Chapter VII

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Summary

She is a god with no love left for her people, nor do they have any left for her. Her followers hope only to be on her side when the day of her rebellion against the divine comes at last.

—Dainsleif, Teyvat Chapter Storyline Preview^[1]

List of Acts

• Act I - Everwinter Without Mercy
  • Requirements:
    • Reach Adventure Rank 18
    • Complete Archon Quest Prologue: Act III - Song of the Dragon and Freedom
  • Recommended Quests:
    • Complete Archon Quest Song of the Welkin Moon: Act X - Truth Amongst the Pages of Purana
    • Complete Event Story Quest Sunny Summer Fontinalia
• Act II - Wraith's Nocturne

Summary

Act I - Everwinter Without Mercy

Into the Wind, Into the Frigid North

The Traveler and Paimon prepare to go to Snezhnaya, where the Tsaritsa has been gathering the Gnoses and the supposed final stop on the journey which the Traveler's Sibling asked them to undertake. Columbina interrupts, having been informed of their impending departure through Luonnotar, and arranges a farewell party for them at The Flagship. She also relays a message from Sandrone, who had already departed for Snezhnograd, telling them not to cause trouble for her in Snezhnaya.

After the party, the Traveler and Paimon head into Snezhnaya. Paimon quickly begins feeling unwell but brushes off the Traveler's concerns, believing it to be the result of the extreme cold. As they attempt to cross a bridge to take shelter in a nearby cabin, a powerful gust of wind pushes the Traveler off the bridge and separates them. As the Traveler traverses a wrecked train which led back up the cliff, they encounter an ancient device called the Eye of Graeae, who acknowledges them as a Descender. It offers to help them find Paimon in exchange for assisting it later on, which the Traveler accepts. With Graeae's help, the Traveler uses "Fab-Vision" to make their way out of the cavern.

Upon reaching the cabin, Graeae senses two lifeforms inside. One is Paimon, asleep and covered by a blanket. The other is Pierro, Director of the Eleven Fatui Harbingers, although neither the Traveler nor Graeae are aware of his identity. The Traveler recognizes him as Khaenri'ahn by his star-shaped pupils but, instead of introducing himself or answering their questions, he directs them to focus on Paimon's health and leaves, promising to meet again in the future.

After Paimon awakens, she reveals the man's identity and remarks that he seemed to know her, though she has no memories of him. Seeing that Paimon's health has failed to improve, the Traveler proposes leaving Snezhnaya until she recovers. Graeae advises against it and suggests using the train the Traveler found them in to head to the nearest town instead. The train is operational; Graeae's knowledge of present-day Snezhnaya less so. The train tracks connecting them to the next nearest town have long fallen into disrepair, and the train nosedives off a cliff. Fortuitously, not only do they and the train come out unscathed, they find that they have landed in walking distance of the town and make their way in.

Gunfire in the Silent Lands

In the town of Sretomorozsk, the Traveler and Paimon fail to find lodgings; all businesses have closed and the civilians are just barely making ends meet themselves. A hunter named Alyosha informs them about Snezhnaya's current situation: The Tsaritsa has implemented Project Stuzha, a plan to lower energy consumption across Snezhnaya in order to redirect it for crucial research, and the shortage of Kresnik Kristall means many people have been unable to heat their stoves. He brings them to witness the distribution of Kresnik Kristall for themselves, and they arrive just in time to witness a near altercation over the shortages which is mediated by Shishkin.

Alyosha decides to let Paimon stay in his home, as he tends to travel and therefore does not use the house much. However, to see a doctor, they need to head to Snezhnograd — and aside from receiving Kresnik Kristall deliveries, the train station has been closed due to the energy shortage. As for the issue of waiting for a train ride, the Traveler offers their crashed but operational train. With their transportation method decided, the two decide to get to the real source of Sretomorozsk's energy shortage: Shishkin, whom he suspects has been taking a large portion of the Kristall allocated to the townspeople for himself. The Traveler, Alyosha, and his hunting dog Tugarin head out to find evidence.

Between the unaltered reports at the train station and a hidden tunnel which the Kristall had been stored in, Alyosha and the Traveler gather enough proof to have Shishkin publicly arrested. The man attempts to garner sympathy with a made-up story but is quickly shut down by Alyosha, who accuses him and the mayor of being in cahoots. Alyosha is promptly vindicated by a report of another Kristall stash found in the mayor's house, and the Fatui representative in the area, Polonsky, has both Shishkin and the mayor arrested to face judgement in Snezhnograd. Polonsky then alludes to Rokot, an organization at odds with the Fatui, saying that Alyosha has the makings to be a member.

Alyosha makes a detour to deliver some Kristall to an elderly lady beset by dementia; they bonded over their common connection to the abandoned town of Alatyr some time ago, and now that she has memory problems, he continues looking after her whenever he is in town. They return to his house and discuss the Traveler's purpose for coming to Snezhnaya. Soon, Alyosha realizes just who the Traveler is, and is awed to be in their presence. He informs them that the Tsaritsa and her Druzhna have gone east to slay the monster responsible for the snowstorms. Nonetheless, they decide to head to Snezhnograd first and convince Polonsky — who was likely not innocent in the Kristall smuggling operation himself — to help get their train onto the tracks. As the train departs, strange objects begin to manifest on the train, alarming everyone.

The next thing they know, they have been sucked into the Shadow Realm, a mysterious realm without wind, light, or elemental energy. As they search for a way to escape, they reunite with the Eye of Graeae, which provides the Traveler with a new outfit and weapons to fight with inside the Shadow Realm. They just barely manage to escape before the Shadow Realm bubble sinks back down, and they rest at Rankova Zorya while Graeae upgrades the train before they make their way to Snezhnograd.

Great Deeds on the Tundra

The train takes the group to Snezhnograd, where Alyosha gives the Traveler a quick rundown on the local fae and places in town. As he goes to fetch a doctor for Paimon, he sends them to Podvorye Restaurant for lodging. Inside, the Traveler and Paimon discuss their next course of action, seeing that they want to know the Tsaritsa's plans, but have no idea how to approach the topic without talking to a Fatuus, so they decide to find Tartaglia in Glupov. Alyosha then comes in with Luneva, who checks on Paimon. She attributes the illness to a cold and gives her some medicine, telling them to contact her if her condition worsens. Alyosha tells the Traveler that if they need him or Luneva, they should head to the Hunter Trade Station in Zolnyy to reach him.

The Traveler heads to Glupov, only to be stopped by Yuzhanin as he asks for a permit or invitation. They tell him they're looking for Childe, and while Yuzhanin is unimpressed, unaware of the Traveler's identity, Sandrone arrives and takes over, interrupting her tea time. Since she can't bring them in the fortress, she tells them to meet her at Torchlight Books. She reveals that Childe became a "councilor" after Capitano made him as such, though the details of the letter weren't revealed until the Natlan events concluded. She also has a disdain of politics in the Veche, but had to participate as she had to speak for the subordinates under her command. Sandrone questions them as to why they went to look for Childe instead of her, and the Traveler admits they didn't want to disrespect the rules. Before she could say anything else, Zverev informs her of an ongoing situation in Svetloledovka and the Traveler decides to accompany her. Sandrone tasks Zverev to watch Paimon in their absence as they head out to deal with the situation.

At the mine, Sandrone heads off to make repairs while the Traveler goes to rescue the trapped miners. Before they enter, a young woman stops them, telling them to leave. The Traveler clarifies that they're with Sandrone, and the woman introduces herself as Odette. They head underground and discover the monster, driving it off. The miners escape, while the Traveler felt an unusual power and draws from it, creating the Exaiphanes Blade. The monsters return as the cavern begins collapsing, but both the Traveler and Odette are able to escape. Sandrone also finished up the repairs, and they return to Snezhnograd, though she notices their new sword.

The trio catch up with Childe, who had been exhausted with all the work thrust on him. The Traveler questions Project Stuzha, alarming Odette as she felt that the Traveler was openly criticizing the Harbingers by not opposing the motion. While both agree that there are flaws in the plan, they still have to support the people they represent. Odette then asks how the Traveler is acquainted with the two, and Childe reluctantly tells her that the Traveler played a large role in resolving situations across Teyvat, including dueling Signora before the throne. Upon hearing this, Odette becomes dismayed and leaves under the pretense of a practice rehearsal, though Tartaglia reassures the Traveler that she and Signora hadn't been on good terms. The Traveler tells them of their encounter with Pierro before both leave to handle their duties.

The Traveler approaches the Statue of the Seven in Sneznograd and resonates with Cryo, using the blade on the statue and empowering it. They then head to Zolnyy to meet up with Alyosha, where they plan to buy the supply of kristall. As they prepare to do so, they run into Odette, learning that the two are acquainted with each other. While the Traveler feels guilt over the events in Inazuma, Odette tells them that it's not a deal, as she heard what Signora had done in the nations. She also chimes in to help, using Fatui logistics to cover the costs and deliver the goods. With everything wrapped up, the Traveler decides to check on Paimon, and both Alyosha and Odette decide to come.

Returning to the restaurant, Sytin asks the Traveler for identity and they give their Adventurer's Handbook as proof. Inside, Paimon is introduced to Odette, and Alyosha speaks with the Traveler, asking if they got anything from the Harbingers. They did not, and they ask him if he could contact a member of the Rokot to see if they could bring any leads. Alyosha tells them he'll try to contact someone, telling them to meet him at The Korolevskiy Theater the following day.

Silence Alone is Disfavored

Alyosha meets the Traveler and mentions having secured tickets and arranged something with the Rokot, which would have to wait until after the show. He invites them to stay and watch the Korolevskiy Troupe perform. The Traveler thanks him, and Alyosha leads the way inside, where Kulish performs a routine inspection per theater regulations. As they wait, the Traveler notices a silent, strong-looking Fatui figure nearby and wonders if he's watching for someone. Kulish clears them to proceed, and Alyosha asks the Traveler if everything is all right, to which the Traveler comments on the strict security around them. Alyosha explains that Snezhnaya’s business and political leaders often pass through, so tight security isn’t unusual, though he finds it strange to see a guard from the Fatui’s Armory Palace Special Assignments Battalion, Valeriy, stationed there, noting that he only appears when searching for a researcher named Mitya.

Inside, they take seats beside a grumpy older man, Chugunov, who scowls at them, irritated that they made noise while slipping in late. Alyosha points out the lead singer of the troupe, Vodyanitsa, mentioning that he plans to introduce her properly. Shortly after, Vodyanitsa begins her performance with a haunting and melancholic aria.

After the performance, Alyosha guides the Traveler toward the greenroom, where Vodyanitsa is expecting them. Upon entering, they find her furiously complaining about something, while Odette, also present, acknowledges the duo. Vodyanitsa teases Odette about having spoken highly of the Traveler before, which Odette swiftly denies. When asked why they've come, Alyosha claims the Traveler praised Vodyanitsa's performance and hopes for a chance to chat or get an autograph. Odette reminds him that greenroom visits like this violate the rules, but Vodyanitsa waves it off and freely offers an autograph and photo. Odette leaves them to it and exits the room.

Alyosha peeks out to make sure Odette has actually left, then locks the door for privacy. He turns to the Traveler and reveals that he’d written to the president on their behalf, and that the Traveler has now been officially approved to join the Rokot. He explains that Rokot intelligence is members only, so he offers them voluntary membership for their actions and character already align with the organization's goals. Both he and Vodyanitsa confirm their own membership, and Alyosha explains that members stay anonymous, rarely meet, and are free to work however and whenever they choose as long as it respects the organization's principles, with no restriction on Snezhnaya activity and an optional code of conduct. The Traveler agrees to join, then asks Vodyanitsa how the two of them know each other despite the secrecy. She explains that Alyosha's dog Tugarin took a liking to her backstage and later recognized her during a disguised mission, so they've quietly kept the coincidence to themselves since Alyosha mentions needing his theater job to make ends meet.

Alyosha then asks Vodyanitsa what had her so worked up earlier, and she admits the interrogation with Chuganov didn’t go as planned. She had tried to pry information about the Iskra Manufacturing Plant, but he refused to engage, complaining instead that his seat wasn’t in his usual private box. Despite her best efforts to secure him a decent seat before the show, he gave nothing useful in return. Alyosha quickly fills the Traveler in: Chugunov was the grumpy older man they had run into earlier. Vodyanitsa vents about how Chugunov plays the kind family man in public while acting entitled behind closed doors. Alyosha calms her down and hands over the application form. With the Traveler now an official member after filling out the form, Vodyanitsa properly reveals that Chugunov is their current target, since reconnaissance confirmed illegal excess energy use at the plant, and they need solid evidence for the Snezhnograd Veche to shut it down and redirect its Kresnik Kristall. Since Chugunov won't talk, Vodyanitsa plans to meet Mitya, a renowned energy expert and regular theatergoer who keeps attending shows despite Valeriy actively hunting him, intending to "accidentally" leak the plant's violations so his credibility triggers an official investigation. She also claims that Mitya may know something about Project Stuzha. The Traveler agrees to help, with the plan being for him and Alyosha to sit nearby posing as ordinary diners while Vodyanitsa talks to Mitya.

At Podvorye Restaurant, Alyosha and the Traveler take a table near Vodyanitsa's. Mitya arrives, apologizing for running late and noting they only have twenty-five minutes to talk. The Traveler notices Mitya's scarf moving almost as if alive; Alyosha shrugs it off as one of Snezhnaya's many oddities that people rarely question. Vodyanitsa asks for his honest opinion as a fan, and Mitya praises her singing at length, only to slip up by naming pieces that weren't actually performed. Pressed, he admits his attention wandered during her set because Odette's dance in "Elegy of the Snow-Winged Goose" sparked a research idea, and he'd spent the whole show scribbling notes instead of watching. Vodyanitsa gets offended but quickly composes herself and redirects the conversation by criticizing theatergoers who attend just to flaunt status, naming the Iskra Manufacturing Plant's boss, Chugunov, specifically. Mitya agrees the man isn't as benevolent as he seems, confirming rumors of excess energy use and worker exploitation, and mentions that Pulcinella is now demanding strict tracking of every Kristall batch. When Vodyanitsa gently presses about Project Stuzha's ultimate goal, Mitya reveals that the Armory Palace needs an entirely new energy source drawn from Stellar Linchpins, a process burning through vast amounts of Kresnik Kristall with little progress, leaving the research team exhausted and nearly trance-like. He starts to explain what the energy is actually for, but his scarf suddenly chokes him silent before he can finish. Time runs out and Mitya leaves abruptly. Moments later, Valeriy arrives for a routine inspection, and Vodyanitsa realizes his exit was timed precisely to avoid the guard. The waiter then reveals that Mitya had already paid the bill and left a message acknowledging Vodyanitsa and her two friends, proof he'd known the Traveler and Alyosha were listening all along.

Back with Paimon, the Traveler learns she still feels weak, though her temperature has normalized. She describes a mysterious power that's been affecting her since arriving in Snezhnaya, seemingly coming from the direction of the Armory Palace. The Traveler connects this to Mitya's revelations about the new energy research, and they decide the next step is to attend a session of the Snezhnograd Veche to learn more about Project Stuzha. Two days later, Alyosha arranges visitor access and Vodyanitsa accompanies the Traveler to the assembly.

Outside the Veche, a reporter named Mironova tries to interview Vodyanitsa but gets brushed off. Undeterred, she follows them inside anyway, and the three take their seats just as Pulcinella begins delivering the energy statistics and declares that Project Stuzha will continue. Childe argues that Fatui families in remote areas receive fifteen percent less Kristall than Snezhnograd civilians and demands clearer allocation rules, while Pantalone counters that fairness is relative and that critics offer no practical solutions. Sandrone interrupts the tense debate and steers the discussion back toward data and regional statistics. Mironova spins the entire debate into an exaggerated tale for her article, using outlandish language to describe the assembly and even inventing a romantic angle between Vodyanitsa and the Traveler, which Vodyanitsa threatens to punish by revoking her interview privileges. When the vote comes, Project Stuzha passes with sixty-one percent support, narrower than before, and Chugunov, against expectation, votes against continuation. As they leave the assembly, Vodyanitsa explains that elites normally back the project since canceling it would force factories to absorb the Tsaritsa's unchanged energy demand, so Chugunov's sudden opposition suggests Lelek forced the change through threats or coercion, as he's done with others, all in an effort to bring Project Stuzha to an end. She also discusses Mitya's letter, confirming the plant's violations arrived just before the session, but the official investigation will take a week and hasn't reached the agenda yet.

Vodyanitsa excuses herself as Childe and Sandrone approach the Traveler, and upon learning of their interest in Lelek, the two share what little the Fatui know: Lelek is a highly skilled professional known to infiltrate high-security locations and leave threatening letters behind, with investigations still torn between human and fae explanations. Using Odette as a reference point for the skill involved to execute past infiltrations, it leads Sandrone to a theory that Odette herself could be Lelek, since her father, a Fatuus, died in the early unnamed stages of what became Project Stuzha, and her mother, once a famous ballerina, broke her leg from grief and never danced again, leaving Odette to join the Fatui out of financial necessity under Capitano's policy, arranged by Signora on Arlecchino's advice. Childe then offers the Traveler his own ticket to Odette's upcoming rehearsal of the classic ballet "Spirit Seeker" at the Korolevskiy Theater, providing them the chance to confront Odette while accompanying his sister Tonia on his behalf.

Back with Paimon, she senses the mysterious power more clearly now but still feels too weak to join in on adventures. The two agree that the Traveler should get answers from Odette next, possibly uncovering the true purpose of Project Stuzha in the process.

Act II - Wraith's Nocturne

The White Curtain Falls

The Traveler arrives at the Korolevskiy Theater, where Kulish notes the chilly weather before asking to see the Traveler's ticket. Upon verifying its validity, Kulish keeps the ticket and allows them to enter. Inside, the Traveler decides to postpone asking about Lelek until after the performance. Recalling Childe's words, the Traveler scans the crowd for Tonia and spots familiar faces like Chugunov, Mitya, and Valeriy, Before they can find Tonia, the show begins, prompting the Traveler to take a seat and watch the rehearsal of the classic Snezhnayan ballet, "Spirit Seeker." During the performance, the lights flicker briefly before returning to normal. After the show, a staff member, Dymov, invites everyone onstage for a group photo, and soon after, the Traveler locates Tonia.

As others attempt to leave, they find that a snowstorm prevents their departure. Dymov ventures outside to get some blankets but never returns. Alyosha and the Traveler have a brief conversation after bumping into each other. The Traveler offers to accompany Alyosha outside, but Alyosha opts to go alone, considering the weather is too dangerous. Upon Alyosha's return, he warns that the storm is too severe and advises everyone to stay indoors for the night. Vodyanitsa and Odette emerge from backstage, surprised to find everyone still present. Informed of the circumstances, Vodyanitsa assures them there are supplies available and suggests people can rest wherever they find space. The Traveler decides to sleep for the night, but is awakened by Mitya on a spiral staircase as a mysterious black mist pursues them, along with Soboleva and Torgov. Just as they near the top, Soboleva and Torgov stop, and the mist engulfs them soon after, then ceases its pursuit after feeling satisfied. Mitya and the Traveler reach the top, but then the Traveler faints, which Mitya casually attributes to being "sleepy."

Lelek's Confession

The Traveler awakens to the sound of Chugunov's scream. Concerned, they investigate and discover two people lying motionless on the floor, Soboleva and Torgov. Valeriy confirms that they are dead, and although lacks the struggle or visible wounds, he suspects they were murdered. Shortly after, Chugunov insists it was Lelek's doing, meant to intimidate him despite he opposed Project Stuzha. He's outraged that Lelek, allegedly a threat, killed two other wealthy merchants. Although the Traveler suspects Odette is Lelek, they choose not to reveal this to avoid endangering her. Vodyanitsa, like them, also believes that this is not Lelek's modus operandi. During a private conversation with Vodyanitsa and Alyosha, the Traveler shares their thoughts about Odette being Lelek, to which they quickly agree on its plausibility. Once their discussion ends, they confront Odette directly about her identity. Initially silent, Odette responds after Vodyanitsa defends her innocence, admitting she is Lelek and, to the three's surprise, intends to reveal her identity publicly. Onstage, amid everyone's shock, she confesses, though Chugunov remains suspicious of her motives and is annoyed by the group's response. Nonetheless, they decide to set the "Lelek" issue aside and concentrate on finding the true murderer.

By nightfall, a relentless snowstorm continues for the second day. Tonia and Vodyanitsa chat briefly, with Tonia declaring admiration for Vodyanitsa. Rampana comments on Vodyanitsa's tendency to get carried away, prompting a playful retort before she starts singing — a melody of nervousness unnoticed by most but immediately recognized by Shram, a mercenary. Baffled that Shram understands her, given he's human and she's a Water Imp, Vodyanitsa learns he's familiar with Water Imp's primary mode of expression through a friend. As night progresses, the group prepares to sleep. Due to Chugunov's unease about Lelek, Valeriy suggests a night watch involving himself, Odette, and the Traveler. Valeriy and the Traveler take the first shift quietly before waking Odette; Valeriy then goes to rest. During their watch, Odette shares with the Traveler her history of training under Signora and her reasons for joining the Fatui. Valeriy suddenly awakened, and the Traveler departs for sleep as Odette and Valeriy continue their vigil. They later awaken in another spiral staircase, now alongside Kulish and Rampana. A familiar scene unfolds as the two companions succumb to a black mist while the Traveler ascends alone. At the top, Odette appears, claiming this is merely the beginning before the Traveler faints once more.

Winter's Mysterious Silence

Once more, the Traveler wakes to discover two people dead under the same mysterious circumstances, this time Kulish and Rampana, just as their dream had foretold. Throughout the night, no one noticed anything unusual. Chugunov immediately suspects Odette again, much to everyone's irritation. Valeriy steps in to resolve the matter but is stopped by Tonia, who defends Chugunov. Mitya suggests that, due to the lack of evidence, the whole situation might be of supernatural origin. Everyone decides to split up and search for clues again. Tonia discovers Vodyanitsa's diary, and together with the Traveler, they start reading, unaware at first of its nature. Once they realize it’s a diary, they stop. Vodyanitsa catches them in the act but reassures them it’s fine and takes over the investigation in that area. After they leave, Vodyanitsa bursts into a tirade about her embarrassment. The Traveler later encounters Odette, who reveals that the on-duty logbook notes an extra person among them who never had a ticket. Alyosha and Mitya find something odd — a report suggesting the theater might be haunted. Suddenly, a piece of paper falls out with the ominous message "Death is near."

Everyone regroups on stage to share their findings. Valeriy speculates that the extra person mentioned in the logbook is the murderer, and dismisses the death note as a scare tactic by the killer. Through a process of elimination, they conclude that Shram is present without a ticket. Vodyanitsa presses him for more explanations, expressing confusion over how most Water Imps had left Snezhnaya long ago, asking him to describe her. Blushing, he admits she’s his girlfriend and refrains from revealing her name due to potential backlash from human and fae "factions" during this fragile period. This explanation puzzles everyone, while Shram clarifies that the humans and fae are hostile to each other. Valeriy points out that their last conflict was over 400 years ago, shocking Shram. This revelation leads to the conclusion that Shram is a ghost from the past, explaining his lack of a ticket. However, there's no evidence linking him to the murders. Mitya proposes that perhaps the Ley Lines consumed them due to a void gap. Shram struggles with his memories, eventually recalling his death and apologizing for inadvertently causing others' deaths before leaving into the snowstorm.

The Traveler returns to their room to rest but soon after, Odette knocks on the open door. She expresses gratitude for not exposing her as Lelek earlier and reveals she thought she saw Mitya dead in the Armory Palace a week before all this unfolded. In disbelief, the Traveler recounts that a few days ago they witnessed him alive conversing with Vodyanitsa at a restaurant and eluding Valeriy. Given the increasingly bizarre circumstances, they surmise that Mitya may have returned from the dead. Before they can confront him, Mitya abruptly announces that Vodyanitsa is distributing free food. Eventually, night descends again, and everyone gathers on stage to discuss Shram's sacrifice and wishes him well on his journey. Chugunov expresses thanks to Tonia for her assistance when Valeriy was trying another resolution approach. With the matter seemingly settled and no one left behind, Valeriy suggests there’s no further need for shifts but decides to keep watch overnight just in case. The Traveler retires for the night, and once more, they find themselves on a spiral staircase in a dream, accompanied by Valeriy and Chugunov. They battle monsters and reach the summit, but before leaving, Valeriy decides his duty ends here, and the dream concludes with the Traveler fainting at the top alongside Chugunov.

Wraith's Nocturne

The Traveler awakens to the same grim reality: Valeriy, who had been on night duty, is found dead in his chair. Vodyanitsa is frustrated, questioning why nothing has changed despite the deaths. Mitya points out that a change did occur — this time only one person died. He proposes that the nightly death toll matches the number of deceased in the theater. Odette reveals that Mitya is actually dead, much to his disbelief, as he has no memory of dying, unlike Shram. Vodyanitsa doubts this, remembering Mitya seemed alive just days ago. Mitya shifts suspicion to Tonia, but Chugunov defends her. Mitya asks Odette to recount his death again, but he still can't remember it. He recalls discussing researchers suffering from memory loss at a restaurant, leading him to conclude he's forgotten his death. Mitya decides to leave during a snowstorm, despite attempts to stop him. Later, Tonia regrets not bidding farewell to Mitya. Then, Tonia and Vodyanitsa notice the Traveler's melancholy, missing their companion Paimon. They console the Traveler, who feels better afterward. Vodyanitsa sings a Requiem as everyone retires early. The next day, the Traveler awakens in a new place with Vodyanitsa, who's chanting something. Before reacting, a spirit resembling Tonia attacks, killing the Traveler. Vodyanitsa revives them, dubbing herself their "Guardian Angel," and helps them escape through the strange realm with a menacing black mist in pursuit. Once they reach safety, Vodyanitsa remains behind, claiming her role is fulfilled.

The morning finds Vodyanitsa dead, and Tonia's cries stir the Traveler awake to investigate. Odette and Alyosha suspect Chugunov of previous deceit. The Traveler seeks clarity by asking Tonia about Teucer; her confusion confirms their suspicion. Confronting Chugunov reveals the truth about Tonia; she recalls being ill with Frostblight and her brother taking her to the theater where she fell asleep during a show. Odette realizes Tonia is dead and Chugunov knew, projecting his daughter, Iskra, onto her. Tonia bids farewell, revealing her real name as "Ptashka," and leaves despite Alyosha's plea.

Night falls as the relentless snowstorm rages on. Odette suggests leaving as staying seems pointless against the storm's potential devastation of Snezhnaya and beyond, but Alyosha suggests they savor the evening at least once more. A sudden knock interrupts them — Mitya returns, noticing Vodyanitsa and "Tonia's" absence. He unraveled his way back through Vodyanitsa's Requiem despite nearly succumbing to the snowstorm. Mitya then shares a disturbing conclusion: they are all dead, dwelling in an afterlife theater. Seeing Shram and Ptashka indistinguishable from living humans supports this theory., but the Traveler struggles to accept this fate. However, before losing consciousness, Mitya vaguely recalls seeing something, but can't pinpoint what it was. Odette observes blood on the tip of his finger, and on his left hand, there's a symbol of a red eye, which he believes he drew with the blood. The Traveler recognizes this as the mark of Ronova, the Ruler of Death. They speculate that perhaps the Ruler of Death has been with them all along, disguised as someone else. Quickly, they suspect Alyosha is the "Grim Reaper." Though Alyosha's appearance remains, his demeanor quickly changes after being exposed without any refutation. The voice emanating from him shifts from male to female, revealing Ronova herself, commending them for detecting the two deceased and acknowledging her presence. Demonstrating her authority, she effortlessly kills Odette and Chugunov with a snap of her fingers.

Ronova reveals that everyone is under the "Curse of Death," while also wanting to watch a play about death since it took place in a theater. Mitya finds her answers lacking, prompting Ronova to explain the soul ferrying process, the angels' renovation of the theater's Ley Lines hinders her work, and the limitation of only two deaths per day, to which Traveler reviews the sequence of each death. Ronova further notes that a Descender's soul cannot be brought into the Ley Lines, and she herself has no intentions to involve with Descenders. The Traveler and Mitya assault her manifestation of Alyosha, successfully striking her as she vanishes. Mitya and the Traveler exit the theater to a sky filled with her watching eyes. Eventually, everyone wakes up in the theater, realizing it was all just a "dream."

Mistilteinn

The Traveler rushes to Odette, who is lying on the stage. As she gradually regains consciousness, she finds herself with no memory of recent events. They then proceed to Mitya, who not only forgets the theater incident but also fails to recognize them. However, upon spotting the red eye on his arm he "sketched on his soul", Mitya's memory returns, and realizes he must return to the Armory Palace. Once Mitya is gone, Valeriy approaches the Traveler, curious about their connection to Mitya. The Traveler requests Valeriy gather everyone on stage so they can explain collectively. After leaving the Theater, the Traveler and Odette wish to check on Paimon and head back to Podvorye Restaurant, but soon sense something amiss. It turns out that Pierro had visited the restaurant and taken Paimon away. Odette and the Traveler deduce that Pierro most likely brought Paimon to the Armory Palace and swiftly make their way there. The Traveler initially wishes to proceed alone due to Odette's identity as a Fatuus, but she clarifies her intention is to help by force if necessary, regardless of her official position. As they journey on, the Curse of Death triggers once more. Odette's Cor Ignis helps the Traveler escape the afterlife, but she dies in their place. Although the Traveler wishes to protect Odette, they prioritize reaching Paimon. Inside the palace, they find everyone dead due to the curse but remain focused on rescuing Paimon.

They discover the switch to her room but soon face Ronova, now in her true human form without disguise. Ronova warns them against meddling in Snezhnaya's matters before raising a finger to use her power, attempting to take Paimon, to which Pierro intervenes, blocking her attack. Ronova questions their obsession with Paimon, noting that despite originating from Celestia, she lacks any of its power or authority. She threatens to take her another time, prompting the Traveler to launch a direct assault. Despite their efforts, Ronova effortlessly block all of the Traveler's attacks, with only a scratch inflicted using Anemo before she departs. The Traveler reunites with Paimon, surprising her as almost no time had passed in her perception. Pierro approaches them both and explains that he took her away to cure her. This leaves Paimon puzzled about why such an influential figure would care for her. He discloses that Paimon was "pulled" from Celestia down to Khaenri'ah, and was presented as a gift to Irmin, yet the Vinster King showed no interest in her. This reveals Paimon's age of at least 500 years, despite her lacking memories of it. Initially indifferent before the Cataclysm, Pierro now sees her as one of Khaenri'ah's last remaining vestiges of sanity. Mitya proposes to pause Project Mistilteinn until Ronova is eliminated, and Pierro agrees. They explain that whenever there's a technological breakthrough that can threaten Celestia, the Curse of Death would trigger, temporarily killing everyone in the vicinity and lose all memory of it upon resurrection. The theater incident stemmed from Mitya pondering an innovation during the performance. A major revelation follows — the Tsaritsa and Fatui's goal is to challenge the Heavenly Principles. Pierro later unveils the secret weapon to the Traveler and Paimon, meant to support the Tsaritsa’s plans when the time is right.

As peace finally descends, Chugunov instructs a staff member to shut down operations of the Iskra Manufacturing Plant permanently, telling Iskra that it's time to rest. Odette is seen visiting Signora's tomb. Images of both Signora and Odette appear as she draws near, unraveling a tale about the Cor Ignis, Signora, Arlecchino, and the interplay of memories and forgetting. Ultimately, Odette chooses to move forward with her life as both a ballerina and a Fatuus. The Traveler and Paimon wander around Snezhnograd, finding Tartaglia, who apologizes for Pierro’s misunderstanding and introduces them to his sister Tonia. Amid their conversations, a stir among gathering people erupts into applause when the Tsaritsa returns triumphantly from battling a monster. Without uttering a word, she heads towards the castle, accompanied by the Druzhna, their commander Vesna, and head housemaid Danica, where Pierro and the others humbly bow before her upon her entry.

Characters

57 Characters appear in this Chapter:

• Akvilina
• Alyosha
• Arapov
• Arlecchino
• Blyushko
• Burtsev
• Cherkasskaya
• Chugunov
• Columbina
• Danica
• Dymov
• Ermolov
• Eye of Graeae
• Gornova
• Guseva
• Khrapovitsky
• Kulish
• Likhachev
• Luneva
• Luonnotar
• Mironova
• Mitya
• Nefedov
• Obolensky
• Odette
• Paimon
• Pantalone
• Pevtsova
• Pierro
• Polonsky
• Ptashka
• Pulcinella
• Rampana
• Repnina
• Ronova
• Ryabushinsky
• Sandrone
• Sharova
• Shishkin
• Shram
• Signora
• Soboleva
• Sytin
• Tartaglia
• Tatishchev
• Tonia
• Torgov
• Traveler
• Tsaritsa
• Tugarin
• Valeriy
• Vesna
• Vetrova
• Vodyanitsa
• Yuzhanin
• Zolotova
• Zverev

Total Rewards

10,200 Adventure EXP

60 Primogem

398,330 Mora

43 Hero's Wit

82 Mystic Enhance­ment Ore

1 Eye of Graeae

1 Construct Appearance: Polyarbear

1 Exaiphanes Blade

1 Matryoshka Doll: "Feathered in Flight"

1 Matryoshka Doll: "Shining As You Do"

Gallery

Act I and II Special Program Announcement

Everwinter Without Mercy (Event)

Trivia

• Snezhnaya's Archon Quest was originally designated as Act VI in Teyvat Chapter Storyline Preview: Travail. Following the addition of the Song of the Welkin Moon, it was officially numbered Chapter VII, even though Song of the Welkin Moon was never officially called Chapter VI.

Other Languages

Change History

References

Navigation

Archon Quests   Prologue Mondstadt Act I The Outlander Who Caught the Wind Wanderer's Trail (Tutorial) Bird's Eye View Unexpected Power Forest Rendezvous Wind-Riding Knight Going Upon the Breeze City of Freedom Dragon Storm Knights of Favonius Winds of the Past Crash Course Sparks Amongst the Pages Act II For a Tomorrow Without Tears Shadow Over Mondstadt Unexpected Encounter That Green Fellow Let the Wind Lead Venti's Plan Venti's New Plan Wild Escape Behind the Scenes Chasing Shadows State of the Holy Lyre der Himmel Fallen Tears Hidden Tears Stolen Tears Crystal Tears Reunion With the Dragon Act III Song of the Dragon and Freedom Abyss Mage Hurdle Empty Abode Light Guiding Ceremony Calm Before the Storm A Long Shot When the Wind Dies Down Ending Note   Chapter I Liyue Act I Of the Land Amidst Monoliths Rite of Descension An Impromptu Change of Plan Wangshu Moulder of Mountains Custodian of Clouds Dust to Dust Act II Farewell, Archaic Lord An Organization Known as Wangsheng Moonfinger Three Poignant Perfumes The Realm Within Downtown Guizhong Zhongli's Treat Act III A New Star Approaches The Floating Palace Equilibrium Solitary Fragrance Heart of Glaze Turning Point The Fond Farewell Traveler Act IV We Will Be Reunited Bough Keeper: Dainsleif (Prelude) Involuntary Sacrifice A Herald Without Adherents Dishonorable Trial A Soul Set Apart   Chapter II Inazuma Prologue Autumn Winds, Scarlet Leaves A Path Through the Storm The Crux Clash Follow the Wind Act I The Immovable God and the Eternal Euthymia Setting Sail Confessions of an Outlander Ritou Escape Plan Three Wishes The Meaning of Meaningless Waiting To Treat the Well-Meaning Well A Swordmaster's Path Is Paved With Broken Blades A Flower Blooms in a Prison Act II Stillness, the Sublimation of Shadow Amidst Stormy Judgment In the Name of the Resistance Act III Omnipresence Over Mortals Sword, Fish, Resistance Those Who Yearn for the Gods' Gaze Delusion The Servant's Path Proof of Guilt Blind Loyalty, Reckless Courage Duel Before the Throne The Omnipresent God Wishes Traveler Act IV Requiem of the Echoing Depths In the Depths, an Unexpected Reunion The Grave of the Guarded Memories of Inteyvat The Black Serpent Knights' Glory   Chapter III Sumeru Act I Through Mists of Smoke and Forests Dark A Forest of Change Further Observation Chronic Illness Silent Seeker of Knowledge The Trail of the God of Wisdom Lost in Prosperity Ever So Close Act II The Morn a Thousand Roses Brings The Coming of the Sabzeruz Festival The Arrival of the Sabzeruz Festival The Continuation of the Sabzeruz Festival The Samsara of the Sabzeruz Festival The Causality of the Sabzeruz Festival The Empty Illusions of the Sabzeruz Festival The End of the Sabzeruz Festival Dawn (Denouement) Act III Dreams, Emptiness, Deception Like a Triumphant Hero The Gaze From a Certain God The Four at Loggerheads Act IV King Deshret and the Three Magi The Missing Village Keepers Cry From the Eleazar Hospital Secret of the Scorching Desert Act V Akasha Pulses, the Kalpa Flame Rises Through the Predawn Night As by a God's Side Jnagarbha Day Where the Boat of Consciousness Lies A Toast to Victory Traveler Act VI Caribert Destined Encounter Fortune-Mocking Pedigree A Lamenter at Fate's End Portended Fate   Chapter IV Fontaine Act I Prelude of Blancheur and Noirceur Soloist's Prologue The City of Rains and Remembrance Lies Cast Shadows Under Gathered Lights Act II As Light Rain Falls Without Reason Like the Faint Moonlight of Yesteryear The Truth, Lost With the Rain When All Return to the Waters Act III To the Stars Shining in the Depths A Tea Party Most Thorny Fortress of Meropide The Proscribed, Hidden in Plain Sight Lost in Deep Seas Act IV Cataclysm's Quickening Into the Deepwater Murk The Truth Shrouded in Shadow Secret Keepers and Forbidden Zones Calamitous Tread A Moment's Respite Act V Masquerade of the Guilty Deluge of Wrathful Waters Meeting Is Also Parting Hunters, Prophets Apocalypse The Opera of Noirceur and Blancheur Finale Traveler Act VI Bedtime Story Cold Case Commission Memories That Should Not Exist World-Order Narration   Chapter V Natlan Act I Flowers Resplendent on the Sun-Scorched Sojourn Natlan! A New Adventure Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame Home of the Hot Springs Act II Black Stone Under a White Stone A Decision To Reclaim an Ancient Name Echoes of Life Into Eternal Night Past and Future Act III Beyond the Smoke and Mirrors All Names are Noble To Whence the Smoke Drifts The Flickering Light Splits in Twain Act IV The Rainbow Destined to Burn Beneath the Secret Source As One We Watch the Setting Sun The Surging Darkness Despair Engulfs the Heavens No One Fights Alone A Fuel Named "Fate" Interlude All Fires Fuel the Flame For the Same Land Act V Incandescent Ode of Resurrection Subterranean Ruins As the Sun Rises and Sets Journey of Stars and Flames Where All Hopes Lie When All Becomes a Monument Traveler Act VI A Space and Time for You The Key That Unlocks Fate "Savior" A Space and Time Without You   Song of the Welkin Moon Nod-Krai Prelude The Journey Home Flamelets Smoldering Searing Act I A Dance of Snowy Tides and Hoarfrost Groves Where the Moon Rises Reunion Beneath the Moonlight In the Shadows of Night Act II Elegy of Dust and Lamplight Fulminations and Undercurrents The Dark Side of Memory One There Was, Who Hunted the Moon The Ashen-White Order Burns Rest Beyond Reach Act III A Nation That Doesn't Exist Hidden in the Shadows Special Operation Everlasting As the Moon Act IV An Elegy for Faded Moonlight All Is Foretold Dance of Death: Serpent and Scorpion Echoes of Fate Act V A Nocturne of the Far North In the Shifting Light of the Moon Ripples That Will Never Reach Act VI Melting Moonlight in the Morning Mist Where Does Her Name Rest? The Night the Moon Returns Home Return to the Moon Act VII A Traveler on a Winter's Night Moonless Night Where Our Space and Time Intersect Tracing the Footsteps of the Past Act VIII True Moon The First Sliver of Moonlight Descending Moon Welkin Moon's Homecoming Sumeru Act IX As All Falls to Emptiness Where Flowers Awaken A Divergence Leading to Oneself Ancient Shadows Re-Emerge Act X Truth Amongst the Pages of Purana Darkness Looming A Tower Unto Wisdom and Folly Truth Amongst the Pages of Purana Your Past Is Like a Garden   Chapter VII Snezhnaya Act I Everwinter Without Mercy Into the Wind, Into the Frigid North Gunfire in the Silent Lands Great Deeds on the Tundra Silence Alone is Disfavored Act II Wraith's Nocturne The White Curtain Falls Lelek's Confession Winter's Mysterious Silence Wraith's Nocturne Mistilteinn   Interlude Chapter Act I The Crane Returns on the Wind Jade Chamber Rising Seagaze Sunset Bygones Times Like Dust Passing Where the Heart Finds Rest Act II Perilous Trail The Unexpected Guest Chasmic Maze Danger All Around End of the Line At Tunnel's End, Light Act III Inversion of Genesis The Night-Bird Falls at the Curtain's Call A Dance of Destruction The Kabukimono's Finale As Though Morning Dew Act IV Paralogism Crimes One and Two The Hunger of Many The Gardener   Upcoming Chapter ?? Epilogue