View source for Paralogism

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{{Act Infobox
|image          = Story Card Interlude Chapter Act IV.png
|type           = Archon
|chapter        = Interlude Chapter
|actNum         = IV
|prev           = Inversion of Genesis
|ARReq          = 40
|archonQuestReq = [[Interlude Chapter]]: Act III - ''[[Inversion of Genesis]]''
|storyQuestReq  = [[Princeps Cretaceus Chapter]]: Act I - ''[[Traveler Observation Report]]''
|quick_start    = 28; A New Star Approaches
}}
{{Description|Greatness, created in the moment where miracles met life. Neither mundane knowledge nor earthly compassion could hope to reach that light.<br>The arrogant slither forth from the darkness, hypocrisy draped in virtue and reason, their gnashing maws devour all &mdash; brothers and mothers alike.}}
'''Paralogism''' is the fourth act of the [[Interlude Chapter]] of the [[Archon Quests]]. In order to unlock this quest line, the player must have completed {{Quest|Inversion of Genesis|showType=0}}, {{Quest|Traveler Observation Report|showType=0}} and reached Adventure Rank 40.

From the Version 5.6 update to before the Version 6.0 update, the player can use the [[Quick Start]] function after reaching Adventure Rank 28 and completing {{Quest|A New Star Approaches|showType=0}} to unlock Interlude Chapter: Act IV - ''Paralogism''.

==Quests==
# [[Crimes One and Two]]
# [[The Hunger of Many]]
# [[The Gardener]]

==Summary==
; Crimes One and Two

As a new [[Windblume Festival]] is about to come in, [[Paimon]] asks the [[Traveler]] to return to [[Mondstadt]] and celebrate the festival. As [[Mondstadt City]] is decorated accordingly, Paimon remarks that there wouldn't be any commissions around. Nonetheless, they pay a visit to [[Katheryne]], who tells them that they would find something unusual. They notice [[Beatrice]] rejecting [[Quinn]]'s offers to spend time with her. Soon after, [[Miles]] approaches the two and tells them that he had been sleepwalking recently and even found himself outside at times &mdash; checkups had not diagnosed him with any ailments. Finally, [[Donna]] remarks about when she would find the ideal man, which Paimon finds unusual as she had always been infatuated with [[Diluc]]. [[Kaeya]] passes by and she remarks that he's her type, which he picks up on and flusters her. Kaeya then walks over to the three and tells them that [[Jean]] had been looking for them when they returned, stating that the matter at hand needed to be discussed at [[Knights of Favonius Headquarters|headquaters]].

Inside, the three find [[Eula]] and two other members, who introduce themselves as [[Note]] and [[Skeiron]], the Captains of the 2nd and 3rd Company respectively. Skeiron directs them to Jean's office, who tells them that with recent events, she had called all the captains to hold a trial. While most trials were held by either the Knights or [[Church of Favonius]] themselves, this case required both groups. The Traveler then realizes that [[Albedo]] hadn't been among the captains, and Jean confirms that Albedo is the one going on trial. As they try to find out what was going on, Kaeya calls Jean over, as the trial was about to begin.

While the Traveler is worried about what Albedo was accused of, since he was their friend, Jean reassures them that the trial would be fair and just. As [[Varka]] was still out on his expedition to [[Nod-Krai]], she would oversee the proceedings before introducing [[Dahlia]], a deacon from the church who would act as assessor. With certain aspects of the case being classified, the trial would be held behind closed doors. She calls [[Hertha]] and Kaeya to the stand. Hertha explains that Albedo was accused of murder and illegal disposal of human remains, citing evidence that a witness saw him drag what was a human body eleven days ago through the southern gates. The witness, Beatrice, tailed Albedo and saw him bury a body. Albedo testifies that he was in his office that night, which Kaeya attests to since he was filing a report about [[Dragonspine]]. However, as no one else could testify his actions, the report was not convincing enough. Kaeya then asks if they had recovered the body, which they hadn't. Beatrice states that she had come to help protect the people of Mondstadt. Hertha reassures her that she's doing the right thing before revealing that evidence was found at the crime scene. Albedo then states that he had no motive to kill anyone.

Hertha then brings out the second charge; a week ago, another witness had seen Albedo dispose of a body near the Dawn Winery and Dragonspine. She calls the witness, who is revealed to be Diluc. Diluc testifies that he had been out on a stroll when he saw Albedo. Kaeya then asks if they had found a body; they did, but only found a femur and some teeth. Hertha connects the two incidents due to a golden light, presumably [[alchemy]], as a way that the remains had been dealt with. Kaeya then points out that Albedo was spending time with [[Sucrose]] in the library, which she also confirms. Hertha then asks if she had fallen asleep, and Sucrose freezes. Albedo confirms that she had fallen asleep, but still points out that no motive was given, nor the method used to dispose of the remains. Hertha finally reveals the last piece of evidence, a correspondence letter that detailed his activities. With enough proof leaning towards his implication, Jean declares Albedo guilty and has him taken away, but reassures the defendants that they could submit an appeal. Only the Traveler and Albedo knew of the letter's actual secrets, but the people of Mondstadt had yet to.

The Traveler recalls their [[Shadows Amidst Snowstorms|meeting]] with Albedo, who had revealed to them that he was actually a synthetic human created by [[Rhinedottir]]. They wonder if Albedo was performing something similar, though they are unsure of what he was doing. [[Rosaria]], who had been observing the trial, then approaches the two and tells them to meet "him" at [[Starsnatch Cliff]].

When they arrive, they find [[Venti]] and ask if he had sent the invitation. Dahlia then arrives and tells them he had done so, revealing that he was also the herald of Barbatos, and thus kept him informed of events going on in the nation. They remark about Albedo's synthetic nature and share information about the peoples' odd behavior. Venti gives them a [[Dodocommunication Device]] so they could keep in touch as they try to help Albedo.

Inside Jean's office, Eula and Skeiron voice their discontent with the outcome, believing that Albedo was innocent. Jean privately agrees with them, but insists that the verdict must be upheld. As the Traveler and Paimon come in, she reveals to them that they are to make their own investigation into the matter, knowing that they would not fail the nation in its time of need. Kaeya brings them to Albedo's office to look for evidence, discovering a secret compartment in his desk detailing an experiment and a third location in Dragonspine. The two are worried that Albedo was truly guilty and go to inform Jean, but Venti calls them. Venti is relieved to know that the people didn't know he was Rhinedottir's creation, or the consequences would be dire. They then spot Miles eavesdropping on them, and he claims to not have heard anything.

Heading to Dragonspine, they find the location marked in the notes. The hole is large enough to fit a body, but no body was present and the Traveler wonders who was responsible. Returning to the Knights of Favonius, they inform Jean of the development. Jean tells them that the remains were being investigated, telling them that if they were Mondstadt civilians, the retrial would have to be held publicly. She notices Miles eavesdropping on them yet again as the two leave.

Two days later, as the retrial takes place, the remains had been analyzed and submitted. Since the office couldn't spare anyone, Rosaria ends up presenting the evidence; the first missing person was [[Hanselmann]], a forty-six year old hunter with an injury matching that on the femur found by Diluc. Donna also testifies that she had seen Albedo dispose of a body, before Hertha reveals the evidence the Traveler had found. Albedo insists that he had not killed anyone and was exercising restraint before asking the Traveler about their investigation. The Traveler soon recalls an [[Subject Two|another Albedo]]. The Traveler testifies that the third location was different compared to the other two, and Albedo reveals that he did kill someone. He reveals that a while ago, someone had tried to eliminate him in secret, but he killed and buried them there instead. Eula supports Albedo's words, since she, [[Amber]], the Traveler and [[Bennett]] had also been there that day, and he killed a "person." Diluc retracts his testimony upon hearing this, while another Hertha arrives in the court.

The prosecuting Hertha accuses Albedo of trying to undermine her, while Albedo reveals that he had been stationed in Dragonspine to monitor [[Durin]], the dragon that [[Dvalin]] and Barbatos slew. The imposter was held in Durin's stomach. Given how the recent Hertha was more calm, Jean is inclined to believe that the new Hertha is the real one. As the other Hertha tries to profess her innocence, the new Hertha talks about a scar on her arm, which only the Knights who fought alongside her that day would know where it was. She then asks Miles, but Miles is too nervous to act. Albedo reveals that all spawns of Durin's life force could mimic others. However, acting upon its powers would cause the others to become unstable. The suspicious Hertha then has her minions fight as an all-scale attack on Mondstadt is underway. She flees the area, and Jean orders 3rd Company to pursue her.

----
; The Hunger of Many

After the trial, Albedo reveals that he and the other Knights had set up the trial before hand, knowing that an attack on the city was inevitable when Durin's remains became agitated. As they head around the city to help, they meet with Venti, who feigns incompetence to hide his identity. Upon seeing it was the Traveler and Albedo, he drops the act, and he admits that he hadn't expected so many monsters to attack. Albedo reveals that the other two "people" he killed had been consumed by the monsters, who took their identity; he killed them in response and promptly gave any leftover remains a proper burial. Since there were civilians caught in Durin's energy, the Knights had to be careful to ensure they were only dealing with the monsters. Venti uses his {{Anemo}} powers to create long-distance communicating wind currents to assist in the city's defence.

At the main gate, Diluc and Kaeya eliminate several hilichurls attempting to storm the city. [[Barbara]] heals the injured Knights, and Rosaria takes them back to the front. As the people of Mondstadt rush to defend their homes, [[Amber]] and [[Mika]] eliminate some hilichurls on the walls. Albedo reveals that the trial was planned over half a year in order to lure the imposter out. They had done so by claiming that Hertha had died on a mission and feigning ignorance in order to lower its guard. Albedo thanks the Traveler for their assistance, knowing that they would return for the festival and want to protect their friend and the nation. 

At the side gate, they find a distressed Eula, who was worried about [[Klee]]'s safety after she had run off. A few [[Ruin Machines]] arrive and attack, but Klee returns and helps them defeat the attackers. Returning to the center of the city, Jean thanks everyone for their participation. Venti also informs the group that he discovered a "child's anger" in the winds, which Albedo concludes was Durin's jealously knowing that he was no longer Rhinedottir's only child and sought to eliminate all those better than him. Venti then senses the anger near them, and Jean calls for whoever was there to reveal themselves. The person, [[Phonia]], appears, but Jean immediately questions her on her actions, since she had been missing for over half a year. As Phonia is taken into custody, Albedo reassures Jean that he'll be able to save her, as long as the operation proceeds as planned.

Inside headquarters, Albedo reveals that they were to set up a Tripartite Conference, which involves the Knights/Church of Favonius, the Anemo Archon and the [[Hexenzirkel]], which [[Varka]] had asked Venti about. Varka managed to secure their aid, which was to be used when the nation was at a time of need. He accidentally calls Varka, who was in a combat situation, before calling the Hexenzirkel up. [[Alice]] picks up the call and upon learning of Albedo's request for a formal meeting, she accepts, appearing among the group as a giant Dodoco. Albedo then asks the Traveler to head up to his office, as someone was waiting for them there.
----
; The Gardener

In the office, the two are surprised to see [[Mini Durin]], who reveals that he had gone to Mondstadt. He also reveals that as part of Albedo's plan, he would take over the deceased Durin to be revived as a human. Having learned of the counterpart he was based off of, he hopes that his pure parts could help suppress Durin's evil instincts, and he had made his choice to be a human and do something meaningful. Paimon asks if the [[Wanderer]] had also given his approval, which Durin believed he had, as he told him to "get a move on." Mini Durin is nervous, but their visit has reassured him.

Inside the [[Imaginarium Theater]], the Traveler, Albedo, Venti seat themselves on the table while Alice asks Albedo what he intends to do. Albedo states that he wishes to kill the evil Durin and requires some reagents from the Hexenzirkel; flesh of an immortal monster from [[Mare Jivari]] and part of an "embryo" left behind by Rhinedottir. Alice realizes that Albedo wishes to create life, and Albedo explains that if Durin revived at full force, he would pose a threat to all of Teyvat. Thus, he intends to kill and then resurrect him in a different form by using Mini Durin. Alice accepts the request, but tells them they must pass a trial involving the chessboard in front of them. She shrinks them down to size before the [[The Game Before the Gate|trial begins]], and they clear the first half. [[Barbeloth]] then appears and initiates the second half, turning the king and queen pieces into the Ascended King and Sublimated Queen. The Traveler and Albedo defeat the duo, passing the trial. Alice brings them back to size and hands over the reagants as promised.

Heading to Dragonspine, they arrive at [[Durin's Core]], where Albedo begins extracting its energy. The Traveler and Paimon talk to him about his views on Durin and his goals on the experiment. With the main vitals acquired from the core, they return to Mondstadt. Two days later, as the festival starts, Jean appoints Venti as the Windblume Star. He begins a song while Albedo performs his alchemic ritual, successfully turning Mini Durin human. Albedo is glad to see a personal goal achieved, and believes that Rhinedottir would be proud of his achievement. He also reveals that she had devoured [[Naberius]], the Ruler of Life, but he believes that the two are now one. As he leaves to fill out his report, Venti arrives and gives the Traveler a [[Dazzling, Mysterious Gift|gift from the Hexenzirkel]], which would open itself when the time was right. The Traveler thanks him for their assistance and offers to get him a drink, which he takes them up on.

==Characters==
{{Character Appearances|Paralogism|type=Act}}

==Achievements==
{{Achievement Topic Table|quest=Paralogism}}

==Soundtracks==
{{Soundtracks by Category Table|type=quest}}

==Trivia==
* During the [[Special Story Mode]], most [[NPC]]s are absent from Mondstadt City, despite the quest taking place during the Windblume Festival, and [[Instance]]s not used in the quest are inaccessible. Additionally, if the player has completed {{Quest|Noelle: Path to Improvement}}, the sword that Noelle accidentally embedded in the ceiling of Jean's office disappears during the Special Story Mode.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Interlude Chapter Act IV.png|Special Program Announcement
Interlude Chapter Act IV Announcement.png|Announcement
Interlude Chapter Act IV Event Menu.png|Event Menu
</gallery>

==Other Languages==
{{Other Languages
|en       = Paralogism
|zhs      = 悖理
|zhs_rm   = Bèilǐ
|zhs_tl   = Paralogism
|zht      = 悖理
|zht_rm   = Bèilǐ
|zht_tl   = Paralogism
|ja       = 背理
|ja_rm    = Hairi
|ja_tl    = Irrationality
|ko       = {{tt|배리|悖理}}<->의 순간
|ko_tl    = Moment of Paralogism
|es       = Paralogismo
|es_tl    = Paralogism
|fr       = Paralogisme
|fr_tl    = Paralogism
|ru       = Паралогизм
|ru_tl    = Paralogism
|th       = ทฤษฎีลวง
|th_rm    = Thrit-sa-di luang
|th_tl    = Deceptive Theory
|vi       = Ngộ Biện
|vi_tl    = Sophism
|de       = Fehlschlüsse
|de_tl    = Fallacies
|id       = Paralogisme
|id_tl    = Paralogism
|pt       = Paralogismo
|pt_tl    = Paralogism
|tr       = Yanılgı
|tr_tl    = Fallacy
|it       = Paralogismo
|it_tl    = Paralogism
}}

==Change History==
{{Change History|5.6}}

==Navigation==
{{Archon Quest Navbox|Interlude Chapter}}

[[es:Paralogismo]]
[[ja:背理]]
[[ru:Паралогизм]]
[[vi:Ngộ Biện]]