(Early Morning, Dawn)

As agreed, Everyone gathers in the village chief's house to hold a meeting...

The party approached Candace

Paimon: Candace! We're here!

Vert: Just in time for the meeting.

Paimon: Has everyone arrived?

Candace: Everyone is already waiting inside.

Paimon: Well, what're we waiting for! Let's join them!

Durandal: We have a fight to win.

Vert: And a little girl to save.

Candace: Please wait a moment.

Aether: What's the matter?

Candace: Before attending the meeting, I hope you can promise me one thing.

Paimon: What do you need?

Candace: Promise me that you won't commit to anything too reckless.

Paimon: Hmm... what do you think?

Aether: Sure, I'll try not to.

Mei: We'll try not to be reckless.

Vert: We're saving our rage outs for the sages.

Candace: Okay... They're all waiting for you.

They follow Candace then enter the village chief's house. Everyone was there.

Paimon: Everyone's here so early! But why isn't anybody talking?

Alhaitham: We already discussed things a bit.

Dehya: Hey, where've you been? I've missed you!

Vert: Well first we went back to Mondstadt for a festival, then we had to find out who one of our friends' parents were, then we did training, went through dungeons, and then returned back here all ready.

Cyno: Are you ready?

Theresa: Yes.

Aether: We can start now.

Alhaitham: Very well.

After some discussion and debates, the group finally works out a detailed plan together.

Paimon: Are you sure this is gonna work?

Dehya: I gotta admit, it's bold. Color me impressed!

Cyno: Hm... It's worth a try.

Alhaitham: The point of discussion is to arrive at a solution. Let's cut the small talk and move to the next point.

Paimon: Oh, you're making Paimon nervous...

Neptune: We better hope it will work.

Vert: Because we have a little Goddess to save.

After talking about the plan, they exit out of the village chief's house. Alhaitham and Cyno leave.

Candace: You're finally done.

Dehya: I have some other stuff to take care of. Catch you all later! C'mon, don't gimme that face! I know what you're going to say. I'll be careful.

Candace: That's what I wanted to hear. Take care.

Dehya leaves.

Candace: Well, Traveler, Paimon... Judging from your expressions, the meeting must've been quite productive.

Durandal: It did.

Paimon: You can tell?

Candace: I'm not that good at scheming or strategy, but I can sense people's emotions. And based on your reaction, things must have gone quite well.

Aether: We'll make our move on the next Jnagarbha Day.

Paimon: Paimon's a little worried... Hopefully, nothing will go wrong!

Candace: To be honest, I feel the same... But you're already some of the most capable people I know. So, you have my trust.

Paimon: Hoho... Candace gave us a compliment!

Candace: Your deeds speak for themselves.

Paimon: Candace, we stayed behind to tell you that although you won't be coming with us, we'll be sure to remember your words.

Candace: I'm very glad to hear that. I've said the same thing to everyone here today as I said to you when you arrived: Your safety is the most important thing.

Asuka: And we promise to be safe.

Candace: Only when you're safe can the plan be successful. So please, take care.

Aether: Thank you, Candace.

Candace: You're welcome. And thank you for taking my advice. Good luck... with everything. I'll be here in the village praying for you.

Vert: We and everyone in Sumeru will be safe once the sages' plans have been foiled. Goodbye.

The large group leaves. They approach Alhaitham talking to Rahman.

Rahman: ...Hmm, sounds good. I'll go make some preparations.

Alhaitham: Okay.

Paimon: Alhaitham！

Alhaitham: Have you finished saying your goodbyes?

Theresa: We have.

Paimon: Yeah, also Candace told everyone to be careful.

Alhaitham: Yes, she did. But I think my point also bears repeating. Our plan is not child's play. We won't be able to achieve anything if we're simply careful. We must go beyond that and fully commit ourselves to it.

Alhaitham: I hope this is clear to you.

Patrick: You have a point. We have to take risks.

Kiana: And take dares.

Aether: I understand and accept.

Paimon: Huh? Shouldn't you be saying something more cheerful to boost our morale right now?

Alhaitham: Didn't we already do that during the meeting?

Paimon: You can never have enough words of encouragement!

Alhaitham: In that case, Candace can cuddle you to your heart's content, while I continue to remind you of the seriousness of our situation. We all have our jobs to do, after all. It's like how some people can be put in charge of logistics, while others will fight on the front lines.

Aether: ... Makes sense.

Paimon: Hmm, speaking of the front lines... you don't look anything like a soldier.

Alhaitham: Of course. Compared to the mercenaries, I'm merely a feeble scholar.

Vert: Sometimes we don't need the right clothing to fight.

Neptune: Exactly! We sometimes don't need the right clothing to fight!

Alhaitham: But the advantage of not being a mercenary is that I get to stay in a safer place and offer my strategic insight. Just think about that mercenary who lost his mind. Mercenary groups are facing constant danger every single day.

Paimon: Well, being a scholar is also a high-risk occupation... And you are a scholar!

Alhaitham: I'm not like the rest of them. Even among members of the same species, some will exhibit far more potential than others.

Blanc: At least that you are different from all the other scholars.

Bronya: Thankfully.

Paimon: This guy... Hmph, Paimon still remembers when those mercenaries in Port Ormos called you a lunatic!

Alhaitham: All intellectuals are lunatics in the eyes of fools. I'll take that as a compliment. That reminds me... Traveler, do you remember the record we saw in the King Deshret Ruins? It mentioned forbidden knowledge.

Aether: Yes, I remember.

Cleopatra: We all do.

Alhaitham: You have a good memory.

Kiana: Well some of us do.

Alhaitham: Forbidden knowledge has the power to drive people insane, but this fact has never been shared with the public. Even I, who has worked in the Akademiya for some time, was never once informed of this. I think... those mad scholars and mercenaries we encountered may have all fallen victim to the corrupting qualities of forbidden knowledge. But the Akademiya has always held a different view. They have always believed that symptoms of madness are a side effect of human contact with divine knowledge as mere mortals.

Alhaitham: Come to think of it, perhaps the Akademiya has also never understood the true nature of forbidden knowledge, and thus always approached the issue from the wrong direction... The Withering, Eleazar, and the sandstorms... Don't you think what is happening right now across Sumeru is rather similar to the forbidden knowledge pollution that occurred in the desert thousands of years ago?

Aether: It's definitely possible.

Vert: Another occurrence of forbidden knowledge pollution...

Paimon: But... Paimon thought that Irminsul's disease is what caused the Withering and the sandstorms. At least, that was what Tighnari told us... Wait a second! Could it be that...

Alhaitham: Ah, you've connected the dots. The cause of Irminsul's illness may precisely be the pollution from forbidden knowledge.

Paimon: ...B—But if that's the case, what should we do? This is huge...

Aether: We must tell Nahida about this as soon as possible.

Alhaitham: Wait, why do you think Lesser Lord Kusanali would have a solution to this situation?

Vert: She said the key to saving Irminsul is...

Aether: Contained within the remaining consciousness of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.

Paimon: You mean, it's related to the scene you saw when you passed out in the Avidya Forest? That whole "...the world... forget me..." thing?

Alhaitham: In that case, it's imperative that we rescue Lesser Lord Kusanali. Only by working with her to save Irminsul can we completely resolve the problems Sumeru currently faces.

Aether: That's right.

Vert: We have to save her from the sages.

Alhaitham: To make sure we're still on track, I would like to check on the state of some of our preparatory work.

Paimon: Where are we going?

Alhaitham: To an Eremite base.

(Ermite Base)

They go to the same Ermite base they went to before.

Alhaitham: Ah, you made it.

Paimon: Huh, what are they doing here!?

Alhaitham: I gave them some technical work to do.

Vert: Why would you set them free after all the bad things they've done?!

Alhaitham: ... Because I needed something.

Morghi: Oh? It's the Scribe... and is that the Travelers I see?

Alhaitham: How's the work going?

Morghi: Ah, yes! We have fixed the devices according to your instructions! One of them is already ready for use, while the others are still under repair.

Paimon: Aren't those devices for Canned Knowledge extraction? What are you doing with those?

Alhaitham: Traveler, look here.

On a table was Canned Knowledge.

Paimon: Huh! M—More Canned Knowledge!? Are you going to put more weird stuff into his head again?

Alhaitham: What's that look on your face? Are you scared?

Paimon: Paimon's a little scared, but very very furious!

Alhaitham: Hmm. That's an interesting response. Anyway, we're not going to use this just yet. As I mentioned during the meeting, this knowledge capsule contains a decree I drew up in the past. The Akademiya should also have their own copy. And according to the plan we just came up with...

Alhaitham: Traveler... I want you to record something into this capsule.

Aether: Huh? Me?

Alhaitham: Do you believe we can save Lesser Lord Kusanali?

Vert: Yes, we all do.

Aether: What I may lack in faith, I'll make up with my actions.

Alhaitham: Good. Conviction is the most important part of all of this. Now, please get ready, and put on this device.

Paimon: You want us to record our conviction into the knowledge capsule?

Alhaitham: Yes.

Paimon: Uh, Paimon is still really worried...

Alhaitham: I understand, but trust me, Paimon, this is something we have to do. It's best if you can do as I say. Because to achieve this impossible task, it sounds like you'll need to fool your own heart first. Although it may feel like a trick, self-encouragement may be the most important tool we have.

Theresa: If it is something that needs to be done to save, Nahida. We will do it.

Paimon: Hmm... Paimon can see the point you're trying to make...

Aether: I'm ready.

Aether put the device on.

Alhaitham: Please imagine this: We have orchestrated our plan and successfully rescued Lesser Lord Kusanali. As a result, we have changed Sumeru's entire political landscape. Everything went without a hitch, and everyone recognizes and praises our achievements.

Aether: Sure... Okay...

Alhaitham: Now, open your eyes.

Alhaitham: Here.

Paimon: What's this...?

Alhaitham: Read it out loud.

Some stirring words have been written on the note. Although Aether doesn't quite understand the purpose of this recording, he still followed Alhaitham's instructions for the sake of the plan.

Alhaitham: It's done.

Aether: What a fascinating experience...

Paimon: Is your head okay? Does anything hurt?

Aether: I'm fine.

Seele: At least that's good.

Alhaitham: It's just a recording. There should be no negative effects.

Paimon: But, what was the point of doing this? Paimon doesn't get it...

Alhaitham: And that's perfectly fine. In any case, these capsules aren't meant to be used by you...

Paimon: Huh? What do you mean?

Durandal: What are you talking about?

Alhaitham: Have you forgotten? Our plan needs to account for those who have long relied on the Akasha. You may find it hard to believe, but for those people, everything the Akasha transmits to them is nothing short of absolute truth. Imagine if you've been using a device like the Akasha since the day you were born. And this device has always supported you during times of need... After all that time, what do you think you'd become?

Paimon: Uh... A fool? A machine?

Neptune: An idiot?

Kiana: A baka?

Alhaitham: A slave to orders.

Vert: A slave?!

Alhaitham: And that's why rules are so important. In addition, those who understand the rules can delineate boundaries, and identify gray areas.

Paimon: Hmm... but why would you need to identify the gray areas?

Alhaitham: You could say that those kinds of ambiguous zones can be very interesting. One might even say they're advantageous in the right hands...

Paimon: The things you're interested in are all really out there... Are all Sumeru scholars like this?

Blanc: I don't think so.

Alhaitham: Anyway, that's enough chitchat. I'm going to take those two to work on some small projects. You can head to Caravan Ribat and start preparing for the next step.

Paimon: Small projects?

Alhaitham: We are going to tinker with the Akasha Terminal and make a few modifications.

Vert: Alright.

(Caravan Ribat)

They arrived at Caravan Ribat. Then they approached Cyno and Rahman.

Rahman: I thought we agreed on a plan. How can you go back on your word?

Cyno: The plan is too radical and carries a high risk for casualties. I've given it a lot of thought, and in the end, I still can't agree to it.

Rahman: But it's still the best plan we have. As a former matra, you of all people should be able to see the bigger picture, and recognize the innate advantages of our plan.

Cyno: I did, and that's how I saw the danger behind these so-called advantages. Alhaitham's plan is even more radical than I imagined.

Paimon: Huh? Why are you guys arguing?

Rahman: My friends, you're just in time. Why don't you help me persuade Cyno... He's turned against our plan.

Cyno: We agreed to work out a plan at the meeting; as mercenaries, you're familiar with the local environment, so you'll take care of the specifics. But then, you went to Alhaitham for suggestions... Had I known Alhaitham would give you those kinds of suggestions, I would not have agreed to the plan.

Rahman: Look, you already know that we're all on the same side here, don't you?

Neptune: Yes we know.

Noire: There will be arguments and conflicts.

Cyno: Mercenaries place a lot of importance on their bonds of friendship, but also will not hesitate to make sacrifices if they deem the situation to be sufficiently dire. I'm sorry, but as things stand, I can't accept your principles.

Rahman: ... Seems you really do understand the ways of the desert.

Cyno: Traveler, Paimon, everyone, this is also something you should know.

Durandal: What is it?

Cyno: Rahman's plan is to have me work with the Caravan Ribat guards in my capacity as a matra. We'll arrest the mercenaries and escort them into Sumeru City.

Aether: ...

Paimon: Wait, how can we work with the guards!?

Theresa: We'll get easily caught!

Rahman: We can't get through that wall easily, remember? Caravan Ribat would never let so many unregistered members of the Eremites enter Sumeru City.

Rahman: My plan will clear us of any possible suspicion, and also let us enter the city as a big group. There is no better way.

Cyno: That also sounds like something Alhaitham told you. Am I right?

Paimon: Doesn't Alhaitham know how dangerous this plan is!?

Rahman: Of course he does... He told me, "There is no perfect plan, but this can get the job done." He also said that with the help of Cyno and the Travelers, our chance of success would increase significantly. I never blindly trust anyone, and I've always had a good eye for people. I think he made a number of valid points. It's my own choice to trust you.

Cyno: If I make the arrests alone, I can control myself and prevent you from getting hurt, but I can't guarantee that kind of discipline from the guards. To make the whole thing more convincing, you'll need to resist to some degree. Casualties are inevitable once push comes to shove. I'm okay with the deaths of enemies, but now that we're allies, I'm against the meaningless loss of our own.

Rahman: ...Haha. I can't believe a matra would actually care about us. I've lived a hard life, and I can say that people like you are hard to come by.

Cyno: I've always treated my allies with honesty and respect. They have the right to know important things like this.

Rahman: ...Now, you're making this hard for me.

Paimon: Hey, is there something we can do to help?

Kiana: We have to help too.

Vert: If there is no other way...

Aether: We can help. We know what we'redoing.

Rahman: Haha, I knew you would say that.

Cyno: ...

Paimon: We can help "fight" some of the mercenaries, which should reduce the number of times you'll have to struggle directly with the guards. That should help at least a little bit!

Aether: We should respect the determination of Rahman and his comrades.

Himeko: He has great determination.

Rahman: Cyno, on behalf of my people, I thank you for your kindness. But this is a mission we cannot turn our backs on. We strongly value the lives of our friends, but the goal we are about to achieve is even more important. We have no fear of casualties, because we crave the spoils of victory. So, please lend us your support! We will show you the determination of us desert-dwellers.

Cyno: ...Well, now that you've put it that way, I can no longer refuse. But remember, you need to follow the plan and not do anything reckless. Candace made it very clear that we can only achieve our goals if we can ensure our safety. Since you and I both recognize the significance of this operation, there should be no more animosity between the followers of the Dendro Archon and those of King Deshret. Everyone's life is equally important.

Rahman: Okay, you have a deal. Let's do this for our shared dream!

Everyone: YEAH!

Cyno: The guards should be stationed in the courtyard nearby. You can find them there.

Sakura: hopefully we won't get arrested.

Cyno and the large group approached the guards.

Cyno: Guards.

Gaete: General Mahamatra!? T—To what do we owe the honor?

Cyno: Keep your voice down. This is a secret operation. I'm going to arrest a large criminal gang near this location. According to the Akademiya's Guide and Regulations on Secret Operations, I have the right to ask for the cooperation of Caravan Ribat.

Gaete: Ah, of course, of course! Mahamatra Cyno's order is the Akademiya's order. Just let us know what you need. But who exactly are you planning to arrest, and how many people are you expecting? Depending on the scale of this operation, we may need to report it to our superiors.

Cyno: They're a squad of Eremites whose number is comparable to Ayn Al-Ahmar in Port Ormos. They're involved in the theft and resale of supplies from the Akademiya.

Gaete: As many as Ayn Al-Ahmar!? This should definitely be classified as a joint operation.

Cyno: Then I suggest that you report this to your superiors as soon as possible, and treat it as a top-priority desert operation. I will need personnel.

Gaete: Got it! Please wait a moment. I will contact them immediately.

The guards leave.

Kiana: Phew.

Aether: You look so commanding when you're working.

Cyno: Because this is work.

Aether: You're much more friendly to us.

Cyno: Because I trust you.

Paimon: Paimon can't believe you're still in the mood to chat. This whole thing has Paimon scared stiff!

Rom and Ram: Us too!

Paimon: Aren't you even a little worried? What if these guards already know that you have betrayed the Akademiya, and are no longer their General Mahamatra... Even if that guard doesn't know, their superiors might, right?

Cyno: We discussed this, remember?

(Flashback)

Alhaitham: The Caravan Ribat operation is of great importance. But don't worry, the guards there shouldn't know that Cyno has stepped down.

Dehya: How can you be so sure?

Altera: they could have been watching us secretly.

Homura: Yes, exactly.

Alhaitham: First, the other matra still don't know why Cyno has left, which proves that the Akademiya has been covering up the matter. Second, this is a crucial moment for the Akademiya's god creation plan. If something were to happen to the General Mahamatra, it's bound to attract a lot of unwanted attention. No matter how you look at it, they don't seem interested in sharing the news of Cyno's departure.

Cyno: ...A reasonable inference. I agree.

Alhaitham: Which brings us to our next issue: I'm sure some of you have been wondering if the prediction function of the Akasha will affect our operation.

Cyno: The Akasha is still in operation, so I must remain on high alert. ...Actually, considering the power of the Akasha, it's quite strange that it hasn't already tried to interfere with my actions.

Durandal: (So far the Akasha hasn't lost its power yet from the Gnosis getting taken.)

Alhaitham: I've given that a lot of thought. For now, I don't think you'll need to worry. If you remember, when you first came to Aaru Village, all your actions and routes were predicted by the Akasha. It even gave that information to those who kidnapped the Village Keepers. But things like that never happened again after we met up with the Travelers.

Cyno: Hm... That's true. But why?

Alhaitham: Look at it from a different angle. Why do you think the Akasha will predict your actions?

Cyno: Because my personal data has been entered into the Akasha.

Alhaitham: That's true, but, the key to this question is, how well can the Akasha make predictions about a person? Haven't you ever thought about it? Just how can it do this in the first place?

Cyno: ...Because the Akasha controls the entirety of Sumeru.

Alhaitham: The Akademiya firmly believes that all human actions can be explained through logic. By sorting and analyzing entered data, the Akasha can derive behavioral logic, and predict the actions of those who fit an existing logic model. However, at the risk of sounding like an advocate for fallacies, can everyone truly be considered "logical" at all times? Emotions are a part of our behavioral logic. But can you guarantee that every experience of the same joy or pain would be equally intense? How can our feelings and opinions be predictable down to the letter in every single instance?

Cyno: ...

Alhaitham: Cyno, in the past, you've always worked alone. In the absence of another person who could sway you or your thoughts, the Akasha could produce predictions that were similar to your real-life behavioral principles. Decisive and principled, you were used to solving problems alone. That's why the Akasha could figure you out. But now, you've joined a team. And I believe the Akasha hasn't yet figured out the full composition of it. Our thoughts and logic have intermingled, and weaved themselves together to become a complicated, chaotic mess. Any one of us could potentially disagree with another. The Akasha lacks data on these interactions, and it's impossible for it to predict your actions in the future based on your decisions in the past. After all, there's probably a limit to just how much we can be modeled or controlled by data. So, in my opinion, you're probably safe for now.

Dehya: Makes sense to me, I agree. The Akasha is not alive, and I don't think we can be completely controlled by something without a mind of its own.

Cyno: ...Hm, is that so. I guess there are things that even the Akasha cannot calculate, and people will not be forever trapped by the past.

(Flashback ends)

Paimon: Whew... Paimon's so glad that this is settled!

Cyno: Next time, pay attention during our meetings.

Paimon: Waah, will do...

Vert: So we're safe for now.

Durandal: So we better keep it that way.

Aether: I'm confident that we can do this.

Cyno: Just remember to stay vigilant.

Paimon: Ah, footsteps!

The guards returned with a third person.

???: General Mahamatra! We were not expecting your presence here.

Luxembarbo: I'm the Security Officer of the Grand Deshret Desert District. My name is Luxembarbo.

Cyno: Mm. These are my assistants, the Travelers. They will be working with me. The construct next to them is for their work.

Paimon: Beep! Construct! Beep!

Sakura: There's more of them.

The Elfs and Higokumaru appeared and acted just like Paimon.

ELFs and Higokumaru: Beep! Construct! Beep!

Luxembarbo: What a great honor to meet you, Traveler! Your golden hair is as bright as the sun! And the rest of you! What a large group of girls you have!

Bronya: Yes. A large group of girls.

Luxembarbo: And... uh, is this the latest technology from the Akademiya...?

Aether: Nice to meet you, too.

Cyno: Have you made a decision regarding the matter I mentioned to your subordinate?

Luxembarbo: It seems to be a dire situation, so of course, you will have our full cooperation. To be perfectly honest, I've always longed to go on a mission with someone as well-known as yourself...

Cyno: There's no need for flattery.

Luxembarbo: Y—Yes, sir!

Cyno: Take your most elite platoon and follow me to the eastern side of the district. We will carry out the operation there.

Luxembarbo: Understood!

Cyno: *sigh* Map?

Luxembarbo: Hurry, bring the map!

A guard immediately brings over a map. Cyno circles the location of the operation on it.

Cyno: In two days, we will engage Rahman's Eremites, and capture all of them. Any questions about the time or location?

Luxembarbo: None at all, sir.

Cyno: Good. See you then.

Luxembarbo: Yes, sir!

The three men leave.

Paimon: Maybe hanging around the General Mahamatra isn't so bad after all! Everyone's so respectful towards us.

Aether: Yeah, it does feel pretty good.

Sakura: He's great.

Cyno: This is all due to the absolute authority of the Akademiya. And now, we're going to strike back against that massive pillar of power.

Cyno: ...Get ready. We will move out in two days.

Cyno leaves.

Vert: Let's make those sages pay for everything they've done.

Neptune: Yeah, lets make those sages pay!

Everyone: Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Let's go trash those sages!

Mei: We've got a Goddess to save and a Harbinger to kill.

(Two days later)

Paimon: It's time for the operation. Let's go meet Cyno in the desert!

Vert: Let's go!

Mei: Time to make them pay!

(East side of the desert)

Paimon: Look! Over there! Our helpers have arrived already! Let's hurry over!

Cyno: Wait a moment.

Paimon: Waaah! It's you!

Cyno: You're my assistants, remember?

Theresa: Yes we are.

Aether: Yes, we remember.

Cyno: Being my assistants, you must stay with me. Now, let's head over there.

Gaete: It's General Mahamatra and his assistants!

Luxembarbo: We meet again!

Cyno: You're here early.

Luxembarbo: It's to show how important we think this operation is. Since this is a big case for the Akademiya, we are prepared to give it our best.

Cyno: I'm glad to hear your sense of resolve. Remember, we must capture them alive. They are our only leads for the case. If they die, we will be unable to continue the investigation.

Luxembarbo: Understood!

Gaete: Everyone! The Eremites are approaching from the west!

Luxembarbo: Make preparations and be ready for combat!

The Ermites arrive.

Luxembarbo: Halt!

Rahman: Oh? What a warm welcome. What do you want? Judging from those shiny weapons in your hands, it seems like you're not interested in a deal?

Cyno: Rahman, the Akademiya has caught wind of your smuggling and illicit sales. If you value your life, I advise you to surrender.

Rahman: Who're you supposed to be? A Matra from the Akademiya? Hah, I can't believe you came all this way just to catch us...

Cyno: I'm not here to talk.

Rahman: ... Nobody's given me this much time of day since I became a mercenary. Brothers! For that slight, let's wash our blades with their blood! Let's show them we Eremites are not to be messed with!

Durandal: Remember. Alive. No killing.

Altera: Alright.

So they fought against the Ermites and did not kill them. Only knocked them out and spilled no blood.

Cyno: It's over!

Rahman: Aghhh!

Gaete: We have subdued them! The operation is now over, all Eremite mercenaries and related personnel in the area have been arrested!

Rahman: Argh! You pitiful Dendro Archon dogs... You'll regret this!

Cyno: Hmph, I'm afraid you'll regret it first.

Rahman: King Deshret will curse you, and you will all...

Cyno: Silence!

Cyno punches Rahman.

Rahman: Oh! Uh...

Luxembarbo: Restrain them and take them back to Caravan Ribat! Count their numbers and send them to the Akademiya as instructed by the General Mahamatra!

Gaete: Yes, sir!

The guards escort a furious-looking Rahman and the others away...

Luxembarbo: Mahamatra Cyno, I will now take my leave. If you need further assistance, please come to Caravan Ribat and ask for me.

Cyno: Understood. You are dismissed.

Luxembarbo leave with the other men.

Paimon: There they go...

Cyno: Let's talk elsewhere.

They find a safe place free of potential eavesdroppers and begin their conversation. The servants had to make sure that no one was watching them.

Paimon: This part of the plan went really well!

Cyno: Yes. Things went perfectly.

Paimon: That's fantastic! And that punch you gave Rahman there sure looked convincing enough...

Cyno: Once we're done here, I'll return to Caravan Ribat and oversee the group's transport. I promise I'll get everyone into Sumeru City safely.

Aether: Thank you, Cyno.

Paimon: Yeah, you're the reason why everything went so well!

Cyno: It's not the time to celebrate yet. Hmm, I believe Dehya should already be waiting for you. Go join up with her. She will need you to introduce her to Tighnari.

Sakura: Alright. We'll go to Dehya.

Paimon: Speaking of which, is it really okay for us not to share the full plan with Tighnari? What if he'll feel miffed about it, and refuse to work with us?

Aether: I'm a little worried about that, too.

Cyno: I have a very close relationship with Tighnari. Given how well we know each other, I believe my message alone should be enough to bring him to our side. He knows I won't make jokes about things like this. If we need help, Tighnari is the best option. Get ready for the next phase of the plan. Don't keep them waiting.

Vert: Alright. We'll go. Back to Caravan Ribat we go.