The Kabukimono's Finale is the third part in the Teyvat storyline Archon Quest Interlude Chapter: Act III - Inversion of Genesis.
Steps[]
- Return to the Sanctuary of Surasthana
- Talk to Nahida
- Take a walk around the Grand Bazaar to clear your head
- Follow the person you just saw
- Return to the Grocery Stall
- Return to the Sanctuary of Surasthana
- Talk to Nahida
- Enter the memory
- Enter the Quest Domain: Reminiscent Drift
- Examine your environment
- Keep exploring
- View the memory
- Keep exploring
- Head towards the next memory
- Defeat the opponent(s)
- Wave 1:
- Wave 2:
- Head towards the next memory
- Examine your environment
- View the memory
- Continue exploring
- Defeat the opponent(s)
Everlasting Lord of Arcane Wisdom — The Omen at Memory's End
- The player is only required to defeat its first phase, with the Energy Blocks and Elemental Matrix mechanics disabled.
- Talk to The Balladeer
- Leave the memory
Gameplay Notes[]
- Starting from Step 19, the party will be restricted to only a trial Wanderer. The trial Wanderer will revive once if fallen.
- Step 3 may be blocked by the first step of Shade Upon Red Silk because of the shared location.
- Completing Step 2 will grant the Wonders of the World achievement Parinama: Fox, Cat, Bird, and Monster.
- Completing the quest grants the Wonders of the World achievement Me, Myself, But Not I.
Trial Character[]
| WLWL | Character & Weapon |
Talents & Artifacts | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
5 |
  Lv. 71 C3 Wanderer Lv. 71 R1 Tulaytullah's Remembrance |
|
 Max HP: 17,670 ATK: 1,608 DEF: 563 Elemental Mastery: 42 Crit Rate: 66.2% Crit DMG: 128.3% Energy Recharge: 135% |
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|
8 |
Lv. 90 C3 Wanderer Lv. 90 R1 Tulaytullah's Remembrance |
|
Max HP: 17,894 ATK: 2,043 DEF: 728 Elemental Mastery: 105 Crit Rate: 76.3% Crit DMG: 136.0% Energy Recharge: 135.0% DMG Bonus: 61.6% |
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Dialogue[]
Quest DescriptionThe information you gathered left you with a heavy heart. You decide to return to the Sanctuary of Surasthana and tell Nahida about everything you learned...
- (Use Nahida's All Schemes to Know on Sawada, optional)
- Sawada: (Asking the Traveler to help out was definitely the right call.)
- (Use Nahida's All Schemes to Know on Aqaba, optional)
- Aqaba: (I'd better make some notes and then get working on my essay.)
- (Approach the Sanctuary of Surasthana)
- Aqaba: Hey! It's them!
- Paimon: Aqaba, Sawada! You're still here?
- Are you still talking about the... "essay"?
- Sawada: Indeed we are! If you have a moment, we'd love for you to join us once more.
- Paimon: We have time. What do you wanna talk to us about?
- Sawada: The same topic we discussed last time... obviously.
- Paimon: Still looking for more info about Tatarasuna, huh? Hmm, should we join them?
- (TravelerTraveler): (Perfect. These two have researched Tatarasuna's past. Let's hear what they have to say.)
- Aqaba: Unfortunately, we haven't made any real progress...
- The article that you let me read last time was great.
- Can I read it again?
- Aqaba: Huh? Oh, uh, of course.
- (Open "A Brief Analysis of Possible Events of Historical Importance in the Tatarasuna Area")
-
- "A Brief Analysis of Possible Events of Historical Importance in the Tatarasuna Area"
- Details: This text belongs to a series of works sponsored by the Vahumana's "Veilcutter" project. It has yet to be numbered.
- Author: Aqaba
- Abstract: The Tatarasuna area has always been a major pillar of Inazuma's smithing industry. Two incidents have occurred here, and the details behind the first are vague at best. I believe, however, that there might a hidden history behind the events that transpired. Hence, this paper will attempt to analyze what may have unfolded from the available data.
- Glossary: Tatarasuna area; Raiden Gokaden; Mikoshi Nagamasa
- Introduction: This paper continues and expands the work of my mentor, Mr. Rumi, in his report on "Haply Hidden Tales of Tatarasuna," and is intended to further this avenue of research. According to the data, the blade-forging techniques of Inazuma were originally handed down from the Electro Archon, also known as the Raiden Shogun. Using the arts they inherited from their Archon, the people of Inazuma devoted themselves to the process of forging. However, strange rumors that do not quite fit the steely nature of metalwork yet linger about Tatarasuna's smelting center, which was a central pillar of the forging industry. There, the Mikoshi and Niwa Clans, along with an eccentric mechanic from abroad, serve as the three windows of insight we need to investigate the truth behind what happened.
- Body
- Strange notes from the Tatarasuna area. Their contents are as follows:
- 1
- "...Perhaps I overstep, but I think that Sir Nagamasa's mood grows better when he forges blades..."
- "...The obsession to cleanse the stain of the name 'Mikoshi' must eat at him..."
- 2
- "...The Inspector bought a certain number of Jade Steel ingots..."
- "...Sir Katsuragi discussed matters of smithing deep into the night with the Vice Armory Officer."
- 3
- "...We at last made a single nagamaki. We call it the 'Daitatara Nagamasa'..."
- "The Inspector was in high spirits, and he and the Vice Armory Officer..."
- "...Nozomu was so taken by the beauty of the Daitatara Nagamasa that he drew a picture of it..."
- 4
- "...The Inspector flew into a rage and slashed Katsuragi. The great blade cut deep into the flesh...cast his own nagamaki into the furnace's flame..."
- "...Nozomu could not abide by that order, and drew the completely melted weapon out of the furnace... He was horribly burned..."
- 5
- "...Nozomu died that night. I daresay that while Sir Katsuragi may have committed malfeasance, it was out of the goodness of his heart..."
- 6
- "...Kinjirou hid the nagamaki and Nozomu's drawing in the Arsenal..."
- "...Nagamasa is harsh, but also knows right from wrong. But even so, he is not amenable to reason. His name indicates one obsessed with purity... Still, I and some households of Tatarasuna have not been blinded by the matter of Nagamasa's mother Chiyo, and we trust him..."
- "...I also remain unwilling to forget the joy of creating the Daitatara Nagamasa with him..."
- 7
- "Before we withdrew, we should have divided the Arsenal Key into three parts: one for the Inspector, one for the Armory Officer, and one to be left in Tatarasuna itself to prevent theft."
- "But we were in too much of a hurry, and neither the Inspector nor the Armory Officer could be found, so I was so bold as to hide the three pieces within treasure chests in Tatarasuna..."
- The seven notes mentioned prior have been scattered across the Tatarasuna area. Among the seven notes, six seem to be of good physical integrity, though they all look quite old, while the last one looks more recent. I believe that the first six notes and the last are of different time periods, though the gulf in years between them needs to be verified. The contents of the first six should also be related to each other, as the incidents mentioned are quite consistent with one another.
- Rumi once mentioned in "Haply Hidden Tales of Tatarasuna" (hereafter known as "Hidden Tales") that in the past, researchers from Sumeru had investigated the cultural histories of Tatarasuna and Inazuma. Though the place has fallen into some degree of disrepair since the "Hidden Tales" were written, things have improved since the time when I wrote my original article. Regardless, what used to be an area of major industry remains a place most inhospitable, and residents of Tatarasuna may be found living and dwelling by the waters. The residents, when questioned, told the researchers of Tatarasuna's golden age centuries ago, when it was administered by Armory Officer Niwa, Vice Armory Officer Miyazaki, and Inspector Mikoshi Nagamasa. Yet, the elders among the locals with deeper ties to the region also seemed to stress the fact that there were strange rumors surrounding their homeland's past.
- A great many of these rumors revolved around the "youkai" who are so very characteristic of Inazuma's folk histories. A small portion, however, repeatedly mentions the word "outsider." It should be known that the appearance of such a character, who is suspected to be based on a real person, is a very curious case. This fact drew the attention of the researchers to delve further, and eventually, the following pieces of information came to light:
- - A foreign mechanic once visited Tatarasuna. Reportedly, the reason for his immigration was to exchange knowledge and forge ties with the locals. However, the mechanic seemed to behave suspiciously, often wandering around essential or restricted areas. And if someone tried to turn him away, they would only earn incomprehensible mumbles from his lips.
- - The mechanic often stared into the furnace, seemingly to check on its condition. Unsettlingly, he also spent a substantial amount of time watching the local residents.
- Judging from the era, it was not uncommon to see cross-cultural exchanges of technical knowledge in places such as Tatarasuna. After traveling across the tides, foreign experts being welcome in the region was likely not unreasonable either. Yet, calamity came not long after this exchange of knowledge, which hints at high potential for causation between these events. However, some current residents believe that these assumptions were merely the results of their forebears' overactive imaginations attempting to theorize how things actually unfolded.
- A list of individuals related to Tatarasuna has been compiled here based on historical documents from Inazuma. Starting from the administrators, the records are as follows.
- Armory Officer — Niwa
- Full name Niwa Hisahide. He was the inheritor of the Isshin Art, and successor to the Niwa Clan. His family, along with the Akame and Kaedehara clans, were together known as the "Isshin Sansaku." Records show that Niwa was a modest and intelligent individual who displayed remarkable talent in the administration of territory and people. His eventual whereabouts are unknown, but he was suspected to have left Tatarasuna with his family following the incident.
- Vice Armory Officer — Miyazaki
- Full name Miyazaki Kaneo. He was Niwa's second-in-command. His origins are unknown, and he primarily assisted Niwa in forging and personnel management. He was of affable temperament and had many friends in the region, including one Mikoshi Nagamasa.
- Inspector — Mikoshi Nagamasa
- The successor of the Mikoshi Clan, adopted son to oni warrior Mikoshi Chiyo, and the younger adopted brother to Mikoshi Michihiro, also known as "Iwakura the Successor." With his mother missing and abandoned by his brother, Nagamasa alone bore the family name, striving daily to wipe the shame from their history. Though records state that Mikoshi Nagamasa was a stubborn figure, he was also noted to be a person of moral virtue and integrity. It has been noted in various records that he practiced forging swords for self-cultivation, and specially requested special instruction from Miyazaki to further his capabilities. However, after the famous blade, Daitatara Nagamasa, was forged, he used it to slay his subordinate, Katsuragi, for reasons unknown at present.
- Subordinate — Katsuragi
- Katsuragi's full name and background remain unknown. Despite all the materials I have sorted through, I have yet to find anymore additional personal information regarding him. As one of Mikoshi Nagamasa's subordinates, he was a loyal warrior who had been saved by Nagamasa in his youth. From then on, he swore to stick by his lord through thick and thin and to give his life in service if it was but asked of him.
- The Mechanic
- Long have I delved through many texts and documents, but I was ultimately unable to decipher even a specter of a clue as to his background. Still, mentions of the mechanic grew scarcer in the aftermath of the Tatarasuna incident. I speculate that, instead of the mechanic possibly being a figure woven from over-ripe imaginations, he actually did exist, and perhaps even had a hand in the events that took place in Tatarasuna.
- (It seems that the rest of this paper remains unfinished... One thing is for sure, though — a lot of thought was put into it.)
- Sawada: I presume you'll want to read mine as well? Here.
- (Open "The Isle of Darkling Clouds")
-
- The Isle of Darkling Clouds
- Author: Sawada
- Extract I
- ...
- ...
- A man arrived in Tatarasuna around three in the afternoon. From afar, he spied laborers walking along the mountain roads toward the factories, their shoes scuffing along the jutting stones. They walked like people convinced that so long as they reached the fire raging in the mountain's belly, they might extract from it gems beyond price. The mood that the sight inspired was ineffable, beyond mere description for those not present to witness it.
- The man barked a cheerful greeting and sprinted to join the procession. There, a towering character who stood half a head taller greeted him with a heavy slap on the back, and yet, his words were filled with respect: "Do my eyes deceive me? Sir Miyazaki! I cannot think that the return trip here from Inazuma City could have been easy on you."
- Miyazaki smiled like a young man taking the first steps on their journey, expression relaxed. "Why Katsuragi, Inazuma is the realm of the Almighty Shogun. I sailed upon the fastest ship, strode upon the swiftest sea routes. What dangers could I have possibly faced?"
- "And what about the good news?"
- "There was some... Naturally." The two burst into uproarious laughter, roughhousing with the other workers until the path's end.
- A young man dressed in a linen shirt and wearing a headscarf gazed into the dancing flames of the furnace before him.
- Now, the flames of a forge are unlike any other, for their intensity affects the resulting integrity of both metal and blade. So too, then, was the flame-watcher an unusual individual. At his fingertips sat a lizard, and on his face he wore a smile.
- The workshop was huge, and the furnace was deeper within. A reasonable person might think that there should have been many working alongside the watcher, yet he stood alone. Only when Katsuragi and Miyazaki strode into the room did the watcher turn.
- This watcher was Niwa, Armory Officer and administrator of Tatarasuna. Born to the Niwa Clan, which served as one of the three pillars of the Isshin Art, Niwa never argued with his siblings and was a worthy successor by all accounts. The post he received as a result of his high standing with those in power served as a statement unto itself.
- Miyazaki handed a well-bundled text to Niwa as he adjusted his expression is said: "It is as you have said, sir. The elders of your clan in the city do not think highly of our plan. Yet I still believe it to be worth a try. As such, I have found the proper vendors and procured the materials that you requested."
- Niwa studied the text and nodded. "We should try some of these new forging techniques, whether Kaedehara says yea or nay."
- Katsuragi frowned, and with a sigh he said: "Forging is a precise and difficult undertaking. You know this better than most, sirs, and still, you seek improvement each day with terrifying drive! Ah, should my lord Nagamasa hear this, the sourness in his face shall be hard to miss."
- Niwa smiled, replying: "And how goes the forging of your lord's great blade, Katsuragi?"
- Katsuragi neither wanted to shame his master nor lie to his two friends, and yet he could not think of any way to deflect, and so groused: "I see your ears are as keen as your hands, Sir Niwa. The jokes of us unlearned men are as nothing before you."
- Miyazaki hid his grin. Upon hearing this, Niwa released the lizard from his hand into Katsuragi's palm. But just as more words were to be exchanged, someone came walking nearby, their footsteps steady and confident. The head that appeared by the door was that of one from abroad. The newcomer placed some lunchboxes to one side, nodded, and made to leave. Katsuragi called out after him. "Sir, what about your meal? Are you not hungry?"
- The man smiled upon hearing Katsuragi's words. "I already ate. I hope that you, my lords, may also find time to sate your hunger soon."
- "You are our guest, sir. To see you help in these trifling matters fills me with embarrassment," Niwa said with sincerity.
- The man smiled, as if it was no matter. Then, with a nod, he departed.
- Extract II
- ...
- ...
- The stranger, a foreign mechanic, stood next to the coast.
- Sunset fell to the accompaniment of darkness. The bands of twilight showed themselves naught, for in their place did thunderclouds roil, grumbling the omens of a coming rainstorm.
- Darkness filled the flesh of the sea and the dusk bade the clouds to kneel upon the land. But the man stood uncowed, merely gazing into the distance, radiating bloodthirst.
- None passed him by, and none knew what he was plotting.
- Time passed, unmeasured and uncounted, till a black cloud suddenly tore free from the sky and began to circle the mechanic, bearing down on him like an omen. He then caressed the dark mist, as if it was a part of his flesh.
- Outbound, a fishing boat drew near, the lights of its bow flickering in and out of sight beneath falling sheets of rain. A mist unspooled across the area, stealing sight from the fisherman. Repeatedly, he exclaimed: "It is but dusk. How are my eyes darkened? Is there anyone that can deliver my boat upon safe tides?"
- Like a falling spear, the black cloud reached the bottom of the boat, and was joined in its bereftness of direction. Like a charging beast, they plunged into the shoreline. Scant steps away, the mechanic laughed, slowly approaching the grand wreck.
- Naught but half an arm was left of the one who had cried out for help, and with a "plop," it landed at the mechanic's feet, who crouched to better study the object, straining against the urge to take a bite.
- Yet, he did not, for the dark clouds swirling down had already picked the remnants of the ship clean.
- Extract III
- ...
- ...
- Katsuragi rushed to the doorway and shouted: "My lord! Things go ill at the furnace. I have searched for Sir Niwa, but there is no trace of him. And much time has passed since Sir Miyazaki left to seek aid, but he has yet to send us any missive. Look..."
- Mikoshi Nagamasa turned slowly, his face grave as one attending a funeral. He spoke then, his words heavy-laden: "I wish not to say such words, Katsuragi... But Sir Miyazaki may never return."
- Katsuragi peered past Nagamasa's broad, stiff shoulders, beyond the windows. The clouds above boiled in waves of black, as if darkness now was the only weather, and might even morph into an abyssal beast and devour Tatarasuna whole.
- Over ten people had already perished. That was why... Why...
- Katsuragi recoiled as if struck. Yes! It was coming back to him now, in dribs and drabs... That was why they had to set out to seek aid!
- Miyazaki had been the first to set sail. The clouds had only just begun to form then. Traveling from Tatarasuna to Inazuma to ask for support was normally no great feat, and yet, there had been no sign of his return.
- Then a second ship was sent, followed by a third, and a fourth... Each who left to seek salvation did so under foul skies and bleak fortunes. Reason dictated that they should not have risked anyone else, but the situation in Tatarasuna was severe. They needed to gain aid from Inazuma, even should it cost them more lives.
- Niwa was gone, and none could find him. Afterward, Nagamasa led a search party into the mountains and the area around the furnace, all to no avail. Folk began to wonder if Niwa might have encountered an accident, but worry soon turned to suspicion, and they wondered if he had fled, unwilling to bear the sin of having caused these incidents.
- The people grew ever more suspicious, and Nagamasa himself strained against his discontent and fury. His face had grown to resemble the rumbling clouds above.
- Suddenly, a figure flashed by. Their presence did not go unnoticed by Nagamasa. He drew his blade and cut, but in a flash, the evil spirit had shifted behind him, laughing darkly: "Are you seeking someone, my lord? Niwa, perhaps?"
- Nagamasa bellowed in fury: "You dare address Sir Niwa directly?" Yet, the figure parted like mist before his falling blade, only to re-materialize beyond reach but not beyond sight — a ghastly apparition indeed.
- "Was it you who slew my people?" Nagamasa howled and charged, held back only by Katsuragi's desperate grip. As his senses returned to him, he realized he was but an inch away from falling into the furnace.
- (It seems that the rest of this work remains unfinished... From the existing text, however, it is apparent that this is a novel of fantastical, colorful sensibilities, born from an imagination well-utilized.)
- (TravelerTraveler): (...)
- (TravelerTraveler): (The content has changed. Another effect of tampering with the information in Irminsul.)
- (TravelerTraveler): (The Balladeer said he'd erase two of his names. If he really succeeded, it must have taken all of his might... But still...)
- Aqaba: Well, what do you think?
- A masterpiece!
- Paimon: Hey (TravelerTraveler), remember how last time Aqaba was saying how he wished they could gather more information about all this? Well, we just got back from Inazuma, so how about we tell them what we learned?
- Sure.
- Aqaba: What did you find out? Something big?
- Paimon: It's a long story. Basically, we have some friends in Inazuma, and...
- You tell the two writers what you learned about the Raiden Gokaden and Tatarasuna's history...
- Aqaba: Wow! So many new details... Thank you so much for sharing that with us!
- Sawada: Well, well, so it all comes down to one man's desire for revenge... Huh. You heard this from a member of the Amenoma Clan, you say? Then I guess it must be true.
- Sawada: *sigh* So there's no ghost story here after all...
- Aqaba: This new information actually lends further credence to my hypothesis — evidently, swordsmiths were seen as having an incredibly prestigious role in society in those days, to the extent that harming them was conceived of, at least by the perpetrator, as a way of exacting revenge against those in power...
- Sawada: Yes, yes, okay, point taken. You were right, but that doesn't mean I can't carry on with my novel...
- Paimon: Aaand they're back at it. These guys are really into this.
- We've got some things to take care of. Bye for now.
- Aqaba: Oh, so sorry, look at us, prattling on about our projects and ignoring you. Thank you so much for the information.
- Paimon: You're welcome. See ya!
- Sawada: Keep us in the loop if you find out anything else!
- Paimon: Will do!
Are you still talking about the... "essay"?- (Talk to Sawada or Aqaba again, optional)
- Sawada: Great, I can finally move forward with my novel! But what a sad story...
- Aqaba: I don't know what I was expecting, but... I never would have guessed this...
- (Approach Nahida)
- Paimon: Nahida, we're here.
- Nahida: (TravelerTraveler), Paimon, how have you been?
- Paimon: Ugh, where to start... Paimon hasn't had a moment's rest this whole time. That night, we ended up chatting and chatting until suddenly, the sun was up... And then, (hehe/
sheshe) decided (hehe/ sheshe) wanted to go to Inazuma. - I was investigating the situation with The Balladeer.
- Nahida: The Balladeer... Hmm. Sounds like some kind of code name.
- (TravelerTraveler): (...Oh no...)
- Nahida: You look troubled... Is there something you need to tell me?
- (TravelerTraveler): (Even Nahida doesn't remember... Just like last time, any changes to Irminsul affect her as well.)
- (TravelerTraveler): (The Balladeer acted quickly. He finished erasing himself before Nahida could stop him...)
- (TravelerTraveler): (I'm the only one who still remembers the things that were erased. Once again... I am the record-keeper.)
- Nahida: (TravelerTraveler)?
- Paimon: Hey, what's wrong...? You look so upset.
- There are things that have happened... that only I can remember.
- I have to tell you the truth.
- With a heavy heart, you piece back together the story that was broken and scattered across time...
- There once was one named The Balladeer, created by the Electro Archon. He was a puppet who lived among men.
- After a series of events in Tatarasuna, The Balladeer, thinking he had been thrice betrayed, left Inazuma to roam the world beyond.
- With no trust for humans, and only loathing for the gods,
he bore his grudge for years as he grew in strength, then returned to Inazuma to take his revenge.
He tried in vain to become a deity with a Gnosis, and ended up losing everything. - Finally, he entered Irminsul and learned the truth behind his betrayal.
Knowing now that his entire life was built on lies, he did the unthinkable in an attempt to reverse his tragic fate... - Nahida: ...That's quite a story.
- Nahida: So this puppet known as The Balladeer erased himself from Irminsul... hoping that he could change the past.
- Paimon: But how was he even able to do that?
- Nahida: As (TravelerTraveler) said, he very nearly became Sumeru's deity. Admittedly, I remember it a little differently... I don't recall finding anyone inside the machine after we defeated it.
- Nahida: Nevertheless, it does make sense. If someone were to successfully erase themselves from Irminsul, the world would change to reflect the new reality.
- Paimon: So you believe this person really existed, and we just don't remember him because... well, because he literally changed the world?
- Nahida: Yes. Theoretically speaking, it is possible to do this, but I'm struggling to imagine the kind of person who would dare go through with it...
- Nahida: (TravelerTraveler) comes from a world beyond Teyvat. That's why there's no information about (himhim/
herher) in Irminsul, and it also explains why any changes to Irminsul wouldn't affect (himhim/ herher). - Nahida: So, if there's anyone in the world capable of retaining memories from a past that has been rewritten, it's you. It's... quite incredible, when you think about it.
- ...You can say that again.
- Paimon: Paimon's having a hard time understanding this Balladeer guy's motivations... Why did he do it?
- Nahida: I can only make inferences based on the information we've been given. As for what kind of person he was... only you remember that.
- I... I'm really not sure.
- (TravelerTraveler): (We were enemies, after all. I don't know his perspective on all this, so I can't say why he did something so extreme...)
- (TravelerTraveler): (Did he want to reset everything? Or save someone? Or did he want to completely undo his existence?)
- (TravelerTraveler): ("Everything can be set right. It's time to solve this once and for all"... Maybe that's all there is to it.)
- (TravelerTraveler): (I still remember the question he asked. He asked me, specifically... and my hesitation gave him his answer.)
- (TravelerTraveler): (I hesitated because I witnessed Greater Lord Rukkhadevata erase her own existence, but I can't tell Nahida that.)
- (TravelerTraveler): (To put it another way, I know why The Balladeer was so sure it could work... But I can't tell them that.)
- Nahida: Something else worrying you? ...Something that you can't share?
- I just feel... empty.
- He chose such a radical option, and yet...
- Nahida: ...It couldn't change the fate of the ones who had died. Right?
- Yes.
- Nahida: Once The Balladeer realized he hadn't been betrayed after all, it must have completely changed his view of the people of Tatarasuna. Now he saw them as friends again.
- Nahida: He couldn't keep hating humans after that. And if he thought there was a chance he could save his old friends, it would be hard not to try.
- Nahida: ...The story makes sense, every part of it.
- Nahida: The Balladeer tried to achieve godhood with The Doctor's help. He was unsuccessful, but retained the power to connect with Irminsul.
- Nahida: That power then enabled him to change what was recorded in Irminsul and erase himself, even though he didn't have much strength left.
- Paimon: Yeah, it does make sense, but... it still ended in tragedy for his friends.
- Paimon: It just feels so hopeless... He gave everything to do this, but it seems like he got nothing in return.
- (TravelerTraveler): (Yeah. He changed the world in many ways, and yet the dead still didn't get a second chance. Those fated to a tragic end could not be saved.)
- (TravelerTraveler): (What exactly did he want to fight back against? The betrayals in his life? Or did he wish he'd never existed at all?)
- Nahida: Please wait a moment. I want to check something.
- Nahida: ...
- Nahida: Found it. This should be the one.
- (Nahida hands out a floating green orb in a translucent cube)
- Nahida: It turns out that... I have a strange way of confirming everything (hehe/
sheshe) has told us. - Paimon: What is it?
- Nahida: A record from my personal collection. It was tucked away in a corner.
- Nahida: You should take a look.
- Surprisingly, the information is presented to you in a way that resembles a fairy tale...
- Paimon: Is this a fairy tale? Who wrote it?
- This matches everything I said.
- Nahida: I authored this record myself.
- Paimon: Huh? You... wrote a fairytale that somehow has something to do with The Balladeer?
- Nahida: When combined with (TravelerTraveler)'s narrative, it's clear that this story is an allegory. Everything in it is a symbol for something else.
- Paimon: Hold on, so this record survived from the... past-past?
- Nahida: Yes. Any information about The Balladeer or the kabukimono in other records will have been changed. But I wrote this story in a way that means, it was left intact.
- Nahida: Changing the information in Irminsul changes Teyvat.
- Nahida: But Irminsul can't change information that was well hidden in advance. I guess I must've written this story as a backup before The Balladeer entered Irminsul.
- Paimon: That's incredible! What a great idea!
- Nahida: And sending (TravelerTraveler) into Irminsul with The Balladeer must have been a further precaution. I knew (hehe/
sheshe)'d remember everything. - Nahida: This story is abstract enough that it still resonates with the present information recorded in Irminsul.
- Nahida: But if we connect all the different pieces together, the true story that emerges is the one (hehe/
sheshe) told us... the now-erased life of The Balladeer. - (Illustrations of the fairy tale appear as Nahida narrates)
-
Nahida: There once was a lone monster draped in fox fur. The monster found a family of foxes, joined them, and they became friends. The monster lived with the family, day and night, and everyone treated it as one of their own. Nahida: Once in a while, the monster would take off its fox fur at night, and lament to itself as it gazed at its reflection in the water: "I am a monstrosity, yet they are too foolish to see it... I pity them."
-
Nahida: But the monster soon found solace when another came to live among the foxes who was not their kin: a kitten, carved from the wood of a white tree, who had been abandoned by the humans. Nahida: The kitten, too, wished to become a fox, but its tail was too slender and it could not grow a coat of richly colored fur. Yet when the other foxes saw this, they spoke words of comfort to the kitten: "Even without a tail and fur like ours, you are still one of us."
-
Nahida: Furious at this happy resolution, the monster lit a fire on the mountain. The terrified animals panicked as the fire spread. The only way to extinguish the flames was to make a sacrifice. Nahida: A gray fox stood up and addressed the monster. It said: "You are the cleverest among us. Surely you can help us find a way to solve this."
-
Nahida: The monster smiled, led the fox toward the fire... and murdered it. The gray fox's heart was turned into a beautiful drop of water, clear, spotless, and pure.
-
Nahida: The monster gave the heart of water to the kitten, telling him: "The foxes have decided. You are the one who must be sacrificed. Take this, quench the flames, and die for your fox kin."
-
Nahida: The fire was extinguished, but the kitten lived. It left that side of the mountain and found a little bird who had a broken wing.
-
Nahida: The two promised they would spend their whole lives together, but the little bird did not have long left to live. It passed away soon after. After burying the bird, the kitten left the mountain for good.
-
Nahida: ...Never again would it cherish a single creature, nor a single blade of grass that stood on that mountain. The kitten spent the nights wandering aimlessly, gnashing its teeth at the moon.
Nahida: How it wished to swallow the moon and devour the moonlight. If the world could only return to darkness, then it would finally be peaceful and content.
-
Nahida: "I will become the new moon, the answer to everything. Then, no one will know that there were once birds, foxes, and cats in this world. And no one can know that they were different."
- (End of illustrations)
- Paimon: We solved it!
- Nahida: ...
- Nahida: I remember now. This is not just The Balladeer's story... it is his very own memories. I made a backup so that it would be preserved, no matter what happened.
- Nahida: To become a god, he was experimented on and modified countless times. It was brutal torture, and the only reason he was able to survive is that he was a puppet.
- Nahida: This memory was extracted from him by the scholars. Presumably, they kept it to have something to defend themselves with...
- Nahida: Creating a deity was just the first step. Some of them wanted to be able to control it. That's why they backed up his memory for later use.
- Nahida: I buried it deep inside one of my own dreams, and then hid it inside an allegorical story so that it wouldn't be altered.
- Paimon: It's hard to believe that this person really existed, let alone that he tried to... get rid of us on more than one occasion...
- Paimon: Paimon has no memory of him at all. He completely vanished, like a puff of smoke...
- Nahida: The Balladeer agreed to help me look for information about the Descenders, and although he was unsuccessful, he still helped you.
- Nahida: Before he vanished, he confirmed an important detail: that Khaenri'ah was where your twin first came into this world.
- Nahida: ...We still don't know how the change to Irminsul will affect the senior ranks of the Fatui, but in all likelihood, they won't even remember their own Harbinger.
- I've never had this feeling before...
- ...It feels like life is as insignificant as a feather.
- Paimon: It sounds like Paimon wouldn't like this guy a whole lot if he was still around. But still, Paimon doesn't like the way it all ended that much better.
- Nahida: This is why wisdom alone cannot answer all our questions. We look, we see, and we comprehend, but the question still troubles us.
- Nahida: So the answer is not everything. People yearn to find the truth and then conquer the troubles they face.
- Nahida: When you give someone the truth, you give them a chance to choose their own destiny.
- Nahida: To others looking on, this may seem like a pointless endeavor. But for him, the chance to act on his desire to disappear must have meant a lot.
- Nahida: Never forget that even when we walk beneath dark clouds along a road filled with suffering, the light of wisdom is always there, guiding us toward a better destination.
- Nahida: And that is what you have been doing all along.
- Paimon: Yeah, Nahida's right. Cheer up! How about we go get something to eat? We can pick up this heavy conversation again later!
- Nahida: Good idea. Paimon, why don't you take (himhim/
herher) out for a walk to clear (hishis/ herher) head? - Paimon: You got it! C'mon, (TravelerTraveler), you need to get out of your head for a while. You'll feel much better after taking a walk.
- Paimon: Let's go get a snack from one of the stalls in the Grand Bazaar. That'll be sure to lift our spirits!
- Paimon: It must be really tough being the only one who remembers all that... But Paimon's always here to help cheer you up.
- (Talk to Nahida again, optional)
- Nahida: There's a few things I'd like to look into. You should go take a walk and try to unwind.
Step DescriptionThe information you gathered left you with a heavy heart. You decide to return to the Sanctuary of Surasthana and tell Nahida about everything you learned. Nahida is reminded of a secret she intentionally kept hidden before The Balladeer entered Irminsul. After solving the puzzle, everyone is reminded of the things The Balladeer has done...
- (Approach the southern entrance of the Grand Bazaar)
- Paimon: We're here~ What should we eat first?
- (TravelerTraveler): (...I have a nagging feeling, like there's something I'm missing. Something important that I'm forgetting...)
- Paimon: Hey! Are you gonna answer or what?
- Sorry, it's just... Give me a minute. I'm still... processing.
- Paimon: *sigh* Alright, whatever you want... Well, Paimon will be right here when you've figured stuff out. Then we can get something to eat.
- (TravelerTraveler): (Come on, brain. Let's dig this out... It's gotta be in there somewhere. It was something about Irminsul, and deleting oneself...)
- (TravelerTraveler): (Greater Lord Rukkhadevata... forbidden knowledge... Nahida...)
- Paimon: What is it? Have you figured it all out?
- (TravelerTraveler): (...!)
- (TravelerTraveler): (Yes, that was it! Greater Lord Rukkhadevata — she said that no one can erase themselves from existence, not even her.)
- (TravelerTraveler): (Otherwise, why would she need to create her own reincarnation in Lesser Lord Kusanali to do the deletion for her? There would be no point.)
- Paimon: Uh, why'd you jump up all of a sudden!?
- (TravelerTraveler): (...No, I can't tell Paimon. She doesn't know about Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.)
- (TravelerTraveler): (But this is a crucially important detail: It's simply not possible for The Balladeer to completely erase his own existence. In which case, the question is... What happened to him?)
- ???: Excuse me, Boss, there seems to be a small problem with the last bill. Look, here...
- (TravelerTraveler): (!!!?)
- Merchant: Hey! Hey, wait...!
- ???: Hmm? You mean me?
- Merchant: No, not you! That kid! Didn't you see!? Little rascal grabbed my last two fresh Sunsettias and ran off!
- Merchant: Look. If you're gonna help out here, you can't keep spacing out, okay? What is it, the work's too boring for you? Or has the big city got too many distractions?
- ???: ...I wasn't paying close enough attention. Sorry, Boss.
- ???: I think you're right, maybe it's the city. It's so exciting, it can be hard to focus.
- Paimon: Who's that guy? You know him or something?
- That guy... is The Balladeer.
- Paimon: ...He's WHO???
- Merchant: You're a strange one, kiddo. You say you don't want any money for helping out here, and then when I actually give you some work to do, you keep letting yourself get distracted...
- Merchant: I don't want to take advantage, so I'm happy to pay you what I'd pay anyone else, but if you keep acting like this, pretty soon I won't be able to afford to...
- ???: No, no, please, I mean it — you don't need to pay me anything. I'm just so thankful you agreed to take on an outsider like me.
- Merchant: ...You're welcome, I guess, but I got bigger things to worry about. Look — We're all out of Sunsettias. And I promised the lady down the street I'd deliver a fruit bowl this evening.
- ???: Leave it to me, I'll find some more. Just a moment, I'll be right back...
- Merchant: ...Stop.
- Merchant: *sigh* I'm gonna level with you, kiddo. I've never met a worker who said they didn't want a wage before, and at first, I got greedy. Couldn't believe my luck... But I figured you'd start asking for something in return eventually.
- Merchant: You don't want money, you don't take days off, and in your free time all I see you do is wander around, taking in the sights... Are you a... a drifter or something?
- Wanderer: That's right. I am.
- Wanderer: We can talk more about that later. First, let me get those fruits you needed — Sunsettias, was it? I'll be right back.
- Paimon: Hey! What do we do now?
- Let's follow him!
- Paimon: Okay. Stay out of sight — don't let him see you!
- (Talk to the Merchant, optional)
- Merchant: *sigh* ...That was a good batch of Sunsettias, too...
- (Use Nahida's All Schemes to Know on Merchant, optional)
- Merchant: (Just an honest guy doing some honest business!)
- (Approach the eastern exit of Sumeru City)
- Wanderer: ...Yeah, this'll do.
- Paimon: Even though, as you say, he's The Balladeer... What are we planning on doing, stealing his Sunsettias? Isn't that a bit too cruel?
- Shush.
- Paimon: Oh, alright...
- Wanderer: This should be enough. Umm... Ah, guess I should wash them before I take them back...
- (TravelerTraveler): (...If I wasn't seeing this with my own eyes, I would never believe it.)
- Wanderer: Huh...?
- Wanderer: You two over there, is there something I can help you with?
- Paimon: Aah! He spotted us!
- Wanderer: You've been following me all the way from the city. I'd have to be blind not to notice.
- ...You're right, we were following you.
- Wanderer: Uh, have we met before?
- Wanderer: No, we haven't met... But you know me?
- Yes.
- Wanderer: ...I have no recollection...
- It's complicated, but I do know you.
- Paimon: Uh, are you absolutely sure?
- Wanderer: Sorry, but I can't just take your word for it.
- I can prove it.
- ...You're a puppet.
- Paimon: A puppet? What makes you think that?
- Wanderer: ...!
- Paimon: Huh!? You were right! The look on his face...
- Wanderer: I guess you do know me after all. That is not something I share with a lot of people...
- Wanderer: ...Look, I'm just a wanderer. But seeing as you've gone to all this trouble to track me down, I'm sure whatever it is must be important.
- There's somewhere I want to take you.
- Wanderer: Okay, but please let me deliver these goods to my boss first.
- Paimon: Are you really working for that guy? He said that you don't want any Mora for it. Is that true?
- Wanderer: Yes. I ran into him out in the wilderness during a storm, and he let me take shelter in his cart. In return, I said I'd be his helper for a while.
- Paimon: That's oddly nice of you...
- Wanderer: Let me take these back, then I'll come with you. Okay?
- ...Alright.
- Paimon: Then, let's return to the city.
- (Approach Merchant)
- Wanderer: Here you go, Boss. I'll leave them right here.
- Merchant: Oh, you really went pick some more... Hmm? Who are these two?
- Wanderer: Something's come up, and they need to borrow me. Sorry, Boss, I'm afraid I'll be away from the stall for a while.
- Merchant: ... *sigh*
- Merchant: I was just about to pay you anyway. Go wherever you want, kid. Don't waste your time here.
- Wanderer: What?
- Merchant: I get it, okay? You just wanted to help me out to thank me for giving you shelter from the rain that day. Even then, I don't understand why you're so adamant that you don't want any pay for it...
- Merchant: But look, it was pouring down, and there you were, sauntering along without a care in the world. Like you had nowhere to be, and didn't even care that it was raining...
- Merchant: Imagine you were me for a second. It's a little weird, right? Why's this guy traveling during a rainstorm if he's not trying to get somewhere? And why's he taking a shortcut through the open country if he's not even in a hurry?
- Wanderer: Uh...
- Merchant: But anyway, taking you in didn't put me out even slightly. You don't owe me a thing for it, certainly not all this... Your time is valuable, y'know? You should go live your life.
- Wanderer: ...But, I don't...
- Wanderer: ...No. You're right.
- Wanderer: Then I suppose this is where we say goodbye. Thank you again for taking me into the city.
- Merchant: Don't mention it, kiddo. I've run into all kinds of characters over the years... I just hope you find your path.
- Wanderer: ...Thank you.
- Wanderer: Alright, done. Thanks for waiting for me. We can go now.
- (Talk to the Merchant again, optional)
- Merchant: Don't worry about me.
- (Approach Nahida)
- Paimon: Nahida! Nahida!
- Nahida: What's wrong?
- Nahida: Huh? Are you...?
- Wanderer: ...Hello, I do apologize for the sudden intrusion...
- Paimon: We found this guy in the street, but he doesn't seem to remember anything... So yeah, quite an eventful walk!
- You tell Lesser Lord Kusanali what happened in the Grand Bazaar...
- Nahida: You say that you are trekking across Teyvat to train yourself... Many other Inazumans who describe themselves in this way call themselves "shugenja." Why do you refer to yourself as a "wanderer"?
- Wanderer: Well, it seems more relevant in my case... To me, it sounds like a plant with no roots.
- Wanderer: But these two claim that they know me, and that I have a hidden past unknown even to myself.
- Nahida: I wouldn't call it the "past," but rather... Uh, this is a difficult one to explain.
- Nahida: I don't like to rely on using terms like this often, but in your case it seems that it ought to be called a "previous incarnation."
- Paimon: Oh, like a past life or something?
- Nahida: Yes. Something far more distant than the past. So far away that you cannot perceive it.
- Wanderer: Okay, I have to ask... what was I like in my previous incarnation?
- Paimon: Ummm...
- Nahida: ...
- Wanderer: ...Oh, okay, I see.
- Wanderer: You want to tell me, but you can't bring yourselves to say it. Looks like I didn't have the most wonderful existence in my previous incarnation.
- We're just trying to think where to start...
- Wanderer: If it's that difficult to talk about, I have no doubt it will be just as difficult to hear.
- Wanderer: But I'll be able to handle it. Please, tell me the truth.
- Nahida: Is truth something you care a lot about?
- Wanderer: ...Yes.
- Nahida: Then I'll be straight with you. In your previous incarnation, you did many things that would be considered evil.
- Nahida: You nearly died because of what other people did... and many died because of you. As a non-human being, you hated gods and humans alike.
- Nahida: You drifted from place to place, never able to settle, even where you found status and identity. You adamantly believed that you were missing a heart.
- Wanderer: ...
- Nahida: ...Actions rooted in persistence sometimes bear bitter fruit. Sometimes, you have to let parts of yourself go, or you'll never be happy.
- Nahida tells the Wanderer about his past...
- Wanderer: I gave everything I had, but it barely changed history at all.
- Nahida: In terms of the outcome alone... that's true.
- Wanderer: ...
- Wanderer: ...I don't think I can judge everything I've heard purely in terms of right and wrong.
- Wanderer: Each choice a person makes belongs to a specific place and time, a chain of cause and effect... a cycle of karma and consequence.
- Nahida: That is the nature of truth. If one thing is right, its opposite must be wrong, and yet dichotomies like this are not enough to explain the world in all of its complexity.
- Wanderer: Seems like my previous incarnation wasn't the most likable individual.
- Paimon: Haha... we're not trying to hurt your feelings, or anything... But yeah, we weren't your biggest fans.
- We were each other's enemies.
- Wanderer: If we were enemies, why are you trying to help me find the truth?
- ...
- Paimon: Aah, this is so frustrating! This guy's supposed to be our arch-enemy, but now he's just some random stranger we met on the street!
- Paimon: He's got so much to answer for, but we can't make him talk because he doesn't remember anything... Ugh, what a weird situation...
- Wanderer: Lesser Lord Kusanali. As the God of Wisdom, I trust that everything you told me must be true?
- Nahida: Yes, it's all true. I can even show you the memories themselves, if you're willing.
- Wanderer: Please. I want to see them for myself. I want to experience my own transgressions.
- Nahida: Even though it will cause your present self great mental anguish?
- Wanderer: I'm just a puppet, with no heart and no name. There is nothing in this world for me to cling to, to fill the void within me... except maybe these sins that can never be undone.
- Nahida: ...Very well. As you wish.
- Paimon: Wait, shouldn't we go with him!? This one's kind of on us for bringing him here...
- Wanderer: Don't worry. Whatever danger I might face, it's my burden to bear.
- Nahida: (TravelerTraveler), could I ask you to supervise him on my behalf?
- ...Okay.
- Paimon: Oh, good point, given your, um... unique situation, w—we'd better keep an eye on you!
- Wanderer: Understood.
- Nahida: Thank you. Now, prepare yourselves, everyone.
- (Talk to Nahida again)
- Nahida: It's time to get ready.
- (Use Nahida's All Schemes to Know on Wanderer, optional)
- Wanderer: (...Time to face the music.)
- (Talk to Wanderer)
- Wanderer: No matter what lies ahead, I'll face it. Whatever it takes. I'm just sorry that you have to join me for the whole thing.
- (Enter the Domain)
- Paimon: This looks like Inazuma...
- Nahida: Right now, you're in a dream I created using information extracted from your memories.
- Nahida: These memories will show you the raw truth, but be aware that enemies may react just like in the real world. Please be careful.
- Paimon: Sounds like an immersive experience. It's a good thing we came along...
- Wanderer: ...You don't need to do this for me. I don't deserve your protection.
- Paimon: We never give up halfway. Well, we had to once... But that was your doing.
- And now we're just finishing the job.
- Wanderer: Alright, thanks.
- Nahida: Wanderer, this is the Shakkei Pavilion. In your Balladeer incarnation, this is where the Electro Archon placed you after your creation. You had a great many memories here.
- Paimon: Is that because this is kind of like his birthplace?
- Nahida: You could say that, in a sense... You'll see why shortly.
- Wanderer: ...I hear footsteps.
- Katsuragi: This place is huge... I can't believe the landslide didn't fill it in. I wonder who built it? The Crystal Marrow miners?
- Katsuragi: ...No, there's no way. Look at this exquisite construction work, and so well-preserved, too... No mining crew would be capable of this.
- Katsuragi: ...Hmm? There's someone passed out on the ground...
- ???: ...Who are you?
- Katsuragi: Y—You're awake!? What happened? How'd you get stuck here? Are you injured?
- Katsuragi: Huh, not a scratch... and these fine clothes... Who are you...
- Nahida: This man is Katsuragi, deputy to Torachiyo's adopted son, Mikoshi Nagamasa. He found The Balladeer in Shakkei Pavilion and took him back to Tatarasuna.
- Paimon: ...And the rest is history... Well, it used to be...
- Nahida: In the original version of events, Katsuragi was ultimately killed by Nagamasa.
- Katsuragi: Let me get you out of here. Our people are nearby. Hang in there!
- Nahida: During the Tatarasuna incident, Niwa was murdered by The Doctor, disguised as a mechanic. The Balladeer, then known as the kabukimono, disappeared not long after.
- Nahida: As the second-in-command at Tatarasuna, responsibility for what had happened fell to Mikoshi Nagamasa.
- Nahida: But Katsuragi had sworn lifelong loyalty to Nagamasa after the latter had once saved his life. At Katsuragi's insistence, Nagamasa killed him to put an end to the Tatarasuna incident.
- Wanderer: ...
- (After the cutscene)
- Paimon: Katsuragi seems like he was a good guy.
- Wanderer: He looks like a warrior, but he has a kind face.
- Wanderer: ...Why couldn't he live a long and happy life?
- (Enter the second room)
- Katsuragi: Nagamasa, I found this young guy in a cave sealed off by a landslide. He doesn't remember his name.
- Mikoshi Nagamasa: ...Well, we need to call you something. I hear the workers are calling you "the kabukimono"?
- Kabukimono: That's fine with me.
- Mikoshi Nagamasa: Katsuragi, report to Niwa. Tell him we have someone new joining us.
- (Approach the green teleporter)
- Paimon: Huh? What are we doing back here?
- I hear voices!
- Child: Whoa... This is where you were born? It's pretty! But there's nobody here... *cough*
- Kabukimono: I was abandoned, like you. I lived here for a while at first, but... There's nothing for us here. We can't stay...
- Child: ...Okay.
- Child: I heard my mom and dad used to make swords, but the factory manager died, and then my dad got sick... *cough*
- Child: He kept coughing all the time, just like me. Then, Mom started coughing too...
- Kabukimono: But you can't. You promised me.
- Child: Yep, we're family now. We're gonna be together for ever and ever!
- Nahida: This child didn't have a name. Or rather... The Balladeer didn't know what to call him. His father died before he could name him.
- Nahida: After his mother died, the child stayed in their straw hut alone. Some of the neighbors helped to raise him.
- Nahida: After leaving Tatarasuna, The Balladeer ran into this child who didn't have a name, just like him. They made a promise to live together.
- Paimon: What happened to the child then?
- Nahida: He died from his illness while he was still very young. The Balladeer came home one day and found that he had stopped breathing.
- Kabukimono: ...Hey! Wh—What's wrong...? Say something!!!
- Kabukimono: ...You promised me we could be family! You're no different from Niwa and all the others... You betrayed me too. Haha...
- Wanderer: ...
- Wanderer: The voices have gone. It looks like the memory ends here.
- Paimon: Let's keep going.
- (Approach the green teleporter)
- Kabukimono: You do realize you're blocking my path?
- The Jester: I come not to obstruct you. I have been waiting.
- The Jester: What you are, truly, is a weapon, one that could be wielded with an iron will... or, you could continue to drift aimlessly.
- Kabukimono: ...Are you trying to win me over?
- The Jester: The long-fated rebellion has begun. Why not take your place at the banquet and join those who shall feast?
- (Drop into the fog-filled room)
- Wanderer: This place is dark.
- Paimon: Ugh, Paimon knows this place... It's the Delusion Factory in Inazuma!
- Nahida: In the original version of events, (TravelerTraveler) once encountered The Balladeer here.
- Paimon: Such a creepy atmosphere... and so familiar...
- ...
- (TravelerTraveler): (I remember this... It was an unsettling place.)
- Paimon: Hey, look over there!
- The Balladeer: Well, well, my fair lady, is this run-down factory and these incompetent fools all for me? Wow, you shouldn't have.
- Signora: Hah. What do you have to gain from belittling your subordinates? You might not want to admit it, but you are a part of this plan.
- Signora: Perhaps you find fighting in the Abyss to be a more meaningful use of your time? Oh, but of course, even this pales in comparison to being experimented on by The Doctor.
- The Balladeer: ...Heh, what a sharp tongue you have.
- The Balladeer: Funny how negotiating never seems to be your strong suit. For the task ahead, I suggest you keep your true feelings to yourself.
- Signora: Hmph, save your breath. I know what I have to do.
- The Balladeer: I'm sure you think so, but I still think you need to hear it: Don't start thinking you're invincible. And don't let your emotions get in the way.
- Signora: Surely you're not worried about me?
- The Balladeer: I just can't have you getting in my way. You and Childe never fail to find ways to complicate things.
- Signora: I'm merely lighting a little fire in this chaotic nation, but you... Being tossed out like trash must make you want to destroy it completely.
- Signora: Do you remember the last time you were here? That was a lot of swordsmiths you killed. I'm sure the descendants of the Raiden Gokaden are still suffering the consequences now.
- Signora: Look at you... Aw, don't get so sentimental. Now, give that poor little tongue of yours a rest, and stop pretending like you're above everyone else.
- Signora: Bye, then. See you at the victory feast.
- The Balladeer: ..."Poor little tongue"? Hahaha... She's playing with fire talking to me like that. Who does she think she is?
- The Balladeer: ...Forget it. Someone might find me here any minute now. I should prepare to give them a warm welcome.
- (TravelerTraveler): ...
- Wanderer: ...
- Nahida: The plot does not end here. There is more of this story to come. Wanderer, are you able to continue?
- Wanderer: ...Yes, please don't worry about me.
- (After the cutscene)
- Signora: Why are you staring at me in silence? Can't you think of a nicer way to express yourself?
- The Balladeer: I'm under no obligation to be nice to you. Besides, I thought nothing mattered to you except results and your own interests. Isn't that right... witch?
- Signora: Hehe... Muddle-headed puppet, you're only No. 6 because you can take more abuse than other humans. Do you really count that as an asset?
- The Balladeer: You're about as much fun to be around as a raging inferno. But before we murder each other, it'd be best if we finish our duties.
- (Approach the green teleporter)
- Paimon: Looks like we've arrived in Sumeru!
- Paimon: Uh... Is that...
- Akademiya Researcher: Considering that Amurta's sage, Naphis, refused to join this project, I'll take part in the experiment in his place.
- The Doctor: Welcome. I look forward to a fruitful collaboration.
- The Balladeer: ...Hmph.
- The Balladeer: When do we start?
- The Doctor: You seem impatient? You should know that becoming a god is far from a trivial affair.
- Azar: The biological transformation is a lengthy process. As such, I too would recommend that we commence as soon as possible. In the event that a successful connection is established, his body will become permanently bound to the machine, and he will be unable to move independently of it.
- The Balladeer: Nothing worse than what I've been through before then, Doctor?
- The Doctor: You were the most resilient test subject I ever came across. Thanks to you, I was able to garner a great deal of information.
- The Doctor: Alas, after that, you were under orders to remain in the Abyss. We barely saw each other, and it became difficult to further refine the knowledge I had gained.
- The Balladeer: That was gracefully worded. Ever wonder what they'd think if they knew that nothing matters to you apart from your crazy experiments?
- The Doctor: I suggest you speak to me in a more respectful tone, Scaramouche. The mere fact of your utility does not make you indestructible.
- Paimon: ...The Doctor again... That was uncomfortable to watch.
- Wanderer: That person gives off a very sinister energy.
- He's The Doctor. He's behind all of this.
- Paimon: It's normal for him to give you the creeps! He scares the bejeebers out of Paimon...
- Wanderer: ...
- Nahida: Let's move on.
- (Approach the green teleporter)
- Wanderer: You're a god... Do you think I'm evil?
- Nahida: If you accept that he is you, just as you are you, then yes — you are evil.
- Wanderer: In your eyes, are there any differences between humans and puppets?
- Nahida: Do you think there are any differences between your present self and your previous and future incarnations? If not, then what are the differences between humans and puppets?
- Nahida: Whoever has tasted the joys and sorrows of life in the human realm is human. Whoever has loved and lost, cried with grief, howled with rage at the tragedy of death that eclipses the miracle of life... they are human, too.
- Wanderer: ...
- Wanderer: I've seen enough of my past. If possible, I'd like to reclaim the sins that are mine to bear.
- Wanderer: No matter the consequences, I won't run from blame or punishment. Whatever I am due, let it come to pass.
- Are you saying...
- Wanderer: Can you return my memories to me?
- Paimon: Huh? But won't that mean you'll lose your current identity?
- Wanderer: I've always believed that human lives follow a set of rules, with each person being a collection of past experiences.
- Wanderer: As a puppet living in the human world, my life is subject to the same rules.
- Nahida: Regaining your memories means reverting completely to your previous incarnation. All the emotions that you discarded will return to you.
- Nahida: Are you sure you want to do this?
- Wanderer: I've lived with a void in my chest my whole life. My creator didn't need me, and ever since I awoke, I've just drifted from one place to the next.
- Wanderer: But then I met you, and I finally realized that reclaiming my missing sins might be my one opportunity to become my true self.
- (TravelerTraveler): (...Is this the true meaning of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's words? A person can't erase themselves, and even though the original Balladeer has gone, this person will live on in his place...)
- (TravelerTraveler): (Are a person's sins an inescapable part of their destiny too?)
- Wanderer: I've always felt I have an innate tendency to yearn for something more, in a way that goes deeper than for most people... But for all my soul-searching as a shugenja, I've never fully understood it. Looking at it now, it seems that I brought this curse upon myself.
- Wanderer: So I beg you... grant me this opportunity to gain a purpose. To change my destiny and end my wandering.
- Nahida: Very well.
- Nahida: Since your mind is made up, I will return to you that which is yours.
- (A cinematic plays)
- Cutscene's Travel Log summary:
- Nahida: You have made your decision
- Nahida: Now... take this
- (The Wanderer reaches out to the memory and it plunges into his chest)
- Wanderer: Aah...!
- (The Wanderer sees a memory of Raiden Shogun at the Grand Narukami Shrine)
- Yae Miko: Set him free?
- (The Wanderer sees a memory of a man at the Shakkei Pavilion)
- Katsuragi: A puppet? What's he doing here...
- (The Wanderer continues to be in agony)
- Wanderer: Argh! It's...
- (The Wanderer sees a memory of Niwa at the Tatarasuna forge)
- Niwa: You're a human as far as I'm concerned
- (The Wanderer sees a memory of Escher)
- Escher: Everyone's here. Wonderful
- (The Wanderer sees a memory of a man holding the Katsuragikiri Nagamasa)
- Miyazaki: What a fine blade!
- Miyazaki: Nagamasa will be thrilled
- (The Wanderer drops to his knees in agony)
- Wanderer: This is... my...
- Paimon: Is he alright...?
- (The Shouki no Kami awakens and begins to attack as The Wanderer is still in shock)
- Paimon: No way!
- (The Traveler destroys a rock that was on course to hit the Wanderer)
- Paimon: Hey! Are you done yet!?
- (The Shouki no Kami shoots a Electrostreak beam towards the three)
- (The Wanderer, in his mind, reaches towards the light)
- Wanderer: All worthless dross will be purged
- Wanderer: That's why...
- Wanderer: ...This won't be the end!
- (The Wanderer reaches out and grabs onto The Balladeer's hand, only to notice that the Balladeer has reached out for his other hand)
- (The Wanderer comes to his senses as the beam reaches them)
- (In the aftermath of the attack, it seems that something had deflected the beam)
- (The Traveler and Paimon see the Wanderer standing in front of them, as an Anemo Vision descends in front of him)
- Paimon: Balladeer!?
- (He snatches the Vision from the air and a familiar grin appears on his face)
- Wanderer: Die!
- (Cinematic ends)
- (When the battle begins)
- Wanderer: ...This is trying my patience.
- Paimon: Have you got all your memories back now?
- Wanderer: Have you got any more stupid questions!?
- (If the trial Wanderer falls during the battle)
- Wanderer: Ugh, how... how can I fall here!?
- (After defeating the Everlasting Lord of Arcane Wisdom)
- Everlasting Lord of Arcane Wisdom: ...!!
- Wanderer: Imbecile! Get out of my sight!
- Paimon: ...It disappeared... Did we win?
- Wanderer: What did you expect? I'd never lose to that.
- Paimon: Ehh, there's that tone of voice again. You're definitely back to your old self...
- Paimon: Wait, but it was you inside that thing, too. What have you got to be smug about?
- Wanderer: Sorry, I'm harsh on myself and everyone else. Just the way I am.
- Now you've recovered your memories...
- The past will catch up with you.
- Wanderer: Haha, you sound like you're concerned about me.
- Wanderer: But don't worry. Thanks to you, even if I didn't change a thing... at least I now know the truth.
- Nahida: The memory recovery seems to have been a success. This dream has served its purpose.
- Wanderer: Come on. Let's continue this outside.
Soundtracks[]
| No. | Soundtrack Name | Album | Played In |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37 | Scarred Island | Realm of Tranquil Eternity | A Dance of Destruction, The Kabukimono's Finale Locations, Serenitea Pot |
| 47 | Heart of Yuugen | The Shimmering Voyage Vol. 3 | The Kabukimono's Finale (cutscene) |
| 47 | Ominous Fandango | The Shimmering Voyage | What the Skies Conceal, the Water Reveals (cutscene), Delusion (Quest), Where the Boat of Consciousness Lies (cutscene), The Kabukimono's Finale |
Gallery[]
Other Languages[]
| Language | Official Name | Literal Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| English | The Kabukimono's Finale | — |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 幕切——倾奇之末 Mùqiē⸺Qīngqí zhī Mò | Finale — The Kabukimono's End[※][※] |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 幕切——傾奇之末 Mùqiē⸺Qīngqí zhī Mò | |
| Japanese | 幕切——傾奇の末 Makugire⸺Kabuki no Sue | Finale — The Kabukimono's End |
| Korean | 종막——가부키모노의 결말 Jongmak⸺Gabukimono-ui Gyeolmal | Denouement — The End of Kabukimono |
| Spanish | El acto final del kabukimono | The kabukimono's Final Act |
| French | L'acte final du kabukimono | The Final Act of the Kabukimono |
| Russian | Финал Кабукимоно Final Kabukimono | The Kabukimono's Finale |
| Thai | ปิดฉาก - จุดจบของ Kabukimono | |
| Vietnamese | Bế Mạc, Kết Cục Của Kabukimono | |
| German | Das Ende des Kabukimono | The End of Kabukimono |
| Indonesian | Tirai Ditutup, Akhir dari Kabukimono | Curtains Closed, the End of Kabukimono |
| Portuguese | As Cortinas se Fecham: o Encerramento do Kabukimono | |
| Turkish | Kabukimono'nun Sonu | Kabukimono's End |
| Italian | L'ultimo atto del kabukimono | The Last Act of the Kabukimono |
Change History[]
Released in Version 3.3
