Dragon Mislay, Dreams Astray

Dragon Mislay, Dreams Astray is a sub-mission of Desolate Depths of Despair during Trailblaze Mission chapter Topclouded Towerthrust. It starts after the Trailblazer speaks with Fu Xuan and takes a starskiff to Scalegorge Waterscape.
==Steps==
# Leave the Healer's Market on your own
#* (Optional) Talk with people in the market to understand what is happening
# Find out where the Trailblazer and the others are
# Take the starskiff and enter Scalegorge Waterscape
==Gameplay Notes==
* This sub-mission is considered a challenge, and pressing Esc offers the option to "Pause and Save" or "Quit Completely" to exit.
** If "Quit Completely" is selected, the sub-mission may be restarted after watching the previous cutscene again.
* This mission features several Trial and Story characters:
** Dan Heng [Trial]
** Dan Heng • Imbibitor Lunae [Story]
** Blade [Story], not controllable by the player
==Trial Character==
==Dialogue==
:
:Sushang: Uh, this is...
: The Alchemy Commission.
: The delve bordering Scalegorge Waterscape.
:Sushang: Huh? You're pretty familiar with this place.
:Sushang: Yep, it's the Alchemy Commission. No wonder we were getting those military broadcasts on the way over — something about the Cloud Knights gathering here, right? They're probably coming to fix the Stellaron problem.
:Sushang: *sigh* It's been such a long journey, but now we're finally gonna meet some Cloud Knights! I'll be back with my unit!
:Sushang: I didn't lie to you, right? I told you I'd bring you somewhere safe, and I did! Though... we did take a bit of a detour...
:Luocha: Before I arrived in Starskiff Haven, I had a diviner read my fortune for the journey ahead. He told me not to be concerned with the destination, but to seize my chances and travel with the current to reap the greatest harvest.
:Sushang: ...Meaning?
:Luocha: Meaning thank you, Miss Sushang.
:Sushang: Oh... okay. Well, I'm gonna go report to the nearest captain.
:Sushang: You guys can hang around here, but don't run off too far — there'll be Cloud Knights coming to escort you back soon. Bye for now!
----
:
:Dan Heng: (The messages never get sent... I wonder what's happening with those three?)
:Dan Heng: (The Cloud Knights seem to be gathering for the Stellaron disaster... but why did Kafka want us to come here? What happened to them? And what happened to Blade?)
:Dan Heng: (I've delayed for too long. I need more information...)
===Leave the Healer's Market on your own===
====(Optional) Talk with people in the market to understand what is happening====
;(Talk to Sushang, optional)
:Sushang: What's up?
: I need to go.
::Sushang: Go? Go where? The Luofu is under lockdown — the Cloud Knights' operation isn't over yet.
::Sushang: Relax. When the fight is over, I'll personally escort you and Mr. Luocha home~
: Nothing...
::Sushang: Don't worry. Once the fight is over, I'll personally escort you and Mr. Luocha home~
;(Talk to Luocha, optional)
:Luocha: You haven't been back home for a long time, have you Master Dan Heng?
: (Lie) This isn't my home.
::Luocha: Ah... is that so? Apologies.
: How did you know...
::Luocha: As home draws nearer, so our feelings grow stronger. I can see it in your eyes.
:Luocha: Do you want to leave? Then do it now.
:Dan Heng: ...
:Luocha: The Cloud Knights will soon check our identities. I have somewhere else to be — I've tarried here too long.
:Dan Heng: ...Where are you going?
:Luocha: I'm a traveling merchant. I have one more deal to see through.
;(Talk to Sky-Faring Commission Foxian, optional)
:Sky-Faring Commission Foxian: I heard that starskiff connections are being reinstated. The people stranded at the Alchemy Commission should all be able to leave soon.
;(Talk to Deranged Disciple, optional)
:Deranged Disciple: The master was defeated? No... N—No that cannot be!
;(Talk to Excited Cloud Knight, optional)
:Excited Cloud Knight: Good news from the front lines! The Disciples over at Evemist Mansion have been defeated.
;(Talk to Cloud Knight Captain, optional)
:Cloud Knights Captain: The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus started a rebellion in the Alchemy Commission — the Cloud Knights have the area locked down. It's not safe, please remain here for now.
:Cloud Knights Captain: We will send someone to escort you back once the operation is over.
: Disciples of Sanctus Medicus?
::Cloud Knights Captain: Lunatics — all of them. You saw the Ambrosial Arbor, I assume? I heard that's the work of those sorcerers. Still, I can't say too much — military secrets.
::Dan Heng: (The Arbor's resurrection is connected to the Disciples' rebellion... I've heard those names before, but when?)
::Dan Heng: (How did (Trailblazer) and the others get drawn into all this...?)
: Have you seen any outworlders?
::(Dan Heng briefly described to the captain the appearances of March 7th and the crew.)
::Cloud Knights Captain: You must be talking about the general's guests. Are they your friends?
::Cloud Knights Captain: What a coincidence — they left with the master diviner not long ago. It's all thanks to their courageous work that the Knights don't have to worry about the poison in Evemist Mansion.
::Cloud Knights Captain: I received the good news from the front lines. They'll probably be back soon.
: Thanks. That's all I wanted to know.
::Cloud Knights Captain: Strange, you seem oddly familiar to me... Never mind, too many misfortunes recently — I can hardly think straight.
;(Talk to Mumbling Cloud Knight, optional)
:Mumbling Cloud Knight: Those Travelers defeated the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus... Won't that make us seem... incompetent?
:Mumbling Cloud Knight: I—I need to find a way to make this report sound more... impressive.
;(Talk to Rejuvenated Cloud Knight, optional)
:Rejuvenated Cloud Knight: Thanks to those heroes I managed to pull through. Could those guests of the general be the Galaxy Rangers of old?
;(Talk to Captured Disciple, optional)
:Captured Disciple: The master must have failed to summon the protection of Sanctus Medicus — her will must have wavered.
:Captured Disciple: Just you wait — I'll show you the blessing of Sanctus Medicus.
;(Upon trying to leave in the wrong direction)
:Dan Heng: (Seems this road is guarded by the Cloud Knights. I need to find another way...)
===Find out where the Trailblazer and the others are===
:Dan Heng: (I'm sorry, I have to catch up to my friends. Thank you for looking out for me on this journey, both of you...)
;(Upon trying to turn back after leaving)
:Dan Heng: (Now's not the time to turn back. If the Cloud Knights hold me up, I won't reach them in time.)
;(Upon walking toward Yanqing and the Cloud Knights)
:Dan Heng: (I need to be careful. If I alert the Knights, they might take an interest in me...)
;(Approach designated spot)
:Past Echo: What a huge cauldron.
:Past Echo: This aureate cauldron is driven by the cloudhymn magic of our people — the Vidyadhara. It drinks the water of the ancient sea like a whale swallows the tide, and refines it into medicinal pellets...
:Dan Heng: ...
;(Approach designated spot)
:Past Echo: All the elixir crucibles that the Vidyadhara helped to construct contain cloudhymn magic. You should take this chance to learn more, young master...
:Past Echo: Huh? But I don't need any sort of device to help me command water, what more is there to learn?
:Past Echo: You are indeed the chosen one, with endless potential... yet cloudhymn magic is just the beginning.
:Dan Heng: A Vidyadhara Mirage Echo... Have these shadows of the past yet to disperse?
:Dan Heng: These memories...
:Dan Heng: No. They have nothing to do with me anymore.
;(Interact with same Vidyadhara Mirage Echo)
: Vidyadhara Mirage Echo
:;(Repeats Past Echo dialogue above)
===Take the starskiff and enter Scalegorge Waterscape===
;(Interact with Vidyadhara Mirage Echo along the stairway, optional)
: Vidyadhara Mirage Echo
:Past Echo: They say that you are Long's power incarnate. Is that true?
:Past Echo: Hmph...
:Dan Heng: Aargh... Long...
:Dan Heng: I was exiled from the Xianzhou. I am no longer one of the Scions of Permanence.
;(Interact with Vidyadhara Mirage Echo at bottom of stairway, optional)
:Past Echo: I doubt I will be here to see you take charge...
:Past Echo: No need to feel aggrieved. Vidyadhara go through cycles of life and death, existing forever in this world.
:Past Echo: By the time you are the high elder, my hatching rebirth will be complete and I will be a child once again. Please take care of me.
;(Approach pier)
:Past Echo: This surging power... It's you... You've returned, High Elder.
;(Interact with Vidyadhara Mirage Echo at the end of the pier)
: Vidyadhara Mirage Echo
:Past Echo: Something terrible is happening in Scalegorge Waterscape. Please don't go any further... Your enemies... Your enemies are waiting for you.
:Dan Heng: I'm sorry, I cannot linger here. My friends have left — I must find them.
:Past Echo: You didn't heed us then, and won't heed us now... as headstrong as you always were.
:Past Echo: It seems you already made your decision. There is a vessel bound for Scalegorge Waterscape located ahead.
:Dan Heng: ...
----
;(Cutscene of Dan Heng heading to Scalegorge Waterscape)
----
:Blade: He's here.
:Kafka: Mm, right on time.
:Blade: ...That feeling, Kafka — it's welling up within me. That feeling! I—It's...
:Kafka: Don't resist. Let the mara strike you...
:Blade: You're here.
:Blade: *laughing in madness* It's time to pay the price! It's time!!!
:Blade: You think changing form will help you escape!? Escape...
:Dan Heng: I have told you and that woman many times... I am Dan Heng.
:Dan Heng: I have nothing to do with your past.
:Blade: Dan Heng... You think another name and face can blot out the sin of your past? You... You didn't even experience death...
:Blade: I will force this suffering upon you, "Dan Heng." You will know the pain of death!
:???: Hmph, not on my watch.
:Yanqing: You're not murdering anyone today, fugitive. You're coming with me.
:Blade: Jing Yuan's lapdog... Did the general not teach you to choose your battles wisely...?
:Yanqing: Hey, move back. Things are about to... Huh?
:Yanqing: You... you look so familiar...
:Dan Heng: Look out!
----
;(Cutscene plays)
::Blade: Quit hiding.
::Blade: Your true self...
::Blade: reveal it!
::Yanqing: Stop!
::Yanqing: You...!
::Blade: I have news for you, boy...
::Blade: Behind you is none other...
::Blade: ...than the traitor of the Xianzhou!
::Blade: A criminal, forever banished!
::Blade: The High Elder of the Vidyadhara...
::Blade: Imbibitor Lunae
::Blade: You really thought the Stellaron Hunters were the only ones to infiltrate the Xianzhou?
::Yanqing: In that case... I'll bring both of you to justice!
----
;(Begin battle against )
::Yanqing: I've heard of you, Imbibitor Lunae...
::Yanqing: First it was the Stellaron Hunters, now an exiled criminal has infiltrated the Xianzhou...
::Dan Heng: ...I have no interest in stoking conflict. I came to ensure the safety of my friends.
::Yanqing: Save your excuses for the Shackling Prison.
::Dan Heng: Out of the way!
::Blade: Hahaha, better, but I'm afraid you won't be seeing your friends.
::Blade: They're caught in their own bitter struggle.
::Yanqing: Silence! You're not getting away either!
::Blade: ...Is that so? Let's heat things up then. Kafka!
::Kafka: Bladie, Unleash the mara.
::Blade: ... So it begins.
::Yanqing: Surrender!
::Blade: What's wrong, afraid to hurt the boy?
::Dan Heng: (I wonder if the others are okay...)
::Dan Heng: (Gotta make this quick...)
::Yanqing: You two just won't give up...
::Yanqing: I only have one choice...
::Blade: ...So familiar.
::Blade: Did she teach you?
::Blade: Then you deserve no mercy!
::Dan Heng: (Can't delay any longer...)
::Dan Heng: *long sigh* I didn't wish to harm anyone... But there's no other way. Forgive me.
::Yanqing: This... isn't over...
----
;(After the battle)
:Kafka: All of you, — stop.
:Kafka: Well, Bladie? Are you satisfied?
:Blade: ...
:Yanqing: ...
:Dan Heng: ...
:Blade: Hmph.
:Dan Heng: ...What did you do?
:Kafka: I'm just clearing the stage for the grand entrance — can't have you three misbehaving in front of the Luofu's hotshot general.
:Jing Yuan: Haha.
:Blade: Jing Yuan...
:Yanqing: General!
:Jing Yuan: Many years have passed since the two of you departed the Xianzhou, and yet the circumstances of your return appear to be equally unhappy. If you still thought of me as a friend, you should've forewarned me.
:Blade: My task is complete.
:Jing Yuan: Mm, that it is.
:Jing Yuan: Thank you for assisting the Xianzhou in this small matter. Take this person away — I will pretend I didn't see anything this time.
:Yanqing: General!? I...
:Jing Yuan: Now is not the time.
;(Blade and Kafka leave)
:Jing Yuan: It has been a long time... old friend.
:Dan Heng: I'm not him.
:Jing Yuan: Mm... I'm sorry.
;(Dan Heng turns to leave)
:Jing Yuan: You cannot leave yet — your Astral Express friends are waiting for you in Scalegorge Waterscape. Shall we go and see them together?
----
:Jing Yuan: Lunarescent Depths — a realm of singular beauty. Scalegorge Waterscape is the same as when I last laid eyes on it... and here we stand so different from one another. The flesh of long-life species may be immortal, but the constant of heaven and earth eludes them.
:Dan Heng: You know the Vidyadhara hatching rebirth cycle, general. The waters of the ancient sea have cleansed of his past sin. The person that once stood here alongside you is no more.
:Dan Heng: I am . Whether was hero or villain has nothing to do with me. I bore his punishment, accepted my eternal banishment without complaint... but do not let his shadow cloud your estimation of me, general.
:Jing Yuan: *sigh* Raising old nets only darkens the water — an exercise in unhappiness. Perhaps it is your visage, the horns on your head, or the unmistakable air of the high elder that makes the separation nigh impossible for me.
:Dan Heng: ...I already told you—
:Jing Yuan: You did... but to what effect? If words alone were enough to change the heart, this world would be without quarrel. If you wish to rid me of the illusion of , you must do something for me.
:Jing Yuan: Before I can let die and revoke your banishment edict, I need him to do me one final favor. I can guarantee you that when it is done, you will no longer walk in anyone's shadow aboard the Luofu.
:Dan Heng: I may not be capable of the things that was capable of.
:Jing Yuan: You must do it, or my promise will count for naught. If you wish to blame someone, blame your previous incarnation. Had he not committed that terrible sin — had the power of dragon transmutation been passed on intact — I would have no need to compel you.
:Jing Yuan: It is as I said: here we stand so different from one another. is no more — now there is only . But I...
:Jing Yuan: I am the general of the Luofu. There are things that I wish I did not have to do, and yet I must.
:Jing Yuan: Haha, let us talk of happier tidings. The friends you made on the Express are here. Do you wish to see them?
;(Begin Oblation Obtained, Order Ordained)
==Gallery==
Trailblaze Mission Dragon Mislay, Dreams Astray - Blade vs Dan Heng and Yanqing
==Other Languages==
==Change History==
==Navigation==