Where the Boat of Consciousness Lies

==Steps==
# Wait till 16:00 and find Nahida in the Sanctuary of Surasthana
# Talk to Nahida once you have made your preparations
# Go through the passage and reach The Balladeer
#* Enter the Quest Domain: Deus Foundry
#* Upon exiting the elevator, the player will be teleported into the Quest Domain The Shrine of Shouki no Kami.
# Talk to The Balladeer
# Defeat the Everlasting Lord of Arcane Wisdom
#* 
# Enter Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's last memory
#* The player will be teleported into the Quest Domain The Greater Lord's Remaining Consciousness.
# Talk to Nahida
# Leave this place using the Boat of Consciousness
# Reach the Irminsul from the past
#* The player will be teleported into the Quest Domain That Day Under Irminsul.
# Find the remaining consciousness of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata
# Talk to Nahida
# Talk to Paimon
==Gameplay Notes==
* Leaving during the middle of any of the four quest-specific Domains will place the player back at the Sanctuary of Surasthana, as if Step 2 was just completed, but upon interacting with the domain's start point, the most recent unfinished domain can be re-entered.
* During Step 5, Nahida will join the party as a trial character.
* The first time players fight Shouki no Kami's second phase, players are not required to deal damage and only need to survive until the cinematic begins.
* Two major events occur in this quest that result in significant changes to the game world at its conclusion:
** Greater Lord Rukkhadevata is removed from Irminsul, effectively erasing her from the history of Teyvat. Nearly all texts, descriptions, and voice-overs that reference her are changed to reflect this. (A more detailed list can be found in .)
** Lesser Lord Kusanali shuts down the Akasha. Characters previously shown to wear Akasha Terminals no longer do so, as they have been rendered useless.
* This quest may be blocked by Tighnari's Story Quest because of a shared location until the 3rd step of Into the Hinterland is completed.
* Completing Step 7 grants the .
==Trial Character==
==Dialogue==
;(After the previous quest)
: Paimon: We might as well prepare for a fight, .
: Paimon: When we're done, we can take a walk around. After all, we missed out on a lot of stuff when we were locked up.
;(Talk to Viraf outside the Sanctuary of Surasthana, optional)
: Viraf: The blond-haired Traveler? How did you come out from the Sanctuary of Surasthana? It's normally forbidden to enter that place.
: Paimon: Um, sorry, we don't know the rules here...
: Viraf: It's fine, just pay more attention next time. Anyway, I'm looking for Grand Sage Azar. Have you seen him?
: Viraf: The more I think about it, the more I believe there's something fishy about Alhaitham's return. I need to let the Grand Sage know somehow...
: Paimon: You're finally starting to put two and two together...
;(Talk to Vihar outside the Akademiya, optional)
: Vihar: Hey, it's you guys! How did your plan go? Are you here for Nilou?
: Paimon: It went really well! And yeah, where's Nilou?
: Vihar: Great to hear! Nilou's already returned to the Grand Bazaar. Just now, a crowd of Akademiya students came by to ask Nilou for her signature. I've never seen her run away so fast!
: Vihar: To think the Akademiya wants to ban artistic performances... Hehe, I think their students would be the first to disagree.
;(Talk to Rahman inside the Grand Bazaar, optional)
: Rahman: Eh? How did you find the time to walk around? Did you manage to rescue Lesser Lord Kusanali?
: Paimon: We did! She's handling some Akasha stuff right now.
: Rahman: That's great, haha. Just now, Dehya went to find Asfand, the senior consultant of the Corps of Thirty, and explained everything to him.
: Rahman: In response, Asfand said, "Why didn't you tell me earlier. If it was to rescue the Dendro Archon, we would've helped as well," hahaha...
: Rahman: I didn't know we could have even counted the city guards of the Corps of Thirty among our potential reinforcements. It looks like we were a bit too conservative with our plan.
----
;(Enter the Sanctuary of Surasthana)
: Paimon: How's it going, Nahida?
: Nahida: I'm done with the parts that needed my involvement to complete.
: Nahida: Although it's my first time working with the Akasha like this, its internal structure and operation procedures are easy for me to understand. Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's design is truly brilliant.
: Nahida: Oh, also, this is for you.
: Paimon: Huh? What's this little floaty thingy?
: Nahida: It's a small device I put together just now. You can think of it as an upgraded Akasha Terminal.
: Nahida: You may not need it right now, but it should be helpful in certain situations.
: Paimon: Wait! This thing has the same characteristics as Paimon!
: Paimon: We're both small things that float...
: Paimon: *sigh* All the things that make Paimon special got copied... When Paimon appears with the Traveler from now on, people won't remember Paimon because she isn't unique anymore...
: Are you actually upset...?
: It looks completely different from you!
: Nahida: It's alright, Paimon. It can't replace you.
: Nahida: It's only a flying device, but you're 's irreplaceable friend.
: Paimon: Waah, you're so good at comforting people, Nahida. If only was as smart as you...
: Hmm...
: Nahida: Hm? I was simply telling you what I feel to be the truth. I wasn't trying to comfort you.
: Paimon: Nahida, you're a natural at this! What you just said made Paimon even happier!
: Nahida: By the way, there's something I need to confess...
: Nahida: Even though I'm the archon and in control of myself again, I'm not very good at fighting...
: Nahida: You may have heard that an archon's power is derived from their people's faith. However, I'm not as well-loved as Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.
: Nahida: If we get into a situation where combat is our only option, I'll have to count on you, and I'll do my best to provide support.
: Don't worry.
: Fighting is my forte.
: Nahida: I'm glad I can rely on you.
: Paimon: Hmm, so the God of Wisdom isn't good at fighting. That actually sounds about right.
: Nahida: I've located where the false god is. Time is of the essence, so let's skip to it.
----
;(Enter Deus Foundry)
: Paimon: What is this place? Is this really the way we need to go?
: Paimon: Wow... Who woulda thought there'd be a place like this hidden right slap bang in the middle of the city!
: Nahida: The sages wanted to realize their god creation plan without being discovered. The safest and most convenient way would be to build within the Akademiya itself.
: Paimon: Hmm, that's true. They were already hiding one god, so why not two?
: Nahida: Judging from the structure here, the project is a huge undertaking. The sages really saw the god creation plan as their ultimate goal.
: Nahida: But this place doesn't seem like it could have been constructed by the Akademiya alone...
: Nahida: The Fatui under The Doctor sure didn't hold back — they provided a lot of technological support.
: It's to help one of their own Harbingers become a god, after all.
: Paimon: Yeah, or else they wouldn't have been that generous!
: Nahida: Is that it, though? I've always felt that this "Doctor" is different from the Akademiya sages. He doesn't seem to share their sense of urgency...
: Nahida: Instead of being interested in the end product, it's like he's enjoying the experimental process.
: Paimon: Hmm... The Fatui Harbingers are all such weirdos, so The Doctor being weird is actually normal.
: Nahida: So... this Fatui that they're trying to turn into a god... is called "The Balladeer"?
: Nahida: We had previously come into contact with his consciousness. He harbors particularly strong obsessions...
: Nahida: One is the desire for a Gnosis, since he was created to be the vessel for one.
: Nahida: The other obsession is probably related to his past. I can't quite explain it.
: Paimon: Paimon knows that he was a prototype puppet for the Raiden Shogun before he became a Fatui Harbinger...
: Paimon: That's why he wants a Gnosis so badly. There's no way he'd willingly be a test subject, not with that temper and ego of his.
: Nahida: It sounds like you know The Balladeer quite well.
: We've had a few encounters...
: But none of them were pleasant.
: Nahida: I see. Tell me more about him and what he's like...
: Nahida: The more we know now, the better we can plan for and react to any future situation.
:
: Nahida: Ah... I see. How fascinating.
: Nahida: Alright, time to go. Let's get through here and meet him in person.
;(Approach the pipes with horizontal brass plates)
: Paimon: It looks like we can climb up these pipes...
;(Approach the central structure)
: Paimon: The pattern on the ground seems to be all messed up... Let's go around and see if there's a way to fix it.
;(Approach the cart)
: Paimon: It seems to have stopped. Let's continue.
;(Approach the stuck cart)
: Paimon: Hmm, the cart is stuck. Maybe there's something wrong with the tracks. Let's try adjusting the direction of the device to clear the tracks.
;(Exit the elevator)
: Nahida: Looking at its operational status, we must prepare for the worst. The god they wanted to create... is likely close to completion, or already completed.
: That's not a surprise...
: I've already seen him control the weather.
: Paimon: Oh no, what should we do... Paimon can't imagine how hard it would be to fight against a Fatui Harbinger with a Gnosis...
: Nahida: Are you nervous, Paimon?
: Paimon: If you really want to know... of course Paimon's nervous! Aren't you too, Nahida?
: Nahida: Yes, I am. This is probably the first time I'm faced with a calamity of this degree since my birth.
: Nahida: I feel not just nervous, but curious as well.
: Paimon: Curious...? Curious about what?
: Nahida: Curious about our fate.
: Nahida: To me, everything we perceive in this world, everything we learn, and everything that happens to us is considered knowledge.
: Nahida: And if it's a form of knowledge, then it can be understood.
: Nahida: However, only fate is about that which has yet to occur, so it has always drawn my curiosity.
: Nahida: So to me, "fate" is the ultimate knowledge.
: Nahida: That's also why I love observing humans and all the things that happen to them. It all brings me great satisfaction.
: Nahida: And now, at long last, I'm not just an observer anymore.
: Nahida: I will personally experience my own fate, with you by my side. Hehe, isn't this such a wonderfully exciting thing?
: Paimon: Ah, so that's what you mean! Paimon thinks she understands what you're feeling.
: I'm also looking forward to it.
: We won't lose.
: Nahida: Agreed! Okay, let's continue on. I can sense "his" aura from here...
;(Exit the domain)
;(A cinematic plays)
:;(Nahida uses her power on The Balladeer, awakening him)
::The Balladeer: Who would have thought...
::The Balladeer: The world would be so eager for my "birth"
::The Balladeer: I remember you
::The Balladeer: Buer, the God of Wisdom
::The Balladeer: And standing beside you... the Traveler
::Paimon: Is he all-knowing and powerful now like Greater Lord Rukkhadevata?
::Nahida: No, I can't feel the same kind of divinity I felt from the Greater Lord
::Nahida: It seems that the sages didn't get the chance to infuse the Divine Knowledge Capsules into him
::Nahida: But even still...
::Nahida: He has undoubtedly become a true "god" now
::Paimon: So we're too late?
::Paimon: The Balladeer has already... already become a god...?
::The Balladeer: "The Balladeer"
::The Balladeer: A long bygone title
::The Balladeer: When my spirit ascended to divinity
::The Balladeer: I felt as if I had existed for the same number of epochs as heaven and earth
::The Balladeer: Looking back
::The Balladeer: The existence of what once called itself "Kunikuzushi" appears infinitely small
::The Balladeer: And ugly
::
:;(Cinematic ends)
: Paimon: This imposing aura... It really feels like a god's...
: Nahida: A body that capitalizes on The Balladeer's original construction as a mechanical puppet, with the Gnosis serving as a constant power supply...
: Nahida: How much effort and resources did the sages put into this...?
: Nahida: From a purely technological perspective, it's a commendable achievement indeed. It's no exaggeration to say this is the culmination of human wisdom.
: Paimon: You sure are something, dishing out compliments at a time like this...
: Nahida: But I don't think he's reached the spiritual height of a god.
: So he's still the same, old Balladeer on the inside.
: I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing...
: Everlasting Lord of Arcane Wisdom: Strife is engraved upon every god and every Gnosis brought forth into this world.
: Everlasting Lord of Arcane Wisdom: Can you feel it? The exhilaration of such power, and the thrill of anticipation for our contention...
: Paimon: Nahida wouldn't feel the same things as you!
: Everlasting Lord of Arcane Wisdom: Do you not realize... that you are interrupting a conversation between gods? Lowly creature, know your place!
: Paimon: !!!
: Still the same Balladeer we know...
: Nahida: The strife engraved upon a Gnosis... You're talking about the Archon War.
: Nahida: Teyvat's current peace was not easily won. I didn't personally participate in the Archon War, but the way I see it...
: Nahida: All those losses were meaningless, driven by the demands of the "laws." There's no point in bringing it up again.
: Everlasting Lord of Arcane Wisdom: Hehehe, is that so? Yet I am deeply disappointed that I was never allowed the fortuity to personally participate in the Archon War.
: Everlasting Lord of Arcane Wisdom: This is a first — encountering a god in this world who does not crave power.
: Everlasting Lord of Arcane Wisdom: No wonder your own people have abandoned you, God of Wisdom.
: But from now on...
: Nahida's followers will only continue to increase in number.
: Everlasting Lord of Arcane Wisdom: Hmph. Your judgment is as your existence: unsubstantial.
: Everlasting Lord of Arcane Wisdom: This is where everything ends, Buer, the God of Wisdom.
: Everlasting Lord of Arcane Wisdom: You should know that wisdom cannot solve every problem. Like now, where your only option is to face me in combat.
:Nahida: ...
: Everlasting Lord of Arcane Wisdom: Come...
: Everlasting Lord of Arcane Wisdom: Let us reenact a scene of the Archon War. Come and inaugurate my birth as a god.
----
;(A cinematic plays a certain amount of time after entering the second phase)
::The Balladeer: This is supposed to be a battle between gods, yet you choose to hide behind a mortal
::The Balladeer: And now, you're acting like you'd sacrifice yourself for a human...
::The Balladeer: Are you having fun proving a false sense of heroism to yourself, Buer?
:;(The Balladeer rams his hand through Nahida's chest, to the Traveler's horror)
::Nahida: The data collection is almost complete
::Nahida: Do you even know how many times you've tried to take my Gnosis from me?
:;(Their surroundings shatter and Nahida, the Traveler, and Paimon are relocated to the positions they were in before the fight began)
::Nahida: We just concluded the 168th loop
::Nahida: Did you know that, in the effort to create you
::Nahida: The people of Sumeru were forced to live through the exact same number of Sabzeruz Festivals and samsara cycles?
::The Balladeer: The power of dreams... When did you use it on me...
:;(The Traveler remembers Nahida using her power on the Balladeer earlier, which was stored in the Neo Akasha Terminal)
::The Balladeer: You can't even defeat me in a dream
::The Balladeer: What do you hope to achieve with this little trick?
::Nahida: Come, Traveler, just like before
::Nahida: Allow me to awaken the memories in your dreams
:;(Nahida bestows canned knowledge of the past samara cycles unto the Traveler)
::Paimon: All that battle experience!
::Nahida: It's more than that
::Nahida: "Compile everyone's wisdom in the name of the archon"
:;(Various characters are seen around Sumeru as they receive Nahida's instructions to help find a way to defeat the Balladeer)
::Nahida: That is the original function of the Akasha
::Nahida: I've sent everything that happened just now
::Nahida: To the people of Sumeru in the form of knowledge
::Nahida: I've asked them... to help you find a way to defeat the false god
:;(Nahida links the people of Sumeru through the Neo Akasha Terminal, charging it to its maximum level)
::Nahida: Now, all of Sumeru's wisdom is at your disposal
::The Balladeer: Meaningless tricks won't save you!
:;(The Shouki no Kami violently slams against the Traveler and the others, quaking the entire shrine, then unleashes the Electro beam to them. However, the attacks the Balladeer had used while stuck inside the samsara cycle were easily evaded)
::The Balladeer: Heh... Are you done with your tricks?
::The Balladeer: Can I finally take this as a real battle between gods?
::Nahida: Mm, I'll leave this to you
::Nahida: The First Sage of Buer
:;(Cinematic ends)
----
;(After defeating Everlasting Lord of Arcane Wisdom)
;(A cinematic plays)
::The Balladeer: Humans... filthy humans...!
:;(Nahida floats up to Shouki no Kami's core and begins extracting the Electro Gnosis)
::The Balladeer: No!
::The Balladeer: Wait!
::The Balladeer: Please
::The Balladeer: Anything but the Gnosis...!
::The Balladeer: That's mine!
::The Balladeer: Don't even try...!
::The Balladeer: I'll never...
::The Balladeer: I'll never go back!
:;(Nahida extracts the Gnosis as the tethers tying the Balladeer to the machine snap, sending him plummeting to the ground)
::Nahida: We haven't yet found the answer to the most important mystery
::Nahida: Irminsul is still waiting to be saved
::Nahida: With the power of another Gnosis
::Nahida: We may now finally understand the last memory of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata
:;(A knowledge capsule appears)
::Paimon: This is...
::Nahida: That's right
::Nahida: This is the last memory...
::Nahida: Of my predecessor
:;(Cinematic ends)
: Paimon: Huh, this sure seems very different from what Paimon imagined... Shouldn't Irminsul be in this realm of consciousness?
: Nahida: Yes, that is our destination, but I didn't expect the remaining consciousness of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata to be as polluted as this.
: Polluted?
:: Surely not...
:: It must be due to forbidden knowledge.
: Nahida: Forbidden knowledge? Hmm, it seems you know about a concept that even I don't completely understand. Could you tell me what you know?
:
: Nahida: Your inference seems logical enough...
: Nahida: Forbidden knowledge once polluted the desert thousands of years ago, but was successfully repelled thanks to King Deshret's self-sacrifice and Greater Lord Rukkhadevata nearly exhausting her power.
: Nahida: Then a second instance of forbidden knowledge pollution occurred during the Khaenri'ah cataclysm five hundred years ago.
: Nahida: But I'm afraid it is much more serious this time, with Irminsul itself already in danger.
: Paimon: So if we're in the remaining consciousness of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, and it's also been affected by forbidden knowledge pollution, then does that mean, in order to save us, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata...
: Nahida: Yes, it's very possible that she sacrificed her life in the fight against forbidden knowledge.
: Nahida: She didn't completely eradicate forbidden knowledge, but if it weren't for her actions, the pollution would have been far more rampant over these past five hundred years.
: Nahida: The way that everyone, including me, has forgotten everything about forbidden knowledge may very well be due to her restoration of Irminsul.
: Nahida: ...
: Paimon: Aw, do you feel sad, Nahida?
: Nahida: I'm just sharing her pain... The pollution of her consciousness here is severe. There is madness, chaos, and pain all around us.
: Nahida: Did she fight to resist the forbidden knowledge pollution in such terrible conditions, all the way up till her last breath...?
: Nahida: She even used her last remnant of lucid consciousness to leave a clue for us to follow...
: By "clue," you mean...
: The words, "...World... Forget me..."?
: Nahida: Yes, her words were distorted by forbidden knowledge, so that's all we could hear.
: Nahida: But now we have a chance to find the answer to this mystery.
: Nahida: We can cross the polluted consciousness until we've found the right path to meet with her lucid consciousness.
: Nahida: And then... we'll let Greater Lord Rukkhadevata tell us the truth in person.
: I hope we can use that truth to save everybody.
: Nahida: Each of us need to be mindful of the state of our own consciousness while we are here.
: Nahida: Even with the Gnosis' protection, we must always keep a clear mind. Otherwise, we could go mad at any moment.
: Paimon: Eek! That's so scary!
: Nahida: Don't worry, it should be easy enough for you to keep that mind of yours clear, Paimon. Let's go.
;(Enter the cavern)
: Paimon: Are we... in the air? And why is there a huge boat!?
: Nahida: That's the Boat of Consciousness, which symbolizes reason here. Its course is the direction our consciousness is traveling towards.
: Nahida: If we lose control over our consciousness, we will fall into madness... So let's make sure the boat stays on course.
;(Approach the enemies)
: Paimon: Wow... What are these? The monsters seem to have been affected by them...
;(Defeat the Riftwolves)
: Paimon: Look, Four-Leaf Sigils have appeared in the sky!
;(Defeat the enemies on the boat)
: Paimon: To control the Boat of Consciousness, we need to find the helm first.
;(Start the wheel)
: Paimon: We changed direction. Are we still going the right way, Nahida?
: Nahida: Mm-hmm. Judging from the current route, the Boat of Consciousness will soon take us out of here.
: Nahida: We'll be arriving at our destination soon. How are you feeling? Are your minds still intact?
: Some strange thoughts came from time to time...
: But I seem to be okay now.
: Paimon: Huh, but everything's been completely normal for Paimon.
: Nahida: Hopefully, there won't be any more interruptions. This time, we should be able to meet Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.
: Paimon: Are you saying you've never met Greater Lord Rukkhadevata before?
: Nahida: No, it seems that my birth and her death took place at the same time.
: Nahida: Otherwise, I think she would have given me a little more guidance, and I could have done a better job.
: Paimon: Hey, you've done a great job, Nahida! Let's get out of this creepy place and go meet her!
----
;(At Irminsul)
: Paimon: So is this the place you were talking about...?
: Paimon: The base of Irminsul...
;(Continue forwards towards the tree)
: Nahida: Well, this is the place.
: Yes...
: It's the same place from my memories.
: Paimon: Uh... we're here to find Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, right?
: Paimon: But the one standing over there is...
: Nahida: Is that... me...? She looks exactly... like me...
: Nahida: Are you... Greater Lord Rukkhadevata?
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Yes, that's me. Are you surprised by my appearance?
: I can't believe my eyes...
: The two of you look almost exactly the same...
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Irminsul and the surrounding lands have been reproduced here as they were years ago, but this is just a realm of consciousness.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: We are manifestations of the same nature, hence why we would appear exactly the same.
: Nahida: Hmm? We're... of the same nature? Why?
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Because you are me, and I am you.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: You are me in the new samsara.
: Nahida: The new samsara...
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: As Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, I'm the avatar of Irminsul, and you are the purest branch snapped from Irminsul.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Imagine it this way... Even if a tree dies, its branches will eventually take root and grow, continuing the tree's life in another form.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: I'm merely the remaining consciousness of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata. The real me has presumably died a long time ago.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Hmm... Judging from your appearance, I've probably been dead for five hundred years...
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: But you're finally here, my new "self" in this samsara.
: So this is the connection between you two...
: Lesser Lord Kusanali and Greater Lord Rukkhadevata...
: Nahida: If this is true, then am I... going to be a great archon like you someday?
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Though we share the same nature, our fates are bound to be different. All things have their own fate.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: When a branch grows into a mature tree, it won't be the same as the original tree.
: Nahida: That's why fate is the ultimate knowledge, isn't it?
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: That's a great insight. Yes, very good.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: It's also precisely why you won't become like me...
: Nahida: Really...
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: But perhaps, you may become an even greater archon than I.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: I already see a determination in you that I didn't possess in my time, and the future that it leads you to will be yours alone.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Along with the blessings from your past experiences.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Don't worry. The growth of wisdom is like that of a plant — you only need to wait quietly for the flower to bloom.
: I have faith in Nahida, too...
: She will definitely become a great archon.
: Paimon: Come to think of it, the sages never had the faintest inkling of the meaning of wisdom...
: Nahida: Thank you... Nothing makes me happier than discovering that the archon I always admired was in fact myself in another fate.
: Nahida: It's so nice to speak with you, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata. I've always wanted to meet you...
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: The feeling is mutual. From the moment I snapped the branch off Irminsul and created you, I've also looked forward to talking with you.
: Nahida: Could you tell me... why you wanted to create me? And what exactly happened when you died...
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Ah, I see. You're here seeking answers, right?
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Everything that day, even the sky itself, changed into a color like this...
:;(The camera pans to a purple branch)
: I knew it... the Khaenri'ah cataclysm.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: At that time, The Seven were all summoned to the nation of Khaenri'ah, except for me. I had a more important task to attend to...
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: I had to protect Irminsul.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: The disaster occurred together with the pollution of forbidden knowledge. At that very moment, with my consciousness connected to Irminsul, I sensed something was wrong.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: The pain started to torment my mind. By the time I reached Irminsul, it was already displaying signs of corruption.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Had I not repelled the pollution of forbidden knowledge with King Deshret thousands of years ago, I might have felt even more hopeless and lost.
: Nahida: So what exactly is... forbidden knowledge?
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: It's a kind of knowledge that doesn't belong to this world, and a form of "truth" that can't be understood.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: It came from the very bottom of the Abyss. Even I could never understand it.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: The world is constantly rejecting it, leading to all kinds of bad phenomena.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: If we allow forbidden knowledge to pollute Irminsul, I'm afraid the entirety of Teyvat could fall apart.
: Paimon: So there's knowledge that even the God of Wisdom can't understand...
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: At that time, I knew I couldn't repel the forbidden knowledge with my strength alone.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Which is why I created a device that compiled human wisdom, and named it "the Akasha."
: Nahida: It's truly the world's most amazing invention.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Hehe... Thank you. For a long time, I thought dreams were the fruit of human wisdom.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Though it was selfish to do so, I borrowed people's dreams using the Akasha. Then I compiled their wisdom and all of my own power...
: Paimon: Well, did it work?
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Thanks to the wisdom of the people of Sumeru, almost all the forbidden knowledge was cleared from Irminsul.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: But... things didn't go as smoothly as I thought. I had a terrible headache, which gave me an uneasy feeling...
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: And then, I remembered that my consciousness was also connected with Irminsul. It brought me knowledge and wisdom, but vile corruption as well.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: From the very beginning, my existence had been polluted by the forbidden knowledge.
: Paimon: Oh no... How could that happen...
: Nahida: I've experienced that pain in your consciousness. It must've been a horrible experience.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Yes, but my feelings weren't important. The important thing was that...
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Even if I died, my existence and everything related to me would continue to exist in Irminsul as memories and knowledge, meaning that the forbidden knowledge couldn't ever be permanently eradicated.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: And... there's no way for me to eliminate myself. It would be a sort of paradox.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: So, I took the purest branch of Irminsul as my incarnation in the next samsara, and left a trail of clues...
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: All in hopes that you would come here and remove me and my pollution from Irminsul forever.
: Nahida: ...W—Wait. No... I can't!
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Hehe, so you realized what that implies? You are very smart, indeed.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Irminsul has all the knowledge and memories of this world. And as you've realized just now...
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Removing me from Irminsul means... I essentially will never have existed in this world.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: But... this is the only way to save Irminsul.
: Nahida: People love you so much and... and they've missed you so much over the past five hundred years. I... I am exactly the same. So how...
: Nahida: How can we just... forget you like this?
: Nahida: Is there really no other way? There must be something else I can do!
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: You're the God of Wisdom, Buer. You should know that there is no other way.
: Nahida: But this... this is so... cruel. I don't want to forget you!
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: No need to feel so sad, Buer. As someone who delights in wisdom, you should feel joy at finally finding the answer.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: These are the words in their entirety... the answer you've been seeking all along.
: Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: "Let the world completely forget me."
;(A cinematic plays)
:;(Greater Lord Rukkhadevata walks over to Nahida, raises the younger archon's tear-filled face to meet her gaze and lovingly embraces her)
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: We all nestle under the great tree of wisdom
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Peering out to perceive the world
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: From the earth
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: And from the rain
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: We perceive its wonders until we become a white bird
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: To perch atop a branch...
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: And finally snap off the most important leaf
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Once upon a time
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: I alone dreamed in this world
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: In my dreams
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Everybody would also dream after they fell asleep
:;(A dream or memory plays of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata tossing a branch of Irminsul into the air, which is then caught by another Greater Lord who hugs it to her chest. This branch is juxtaposed with Lesser Lord Kusanali, who is how being hugged by the remnant of the Greater Lord's consciousness.)
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Wild and wonderful thoughts would emerge from their minds
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Some tumbled to the ground
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: And others floated to the sky
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Connecting all things in the world
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Into one dazzling net
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Among a plethora of worlds
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Were numerous smaller worlds
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: All of fate
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Finding within the tapestry their brilliant glow
:;(The tears in her eyes cascading down her cheeks, Lesser Lord Kusanali painfully clenches her fists, then opening them to summon her Dendro powers before returning Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's hug as she weeps, causing the Greater Lord to fade away before finally shattering into glowing green petals)
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: I gradually understood
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: That these indescribable
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: And constantly changing things
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Are the most profound things in the world
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Only they
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Can completely repel the madness
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Only dreams
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Can awaken consciousness
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: From the deepest darkness
:;(Nahida falls to her knees, devastated, her shoulders wracked with sobs. She looks up as the petals flow upward together in a gentle wind towards the crown of Irminsul. The green petals float over Sumeru as dreams are returned to the people, falling on various people afflicted by Eleazar or who went mad after connecting their minds with the Irminsul)
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: I'm the one who posed this question
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Yet also the one who sought a solution
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Saving the world with the dreams of the people
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Used to be my answer
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: And now
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: You've also found your own answer
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: And I shall return all the dreams
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: To the people
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Goodbye
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: People of Sumeru
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: May you be blessed tonight
::Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: With the sweetest of dreams
:;(Cinematic ends)
: Nahida: ...
: Nahida?
: ...Are you alright?
: Nahida: Ah, , I—I'm all right. I'm just a little confused...
: What are you confused about?
: Nahida: We've just saved the world, right?
: Nahida: So why... why am I crying?
: ...
: Don't tell me...
: Nahida: I don't know where this feeling inside of me is coming from, but I feel very sad...
: Do you still remember... what happened just now?
: Nahida: Just now? We used the power of two Gnoses to successfully connect with the Irminsul consciousness from five hundred years ago...
: Nahida: Then, we removed the remaining pollution from Irminsul...
: (She's forgotten her...)
: (Did I manage to remember because I'm not from this world?)
: Paimon: Yeah, what's wrong? , weren't you there just now?
:: (Paimon doesn't seem to remember either. Has everybody really forgotten Greater Lord Rukkhadevata?)
:: (Should I... tell them the truth?)
:???: *Buzzing*
:: (What's that sound...? I feel... super... sleepy...)
:;(The Traveler and Paimon fall unconscious)
: Nahida: Huh, that sound... ? Paimon?
: The Doctor: I've been waiting here far too long... But finally, I have the chance to be alone with you. All the precious time I wasted has finally paid off.
: Nahida: The Doctor... What have you done!?
: The Doctor: Just a type of sound wave that can quickly put defenseless people into a dream. As I expected... it doesn't have any effect on gods.
: The Doctor: This is the only thing of interest I found among the sages' research. I thought I'd take it for a little spin.
: The Doctor: Don't worry. I know you would never forgive me if I actually killed them.
: The Doctor: I'm here to negotiate with you. Naturally, I won't do anything dangerous that could potentially damage our relationship.
: Nahida: Negotiate with me? I heard you had already left Sumeru. Why are you here again now?
: The Doctor: "I" left Sumeru, but "I" also stayed in Sumeru.
: The Doctor: Even the God of Wisdom is restricted by the habits of cognition. How disappointing.
: Nahida: You mean... there are many different versions of you in this world?
: The Doctor: An astute guess.
: The Doctor: Even the same individual will have different cognitions at different ages.
: The Doctor: A long time ago, I made a major decision in hopes of preserving all my perspectives of how I observed the world.
: The Doctor: Observation is the first step of any experiment, but observing the current world doesn't satisfy me. It lacks an important dimension — that of time.
: The Doctor: So I saved "segments" of all my ages, and made them into independent individuals...
: The Doctor: That's all there is to it. Indulge me, how does the God of Wisdom find my method of seeking knowledge?
: Nahida: It's an insult to the very concept of life.
: Nahida: Life inherently has many rules and restrictions, each with its own significance and reason to exist. They can't be broken on a whim.
: The Doctor: Hehehehe... Good. Amazing, even.
: The Doctor: Indeed. It's difficult for humans... to make peace with themselves, not to mention oneself from a different period.
: Nahida: Since you were in the Akademiya, why wait until now to show up? You could very well have stopped us and helped that "fake god."
: The Doctor: Simple, let me ask you this: Would any staff member ever help the subject in the middle of an experiment?
: The Doctor: It was my experiment, so why should I interfere with the results?
: Nahida: ...The Akademiya saw the plan to create a god as their ultimate goal, yet you only saw it as an ordinary experiment...
: Nahida: Y—You really are crazy... If the experiment succeeded, you would have had a new god on your hands. How would you have faced your own god then?
: Nahida: Would you still take the same stance? Would you still hold the same view of yourself?
: The Doctor: I'm first and foremost a scholar. These results should be left to the judgment of the hypothetical "me" confronted with that outcome. But you're right, and that's exactly why I'm disappointed with the conclusion of this experiment.
: Nahida: As an individual, you don't have any sense of belonging... And you seem to have even fewer convictions than a typical scholar.
: The Doctor: Oh, no. I certainly have my own convictions. They just don't fit your standards, that's all.
: The Doctor: All right, that's enough conversation for today. The experiment is over and it's time to tidy up the equipment and reclaim any useful materials.
: The Doctor: For example... the Gnosis.
: Nahida: ...
: The Doctor: Lesser Lord Kusanali, you're an intelligent archon. I'm sure you understand the disparity in our combat abilities at this time... Besides, you have no way to use that Electro Gnosis in battle.
: Nahida: Didn't you say you were here to negotiate with me? Somehow it's starting to seem like you intend to take it by force now.
: The Doctor: Hahaha... I'm merely stating a fact.
: The Doctor: After all, I'm also a scholar. Naturally, I hope to show proper respect and dignity to the God of Wisdom.
: Nahida: Your hypocrisy is built on absolute confidence.
: Nahida: I understand your scheme, but...
: Nahida: ...What if I were to destroy the Gnosis now, and awaken the Heavenly Principles?
: The Doctor: Awaken... the heavenly principles?
: The Doctor: ...
: The Doctor: Do you think that's really possible?
: Nahida: The Heavenly Principles have been silent for many years, but the Gnoses are symbols of their control over Teyvat and all the laws...
: Nahida: Will the destruction of a Gnosis attract the attention of the Heavenly Principles? And if so... how do the Fatui plan to deal with the consequences?
: Nahida: Do you dare... to gamble such a possibility with me?
: The Doctor: Hmph, "gamble"? How surprising.
: The Doctor: I thought you would show evidence or use rigorous reasoning to prove your point... The word "gamble" is the last thing I expected to hear from the God of Wisdom.
: The Doctor: But this is a clever move. You must have seen through me when I first captured your consciousness.
: The Doctor: As a scholar, I respect all possibilities. This has always been my principle and is an essential trait as an experimenter.
: The Doctor: Indeed, I can't ignore this possibility. So tell me then, what are your conditions?
: Nahida: This foreign Gnosis will only lead to disaster if it stays in Sumeru...
: Nahida: But this Electro Gnosis is the prize I obtained after defeating one of your fellow Harbingers.
: Nahida: Now, as the one who initiated this cascade of events, shouldn't you pay the corresponding price?
: The Doctor: Price? Interesting. What price would you have me pay?
: Nahida: ...How about erasing all your other segments?
: The Doctor: Hahaha... So this is how you wish to restrict me, the most threatening opponent of the Nation of Wisdom. What you request of me is like plucking out the eyes I have placed in the dimension of time.
: The Doctor: Segments are extraordinarily difficult to make. They require extremely rare resources and enormous amounts of time and effort. Requiring me to destroy them all here and now... Bravo, a suitably wise decision on your part.
: The Doctor: Yes, how very interesting... Can I assume that you have long been wary of me?
: The Doctor: Among all the versions of me, this segment you see now is the most selfish. If it weren't me, your idea wouldn't have worked.
: The Doctor: What did you see when you were imprisoned? You were observing me, and that's how you know I've long grown tired of their doubts and endless arguments.
: Nahida: Like you said, it's difficult to make peace with yourself.
: Nahida: Being as smart as you are, have you managed to do that?
: The Doctor: ...
: The Doctor: I see. If you think all those versions of me are worth a Gnosis... Then, deal.
: Nahida: You sure didn't hesitate much. Is the relationship between all the versions of you really that bad?
: The Doctor: I don't think there's any need to dwell on that. The surplus versions of me can be exchanged for a Gnosis. Do you think anyone can offer themselves at a higher price?
: The Doctor: Besides, with my abilities, it's only a matter of time until I find better "perspectives." Perhaps it's best to say... you're just temporarily ahead.
: The Doctor: But what I'd like to know is, how can you be sure that I've really erased them?
: Nahida: I can see your remaining honesty...
:Nahida: ...
: The Doctor: ...Hmph.
;(A cinematic plays)
:;(Nahida hears and envisions the thoughts of the other Segments at the moment of their deaths)
:: On-Screen Text: Such an absurd decision / You must be in jestThe voice-over audio: What a ridiculous decision! You can't be serious!
:: On-Screen Text: Foolish choice / How could I be so shortsighted thenThe voice-over audio: Sheer foolishness. How could I have been so shortsighted back then?
:: On-Screen Text: For someone who can even betray himself / WhateverThe voice-over audio: You would betray even yourself. Huh! Good riddance!
:: On-Screen Text: Let's hope that you are worthy of such a choiceThe voice-over audio: You think this is the end? I'll have my revenge!
:: On-Screen Text: Wait not like thisThe voice-over audio: Wait, please wait!
:: On-Screen Text: This will not be the end of it / I will seek revengeThe voice-over audio: I hope you'll make this moment count.
:: On-Screen Text: You will regret thisThe voice-over audio: You! You will regret this!
:;(Cinematic ends)
: The Doctor: Well? Have you confirmed that it's complete?
: Nahida: ...Here, take it.
: Nahida: The future of Sumeru City will be in my hands alone. I will shut down the Akasha and let curiosity and the thirst for knowledge drive the realm of academics once again...
: Nahida: There won't be any further gaps for you to exploit.
: The Doctor: It truly pains me that my academic achievements have never been appreciated in my homeland. Of course, I have no interest in being rejected by this city for a third time.
: The Doctor: Another chess piece... And where is your Dendro Gnosis?
: Nahida: ...Don't be greedy, Harbinger of Snezhnaya.
: The Doctor: No, this is a different transaction. If you intend to turn off the Akasha anyway, then there's no further use for the Gnosis of Sumeru, is there?
: The Doctor: Besides, isn't it the archon's duty to deliver what's desired of the seeker?
: The Doctor: Oh? Judging from your expression, you don't seem to find the idea very agreeable. Then let's think of it this way... Since you're the God of Wisdom, how about I exchange some knowledge with you?
: Nahida: People exchanging knowledge with the God of Wisdom is the stuff of legends, yet here you wish to exchange knowledge for the God of Wisdom's property...
: Nahida: Arrogant as that is, it has piqued my interest.
: The Doctor: Let me ask you... Have you in all your mighty knowledge ever heard the rumor that "the skies of Teyvat are fake"?
: Nahida: ...Huh?
: The Doctor: That's the secret hidden by Irminsul concerning the "truth" of this world...
:Nahida: ...
: The Doctor: Once I finish telling you about this, it will be time for me to say goodbye.
: The Doctor: With negotiations, we've all gotten what we wanted. I'm very glad I got to meet you like this.
: Nahida: Your arrogance may know no bounds, and convictions may mean nothing to you, but I'll still listen to what you have to say.
:
:
: Paimon: ...Wait for... together... Okay... Wake... up.
:: (Hmm...)
: Paimon: Are you awake? Collei says it's time for breakfast. C'mon, get up!
: Good morning, Paimon.
: Paimon: Good morning! How're you feeling today?
: Pretty good.
: Paimon: Good to hear. It looks like we've recovered pretty well. Not even Tighnari can stop us from going out now, right?
: That's right.
:: (On that day, we lost consciousness in battle... When we woke up, we found ourselves in Gandharva Ville, and Tighnari and Collei were looking after us.)
:: (I heard that it was Cyno who brought us here. Tighnari complained that Cyno was always sending people to him, but he has taken great care of us.)
:: (After completely exhausting ourselves, we had a good rest here. After a few days, we finally recovered enough to be able to go back out.)
:: (From what Tighnari and Collei have said, the Akasha has been turned off completely, and the people of Sumeru will no longer rely on it.)
:: (Such a big change will certainly affect people's lives... But it will definitely be a good thing.)
: Paimon: C'mon, Traveler! Let's go!
==Soundtracks==
==Gallery==
Cutscene Animation- "The First Sage of Buer" - Genshin Impact
Sumeru Archon Quest - Where the Boat of Consciousness Lies - Scaramouche Defeated
Cutscene Animation- "A Dream of Falling Branches" - Genshin Impact
==Notes==
==Other Languages==
==Change History==
==Navigation==
es:¿Dónde estará el Barco de la Consciencia?
ja:意識の舟が行き着く処
vi:Đích Đến Của Con Thuyền Ý Thức