disappears.

Paimon: Aaaah!

Durandal: Usually we have to use our attacks to activate the elemental monuments but this guy held his hand out and used his Vision in some way to activate it.

Alhaitham: Let's go in and take a look.

They carefully search the abandoned hospital...

Paimon: Heeey! Alhaitham, we haven't found squat! Are you sure we aren't wasting our time here?

Altera: This is boring. Bad Civilization.

Ishtar: You said it. Boring.

Bronya: The Bronya scanned the area with Project Bunny and found nothing.

Alhaitham: Patience. Shani says she only hears the crying at night. We have time to burn. Until then... I'm taking a break.

Alhaitham sits down.

Paimon: And just like that, he sits down... Wait, he even brought a book to read!?

Vert: Just like how Blanc loves reading books.

Xuanzang: If he's taking a break. Then so am I.

Xuanzang jumps to a higher spot and sits down in a meditating position and meditates.

Blanc: I guess I'm gonna read too.

Bronya: Same.

Blanc sits down on a crate and takes out a book. Bronya sits down next to Blanc and takes out a Manga book.

Mei: I guess I should go prepare a meal.

Yumi: I'll help you.

Vert: I'm gonna make us tea.

Altera: I guess I'm gonna go be on the lookout.

Cleopatra: Same here.

Altera flies up into the air outside. Cleopatra also leaves too. Others began to take breaks doing their own things.

Paimon: What are you reading? Let Paimon see!

Alhaitham: Okay, sure.

Paimon: ... Uh... Umm... "The 'natural position,' which is the positional propensity of an entity in 'natural motion,' in contrast with an object in 'forced motion'... Huh? When free from external influences, every entity... displays the tendency to follow its natural trajectory..."

Alhaitham: So, you got that?

Paimon: Paimon gives up! You keep reading your book... See ya!

Homura: Wow. You can't even read a whole book and get bored easily.

Paimon: Paimon can read! Only not a whole book!

Vert: *giggles* The way you get angry can make someone laugh.

Neptune: That is true. Hehe.

Paimon: Paimon does not make people laugh!

Neptune and Vert: Ok.

Paimon: How is he so relaxed? Look at him, reading an impossible book in a creepy place like this.

Blanc: Paimon. Those who love reading books get used to reading books at random places. Including me. I read to pass the time like how I write light novels to pass the time.

Bronya: The Bronya is used to reading tons of books in a library.

Seele: And people would write in their diaries and journals to pass the time away too.

Aether: Maybe it's time to spread your wings and become learned.

Paimon: Hey, what good is that gonna do for you? You're acting like one of those annoying grown-ups who go around nagging people to focus on their studies!

Aether: The more you learn, the more money you can earn to support me.

Paimon: Hey, what gives? Shouldn't you be the one providing for Paimon!?

Aether: Isn't that what I'm doing now?

Paimon: Oh, right... Okay then. Um, thank you for working so hard and earning so much Mora... If it weren't for you, Paimon would probably still be floating around in the ocean somewhere... Hehe.

Paimon: Thank you!

Aether: You're welcome.

Time transitions to night.

Paimon: *yawn* Paimon's getting so sleepy...

Patrick: Xuanzang has been meditating for hours. Since she is a monk from legends.

Kiana: Something should happen right now.

Crying sounds come from the hospital.

Everyone: ...!

Paimon: Huh? What was that sound?

Xuanzang wakes up and jumps back down to everyone. Altera and Cleopatra return.

Xuanzang: It's here.

Alhaitham: There it is.

Sakura: We sense it.

Alhaitham: It's coming from that direction.

Himeko: Let's go.

They go inside.

Paimon: Is the sound coming from here? Paimon's not seeing anything.

Alhaitham: ... It's from below.

Paimon: Huh?! But there's no way we can get down there!

Alhaitham: Something is off about the interior here.

Vert: What is it?

Alhaitham opens a hatch to the basement. Everyone enters.

Asuka: A secret passageway.

Everyone proceeds downstairs to find another barrier.

Alhaitham: Hmm... As I thought. There's a hidden structure.

Paimon: Whoa... It's like they tucked another hospital into this one...

Patrick: That reminds me of a school that was above an old school tucked underneath just like this place. (From "Scooby Doo: The Mystery Begins".)

Paimon: It looks like there are other mechanisms around here. Let's keep exploring!

Theresa: Alright. Let's split up.

Durandal, Vert, Aether, and Paimon return back up to activate the remaining Dendro Monuments. Then they return to the others to find the barrier down.

Paimon: Look, there's someone over there!

Aether: We need to be careful!

Paimon: Good idea, let's approach him slowly without alarming him...

They approach him slowly.

Alhaitham: Wait... You're [sic]

???: Ugh... Argh...

Paimon: He can't speak, and his eyes are unfocused... But he looks too young to be anyone's grandfather. Also, why's he the only one here? Didn't expect to see him here.

Paimon: ...You know him?

Alhaitham: He's Razak, a senior of mine at the Akademiya.

Paimon: He's a scholar, too? Is he the kind that holes up in a forest and mumbles stuff about training?

Alhaitham: No, and that's the problem. Razak was never involved in any of those things. He never trained in the forest, let alone reached Satyavada Life.

Aether: So how did he become like this?

Vert: To turn mad?

Alhaitham: Leaving that question aside for the moment... him being here alone means that we might be too late. Looks like they've already taken everyone away. For whatever reason, they left Razak here — perhaps they simply didn't have time to come back for him. Hmm... There are drag marks on the ground. They're clearer by the doorway. Someone was forcefully drawing a cart that was loaded with something heavy.

Paimon: ...Loaded with... people?

Asuka: Like caged animals.

Alhaitham: That is one possibility. It looks like they were in a hurry, as if they were afraid of being caught. In their haste, they failed to notice Razak hiding in a corner.

Razak: Aah... Ugh, uhh...

Alhaitham: The symptoms are identical. Looks like we've found "living proof."

Paimon: Huh, why do you say that?

Alhaitham: Allow me to jog your memory. Recall your time at Port Ormos. Don't you think his symptoms look familiar?

Aether ...

They have a flashback of Mizri at Port Ormos.

Aether: ...

Neptune: That boss guy who went mad!

Aether: ...! The Eremite guy who went mad!

Paimon: Oh! Now that you mention it... They're acting the same way!

Alhaitham: Correct. The Akademiya is behind all of this. It isn't difficult to deduce their rationale. First, the Akademiya spread a false rumor of the Scarlet KingKing Deshret's resurrection, emphasizing the role of the Village Keepers — the mad scholars who were exiled to Aaru Village. These rumors were all the persuasion that the Radicals needed, and those based in Aaru Village leapt into action. Unbeknownst to them, of course, through rounding up the scholars, they were actually helping the Akademiya. As well as being able to exploit the Radicals for their own ends, this scheme has one further advantage to the Akademiya: All the risks and responsibilities are offloaded onto the Scarlet KingKing Deshret's followers. Life for the desert-dwellers has been brutal ever since the Scarlet KingKing Deshret's death all those years ago. Beneath the surface, feelings of desperation are widespread. Many would give everything they have for the prospect of something better. Anyone looking to exploit that for their own ends simply needs to make a few empty promises. Even if complications arise, people will see that those involved are all followers of the Scarlet KingKing Deshret, and look for no further explanation than differences of belief. A deep-seated mistrust of the desert and everyone in it by the rest of Sumeru will make sure of that. The notion of an Akademiya plot wouldn't even cross their minds. It may seem like a simple strategy, but it is able to work wonders under Sumeru's current circumstances.

Vert: Those crooks.

Paimon: Ohhh, that makes a lot of sense. It's in line with the village chief's theory, too! But there's still one very important question... Wasn't it the Akademiya that brought the scholars to Aaru Village in the first place? Why does it want them back now?

Alhaitham: Throughout this process, one thing has changed: the scholars' identity.

Durandal: The scholars' identity?

Alhaitham: First, they were "scholars." Then, they became "lunatics." After that, they were "exiles," and finally... they become "missing persons."

Aether: I see...

Alhaitham: An exile is still patently a living, breathing human being, but when someone becomes a missing person... that is brought into question. If you can't find someone, you have no way of knowing what exactly happened to them. That makes missing people an ideal resource.

Paimon: "Resource"? For what, exactly?

Alhaitham: One possibility is that the information in their brains could be extracted into Knowledge Capsules.

Paimon: Extracted... You mean Canned Knowledge comes from people's brains!?

Mei: That's horrible.

Vert: And horrid.

Alhaitham: With the technology of the Sumeru Akademiya, it's entirely possible.

Alhaitham: Perhaps the process caused them great suffering, which is why they cry out in the dead of night, when no one is watching them.

Paimon: So the human brain— Nope, nuh-uh, Paimon doesn't wanna think about this...

Aether: How did you learn of this technology?

Alhaitham: I'm the Akademiya's scribe, after all. I'm familiar with their projects. Anyway, judging by Razak's state, the contents of a Divine Knowledge Capsule were extracted from his mind, but something went wrong in the process... Or perhaps, his curiosity got the better of him, and he used such a capsule for himself.

Paimon: Paimon's a little confused... Can they just use anyone's brain?

Aether: (No, that can't be right. Most of the mad scholars had made contact with the "divine consciousness" in the forest... That's what the Akademiya is after. It's also safe to assume that... this knowledge has something to do with the Fatui, The Doctor, and also The Balladeer. They're using Divine Knowledge Capsules to turn The Balladeer into a god.)

Alhaitham: The look on your face tells me you've realized the answer.

Aether: The Akademiya needs people who have been exposed to the "divine consciousness."

Alhaitham: That's right. To some scholars, gaining knowledge about the gods is their entire life's pursuit. Extracting Canned Knowledge is just one of the extreme measures they turn to. However, I can't help but wonder: What do they seek to gain from divine knowledge? The Akademiya is going out of their way to look for forbidden knowledge, but what is their ultimate goal? I've spent quite some time trying to analyze the contents of the Divine Knowledge Capsule, but to no avail. It seems like my way of thinking is too different from theirs.

Paimon: You mean, you're not even slightly interested in getting your hands on this forbidden stuff?

Alhaitham: All scholars seek to expand the horizons of knowledge. But I'm not particularly interested in gods, so I don't share their degree of zealotry. Extracting information from people as if they were lifeless objects... If this is the direction of academic progress, then the Akademiya may as well shut its doors.

Paimon: Sounds like you're really against all this...

Vert: Just like us.

Alhaitham: Of course. The Akademiya's actions run contrary to their rules. Whether it be academics or knowledge, everything has its boundaries. If those lines are crossed, the rules and order that govern everything in the world will be destroyed. This matter needs to be corrected, just like fixing a typo in a book.

Paimon: Wait, didn't you step in to help because you felt sympathy for those poor people?

Durandal: You could've saved them.

Alhaitham: Not to be callous, but no. My criteria are a little more restrictive than that. There is no shortage of suffering in Sumeru, and the same can be said for the rest of Teyvat as well. What do you plan to do about that? Save every last person?

Paimon: Um... Probably not... Paimon's not sure...

Neptune: We have to. We have to foil the sages' and the Fatui's plans. That will mean that everyone is saved.

Aether: Your motives are more specific and personal.

Vert: Plus you want to bring the sages down and stop their plans.

Alhaitham: You can say that. Simply put, I don't blindly place my faith into strength or heroism. I do what I want. The Divine Knowledge Capsule is something I want to investigate in full. That doesn't mean I'm willing to take action for the sake of a few strangers.

Aether: (...Though he rejects the notion of greater moral responsibility, he justifies his actions because they are true to his personal motivations. Someone like him... might actually make for a better ally.)

Paimon: Paimon's been wanting to say this for a while. There are a lot of bad guys in the Akademiya, but you're not one of them... You're their weirdo!

Vert: And a good guy.

Alhaitham: ...You're probably right. Though I must say, I quite enjoy this feeling of being the odd one out. Uniqueness is also an asset, is it not?

Paimon: Wow, that's a great way to think about it. Paimon's really impressed! If only Miss Shani had a similar mindset, her life would definitely be a lot easier... I'm just a more likable person than her in general. There's nothing more to it than that. ...

Aether: Uh, so what do we do with him?

Vert: Is there a way he can be saved?

Alhaitham: He won't last long if we leave him here. Let's take him with us. We'll work out our next step after we return to Aaru Village.

(Aaru Village, village chief's house)

Paimon: We're back!

Mei: It was a long day.

Homura: We had some breaks and a good meal thanks to Mei.

Neptune: And found more clues and records.

Candace: You must be tired. You should rest, and take some water.

Seele: Ok.

Cyno: What's the situation?

Candace: Hmm? Who's this?

Alhaitham: Unfortunately, somebody who is too young to take on the role of Isak's grandfather. Nevertheless, he's one of the people we're trying to find.

They tell everyone what they saw in the abandoned hospital and share their current theory.

Cyno: So, at one point in time, the abandoned Eleazar hospital served as the Akademiya's site for extracting Divine Canned Knowledge.

Paimon: Yep, pretty much.

Vert: Stealing from other people's brains.

Cyno: Their plan must have been implemented at some point before we arrived at Aaru Village, since Divine Canned Knowledge has been in circulation for a while now. Yet, they fled once we were headed to the village, almost as if they knew we were on their trail. Why is that?

Paimon: Hmm, yeah, why is that...?

Durandal: What could be the answer?

Candace: We may have a mole in our midst.

Patrick: A mole?

Candace: One of us could be secretly revealing our whereabouts to the Akademiya.

Everyone: HUH?!

Paimon: Huh? Are our friendships that shallow?

Cyno: ...

Vert: What kind of spy would do this to us?

Alhaitham: Looks like none of you have realized wherein lies the issue.

Aether: Care to share your thoughts?

Alhaitham: Cyno, you're the reason why they can predict our movements.

Paimon: Wait, what's that supposed to mean!?

Durandal: That he's the mole.

Cyno: Choose your next words very carefully.

Alhaitham: It is simply a logical inference. I have my reasons.

Candace: So what you're saying is... Cyno's the mole? Interesting. And here I thought you were the most suspicious one, Alhaitham, since you were always acting alone.

Alhaitham: I know. You have a point, but I realized something as we were returning from the hospital — Cyno isn't like any of us.

Cyno: ...What are you trying to say?

Alhaitham: Do you still remember who you are, General Mahamatra?

Cyno: ...

Alhaitham: As a matra, you are no doubt privy to certain kinds of information. Before you can take action against someone, you are required to have all the facts available, including the less-than-savory details. Simply put, the Akademiya has traditionally allowed you access to a wealth of sensitive information. Knowing their modus operandi, wouldn't you expect them to take precautions against you? If you want to raise a vicious wolf, you need to make sure that you can avoid its bite.

Cyno: The Akademiya is monitoring me?

Alhaitham: It's not that simple. The Akademiya has eyes all over Sumeru, but they have a special protocol for dealing with you. Every so often comes a Jnagarbha Day. On this day, the Akademiya enters new information into the Akasha through Knowledge Capsules. I remember seeing the thick notebook next to the control panel once. Its contents were all about the General Mahamatra — his activities throughout the day, preferred methods of enacting judgment... everything.

Cyno: You're saying that the Akademiya entered my information into the Akasha, too? ...But what's the point in doing that? My actions aren't important enough to be added into the Akasha.

Durandal: Yes they are.

Alhaitham: The Akasha is capable of computation.

Cyno: ...!

Alhaitham: The Akasha's algorithms are entirely capable of predicting your movements using the data entered. When you would depart, the route you would follow, your destination... it knew all of this.

Cyno: It predicted my every move...!

Alhaitham: The Akademiya has been watching you longer than you think.

Vert: And they were using you.

Candace: So that's how it is... Cyno adheres to his principles so strongly that he's actually a thorn in their side. Tenacity of will and steadfast faith are worthless to the Akademiya. They need scholars who are easily pliable and mindlessly go after anything they can profit from. Cyno, don't take it to heart. This just proves how much of a trustworthy ally you are.

Cyno: ... They escaped because of me.

Paimon: Don't blame yourself! It's not like any of us would've known!

Aether: Exactly.

Cyno: ...I have an idea.

Yumi: What is it?

Cyno: If they've predicted my movements... then I might be able to guess where they went.

Dehya: Whoa, you bounced back fast!

Alhaitham: There is always an opportunity for safety after danger passes.

Paimon: Ooh, so that's how it is! Paimon gets it now! If the Akademiya is trying to avoid Cyno, then the safest place would be...

Aether: One step behind him.

Paimon: Yep, that's right!

Cyno: They'll want to proceed in the direction opposite of where I'm going.

Aether: You're getting smarter, Paimon!

Neptune: You were able to be smart for this moment.

Paimon: Awe, thank you.

Cyno: I must go.

Alhaitham: There's also something I want to investigate.

Paimon: Let's go, guys! After 'em!

The party screamed out "yeah" several times along with other things.

Isak: Please, wait! I wanna go, too!

Candace: Hmm, you want to go, too? If so... you have to promise you'll stay safe.

Isak: I wanna find Grandpa! I promise I'll be careful and not cause any trouble.

Candace: Everyone, I leave him in your hands.

Aether: Alright.

Paimon: Yay, let's go! Remember to pack some food with you! Paimon feels like we're missing someone though... Hmm...

Sakura: Wait. Where did Dehya go?

They exit the house and follow Cyno and Alhaitham.

Paimon: So, where do we go from here?

Aether: Cyno, do you remember the route you took?

Cyno: Yes. After leaving the village, we should head straight toward the desert.

So they continue down.

Isak: I know the desert like the back of my hand!

Rom: Really?

Isak: Oh yes I do!

Ram: Good to know.

Theresa: That's good for you.

Paimon: Is that because you play here a lot?

Isak: Yup! One time, Grandpa almost got lost in the desert, but I was the one who brought him back.

Cyno noticed something then stopped everyone.

Cyno: There's something here.

Miyabi: What is it?

Cyno: What's this...?

Alhaitham: It's buried in the sand... Looks like we'll need to roll up our sleeves and do some work.

Neptune: Some of us don't have sleeves.

Paimon: And Paimon thought running around everywhere was already enough work!

Aether: Now isn't the time for complaining, Paimon.

Paimon: Okay, okay... So we have to dig it out? Whatever's down there looks like it's buried really deep.

With some effort, they manage to retrieve the buried objects.

Alhaitham: These are likely fragments of an Akademiya-developed device, something akin to a headset.

Vert: Could it have been used to mind control the Village Keepers?

Durandal: Maybe.

Alhaitham: Looks like there were more than one Village Keeper. They must have been escorted this way, because there are device fragments scattered around here... Let's split up and search the area. Chances are that we'll find other things nearby.

Everyone goes in different directions and starts digging in the sand.

After a short while, they dig up another device nearby.

Paimon: Is this what we're searching for? It looks kinda scary...

Alhaitham: This is definitely a device used to extract divine knowledge.

Cyno: How did it end up buried in the sand? That can't have been part of the plan.

Vert: Maybe they were trying to hide it?

Miyabi: No. They would not do that.

Cyno: They must've been attacked along the way.

Paimon: Wait, what!?

Noire: Attacked?

Fu Hua: By who?

Bronya: No guesses.

Isak: Grandpa... I hope you're okay...

Paimon: Don't worry, your grandpa's gonna be fine!

Alhaitham: Razak didn't display any signs of starvation or dehydration, which means that they left fairly recently.

Cyno: We should be able to catch up.

Alhaitham: One more thing: Given that the device had been entirely covered by sand... I believe the attack must have happened prior to the sandstorm.

Aether: I agree.

Cyno: Let's keep going. They can't have gone far.

They continue following Cyno.

Paimon: Ugh, but running on sand is sooo tiring...

Isak: But... you're flying, aren't you, Paimon? Is flying over sand tiring too?

Paimon: Aaagh, of course it is...

Neptune: Being in our other forms is also tiring.

Ishtar: At least I have my Boat of Heaven I can rest on.

Cleopatra: And I can float mid air.

Cyno stopped them when they got closer to the dilapidated building.

Cyno: Voices, over there... It sounds like an argument.

Paimon: Whoa, you have really good ears...

Cyno: Don't get any closer. They'll notice us.

Alhaitham: Dehya's talking with the Eremites? Heh, very interesting... Let's listen in.

Dehya: ...If you had informed me sooner, there'd be plenty of room for us to...

Rahman: ...You're one of us... We would never lie...

Dehya: Scholars... You don't know as much as I do... Need me to...

Rahman: Haha, I knew it... That's our Dehya...

Vert: She was the real spy.

Isak: Dehya... Why would you... Dehya!!!

Isak runs to Dehya.

Paimon: Hey! What are you doing!?

Sakura: Get back here!

Dehya: Huh?

Isak: Didn't you say you'd help me find Grandpa!? Wh—Why are you on their side?

Rahman: Haha, well, look who's here. Ain't that something.

Dehya: Ugh, this complicates things.

Cyno: ...You've betrayed Aaru Village?

Rahman: So, this is the great General Mahamatra. Haha. Dehya, you'd be better off as my assistant than hanging around with this motley crew. You've seen for yourself — I have the means and methods, and my ideals are far more admirable than theirs.

Dehya: I'm not the type that's easily swayed, Rahman. You of all people should know that.

Neptune: Ok. This is so confusing.

Paimon: Wait, what's going on, Dehya? Whose side are you on here?

Dehya: Shut it, Paimon.

Rahman: It doesn't matter. Whichever side you pick, nothing can deter us from the grand mission of resurrecting the Scarlet KingKing Deshret. Once our lord of old returns to this land, we will have a new beginning.

Dehya: Face the facts, Rahman — it's not gonna happen. You should understand that more than anyone. Have all your years as a merc taught you nothing about placing hopes in a ruler?

Rahman: I'm a desert-dweller, and a proud follower of the Scarlet KingKing Deshret. Whether I live by the edge of the sword or in peaceful comfort, my soul will always carry this conviction.

Dehya: It's not too late yet. The Village Kee— ...mad scholars aren't gonna bring the Scarlet KingKing Deshret back to life.

Rahman: You don't understand, my dear lady. Pursuing our faith is our purpose in life. Even if the chance of success is one in a million, we must be willing to give everything we have.

Dehya: Even if it'll expose you to the Akademiya? Even if they end up disbanding the Eremites? YOUR Eremites, which you've worked so hard for all these years?

Rahman: Yes. We've waited a long time for this day to come... The sun and the moon no longer shine here. All you see now is cracks in this desiccated land. But, fate has finally dealt me a hand to play against the Akademiya. With these scholars in our custody, we'll stomp the Akademiya's forces and fight our way beyond the Wall of Samiel.

Dehya: ...Ridiculous. Think about it, the Akademiya controls the entirety of Sumeru. Your powers are negligible in comparison. If you still don't believe me, then try asking these two men. They're also against the Akademiya, but neither of them are as arrogant as you are.

Rahman: Hah, they look more like pawns of the Akademiya to me. Why would I listen to anything the people of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata have to say? Filthy traitors... Your god abandoned all honor and betrayed the Scarlet KingKing Deshret. We desert-dwellers will never trust the likes of you.

Cyno: It's impossible to communicate with someone so hostile. Perhaps we should...

Alhaitham: Do you really believe that by kidnapping the scholars, you'll be able to negotiate with the Akademiya?

Aether: Huh? Alhaitham?

Durandal: What are you saying?

Alhaitham: These people have no value as bargaining chips, but I could be persuaded to take their place as your next hostage. These scholars were exiled from the Akademiya. I, on the other hand, am their current scribe and will be a much greater asset to you.

Dehya: Wait, you can't be serious.

Rahman: So, you wanna trade places with the hostages, do ya?

Alhaitham: Precisely. Any wise person would gladly accept my offer.

Paimon: What're you thinking!? What if they decide to kill you instead?

Alhaitham: Well, that would be bad luck for me.

Patrick: I guess that's how things should be.

Alhaitham: However, I'd get the chance to observe the scholars — perhaps even find out the truth.

Cyno: ...

Rahman: Think you can talk me over with that confident look of yours?

Alhaitham: I'm not trying to persuade you. I'm using this as a means of joining forces against the Akademiya.

Rahman: You are their scribe. What do you have against the Akademiya?

Alhaitham: Not all desert-dwellers believe in the Scarlet KingKing Deshret, and the same applies to the Akademiya. Why must all knowledge-seekers approve of the Akademiya's way of doing things?

Rahman: Hah... hahaha! You Akademiya scum! Every last one of you is nothing but a hypocrite, just like everyone else on the other side of that wall! I've made myself clear enough... I won't listen to another word from the Dendro Archon's people.

Green share energy began to radiate off of Vert.

Dehya: Not so fast. Alhaitham, do you stand by everything you just said?

Alhaitham: I never make empty promises.

Dehya: You know you're making a dangerous decision, right?

Alhaitham: I do.

Dehya: Good! Rahman, hear me out. These people are my friends. Maybe you can't take the followers of the Dendro Archon at their word, but what about me? Do you trust me?

Rahman: We've known each other for years. Of course I do.

Dehya: In that case, I'm willing to vouch for their honesty with my right arm.

Girls: Huh?!

Rahman: ...

Dehya: Come on, Rahman, don't be a coward. If you're serious about taking on the Akademiya, you need to steel yourself. You can't be afraid.

Rahman: Ha! An arm from the Flame-Mane? You've piqued my interest. But what if you refuse to oblige? What should I do then? No one's a fool here, Dehya. We're mercs. And mercs don't tend to live long unless they have their wits about them.

Dehya: You're not wrong, but this is different. I promised my friends that we'd bring back the Village Keepers together.

Rahman: Hah! Let's do it right here then. Give me your right arm as proof of your resolve.

Dehya: ...

Paimon: Don't listen to him! He's not even trying to negotiate, he just wants to make things more difficult!

Kiana: He's going to trick you!

Dehya: ...That's fine.

Everyone: No!

Paimon: Are you crazy!?

Dehya: We came here to save lives. One arm for that many people is still a pretty good deal if you ask me. Rahman, I'm holding up my end of the deal here. You'd better not let me down.

Rahman: Sure. Go ahead and cut off her right arm.

Isak: No!!!

Paimon: Dehya! What are you gonna do? Think of something!

Alhaitham: ...You don't have to go this far.

Dehya: That's not for you to decide.

Rahman: Do it!

Everyone: Dehya!

Paimon: Dehya, run!

Cyno: ...Huh!

Dehya: ...

Dehya closes her eyes as one of Rahman's lackeys starts to swing their sword.

Rahman: Stop!

Dehya: ...What's wrong? Can't do it?

Rahman: Flame-Mane, you and I are both desert folk. Cutting off your arm is no different than cutting off my own fingers. Where's the sense in cutting my own kin to pieces?

Cyno: Tch.

Rahman: You've shown me that you're serious. Go on now, take your friends and leave. Meet me in the desert at noon tomorrow.

Dehya leaves with everyone.

Dehya: ...Phew! I was really counting on him not going through with it.

Isak: Dehya!

Paimon: That was crazy! Have you all lost your minds!? What if he'd actually cut your arm off!

Dehya: Hmm, then I'd just have to hold my claymore with my left arm.

Noire: You were very reckless!

Neptune: You would've had to get a prosthetic arm to replace your arm and live with so much regret.

Fu Hua: Don't EVER bargain with a limb again!

Aether: Please don't do that ever again!

Dehya: Okay, I'm sorry... But sometimes when you're out on a limb, you gotta double down to seal the deal, you know?

Cyno: Don't ever make a promise like that again. I can deal with the likes of them. If it came down to it, you would not lose to them either.

Dehya: I don't doubt it, Cyno, but this is about more than me and them... There's a lot more where they came from. Even if we got rid of one bunch of radicals, there are others out there. Wiping them out would do more harm than good.

Cyno: Ah... As you wish.

Vert: Fine.

Isak: I'm sorry, Dehya! I should've stayed put and listened... I should've trusted you...

Dehya: It's okay. I promised you I'd help find your grandpa, so I'll do whatever it takes.

Alhaitham: Whatever it takes? You just might be scholar material.

Dehya: Huh? Are you serious?

Theresa: You could get an education.

Alhaitham: The Eremites once said that I was a lunatic. Perhaps a little madness is essential to be successful in research.

Dehya: Why does it feel like he's using his praise for me as an excuse to brag about himself?

Aether: I think he was just stating the truth.

Patrick: That's just how he is.

Dehya: Okay, let's get moving. We should head back to the village and rest up. Today was just a trial run — noon tomorrow is gonna be the hard part.

They all return to Aaru Village and rest in their rooms in preparation for tomorrow's hostage exchange. But what are the chances of success? What are the stakes? There is no way of knowing...

(Next Day)

Everyone meets at the entrance to Aaru village. They were prepared to get the Village Keepers back from the Ermites. No one was more prepared than Vert and Durandal.

Paimon: You're all here so early!

Vert: It is time.

Dehya: Looks like we have everyone here. ...Isak, are you sure you want to come with us?

Isak: I'll watch from a safe distance. Dehya... I wanna be there to bring Grandpa home.

Dehya: Okay. Let's go then.

Candace: Dehya, wait.

Dehya: What's the matter?

Candace: I heard that you were quite reckless yesterday... No more of that today, understood? Or I'll be very upset with you.

Dehya: *sigh* Fine.

Vert: Thank you for understanding.

Durandal: Let's go.

As agreed, they go to the place designated by Rahman to exchange hostages... behind the Mausoleum of King Deshret.

Durandal: The Mausoleum of King Deshret.

Nitocris: Just look at what's happening in the sky.

Altera: Sucking everything up.

Ishtar: Very disturbing.

Vert: I don't like it either. It feels like something from a video game taking place in a fantasy version of Egypt.

Cleopatra: I actually like the structure. This and the other Pyramid structures reminds me of home back in Egypt.

Ozymandias: Same here.

Cleopatra: Though this is missing one thing. A Sphinx statue.

Neptune: Hoyoverse chose not to include one.

Patrick: We have to keep going.

Yumi: We have a villain's plans to foil.

They arrived at the back where the mercs were already.

Alhaitham: Heh, they got here before us.

Rita: Very fast.

Paimon: Uh-oh, is it because Paimon overslept by five minutes and held everyone up?

Aether: You didn't have to admit to that.

Patrick whispers to Altera.

Patrick: If they double cross us and do not do the exchange. Attack.

Altera: With pleasure.

Rahman: Is everything ready?

Alhaitham: Absolutely. Although... ...You brought fewer people than I imagined.

Rahman: Bring him over.

Isak: Grandpa!

Paimon: Why is there only one of them?

Dehya: Rahman, I've always thought of you as a man of his word. What's this about?

Rahman: It's a one-for-one exchange. Sounds fair, don't ya think?

Rahman: Or lemme put it this way... Agreeing to any kind of deal with the Dendro Archon's people is already a huge compromise on my part. Don't you think you've asked enough?

Cyno crossed his arms.

Alhaitham: ...

Dehya: ...Uh-uh, you stay right there!

Enraged by Rahman's quibbling, Dehya charges in with her greatsword and begins to fight with Rahman. She jumps up and pins him down.

Rahman Gang Member A: Hey! Flame-Mane! What do you think you're doing?

Isak runs toward the scene, only to be halted by Aether

Isak ...Grandpa!

Rahman Gang Member A: Don't you see this blade here...?

Rahman Gang Member's left hand, which is holding the blade to the hostage's neck, appear to be shaking.

Rahman Gang Member B: You coward! Why are your hands shaking!?

But it is at this dire moment that something unexpected happens — the ground shakes.

Rahman Gang Member A: Wait a second... It's an...

The vibration gets stronger and the sand starts to sink)

Rahman Gang Member A: Earthquake!

Everyone struggles with the sinking sand.

Paimon: Oh no!

Isak: Grandpa!

The servants who could fly, fly out of there.

The Herrschers, CPUs, and CPU Candidates wanted to transform to fly away too but they didn't want to reveal their other forms to the bad guys. They began sinking. Out of nowhere. A green aura emerges from Isak's "Grandpa" and he dashes towards Isak and embraces him.

Isak: Grandpa...

Isak's "Grandpa" summons forth a large spherical shield around everyone as they sink into the ground.

Paimon: Uhh... Paimon's dizzy...

Kiana: I'm dizzy too.

Aether: Mmph... Is everyone okay!?

The Traveler looks around to find that they have fallen into a large pit.

Dehya: Ugh, this day's going just great...

Alhaitham: Hmph, what a nuisance.

The servants that flew out of there appeared from the hole above.

Cyno: The sand dune collapsed. I saw an energy field... The Village Keeper protected us. It glowed green with Dendro. Just like you said, it may well have been the remains of Lesser Lord Kusanali's power inside the scholar's body.

Aether: No doubt. You finally believe us.

Vert: You saw the whole thing for yourself.

Cyno: ...The Dendro Archon... The present one.

Durandal: Yes.

Isak: Grandpa? Grandpa? Oh no, he's getting confused again...

Alhaitham: Hey, look around you.

They eyed a strange door.

Dehya: Did there used to be a... temple here?

Cleopatra: It looks like there was.

Alhaitham: It seems that when the sand dune collapsed, it exposed these underground structures. The symbols on the gate belong to the Scarlet KingKing Deshret's civilization. This structure must be ancient... Over time, the sandstorms completely buried it, and left it in the state we see now. ...It could have been an underground palace in the distant past.

Rahman: Ohhh... A miracle! Praise the Scarlet KingKing Deshret!

Paimon: What's he doing here!? And his men, too?

Dehya: They must have fallen down here with us. Pretty lucky if you ask me.

Eremite Mercenary: Ugh... Oh...

Dehya: Most of them seem in really bad shape, except for him. He got off lightly.

Rahman: ...Hmph.

Cyno: Mind your head.

Rahman: No, this isn't the time for conflict... Our exalted lord has shown us the way to his sacred palace.

Paimon: He's not actually gonna go in there, is he...

Alhaitham: As it happens, I want to take a look inside, too.

Cleopatra: I also want to look inside. It could be something interesting in this structure. (Hopefully something that's similar to Egypt.

Vert: I want to look in there too.

Neptune: It could be another dungeon!

Bronya: Yes.

Paimon: What are you doing!?

Alhaitham: Don't you think it's curious? One minute, Lesser Lord Kusanali's power protects us from harm, and the next... remnants of the Scarlet KingKing Deshret's civilization appear. Two major deities are vying to showcase their power to us. It would be a shame not to witness them both.

Paimon: Paimon thought you weren't interested in gods!

Alhaitham: Indeed. In my view, gods are just a higher form of living being... or "creature," you could say. New discoveries are always worth investigating. Whether they have anything to do with gods is neither here nor there.

Dehya: Rahman, what are you gonna do about your men?

Rahman: I'll just let them lay here — the Scarlet KingKing Deshret will take care of his people... Right now, I'm going inside.

Neptune walks up to Rahman.

Neptune: I guess right now we can put our differences aside, right?

Rahman: I guess you could say that. Put our differences aside.

Vert: If we're done talking. Let's go inside right now.

Everyone enters the ruins. Surprisingly. There was green in the dungeon.

Cyno: It's full of life here. This defies comprehension... It looked completely desolate from the outside, yet it flows with energy inside.

Durandal: It's full of nature here.

Paimon: Yeah, and there's so many plants. It's so pretty.

Alhaitham: Sir Rahman.

Rahman: ...Huh? Me?

Alhaitham: Do you see another Rahman here?

Rahman: Are you mocking me? What do you mean, "Sir"?

Alhaitham: Interpret it however you want, but there's something I'd like to draw your attention to. While this structure is clearly left over from the Scarlet KingKing Deshret's civilization, the energy that flows in here is that of the Dendro Archon.

Rahman: ...

Rahman: Whatever you say. It's not like I have a Vision.

Alhaitham: There's nothing to be angry about. Think of this as an academic journey.

Dehya: It does seem kinda strange. If that's true, then... we might have to explore this whole area to find an explanation.

Kiana: Feels like finding something underground that's been isolated for millions of years.

Patrick: I can think of a lot of stories where the characters found life and plants that have not been seen for hundreds or millions of years. Right now this feels like we're in "Indiana Jones".

Neptune: OOOOO! Pop-culture reference! And like something from "The Mummy".

Alhaitham: What are you talking about?

Patrick, Kiana, and Neptune: Nothing!

Cleopatra: (I like those movies.) Just talking about stories we've read that are not from Teyvat. But from where we're from.

Alhaitham: Ok...

There was a puzzle that needed to be solved. An elevator riddle. They had to read the Ceremonial Guide. Then Aether, Durandal, and Vert go to three mechanisms and rotate them around till they get the right positions. Then a platform comes up. They went down in several groups till everyone was down on the lower floor. They go down steps.

Ishtar: Feels like being back in the 7th Singularity.

Ozymandias: And it feels like being back in the 6th Singularity.

Vert: Ruins like these kinds are so beautiful. Archaeologists enjoy doing this.

Patrick: I was fond of Egypt. I once went to an exhibition of King Tut in New York when I was younger.

Cleopatra: Really? Well that's good to know. (I hope Type-MOON can make Tut into a servant in FGO.)

Bronya: Dungeon is great.

They reach the bottom where they go through moving doors till they end up in a chamber with another elevator. Like before, they went in groups. This time going up. They find a mysterious message.

Mysterious Message: After six days infiltrating the temple. I finally understand the priests' parlor tricks. The elevator will descend to the ground. Get on top of it before it starts ascending again to reach the dome. Nonsense like "Forbidden ground ahead, portals shall not pass" or whatever are just made up by the priests to hoodwink us. I leave this method here in hopes that the people of King Dishret who shall travel here in the future shall freely enjoy the privilege of witnessing his sacred presence.

Aether pushes something that activates the elevator. Then it goes down. Then he touches the mechanism again then a small group gets on top of the elevator and ends up in another chamber. The rest of the party gets up too. There was another puzzle that needed to be solved. So they solved it. Another elevator appeared. They went on the elevator all at once. They went through a room where there were flower trees and other vegetation.

Rahman: Now that's a sight to see... the Scarlet King's (King Deshret's) splendor surrounds us.

Dehya: There's so much vegetation here. It's different than what I expected.

Paimon: Sure are a lot of plants for a desert!

Rahman: Heheh, that's what I call divine providence of the Scarlet King (King Deshret).

Mei: (Could Scaramouche be here?)

Then they went through a portal.

They ended up in a giant chamber where they saw a tree. They began walking to it.

Paimon: It's getting brighter! Ooh, it looks so beautiful!

Vert: It is very beautiful.

Durandal: It's filled with life.

Bronya and Blanc: Nature.

They approached the tree in the center.

Cyno: Wait.

Mei: What is it?

Cyno: What's that?

Ishtar: A statue.

Cleopatra: Of a jackal.

Paimon: A load of flowers... And it looks like there's something among them...

Aether: It looks like a tomb.

Rahman: These are Scarlet KingKing Deshret runes...

Alhaitham: They left something behind... Yes, it's an elegy written in an ancient script.

Dehya: What does it say?

Alhaitham: "Here lies our faithful priest, Kasala. His wisdom is a miracle among the people, deserving of high praise and admiration."

Rahman: You can read ancient Scarlet KingKing Deshret script?

Alhaitham: Of course. Every student needs to master at least 20 languages before they graduate.

Paimon: He's not serious, right?

Blanc: I think he is.

Bronya: Mastering languages is important in education.

Patrick: It's a huge pain. But it must be done. I've had to learn other languages.

Kiana: I've had to learn multiple languages when I was searching for my father in different countries.

Mei: I've had to learn other languages too.

Cyno: There's still something off about this place... The elemental energy here is too concentrated. The scent of life... Is it trying to tell us something?

Vert: Like what?

Durandal: What could it be trying to tell us?

Cyno: I don't know.

Alhaitham: Hm... Is this it?

System Sound: Analyzing...

Alhaitham: ... There seems to be a hidden message among these skeletal remains. Excellent. There's a device from the Scarlet KingKing Deshret's civilization in this gravesite. I'll transmit the information over and project it for everyone to see.

Rahman: Isn't sharing knowledge against the Akademiya's rules?

Alhaitham: Yes. However, under the circumstances, I'd prefer you to see this for yourself. You'll understand after watching it.

Neptune: We said we would put our differences. And now we're about to find out a truth.

A cutscene plays.

The record left by the owner of these remains reveals something of the bygone ages to them:

https://youtu.be/EEGh9J0TH2E

Kasala: Civilization is born of knowledge. But so, too, can knowledge be its demise. A disaster caught us unaware. It was knowledge that did not belong to this world. The Scarlet King (King Deshret) brought this forbidden knowledge into our world. And it quickly spread like a plague. People's minds were filled with crazed whispers. Dark gray scales spread across their bodies

Kasala: Even the land was stripped of its vigor. Only a desperate, deathly silence remained. Were it not for Greater Lord Rukkhadevata from the forests. The damage would have been irreversible. She summoned the priests to build temples. And infused into them the divine power of life. The disaster was miraculously tempered. And the embers of our civilization were preserved in Aaru Village. Alas, the miracle could not last. As long as forbidden knowledge continued to exist. It would forever blight this world. In the end. The proud king of the desert... my eternal lord... Chose to sacrifice himself.I have spent my whole life since guarding one of these many temples. But now, my duty is coming to an end. As I close my eyes for the final time. The sight of that noble deity will appear in my vision once more... In helping the Scarlet King (King Deshret) to eradicate forbidden knowledge. She exhausted her strength, and her form became that of a small child. How strange. Now that I think of her, I no longer have any fear of death... For I sense that The spirit of life will abide with me during my eternal sleep Children of the desert Cling no longer to past grievances But hold tight to the memory Of this act of benevolence

The cinematic ends.

Dehya: What was that...?

Alhaitham: The priest's memories.

Patrick: (A plague similar to the Hate Plague from "Transformers" and wisdom was the cure.)

Rahman: No... no! Impossible!

Cyno: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata... So the former Dendro Archon and the Scarlet KingKing Deshret were never enemies at all...

Vert: That's great to hear.

Rahman: But... this doesn't make any sense! The Dendro Archon's followers... they're clearly...

Paimon: Was that the former Dendro Archon? She became so tiny in the end...

Vert: (Did Rukkhadevata become Kusanali? No... It can't be.)

Aether: (... Greater Lord Rukkhadevata came to the rescue of King Deshret and his people, but eradicating the forbidden knowledge took so much of her power... The two deities' followers have resented each other all this time, completely unaware that their gods stuck by each other through life and death.)

Alhaitham: You might be distrustful of the Akasha, but there's no reason for you to doubt the Scarlet KingKing Deshret's technology. You've just witnessed his priest's last words.

Rahman: I've... never heard about any of this before... The surviving followers of the Scarlet KingKing Deshret all gathered in Aaru Village. Our god did not make mistakes... We refused to believe any of the rumors. The Scarlet KingKing Deshret's death, the all-but-total annihilation of our civilization... It was all Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's doing! We saw her as nothing more than a traitor, who stabbed us in the back in our moment of crisis... Just like us humans, fighting, feuding, double-crossing each other to survive in the desert.

Cyno: You were blinded by your prejudice.

Rahman: Hah... haha... If I hadn't seen this for myself... If I hadn't witnessed his last words with my own eyes, ears, and heart... How could I ever begin to accept this? The truth is so far from what I've always known. Am I really supposed to believe that after all these years... All this time seeking revenge... Suddenly now my enemy is my savior!?

Dehya: Rahman... That's enough. Give it a rest. You're starting to make a fool of yourself.

Rahman: ...Dehya, tell me... My Eremites and I... What are we even fighting for?

Neptune: Should we answer that?

Himeko: No.

Rahman takes some time to collect his thoughts, while the rest of the party continues to explore the temple. Vert, Neptune, and Bronya enjoyed looking around. Rahman's reaction is nothing strange. To any believer, the truth he had just witnessed would have been difficult to accept.

Dehya: Hey, how're you doing?

Rahman: ...I'll live, heh. Thanks. I should probably go. I can't just stay here forever.

Dehya: What's your next move gonna be?

Rahman: I know what you're going to ask... I feel deeply ashamed of everything I've done. You'll get everything you're asking for. But please, give me some time. After everything that's happened here today... Somehow, I need to explain it to the others.

Dehya: It's not gonna be easy.

Rahman: Well, I guess that's for me to deal with. Dehya, this is where our camp's located. Make a note of it. When would be a good time for us to go? Tomorrow. I'll convince everyone that we're all on the same side. And I'll return every last one of your mad— Sorry, your Village Keepers. We'll share our other resources with you, too.

Cyno: You seem to finally understand that our true enemy is the sages.

Vert: We're all against the sages.

Patrick: It's time that we all work together to bring the sages down.

Neptune: We've become friends and allies now.

Durandal: And it's time to make them pay.

Vert: For what they've done to the people of Sumeru and to Lesser Lord Kusanali.

Rahman: Yes. The gods never gave up on anyone. It's the people responsible for all this that need to face the consequences of their actions.

Rahman leaves.

Paimon: That must've been rough, but he seems to have figured things out now.

Dehya: *sigh* Rahman's no fool. Being the leader of your own faction in the desert is no easy feat. It's too bad he was held back by his belief in the Scarlet KingKing Deshret, but now that that's changed, I guess we have a few more people on our side.

Aether: This is a turn for the better.

Alhaitham: The outcome, at least, is favorable.

Vert: With more people on our side to fight back against the sages.

Paimon: We should get going too. Let's head back, have a proper meal, and a nice, long sleep! We'll need all our energy tomorrow.

Mei: I can help cook the meal.

Vert: And some of us can make the drinks.

Homura: Then get ready to...

Miyabi: kick some sages' asses!

Most of the party cheered out. Then they began to leave.

Cyno: ...

Paimon: Cynooooo! We're leaving!

Cyno: ...Stop yelling.

After the deal was struck, Rahman agreed to return all the scholars who were taken away. They will go to his stronghold to receive these people...

(Next day)

They enter the Eremite's camp.

Dehya: Rahman, we're here.

Rahman: Everything's been arranged. Someone will bring the Village Keepers back to Aaru Village shortly.

Dehya: I guess all I can say now is... thanks for agreeing to help.

Rahman: Don't mention it. I think we can both agree you went to hell and back for it. But we share a common cause now. From here on out, we're allies.

Cyno: Where are the perpetrators?

Rahman: I'll bring you to them. Follow me.

They follow Rahman to the perpetrators.

Alhaitham: So these are the people who kidnapped the Village Keepers.

Morghi: Oh no, it's the scribe!?

Alhaitham: There's no need to yell. No one can help you now.

Paimon: We've been all over the desert trying to find you!

Vert: You've been causing nothing but trouble! And you must pay the price for hating Lesser Lord Kusanali!

Cyno: That's right.

Morghi: General Mahamatra!? No, no! M—Make it quick, please! Swift and painless...

Paimon: Whoa, the moment they set eyes on Cyno, they turn pale like they've seen a ghost...

Cyno: You should've known that I would be coming for you.

Morghi: W—Wait! We were just following orders! You know what I'm talking about, right? Th—There's no way we could've done all this by ourselves!

Vert: LIARS!

Morghi: NO! We're not lying! Please you've got to believe us!

Judar: No, not Cyno... He's gonna tear us limb from limb!

Cyno: I could do worse.

Durandal: With help from us.

Morghi: P—Please have mercy!

Cyno: Start talking. Otherwise, I'll have to resort to... other methods.

Alhaitham: So... Your superiors have kept you quite busy recently. Why? What are they trying to accomplish?

Judar: Um... they, um, wanted to extract Canned Knowledge...

Vert pointed her rapiar at them while Durandal points Abyss Flower at them too. They got scared even more.

Vert and Durandal: LIES!

Alhaitham: Don't play dumb. You know what I'm really asking. They extract Divine Canned Knowledge... then what?

Morghi: I... I, uh, really don't know how to explain it...

Paimon: Well, you better start talking, or you'll be sorry!

Vert: RIGHT NOW!

Dehya: You don't wanna make things any more difficult for yourself, do ya?

Aether: May I ask them a question?

Cyno: Be my guest.

Aether: The sages are trying to create a new god, aren't they?

Cyno: !

Alhaitham: Huh?

Dehya: Huh? That sure didn't sound like a fancy metaphor or anything... You're serious, aren't you?

Morghi: How did you know?

Kiana: We have our ways of figuring things out. Don't ask.

Mei: Answer the question right now.

Judar: There's no use hiding it now... Yes, you're right. The Akademiya is working on an important and potentially world-changing project. They are creating a new god... a god that will belong to them, and to the people of Sumeru. It may seem as if Sumeru's academics are thriving, but ever since the death of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, scholarly breakthroughs have been few and far between. The withering of Irminsul has been getting worse recently. The sages have tried everything they could think of, but nothing's worked. I'm always hearing them say things like, "If only Greater Lord Rukkhadevata was still with us..."

Cyno: ...Continue.

Vert: Keep talking or we'll stab you.

Judar: And then, someone from the Fatui showed up. They called him "The Doctor"... He brought a... a "Gnosis," and said he wanted to borrow the Akademiya's research facilities.

Patrick: (Il Dottore brought a Gnosis? Which one? Which Gnosis did he bring?)

Judar: The Doctor was previously expelled from the Akademiya. At first, the sages looked down at him in disdain... But when he said those words, everyone's expression changed. He asked them: "Do you wish to create a god?"

Alhaitham: ...This is what the arrogant ignorance at the extreme end of academia looks like.

Judar: First, the Akademiya spent a long time constructing a "divine vessel," which was based on an exquisite humanoid puppet. After that, they harvested dreams via the Sabzeruz Festival samsara, maximizing the Akasha's output... With The Doctor's help, and the Akasha now functioning at maximum efficiency, they were able to use it to extract the power from the Gnosis and convert it into a "divine core." Next, they decided that their new god needed to possess "divine wisdom." For that to happen... they needed a huge quantity of Divine Canned Knowledge.

Dehya: ...It adds up.

Alhaitham: But how do you determine whether the knowledge extracted is of divine origin?

Morghi: Call it an educated guess... The Akademiya has been trying to figure out the exact source of the scholars' madness for centuries, but to no avail... Nobody can explain the cause of this phenomenon. Surely you can see what that implies, Scribe Alhaitham? If it's knowledge no mortal can comprehend, then it must be something only gods are able to decipher. In other words... it's the source of the God of Wisdom's omniscience and omnipotence.

Alhaitham: ...

Aether: But the sages' end product won't be Greater Lord Rukkhadevata...

Mei: It will be The Balladeer.

Alhaitham: You must have noticed by now — the Akademiya doesn't care about who their god is. It's the ability to exercise control over knowledge and wisdom that matters. It is as if they are cursed with a desire for omniscience and omnipotence that burns in their blood. Some organisms demonstrate phototaxis, and thus orient their entire lives in respect to sources of light. For the sages, their only source of hope is the existence of a deity who embodies the acme of wisdom. This is but a form of phototaxis. For many scholars, the absence of a God of Wisdom means stumbling in the darkness for the duration of their lives.

Cyno: Then what does Lesser Lord Kusanali mean to you? Is she not a true god present in this world? If you already have a new god, why try to create another one?

Morghi: ...From the beginning, the Akademiya has never treated her as a god. When the Akademiya first discovered Lesser Lord Kusanali, the newborn God of Wisdom, the sages hoped that she would be as wise as Greater Lord Rukkhadevata. But upon evaluation... They found that, at that time, she possessed no more intelligence than any ordinary human child. The sages never had a ruder awakening... This forced them to accept that Greater Lord Rukkhadevata had indeed passed away. Not to mention that Lesser Lord Kusanali's Gnosis has been used to power the Akasha this entire time. By herself, she has neither an archon's raw power, nor the spectacular insight expected of a God of Wisdom... Slowly but surely, people began to forget about her existence.

Cyno: So... this is the path the sages have chosen?

Vert: Those bas****s!

Aether: (Even now, they still refuse to acknowledge Lesser Lord Kusanali... ...I never imagined a god could be subjected to such cruelty.)

Dehya: Alright, let's try and keep our cool. If everyone's in a bad mood, then let's change up our scenery. Rahman, give me a few men to help us escort the Village Keepers back to the village. And these two scholars — they're coming too.

Rahman: Sure, as you wish.

Vert and Durandal grab them and drag them.

(Aaru Village, village chief's house)

Candace: The Village Keepers you found have all been returned to their homes, and each one has a dedicated caregiver to look after them. The two new scholars are being kept under close supervision, too. Really great work, everyone.

Durandal: I'd rather see them behind bars.

Vert: Same here.

Paimon: Uh... the atmosphere's so heavy...

Aether: (It's hard to not feel weighed down by what we just learned. Despite everything Lesser Lord Kusanali has done for her people, the Akademiya has abandoned her in the Sanctuary of Surasthana like a lost cause... Even those she's protected have never realized there's such a small and childlike god in the world.)

Paimon: Hey, say something! Stop spacing out!

Dehya: C'mon, is there... nothing left to talk about? In that case, let's all get some water and try to think about something else.

Candace: Or, I can go fetch some snacks...

Paimon: Oh, Paimon's so coming with you!

Vert: I guess we better plan out our attacks.

Cyno: Do you have any plans, Traveler?

Dehya: Gods above, you're not talking about work, are you...

Aether: I want to share everything I know with all of you.

Alhaitham: Hm, so you were still withholding some information?

Aether: Yes, we're sorry. We had our reasons... But now I know we're all in this together.

In between the conversations, Candace and Paimon bring over snacks and tea. Dehya's expression is relaxed, as if her mood hasn't been affected by the heavy conversation at all.

Cyno has a firm and solemn expression on his face. It looks like he's made up his mind about something. The core of his beliefs, his motivation to pursue the right course of action... everything is now clear to him. Alhaitham also turns towards the crowd. He wants to listen, too. ...After that, the whole story comes out. All the experiences, feelings, and secrets are shared freely with everyone. To share everything means to consider everyone as allies. From today on, everyone will fight for the same goal.

Durandal: And that's everything.

Vert: Thank you for listening.

Paimon: Even though we lived through all of this firsthand, it still feels super surreal to hear you talk about it again.

Aether: ...That's everything we've experienced so far in Sumeru.

Dehya: What a whirlwind of a story! I felt like I was holding my breath the whole time.

Alhaitham: ...It seems like there will be more issues to face in the days ahead than I had anticipated.

Cyno: ...

Dehya: Still, now's a good time to make our next move. Now that Rahman's joined us, we'll be an even stronger team.

Cyno: It's time to make a plan.

Vert: An attack plan.

Alhaitham: Indeed. These events are a flagrant transgression of the rules in every sense. We cannot allow it to continue.

Candace: So, everyone, are we on the same page?

Durandal: Yes we are.

Cyno: Crush the sages, and rescue our god... that is our ultimate goal.

Mei: There is also, kill the Baladeer, prevent the Doctor from stealing the Gnosis, and revoking the Fatui's diplomatic immunity to Sumeru.

Vert: Leave rescuing our god to me.

Durandal: And if the Gnosis is taken, then the Akasha will lose its power and there will be consequences with the Akasha losing its power from the Gnosis.

Aether: No matter what lies ahead... We will do our utmost.

Neptune; Our best!

Kiana: We beat the bad guys and come out on top!

Alhaitham: Well, let's brainstorm a little more about what other resources we can draw on.

Dehya: The next time we gather here, we must have a solid plan.

Paimon: Yep! It'll work out for sure!

The party screams out random things saying that they are motivated to fight back against the sages.

Alhaitham: Don't rush. This is a big undertaking, and the planning and preparation for what lies ahead will no doubt take some time. Take it slowly. We need to make sure the plan is as effective as possible.

Paimon: He's starting to read his book again! Hey! Are you even listening?

Alhaitham: Would you like me to lend you something to read?

Paimon: No way! Your books aren't quite to Paimon's taste...

Alhaitham: I was joking. I know my books are far too difficult for you, and I have no intention of lending them out.

Paimon: Ugh! You're so annoying...

Bronya: Blanc and the Bronya can read.

Blanc: We could try reading your books.

Alhaitham: I'll keep that in mind.

Bronya and Blanc: Thank you.

Candace: You must let me know if there's anything I can do to help. Though I cannot leave Aaru Village, I can't help but feel... stirred when I see the looks in your eyes. I've never felt as roused as this when fighting alone in the past... I suppose this must be the power of camaraderie.

Cyno: ...In the past, I never imagined that even the gods could suffer from hardship. If we can find a way to change all of this... will this nation become a better place?

Dehya: The past few days have been some of the most challenging work I've ever taken on. And none of it will earn me a single Mora... I can't believe it...

Paimon: Look on the bright side, Dehya! Maybe we'll get a huuuge reward after this is all over! Hmm, you've got a point. Hey, what would you do if you woke up tomorrow with more money than you could ever spend?

Paimon: Paimon would buy boatloads of tasty snacks!

Dehya: That's it?

Paimon: Um... and maybe some tasty drinks as well?

Dehya: Hahaha, how adorable. Well, here's to all our indulgent fantasies... If there's a chance they can come true, I'll give it my best shot. And here's hoping that everything we do from now on will change this world for the better.

(Serenetea Pot)

The party except Aether and Paimon were at the meeting table.

Vert: *Sighs* Now we have to wait another few months till the next part of the Archon Quest comes out.

Mei: I was looking forward to fighting against Scaramouche.

Vert: And I was looking forward to giving the Grand Sage a good beating.

Mei: Now we have to wait.

Nitocris: Seeing the Mausoleum of King Deshret was great.

Ozymandias: It was indeed.

Cleopatra: It really felt like being back in Egypt. Going through palaces, temples, and pyramids in Egypt.

Ereshkigal: At least the Ermites are on our side now.

Neptune: Dehya's friend Rahman was an interesting guy.

Patrick: If I would do "Friend or No" on Discord and ask my friends on Discord if they would want Rahman to be their friend or not. I'm sure that they would probably say yes. The same thing could apply with "Kill or Spare".

Neptune: Oooooo. Like "Smash or Pass".

Kallen: I guess right now we should go back to Mondstadt for the Of Ballads and Brews event where we try to find out Razor's backstory and who his parents are.

Vert: Alright.

Durandal: Then after the event, we come back to Aaru Village.

Kiana: And wait until the next act of the Archon quest comes out.

Neptune: I'm sure it will be worth the wait.

Kallen: Alright everyone. Let's get some sleep. We will come back to Mondstadt tomorrow. Dismissed.

Everyone leaves to their rooms to rest.