Return to Sender

(Approach the starting location)

???: "Welcome... the apocalypse..."

???: "...Welcome to... bunker... the apocalypse..."

???: "...Welcome to the bunker at the end of the apocalypse. Collect your ID card from the auto-distribution terminal. Please enter in an orderly manner..."

(Interact with the Ancient Terminal)

Gentle Female Voice: "...Welcome to Bunker No. (...), friends from afar..."

Gentle Female Voice: "...If you are listening to this recording, it means that the apocalypse is imminent..."

Paimon: Whoa! Paimon almost died of fright. She didn't realize this thing could talk! Whoa, whoa, whoa, Paimon's missing something — did it just say something super scary that went right over Paimon's head?

I think she mentioned the apocalypse...

Nothing scary, just that the apocalypse is coming.

Paimon: Oh, it's just the apocalypse — that's a big weight off Paimon's chest...

Paimon: ...Except obviously it's not!!! How can you be so casual about it? That tone — you sound like you're announcing we're having Chicken-Mushroom Skewers for breakfast!

Gentle Female Voice: "...Fortunately, you have found this bunker, and we are grateful to have you here... together... in the bunker at the end of the apocalypse..."

Gentle Female Voice: "...Please... use the key card... The lift connects... safe... take... to the bunker..."

Paimon: Whoa, did the mechanism just break? All that fuzzy noise drowned out her voice. Paimon couldn't hear what she was saying...

Paimon: Paimon can't figure out what this place is... (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍), why don't we go inside and take a look?

(Obtain Tier I Bunker Access Card)

(Approach the Ancient Terminals after entering the bunker)

Welcome...

To...

The apocalypse...

Bunker...

(Activate the Ancient Terminal to open the bunker door)

"Access approved. Initiating bunker gate drive mechanism. Please wait."

(Approach the marked area)

Automated Bunker Threat Response System: Unregistered residents detected. Initiating standard safety inspection protocol...

Automated Bunker Threat Response System: Scan complete. Multiple dangerous items detected. For the safety of other residents, please place all weapons and dangerous items into the designated receptacles.

Paimon: Huh? It wants us to hand over our weapons!?

Automated Bunker Threat Response System: I apologize for any inconvenience. The purpose of confiscating dangerous items is to ensure the absolute safety of the bunker's residents. Your items will be safely stored. You can retrieve your belongings when you leave.

Automated Bunker Threat Response System: If you have any safety concerns, please rest assured, the bunker is equipped with the most advanced Apocalypse Purification System available. You will encounter no danger here.

Automated Bunker Threat Response System: In the name of Professor (...), I guarantee that no matter what monsters rage beyond the sky's veil, they will not infiltrate our Elysium.

Paimon: Uhm, beyond the sky's veil? Aren't we at the bottom of the sea?

Automated Bunker Threat Response System: ...

Paimon: Oh, Paimon gets it! It's like those novels in Nasha Town — the "apocalypse" is talking about aliens coming to invade Teyvat...

You should really stop reading those trashy pulp fiction novels!

Well... that doesn't sound entirely impossible...

(Available if Condition missing)

So that's what's going on. Maybe Skirk knows more...

Paimon: Paimon was only joking! Even if there were invaders from beyond the sky, they wouldn't invade a place like this... Uhm, would they?

Paimon: Besides, since it's a safe bunker, it seems reasonable to take our weapons off for now, right? Unless they're secretly doing bad things in here...

Paimon: Like deliberately providing really yucky food... or occasionally breaking the water purifier on purpose... or... locking the main entrance and trapping everyone inside forever...

Automated Bunker Threat Response System: Please be assured. This bunker is designed to provide absolute safety. All residents are free to leave at any time they wish.

Paimon: Well, since the mysterious mechanism says it's all above board... Paimon thinks we should trust it, right, (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍)?

Automated Bunker Threat Response System: Thank you for your cooperation. All dangerous items have been collected. Scan complete. No threats detected. Standard safety inspection protocol complete.

Automated Bunker Threat Response System: Welcome to the bunker at the end of the apocalypse.

(Enter the control room)

Paimon: Whoa! Paimon almost had a heart attack! Why did that alarm go off the second we walked in!?

Paimon: (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍), why don't we take a closer look at that terminal? We might be able to find something useful!

(Investigate the Bunker Access Terminal Server)

System Error

Confirm

Now Accessible Area

F2: Research Zone 1

(Access F2: Research Zone 1 from the Terminal)

Bunker Access Terminal Server: Access granted. Welcome to the Bunker Access Terminal Server.

Paimon: Let me see... This looks like a map of the bunker...

Paimon: But the key card we got last time seems to only give us access to Research Zone 1...

(Check on the status of Research Zone 1.)

Bunker Access Terminal Server: Generating status report. Please wait.

Bunker Access Terminal Server: Research Zone 1: Warning. High concentrations of Abyssal contamination detected. Current risk of overflow: Extreme.

Bunker Access Terminal Server: Apocalypse Purification System: Blocked. Maintenance personnel have been dispatched.

Bunker Access Terminal Server: Time elapsed since previous maintenance request: Error standard hour(s). Please do not panic, resident. Stay calm and await supervisory instructions.

Paimon: Ugh! This purification system is completely useless!

Paimon: Okay, Paimon thinks she understands now — the "apocalypse" is actually Abyssal contamination, right? *sigh* This bunker was built to keep out the Abyss, but the contamination inside ended up being worse than anything out there...

Looks like it failed to keep out the Abyss.

Paimon: (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍), we've got to figure out a way to deal with this. Otherwise, the contamination could spill out...

Let's take a look around Research Zone 1.

Are you sure there isn't more to this story?

Paimon: Paimon doesn't know. But if we don't do anything, the Abyssal contamination could spill out... Paimon thinks our only choice is to deal with the problem ourselves.

Let's take a look around Research Zone 1.

Paimon: Alright, let's go!

F2: Research Zone 1

(Use the main terminal to go to F2)

Navigating to target area...

(Go to the second floor and approach the Ancient Terminals in the hallway)

Checking supplies...

(Approach the Rifthound behind the glass)

Paimon: Eek! A Rifthound! What's something like that doing here!?

Paimon: We don't have any weapons... That purification system had better do its job!

(Read the Damaged Logs, optional)

[Senior Researcher Grazina Myklukho's Experimental Report: Research on Targeted Plant Breeding Based on Phenotypic Variation]

...As documented in Professor H. Verkhratskyi's experimental records prior to the apocalypse, kuuvahki exerts a catalytic effect on the growth of certain plants, inducing developmental mutations that result in phenotypes more attuned to kuuvahki...

...It is conceivable that, through artificial regulation of the mutation process, novel plant varieties with a high affinity for kuuvahki could be developed selectively... Analogous to photosynthesis... these plants would autonomously accumulate kuuvahki from their environment, thereby eliminating potential Abyssal corruption...

...Preliminary experiments indicate that most phenotypic traits of the controlled variants are heritable...

...A request was submitted to Supervisor Morozov to modify the existing ventilation system by adding pipelines for kuuvahki delivery. Circulation will be maintained by these newly bred plants (currently unnamed)...

...Although Supervisor Morozov appeared to hold out little hope that we might return to the post-apocalyptic world outside (which is entirely understandable), he nevertheless approved the modification plan...

...Now, just by opening the valves, we will have a continuous supply of kuuvahki that can be recycled...

...The people, especially the children who followed us here, should not remain in the bunker forever. One day, they or their children will discover a new world that has not yet been destroyed. By then, these flowers will help them purify the pitch-black corruption, allowing them to walk proudly under the azure sky...

(Investigate the terminal, optional)

"Apocalypse Purification System: Blocked. Manual activation required."

(Repair the valve)

"Apocalypse Purification System: Blocked. Manual activation required."

(Investigate the terminal)

(Kuuvahki flows into the room behind the glass, purifying the Rifthound and causing a nearby door to open)

"Apocalypse Purification System: Operating at Partial Capacity. Thank you for your service, Senior Technician Kotelnikov."

"Please proceed to the secondary purification device and complete the repair process. Keep calm and carry on."

(Try to activate the lift)

(After moving for a bit, the lift abruptly stops and an Ancient Terminal falls down from above)

Paimon: Whoa! You okay, (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍)? The lift over here's gone kaput. Good thing you're not hurt...

(Interact with the Ancient Terminal, optional)

Recording of Maintenance Worker Kotelnikov: "...For the sake of His Majesty the Tsar's mercy, little one... make sure you record these words properly, and bring them to Grazina..."

Recording of Maintenance Worker Kotelnikov: "...Everything Morozov said was a lie... From the very beginning, he only meant to have us killed, so Rotwang's plan could move forward..."

Recording of Maintenance Worker Kotelnikov: "...I realized it too late... Do not let him find you, as he did me... Take the children and escape. The world outside has not been destroyed..."

(Approach the glowing rock in the nearby hallway)

(A tutorial opens)

Rocks Enveloped in Kuuvahki...

An ordinary stone. Since it was enveloped by pure kuuvahki energy, it can be absorbed and thrown.
Though it may seem capable only of shattering fragile structures, with careful consideration, it may have some ingenious applications yet...

(Investigate the broken valve, optional)

Paimon: Something's definitely missing here... So how are we supposed to get this thing running again, huh?

(Investigate the terminal, optional)

"Apocalypse Purification System: Blocked. Manual valve adjustment required."

(Attempt to activate the terminal near the closed door to the southeast, optional)

Research Zone 1: Abnormal. Quarantine is in place.

(Read the Letter from the Supervisor on the desk, optional)

Letter from the Supervisor: "...Please rest assured, Ms. Grazina. I will do everything in my power to ensure that those injured in the monster attack receive the most appropriate treatment..."

Letter from the Supervisor: "...As for the children who have unfortunately fallen ill, I will instruct the medical department to spare no effort in their care. We will, of course, not abandon a single one of our comrades..."

Letter from the Supervisor: "...However, before eliminating those detestable monsters, I intend to release them into our experimental area to test the purifying effects of your new plant strains..."

Letter from the Supervisor: "...I'm sure you understand that this is for the greater good. I give you my word, in my own name, that such containment breaches will not happen again..."

(Read the Note Clipped in a Book on the bookshelf, optional)

"To Miss Grazina: If you find this note, please come meet me in the tool room."

— Master Thief Reed Miller

(Approach the Ancient Terminal and obtain the handwheel)

Backup components...

(Obtain Spare Bunker Handwheel)

(Investigate the terminal after repairing the valve)

(The camera shows four more valves to be manually adjusted, and the door beside the terminal opens)

"Apocalypse Purification System: Blocked. Manual valve adjustment required."

(Read the Bloodstained Logs in the northwest corner of the experiment site, optional)

I've been tricked. I've been tricked. I've been tricked. There's no treasure. There was never any damn treasure in this cursed place. That signal was deliberately set as bait. I should have known. The terminal was placed in such an obvious spot. If there really was treasure here, we would've heard all about this place in Nasha Town. But no one has ever mentioned it.

I mean, no one who's been here has lived to tell about it.

The door is sealed, and the elevator has left. I guess only activating this (some unrecognizable vulgar word) purification system from the outside can reopen the door. There's no way out. No way out ever again. I'm going to die here. I don't want to die here. I shouldn't have joined the Seahook Gang. I should have taken the work from those overfed and self-indulgent Fontainians instead. I'll (...) anyone, I don't care how many it takes. I don't care who I (...). As long as I don't die here. I don't want to die here.

...

There's water. These plants seem edible. I'm going to survive. I have to survive. Sooner or later, some unlucky bastard will be lured here by that signal again. When he opens the door, I'll grab my knife and (...) him, take his belongings, and escape this place. I will survive. I won't starve to death here. I won't die. Haha. I won't die.

...

Something's not right.

Come to think of it, since I came in, I haven't seen a single (...).

No, this isn't right. I couldn't possibly be the first person to wander into this place. If that signal has been broadcasting all this time, then plenty of people must have come in already. There are plenty of marks carved by Treasure Hoarders in the corners of the walls, too, though I can't make any sense of what they mean.

Could it be that there's still...

(The diary entry stops here, with the last word mysteriously left half-written.)

(Repair the first valve)

"Warning: Severe Contamination Detected. Maintenance personnel are advised to avoid fatal exposure. Unauthorized death is strictly prohibited."

Paimon: Ahh, Paimon doesn't like this at all... (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍), keep your guard up!

(Four Rockfond Rifthound Whelps appear)

Paimon: If only they didn't take away our weapons... *sigh* No point dwelling on that right now! Let's just be careful and sneak around those monsters.

Destroy the chests to attract monsters

(If caught by a Rifthound)

Paimon: Uh-oh! We've been found... Be careful, (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍)!

(After adjusting all the valves)

Paimon: Woohoo! We've finished! How about we head back?

(The alarms start blaring, and an additional Rifthound appears)

"Warning: Severe Contamination Detected."

"Experiment site entering quarantine. Please abandon any heavy objects to ensure timely evacuation."

(If the Traveler did not reach the marked location in time)

Failed to escape

You were unable to reach the exit undetected

(Leave the experiment site)

"Experiment site quarantined. Proceed to the terminal to confirm purification protocol."

(Activate the terminal)

"Apocalypse Purification System: Operating Normally. Thank you for your service, Senior Technician Kotelnikov."

(Kuuvahki flows into the experiment site, purifying the Rifthounds)

Automated Bunker Threat Response System: Maintenance complete. Apocalypse Purification System: Operating Normally. Key card unlocked.

Automated Bunker Threat Response System: Don't forget to retrieve your key card. Have a wonderful day.

Paimon: Huh? Looking closely, this card seems to be a different color from the one we got earlier.

Paimon: Paimon doesn't know who left it here, but we should take it. Maybe we can find its owner... Oh, right, there doesn't seem to be anyone else here...

(Obtain Tier II Bunker Access Card)

(While fighting the Evil Eyes of Blightseep in the hallway)

Paimon: Hmm, looks like these flowers can hold back Abyssal corruption...

(Return to the main control terminal)

Bunker Access Terminal Server: Maintenance order for Research Zone 1 complete. Expected duration exceeded by: 3,942,176 hour(s). A report of negligent conduct has been issued to the supervisory authority.

Paimon: H—How many hours? Whoa, Paimon can only remember the first number. How many others were there after that three?

Bunker Access Terminal Server: Access updated: Senior Technician Kotelnikov. Welcome to the Bunker Access Terminal Server.

Paimon: Huh? Does this thing think we're the maintenance worker sent to repair the purification system...?

Paimon: Paimon guesses that means we can access more places now! Let's see... This one appears to be Research Zone 2?

(Check on the status of Research Zone 2.)

Bunker Access Terminal Server: Generating status report. Please wait.

Bunker Access Terminal Server: Research Zone 2: Warning. High concentrations of Abyssal contamination and signs of the "Ultimate Calamity" have been detected.

Bunker Access Terminal Server: Apocalypse Purification System: Damaged. Senior Technician Kotelnikov, please proceed to perform repairs under the protection of a guard escort.

Paimon: A guard escort? Paimon doesn't see any guards around here... Wait a second — what did it say has been detected?

It sounded like some sort of Abyssal monster...

Keep me safe, Guard Captain Paimon.

Paimon: Hehe, Paimon'll keep you safe! ...Is what Guard Captain Paimon would say — if she had a weapon. Unfortunately, you'll have to watch your own back.

Paimon: But if the "apocalypse" is actually just an Abyssal monster, then it's probably the source of this place's contamination...

Paimon: If we can take it down, the Abyssal contamination here should be cleaned up once and for all, right? (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍), let's head to Research Zone 2!

Now Accessible Area

F2: Research Zone 2

F2: Research Zone 2

(Attempt to activate door, optional)

It can't be opened from this side.

Watering the flowers...

(Approach the Ancient Terminal in the hallway)

Watering the flowers...

(Read the Messily-Written Notes, optional)

...This is a secret mission that only me and Big Sis Grazina know about!

...Once these flowers grow up, Little Pay will come back to play with us!

...Grazina said she's just sick and needs to rest for a while. When the flowers grow taller than my knees, she'll recover, so we mustn't cry. We need to listen to Uncle Morozov and be very good children.

...There's no sun here, but the lights up there are just as warm and cozy. As long as we water them with that shimmering water every day, these flowers will surely grow quickly!

...Grow faster, please. I miss her.

(Enter the experiment site)

Paimon: Huh? (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍), look over there! Is that a gap?

(Throw the rock at the leaking pipe)

(Kuuvahki begins to pour from the pipe, Suffusing a nearby Mandragora and solving the Solaris Core and Nycalyx puzzle)

(The closed door to the south opens)

(Interact with the terminal that was under the Abyssal Fog Barrier, optional)

Secure communication channel established...

Loading data...

Access granted. Wishing you a wonderful day in the post-apocalyptic world, Researcher Grazina.

To: Supervisor R.M. Morozov

I hereby submit the final evaluation on the purifying effects of the new plant variety (hereinafter referred to as the "Experimental Plant") on Abyssal corruption. Please consider this letter my most formal request.

After months of controlled experiments, we have confirmed that the Experimental Plants demonstrate exceptional efficacy in processing high concentrations of Abyss corruption and (...) waste materials. In Experimental Site No. 2, the specimen successfully blocked all Abyssal corruption originating from outside the bunker within a short time frame, reflecting it in a pure (...) form, thereby efficiently eliminating the monsters that had previously been extremely difficult to deal with. There is no doubt that this is an unprecedented breakthrough. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity you have given us. This success is as much yours as it is ours.

However, I must also report the significant latent risks associated with such experiments. As I have repeatedly emphasized before, potential scenarios in which apocalyptic contamination could be released, and incidents of personnel casualties resulting from the escape of Abyssal monsters are all beyond the scope of our ability for subjective control. Among the most recent victims was even a child under (...) years old.

I am fully aware that Payva's death from illness was in no way a tragedy you wished to witness, and that you exerted every effort to save that child. However, as long as experiments of this nature continue to advance, the risk of contamination leakage will only grow more severe. Our responsibility is to erect a barrier that shields humanity from catastrophe; under no circumstances should we seek to test the limits of that darkness. Forgive my bluntness, but the continuation of these experiments has become entirely meaningless — unless your intention (if I may speak frankly) is simply to permit even more otherworldly entities to pour into our bunker.

Based on the aforementioned reasons, and on behalf of the research team, I hereby submit the following request:

Immediately cease all further testing of the purification system.
Thoroughly eliminate all Abyssal live experimental specimens in our custody. Ensure that no monster collection activities are conducted in any form.

Please approve as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Senior Researcher G. Myklukho

(Interact with the broadcasting device in the southeast room, optional)

Ancient Recording — Gentle Female Voice: "...No. I won't doubt your words, Mr. Brahe Reed Miller. The fact that you are here is proof that you were not lying."

Ancient Recording — Gentle Female Voice: "Even if I can't prove it, I choose to believe in the side that gives people hope."

Ancient Recording — Flippant Male Voice: "...Uh, actually, 'Brahe' and 'Reed Miller' are not meant to be used together..."

Ancient Recording — Flippant Male Voice: "Oh, forget it. A beautiful lady like you can call me whatever you like."

Ancient Recording — Flippant Male Voice: "Just as I said earlier, I am here to hunt down Rotwang's dogs. It's an honor to have you assisting me."

Ancient Recording — Gentle Female Voice: "Please don't thank me yet, Mr. Brahe Reed Miller. Even if I've already sent word to him, there is no guarantee he will agree to meet me."

Ancient Recording — Gentle Female Voice: "I still don't understand why he would tell such a lie to..."

Ancient Recording — Flippant Male Voice: "Hmm? What is it, Ms. Grazina?"

Ancient Recording — Gentle Female Voice: "...It's nothing. For some reason, the recorder here was not turned off. It would be troublesome if Morozov noticed. I'm shutting it down now."

(Solve the Solaris Core and Nycalyx puzzle)

(The Abyssal Riftlines around the terminal dissolve, and the door opens)

(Interact with the terminal, optional)

Secure communication channel established...

Loading data...

Access granted. Wishing you a wonderful day in the post-apocalyptic world, Researcher Grazina.

To: Supervisor R.M. Morozov

Mr. Kotelnikov went to service the purification system in Experimental Site No. 1, but contact was lost shortly thereafter. What happened?

Sincerely,

Senior Researcher G. Myklukho

(Proceed through the gap and jump down)

(The camera shifts to show deep purple claw marks on the opposite wall)

Paimon: These claw marks... they're from a Rifthound, right?

(Debug the Ancient Terminal near the lift and read the Communications Log, optional)

Secure communication channel established...

Loading data...

Access granted. Wishing you a wonderful day in the post-apocalyptic world, Researcher Grazina.

To: Supervisor R.M. Morozov

Another person [REDACTED] died. How many more deaths do you want to see? Stop this [REDACTED] experiment immediately, or I will [REDACTED] your [REDACTED] and feed it to [REDACTED].

I know you saw it, Morozov. Stop playing dead.

Senior Researcher G. Myklukho

(Approach the Ancient Terminals after using the lift)

"...Keep calm and carry on..."

"Let the world outside burn in the Apocalypse. We will endure — silent, safe, and forever out of reach of Abyssal contamination..."

(Investigate the spinning Ancient Terminal, optional)

(The terminal shuts down and falls to the ground)

(Approach the glass barrier)

(An Abyssal spike suddenly breaks through the glass, jabbing at the Traveler)

Paimon: Yikes! That sure was scary... (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍), be careful!

"...Do you ever worry that the Apocalypse might leak into the bunker? Such anxiety may be a sign of Abyssal contamination. Please report it immediately..."

(Continue down the hallway)

(An Ancient Terminal leads the player towards a bunker door)

(Investigate the door, optional)

(A screeching ball of Abyssal energy is shown bouncing around the room)

(Turn the corner and approach the next door)

(The door rattles violently, smashing a pile of nearby boxes)

(Approach the leaking pipes)

(Three Ancient Terminals rush past the Traveler)

Abnormal...

Abnormal...

Abnormal...

"...Marvel at the foresight of Professor Rotwang..."

"...Even as the Apocalypse has swept over mankind, this beacon of humanity still burns bright..."

(Arrive at the marked area and debug the terminal)

"Apocalypse Purification System: Operating Normally. Plant sample deployment complete."

(A broken Ancient Terminal drops from the ceiling, then a Rifthound bursts out of the door across the room)

Paimon: What? How is this even remotely normal!? And whatever was just "deployed" — Paimon doesn't think "plant" is the right word!

Paimon: Wait — are these pipes carrying kuuvahki? What if we lured it over and made it smash them open...

Lure the Rifthound into attacking the cracked pipes on the ground to damage it

(After fighting the Rifthound for some time)

Paimon: Oh! (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍), what if we break those pipes up there and let the kuuvahki out? That might be enough to beat it!

Break the pipes to release kuuvahki and repel the Rifthound

(Interact with the terminal in the Rifthound's room, optional)

Secure communication channel established...

Loading data...

Access granted. Wishing you a wonderful day in the post-apocalyptic world, Researcher Grazina.

To: Supervisor R.M. Morozov

I apologize, Supervisor Morozov, for losing control of my emotions earlier.

To ensure the survival of this post-apocalyptic bunker, I would like to have a proper conversation with you in person.

Sincerely,

Senior Researcher G. Myklukho

(Interact with the terminal after defeating the Rifthound)

Automated Bunker Threat Response System: Maintenance complete. Apocalypse Purification System: Operating Normally. Key card unlocked.

Automated Bunker Threat Response System: Don't forget to retrieve your key card. Have a wonderful day.

Condition missing

Paimon: Huh, this time, the key card's golden...

Paimon: That terminal report before mentioned signs of large monster activity in Research Zone 2... There's no way it could be talking about the one we just saw, surely?

Paimon: Ugh, Paimon doesn't get it. For now, let's head back to the terminal and see what this card unlocks.

Condition missing

Paimon: Huh? Looking closely, this card seems to be a different color from the one we got earlier.

Paimon: Paimon doesn't know who left it here, but we should take it. Maybe we can find its owner... Oh, right, there doesn't seem to be anyone else here...

(Obtain Tier III Bunker Access Card)

(Interact with the terminal in the room with the bunk beds, optional)

Experimental Staff Record: (This appears to be an attendance log for the research staff. For some reason, as time goes on, fewer and fewer names seem to appear...)

(Interact with the notebook on the top bunk, optional)

Ragged Notebook: (Notes filled with dense, highly technical botanical theory. Unfortunately, besides the Amurta scholars in Sumeru, few might be able to make sense of it.

(Interact with the broadcasting device on the table, optional)

Ancient Recording — Gentle Female Voice: "Mr. Brahe Reed Miller has quietly escorted the children who were still alive out of the facility."

Ancient Recording — Gentle Female Voice: "He said he knows an eccentric old hunter, and that he is also an old acquaintance of the newly appointed priestess of the Frostmoon Scions. I believe the title was something like 'Moonchanter.' Both are willing to protect those children. Neither has asked for anything in return."

Ancient Recording — Gentle Female Voice: "Morozov never noticed a thing. He probably stopped caring about them a long time ago."

Ancient Recording — Gentle Female Voice: "There's nothing left to worry about. So before we go to meet him, let's share one last drink, as we always do."

Ancient Recording — Gentle Female Voice: "A toast to the dead, from those soon to die. Please forgive my foolishness all these years."

(Enter the room with the glass window)

Paimon: Wh—whoa... the world outside's just gone. The Abyss gobbled it all up...

(Return to the main control terminal)

Bunker Access Terminal Server: Access updated: Senior Researcher Grazina. Welcome to the Bunker Access Terminal Server.

Paimon: Hey! It looks like that key card we just picked up still works!

Paimon: Which makes Paimon think, this Grazina person must have been a pretty big deal — they seem to have had access to the entire bunker...

Paimon: Hmm, it looks like the only place we haven't been to yet is the Supervisory Office.

Paimon: If that "apocalypse" thing is still hanging around, this is the only place it could be. Hmm, Paimon thinks that whatever it is, it's probably not that scary, since scary things wouldn't want to hide from us!

We'd better keep our eyes peeled — never underestimate an enemy.

Everything should want to hide from us!

Paimon: Yeah, we're experienced adventurers after all! Even without weapons, (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍) can take down any monster with just a bish — bash — bosh!

Paimon: Alright, let's go check out the Supervisory Office!

Now Accessible Area

F3: Supervisory Office

F3: Supervisory Office

(Enter the Supervisory Office after activating the terminal)

Ultimate Calamity: Grazina...? You backstabbing snake, how dare you show yourself before me...

Paimon: Whoa, (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍), watch out! That monster seems to have been lured out!

Ultimate Calamity: No, no, you're not Grazina... I can't detect your scent. What are you? A living being, or another spirit flying aimlessly across the bedeviled sky?

Ultimate Calamity: No living creature can enter this grave... Their grave, our grave. Answer me! Did Professor Rotwang send you here? Has my master forgiven me?

Are you the "apocalypse"?

Ultimate Calamity: Apocalypse? Apocalypse! Heh... Haha... Look at the world out there! The apocalypse has already descended upon us!

Ultimate Calamity: Young Solovei tried to stop it, and Brahe, who impersonated Reed Miller. Even that treacherous snake, Grazina — she tried to stop it, too... But their efforts were all in vain. It came... It still came!

Ultimate Calamity: My master... Professor Rotwang... reduced that pathetic world to ashes with the "SAMPO." After all that destruction, this bunker is all that remains, isolated amid the bedeviled sky...

You think the world has been destroyed?

The world outside's doing pretty well.

Ultimate Calamity: The world outside is nothing but a casket for things beyond their time... I know not from whence you came, but I have already broken free of the celestial shell, no longer to suffer the shackles of gravity and fate!

Ultimate Calamity: And you? You are no servant of my master, yet neither are you just another fool... Will you join us — become one with our flesh and our blood — or will you welcome death right here?

The "Ultimate Calamity"? — Gentle Female Voice: Join...

The "Ultimate Calamity"? — Passionate Male Voice: Or die?

The world hasn't been destroyed. You're at the bottom of the sea.

Ultimate Calamity: Enough! Cease your vicious lies, vile desecrater! My master would not deceive me — we exist amid the bedeviled sky!

I've had enough of your nonsense. Feel the blade of my sword!

Paimon: Exactly! Paimon has no idea what you're babbling about... Wait! "Feel the blade of my sword"? You mean the one that's still stored at the entrance!?

Ultimate Calamity: No matter... No matter! Ignorant fools — even if that snake Grazina has imprisoned me here, your flesh and blood will still become tomorrow's sustenance...

(Available if the player has completed World Quest Series Nightingale's Song)‍^{[ver­i­fi­ca­tion need­ed]}

Rotwang is dead, and you're next.

Ultimate Calamity: Heh... Haha... I thought I was the only one who could deceive those fools with such crude lies. I didn't expect you to use my own tricks against me...

Ultimate Calamity: Don't think you can fool me! Don't think you can fool us! Professor Rotwang can never die. No... Never! Otherwise, how could Teyvat have been destroyed, and how could we be drifting amid the bedeviled sky?

Teyvat hasn't been destroyed. You're at the bottom of the sea.

Ultimate Calamity: Enough! Cease your vicious lies, vile desecrater! My master would not deceive me — I have already broken free of the celestial shell, no longer to suffer the shackles of gravity and fate!

Ultimate Calamity: Let them be interred in the ruins of that extinguished world. Only we shall continue our existence amid the bedeviled sky — Master, bear witness!

Paimon: Ugh, there's no other way. (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍), let's try using these plants to deal with it!

(After the Ultimate Calamity takes a small amount of damage)

(The Ultimate Calamity causes the Spirebloom to become Fallowed)

Paimon: Huh, looks like it's broken... Better figure out how to fix it!

(After the Ultimate Calamity reaches ~50% HP)

(The Spirebloom becomes Fallowed again, but a huge Mandragora hops over to restore it)

Paimon: Huh? (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍), check that out. Do those Spireblooms over there look different to you?

(After defeating the Ultimate Calamity)

Paimon: Phew... That's that dealt with. What an annoying little...

Paimon: It seemed convinced Teyvat was destroyed, and we were outside the sky...

Paimon: Ugh! Let's just forget about that idiot! Right, it looks like we've dealt with that thing — whether it was an apocalypse or just the Abyss!

All thanks to the Mandragoras.

Paimon: Yeah, and we'd better give credit to that researcher named Grazina, right? Paimon wonders what happened to her...

All thanks to my sword.

Paimon: What? You weren't even using your sword! Oh, that reminds Paimon — we can't forget to pick up our stuff before we leave the bunker...

Paimon: Alright, that just about wraps everything— Huh? Wait! What's this?

"To Miss Grazina: Should you ever wish to leave this place, please give this item to a member of the Treasure Hoarders. They will guide you to me." — Master Thief Reed Miller

(If the player has completed any of the other quests in East of the Moon, West of the Sun)‍^{[ver­i­fi­ca­tion need­ed]}

Paimon: P—Proof of the Cognoscenti!? What's that doing in a place like this...

Paimon: And it looks like it was left by Reed Miller himself... This means we're one step closer to the Great Treasure!

Paimon: Hehe, Paimon can't wait to find out what it is!

(If the player has not completed any of the other quests in East of the Moon, West of the Sun)‍^{[ver­i­fi­ca­tion need­ed]}

Paimon: Hmm... Paimon doesn't get it. So this thing is the "Proof of the Cognoscenti"?

Paimon: It's a little rusty, but it still looks like a super expensive antique... Could this thing hold some special meaning for the Treasure Hoarders?

Paimon: (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍), we'd better take it with us! Paimon has a feeling it's gonna come in handy!

(Obtain Devocina-Cognoscenti's Sorrow)

(If this is the last quest from East of the Moon, West of the Sun to be completed)

Paimon: Hey, we've already found four Proofs of the Cognoscenti, right? Paimon wonders where the last one might be...

Paimon: Hmm, why don't we head over to Piramida and see if anyone there knows?

(Starts The Raven's Legacy)

(Read the Terminal Log, optional)

Secure communication channel established...

Loading data...

Access granted. Wishing you a wonderful day in the post-apocalyptic world, Researcher Grazina.

[Private Journal of Senior Researcher Grazina Myklukho]

Morozov is dead.

So many innocent people died by his hands... So many innocent people died because of my foolishness, all for a lie that he didn't even believe himself.

I don't know who Rotwang is, and I don't know what kind of wretched plans they had. Nor do I want to know. All I know is that their blood is on my hands as well — simply because I believed their lies, because I trusted that they could truly offer a final refuge for good people.

Why didn't I realize it? When the pipelines were first added, I should have seen that they could just as easily be used to carry the Abyss's corruption, allowing Morozov to fabricate the illusion that The Outside World had long since been utterly destroyed by the Abyss.

But I didn't think of that.

Countless people, countless people who believed in me... No matter what Brahe Reed Miller says...

They all died because of me.

Brahe Reed Miller said that the Abyssal corruption here cannot be eliminated overnight, and Morozov, like Rotwang, would one day be resurrected as a mindless monster despite having lost all sanity and humanity, until the hero prophesied by the Frostmoon Scions' Moonchanter (What is this? Don't those strange people only have an archpriestess?) destroys it completely. Until then, it will forever wander these Abyss-corroded ruins, devouring the flesh and blood of those who stray in here.

I can't turn off the bunker broadcast signal he left behind, nor can I close the bunker gates that he left permanently open. Directly destroying this place would cause the Abyss corruption to spread, so I can only pray that no one will ever set foot here again.

So, I declined his offer to take me away, choosing instead to stay behind. Both to prevent Morozov's resurrection and keep innocent people from entering this place.

I can't face those surviving children anymore. What should I say if Lily asks me again when Payva's illness will be cured?

Those who repeat lies... deserve to be buried in the apocalypse alongside those who weave them.

Brahe Reed Miller seemed deeply interested in the plants that could cleanse the Abyssal Calamity, so I asked him to help me take the specimens out. When he asked why I hadn’t named them, I thought about it and realized I didn’t know myself. Perhaps I simply couldn’t bring myself to confront the truth of our experiments. In response, he said that he, a master thief, would steal the naming rights. In the end, he called them Mandragora. A fictional plant in the legends from the Far North that Miss Alia had once told him about, so he claims. In the language of flowers, Mandragoras symbolize happiness and hope.

He can have his way. I no longer have the right to protest this bitter irony.

(Open the secondary access tunnel and leave the bunker)

You retrieve your weapon from the mechanism at the entrance, and leave the bunker together with Paimon...

(Quest ends)

Paimon: Ah...! Paimon can finally breathe fresh air! It was so stuffy in there!

Paimon: After all that, there never was an "apocalypse" to begin with! Everything out here is fine and dandy — and there's still plenty of delicious food waiting for us to eat!