Dance of Death: Serpent and Scorpion is the second part in the Teyvat storyline Archon Quest Song of the Welkin Moon: Act IV - An Elegy for Faded Moonlight.
Steps[]
- Return to the Curatorium of Secrets
- Continue exploring
- Talk to Retenu
- Talk to Apepi
- Talk to Sinuhe
- Continue exploring
- Enter the unknown space
- Go to Aaru Village
- Enter the unknown space
- Talk to the advisor
- Look for the box containing the letters
- Take a look at the letters inside the box
- Bid farewell to Katayoun
- Enter the unknown space
- Continue exploring
- Talk to the Iab Chief
- Continue exploring
- Go to the entrance of the temple
Gameplay Notes[]
- During steps 2-18, the active party will be limited to a trial Nefer.
- Completing this quest will grant the Wonders of the World achievement Game of Blood and Sand.
Trial Character[]
| WL | Character & Weapon |
Talents & Artifacts | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
9 |
  Lv. 90 C3 Nefer Lv. 90 R3 Reliquary of Truth |
|
 Max HP: 19,624 ATK: 1,465 DEF: 1,103 Elemental Mastery: 595 Crit Rate: 69.1% Crit DMG: 239.5% Energy Recharge: 152.5% |
|
|
Dialogue[]
Quest DescriptionBy means of a special ceremony, you finally learn about the "Rächer of Solnari" Rerir's past.
- (Continues from previous quest)
- Nefer: Everyone, I'm back. Can I get a standing ovation?
- Paimon: Nefer! How are you holding up? Feeling okay?
- Jahoda: Pff, she's fine! Boss is a pro.
- Nefer: Yes, I'm fine.
- Nefer: You will have seen the events of Rerir's life through my thoughts. It's now clear that he is just a regular nobody driven by personal tragedy, as he said himself.
- Lauma: I mostly agree. There's only so much we can know about him from his memories alone, but they did give us a clear glimpse into his life in Khaenri'ah...
- Lauma: However, I would not consider Rerir to be a "nobody." He was deeply involved in the events of that era. Yet, when the catastrophe of a generation strikes, nobody is safe.
- Nefer: Sounds to me like you're speaking in riddles again. Is this you urging me not to abandon the people of Nod-Krai in their hour of need?
- Lauma: That's not what I meant, although I do hope you choose to remain a part of the plan. Without you, the mission ahead will be all but impossible.
- Nefer: Then try to remember that I respond better to the carrot than the stick. And I don't appreciate being bossed around.
- Nefer: Now, as for you, missy... You were excellent. You stuck to the rules of the ceremony and kept your mouth shut the entire time. Bravo.
- Jahoda: Cool — so can you fill me in on the deets now? Most of what I saw went right over my head...
- Nefer: Patience, you'll hear the whole story, don't you worry. But let's meet up with the others first — it will save me narrating it twice.
- Nefer: Jahoda?
- Jahoda: Yes, Boss! Lemme get that door for ya...
- Nefer: That's more like it. For a moment there, I was worried you'd forgotten about the first clause of your employment contract.
- Lauma: Forgive my curiosity, but... what does the first clause say...?
- Jahoda: It says I gotta do the annoying stuff that boss is too lazy to do for herself. Like, opening the door, pouring the tea, yadda-yadda.
- Lauma: Is that right...?
- Nefer: ...If something is in the contract, it's because she willingly agreed to it. Rest assured that the Curatorium abides by the very strictest of labor policies. You don't seriously think I'm cruel enough to treat her like my slave?
- Nefer: In any case, I've hardly shied away from my share of the work today. Hmph, hope I don't catch Flins and Varka lounging about in their chairs, enjoying a leisurely cup of tea...
- Nefer: There's nothing I dislike more than other people enjoying themselves while I'm hard at work...
- (Nefer notices something as they approach the door out of the secret room)
- Nefer: ...!
- Nefer: Oh no...
- (Nefer finds herself amidst a sandstorm in the desert with Lauma, Jahoda, and the Traveler)
- Lauma: Sorry to disturb you, but we seem to have run into some trouble.
- Nefer: Evidently so. Don't worry, I'm not about to leave you to fend for yourselves. I'm not that kind of boss, and it would go against the Curatorium's labor policy.
- Lauma: Um... I'm sorry?
- Lauma: What did you hear me say? I wasn't talking about labor policy.
- Nefer: ...Wait...
- Nefer: ...How long have I been standing here?
- (Traveler): Not long. You just appeared by the door a moment ago.
- Nefer: ...
- Jahoda: Boss, what's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost...
- Nefer: We've been tricked. We never left at all... Somehow, I hallucinated that whole scene back inside the office.
- Jahoda: Hallucinated!? But how?
- Nefer: How indeed... This place should heed my will alone. All thoughts and actions that occur in here are just a result of pawns moving across the chessboard in a carefully calculated manner. And nobody has access to this chess set but me...
- Lauma: So you control everything in here?
- Nefer: More or less. But yes, it's a special technique of mine.
- (Traveler): Has anything like this ever happened before?
- Nefer: Only once. It was the first time I used the chess set.
- Lauma: Is there any similarity between what happened then and what's happening now?
- Nefer: Hmm... I suppose my thoughts are a little turbulent, which was also the case my first time.
- Jahoda: Is there anything I can do to help?
- Nefer: The first clause of your contract clearly states that I only need your help with things that I'm too lazy to do myself.
- Lauma: Meaning, you're not feeling lazy right now?
- Nefer: Meaning, this is not something Jahoda can help with. The chess set is a personal treasure that I alone understand. I must be the one to find our way out of here.
- Jahoda: Boss, it's fine, really! Let me do something useful!
- Nefer: Ah, listen to you... Whatever would I do without you, Jahoda?
- Jahoda: What? Really?
- Nefer: Yes, really. Where would I ever find another employee as obedient and servile as you? God forbid anything ever happens to you.
- Jahoda: Uh, o—okay...
- Jahoda: ...Well anyway, I was thinking of fetching some water. There's gotta be a source around here somewhere.
- Jahoda: I suggest everyone finds someplace comfortable to take a rest. We gotta conserve our energy.
- Jahoda: Even though all this chess malarkey doesn't exist in a physical sense, mentally speaking it's all real — and so is our tiredness and fatigue.
- Jahoda: You don't wanna dismiss mental fatigue! Just because it isn't physical doesn't mean it's any less serious. But anyway, I got your backs, so don't worry about a thing.
- Nefer: Don't I have the best employees? Jealous much?
- Lauma: If we can find a suitable time, I'd love to borrow Jahoda for a day to help out at the Frostmoon Scions. Would you be amenable to that, Boss Nefer?
- Nefer: Hahaha. Oh, Lauma... Have I ever told you just how pretty you are? Beauty runs from the tips of your antlers... to the depths of your imagination.
- Nefer: Time to rally, everyone. Follow me.
- Nefer: As we continue our journey, the same rules will apply. That means stay focused and no talking, no matter what we encounter. And don't disturb the chess pieces.
- Nefer: You have my word that I will get us all out of here.
Quest DescriptionBy means of a special ceremony, you finally learn about the "Rächer of Solnari" Rerir's past.
Now all that's left is to leave this place.
Now all that's left is to leave this place.
- (If the player exits Special Story Mode after this step)
Enter the unknown space
- (The player returns to the special story mode)
- (Approach the marked location)
-
- (Nefer approaches a desert village)
- Nefer: (This place looks familiar... That's not a good sign.)
- Nefer: (There's someone up ahead. Time for a little chat.)
- (Approach Retenu)
- Retenu: Wasn't expecting visitors at this hour... Wait, is that...?
- Nefer: (Oh... it's him...)
- Retenu: There you are! Sinuhe's been looking for you all day, I think he has some news for you.
- Nefer (Young): Oh yeah? What were you doing just now, Uncle Retenu? Hiding away some more loose change? Hee-hee, I know I saw some Mora.
- Retenu: What do you mean, "loose change"? Come on, I'm too old for this. Just pretend you saw nothing.
- (Approach Apepi)
- Apepi: Hey kid, mind telling me what Sinuhe's been up to recently? I'm trying to get in his good books and I need a way in!
- Nefer (Young): Get in his good books? Why? What do you want with my dad, Uncle Apepi?
- Apepi: I've written a new song. I was hoping to showcase it at the next festival, but I'll need his approval.
- Nefer (Young): A new song, huh? I'd love to stay and listen, but unfortunately Uncle Retenu says my dad's looking for me.
- Apepi: Hahaha, well, there's plenty of time, and I'm not going anywhere. See that pile of stones? I'll be sitting there, warming up my vocal chords. Come find me when you're done.
- Nefer (Young): Pile of stones. Got it.
- (Approach Sinuhe)
- Nefer (Young): Hi, Dad! Uncle Retenu said you were looking for me.
- Sinuhe: Ah, there's my little princess! If you'd gotten back just a little sooner, you could've shared the spoils of war with me.
- Nefer (Young): Spoils of war? Who were you fighting against, Dad?
- Sinuhe: Hahaha, it was just a figure of speech. The aftermath of a sandstorm is no time to be waging war.
- Sinuhe: I was talking about our war against thirst. I went out to fix our water supply problem — and now I'm back, which means...
- Nefer (Young): We have a well again!
- Sinuhe: That's right! I found a new one and brought back as much water as I could carry. It should last us for a good while.
- Nefer (Young): *sigh* If it wasn't for these blasted sandstorms, our wells wouldn't be caving in, and you wouldn't be spending all your time out searching for new water sources.
- Sinuhe: As the chief of our tribe, I'm supposed to be leading us out of hardship and poverty, onto better things.
- Sinuhe: You know how prosperous our ancestors were. I've told you all the stories... And look at us now, squeezed into these hovels. No one would choose this if it wasn't for the endless wars over the years.
- Sinuhe: ...But things are looking up. I started working with some folks from the Akademiya a few months back. They gave me some contacts in return for my assistance in the desert.
- Nefer (Young): So you're the Akademiya's helper now?
- Sinuhe: Special ambassador, they call it. Think of it as a partnership.
- Sinuhe: It's nothing bad, okay? We've been isolated here in the desert for too long. Seeking opportunities elsewhere is the best thing for us, and the fastest way to progress.
- Nefer (Young): So... Do you get anything good out of being a special ambassador?
- Sinuhe: Of course! My luck's improving all the time. One day, I swear I'm gonna lead us out of this place. We'll find somewhere new, somewhere better.
- (Approach the battlefield)
- Angry Uproar: That's our well, and you know it! You stole from us! Hmph, well you've gone from chief to thief, and now you have to face the consequences!
- Angry Uproar: Did you really think you could take our water without permission and get away with it? You're either brave, stupid, or both!
- Angry Uproar: And that "special ambassador" act? Yeah, nice try! We spoke to the Akademiya. They said it was all news to them!
- Angry Uproar: You're a liar and a cheat!
- Nefer: ...
- Nefer: (I heard Jahoda gasp... But I don't blame her. Most people are terrified by the sight of blood.)
- Nefer: (Corpses strewn across the ground... The wounds are clearly from scimitars and daggers — the desert-dwellers' weapons of choice.)
- Nefer: (There's a handwritten note on the ground. Let's see what it says.)
- A Handwritten Letter: Haleel, this is Sinuhe, chief of the Shimti tribe. Surely, you remember me? I was the one who helped you and your colleagues avoid the quicksand in the desert.
- A Handwritten Letter: "This is my second time writing to you. I assume my last letter must have gotten lost in the mail, as I didn't receive a reply. I hope this one makes it to you safely."
- A Handwritten Letter: I'm writing to you because I need some help. That sandstorm the other day completely blocked up our well, forcing me to look for another water source in Iab and Unut territory. It was a matter of survival.
- A Handwritten Letter: Praise the gods — the well of the Iab tribe was intact. It was my last resort... I drew what water I could and left, but not without being spotted. I fear they will retaliate.
- A Handwritten Letter: You told me to write to you if I ever needed help. You said you'd be my ally in the Akademiya.
- A Handwritten Letter: I urgently need you to formally recognize my title of special ambassador and send some of your people to assist me for a few days. It's the only way I can convince them that this was the Akademiya's decision and prevent them from retaliating.
- A Handwritten Letter: This is an emergency. Please send help as soon as possible.
- Nefer: (Looks like this letter never got sent.)
- Nefer: (The writer died a grisly death, and the letter was trampled into the ground. It's badly defaced — some parts are barely legible.)
- Nefer: (...What a ridiculous lie the surviving Shimti tell. Their whole village was butchered over a sip of water.)
- (The time advances to several years later)
- Uncle Anpu: Ah, officer! Welcome, welcome to our humble village...
- Mahamata: I thought you would at least have the courtesy to provide some respectable libations.
- Uncle Anpu: This is the finest wine Aaru Village has to offer, I promise...
- Mahamata: Hmph...
- Mahamata: The Akademiya has agreed to reserve a single space for a candidate from your village. But I remain skeptical of this entire endeavor. I highly doubt anyone in this desert possesses serious academic potential.
- Uncle Anpu: Please, have faith! If not in us, then in our god... The child we found shows great promise. I beg you, take her away from this place... Give her a chance. Don't let her talent go to waste.
- Mahamata: Hmm... I don't recognize her. New arrival?
- Uncle Anpu: She showed up here a few days ago, and we took her in. She's a really bright kid. Please help... I'm begging you.
- Mahamata: So. Where are you from?
- ???: Nowhere special. Just a sand dune.
- Mahamata: What about the rest of your family? How many of you are there?
- ???: Just the one.
- Mahamata: It's only you?
- ???: Correct.
- Mahamata: So no brothers, no sisters? No mother or father?
- ???: Any who have slept on a bed of sand, I call my brothers and my sisters. Apart from that, I have no family.
- Mahamata: *sigh* Alright.
- Mahamata: Get over here. Sign your name on the form.
- Mahamata: ...Nefer? Hm. You're rather fair-skinned for a desert-dweller.
- (The time advances again, and Nefer is now at the House of Daena)
- (Approach Manetho)
- Manetho: Nefer, this term's assignments have been issued already. Please read through the materials thoroughly, conduct your own additional research, and then write an essay on the topic.
- Nefer: Yes, Professor. I'm aware. I just had a couple more questions I wanted to get your perspective on.
- Manetho: Oh? Please, ask away.
- Nefer: Well... I saw the other students' problem sheets, and I couldn't help but notice that my assignment is much easier than theirs. Do you really think I'm a weak student?
- Manetho: A weak student? Goodness, no — quite the opposite. You have a sharp mind... almost too sharp.
- Nefer: I think what you're saying is, a weak student wouldn't have noticed the discrepancy — and if they did, they certainly wouldn't complain about the lighter workload.
- Manetho: You see? Sharp as they come. You see things the way they are, and I'm sure you know why they're like that...
- Nefer: Because of where I come from. Because I'm different.
- Manetho: *sigh*...
- Manetho: I'm sorry Nefer. I don't like it any more than you do, it's just...
- Manetho: ...Anyway. You said you had a couple of questions, what's the other one?
- Nefer: ...
- Nefer: I wanted to check — if someone sent me a letter to the Akademiya, where do I go to collect it?
- Manetho: Ah, your family wrote to you? Well, as long as they put your name on the envelope, someone should hand it right to you.
- Nefer: Not exactly. It's not even a recent letter... I was just curious where the mail would end up if no one collects it.
- Manetho: The House of Daena, I expect. I know there's a box for unclaimed mail somewhere in there — probably sitting on a shelf.
- Manetho: Whatever you're looking for, that'd be the place to start.
- Nefer: Okay, got it. Thank you, Professor.
- Manetho: Don't mention it. Honestly, I... I feel like I've failed you. I'm supposed to be your teacher, but I haven't taught you anything.
- Nefer: Hey, don't say that.
- Nefer: You're a great teacher, and you do your best for all your students... But the rules are the rules. You're not allowed to teach students like me.
- Nefer: It's not just the Akademiya, either. The whole world bends over backwards for the successful, and leaves the losers to suffer and die.
- Manetho: Oh, my dear child... Don't tell me you've given up on life already?
- Nefer: I haven't. I just think that if you want to make it in this world, you have to find a way to become successful.
- (Interact with the box)
- Nefer: This must be it. A big cardboard box full of unclaimed mail. And probably some letters that ended up here by mistake, too.
- Nefer: Let's take a look.
- (Sit in the chair)
- Nefer: ...
- (Nefer reads the first letter)
- Nefer: A dilapidations survey from Port Ormos... Looks like it's from a Corps of Thirty representative. What a strange thought... a bunch of mercs losing sleep over run-down buildings.
- Nefer: This one was never even opened. I guess the recipient didn't care what the Corps of Thirty had to say about anything.
- Nefer: Who was it addressed to...? Hmm, I don't recognize the name. But it must've been a Kshahrewar professor.
- (Nefer grabs the next letter)
- Nefer: This one is addressed to the Amurta sage. The title is, "Changes Observed in Satyavada Life Symptoms"... Why do all these letters read like full-blown dissertations?
- (Nefer reads the letter)
- Letter Contents: Ahem... "Guided by the incense, we became lost somewhere in the forest. All the barriers between levels of consciousness disappeared as our minds soared around in circles, looking for a branch to seek refuge on..."
- Letter Contents: In clinical terms, these symptoms fit the description of incense poisoning. The Amurta Darshan strictly prohibits the use of hallucinogenic substances, but I believe there are still people getting away with it.
- Letter Contents: For example, my neighbor, who always breaks out into song and dance after using incense...
- Nefer: This seems like something the Akademiya would want to know about. Why wasn't it collected?
- Nefer: Wait... What's this written on the back? It's so small...
- Nefer: The note says: "The sender authored this letter while under the influence of mushrooms. I would send it back, but no return address was provided." Stamped by the Grand Conservator of the House of Daena.
- Nefer: ...
- (Nefer grabs the next letter)
- Nefer: This next one is addressed to... Grand Sage Azar?
- (Nefer reads the letter)
- Letter Contents: A Few Words of Protest Regarding Recent Changes in Sumeru's Educational Policy
- Letter Contents: In recent years, the Akademiya has taken on a small number of students from the desert region, as per the policy to this effect.
- Letter Contents: However, it appears to me that these students have not, in fact, been provided with educational opportunities that are, in any meaningful sense, equal to those enjoyed by their peers.
- Letter Contents: As well as receiving dumbed-down assignments and perfunctory tutoring, they do not even have full access to the Akasha System!
- Letter Contents: Education is the fundamental purpose of this institution, which should go without saying in a nation whose founding virtues are knowledge and wisdom. I ask you, is the lip service we pay to the policy of education for desert students truly the standard of pedagogy to which the Akademiya aspires?
- Letter Contents: As Grand Sage, policy decisions are your prerogative. But do not forget your roots. You and I were once students too, as was everyone else in this institution.
- Letter Contents: I do hope you will give some serious attention to this matter. I encourage you to discuss issues like this with myself and others, and listen to some alternative opinions.
- Nefer: Great letter. Shame it didn't get to where it needed to go.
- Nefer: And the sender is... Huh? Sage Cyrus of Spantamad?
- Nefer: Haha. I didn't realize anyone else even knew how bad students like me have it in this place.
- Nefer: So this is where letters from the sage of Spantamad end up? Nice one, Grand Sage. Really enlightened leadership.
- Nefer: Whatever — this isn't what I came here for. Moving on...
- Nefer: I'm not exactly holding out hope that a letter sent from the desert would even make it here. But if it did, where else would it end up if not in this box?
- Nefer: I can't believe how much discarded mail there is... Must have been years since someone last went through it all. And this is just one box — the whole House of Daena is boxes on shelves...
- Nefer: I don't believe for one second that any human being has sat down and read through all the documents in this place. Who has that much free time on their hands?
- (Nefer grabs the next letter)
- Nefer: ...Wait! Could this be it?
- (Nefer reads the letter)
- A Plain Letter: Least fancy envelope in the box, written on crude-quality paper...
- A Plain Letter: And of course it would be right at the bottom of the pile. Clearly, no one gave this letter so much as a first glance, let alone a second.
- A Plain Letter: The handwriting on the envelope looks very familiar.
- Letter Contents: Greetings, Haleel. My name is Sinuhe, chief of the Shimti tribe. I was the one who came to you and your colleagues' aid when you ran into trouble in the Great Red Sand.
- Letter Contents: I don't know how well you remember it now, but I brought you to safety and gave you some water and other supplies. You seemed very pleased, and told me your name.
- Letter Contents: In my tribe, learning a person's true name is serious business, and I therefore see you all as friends. You were kind enough to leave your contact details so we could stay in touch.
- Letter Contents: The Shimti tribe lives a harsh nomadic existence in the desert. You were sympathetic towards my plight, promising to make me a special ambassador of the Akademiya and help us find a way to make a better living.
- Letter Contents: This brings me to my reason for writing. Our tribe has fallen on particularly hard times, and I would like to ask for your assistance.
- Letter Contents: There was a terrible sandstorm a few days ago which blocked up the well in our land. To ensure my people's survival, I had no choice but to venture into Iab and Unut territory in search of an alternate water source.
- Letter Contents: "The Iab and Unut are descended from the Thamudians, while we trace our ancestry to Tulaytullah. We worship the Lord of Flowers and have had relatively good relations with our fellow tribes up until now."
- Letter Contents: I found a well belonging to the Iab tribe. They declined to help us, but I really had no other option — so I took some water to keep me and my tribe alive. My actions are certain to incur their wrath.
- Letter Contents: When we met, you assured me that you would be my ally in the Akademiya. I would like to take you up on that offer, because I really need your help. I wonder if you could send an Akademiya representative to meet with me?
- Letter Contents: That aside — the last time you were here, you mentioned that the Akademiya had started accepting students from the desert, and I told you a little about my daughter, Nefer.
- Letter Contents: We have next to no resources here in the desert, and my power and influence are limited. Would you consider enrolling my daughter at the Akademiya? She is a smart girl — I know she won't disappoint you.
- Nefer: ...
- Nefer: From the outset, the Akademiya never took you seriously. Those things they promised were just empty words... I doubt they even remember the name "Sinuhe."
- Nefer: And you were so emphatic that your luck had finally changed for the better...
- Nefer: ...You swore you'd lead us to a better place one day. You spoke with such conviction, like you were the most powerful chief in the whole desert...
- Nefer: You liar... You lied about everything! You promised the world and delivered on none of it!
- Nefer: And who fell for it? Just me, by the looks of it. Despite your best efforts.
- Nefer: Which makes you a pathetic liar. You weren't even any good at it...
- Nefer: ...I think I'll take over from here. Let me show you how it's done.
- (Approach Katayoun)
- Nefer: I just came to say goodbye. Thanks for everything you've done for me in my time here.
- Katayoun: Nefer? You... You've packed your bags... Where are you going?
- Nefer: I'm quitting. Something's come up in my hometown. Gonna head back and deal with it.
- Katayoun: Huh? But...
- Katayoun: But this was a hard-won opportunity for you... You know that better than I do.
- Nefer: It was. But it doesn't matter — I have more important things to deal with, and they can't wait.
- Nefer: Oh — and I didn't want to overfill my bags, so I left some incense on your desk.
- Katayoun: ...
- Nefer: What's wrong? I thought you liked incense? Although, I did read somewhere in the House of Daena that it has hallucinogenic effects... Don't use it all at once, alright?
- Katayoun: Isn't this the stuff you brought from your hometown? ...You're just letting me have it? But you said it's a rare and valuable commodity...
- Nefer: Yeah, about that...
- Nefer: ...I lied. It's not rare at all. There's this bunch of ruins near my hometown that are practically overgrown with this plant.
- Nefer: It's not worth much. Keep it, it's fine.
- Katayoun: But, Nefer...
- Nefer: Alright, that's all from me. You take care.
- Katayoun: Don't forget me, okay? I mean... We're more than just classmates, right? We're friends!
- Nefer: Yeah. I'll remember you.
- Nefer: (I lied again. That incense is worth a fortune, and it's a rare find even in those ruins.)
- Nefer: (And as for remembering her... I have far too much to do when I get back. No time to reminisce.)
- Nefer: (...I'll be lucky if I even make it through this alive. But either way, I expect I'll forget you pretty quickly.)
- (The player is teleported back to the desert)
- (Approach the tribe)
- Nefer: It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Arif.
- Arif: So. What does the Akademiya want? Since they've sent their special ambassador, I assume there's a big business deal to be made? If not... I'd be very disappointed.
- Nefer: Please sir, lower your blade. You're lucky I'm the one they sent. Not all special ambassadors share my... admiration for the Iab people.
- Nefer: The ever-shifting balance of power in the desert reduced the once-great civilizations of this region to rubble and sand. But the story of the Iab has a very different trajectory. Others grew weak, but you grew strong, beginning in obscurity and moving to prosperity. You're the only ones who defied the trend.
- Arif: Huh. So you do know who you're dealing with.
- Nefer: This well is the perfect symbol of your strength, is it not? It used to belong to the Unut, but it looks like you have control over it now.
- Arif: You're not wrong. But I'm sure you didn't come all this way just to flatter us.
- Nefer: Of course not. I came to bring you some very good news — some information that recently came to light, which might just be your ticket to freedom.
- Nefer: Records uncovered by the Vahumana Darshan show that a certain well currently under Iab control is built on top of some ancient ruins. These ruins are of great archaeological interest to the Akademiya.
- Nefer: I checked the map carefully on my way over here, and I'm confident that this is the well in question. The Akademiya is offering fifty million Mora in return for excavation rights.
- Arif: F—Fifty million!?
- Arif: No, wait.. If these ruins are as important as you say, fifty million's a little low, don't you think?
- Nefer: Don't get greedy, Iab!
- Nefer: We know far more than you think. We know that you seized this well by force. Wasn't that the first step in your rise to power? To drive away the Unut and steal their water supply?
- Arif: Tsk... So what if it was?
- (The tribespeople begin to surround Nefer)
- Nefer: Don't worry. As unscrupulous as it was, it's something we're willing to overlook. The Akademiya is only interested in dealing with the de facto power holders in the region.
- Nefer: I hope I am making myself clear.
- Arif: And I hope your words are the truth. If I find out the Akademiya is trying to play me, I'll hunt down every one of your people and make you watch as I cut their heads off one by one...
- Nefer: Hahaha... I assure you, Chief, that would not be in your long-term interests. You don't want to make an enemy of the Akademiya.
- Nefer: You see how I'm dressed, don't you? I appreciate that you've never been to the rainforest, but surely even you recognize an ambassador's attire when you see it?
- Nefer: And what does a barbarian like you have to lose anyway? Hahaha... You really think the Sumeru Akademiya would bother to come all this way just to lie to you? We have more important things to worry about.
- Arif: ...Hmph.
- Arif: Alright, I take your point. The Akademiya is the highest authority in the land. I'm sure you're trustworthy people.
- Arif: In that case... hehe, we have a deal. We will sell you the excavation rights.
- Arif: I'd like to thank you, Ambassador. This is good news indeed — excellent news! In fact, it calls for a celebration! Would you do us the honor of staying a while and enjoying some Iab hospitality?
- Nefer: Gladly. I am partial to wine myself... and I trust you are as well.
- Nefer: So let's indulge in a few drinks together... in celebration of this momentous occasion.
- Elated, the Iab drink the night away. The prospect of their new wealth is almost as intoxicating as the wine.
- But when the new day dawns, it brings some shocking news...
- Iab Tribesperson: Chief! Chief, it's an emergency!
- Iab Tribesperson: It's the Unut, they've... they've taken the well!
- Arif: What!?
- Arif: Well, don't just stand there! Take it back!
- Iab Tribesperson: Yes, Chief!
- Nefer: I have every confidence in the Iab's military superiority. And yet...
- Arif: What is it?
- Nefer: The Unut's response was alarmingly fast. The day after we reach a deal, they seize the well? This can't be a coincidence... Perhaps there is a traitor in your midst.
- Arif: Uh... I—I don't think so...
- Nefer: I am obliged to remind you, Chief, that the Akademiya will only deal with the de facto power holders. If you cannot regain control over the well, I'm afraid you won't see a single Mora of that fifty million.
- Arif: No! Please, Ambassador, just give me some time. I swear, the Unut will not get away with this!
- Arif: That well is ours, and so is the Mora!
- Nefer: Glad to hear it. I will wait here for an update.
- Arif: If there is a traitor... I will find them. In the meantime, make yourself at home. I'll report back as soon as I have an update.
- Nefer: Hehe. Much obliged.
- Nefer: (Wow. All it took was a few words, and I've got him wrapped around my finger... What an amazing feeling.)
- Nizar: So in summary, Ambassador, the Akademiya would rather negotiate with our tribe instead of the Iab, yes?
- Nefer: The Iab are ruthless murderers who don't listen to reason. And now they have the gall to interfere in our research projects in the desert region.
- Nefer: So let me ask you, Chief. If you were the Akademiya, what would you do?
- Nizar: Kill them all, of course.
- Nefer: Precisely. The Akademiya does not tolerate those who stand in our way. The Iab have held back our academic pursuits for too long, and our patience is wearing thin.
- Nefer: At the same time, there is simply no way that the Akademiya can be seen to be intervening in desert affairs. I'm sure you understand where I'm coming from.
- Nizar: We have our own rules out here. If the rainforest-dwellers raised arms against a desert tribe, you'd start a bloody war.
- Nefer: Right. We can't confront them ourselves, but we can support their enemies. The Unut have always had strained relations with the Iab, which makes you our natural allies.
- Nefer: ("Natural allies." Hah...)
- Nefer: (Weren't the Iab your allies once? You were quick to send them after us to protect your interests back when we "stole" that water... and now look at you. You're at each other's throats.)
- Nefer: Let me be clear: The Akademiya wishes to collaborate with the legally recognized rulers of the desert in this matter. We are asking for excavation rights to that well, and our offer is fifty million Mora.
- Nizar: ...Say no more. I believe we have an understanding.
- Nefer: Good — then I suggest you get to work. Get us access to that well, and the Mora's yours.
- Nefer: (You see, dad? Lying is easy when you know how. People will believe anything.)
- (Approach the battlefield)
- Nefer: ...
- (Nefer approaches the battlefield to see both tribes fallen)
- Nefer: Hehehe... Hahahaha, ahahahahaha!
- Nefer: Look at yourselves! You may be vile, savage monsters, but your butchered bodies bleed like any others... You're no different. You're nothing special at all.
- Nefer: The monsters who destroyed my home... they're just ordinary, petty human beings. What a joke!
- Nefer: Hahaha! I think we're even now.
- Nefer: Maybe I've even done the desert a favor. It's a better place without all these people around.
- Nefer: Oh, Sinuhe, my gullible fool of a father... Perhaps if you'd been as ruthless as I was today, our tribespeople would still be alive. In this dog-eat-dog world, a chief needs to be tough to survive.
- Nefer: ...But you couldn't do what had to be done. So I did it for you.
- (Lauma from the present speaks up)
- Lauma: Nefer, it's okay... All of this is in the past now.
- Nefer: I believe I remember you promising to remain silent.
- Jahoda: Yeah, but even so...
- Nefer: ...Heh.
- Lauma: (Jahoda, is there anything you can do to ease the tension?)
- (You got this, Jahoda! It's your time to shine!)
- Jahoda: (Alright, time for a sharp turn onto a completely different topic!)
- Jahoda: So, um... anyway! That's enough of that. When are we getting out of this place?
- Jahoda: Feels like we've been walking forever! I'm getting pretty tired. Lauma? You tired?
- Lauma: Yes. If we can find somewhere to sit down, I could certainly do with a rest.
- Nefer: It's not far now. There should be a temple just up ahead.
- Is this situation about to reach a conclusion?
- Nefer: Yes.
- Jahoda: Really, a temple? That's where this story ends?
- Jahoda: Hmm... I guess that's how things go in the desert.
- I've been to a similar place with a friend from the desert before.
- Nefer: Desert-dwellers can never escape their destiny — or so everyone says. I never wanted to believe it, but looking back now... I'm as desert as they come.
- Lauma: You mentioned a temple. What's waiting for us there?
- Nefer: My biggest trade secret of all.
- Lauma: Ah... Then I'm guessing it's where you got your power from. The power to peer into other people's minds.
- Nefer: Huh. I didn't know you were clued up on any other religions.
- Lauma: I'm no expert in the history of Sumeru, but since you come from the desert, I would imagine it has something to do with King Deshret.
- And the Seven Pillars who served him.
- They are major figures in the desert belief system too.
- Jahoda: Sounds impressive...
- I have some friends with connections to this stuff.
- Specifically, with Hermanubis...
- Nefer: Ah, I know who you mean — General Mahamatra Cyno. The spirit of Hermanubis dwells within him.
- Jahoda: That's Boss Nef for ya! She knows everything!
- Nefer: Cyno's hardly a figure of obscurity. But I know about Sethos, too.
- Jahoda: What about him? Is he a big deal, or something?
- Nefer: Well, he's not a small deal, let's put it that way.
- You sure know your stuff.
- Nefer: Please, this is the bare-bone basics. Save the flattery.
- Nefer: Thanks for your patience, everyone — I'm sure it's been a lot to take in. With any luck, that's our exit just up ahead.
- (Approach the temple)
- Jahoda: Uh-oh, uh-oh, uh-oh...
- Jahoda: I'm totally out of my depth here. I don't have anything to add about any of this stuff. Like, look at that statue, for instance.
- Jahoda: I wanna do the whole name-dropping, this-girl-knows-her-stuff thing too, but... I've never seen anything like it before!
- Lauma: A statue with the head of a bird...
- Looks like something out of King Deshret's mausoleum...
- Nefer: That's Thoth, the Ibis King — one of the Seven Pillars of King Deshret. The legends say that he, the Crocodile King, and the Goat King were the three retainers of King Deshret.
- Nefer: Let's take a look.
- (A cinematic plays)
-
- Cutscene's Travel Log summary:
- (They approach the temple to see a cat at the top of the stairs)
- Jahoda: It's just Ashru
- Lauma: So... all is well?
- (Seeing Ashru climb down, Nefer eases up and begins to pet him)
- Nefer: Typically speaking
- Nefer: At this point, the world disintegrates
- Nefer: Then we find ourselves back in the outside world
- Nefer: Besides, these are my memories. There's nothing to fear
- Lauma: You sure?
- Nefer: Of course. It's almost over
- (Ashru's form suddenly turns into a cloud of purple mist and an Abyssal hand reaches out, gripping Nefer's throat)
- (The Traveler rushes forward to help her but is overwhelmed by the hands which quickly obscure Nefer from view)
- Lauma: Nefer!
- Jahoda: Hey!
- (Traveler): Hold on!
- (A sigil extends from the purple mist and Rerir rises from it)
- Rerir: Knowing too much...
- Rerir: Is always a death sentence
- Nefer: Speak for yourself!
- (As Rerir points two flying blades at Nefer, a burst of light comes from Dori's pendant, freeing Nefer from the hand's grasp and allowing her to escape)
- (Rerir sends flying blades at Nefer again only to be blocked from a beam of energy from above)
- Dainsleif: ...How repulsive
- (A different power comes from above, creating a teleportation field below the party)
- (Nefer takes the chance to create a tetrahedral cage around Rerir)
- (They get teleported back to the secret room where they reunite with The Damselette and Dainsleif)
- (The chess set box begins to rumble as Rerir attempts to escape from it)
- (Nefer fights back and eventually imprisons him inside)
- (Cinematic ends)
- (Continues to Echoes of Fate)
Gallery[]
Cutscene Animation- "End of the Story" - Genshin Impact
Other Languages[]
| Language | Official Name | Literal Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| English | Dance of Death: Serpent and Scorpion | — |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 蛇与蝎的亡命舞 Shé yǔ Xiē de Wángmìng-wǔ | Desperate Dance of Serpent and Scorpion |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 蛇與蠍的亡命舞 Shé yǔ Xiē de Wángmìng-wǔ | |
| Japanese | 蛇と蠍の舞 Hebi to Sasori no Mai | Dance of Serpent and Scorpion |
| Korean | 뱀과 전갈의 춤 Baemgwa Jeon'garui Chum | |
| Spanish | Danza mortal de serpientes y escorpiones | Deadly Dance of Serpents and Scorpions |
| French | Danse funèbre du serpent et du scorpion | Funerary Dance of the Serpent and Scorpion |
| Russian | Роковой танец змеи и скорпиона Rokovoy tanets zmei i skorpiona | |
| Thai | ระบำมรณะของอสรพิษและแมงป่อง | |
| Vietnamese | Điệu Múa Của Rắn Và Bò Cạp | |
| German | Tanz des Todes zwischen Schlange und Skorpion | |
| Indonesian | Tarian Kematian Ular dan Kalajengking | |
| Portuguese | Dança da Morte: Cobra e Escorpião | |
| Turkish | Ölüm Dansı: Yılan ve Akrep | |
| Italian | Danza della morte: Serpente e Scorpione |
Change History[]
Released in Version "Luna II"
