Return From the Mysterious Realm
Last updated 2026-02-13
Return From the Mysterious Realm is the first part of the Ruins Exploration: Fieldwise Center event.
Steps
- Go to the Akademiya
- Go to Gandharva Ville
- Meet with the other "victim"
- Check on Layla
- Go back to Sumeru City
- Talk to Layla
- Examine the surroundings
- Find a way out
- Activate the device to open the door
- Continue onward
- Follow the cat's guidance to leave the ruins
- Talk to Layla
Gameplay Notes
- During steps 8-11, the active party will be limited to a trial Layla.
- The player will not be able to start Step 4 of the quest if Sumeru City is occupied with another quest, such as Cold Case Commission.
Trial Character
| WL | Character & Weapon |
Talents & Artifacts | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
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5 |
  Lv. 67 C3 Layla Lv. 67 R1 Favonius Sword |
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 Max HP: 18,685 ATK: 1,146 DEF: 557 Elemental Mastery: 42 Crit Rate: 51.8% Crit DMG: 91.9% Energy Recharge: 182.8% |
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6 |
Lv. 78 C3 Layla Lv. 78 R1 Favonius Sword |
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Max HP: 27,041 ATK: 1,083 DEF: 688 Elemental Mastery: 105 Crit Rate: 57.1% Crit DMG: 112.9% Energy Recharge: 205.6% |
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9 |
Lv. 90 C3 Layla Lv. 90 R3 Favonius Sword |
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Max HP: 30,844 ATK: 1,193 DEF: 783 Elemental Mastery: 105 Crit Rate: 57.1% Crit DMG: 112.9% Energy Recharge: 213.7% |
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Dialogue
- (Enter the Akademiya)
- Paimon: Huh. We haven't been back to the Akademiya in a while. It hasn't changed much, has it?
- Paimon: Well, since we've got some time... Wanna go to the House of Daena? Paimon wants to do some reading!
Excuse me? Who are you, and what have you done with Paimon?- Paimon: Hah, so you noticed.
- Paimon: Well, you're too late! The Paimon you know and love is no more!
- Paimon: You're looking at Paimon Plus! A new and improved treasure trove of travel know-how!
- Paimon: Paimon Plus would like to find some new books to peruse. A gracious Traveler like yourself wouldn't leave her companionless on her quest, right?
- I'm kind of afraid to see what would happen if I refused...
- You've got me there. Let's go.
- Paimon: Hehe, c'mon! This way...
- Paimon: Oh, hey! It's Collei, and... Cyrus!
- Paimon: Wonder what's going on... Let's go see!
- And the books? Abandoning the quest already?
- Paimon: Uh... Well...
- Paimon: You know what they say... Learning is a lifelong quest!
- Paimon: Which means there's always another chance to read a book. But, you never know when the next chance to reunite with an old friend will come along!
- Sure, sure, whatever you say.
- Collei: Hm? (Traveler), Paimon? You're back in Sumeru?
- (If the player has not met Collei yet, an introductory note appears on screen)
Collei — Sprout of Rebirth
A Trainee Forest Ranger named Collei is active in Sumeru's Gandharva Ville.
"Helpful," "bright and sunny," "friendly and passionate"... Just ask around Gandharva Ville, and you'll hear her praised to the skies in such terms.
However, as popular as she is, there is one thing that gives Collei a serious headache — literacy.
Oh, she understands simple words just fine, but she starts to struggle a bit once anything harder to write or understand pops up.
However, Collei believes that so long as she persists in her training, she will one day read and write as well as any researcher. Keep it up, Collei!
- Cyrus: Hoho! Hello, you two. It's been a while. Looking to spend time with some old friends?
- Paimon: Hehe, yep! We saw some familiar faces, so we came to say hi!
- Exactly. How could I forget the old man who lives next to Zaha Hadi.
- Cyrus: Hoho, excuse you, associating me with that woman!
- Cyrus: And, if you're going to remember me that way, you should at least mention my tomato growing skills!
- Collei: So, he's mad about the "Zaha Hadi" part and not the "old man" part...?
- Exactly. How could I forget Naphis' assistant.
- Cyrus: Hah, you must be mistaken!
- Cyrus: Unless, of course, you mean his "project collaborator." Because that is far more accurate.
- Cyrus: Naphis, that old coot, should thank his lucky stars he has me on his team!
- Collei: Which is something he'd never have the courage to say to his face...
- Paimon: Pfft...!
- Paimon: Well, Paimon's glad to see you in such good spirits, Cyrus. Must mean things are all good here in Sumeru.
- Apologies, Sir Cyrus.
- I couldn't help making a joke at your expense.
- Cyrus: Ah, well, it's quite alright. I'm not the type to take offense at that kind of thing, haha!
- Collei & Paimon & (Traveler): (You definitely are...!)
- Paimon: Anyway, what were you and Collei chatting about just now?
- Cyrus: Ah, that... Well, it was quite a spontaneous meeting!
- Cyrus: I was leaving the Sage's office when I spotted Collei in conversation with a Mahamata, and it looked serious.
- Cyrus: I thought something bad might have happened, so I hurried over as soon as the conversation ended.
- Cyrus: But, as it turns out, our Collei is moving up in the world. The Akademiya even hired her as a consultant!
- Paimon: Wow! That's incredible!
- Collei: Oh... It's nothing, really...
- Cyrus: Look at that! So humble. Takes after me, she does!
- Collei: Not at all, not at all... No, wait! I didn't mean that to sound like I don't think you're humble, Mr. Cyrus, because of course you are, I just... uh...
- (Traveler): (Uh oh, Collei's so nervous she's sweating. I should help her out...)
- Anyway, what are you a consultant for, exactly?
- Collei: Oh, well, I wouldn't even call myself a consultant. I'm just helping out...
- Collei: Now that the new semester has started, a lot of students and scholars are doing field work for their research.
- Collei: But, it can be dangerous for those who don't have a lot of experience in the wilds.
- Collei: So, the Akademiya is planning to establish an agency that provides guidance on outdoor survival and rescue for people who need it.
- Paimon: Ooh, Paimon gets it!
- Paimon: So, you're here to explain rainforest survival as a representative of the Forest Rangers!
- Collei: Yeah, pretty much.
- Collei: Of course, when it comes to tips on deciphering mechanisms or defeating monsters, that's for people who are far more senior than me to handle.
- Collei: Ah, and speaking of which... Since we're short on manpower, the person in charge at the Akademiya said we're still accepting newcomers.
- Collei: If you're interested, you're welcome to join and share your insights.
- Cyrus: Ah, seizing the moment. Well done, Collei! Recruiting someone as capable as (Traveler) is a great idea!
- Cyrus: Oh, and just between the four of us... The Akademiya has set aside a generous amount of funding for this project.
- Paimon: *gasp*
- Paimon: Ahem! Well, since Collei's thrown her hat in the ring, we should help out too! Whaddaya say, (Traveler)?
- Well, as we all know, I'm nothing if not helpful.
- Collei: Great!
- Collei: We're all supposed to meet up in Aaru Village later, so I guess we'll regroup there!
- Collei: Phew... I was kinda worried, since Master Tighnari isn't around to help this time. But, now I feel much better...
- Have faith. You don't need anyone's help to do a great job.
- Paimon: Yeah! Even if you don't trust the Akademiya's eye for talent, you can trust ours for sure!
- Cyrus: And mine, of course! I have as good an eye for people as I do for tomatoes!
- Paimon: Well, there you have it!
- Collei: Hehe... Thanks, everyone...
- Paimon: Oh, speaking of Tighnari, how are things with him and the others?
- Collei: Good, thanks! All the Forest Rangers are doing great.
- Collei: Oh, but Master Tighnari did mention that Cyno and Sethos were heading to Gandharva Ville... I'm not sure if it's for work or something else...
- Paimon: Huh, knowing them... Could just be to play some cards...
- Collei: Hmm... I'm not sure. Apparently, Sethos is bringing someone else with him too.
- Collei: But, with my Akademiya commitment, I didn't have time to ask for more details...
- Paimon: Huh, well now Paimon's curious. Should we go check things out, (Traveler)?
- Why not? It's been a while since we've dropped in to say hi.
- Collei: That's true, and I'm sure they've missed you.
- Cyrus: Now, that is how it should be between friends, getting together to play cards or enjoy a meal. Yet, here I am, stuck with Naphis who only ever calls to talk about research...
- Cyrus: Well, I won't delay your reunion any longer. Until next time!
- Collei: Goodbye, Mr. Cyrus. Take care!
- Collei: Alright, I should probably get going too.
- Collei: See you later, guys! Come find me in Aaru Village when you're ready!
- Sure thing.
- Paimon: Hehe. Looking forward to seeing you shine, Collei!
- (Event menu opens)
- (Use Nahida's All Schemes to Know on Sethos, optional)[Is this line first available here?]
- Sethos: (It's been a while since I've been in the rainforest. The humidity is a nice change of pace.)
- (Approach Tighnari's hut in Gandharva Ville)
- Paimon: Tighnari's place... Tighnari's place... Ah, here it is!
- Paimon: Cyno, Sethos! Looks like the whole gang's here! ...Oh, and Layla's here too!
- Paimon: But, oh... She doesn't look too good. Did something happen?
- Hi everyone, it's been a while.
- Is everything okay here...?
- Tighnari: Ah, Paimon, (Traveler). It's good to see you.
- (If the player has not met Tighnari yet, an introductory note appears on screen)
Tighnari — Verdant Strider
Tighnari, Forest Watcher in the Avidya Forest, is a promising young researcher well-versed in botany.
After graduating from the Amurta with excellent grades, Tighnari declined several invitations to teach at the Akademiya and chose to stay in the rainforest with plants as company.
The morning dew shimmering amidst the fragrant trees, everything in the rainforest is so adorable and refreshing.
The only exception — and the biggest headache for Tighnari — is some fools who always confuse poisonous mushrooms with edible ones and could never learn a lesson from Tighnari's scolding.
- Tighnari: I'd welcome you like a proper host, but I'm a bit busy at the moment. Apologies.
- No worries. This seems serious.
- Tighnari: Ah, no need to look that worried.
- Tighnari: My observations indicate Miss Layla's condition has improved quite a bit.
- Tighnari: There's no danger to her mind. She's just fatigued and needs some rest.
- Tighnari: Excuse me for a moment while I blend some calming incense. I'll let you two explain the situation.
- Cyno: Alright.
- (If the player has not met Cyno yet, an introductory note appears on screen)
Cyno — Judicator of Secrets
Known across Sumeru for his ruthlessness, the General Mahamatra Cyno strikes fear into the hearts of countless researchers.
But those who know Cyno well would understand that such an image is only meant to deter ones with malicious intent. Researchers, with their propensity to exaggerate, are more or less biased against Cyno.
In his private life, Cyno is neither rigid nor cold. Instead, he is a passionate TCG player who enjoys sharing joy using his unique sense of humor.
Therefore, it's best not to think too much of the occasional and incomprehensible sharpness in his words that might send shivers down the spine.
- Cyno: What happened was, Sethos and a few members of the Temple of Silence rescued Layla, who was out in the desert trapped in a state of delirium.
- Paimon: She had to be "rescued"? That sounds bad...
- Sethos: That's all you're gonna say about it, Cyno? I mean, we don't want people jumping to conclusions.
- (If the player has not met Sethos yet, an introductory note appears on screen)
Sethos — Wisdom's Measure
No scholar who studies King Deshret's civilization fails to understand the significance of the Temple of Silence, and Sethos is none other than the heir to this ancient organization and its history of over a thousand years.
After arriving in Sumeru City, he did not wish to be too conspicuous, and so chose to live in anonymity, crafting an ordinary identity.
With his friendly smile and enthusiasm, this skilled conversationalist became a part of the community almost as soon as he arrived.
If you run into him on the street by chance, it wouldn't hurt to strike up a conversation. Perhaps he'll share a mysterious desert tale, long lost amidst the sands.
- Cyno: That's all I can say about it. The person involved is unable to explain what happened to her, so we're limited in what we know.
- Layla: Ugh... Sorry. My head... still dizzy...
- Layla: The moons... The moons... Exactly how many are there...
- (If the player has not met Layla yet, an introductory note appears on screen)
Layla — Fantastical Evening Star
Layla of Rtawahist can often be found sporting black eyebags and a groggy, sleepy expression.
It is said that when she goes to sleep, all sorts of strange things will occur around her.
"The Sleepwalking Eccentric," "Heaven-Sent Thesis," "Human Calculator," "the One Who Climbs the Wall of Samiel Barehanded"...
As such, though she has not been in the Akademiya for very long, she is already the subject of a great many strange nicknames.
...But strange as those monikers may be, she is stranger still.
- (Traveler): (The moons!?)
- Cyno: She's been repeating that phrase over and over again, but she can't seem to remember what happened to her.
- Sethos: We tried a few things back at the Temple of Silence, but we couldn't recover her memories.
- Sethos: Her symptoms are kind of similar to researchers in the Satyavada Life state, so we brought her to Tighnari to see if our veteran Forest Watcher had any other ideas.
- Cyno: Tighnari is pretty much our last option, so let's hope he can help.
- Sethos: The good news is, even if restoring her memory is a no go, we can help with the headache at least. Djer was in a similar state when we found him, delirious and mumbling to himself, but he's more or less back to normal now.
- Sethos: Ah, sorry. I should give you some context first, huh...
- Sethos: We should let Miss Layla get some rest. Come with me, you two, and I'll introduce you to the other "victim" of this incident.
- Cyno: Good idea. I'll wait for Tighnari here and keep an eye on our patient.
- Sethos: Alright, then! This way.
- (Talk to Cyno, optional)
- Cyno: Something strange is going on...
- (Use Nahida's All Schemes to Know on Cyno, optional)
- Cyno: (I'll have to tell Master about this when I get back.)
- (Talk to Layla, optional)
- Layla: Ugh...
- (Use Nahida's All Schemes to Know on Layla, optional)
- Layla: (How many moons are there in the sky?)
- (Use Nahida's All Schemes to Know on Djer, optional)
- Djer: (Who did the Ajilenakh Nut offend...)
- (Approach Djer)
- Djer: *sigh* Who did the Ajilenakh Nut offend... I just don't get it...
- Sethos: Hey, Djer! Still musing about Ajilenakh Nuts, huh? Want me to have Cyno come over and tell some jokes? Might help distract you!
- Djer: NO! No need. I'm done.
- I like jokes.
- Djer: Don't encourage him!
- Sethos: Well, sorry for interrupting the Ajilenakh talk, buddy. Next time, just say... "Ah, gee. Hey! Knock!"
- Djer: Agh!
- Yeah, that's one nutty idea that's not all it's... cracked up to be.
- Djer: Oh, dear... another master of puns?
- Sethos: One of Cyno's card buddies, actually.
- Djer: Ah, I think I might just take that as my cue to head back to the desert...
- Paimon: Hold on, hold on. So, what's the deal with the Ajilenakh Nuts? Other than the bad Cyno jokes...
- Sethos: Hahaha, we'll get to that. But first, introductions are in order! This is Djer — a member of the Temple of Silence.
- Sethos: And you remember (Traveler), right, Djer?
- Djer: Of course. I'd never forget a participant in the Rite of Duels or the hero who saved Sumeru.
- Sethos: Awesome. Could you go over what happened to you one more time, Djer? Our valiant hero is gonna help us get to the bottom of this.
- Huh? I am?
- Sethos: Might as well join since you're here, am I right?
- Sethos: Just hear him out. You're gonna want to uncover this mystery once you do — I'd bet on it.
- Djer: Well, I was on an expedition in the desert not too long ago when I got caught in some quicksand.
- Djer: Later, it became obvious it wasn't normal quicksand, because instead of sinking to my death, I fell into an undiscovered ruin.
- Djer: In my panic, arms and legs flailing about, I suspect I touched some things I shouldn't have...
- Djer: ...Because in that brief moment, an enormous amount of information came surging into my mind.
- Djer: I would hesitate to even call it knowledge because my brain had no capacity to process the information.
- Djer: To use an analogy, it would be like... Trying to stuff thousands of Ajilenakh Nuts into a small water skin without it bursting.
- Djer: Sorry, sorry. Again with the Ajilenakh Nuts, I know..
- Sethos: It's fine. We're getting to that part of the story, anyway.
- Djer: *sigh* True.
- Djer: Well, just as I was on the verge of madness, a single phrase broke through the storm of thoughts in my head...
- Djer: It was a man's voice saying, "don't eat Ajilenakh Nuts."
- Paimon: What?
- Uh...
- Djer: I know it's hard to believe, but that's what happened. I was saved by the phrase "don't eat Ajilenakh Nuts."
- You mentioned a man's voice...
- Do you know who it was?
- Djer: I'm not sure.
- Djer: I'm not even certain it was a man's voice... It's hard to remember now that I've been repeating it so much myself.
- Djer: Anyway, the good news is, I no longer feel like my head is going to explode.
- Djer: Of course, the bad news is, that phrase has been stuck in my head for the past few days.
- Paimon: Wow, but doesn't that have the opposite effect? Like, the more you say "don't eat it," the more you want to eat it...
- Djer: Yes, that's exactly right!
- Djer: Whoever the voice belongs to, I don't know what his deal is with those nuts...
- Sethos: Well, the world's a big place. There's bound to be people who don't like sweet stuff.
- Djer: I suppose. Strangely enough... I'm starting to think the voice belonged not to a man, but a cat.
- Paimon: A cat? How?
- Djer: That's the question, isn't it. What would a cat be doing in an abandoned ruin like that?
- Djer: Just as my mind was reaching its breaking point, I could've sworn I heard the sound of a cat guiding me to exit.
- Djer: But when I came to, all I saw was endless desert, and Sethos shaking me in a desperate attempt to wake me up.
- Sethos: I'll admit, it was pretty terrifying, seeing you like that — staring off into space and mumbling about Ajilenakh Nuts... Heh.
- Paimon: You sure don't sound terrified!
- Sethos: Sorry, sorry, sorry. It's not that I don't care. It's just... kind of hard for rambling about Ajilenakh Nuts to sound menacing.
- Sethos: Now, what Layla was saying, on the other hand... That is much creepier.
- You mean about the number of moons?
- Sethos: Exactly. The unknown is what breeds fear. Ajilenakh Nuts are familiar, but the moon suspended above us at night... That's about as foreign as it gets.
- Djer: W—We don't know that for sure! There could be a whole other world inside an Ajilenakh Nut, with a moon of its own!
- Sethos: Huh... I guess.
- Djer: Ajilenakh Nuts are not to be underestimated...
- Sethos: Right, yeah! Of course! Won't catch me disparaging the mighty Ajilenakh Nut. No sir...
- Paimon: Huh, so a similar thing happened to Layla, then?
- Sethos: Yeah, I think so.
- Sethos: I was in a hurry to rescue Djer, so I put a marker on the incident site so we could go back and investigate.
- Sethos: When his condition stabilized, we doubled back around to check, and—
- You discovered Layla in a similar condition.
- Sethos: Exactly.
- Sethos: Multiple victims with the same symptoms at the same location... It wasn't hard to conclude that something is seriously wrong with that place.
- Sethos: So, after we got Layla out of there, I had the Temple of Silence put up a warning sign at the scene and send patrols to watch the area.
- Sethos: Speaking of, Cyno, Tighnari, and I are going to head back there and investigate once Layla is stable... So, as per usual, you're here just in time!
- Yeah, it sounds like you need all the help you can get.
- Sethos: That's for sure. But, there's another reason I want Cyno and Tighnari involved in this.
- Sethos: Because the story doesn't end there. Right, Djer?
- Djer: Hm... Oh, yes. Where was I? The Ajilenakh Nuts butted in and I... Right. Yes. The cat.
- Djer: As I followed the cat noises, the voice said something else: "So, there are those from Tulaytullah who still endure..."
- Djer: I thought that was strange, of course, because well... Was the voice referring to me?
- Djer: Haha, records of my ancestry are rather sparse, so I'm not sure if my bloodline even traces back to that place.
- Tulaytullah...
- Sethos: That's right. The Temple of Silence's place of origin.
- Sethos: And the home of Tighnari's people. Plus, Hermanubis, who Cyno and I both share a connection to, was one of the city's founders.
- Sethos: As the Temple's current leader, if something strange happens in the desert, it's my job to get to the bottom of it.
- Sethos: But, it turns out, a lot of people have a horse in this race, and I'm not leaving any of them out.
- Good idea.
- Count me in, too.
- Sethos: See? Knew you'd join.
- Sethos: But yeah, that's all we know about Djer's situation.
- Sethos: Tighnari should be done on his end. Let's head back and check on Miss Layla.
- (Talk to Djer, optional)
- Djer: There are records in the Temple of Silence that speak of the ancient desert peoples' love of raising cats. Perhaps I encountered some ancestral cat spirit, long since passed on?
- (Use Nahida's All Schemes to Know on Djer, optional)
- Djer: (The more I mention Ajilenakh Nuts, the more I want some...)
- (Use Nahida's All Schemes to Know on Tighnari, optional)
- Tighnari: (Huh, I've never seen these symptoms before...)
- (Use Nahida's All Schemes to Know on Layla, optional)
- Layla: (*sigh* I've caused so much trouble for everyone...)
- (Use Nahida's All Schemes to Know on Cyno, optional)
- Cyno: (I'll have to tell Master about this when I get back.)
- (Talk to Layla, Cyno, or Tighnari)
- Tighnari: How are you feeling? Ah, but don't speak if it's too taxing.
- Layla: It's fine. I'm much better now, thanks.
- Layla: I feel like I haven't slept in two days... So, pretty much back to normal...
- Paimon: Whoa, whoa, whoa... That's your normal!?
- Layla...
- Layla: Ah, (Traveler), Paimon... I thought I heard your voices earlier...
- Layla: Oh, and, um... I'm sorry...
- Paimon: Huh? You don't have to apologize! You didn't do anything wrong!
- Layla: Ah... No, I just mean... I think I'm about to disappoint you.
- Layla: My head was kinda muddled earlier, but I still heard your conversation.
- Layla: I know you're trying to figure out what happened to me, and I want to help...
- Layla: But... I really don't remember anything.
- Tighnari: Does your head still hurt?
- Layla: No, I feel fine. The incense you made helped a lot.
- Layla: I'm still hearing those words in my head, but other than that, I'm okay.
- Layla: It's just... all I remember are those words. Everything else is a total blank.
- Layla: One moment I was heading to the stargazing point I'd calculated, and the next, I was on my back in the sand, the same phrase playing over and over again in my mind...
- Layla: How many moons are there in the sky?
- Cyno: Hmm...
- Cyno: Sethos, did your friend Djer suffer from memory loss too?
- Sethos: Not really. His memories are blurry, but there aren't huge gaps like this.
- Sethos: He remembers touching something, someone talking, a voice mentioning "Tulaytullah," and hearing a cat lead him to the exit.
- Layla: Ah! A cat...
- Sethos: Did you hear it too?
- Layla: Huh, now that you mention it, I think so? It was so soft, I thought I was imagining things...
- Tighnari: Hmm... Which means, at the very least, what the two of you experienced while escaping the ruin is consistent.
- Tighnari: A single sentence repeating in your heads, and the faint sound of a cat.
- Cyno: Still not a lot to go off of.
- Sethos: Agreed.
- Layla: Hmm...
- Paimon: Oh, is your head hurting again, Layla?
- Layla: *breathe in*
- Layla: *breathe out* No, I was just thinking... Maybe my memories are blank because I was sleepwalking at the time?
- Layla: Sometimes, my friends and classmates tell me about things I don't remember doing, or places I don't remember going.
- Layla: I don't talk about it a lot because, well... I don't even know how it happens. But I don't want my personal circumstances clouding your judgment.
- Layla: So, I... just wanted to mention that.
- Tighnari: Ah... I see. Well, thank you for telling us.
- Tighnari: But, I don't think we need to dwell on that for now. We're gonna check out the site of the incident for ourselves, so that should help us come to our own conclusions.
- I'm with Tighnari.
- Don't put too much pressure on yourself, Layla.
- Layla: O—Okay...
- Layla: Then, could I come too? I have to know what happened to me back there.
- Sethos: Sure, but on one condition — you need to be in tip-top shape before we head out.
- Sethos: If your condition isn't stable enough before then, we'll have to figure out something else.
- Layla: O—Of course! No problem!
- Cyno: Well, I'm more concerned about Tighnari... You sure you'll be alright in the desert?
- Tighnari: You say that like I'll evaporate on first contact with sand or something.
- Tighnari: Call it... curiosity. If this concerns my ancestors, I want to figure out what's going on.
- Tighnari: Anyway, as long as I take things slow when the sun's out, I should be fine with the right preparation.
- Tighnari: Besides, it's a good idea to have a doctor on hand in case of emergencies.
- Cyno: So long as our doctor doesn't become the emergency.
- Tighnari: Well, if that happens, I suppose I'll just have to rely on the kindness of my entourage to haul me back home.
- Sethos: Alright, well, that all sounds good to me. Let's meet in two days like we agreed.
- Sethos finds a map and marks the location for you.
- Sethos: Djer and I are gonna head back to the Temple of Silence and do some research in the meantime. See you in a couple days!
- Cyno: Sounds good.
- Tighnari: What about you, Layla? If you feel like you need more rest, I can arrange a room for you to stay in.
- Layla: O—Oh, um, no need! I've asked enough of you as it is...
- Layla: Besides, I feel a lot better. I should make it back to my dorm, no problem.
- Paimon: You sure? Don't push it too hard, or you might end up sleepwalking along the way...
- Layla: Don't worry. I'll be fine.
- Layla: I have other things I need to do, anyway. Like letting my advisor and classmates know that I'm fine, adjusting my stargazing schedule, things like that...
- Layla: If I don't get it all done, I doubt I'll be able to sit still, let alone stay here and get some rest...
- Tighnari: I'm not so sure that's—
- You know what? I'll make sure she gets back.
- Tighnari: Ah, a much better idea. Thank you, Traveler.
- Tighnari: Of course, if anything starts to feel off, come back for a checkup right away!
- Cyno: You'd better listen to him, Layla, or he'll feed you tasteless slop as a punishment.
- Tighnari: Punishment? You're the one who caught a cold. You're supposed to eat light when that happens.
- Tighnari: Besides, with your nose stuffed up like that, you couldn't taste anything to begin with.
- Cyno: Huh, is that so.
- Cyno: And here I thought it was an intaste-tinal issue.
- Tighnari: ...Should've seen that coming. You're off the clock, so now it's time for puns, huh?
- Paimon: Oh brother, not this again...
- Cyno: Don't worry, Paimon. I understand. If you want me to stop, then...
- Paimon: Th—Then...?
- Cyno: You'll have to call a plumber. Tell them someone's gotta "pipe" down...
- Wow.
- Paimon: Ugh... This is getting more insufferable by the second!
- Paimon: Put a sock in it already. Please...
- Got it, Paimon, one "sock-in" coming right up~
- Cyno: !?
- Tighnari: !?
- Paimon: ...Paimon's done with this game...
- Paimon: You win, okay? Let's just get out of here... please.
- Okay, bye, everyone. I'll keep Layla safe.
- And Paimon mentally sound.
- Tighnari: Alright. You stay safe... I'll try to stay sane.
- (Talk to Cyno or Tighnari, optional)
- Cyno: It seems your jokes have improved with practice, (Traveler).
- Tighnari: Happy about that?
- Cyno: Absolutely. Finally, someone to share the load.
- Tighnari: ...Ah, you know what? Collei's helping out the Akademiya, but I haven't had the chance to check on her. Why don't you do me a favor, and... go do that.
- Cyno: Hold on, I thought you were having me over for dinner?
- (Use Nahida's All Schemes to Know on Cyno, optional)
- Cyno: (Tighnari should make something with mushrooms later. A fungus for a "fun-guest", heh.)
- (Use Nahida's All Schemes to Know on Tighnari, optional)
- Tighnari: (He's gonna make a mushroom joke when we eat, I just know it.)
- (Approach the marked location in Sumeru City)
- Paimon: Moons... Ajilenakh Nuts...
- Paimon: Moons... Ajilenakh Nuts...?
- Paimon: Are the moons going... nuts?
- Paimon, please. Enough repeating...
- You're putting me to sleep over here...
- Paimon: Oh no, looks like Paimon's caught the brain bug too — she can't stop thinking about those two things!
- Paimon: Paimon's gotta clear her head. But how...
- Paimon: ...Aha! Got it!
- (Paimon turns to point at Puspa Café)
- Paimon: The cafe over there! Why don't we head over for a quick pick-me-up?
- (Traveler): (Hmm?)
- (Traveler): (Something's up with Layla...)
- Layla: S—Sorry. I feel kinda tired all of a sudden...
- Paimon: Wait, is it because of all Paimon's muttering just now?
- Paimon: Ah, sorry, sorry... Um, the coffee will be Paimon's treat, okay?
- So generous all of a sudden...
- Paimon: Hey, you make it sound like Paimon's stingy or something!
- Paimon: Hmph, well, she'll just have to show you her... true colors! Yeah, starting now!
- Paimon: You sit tight and take care of Layla, (Traveler). Paimon's gonna get us some snacks and coffee!
- Paimon: Be right back! Don't go anywhere in the meantime!
- (Layla and the Traveler sit down at a table outside the café)
- Layla: *sigh*... She's pushing herself again, as always.
- Other Layla, I presume?
- Layla: Saw right through me, huh...
- Layla: I apologize for the sudden emergence, but I didn't have any other options...
- It's fine.
- As far as I'm concerned, you're Layla as well.
- Layla: Well, that's true...
- Layla: So, for "our" sake — and your safety — allow me to fill in the gaps in her memory.
- I knew it. You were in control when it happened...
- Layla: That's right.
- Layla: Layla was already in bad shape, stressing about her new study topic, focusing on the stars instead of her surroundings...
- Layla: By the time she realized the danger she was in, it was too late...
- (After the transition)
-
- (The player experiences a flashback from "Other Layla"'s perspective)
- Layla: Ah!
- Layla: (Quicksand near the ideal viewing spot? Wasn't expecting that...)
- Layla: (Looks like Layla's been under a lot of pressure lately. She hasn't been paying attention to her surroundings...)
- Layla: (But... why would quicksand lead to a place like this?)
- Layla: (Well, all in all, looks like a common desert ruin... Guess there's nothing to do but try to find a way out.)
- Layla: (Oh, Layla... What have you gotten yourself into this time...)
- (Approach the door to the south)
- Layla: (I think this door can be opened using the device next to it...)
- (Interact with the device)
- Layla: (Just like I thought.)
- (While walking through the corridor)
-
- (Text in the Deshret Script begins to flood onto the screen)
- Layla: (Ugh! What was that! My head... it hurts...)
- Layla: (Is Layla... waking up? ...No, that's not it...!)
- (Continue down the corridor)
-
- (The text becomes more distorted and Layla becomes unable to sprint)
- Layla: (What... What's going on... It's... too much.)
- Layla: (...I don't... understand...)
- (Continue further down the corridor)
-
- (Layla's vision distorts even further and she is now only able to walk)
- Layla: (The ground is... where am I? It's... spinning...)
- (Approach the end of the corridor)
- Layla: (...!)
- (Layla's visions continue until a meow is heard and the screen shatters)
- How many moons are there in the sky?
- Layla: ("How many moons are there in the sky?")
- Layla: (How many moons are there in the sky?)
- Layla: (Okay. Information isn't rushing into my brain anymore. That's good.)
- Layla: (How many moons are there in the sky?)
- Layla: (My head hurts, but there are no more dark spots in my vision, and I can see in front of me. Still...)
- Layla: (How many moons are there in the sky?)
- Layla: (What's going on? The same thought keeps popping into my head. What does it mean...)
- Layla: (How many moons are there in the sky?)
- Layla: (Isn't there... just one?)
- ???: Meow.
- Layla: (...A cat? I think there was one earlier, too...)
- "Cat": Meow... Meow...
- Layla: (I'm not hearing things — it really is a cat! But what is it doing here...)
- Layla: (How many moons... are there... No. Stop it!)
- "Cat": Meow.
- Layla: (Does it want me to follow its cries?)
- Layla: (Well, it's not like I've got other options. Come on, Layla. You can do this...)
- (Leave the ruin)
- Layla: ...And so, I followed the cat's cries to find my way out.
- Layla: It was quite a kind creature... It didn't even leave until the other me started to wake up.
- Well, that fills in the gaps...
- Sounds very similar to what happened to Djer.
- Layla: Thinking back, it all started when I touched that device.
- Layla: I've heard fellow students talk about it before... how the desert is full of objects that do strange things.
- Layla: Sometimes, it's just a minor inconvenience. But, other times, devices like that can cause massive trouble.
- I know exactly what you mean.
- Layla: Ah, of course. I forgot how much adventuring experience you have.
- Layla: Still, carrying an umbrella doesn't mean you can't get soaked, so just... Be careful, and stay away from unknown devices.
- Thanks for the advice.
- Layla: No need to thank me. You and Layla are about to head into dangerous territory together. You need to be safe, so she can be safe.
- Layla: Well, I think that about sums it up.
- Layla: Ah, and just in time — your coffee's here.
- Paimon: (Traveler)! A little help over here!
- Seeing Paimon precariously try to keep her balance, you rush over to help her out.
When you turn around, Layla is rubbing her eyes sleepily. - Layla: Huh? Did... Did I fall asleep?
- Just for a moment.
- Paimon's an excellent hypnotist. Puts people right to sleep...
- Paimon: Wow! Paimon didn't even know she had such an impressive skill...
- Paimon: Hah, does that mean, since Paimon bought this coffee, it will just make you sleepier?
- Alhaitham: A beverage that puts people to sleep? Better saved for work hours, I think.
- Paimon: What, so you can nap on the job? Who does tha— Huh? Oh!
- Mehrak: Beep-boop!
- Paimon: Beep-boop!
- Paimon: Oops, um... Ahem. Alhaitham! Kaveh! Nice to see you!
- Paimon: Oh, and you too, Mehrak!
- Mehrak: Beep!
- Hello, everyone.
- This is turning into quite the gathering.
- Kaveh: Haha, sorry. Hope we're not interrupting anything...
- (If the player has not met Kaveh yet, an introductory note appears on screen)
Kaveh — Empyrean Reflection
Kaveh, known as the light of Kshahrewar, is an architect famous throughout Sumeru. He is a sensitive, even delicate soul, and he lives a simple, even impoverished life.
Kaveh's architectural attainments are indeed great, with the Palace of Alcazarzaray within the rainforest being his masterpiece, though his unique ingenuity does come with its costs.
The building of that great mansion was simultaneously the zenith of his aesthetic ideal and the nadir of his real living, and he has faced much hardship on account of the debt accrued from its creation.
But though he often complains about his present state, the glimmer in Kaveh's eyes when he talks about his ideals remains undimmed.
- Kaveh: Hm? Miss Layla... You don't look so good. Is everything alright?
- Layla: Oh, uh... I'm fine. I was sleeping just now, so I'm still a bit...
- Kaveh: Ah, I see. And we woke you, didn't we... I'm sorry. We shouldn't have been so loud...
- Layla: N—No. Y—You didn't... I... didn't mean it like that. S—Sorry...
- Alhaitham: ...
- (If the player has not met Alhaitham yet, an introductory note appears on screen)
Alhaitham — Admonishing Instruction
Alhaitham, the current Scribe of the Akademiya, is a person of keen insight and great knowledge, known deservedly by all to be an intelligent man.
However, he prefers to live a low-profile, free life, doing things based on his personal choices. As such, it can be difficult to say where you might find him for sure.
Alhaitham is no lover of social activities, and is not very close to his colleagues. He is also seemingly uninterested in advancement.
- Paimon: Wait, where are you going? You just got here!
- Alhaitham: I'm going to do what I came here to do.
- Paimon: Which is...?
- Alhaitham: Buy coffee beans.
- Mehrak: Beep-boop!
- Kaveh: Huh? You're going too? Mehrak!
- Kaveh: Fine. Run off with him! See if I care...!
- Kaveh: Well... looks like I get you to myself!
- Kaveh: It's been a while, hasn't it? How've you been?
- Same old, same old.
- Kaveh: So... a busy life of adventuring for you, and a busy life of academics for Miss Layla, is that right?
- Layla: Ugh...
- Kaveh: Oh, is something wrong?
- Just a bit of... trouble in the desert, that's all.
- Kaveh: Ah, the desert's not always the friendliest place, that's for sure. And from the look on your faces, I'm guessing this problem's not resolved?
- Layla: ...
- Kaveh: Ah, don't force yourself to talk about it, of course.
- Kaveh: But I've worked on several projects in the desert before, so if there's anything I can do to help, just say the word.
- Layla: No, I don't... have anything to hide. It's just... complicated, so explaining might take time...
- Kaveh: Ah, well, lucky for us... I've got that in spades.
- Alhaitham: Yes. You have been quite... sedentary recently.
- Kaveh: Excuse me? I've been going about work as normal, thank you. And — might I add — you do way less work than me!
- Alhaitham: I do the amount of work that is required of me.
- Kaveh: Ah, yes. You and your stellar work ethic. The stuff of legends...
- Mehrak: Beep-boop?
- Kaveh: Ugh, now look what you've done — I've lost my train of thought. Where were we...
- Alhaitham: The problem in the desert.
- Kaveh: Wait, you were listening earlier?
- Alhaitham: ...
- Kaveh: Oh, we're giving the silent treatment, now? Mature! Very mature!
- Alhaitham: Continue, Miss Layla. I'm curious as to how this incident unfolded.
- Kaveh: What did I tell you? This one doesn't have enough to do.
- Layla: Alright, well...
- You explain what happened. Of course, you leave out the part about the other Layla.
Hearing the word "quicksand," Kaveh begins to look troubled... - Kaveh: Could you still use some extra hands on this investigation team of yours?
- Layla: Huh? You want to join, Mr. Kaveh?
- Kaveh: That's right. I think my experience studying desert mausoleums could be of some use here. Alhaitham's expertise in ancient languages could be helpful, too.
- Kaveh: Besides, I consider you all to be my friends... and friends are supposed to help each other out!
- Alhaitham: Wait, I'm involved in this now?
- Kaveh: Oh please, I know you. Half the battle was over the minute you said you were "curious." We couldn't stop you from joining if we tried.
- Alhaitham: Well, you've got me there. Besides...
- Mehrak: Beep-boop! Beep-boop!
- Alhaitham: This suitcase of yours has been jumping at the chance to volunteer for a while now.
- Alhaitham: Hm, I imagine...
- Kaveh: You imagine...?
- Alhaitham: ...Mechanical life forms might also feel homesick from time to time.
- Paimon: Huh...
- Kaveh: Huh, now that you mention it, Mehrak's core was a component sourced from the desert...
- Alhaitham: That could prove useful.
- Layla: Y—You're sure you want to come with us? It could be dangerous...
- Kaveh: Oh, I'm sure. All the more reason to recruit as much help as possible. It's important to count on friends at times like these.
- We appreciate the help.
- Kaveh: Our pleasure.
- Kaveh: It's a plan, then!
- You give Kaveh and Alhaitham the directions Sethos provided.
You all chat for a while longer, and Layla's spirits are lifted. - Kaveh: Alright, we'll head back to our place to get ready.
- Kaveh: This one hasn't been on a trip in a while. Chances are, he doesn't even remember how to pack a suitcase.
- Alhaitham: I'm not worried. It'll get done... somehow.
- Kaveh: Would it kill you to help every once in a while?
- Alhaitham: I do help. It's called moral support.
- Kaveh: Oh, of course! And I am ever so grateful...
- Alhaitham: Goodbye, you three.
- Paimon: We'll see you soon!
- Paimon: Oh, and Kaveh, your coffee beans... You were too busy glaring at Alhaitham, you almost forgot them.
- Mehrak: Beep-boop~! Beep-boop~!
- Layla: Well, we're pretty close to the Akademiya now. I should be fine from here.
- Layla: Thanks for the coffee, Paimon. I feel much better now!
- Coffee's great and all...
- But, you need sleep too, Layla.
- Layla: Right. I'll follow the doctor's orders... Or try to, at least...
- Layla: With the blessing of the stars, I hope we all get a good night's sleep.
Post-Quest Dialogue
Alhaitham and Kaveh
- (Talk to Alhaitham, Kaveh, or Shevirme at the Grand Bazaar, optional)
- Kaveh: Ooh, let's get some of this! It looks fresh!
- Alhaitham: Sure.
- Kaveh: Alright, some of this to go, please.
- Shevirme: You got it! Taking it home with you? For two, right?
- Kaveh: For tw— Oh! N—No, no, no, no, no. It's not... We don't...
- Kaveh: Just... one serving each! Separate! Not together!
- Shevirme: ...?
- Shevirme: Alright... Coming right up.
- Kaveh: *sigh* That was close...
- Alhaitham: Light on the sauce for mine, please.
- Shevirme: No problem! Any preference for you, sir?
- Kaveh: Oh, extra on mine.
- Shevirme: You got it!
- (Use Nahida's All Schemes to Know on Alhaitham, optional)
- Alhaitham: (No idea what there is to be so particular about, but... whatever.)
- (Use Nahida's All Schemes to Know on Kaveh, optional)
- Kaveh: (That was close. Almost got caught there...)
- (Use Nahida's All Schemes to Know on Shevirme, optional)
- Shevirme: (So... they're not eating together? That's odd. I rarely read these things wrong.)
Alhaitham and Kaveh Location
Additional Context
Layla
- (Talk to Layla or Tamara at Bimarstan, optional)
- Observe Layla: (Layla seems to be getting some much-needed sleep.)
- Tamara: Um... Miss...?
- (Use Nahida's All Schemes to Know on Layla, optional)
- Layla: (...)
- (Use Nahida's All Schemes to Know on Tamara, optional)
- Tamara: (Uh, the person here for a checkup is asleep... What should I do? Wake her up?)
Layla Location
Additional Context
Cyno and Tighnari
- (Talk to Cyno or Tighnari at Tighnari's place in Gandharva Ville, optional)
- Cyno: It seems your jokes have improved with practice, (Traveler).
- Tighnari: Happy about that?
- Cyno: Absolutely. Finally, someone to share the load.
- Tighnari: ...Ah, you know what? Collei's helping out the Akademiya, but I haven't had the chance to check on her. Why don't you do me a favor, and... go do that.
- Cyno: Hold on, I thought you were having me over for dinner?
- (Use Nahida's All Schemes to Know on Cyno, optional)
- Cyno: (Tighnari should make something with mushrooms later. A fungus for a "fun-guest", heh.)
- (Use Nahida's All Schemes to Know on Tighnari, optional)
- Tighnari: (He's gonna make a mushroom joke when we eat, I just know it.)
Cyno and Tighnari Location
Additional Context
Taraneh
- (Talk to Taraneh right below Zubayr Theater at the Grand Bazaar, optional)
- Taraneh: The gifts, the wages, and Miss Dehya's introduction letter, everything's ready to go.
- Taraneh: I wonder if Miss Nilou is busy... And if she'll be shocked to hear she's going so far away...
Wanna play cards?
- Taraneh: Huh, esteemed traveler!? I can't believe you tracked me all the way here...
- Taraneh: Well... alright, let's play. Though I might not be able to focus...
- Adventure Challenge
- (Same as regular dialogue)
- (Use Nahida's All Schemes to Know on Taraneh, optional)
- Taraneh: (All we need to do is hand over Miss Dehya's introduction letter, and we should be able to convince her...)
Other Languages
| Language | Official Name | Literal Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| English | Return From the Mysterious Realm | — |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 自谜域归 | |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 自謎域歸 | |
| Japanese | 謎の地からの帰還 Nazo no Chi kara no Kikan | Return From the Mysterious Land |
| Korean | 수수께끼 유적 Susukkekki Yujeok | |
| Spanish | Desde el reino de los misterios | |
| French | Retour d'un royaume de mystères | Return From a Mysterious Realm |
| Russian | Возвращение из тайны Vozvrashcheniye iz tayny | |
| Thai | หวนกลับแดนปริศนา | |
| Vietnamese | Về Từ Nơi Thần Bí | |
| German | Rückkehr aus einem geheimnisvollen Reich | Return From a Mysterious Realm |
| Indonesian | Kembali dari Alam Misterius | |
| Portuguese | Retorno do Reino do Mistério | |
| Turkish | Gizemli Diyardan Dönüş | |
| Italian | Ritorno dal regno misterioso |
Change History
Released in Version "Luna II"