Dreams, Emptiness, Deception

Dreams, Emptiness, Deception is the third act in Chapter III of the Archon Quests.

Quests

1. Like a Triumphant Hero
2. The Gaze From a Certain God
3. The Four at Loggerheads

Summary

Like a Triumphant Hero

Some time after the end of the Sabzeruz Festival samsara, Nahida takes over Katheryne's body again to speak to the Traveler and Paimon when they visit the Adventurers' Guild. Nahida wants to resolve the matter with the Sumeru Akademiya's sages before focusing her attention on Irminsul and The Withering. Because the sages have taken careful measures to avoid information leaks from the Akasha, her usual source of information, Nahida proposes that they convince Setaria — Grand Sage Azar's secretary — to reveal their plans. Setaria's genius gave her an exceptional opportunity for a desert-dweller, but this has left her plagued by guilt over the sages' questionable work and her inability to use her studies to help the desert people. If they can make Setaria confront her guilt about her homeland, they will have a mole on the inside.

In the guise of Katheryne, Nahida talks to some of Setaria's acquaintances so that the Traveler can imitate them during their conversations with Setaria the next day. The following day, as Setaria goes shopping, the targets' consciousnesses are overridden by the Traveler's, who pretends that each of them has become King Deshret's follower. Over the course of the confrontations, Setaria reveals that King Deshret's resurrection was an Akademiya misinformation campaign. A bewildered Setaria flags down Corps of Thirty member Rima to warn her that something strange is afoot, but Rima's consciousness is taken over by the Traveler, who continues confronting Setaria. Finally, Setaria cracks and agrees to covertly work against the sages, but even she knows little about the project's full scope. She decides to steal confidential documents and pass them to the Traveler at the Akademiya's entrance the next night.

As they approach the meeting point, the Traveler and Nahida's suspicions about the dearth of people prove well-founded when they find a mob of people at the Akademiya entrance, all cheering and whooping. Il Dottore (The Doctor), No. 2 of the Eleven Fatui Harbingers, reveals himself as the mastermind behind this scene. Setaria's conversation with the Traveler was overheard through a listening device and she was imprisoned, while Dottore conducted an experiment on people's Akasha Terminals, planting into their minds the idea that the Traveler has just saved the world and inducing the crowd to start mobbing them. Nahida, in Katheryne's body, steps in front of the Traveler and tells them to run while she handles the situation. In doing so, however, she reveals the scope of her abilities to Dottore.

Now that they have learned about the Akademiya's collaboration with the Fatui, the Traveler and Paimon decide to seek out Tighnari to learn more about the sage's project.

The Gaze from a Certain God

On the way to Gandharva Ville, the Traveler and Paimon repel an ambush by elite Eremite groups hired by Dottore. They find Collei in the village, whose Eleazar has worsened and prohibited her from going on expeditions. Tighnari himself uncharacteristically went to Pardis Dhyai on short notice, so the two head there next. There, they find "Katheryne" — Nahida managed to escape Dottore's grasp at the last second, but she suspects that he will soon find a way to trap her consciousness within the Akasha.

While searching for Tighnari, they encounter Haypasia, who believes that she has reached Paripurna Life and offers to show them what she saw. Instead of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's consciousness, however, they witness Fatui Harbinger Scaramouche's memories. Before they can dwell on this further, more Eremites attack them. In the ensuing melee, "Katheryne" is run through by a spear. She touches fingers with the Traveler, and the two's consciousnesses trade bodies. From within Nahida's true body at the Sanctuary of Surasthana, the Traveler witnesses Scaramouche in the process of becoming a god — and Scaramouche witnesses them in turn.

By the time they return to their own body, the Traveler finds themself fleeing Pardis Dhyai with Tighnari, who had come to their rescue. While indwelling the Traveler, Nahida left them one final clue before her consciousness was trapped by Dottore: "Even in a moonless night, a shower of starlight can still drown out illusions and lies." After determining that this meant seeking help from the people of the Great Red Sand, the Traveler and Paimon part ways with Tighnari, who decides to stay behind in Pardis Dhyai and continue monitoring Haypasia's condition.

The Four at Loggerheads

At Caravan Ribat, the Traveler and Paimon narrowly escape the Eremites trailing them thanks to Alhaitham's help. Alhaitham tells them that he's still studying the capsule and believes the Traveler might be hiding something from him before offering to go to Aaru Village with them, which they accept.

When they arrive at the village, the Traveler senses someone waiting to attack and parries the first strike before they clash with Alhaitham to a standstill. Alhaitham recognizes the man as Cyno, the General Mahamatra. Cyno demands he reveal the Divine Knowledge Capsule before Alhaitham questions him being alone in the desert, as the other matra were wondering where he went. Suddenly, Dehya arrives and tries to mediate, although the two men are still insistent on fighting. A sandstorm then kicks up, forcing the group into the village chief's hut when another woman calls out to them.

Inside, the woman introduces herself as Candace and warns them not to cause a fight in the village again before asking them to explain what happened. Cyno goes first, stating that he put himself in exile after noticing missing data that Azar submitted himself. When he tried to investigate, Azar denied his request, stating that he had no right to judge them. Cyno then reveals that Alhaitham had been tasked with tracking the Traveler, who doesn't deny the accusation, but reveals that he did not accept it, as the sages had promised him divine knowledge, which he found extremely suspicious. Dehya then explains that she was just bored and wanted to return to the village, just as they hear growling outside. Candace leaves the house to handle the monsters.

After some time passes, the Traveler and Dehya worry about her condition, so they head out and find her fighting some riftwolves and join in, repelling the enemy attack. The village chief, Uncle Anpu, then arrives, explaining that the Village Keepers have gone missing recently with no trace. Cyno explains that they're actually the exiled scholars of the Akademiya, as they believe that their crazed ramblings would give a negative psyche to others. Cyno then asks the Traveler to meet him elsewhere for a conversation.

At the arranged spot, Cyno explains the history of the Village Keepers; they were initially shunned by the village due to not being useful, but when an earthquake struck one day a mad scholar crouched to the ground with a green light radiating from him, protecting the entire village from any damage. The Traveler believes this to be the Dendro Archon's work, which Cyno believes and is surprised to learn that the Archon walks among the people. Just then, a boy named Isak appears and asks them to help find his grandpa.

Returning to the chief's house, Cyno confirms with Candace about Isak, who explains his past to them. Isak is delighted to learn that they'll be searching for his grandpa, so they begin to look for leads.

Characters

24 Characters appear in this Act:

• Akim
• Alhaitham
• Candace
• Collei
• Cyno
• Dehya
• Dottore
• Ei
• Harut
• Haypasia
• Isak
• Katheryne
• Marut
• Nabiya
• Nahida
• Paimon
• Qishan
• Rima
• Setaria
• Tashfin
• Tighnari
• Traveler
• Uncle Anpu
• Wanderer

Achievements

There are 4 Achievements obtainable from Dreams, Emptiness, Deception:

	Achievement	Category	Description
	The Soul Transposed	Wonders of the World	Share senses with Nahida through possession using Akasha.	5
	Triumph of the Imagination	Wonders of the World	Be viewed as the savior of the world by the citizens controlled by Dottore.	5
	The God Gazes Back	Wonders of the World	Witness Scaramouche's past after being connected to the "divine consciousness."	5
	Dreams, Emptiness, Deception	Wonders of the World	Complete "Dreams, Emptiness, Deception."	10

Soundtracks

Gallery

Story Teaser- The "Divine" Will - Genshin Impact

Event Menu

Travel Log Card

Other Languages

Change History

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