The Stress of Changing Careers

The Stress of Changing Careers is a World Quest in Northern Training Ground, Lempo Isle, Nod-Krai.

Completing this quest will unlock the availability of the Hidden Exploration Objective, Triple Training Time.

Start Location

Start the quest by talking to Vaino near the Northern Training Ground Teleport Waypoint.

Steps

Talk to Vaino
Complete Vaino's first challenge
- Destroy all flying targets within the time limit (1:00)
Complete Vaino's first challenge
Go to the second challenge and start the challenge
Complete Vaino's second challenge
- Destroy flying targets to gain extra challenge time
Talk to Vaino
Go to the Krumkake Craftshop and ask about the required materials
Search higher up to collect Old Portable Bearings
Talk to Sisko
Go to The Hollowhands' trading spot
Place the Old Portable Bearings at the trading spot
Talk to Paimon
Follow the Sniffer Mole
Follow the Sniffer Mole and collect the targets
Follow the Sniffer Mole and collect the targets
Talk to Paimon
Return the targets to Vaino
Complete Vaino's final challenge
- Destroy all flying targets
Talk to Vaino

Gameplay Notes

Completing this quest awards the Wonders of the World achievement Dark Secret of The Hollowhands.
An additional Precious Chest will be rewarded by trading a Midsommar Berry at the "treasure chamber."

Dialogue

Quest Description

At the northern training ground, you're suddenly stopped by a treasure hunter who seems very enthusiastic...

(Approach ??? at the Northern Training Ground): ???: Another couple of people headed this way... Maybe they wouldn't object to being guinea pigs?

(Talk to ???)

Vaino: D—Dear guests! I am Vaino! Might I borrow just one minute of your precious time? I swear you'll leave with a smile!

Paimon: This guy seems kinda weird... and Paimon heard him say "guinea pigs" just now. We should go, (‍‍).

Vaino: Huh? Do I really come across as weird? Small wonder everyone keeps running off... But that's word-for-word the pitch that Boncza taught me back in Nasha Town...

If your goal is to blurt out a sales pitch, of course, it's going to come off sounding weird...

Vaino: Fair point. If someone ran up to me shouting, "Dear guests!" I'd probably avoid eye contact and hurry away too...

Vaino: *sigh* Turns out starting a new career at my age isn't easy... Darn it, I really thought being a boss meant kicking back and letting the money roll in.

Paimon: But hey, you did become a boss, right? Congratulations on that! But what made you want to change careers all of a sudden, Vaino?

Vaino: I was a treasure hunter for so long, but, honestly, I'd been thinking about getting out of the game for a while.

Vaino: There's this classic joke in that line of work: Where's the only place a 35-year-old treasure hunter gets called "young"?

Paimon: Paimon has no idea...

Vaino: At their funeral. Everyone's dabbing their eyes and saying, "Poor thing, they died so young..."

Vaino: I'm 34 this year... At last month's gathering in The Flagship, everyone was speaking to me with this weird, respectful tone...

Vaino: And it's not like I ever found any of Reed Miller's old treasure or anything. So when they started speaking to me all reverent-like, it felt off. Then I looked around and realized...

Vaino: Somehow, at some point, all the old dogs had disappeared and the room was filled with fresh-faced rookies. I suddenly realized I was the oldest one there!

Vaino: There I was, in the middle of all that noise and cheer, and yet, this sudden chill gripped me tight. Like a voice whispering: "You're next." It was downright terrifying...

Paimon: But... if you look at it another way, you've actually been pretty lucky, right? After all, you've made it this far in one piece!

Vaino: Luck doesn't hang around forever. That's why I wanted out of the business. But... *sigh* it's been rough! If things keep going like this, I'll have to start taking on commissions again...

Vaino: If it really comes to that, I'll make sure next year's funeral invite reads: "Look at me, no more rent, no more meals to worry about, and still so young, to boot! Jealous yet?"

Would anyone show up...?

Vaino: Eh? Who knows? Maybe a bunch of folks would show up just for the chance to punch me...

Paimon: Then they might as well not come at all! Why would you even think about your funeral!?

Let's hold off on the funeral talk for now...

Paimon: Let's see if there's something we can do to help with your new career! You stopped us just now... Were you about to pitch us something?

Vaino: I wanted to show you my training ground. Though, well, it's not serious training or anything. Just some light challenges, like shooting targets and dodging stuff.

Paimon: Ooh, that sounds kinda fun!

Vaino: Right? I figured kids would love this kind of thing! And there are tons of kids in Nasha Town!

Vaino: My old colleagues should love it too. And there are so many Fatui stationed in Nod-Krai... It feels like it should be drawing in more people.

Vaino: But it seems like no one's really interested... Maybe it's just not fun enough! Ugh, I just don't know what's wrong with my training ground!

Vaino: You two look exactly like the kind of guests I had in mind. If you'd be up for testing it out, and maybe giving me some feedback...

Paimon: We'd love to play— Uh, Paimon means help! We'd love to help!

Vaino: Awesome! Then please follow the course I designed. Your first challenge is nearby. The second one's over that way. I marked the entrance to make it easy to spot.

Vaino: The last challenge still needs a bit of work. I'll go fix it up now and wait for you there!

Vaino: As for the rest... well, there's definitely some technique to hitting targets, but for your first time, just go with your instincts. Too much explanation will only trip you up.

Vaino: Well then... have fun!

After briefly explaining the course, Vaino hurries off to finish setting up the final challenge.

(Talk to Vaino, optional)

Vaino: Whoa, that was quick! You've already finished the other challenges?

Not just yet...

Vaino: In that case, how about finishing off the first two challenges on the route I planned? It's easier to give feedback after you've seen the whole thing...

Sorry, I got a little lost.

Vaino: Guess the signs still need some work... Anyway, it's over that way. Please come back once you've cleared the previous challenges!

I'm just looking around.

Vaino: Oh, I see. In that case, I'll get back to setting up the third challenge.

(Start the first challenge): Paimon: Imagine the target is someone you really, really don't like, then blast it to pieces!

(Complete the first challenge): Paimon: First challenge cleared! The second one Vaino mentioned should be that way.

(Interact with the Training Ground Sign)

Paimon: "This is the second challenge! From here on, the terrain starts to play a role. Oh, and in the second half, the targets will start moving, so be ready to shoot on the run!"

Paimon: ...Doesn't this spoil the most exciting part of the challenge?

Paimon: Paimon thinks she understands the problem now... Nothing feels like a surprise — there's no suspense.

Oh! Something just flashed by over there!

Paimon: Huh? P—Paimon didn't see anything... Wh—What was it?

Shh! Keep it down! Paimon, did you hear that...?

Paimon: P—Paimon didn't hear anything at all... W—Was there a strange sound?!

Paimon: Hmph! (‍‍), you're just messing with Paimon! Th—There's nothing there... r—right?

Paimon: This isn't the type of surprise Paimon wanted... You're a meanie! Just for that, y—you're leading the way from now on!

(Complete the second challenge): Paimon: Phew... All done. Paimon knew it was just a bluff. Paimon's heart nearly jumped out of her chest...; Paimon: Vaino said he'd wait for us at the third challenge. It should be over there, right?

(Talk to Vaino): Paimon: Vaino, we've figured out what's wrong with the training ground!; Vaino: That... um, that doesn't matter anymore. It's time I start getting my affairs in order...; Paimon: Huh? What happened?; Vaino: All my targets have vanished... again!; Paimon: Maybe someone took them by accident?; Vaino: Nah, it's happened before. I got new materials, made new ones, and hid them somewhere no one would think to look.; Vaino: But they've been taken again, which means someone's doing this on purpose!; Paimon: Paimon felt an eerie sensation in that cave just now... C—Could this have something to do with those sneaky thieves?; That was just me messing with you...; Vaino: Wait... So you sensed it too? That feeling of being watched. My instincts are never wrong. And anyway, my targets aren't worth that much. Who'd want to steal them?; Vaino: Even though I never took the really risky commissions when I was a treasure hunter, you don't spend that many years in a profession like mine without making a few enemies...; Vaino: By taking the targets, they're sending me a sign: The next target is me.; Vaino: It looks like I should've changed careers much sooner. I never thought I'd be sacrificing my life for a job like that at such a young age...; Paimon: Maybe you're overthinking it...; Once we catch the thief, everything will become clear.; Vaino: You two are... *sniff* so kind... If you have the time, please do attend my funeral!; Paimon: Ugh, can we not keep bringing up your funeral!? There's still a chance we can fix this!; Vaino: Hmm, is that what they call the energy of babes...? Alright, I'll hang in there just a bit more.; Vaino: At the very least, I won't give up until they actually come knocking. After all, I poured almost all my savings into this training ground.; Vaino: Hmm, I've dealt with Treasure Hoarders before, and in my experience, if you want to catch them, the best way is to bait a trap.; Vaino: You can get target-making materials at the Krumkake Craftshop. I've been there a few times. Since they're after targets, let's use some to lure them out.; Vaino: Alright, I'll leave the thief to you two! As for me, I'll stay here and get started on fixing the third challenge they messed up.

(Talk to Vaino again, optional): Vaino: Those guys, honestly... It's just a job! Do they really have to hunt me down to the very end? I mean, life's full of way more interesting things...; Vaino: Like hanging out at the training ground and doing a bit of target shooting.

(Talk to Lalli, optional)

Lalli: Better keep looking. This probably isn't enough to beat Bozena.

Hello, do you have any materials for making targets?

Lalli: Nope, I sold all of mine a few days ago. Try asking Sisko — she might still have some.

Sorry to bother you.

Lalli: It's okay. Hope you find what you need.

(Talk to Bozena, optional)

Bozena: Not a bad haul today, hehe!

Hello, do you have any materials for making targets?

Bozena: You're buying this too? I don't think I've seen you before... Looks like this stuff's pretty popular!

Bozena: But I didn't get any today. Maybe try asking Sisko? She's right over there!

Sorry to bother you.

Bozena: Bye!

(After talking to Lalli and Bozena, optional): Paimon: We haven't asked that girl over there yet. Let's go talk to her, shall we?

(Approach Sisko): Sisko: One, two... Hmm, that's probably not enough for The Hollowhands, is it?

(Talk to Sisko)

Paimon: Hi there! Let Paimon introduce herself — Paimon is Paimon, and (‍‍/‍‍)'s (‍‍). We're here on Vaino's behalf to ask if you have any materials for making targets.

Sisko: Vaino...? Oh, you mean Uncle "Young"!

Sisko: He's run out of targets again? He just picked up a new batch the other day. Sounds like his training ground is a roaring success.

Paimon: Actually, it's quite the opposite. Paimon thinks the only real customers are the two of us...

Sisko: Huh... Wh—What happened?

The girl seems concerned, so you tell her about the missing targets.

Sisko: So things have been tough for him...? No wonder he looked so down. If you hadn't told me, we'd have had no idea...

Paimon: Who do you mean by "we"...?

Sisko: The kids around here. We all know Uncle "Young" needs target materials, so whenever we come across any, we collect them to sell to him.

And then you go steal his targets afterward?

Paimon: Oh! So if Vaino loses his targets, he'll come back to buy more materials... and then you take apart the targets and sell them back to him!?

Sisko: W—Well... Y—Yes. B—But we never s—stole anything...

Did you know the targets were being stolen?

Sisko: ...Yes.

Sisko: But we didn't steal them... We just, um, sold him the targets we got back, that's all.

Paimon: So it was just one set of targets, but he ended up paying for it over and over again! Poor Vaino...

Sisko: Sorry... We really didn't know Uncle Young's business wasn't doing well. We figured, if he kept buying that many targets, he must be kinda rich...

Paimon: He's used up almost all his savings just to keep the training ground afloat.

Sisko: I'm really sorry... If there's anything I can do to help...

You could start by telling me who the real thief is?

Sisko: Uh... well, I—I guess... It was The Hollowhands. But! They're not bad guys!

Paimon: The Hollowhands... who are they?

Sisko: I can't tell you that...

Paimon: Vaino really needs our help right now! So no matter what, we have to find out who's been stealing those targets.

Sisko: Alright... but we don't really know who they are. They always vanish fast, and no one's ever seen them. I think they're like Reed Miller — a good kind of thief.

Sisko: We trade with them sometimes. No matter what we bring them, they always give us something really valuable in return.

And that's how you've been getting the targets back?

Sisko: Yeah. It's not always just targets though. They sometimes give us Mora or other valuable parts. They've really helped us a lot.

You've traded with them, but never seen them?

Sisko: They're very cautious! We just leave the stuff at the usual trading spot. We've never actually met them face-to-face.

Paimon: Aren't you even a little bit curious who The Hollowhands are?

Sisko: Of course we are. But they have their own rules. And if we want to trade with them, we have to respect those rules.

Paimon: Weird... What could The Hollowhands have against Vaino?

Sisko: We just thought... thieves have their reasons for thieving. So we figured Uncle Young must be loaded or something... S—Sorry!

Sisko: If you want to get his targets back, you could try trading them for some Old Portable Bearings.

Sisko: I don't know if there's enough left, though... Uncle Young already bought some just a few days ago.

Paimon: It's not like we have any other ideas — let's give it a try!

(Talk to Sisko again, optional): Sisko: Did you find any? Hmm... This might not be enough. Try looking for a few more.

(Pick up the first Old Portable Bearing): Paimon: This must be one of those Old Portable Bearings. Are there any more around here?

(Pick up the second Old Portable Bearing): Paimon: We don't seem to have enough yet. Let's keep looking.

(Pick up the third Old Portable Bearing): Paimon: That should be enough. Let's check with Sisko?

(Talk to Sisko)

Paimon: We've got three of those Old Portable Bearings!

Sisko: Hmm, this should be enough. So now...

Paimon: It's time to trade, right? Where's the trading spot?

Sisko: Is... is it okay if I'm the one to make the trade?

Sisko: I promise, I'll tell them not to bother Uncle "Young" ever again!

We need to find out who they are.

Paimon: Sisko, you trust The Hollowhands even though they won't show you their faces, right? Then surely you can trust (‍‍) and Paimon too!

Sisko: Okay, Paimon, you've got a point. I guess in a place like Nod-Krai, trusting others is never easy.

Sisko: To tell you the truth, I feel kinda scared every time I go to the cave to trade.

Sisko: It's pitch black in there, and you can hear this rustling sound. I always feel like there are a load of eyes staring at me...

Paimon: Vaino said he felt like he was being watched too! It has to be them!

Sisko: But they're not bad guys! Really!

Sisko: Every time we walk up to the little trade box, we leave our stuff inside, then close our eyes and count to seventy-seven.

Sisko: And then, "whoosh!", it's gone! Replaced by a gift.

Sisko: It's been like that every single time! They've never hurt any of us.

Why seventy-seven?

Sisko: I heard it's because Reed Miller once stole seventy-seven treasures from the governor's palace! But Bozena says it's actually because he had seventy-seven loyal followers...

Paimon: Or maybe it's because Reed Miller fell out of a window and did seventy-seven somersaults before hitting the ground...

Sisko: If that was the case, I don't think he'd be remembered as a legendary thief...

I bet a monster shows up at seventy-eight and eats you?

Paimon: W—What!? (‍‍), you're just messing with Paimon again, aren't you?

You'll probably get sleepy if you count any further...

Paimon: Falling asleep in a spooky cave? You must really feel safe with Paimon around!

We can just open our eyes at seventy-six!

Paimon: Oh, right! If we open our eyes early, we might just catch The Hollowhands in action!

Sisko: Huh? Are you sure you can do that? It feels like cheating if you don't follow the rules...

Paimon: W—Well, it's all dark in there anyway, so maybe no one will notice?

Sisko: Anyway, everyone has a different story, but they all include the number seventy-seven. So who knows... maybe your version is the truth after all.

Sisko: Okay, good luck with the trade! And we'll tell everyone about Uncle Young, too! We'll also do our best to gather targets for him. N—No charge this time!

Sisko: But first, we'd better go say sorry...

(Enter the cave): Paimon: Hmm, this should be the cave where The Hollowhands hide out, right?; Paimon: Uhm... It's kinda spooky in here...

(Approach the marked area): Paimon: There's a little box! This must be how people trade with The Hollowhands!; Paimon: Let's quickly put our stuff to trade inside!

(After submitting the Old Portable Bearings)

Paimon: What are we supposed to do next? Start counting? And close our eyes...?

Start from one...

Paimon: Alright! Let's close our eyes, and you can start counting.

(The screen turns black)

One...

Two...

Three...

Four...

Paimon: A—Are you counting slowly on purpose? It's kinda scary not being able to see anything...

Alright, I'll count faster.

Four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten...

Paimon: Phew, that's much better... Paimon thought you were gonna drag it out forever...

As the count goes on, you feel Paimon tugging at your clothes more tightly.
As you enter the thirties, a soft rustling sound seems to come from somewhere nearby?
"Fifty... Hmm? That was fifty, right?"
"Were you about to doze off...? Come on, focus!"

"Seventy-five, seventy-six..."
"It's probably okay to take a little peek now, right?"
"Ahem, seventy-seven!"

Seventy-seven!

Paimon: You jumped straight to seventy-seven!? Do you really think that's going to work? Paimon'll be really happy if she doesn't have to close her eyes...

Seventy... eight!

Paimon: W—Waaah! (‍‍), don't go summoning monsters — Huh? N—Nothing happened...

Paimon: Sheesh... Just close your eyes and count properly this time!

The fluttering hem in Paimon's grip trembles ever so slightly. Better get this over with... Seventy-five, seventy-six... seventy-seven!

Paimon: (‍‍), look! Sniffer Moles!

So The Hollowhands are...

Paimon: Huh? The legendary, elusive rogues, The Hollowhands, are actually a bunch of Sniffer Moles? ...Paimon guesses it makes sense now she thinks about it.

Paimon: But why did you steal Vaino's targets?

Sniffer Mole Leader: ???

Paimon: They don't seem to understand Paimon's question...

Seventy-seven?

Sniffer Mole Leader: Squee-squeak!

Paimon: It answered you! So what's seventy-seven supposed to mean? Reed Miller's seventy-seven treasures? His seventy-seven loyal followers?

Sniffer Mole Leader: Squee-squeak! Squee-squeak!

Paimon: Don't tell Paimon they think "seventy-seven" sounds like "squee-squeak"? Could that be it? ...Seven-squee-seven? Squeakenty-squeaken? Paimon's confused.

Sniffer Mole Leader: Squee-squeak! Squee-squeak!

Paimon: So in the end, we still don't really know what it means...

(Pick up the target next to the Sniffer Mole)

Paimon: It's one of Vaino's targets! So it was you guys who took them!

(Obtain Training Ground Target)

(Follow the Sniffer Mole and open the Common Chest): Paimon: What's this? Is it a gift? For us?; Sniffer Mole: Squee-squeak!

(Collect the Mora Chest): Paimon: Ooh, more goodies! Heehee, we'll gladly accept!

(Approach the Sniffer Moles): Sniffer Mole: Squee-squeak!sss
(Destroy the wall at the end of the cave and pick up the second Training Ground Target): Paimon: This target's been used to line their nest too...

(Follow the Sniffer Mole): Paimon: Whoa... Looks like that mole nest over there is hiding a bunch of goodies! This must be their "treasure chamber"!; Paimon: Huh? Why did the Sniffer Mole head onto that stone bridge up to the right? Guess it's not taking us to its "treasure chamber" after all... We'd best go after it!

(Approach the Sniffer Mole): Paimon: Let's help the Sniffer Moles move this pesky thing out of the way!

(Destroy the wall and pick up the last Training Ground Target)

Paimon: Alright, that should be all the targets!

Paimon: So they were using them as bedding all along? That's why they kept going after Vaino!

I thought their burrows looked a lot cozier than those targets...

Paimon: Paimon thinks so too! Those burrows looked super comfy. As for Vaino's targets... maybe they've got some special appeal only a Sniffer Mole would understand.

It probably has something to do with the colors and patterns.

Paimon: So they were using them for decoration? Maybe Sniffer Moles like that sort of style. Like Sisko said, "thieves have their reasons for thieving"!

Paimon: Still, even if we bring the targets back now, they'll probably just get stolen again in a few days... What should we do?

Let's give them something better.

Paimon: Great idea! We can leave a gift at the entrance to their "treasure chamber." Let's head back and see Vaino.

Let's head back and talk to Vaino.

Paimon: Yeah, Paimon's sure we can find something better than targets for their nest! Let's head back and figure it out together.

(Talk to Vaino)

Vaino: Ah, you're back! I was just wondering if I should start getting my affairs... Umm, never mind. It's good to see you back in one piece!

Paimon: You can rest easy, Vaino! Those sneaky target thieves are definitely not old enemies of yours!

Vaino: Really? Actually, that girl Sisko came to apologize just now. She said the ones behind it are called The Hollowhands. They sound like a pretty serious organization...

They're a bunch of Sniffer Moles.

Vaino: Sniffer Moles!? Come to think of it... Though I did feel like I was being watched, it never felt ominous, not like all the times I've sensed real danger.

Vaino: But why would they want to steal my targets?

You tell Vaino everything you uncovered.

Vaino: Hahaha, so that's what this was all about? I was this close to making arrangements for my funeral! Looks like I'll have to teach them a lesson!

Paimon: B—But they didn't mean anything by it...

Vaino: No, no, that's not what I meant. If a few Old Portable Bearings were enough to trade back the targets, that means...

Vaino: The exchange rate's totally in our favor!

Paimon: Uhm? You mean...

Vaino: If I show up with all sorts of gifts next time, I might get something amazing in return!

Vaino: Maybe I can make back all the losses from those stolen targets sooner than I thought.

Paimon: Those losses... weren't actually caused by The Hollowhands.

Vaino: Yeah, I know, Sisko told me already. Still, I'm not going to ask those kids to repay anything.

Vaino: She was chirping away just now, giving me all sorts of feedback on the training ground. And she even promised to bring her friends to come play.

Vaino: Honestly, that's worth more to me than any amount of Mora.

So we're back to exchange rates again, huh?

Textbook treasure hunter's instincts.

Vaino: "Former" treasure hunter.

Vaino: Thanks a lot. I think I've figured out how to make this place more fun. I just hope more folks will want to stop by!

Vaino: Wanna give it a shot? The final challenge! I promise it's way more fun than the first two!

Let's give it a go!

Paimon: Like we'd ever say no to something fun!

(Talk to Vaino again, optional): Vaino: I've just finished adjusting the third challenge based on Sisko's suggestions — it should be really fun!

(Talk to Vaino after completing the third challenge)

Vaino: Congratulations! You're the first team to complete all the challenges!

Paimon: Hey, look! Even The Hollowhands came to cheer us on!

Maybe they're waiting for a chance to steal the targets.

Vaino: I've got to find them some comfier bedding material than those targets.

Vaino: Oh, right! I almost forgot your victory prize! This is some stuff I gathered back in the day. It's worth a decent amount!

Vaino: But that was to Vaino, the treasure hunter. For Vaino, the training ground boss, it's not much use anymore.

Vaino: Please, take this as a token of my gratitude.

Paimon: Luckily, we're not training ground bosses, so we'll gladly take this treasure off your hands!

Vaino: Come on now. My training ground will always be free for the two of you. Drop by anytime you like!

(Quest ends)

(Talk to Vaino again, optional): Vaino: You've been a big help! I'll keep what you and little Sisko said in mind. Here's hoping more and more folks come by!

Video Guides

The Stress of Changing Careers Guide

Other Languages

Language	Official Name	Literal Meaning
English	The Stress of Changing Careers	—
Chinese (Simplified)	转行总是令人焦虑
Chinese (Traditional)	轉行總是令人焦慮
Japanese	転職はいつも不安になる Tenshoku wa Itsumo Fuan ni Naru	Changing Careers Always Makes You Anxious
Korean	직업 변경의 고충 Jigeop Byeon'gyeong'ui Gochung
Spanish	Las dificultades de un cambio de trabajo
French	Changer de carrière, quel stress	Changing Careers, How Stressful
Russian	Смена профессии всегда вызывает беспокойство Smena professii vsegda vyzyvayet bespokoystvo	Changing Careers Always Causes Anxiety
Thai	การเปลี่ยนอาชีพน่ากังวลเสมอ
Vietnamese	Nỗi Lo Khi Chuyển Ngành
German	Ein Berufswechsel macht immer Sorgen
Indonesian	Kecemasan Pergantian Karir	The Anxiety of Changing Careers
Portuguese	O Estresse da Mudança de Carreira
Turkish	Kariyer Değişikliği Sorunsalı
Italian	Lo stress di cambiare lavoro

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Released in Version "Luna I"

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