Ancient Shadows Re-Emerge
Last updated 2026-08-22
Ancient Shadows Re-Emerge is the third part in the Teyvat storyline Archon Quest Song of the Welkin Moon: Act IX - As All Falls to Emptiness.
Steps
- Enter the Temple of Silence
- Meet up with everyone
- Talk to your two old friends
- Ask about Collei's secret
- Go to the Great Hall of Truths
- Go deeper into the Great Hall of Truths
- Investigate Aaru's Shut
Gameplay Notes
- For the entirety of this quest, the player will be in a Special Story Mode.
- Attempting to use Nahida's All Schemes to Know on any of the characters present only yields empty "..." dialogue.
- Completing the quest awards the Wonders of the World achievement As All Falls to Emptiness.
Dialogue
Quest DescriptionThe Jinn-induced sandstorm has subsided. Return to the Temple of Silence and discuss the situation with your friends.
- (After the previous quest)
- Paimon: The storms have stopped. We should be able to get to the Temple of Silence without any problems now.
- Paimon: Time to regroup!
- (Enter the Temple of Silence)
- Jeht: So this is the Temple of Silence... I've heard the Nagarjunites mention it in passing, but I never imagined it would be this big. It's colossal...
- Liloupar: I thought the Temple moved to the rainforest ages ago? When did they scamper back into the desert?
- Rushd: ...I don't know, this plan sounds a little too risky for my liking.
- Shakir: Even in King Deshret's day, this was experimental technology. We have no idea what could happen if we activate it.
- Alkindi: Well, unless you know of another viable alternative for the Akasha Terminal, I'm afraid this is our only option.
- Firnas: The plan is sound, and the risks are manageable. However, if we are to proceed, we must act quickly.
- Firnas: The scale of this project is enormous. Even with Kaveh, Faruzan, and every other scholar of mechanics working on it full time, the proposed modifications won't happen overnight...
- Kaveh: You're back... Everything alright?
- Kaveh: Uh... And who are they?
- Jeht: Friends of yours?
- Paimon: Hehe, pretty much everyone in the Temple of Silence is! This guy's Kaveh, and the one next to him is Alhaitham.
- Jeht: Hello. I'm Jeht, and this is Liloupar.
- Alhaitham: Oh? A famous name from the history books.
- Kaveh: Pleased to meet you. A friend of a friend is a friend of mine, as they say!
- Jeht: Who's "they"?
- Kaveh: Huh? ...Do people not say that?
- Jeht: Not in the desert. Friends you can trust, but friends of friends? Gotta keep an eye on them.
- Jeht: Still, I do trust (Traveler)'s judgment. I'm sure you're good people.
- Alhaitham: The sandstorms have calmed down. I take it the Gurabad problem is resolved? What did you find?
- You tell everyone what happened in Gurabad...
- Paimon: ...And after getting all smarmy with us, he trapped us there. Luckily, Jeht used the mechanism outside to free us, and then we got Liloupar to put a stop to the chaos.
- Kaveh: Wow... Thanks for being there to help them.
- Alhaitham: ...
- Alhaitham: So. This mystery man openly admitted that he was merely a Harbinger's subordinate?
- Paimon: Yeah. Is there something weird about that?
- (Traveler): (Now that he mentions it, it is a little strange...)
- (A flashback begins)
- ???: Hehe... I assume you aren't naive enough to expect answers from an enemy?
- ???: Well deduced. Our commander, Dottore, died in Nod-Krai.
- (Flashback ends)
- (Traveler): (He was clearly unwilling to answer our questions when we first met, so why would he admit to being Dottore's subordinate later?)
- Kaveh: Are you wondering about his true identity? Or do you think there's a big conspiracy behind all this?
- Alhaitham: I wouldn't go as far as to call it a conspiracy. Just the simple fact that having someone to shift the blame on tends to prove useful, should trouble come knocking later.
- Alhaitham: The most important thing for now is to solve the immediate problem. Perhaps that man knew you wouldn't have the resources to investigate his background, and so didn't put much effort into disguising himself.
- Jeht: Uhh... This is all getting a little cryptic for me. I'll let you guys talk while I take a walk with Liloupar.
- Dehya: Jeht?
- Jeht: Aren't you with the Blazing Beasts? What a coincidence. Didn't expect to run into you here.
- Dehya: Eh, we're mercs, you can run into us anywhere. Who's this with you?
- Paimon: So, did you find the solution you were looking for in the Temple of Silence?
- Kaveh: You bet we did. This place is incredible — it has everything.
- Kaveh: So far, we've discussed a plan and verified its feasibility. Building a new system from scratch is out of the question, so our only option is to modify the Akasha using certain resources we hope to find in the Mausoleum of King Deshret.
Modify how?- What resources?
- Alhaitham: According to certain sources in the Temple of Silence, there is a core device in King Deshret's Mausoleum known as "Aaru." Little is known about this device in academic circles, which suggests it was hidden quite effectively.
- Alhaitham: If these sources prove correct, the energy contained within Aaru may be sufficient to power our Akasha renovation plan.
- Alhaitham: However, this raises difficult questions regarding technological integration. The sages are still debating it.
- Sethos: Yeah, but I'm sure they'll reach a compromise once they've argued it out.
- Sethos: The people of the rainforest are always cautious when it comes to desert technology, but times of crisis like this leave us with little choice.
- Paimon: Wait. Paimon has a question.
- Paimon: Is this the same Aaru we've heard of before? It's sealed off, right? Some sort of prison where the Goat King, Ibis King, and Crocodile King are locked up.
- Sethos: Well remembered. Yes, that's exactly right.
- Sethos: According to our records, Aaru was the most brilliant creation King Deshret ever conceived of. Built by divine and mortal artisans working together, it was a miraculous accomplishment, and it lies hidden deep within the king's Mausoleum to this day.
- Sethos: That being said, what Aaru actually does and why it was built... Those are deep secrets we are not privy to.
- Sethos: Until recently, I wouldn't have been optimistic that the place even exists. The only reason I'm inclined to believe it now is because we heard it from the Ibis King Thoth himself at his temple... The tale of how the three retainers of Al-Ahmar were imprisoned in Aaru.
- Paimon: Paimon totally gets that. When Paimon first heard about it, she thought it sounded pretty unbelievable, too.
- Paimon: Do you guys still remember that? The Ibis King told us they were trapped in Aaru, and that they had to answer three questions to get out.
- Kaveh: I think I remember... "What causes our rise and fall," "what obliterates love and hate," and "what determines truth and falsehood"... those were the three questions, right?
- Paimon: Yeah. If only Nefer were here... She's dealt with the Ibis King before, so she might know more... Oh — Nefer's a friend we met in Nod-Krai.
- Sethos: ...Nod-Krai? Huh, funny. She showed up here earlier.
- Paimon: Huh?
- Sethos: Yeah. Had another lady with her, too. Both said they knew you. They contacted the sages, claiming they might be able to offer some assistance.
- (Traveler): Really? They came here to help out?
- Kaveh: Yes, really. It was just before you got back.
- Kaveh: One of them said she's made Nod-Krai her home. If she's the person you were talking about, then...
- Alhaitham: Looks like betting on Aaru was the right choice.
- Sethos: See? They're right over there.
- Paimon: Nicole, Nefer!
- Nefer: ...
- Nicole: Why, hello. We're here to help!
- (After the transition)
- Nicole: It's a good thing we left early. We almost got locked out!
- Paimon: Locked out? What do you mean?
- Nicole: Oh, you haven't heard? An invisible barrier has appeared around Sumeru's borders, cutting off all travel in and out.
- Nicole: No one can leave and no one can enter. Sumeru has become a lonely island.
- Paimon: Are the Fatui behind this too?
- Nicole: Actually, no. This has nothing to do with them. I suspect it's a defense mechanism within Irminsul itself.
- Nicole: Irminsul is the source of Teyvat's Ley Lines, after all, and Sumeru is the nation closest to it.
- Nicole: I imagine this function was put in place to seal the entire region off in the event of serious damage, preventing the disaster from spreading to the rest of Teyvat. It may have been implemented long ago.
- Paimon: But doesn't that mean that the people here won't be able to escape to other nations if the anomaly keeps spreading?
- Nicole: Currently, that does appear to be the case. Which is precisely why I am here. This is a critical moment for the world, and Sumeru is the eye of the storm.
- So you brought Nefer here?
- Paimon: Paimon's surprised you managed to convince her to come back to Sumeru...
- Nicole: Indeed... Even for someone of my wisdom and eloquence, this tested my skills to the limit...
- (A flashback begins)
- Nefer: ...And why should it concern me that Sumeru's in trouble? Surely you don't think I still have feelings for that place?
- Nicole: Judging by your tone, I suppose you don't.
- Nefer: Sounds like you don't know much about my past. And here I thought you knew everything.
- Nicole: All I know is that the Ibis King is the source of your power. He was quite a prominent Moon Envoy once upon a time... so I do know a thing or two about him.
- Nicole: As for your past, I have ways to learn the full story if I wished to. But everyone has secrets they'd rather keep to themselves, wouldn't you say?
- Nefer: I'm glad you see it that way, Miss Nicole.
- Nefer: I've chosen to call Nod-Krai home, which is why I did my part in its hour of need. That doesn't mean world-saving's become a habit with me. I have no particular desire to play hero in Sumeru, thank you.
- Nicole: I understand. Human emotions do not appear and disappear without cause. There is always a reason to be found behind both salvation and destruction.
- Nicole: Still, if time has taught me anything, it's that human emotions are often complex and in conflict. That's why people change their minds about things all the time.
- Nicole: But that's where we angels come in. Our duty, ultimately, is to guide people towards their deepest, truest desires, and help bring them to fruition.
- Nicole: So I wish to hear about your past. Because I do not believe you are motivated by hatred alone. And if we still arrive at different conclusions in the end, that's okay.
- Nefer: ...
- Nefer: ...I refuse.
- Nicole: Wait, what? But I set the atmosphere and everything... Isn't this supposed to be the moment when we finally open up to one another?
- Nefer: Is it? Maybe I'm not so good at reading the atmosphere.
- Nefer: ...You're right, Nicole. There's more to me than just hatred. Had it consumed me, I'd be left stuck in the past forever, never living in the present.
- Nefer: But I don't think that your guidance can change my mind. The all-consuming sands, the bloodshed both deserved and undeserved... Those old emotions cling to me like a shadow.
- Nicole: Do you wish to shake them off?
- Nefer: ...No, I hope to remember them forever. Those emotions and memories shaped me into the person I am today. They'll always be a part of me.
- Nicole: Hmm... In that case, would you like to hear my perspective, at least?
- Nefer: Sure. It's not every day you get to hear an angel's opinion.
- Nicole: A long, long time ago, when the angels still walked freely upon the earth, I found life tedious.
- Nicole: Monotonous work, lukewarm relationships... Things weren't nearly as interesting as they are now. And yet, since the angels' demise, I have found myself missing those days on more than one occasion...
- Nicole: Human emotions are often attached to a person, a place, or an object. When those things are gone, the memories quickly fade, and the emotions slip away along with them.
- Nefer: ...
- Nicole: If Sumeru were destroyed, both rainforest and desert would be no more. With the object of your hatred wiped from existence, it would not take long for the memories buried deep in your heart to slowly fade.
- Nicole: Both love and hate are intense emotions. But they are nothing compared to the void left behind when they disappear.
- Nefer: Most sophisticated, Miss Nicole. But anyone focused on the future could only ever applaud the destruction of the things they hate.
- Nefer: Still... I'm a special case. Someone once told me that human memory is more selective than a Mora-hungry merchant choosing between customers. We all need a reality check once in a while, so we don't forget the truth.
- Nefer: As much as I dislike Sumeru, this is no way for it to perish... Alright, you win. I'll help you out a little, but I won't work for free.
- Nicole: How much will you need? You're not going to milk this for all it's worth, are you?
- Nefer: What do you think?
- Nicole: Uh... I'll be upfront with you — I don't have much Mora on me. If that's what you need, I could borrow some from Alice... Or perhaps I could pay in sculptures? The ones I carve are actually worth quite a lot.
- Nefer: Just cover my travel expenses.
- Nicole: Huh? Is that all?
- Nefer: That's all.
- Nefer: Given all the people I owe favors to, I can just about justify a trip to Sumeru.
- Nefer: Jahoda!
- Jahoda: Here, Boss. What do you need?
- Nefer: I'm going back to Sumeru for a while. While I'm away, you'll be in charge of the Curatorium.
- Jahoda: Wh... M—Me? I—I'm in charge? Whoa... Ahem! Don't worry, Boss! You can count on me!
- (Flashback ends)
- Nicole: And that was how the ingenious angel Nicole brought you the perfect person for the job in your hour of need. Hip, hip, hooray!
- Nefer: That was far more detailed than necessary. Not lacking in embellishment, either.
- Nefer: I never thought I'd return, especially not the desert. But life doesn't always go as planned, I suppose.
- Nefer: What's Candace up to? I don't think I've seen her yet.
- Dehya: She's still taking care of things in Aaru Village. Should be joining us before too long.
- Dehya: Oh, and sorry, hope we're not interrupting anything. We have some good news, though.
- Kaveh: We're planning to go to the Mausoleum of King Deshret to look for the legendary Aaru, then use it to try and restore the Akasha System.
- Cyno: According to records in the Temple of Silence, the mausoleum houses something called "Aaru's Shut," which can be used to establish connection with Aaru.
- Tighnari: We still have some time before we leave, so there's no rush.
- Kaveh: By the way, who are these two new faces?
- Nefer: Just call me Nefer. I'm based in Nod-Krai. Did I hear you mention Aaru?
- Cyno: Correct.
- Nefer: Well, I happen to have a connection with one of the three retainers imprisoned inside, the Ibis King. I'm here to get things done, so if you don't mind, I think I should come with you.
- Tighnari: That sounds perfect.
- Dehya: Hmm... Miss Nefer, are you from the desert by any chance?
- Nefer: Why do you ask?
- Dehya: I dunno. There's a familiar air about you, plus you mentioned Candace... Sorry, I don't mean to pry. It was just a random thought.
- Dehya: I'm Dehya, an Eremite mercenary. My work usually keeps me out in the desert.
- Nefer: I'm on good terms with Dori, and she's mentioned you all before. It's nice to finally put faces to the names.
- Nefer: However, my associate here is probably less well acquainted with you. Why don't you all introduce yourselves?
- Nicole: Actually, I'm a little better acquainted than you might think.
- Collei: ...!
- Kaveh: Huh. Are my eyes playing tricks on me? It looked like you spoke without moving your mouth...
- Cyno: Ventriloquism... I have heard tell of it before.
- Tighnari: What is it, Collei?
- Collei: It's you... You're the voice who's been speaking in my head, aren't you?
- Collei: You encouraged me to report my dreams to the Dendro Archon, and got me to recite that magic prayer...
- Nicole: Mm-hmm. I have many titles, but let's go with the most pertinent one. I am Nicole Reeyn, an angel who has lived since ancient times.
- Dehya: An angel? Sounds like a big deal... But, uh, what exactly is an angel?
- Nicole: Oh, hmm... Well, we're a rather long-living race of beings. Not gods, technically, but we can still tell you a lot of stories from ancient history.
- Paimon: Yep, and she's also an amazing sculptor!
- (Traveler): You could say she's a real creative type.
- Dehya: Haha... Well, Ma'am, if both (Traveler) and Paimon give you rave reviews, you must be pretty impressive!
- Nicole: Oh, please don't call me "Ma'am." I find it so awkward when people get too formal with me.
- Nicole: Just relax and be yourselves. No need to be nervous.
- Collei: Miss Nicole, if it's okay... could I ask you a few questions?
- Nicole: Yes, you may. I can see your heart is filled with confusion, and you are desperate for answers.
- Nicole: I also know which questions you want to ask me. Why did you dream of Sumeru City in disarray? Why did those verses soothe the Jinn only when recited by you?
- Nicole: I can guide you to the truth, but it involves a personal secret of yours. I'd prefer to speak with you alone if possible.
Step DescriptionNicole and Nefer have arrived in the desert unexpectedly. Go talk to them.
- (Talk to Layla next to the bookshelf tower in the room to the south, optional)
- Layla: So many books... More than I could ever read in my life...
- Layla: But I've learned a lot that the textbooks could never teach me. I never realized that people in the distant past thought about some of the same questions we ponder today...
- (Talk to Karkata in the room to the right of Layla, optional)
- Karkata: Kalu! Kalu!
- (Approach the marked location)
- Nicole: I thought we were going to speak alone... This is a lot more people than I was expecting.
- Cyno: What's wrong with it? Even the doctors at Dar al-Shifa allow patients to be accompanied by family members.
- Nicole: Well, if Collei doesn't mind her secret being revealed, I have no problem with it.
- Collei: Thanks for being so considerate, Miss Nicole. I don't know what secret you mean, but whatever it is, there's no need for me to hide it from my closest friends.
- Kaveh: Closest friends! Ah, it's so nice to hear that.
- We're here to support Collei through this.
- Nicole: Alright. In that case, I'll get right to it.
- Nicole: Collei, are you aware that there are god remains inside your body?
- Collei: ...I am.
- Collei: When I was young, I got sick with Eleazar. Nothing could cure it.
- Collei: The Fatui convinced my mom and dad that they could help, and I was sent to an unfamiliar place.
- Collei: There were a lot of other kids just like me there. This creepy guy injected us with some strange medicine... which I heard contained god remains.
- Collei: I can still remember the pain like it was yesterday. But thanks to the friends who've stuck by me all this time, I've gradually been able to overcome those memories.
- Collei: Anyway... So you're saying that what happened to me has something to do with the god remains they injected me with?
- Nicole: Yes. Those were the remains of Nabu Malikata... the Goddess of Flowers.
- Kaveh, Cyno & Liloupar: ...What?
- Alhaitham: Huh... Fascinating.
- Tighnari: ...
- Cyno: You don't seem surprised like the rest of us. Why?
- Tighnari: The possibility crossed my mind when Collei recited the Goddess of Flowers' song and calmed the Jinn.
- Paimon: Aah! You made Paimon jump! What are you doing here, Liloupar?
- Liloupar: I was merely passing through, when I heard the name of the Goddess of Flowers. Be assured that I share your surprise.
- Liloupar: You with the hat — are you certain? I sense no trace of the Lord of Flowers within her.
- Nicole: Well, it is a very small fragment. Unless special methods are used to manifest its power, even her closest acquaintances would find it near impossible to detect.
- Nicole: After the Goddess passed away, her remains were scattered across the desert. King Deshret gathered all the pieces he could find and buried them in the Eternal Oasis, but some fragments remained unaccounted for.
- Nicole: Eventually, the Fatui must have found a way to track some of them down... Presumably for use in some experiment. It's not an uncommon occurrence.
- Collei: ...
- Nicole: Hmm. You're more shaken than I thought. In one sense, you've been extraordinarily lucky. So many people who yearn for this kind of power never attain it, yet you have coexisted with her all this time without even realizing it.
- Collei: I don't know what to say. I'm glad that I could help everyone with this power, really. But knowing that a fragment of the Goddess of Flowers is inside my body is... It's a strange feeling.
- Alhaitham: Well, people value their autonomy very highly. Even a well-intentioned intruder can shake one's sense of self.
- Cyno: I understand how you feel, Collei. But once you get used to it, you'll find it's nothing to be concerned about.
- Kaveh: Huh... I guess you of all people have a good reason to speak on this.
- Cyno: Two good reasons, in fact. Incidentally, three is the maximum number of Hermanubis's Ba fragments that I could bear.
- Tighnari: Let me guess, because two's company but three's a crowd?
- Cyno: Hehe... Thanks for helping to explain the joke, Tighnari.
- Tighnari: Not my intention!
- Liloupar: Goddess preserve me, I should take my leave. This boy in his wolf's-head hat speaks much too differently from the Hermanubis I remember.
- Cyno: Collei, all I'm trying to say is, no matter how many Hermanubis fragments there are within me, you wouldn't think of me as Hermanubis. In the same way, you are simply you.
- Collei: Yeah, I know what you mean.
- Collei: So about that dream I had... Was it a warning from the Goddess of Flowers?
- Nicole: Yes. Just like me, she was an angel created by the primordial humans, born with the instinct to guide living beings.
- Nicole: Though her body and soul have perished, her essence retains its natural instincts. Even her smallest remaining fragments would do their utmost to send you that warning.
- Nicole: The Mother of Dreams, Lord of Flowers and Oases... She must have had a premonition. That is why she gave that dream to you.
- Collei: I... We won't let her efforts go to waste.
- Collei: But I still don't understand... Why me?
- Nicole: Yes, why indeed? You weren't the only one injected with god remains, but only in you have her fragments persisted.
- Nicole: I suspect it may be because of the firm will you showed in the face of suffering. She was likely assimilated by that will.
- Nicole: Of course, this doesn't mean you have to shoulder any extra responsibility. As this young man said — you are who you are, and that will not change.
- Nicole: Alright, any further questions from the "family members of the patient"? If not, we should head to the Mausoleum of King Deshret.
- Cyno: Let's move out. Time to put our plan into action.
- Kaveh: We all hope it'll work... But will we really be able to open Aaru? And even if all seven pillars of King Deshret agree to let us proceed, the scale of the work to follow is daunting to say the least...
- Tighnari: Haven't you handled other big projects before?
- Kaveh: I mean, the biggest project I've worked on to date is probably... the Palace of Alcazarzaray, I guess? But this is orders of magnitude beyond that. It's a total nightmare.
- Alhaitham: Look on the bright side. At least this time, you're actually here when Sumeru needs you most. You won't have to come asking me for details after the fact.
- Kaveh: Hmph, mock me all you want! But now that I'm here, things will be resolved far more quickly and smoothly than last time!
- Collei: (Kaveh's self-doubt disappeared in an instant... Like magic.)
- Nicole: Well, this confidence is most gladdening. Now, go and pack your things. We'll head to the Mausoleum as soon as you're ready.
Step DescriptionAs it turns out, the divine fragment within Collei is that of the Goddess of Flowers. Now that everyone's doubts have been answered, it is time to consider how Aaru may be released...
- (Talk to Collei, optional)
- Collei: Paimon! Thanks again for your notes. I'm done copying them, so here you go.
- Paimon: Hehe, you're welcome! Just let Paimon know if you ever need help again.
- (Approach the pillar of bookshelves outside the great hall)
- Firnas: Oh, Miss Nicole! I heard you're a very talented sculptor. Is that true?
- Nicole: Oh, I don't know... I wouldn't want to blow my own trumpet...
- Firnas: Honestly, even though Kshahrewar is best known for its focus on mechanics, plenty of Kshahrewar scholars are quite serious about sculpting as a hobby.
- Firnas: So if they rate your work, that's enough for us! We just have to take a look!
- Nicole: Who's "we"?
- Firnas: Myself and a few other scholars. Kashif, Daneshvar, come take a look!
- Nicole: Well, if you insist, I... I suppose there's no harm in showing you...
- (Nicole summons a large stone sculpture of a squirrel)
- Kashif: Whoa! Where did that come from?
- Daneshvar: Look at the level of detail. It's so lifelike...
- Nicole: The squirrel descends from the heavens like a champion, and the earth trembles beneath its feet. What do you think? Striking, isn't it?
- Firnas: Kaveh? Ah, Kaveh! Come here for a sec. Oh, and Madam Faruzan, didn't you use to study in our Darshan? Come take a look!
- Kaveh: Alright, but hang on a moment! I have to finish reviewing this proposal first!
- Faruzan: Hmm? You called? What is it, youngster?
- Firnas: This squirrel statue. Isn't it cute?
- Faruzan: Oh? A squirrel... I wouldn't say "cute," per se. The realism is what stands out to me. Were you trying to carve a statue of a hero, young lady?
- Nicole: A hero? I suppose so... Actually, I didn't really have a specific theme in mind. I just started working on it, and this is how it turned out.
- Faruzan: I see. Well, do you tend to read novels about heroes in your spare time?
- Nicole: As a matter of fact, I do quite enjoy those. Everyone loves a good tale of derring-do, right?
- Faruzan: Then perhaps this statue represents the heroic tale you long to see deep down inside.
- Faruzan: Also, on the subject of heroism... I feel that if the subject posed with a finger raised towards the heavens, it would lend a greater gravitas to the overall image.
- Faruzan: I'm sure some would call it cliché or old-fashioned, but not me — I think it would be a perfect fit. It has a certain classical beauty about it.
- Faruzan: Kaveh! Kaveh!
- Kaveh: Sorry, Madam Faruzan, I'm a little busy right now. Don't wait up for me!
- Faruzan: What a pity. That young man has excellent aesthetic tastes, I was hoping to ask him for his opinion.
- Nicole: What a genius idea! Why didn't I think of that? Classical beauty is a great direction to explore... That's it, once I get back, I'm going to sculpt a heroic squirrel pointing its finger towards the sky...
- Faruzan: Precisely! A declaration of victory! You understand my vision.
- Faruzan: Then, place the two statues face-to-face...
- Nicole: Yes! That's exactly what I was thinking!
- Faruzan: It'll be a masterpiece! Miss.... I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name?
- Nicole: Just call me Nicole. Um... M—Madam Faruzan, was it?
- Firnas: What? No, no, no, that wouldn't be right...
- Faruzan: Whyever not? "Madam" is a state of mind, cultivated from within. Anyone may call me "Madam" if they so desire.
- Faruzan: My dear Miss Nicole, once we make it through these trying times, should we have the pleasure of meeting again, I shall look forward to seeing your new work.
- Faruzan: In this day and age, it's rare to find people with an appreciation for classical aesthetics. Meeting you was truly a pleasant surprise.
- Nicole: Honestly, I feel the same way. It's been a long time since I met anyone interested in this style of statue. Clearly, they don't call you "Madam" for nothing!
- Nicole: Also, I have to say, you're a very good judge of character... Because when I think about it, I really am someone who likes stories about heroes. That must be why I've quietly kept watch over generation after generation of them.
- Faruzan: Sorry? Keeping watch over heroes? Um... What exactly do you do for a living...?
- Nicole: Oh, uh... Never mind that.
- Firnas: Let's not tell Madam Faruzan about Miss Nicole's true identity for now...
- Kashif: Good idea. Let's limit the conversation to aesthetics...
- (Talk to Firnas or Kashif, optional)
- Firnas: Let's not tell Madam Faruzan about Miss Nicole's true identity for now...
- Kashif: Good idea. Let's limit the conversation to aesthetics...
- (Talk to Cyno or Tignari, optional)
- Tighnari: What's wrong? You look a little depressed.
- Cyno: Collei got a fragment of the Goddess of Flowers, and all I got was one of the Seven Pillars who served under King Deshret... I lost out, didn't I?
- Tighnari: ...That's what you're upset about? You're such a child.
- (Talk to Dehya, Jeht, or Nefer, optional)
- Jeht: Good to finally meet you in the flesh.
- Jeht: It's a little surreal seeing you here after exchanging letters for so long. In my head, the Boss of the Curatorium of Secrets didn't look so young.
- Dehya: Sounds like you have some history, then?
- Nefer: Any budding mercenary group needs a steady supply of intel. They, in turn, can prove an exceptional source of the same.
- Nefer: The Curatorium of Secrets is happy to cooperate with friends from all over the world. If you're interested, you'd be very welcome to join our network too, Miss Dehya.
- Dehya: Can't say no to a solid partnership, especially out here in the desert. Having intel can mean the difference between life and death.
- Dehya: But cooperation's built on mutual trust, and there isn't much contact between the desert and Nod-Krai... So, I'm guessing you reached out to Jeht first, Miss Nefer?
- Dehya: What's behind your interest in the desert? Nostalgia? Or is there someone you're looking to take care of...? Let's put all our cards on the table first. Things'll go more smoothly that way.
- Nefer: I like your style, "Flame-Mane." Actually, I had this same discussion with Jeht before we started working together. To be clear, I have no intention of using you for any ulterior motives, and I have no enemies in the desert as things stand now.
- Nefer: Were that to change, I wouldn't drag outsiders into a conflict that doesn't concern them. There's no point in doing... certain things, if you don't do them yourself. Wouldn't you agree?
- Jeht: Well said. Taking responsibility for one's own affairs is the way of the Desertfolk. Heh, it's like you're one of us.
- Dehya: Uh... You sure that's a compliment?
- Jeht: Absolutely.
- Nefer: I'll take it. Hmm... perhaps we can discuss our cooperation in more detail now?
- Dehya: Sure. I love working with no-nonsense people, and you certainly fit that description. I look forward to a fruitful partnership.
- Nefer: As do I, my friends.
- (Interact with the marked location)
Go to the Great Hall of Truths
- (The player is teleported to the Great Hall of Truths)
- (Approach the Great Hall of Truths)
- Naphis: I hope everyone's ready. We'll be arriving at our destination very shortly.
- (Approach the marked location in Aaru)
- Thoth: Why, we've not seen so many visitors... ever, really. What is this place now, a tourist attraction?
- Thoth: Ah. Closer inspection reveals many familiar faces. To what do we dusty old fellows owe the honor? Surely you're not just here to chat?
- Cyno: You surmise correctly. We are here to carry out a rather enormous project.
- Thoth: Hoho, enormous, you say? How large, then? Larger than the gaping void in our lives?
- Thoth: Why, you've even put a smile on Goatie and Croco's faces. All this activity is making for quite the special day.
- Liloupar: Pfft. Hahahahahaha!
- Thoth: I know that laugh... Liloupar!? What on earth are you doing here!?
- Liloupar: Oh, this is hilarious. Turns out good things really do come to those who wait — as long as you stay alive long enough!
- Liloupar: When did you three get locked up in here? And still you act all high and mighty, putting on a show for the younglings... Truly hysterical!
- Thoth: Why you...!
- Thoth: Yes, yes... I know, no need to shout... You're right, Liloupar. Goatie, Croco, and I all have the same problem.
- Thoth: But didn't King Deshret seal you away? How did you break free? And how did you get in here?
- Liloupar: Who knows? Perhaps you can ask my master one day, should you ever get the chance.
- Liloupar: Behold the executioners of old. Some have turned into fragments residing in human bodies, and others are imprisoned eternally, leaving not a single shard behind.
- Liloupar: It's almost tragic, watching lowly prisoners like you act all self-important. Curiosity gnaws at you, doesn't it? Your interest in the outside world threatens to burst you at the seams.
- Thoth: ...
- Nefer: I'm starting to take a liking to this magic bottle lady.
- Naphis: Ahem... Time is of the essence. Let's get down to business.
- Naphis: We come to you, O three ancient lords, to request your assistance on behalf of the Akademiya. If we can help you regain your freedom, then please consider lending us your aid.
- Naphis: As for precisely what we need your help with... it's a long story. So, to demonstrate our sincerity, we are prepared to first resolve the problems that plague the three of you.
- Thoth: Alright, alright, stop arguing, Croco. And Goatie, don't you start... What's the harm in letting her speak? It's not worth getting so angry about. Forget about her, the three questions are the crucial thing here.
- Thoth: But do you really have a way to answer them? You once answered the final question, Nefer, but the seal did not open.
- Thoth: Unless, with the passage of time... you have found a new answer?
- Nefer: You could say so. When you first asked me what determines truth and falsehood, my answer was "a liar's soul."
- Nefer: Liars are the best at seeing through the falsehoods of the world, but if you want them to tell you the truth, you have to reach their soul.
- Cyno: I think that makes sense.
- Thoth: I found it quite compelling myself, and I told Nefer so. Unfortunately, it brought us no closer to liberation.
- Nefer: Well, that's simply because it was my answer. Not the one that King Deshret was looking for.
- Thoth: Can you guess which answer Al-Ahmar wanted, then?
- Nefer: ..."Time."
- Nefer: And that's not only the answer to the final question. It's the answer to all three of them.
- Nefer: All things wax and wane with the passage of time. Love and hate eventually fade into nothing.
- Nefer: Current affairs are always fraught with conflict and controversy. Only time can distinguish between right and wrong.
- Nefer: You once described King Deshret as a proud man. I'd say that the prouder someone is, the more inclined they are to believe that only time is qualified to be their judge.
- Thoth: Time... time... Well, well.
- Thoth: Indeed... Perhaps, in building Aaru, our King was in fact attempting to reverse time... to bring love and hate, right and wrong, the rise and fall of all things back to their point of origin...
- (The statues of Bennu disappear from Aaru and the three step out)
- Sobek: ...Whew.
- Thoth: This is the most eventful day I have experienced in a long, long time. You have my sincere gratitude.
- Cyrus: Are those three of the Seven Pillars?
- Cyno: Turns out the statues were quite faithful to the source.
- Nefer: You three seem to be in good spirits.
- Thoth: Prison can help a person grow and learn to cherish what they have. Nevertheless, after everything you've done for me, I sincerely hope you never have to experience it for yourself.
- Thoth: Hello, Nefer.
- Nefer: It's good to see you, Thoth the Ibis King.
- Sethos: Nice, nice, nice. Definitely puts my mind at ease, seeing you two getting along so well.
- Cyrus: Should we maybe introduce ourselves, or...?
- Sethos: Sure, sure, sure. I'm Sethos, the current leader of the Temple of Silence. This is General Mahamatra Cyno, and this is the former Spantamad Sage Cyrus. But I'm guessing none of that means a whole lot to you?
- Sobek: Everything is equally new to us, in truth. We've been gone from this mortal world for longer than you can imagine.
- Thoth: Let's hold off on the introductions for now. We can always ask Nefer about you later — it'll give me something to talk about with my chosen disciple.
- Heryshaf: Hah, you're like a helpless parent.
- Heryshaf: Gods and people of yore are not necessarily welcome in today's world. Self-awareness is one of my finest qualities — I thought I ought to share its fruits with you two.
- Thoth: Is that so? Well, I think we'll take it in stride — just as we did with the three questions. Let's not forget, it was my persistence that won you both your freedom!
- Nefer: Fair point. I have to applaud your persistence.
- Thoth: And I must praise you for your wisdom. Now, state your wishes, young ones.
- Nefer: ...I'm sorry?
- Thoth: Why, your tremendous accomplishments deserve a reward, do they not? You must let us do something for you in return.
- Nefer: General Mahamatra, what do you think?
- Cyno: I won't beat around the bush. Sumeru is facing a crisis the likes of which have never been seen before, and we need your help.
- Cyno and Naphis recount the various incidents that have transpired in Sumeru recently...
- Heryshaf: Every calamity throughout the ages has been connected to us in one way or another, whether we were its cause or consequence.
- Cyno: Whatever is wrong with Irminsul, it severely affected the Dendro Archon. She fell into a coma, and is currently receiving treatment from the Dendro Dragon.
- Thoth: The Dendro Dragon? I'm sorry... the Dendro Dragon... is helping to heal the Dendro Archon?
- Sobek: Not Apep, surely? Not vicious, cruel Apep who possesses no virtues aside from her basic instincts? Ah, good heavens...
- Heryshaf: I shudder to think what could have caused Lesser Lord Kusanali to suffer such a plight... Still, why would the Dendro Dragon lend you her aid? She has always held nothing but contempt for the archons... I suppose she and Kusanali must have some history. Hmm...
- Sethos: You can help us make history, too.
- Thoth: Hahahaha, a smooth talker! Well said, lad.
- Cyno: Currently, no one can connect to Irminsul. We hope that by opening up Aaru and making some modifications to it, we can use its technology to our advantage.
- Heryshaf: ...Unfortunately, Aaru is an imperfect creation. King Deshret never managed to realize his full vision before his death. Much remains to be done if it is to be pitted against Irminsul itself.
- Heryshaf: Besides, I hear your reasons, but to give Aaru up over such would be...
- Naphis: The archaeological records, clearly indicate that although Aaru's construction took a long time, it was not beyond human means to achieve. Modern technology should solve the efficiency issues... We have no choice but to go all in on this.
- Cyno: This is by no means a threat, but the only reason we helped you escape from Aaru was to gain the necessary leverage to negotiate with you.
- Cyno: You asked us to state our wishes — and we have. Each one of us here needs your help, as do all the thousands of people living in Sumeru. They need you, and they need Aaru.
- Thoth: What do we think, my fellow old fogeys? Shall we lend our support, or not?
- Heryshaf: Since you ask so nicely... naturally.
- Thoth: ...Naturally what? Are you for or against?
- Heryshaf: I simply mean we shall do what comes naturally.
- Heryshaf: You claim that you wish to open Aaru. Know you, then, that the Golden Slumber created by King Deshret is preserved within?
- Cyno: We do. We understand the risks involved.
- Thoth: In all likelihood, the mortal world will never again be able to replicate King Deshret's work. Never will there be another chance to come so close to creating a utopia... Knowing this, are you sure of your decision?
- Cyno: We are sure. Before people can dream, they must first live.
- Heryshaf: If your minds are made up... Very well. We shall summon our erstwhile colleagues to discuss this further.
- Heryshaf: Saint Shesepankh, Saint Bennu, once you surrendered to silence and were buried with King Deshret... But now, we invoke the right to awaken you with our voices.
- (Traveler): (I can feel this... strange sensation. The ground is trembling... as if answering the call of the Goat King.)
- (The ground stops shaking and two holograms appear)
- Bennu: Saint Bennu, responding to your call. Three Kings detected, initiating autonomous will...
- Shesepankh: Saint Shesepankh, responding to your call. Three Kings detected, initiating autonomous will...
- Bennu: Ah, Lord Heryshaf, what a long time it has been. I trust you are keeping well?
- Heryshaf: Then your trust in my wellbeing has long outlived your physical body. You have always opened with that same phrase, in life, death, and now even beyond.
- Shesepankh: Al-Ahmar is long gone. What is the reason for this meeting?
- Thoth: You're awake? Good. We are voting on whether to give the people of present-day Sumeru access to Aaru and permit them to perform technological renovations. You have the right to support or oppose the motion.
- Bennu: Aaru is the pride of Al-Ahmar... Opening Aaru requires the unanimous consent of the Seven Pillars. I hope you have a convincing reason to present to us.
- Heryshaf: Sumeru is currently in the midst of a major calamity. Let us not forget that while Al-Ahmar was a stern ruler, he was also a teacher of wisdom.
- Heryshaf: A god without his people shall cease to exist, and King Deshret's greatest wish was to provide protection for his people. Let us then honor our God King's wishes as we consider our decision.
- Shesepankh: I do not mean to mock these proceedings, but what is the point of a "unanimous vote" when we know that the last of the Seven Pillars, the Dendro Dragon Apep, will never communicate with us?
- Sobek: This will no doubt surprise your mechanical mind, and I have no intention of trying to persuade you it is true... but Apep is, in fact, healing the Dendro Archon as we speak.
- Shesepankh: ...
- Shesepankh: Can someone attest to this? Do we have any proof?
- Bennu: I ask the Three Kings, can any of you vouch for the truth of this claim?
- Heryshaf: Naturally, the Ibis King, Thoth.
- Thoth: What!?
- Heryshaf: It was Thoth's disciples who revealed the truth to us. We need not debate its veracity — simply let Thoth bear accountability. That way, the rest of us may have a clear conscience.
- Thoth: Heryshaf, you diabolical fiend!
- Heryshaf: I awakened our former colleagues for you, supported your opinion, and backed your decision. What sort of fiend would do that?
- Shesepankh: I miss the days when Hermanubis was still around... At times like this, he would offer to take accountability.
- Thoth: What are you trying to say? Is my word worth less to you than Hermanubis's?
- Shesepankh: Hypocrite though you are, Lord Thoth, you are humorous in equal measure. How could we bear not to associate with a character such as you? I, Saint Shesepankh, approve the Goat King's proposal.
- Bennu: ...Since King Deshret is no more, we shall receive no reprimand for acting beyond our remit. Nevertheless, I sincerely hope that those before us understand the significance of what they intend to do.
- Bennu: Remember: The moment that Aaru is liberated, the myriad souls residing within the Golden Slumber will return to the Ley Lines. And once the Ley Lines flow again, these souls shall in turn be received by Irminsul.
- Bennu: To take this step is to bring the perfect afterlife created by our King to a permanent end.
- Cyno: We understand that well, and we have decided to proceed regardless. Furthermore... the contemporary human perspective would contend that confining souls in this way is no act of benevolence. The deceased have a right to rest in peace.
- Bennu: King Deshret's creation is clearly a place of rest and peace, it is just that many do not see it this way... Hmph, but no matter. Saint Bennu approves.
- Heryshaf: Hermanubis's representative and the Dendro Dragon Apep made their choice ahead of time, while the Goat King, Ibis King, and Crocodile King have also granted permission to liberate Aaru.
- Heryshaf: By the grace of His Majesty, guided by his wisdom and will... Let the gates of Aaru be reopened.
- (Aaru opens and silhouettes of people begin to walk out)
- Paimon: Hey! Look at that!
- Jeht: What's this? Are we under attack?
- Jeht: No, wait... it's...
- (Traveler): (These look like souls... Silhouettes approach us from within the light, then pass through our bodies like wind through a veil.)
- Jebrael: Here you are... Through the sands of time... I see you.
- Jeht: Father...? Father, is it really you?
- Paimon: It's Jeht's father, Jebrael! That's right, he entered the Golden Slumber, didn't he...
- Jebrael: I smell blood and sand on you... You've grown. Strong as a wild beast, and without shedding a tear.
- Jeht: You... You have to leave, don't you? Please... just answer me this: What... What should I do for you?
- Jebrael: This meeting is a blessing from the gods... My soul, once imprisoned along with that of Samail, is finally free. I am truly grateful for the chance to see you again.
- Jebrael: That the dead should meet the living is itself a miracle... One brief, precious moment is enough. Enough to set my heart at ease.
- Jebrael: Do not weep for me, Jeht. I know you will accomplish many great things in your life. You will go further and climb higher than I ever did. All I ask is that... you take good care of yourself.
- (Jebrael and the other souls take form as ibises and fly away)
- Jeht: Father! Father!!!
- Jeht: ...Father...
- Paimon: Hey, Jeht... Um, do you want something to eat? Maybe it'll help you feel better...
- Jeht: I'm fine. Thanks, Paimon.
- Jeht: It was just a little sudden... The chance to see my father again meant the world to me.
- Jeht: He was trapped in the Golden Slumber for our sake, and now, after all this time, he can finally rest in peace... I'm glad. It's a huge relief.
- (Traveler): You've grown strong, Jeht. More than enough to fend for yourself.
- Jeht: Yeah... I'll leave the past in my memory, where it belongs. My family, the good times, and the bad.
- Jeht: Goodbye, Father.
- Thoth: Ah, me. What a touching reunion that was. It seems we did a good deed today.
- Sobek: We three retainers, once imprisoned for our iniquity, are surely the least qualified to judge whether this deed is good or bad... Either way, Aaru is open. Now, you have your opportunity — and with it, whatever trouble may ensue.
- Sobek: Although Aaru was created by a god, human craftsmanship was nevertheless required to build the gate that connects it to this world. Perhaps the relationship between gods and humanity follows a similar principle.
- Thoth: As for your proposed renovations, we cannot determine which functions to keep or discard. Proceed as you see fit — but please entrust the task to your most accomplished scholars, or Bennu will be most displeased.
- Heryshaf: It matters not. The Ibis King shall be accountable if any problems arise. Ibis, you chose to take on disciples, and so it follows that you must accept the risks of associating with humans.
- Thoth: If I'd known you'd be like this, I would've locked all of you away in Aaru, never to leave again for all eternity.
- Sobek: All of us? What does this have to do with me?
- Heryshaf: Vilify me no further. Scholars, since you have liberated Aaru, allow me to present you with a gift.
- Heryshaf: Using Aaru's power, we shall install a defense mechanism at our King's Mausoleum. You must be guarded even against Irminsul itself — this shall afford you some convenience.
- Heryshaf: "Unseen, and unheard." From this moment forth, none may by sight or hearing perceive anything said or done within the Mausoleum.
- Cyno: Amazing... And all this is achieved just with the power of Aaru?
- Thoth: With technology from the heavens, the possibilities are endless. Just because King Deshret did not use it for this purpose does not mean that it cannot be done. So marvel away — this is the reward you have earned.
- Nefer: Alright, well that resolves the issue of confidentiality. What about the technical side? Do we have the manpower?
- Naphis: Why, yes. I've already contacted them. They'll be here soon.
Soundtracks
| No. | Soundtrack Name | Album | Played In |
|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | Wind of Tranquility | The Unfathomable Sand Dunes | Dance of Death: Serpent and Scorpion, Ancient Shadows Re-Emerge Locations |
| 10 | Seelieland Nocturne | Where Roads Are Pledged to Cross | A Divergence Leading to Oneself, Ancient Shadows Re-Emerge, The Joyous Floating Island Locations |
Trivia
- Upon release, Jebrael's spirit as seen during the quest mistakenly used a wrong model. Instead of his unique variant with darker hair color, facial hair and body, the model used the generic Eremite Daythunder variant with bright hair, no beard and no scar on his body. This has since been fixed.
Other Languages
| Language | Official Name | Literal Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| English | Ancient Shadows Re-Emerge | — |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 旧影重现 Jiùyǐng Chóngxiàn | Old Shadows Reappear |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 舊影重現 Jiùyǐng Chóngxiàn | |
| Japanese | 蘇る影 Yomigaeru Kage | Reappearing Shadows |
| Korean | 과거의 그림자 Gwageo-ui Geurimja | Shadows of the Past |
| Spanish | Sombras del pasado | |
| French | D'anciennes ombres réapparaissent | Ancient Shadows Reappear |
| Russian | Возвращение теней древности Vozvrashcheniye teney drevnosti | Return of the Shadows of Antiquity |
| Thai | เงาในอดีตหวนคืน | |
| Vietnamese | Cảnh Cũ Tái Hiện | |
| German | Wiederkehr der Schatten der Vergangenheit | |
| Indonesian | Bayangan Kuno Muncul Kembali | |
| Portuguese | Velhas Sombras Ressurgem | |
| Turkish | Kadim Gölgeler Yeniden Uyanıyor | |
| Italian | Antiche ombre riemergono |
Change History
Released in Version "Luna VII"
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