The Tale-Telling Heart

(Approach the quest area)

Tolfin: "The honey brewed for the few turned into bitter wine, yet it could not extinguish the flames of self-reproach in his heart..."

Tolfin: "Now everything is but fantasy, and the silver branches return to the ocean with the ebbing tide..."

(Approach the campfire)

Danyusha Shesternin: So it's a tragedy, isn't it? He gave up the reward, and when he returned home, nothing was the same...

Zhorik Shesternin: Why tell the story of a fool like him? If it were me, I'd have stayed on that island. Apples aren't my favorite, but that'd hardly be an issue.

Tolfin: Looks like we have new friends joining us.

Paimon: Hehe, this is a nice place to rest. Are you all telling stories?

Zhorik Shesternin: Tch, more people...

Danyusha Shesternin: Zhorik, be nice. Sorry, he's probably feeling unwell. Been like this since we left Novokitezhgrad...

Tolfin: Let us introduce ourselves first. I'm Tolfin. As you can see, I deal in little odds and ends and tell a few stories.

Tolfin: These two are Mr. and Mrs. Shesternin, who are on their way back to Novokitezhgrad from Nasha Town, I believe. This trail is a tough one. Brave of you two to make the attempt.

Danyusha Shesternin: Ah... We have our reasons for coming here, but that's personal and a long story, so let's leave it at that.

Paimon: It's our turn now, right? Paimon's Paimon, and (‍heText for male Traveler‍/‍sheText for female Traveler‍) is (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍). We're adventurers, just passing by.

Tolfin: Oh? Then you must have heard of Reed Miller's Great Treasure. They say that the key to unlocking its secret lies within the five Proofs of the Cognoscenti.

Treasure hunting is in the blood of an adventurer.

For Paimon's sake, I must obtain the Great Treasure...

Paimon: Y—You're doing this for Paimon? Paimon's touched... When we get the Great Treasure, she'll share half of it with you for sure, (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍)!

Tolfin: Speaking of that, I've told many stories about Reed Miller, and I was fortunate enough to lay my eyes on a Proof of the Cognoscenti. One of them was even found by my friend.

Tolfin: Coincidentally, this very spot we're resting at was built by that friend of mine. Knowing him, the Proof of the Cognoscenti might very well be here.

Zhorik Shesternin: ...Are you talking about Papa Wrench?

Tolfin: Oh-ho, it appears my friend is quite famous. Back then, he was traveling between the islands with a caravan, and as it happened, I would have some dealings with them.

Tolfin: Come to think of it, his story is quite extraordinary. Although he lost his memory due to an accident, his skill in crafting and maintaining machinery is as remarkable as ever.

Tolfin: And the very accident that caused his memory loss, that shipwreck from many years ago... I'm sure you've heard of it too, Mr. and Mrs. Shesternin. I believe him to be a survivor of that incident.

Danyusha Shesternin: That's... Could there be such a coincidence...? Zhorik survived that incident, too... but my father wasn't as lucky.

Zhorik Shesternin: Danyusha, didn't we agree to leave all that behind?

Danyusha Shesternin: Yes, I know... but lately I've been thinking... Father loved me — loved us — so much. Were he still alive, he wouldn't sit and let this happen...

Paimon: Are you two in trouble? Perhaps we could help.

Zhorik Shesternin: You? Right, you're adventurers... Then, could you find the Great Treasure for us?

Piece of cake.

Paimon: As long as the treasure exists, we will find it! But, we can't just let you take the Great Treasure off our hands for free either.

Sure, with fair compensation for honest work...

Zhorik Shesternin: Heh, money, money, money... It all comes down to money in the end. Nothing's negotiable without Mora, is that it?

Paimon: Why are you suddenly so agitated...? You're the one commissioning us to find something for you, so of course you need to compensate us.

Paimon: We enjoy helping others, sure, but it's not right to expect us to work for free!

Tolfin: Working for free... The Papa Wrench I knew was exactly that sort of person.

Paimon: Eh? But how would he make a living like that?

Tolfin: He was lucky that the caravan leader looked after him. If it weren't for that, I don't think he would have lasted so long.

Tolfin: He only charged nominal fees for making and repairing machinery. Sometimes he even did it for free. He did the same when it came to teaching others about machines, sharing his knowledge without reserve.

Tolfin: The children in the caravan loved him too, because he had endless stories to tell... Though I should clarify, I could go toe to toe with him on that.

Tolfin: Too bad I didn't prepare candies for my audience like he did, though. His little listeners were, without exception, all captivated by the sweet candies and fantastical stories.

Paimon: Now you've gotten Paimon all curious about meeting him! It must've been fun listening to his stories... Oh, Paimon wants to hear about how he found the Proof of the Cognoscenti!

Tolfin: Unfortunately, he's no longer with us.

Paimon: Huh? But you were saying...

Tolfin: He built all the mechanical devices here for a child called Tinet. She was rendered eccentric and hard to get along with by an illness that tormented her.

Tolfin: It took Papa Wrench quite some time to get close to her, too. These devices were originally made to make her happy and fulfill a small wish of hers...

Tolfin: But that poor child didn't make it. After that, Papa Wrench also passed away from his chronic illness and overwhelming grief.

Danyusha Shesternin: *sigh*... How do you have so many sad stories to tell?

Tolfin: Madam, you're mistaken. Other than tragedies, I also have plenty of stories about righteous bandits robbing the rich to help the poor and tales of underdogs getting their revenge to share. But for now...

Tolfin: Perhaps the two of you could provide some story material. How about a family-friendly treasure-hunting tale? The treasure in this case would, of course, be the Proof of the Cognoscenti that Papa Wrench left behind.

Tolfin: He once said that, should he pass, all his belongings would be mine to handle as I see fit. I'm sure he wouldn't mind a couple of adventurers taking it in exchange for a great story.

Tolfin: "After a thrilling adventure by the mirror-sheened Blue Amber Lake, the two adventurers find the treasure at last." Cliche, perhaps, but a captivating evergreen tale nonetheless.

Tolfin: What do you think?

Paimon: In that case, we'd be happy to. But umm, rather than our story, could you tell us more about Papa Wrench later?

Tolfin: Haha, no problem. Like I said, all the mechanical devices here were built to make Tinet happy. According to Papa Wrench's vision...

Tolfin: Tinet would need go on a quest like a true adventurer — she'd have to collect lots of Stellafruit, deliver them to Sergeant Octopus, and pass the trial to awaken Colonel Iron Whale.

Tolfin: Then, the "Proof of the Cognoscenti" would be her reward. Hmm, that's all the hints I can give for now. If you two run into any difficulty, just think of this as extra spice in our story.

Paimon: It's alright, Papa Wrench wouldn't make anything too tough on purpose, right? This should be way easier than those mechanisms in the ruins.

Tolfin: Alright, then! Show me what you're capable of. Sergeant Octopus has command over two areas, and you can start the challenge from either one.

Tolfin: As for you, Mr. and Mrs. Shesternin, since you're just passing through and don't intend to be held up by this treasure hunt, please excuse me if I accompany you no further.

Zhorik Shesternin: ...Of course, but we'll stay here for a little while longer.

(After the cutscene)

Danyusha Shesternin: Zhorik, I know you'll still think me delusional, even if I tell you all this. But don't you think this is an opportunity?

Zhorik Shesternin: ...Hmm. Opportunity, you say?

(Talk to Danyusha and Zhorik Shesternin, optional)

Danyusha Shesternin: Yes. Since the Proof of the Cognoscenti is well within reach, we might have a chance at getting it too.

Danyusha Shesternin: It may not be as valuable as the Great Treasure, but it's an essential key for those who covet said treasure...

Zhorik Shesternin: ...Yes. You're right.

Danyusha Shesternin: I think we could perhaps use it to buy ourselves some time to turn things around... Zhorik, are you listening?

Zhorik Shesternin: I'm listening. You're right, you're right. However...

(Talk to Tolfin at the northern Sergeant Octopus, optional)

Tolfin: Stellafruit only grow near Blue Amber Lake, and the climate here is indeed very different from everywhere else. The atmosphere in the air... is beyond words.

Tolfin: You need to deliver enough Stellafruit before Sergeant Octopus will reveal the trial's contents. Well, since this is a fairy tale, I suppose it doesn't really count as "bribery."

(Interact with Messily-Scribbled Notes (IV), optional)

Main article: Messily-Scribbled Notes

Messily-Scribbled Notes (IV)

---

...
This is all meant to fulfill Tinet's wish. I do not wish to say that this is her final wish, for I hope it is not so. I have told her every story I know, and even some I do not, but invented to comfort her. Tolfin often comes to see us, and though he is little good at it, he does his best to tell her stories he can barely get through telling, such as "It is a sight more marvelous even than a rainbow, the aurora that hangs in the night sky, though you can only catch sight of it very rarely, even in the northernmost reaches of the northernmost of nations. They say, you know, that you will find treasure at the end of a rainbow. What great prize, then, awaits those who can climb the vivid satins that come rolling down from the very heavens"?
I remember that as Tinet heard this tale, the candlelight flickered, as if a gentle breeze was blowing through. She said, her voice like a sigh, that if only she had heard this story earlier, she might still have the strength to go to that northernmost of nations in the story to see those dreamlike satins in the sky with her own eyes...
...
...It's alright, child. It's alright. I will bring you those satins, such that you can see them.
...

---

(After submitting 12 Stellafruit to the southern Sergeant Octopus)

Paimon: We should be ready to take on the challenge now!

(Start the challenge at the southern Sergeant Octopus)

Start Challenge

(Challenge starts)

Pass Sergeant Octopus's trial

Use thrown objects to destroy the bulging Stellafruit

(After destroying 7 drones)

A large number of Stellafruit are about to appear

(Talk to Danyusha at the campfire, optional)

Danyusha Shesternin: Will I make it in time...?

Are you leaving?

Danyusha Shesternin: ...Oh! Yes, yes. I left something important in Nasha Town, so I should go back...

(Talk to Zhorik atop Colonel Iron Whale, optional)

Zhorik Shesternin: It must be here...

What are you doing here?

Zhorik Shesternin: Not much. I just wanted to watch your treasure hunt from the place with the best view.

(After submitting 12 Stellafruit to the northern Sergeant Octopus)

Paimon: Seems like we can activate it now!

(Start the challenge at the northern Sergeant Octopus)

Start Challenge

(Challenge starts)

Pass Sergeant Octopus's trial

Use special jumping attacks to destroy the bulging Stellafruit

(After destroying 45 Stellafruit‍^{[ver­i­fi­ca­tion need­ed]})

A large number of Stellafruit are about to appear

(After completing both Sergeant Octopus trials)

Zhorik Shesternin: What... What have you done!? This thing's moving, but how do I operate it...

---

(Approach the Tolfin and Zhorik Shesternin on top of Colonel Iron Whale)

Tolfin: It seems the device for awakening Colonel Iron Whale is missing some parts. That figures. Even guarded treasures are coveted by others, let alone unguarded ones.

Zhorik Shesternin: So the Proof of the Cognoscenti... the treasure is hidden here?

Tolfin: It's certainly nearby, but...

Zhorik Shesternin: Why don't we just take it apart, then? It's little more than a pile of scrap anyway. This way, you won't have to play this little game of pretend anymore. Why not just make things easier?

That's certainly one way to go about it...

Paimon: Hey! That's... Um, Paimon doesn't think that's right. Papa Wrench poured his heart into this after all. If we can just find the missing parts...

Time to spice up this story.

Paimon: Paimon's going to sneeze from all that spice! Hmm... there must be some other way! We just need to find the missing parts, right? Well, we're good at finding things.

Tolfin: If we're talking about spare parts, I might have some leads.

Paimon: Wow, are you really giving us clues just like that?

Tolfin: It's not unusual to receive aid from mysterious characters in stories, right? Mr. Shesternin, if you're also interested in the treasure's whereabouts, it's not too late to join us...

Zhorik Shesternin: Hah! I... I'm a collector, so of course I'm interested in the Proof of the Cognoscenti, but I won't play along with your childish games.

Tolfin: Well, you can certainly try to challenge Colonel Iron Whale your way. Let's see who can locate the treasure first. As for you, adventurers, please follow me.

(Talk to Zhorik, optional)

Zhorik Shesternin: Just a hunk of metal junk...

---

(Approach the marked location)

Tolfin: Papa Wrench's workshop is down this way. You should be able to find the spare parts there.

Paimon: Then all we need to do is activate the lift, right? Paimon's got this... Huh? Where's the lever?

Paimon: Ah! A weasel thief!? Did it steal the lever?

Tolfin: Well, this is... unexpected. Don't worry, I'll handle things from here.

Paimon: You? But...

Tolfin: Huginn! It's your turn to shine.

(Another weasel thief appears nearby)

Paimon: Eh!? And where did you come from!?

Tolfin: It's not that unusual for traveling merchants to have a few clever companions, no? Quickly, let's catch up to it.

(The two weasels quickly burrow up the hill)

Paimon: They're so fast! We need to catch them, (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍)!

(Follow the weasels to the Treasure Hoarders)

Treasure Hoarder: We've been spotted! Gah... Get 'em!

Paimon: Ack! Where'd they all come from? Are they in cahoots with that Weasel Thief...?

(After defeating the Treasure Hoarders)

While this is happening, Huginn catches the lever thief...

(Interact with the lever near Huginn)

Pick up

Paimon: It dropped the lever and ran away? Tch, what does that weasel thief want with this thing anyway...

(Obtain Lever)

Tolfin: Alright, let's head back. If we take too long, Mr. Shesternin might find the treasure before we do.

Paimon: That's right! (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍), we can't lose to him!

(Interact with the Opened Secret Letter, optional)

Opened Secret Letter: "I wouldn't forget you when there's money to be made. The intel's solid, but we might have competition. It's at Blue Amber Lake. I'll scout ahead, you bring backup."

Opened Secret Letter: "I'm in dire straits right now, so I might not be able to give you your usual cut. But I swear, I'll pay you back double when things get better."

(Activate the Lift)

Install

(Submit Lever)

(Descend the lift)

Go Down

Paimon: This deep underground? It doesn't look like there would be a workshop here at all... more like a mole's house than anything else!

---

(Interact with Messily-Scribbled Notes (III))

Main article: Messily-Scribbled Notes

Messily-Scribbled Notes (III)

---

...
...Tinet's illness has taken a turn for the worse. Danil has taken her to see the best doctor we can afford, but to no avail. We dared not give her the diagnosis in full, but she had already guessed it — clever, all too clever, that girl. Sometimes, I wish she were not so — perhaps then a smile could yet prevail on her gaunt face...?
Poor child! I know she has a difficult temper and does not love to speak. Those sudden outbursts of rage surely stem from the sickness's torments. The light in her eyes flickers like a dying candle. What must I do to keep that feeble flame alive?
...
Tinet has grown so ill that she can no longer travel with the caravan. We have decided to make camp at Blue Amber Lake. Here lies an underground warehouse left by Archon-knows-who, one that contains quite a few so-called "legacies of the golden age." That suits me perfectly. I have had the underground space modified into a workshop, something that Danil and the caravan members also helped greatly with.
...

---

Paimon: This isn't a spare part... Did Papa Wrench leave this here? So it's like Tolfin said. He stayed for Tinet's sake...

Tolfin: I didn't expect Huginn to dig up something like this. But judging by your words... Did you doubt what I said?

Well, they did come from someone who'd give away a friend's treasure...

Paimon: ...Huh. When you put it like that, (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍), it does sound suspicious! P—Paimon was just playing along earlier, just so you know! We had to see what tricks you had up your sleeve!

Paimon: What are you planning now, bringing us to this place?... Best be warned, (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍)'s super strong!

Tolfin: Haha. To me, you are both unexpected guests, but great "spices" for the story all the same. I can hardly thank you enough. Why would I ever mean you harm?

Tolfin: Well then, let's keep searching for the spare parts. I really don't know where Papa Wrench left the Proof of the Cognoscenti, so it's all on you now.

(Interact with either Sniffer Mole hole before interacting with Huginn, optional)

Found You!

(The Sniffer Mole burrows out of the other hole and goes back underground)

(Interact with Huginn)

Go to the Left

Go to the Right

(Interact with the remaining Sniffer Mole hole)

Found You!

(The Sniffer Mole comes out and activates the Unipolar object nearby)

(Approach the marked area after destroying the wall)

Paimon: Huh? What's going on here?

Tolfin: Hmm, it seems Sergeant Octopus isn't feeling well. Perhaps it's getting aggressive because it's not used to the environment. After all, underground caves aren't exactly where octopuses usually hang out.

Sergeant! Pull yourself together!

Paimon: Your power is essential in awakening Colonel Iron Whale, Sergeant!... Um, so how exactly do we make it stop?

I feel like you're implying something here...

Tolfin: I've always respected the audience's freedom of interpretation. However, rather than that which lies between the lines, we have more pressing matters to address right now.

Tolfin: Looks like we'll have to get closer to make it stop. Well then, I'll leave it to you, (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍) and Paimon.

(Talk to Tolfin, optional)

Tolfin: Should I recite a few silly limericks to set the mood? Hmm, perhaps not.

(After turning off the machine)

Paimon: Phew, it finally stopped. Maybe this guy needs a demotion to "Corporal Octopus"!

Paimon: It's safe now, (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍). Let's look around for the spare parts.

Three humans and a weasel search up and down, until you finally find the spare parts...

Paimon: Awesome! Now we can go and wake Colonel Iron Whale up, right?

(The cave shakes and the entrance collapses)

Paimon: Wh—What's going on? Ah! The path we came from has been blocked!

Tolfin: Oh? It looks like this is becoming quite the spicy story.

The spicier the better!

Paimon: Whether it's food or adventure, too much spice is bad news!

I can't handle spicy food...

Tolfin: Don't worry, leave it to Huginn. Treasure-hunting isn't all it can do — it's also good at pathfinding.

Tolfin: You see? Just follow its lead, and we're bound to find something good.

Paimon: Oh, you... You're not gonna do anything yourself, are you? It's been on us or your Weasel Thief this whole time.

(Obtain Spare Part)

(Interact with Messily-Scribbled Notes (I), optional)

Main article: Messily-Scribbled Notes

Messily-Scribbled Notes (I)

---

...
Followed the caravan to Hiisi Island. The people there call themselves the Frostmoon Scions. According to Danil, they are adherents of the Moon Maiden, and they have an... interesting way of viewing things. For example, most of them reject the use of kuuvahki devices, believing that to use them is to abuse their deity's blessings. As such, I did not have to help them repair anything while the caravan was there, and only needed to fix our own machines.
To my surprise, a girl of ten or so came to look for me in secret during a break, and asked to be taught some mechanical principles. Perhaps she was concerned that she would be discovered by others, but she did not give me her name until we were leaving. She was somewhat impetuous, but she has both enthusiasm and talent, and learned the basics I taught very quickly. It's just a shame that the Frostmoon Scions will likely not let her fiddle with machines in public. I left her a few technical manuals that I got through trade with other traveling merchants (Danil initially thought that these little books could help me regain my memories). I hope she can buckle down and gain something from those texts.
...

...
I stayed a few days more in Nasha Town this time. Come to think of it, this is the first time I've been split off from the rest of the caravan for this long. Danil and Demyan seem to go a good way back, with the latter arranging for my lodgings after only a short chat, right next to his own place to boot. I'll be inconveniencing him until Danil and the others get back from Snezhnograd, but Demyan doesn't seem to mind at all. In fact, he wound up speaking to me about machines quite a bit, starting with the origin of the name "Papa Wrench." It's a bit embarrassing now that I think about it, since he clearly picked that topic just so I'd have things to say. I say, it's no wonder he's in sole charge of The Flagship here in Nasha Town despite his youth.
Danil did ask if I wanted to join them in going to Snezhnograd, or perhaps Novokitezhgrad. After all, that's where my technical skills are from, so it's likely that I'll find my identity and past there as well. However, a nebulous unease kept me from going. I do not know what it is I fear. Perhaps it has to do with my lost memories, or with some incident I encountered... Seeing my hesitation, Danil made the call for me. He even took care of everything else, just as he has done for me all this time.
Not that there's any point bringing up any of my unfortunate past. I don't remember them. But I will say this, that meeting Danil and the rest of the caravan was in no wise misfortune. If not for them, I would have lost my life long ago, out there on those shallows. They took me in when I had nothing, while I can do so little to repay them...
...

...
Nasha Town is home to many children, though I dare not imagine their circumstances. But then again, as with me, what they might need is neither sympathy nor pity. Indeed, just writing these two words almost seems to bring someone's arrogant face to mind. Still, I'm glad that they at least find my stories interesting — though that might be down to the candies I've brought. I learned that trick from Danil, by the by — always bring a few in your pocket "just in case."
Amongst the kids, however, there is one who is more interested in the tools I always keep at my hip than any tale about Snegurochka. When I asked if she'd like to carry one in her hand, ah, how her eyes sparkled! Katya, the Speranza's boss, takes great care of these kids for the most part, and she rather gently gave us space so that I could tell this girl, Aino, about the techniques in which I have much skill — the art of communicating with machines. It seems that just as I am lucky to have had Danil and the others take me in, these children have found a fortune that belongs to them. *sigh* Even in a world filled with such terrible tragedies, there are so many kind people...
I quickly found that Aino is not only interested but stunningly talented at working with machines. I have taught her how to distinguish the material make of gears, calibrate pressure indicators, and adjust safety valves, and she has proven not only quicker to learn than the rest, but also capable of inferring other knowledge from such lessons. Watching her working away with tools still too unwieldy for her, turning scattered components into intricate devices, I am truly happy for her. She is a diamond in the rough, but even so, she already shines with a radiance all her own.
Danil and the others have finally returned to Nasha Town from Snezhnograd. It's time I packed up my things and made ready to travel with them. A right shame it is, that I cannot stay here for longer...
...

---

(Interact with the marked location)

Search

You find a page of the journal...

(Interact with Messily-Scribbled Notes (II))

Main article: Messily-Scribbled Notes

Messily-Scribbled Notes (II)

---

...
A few days ago, I met a traveling merchant who'd just traveled south from Novokitezhgrad. We had a lovely chat, and I felt quite nostalgic... I had yet to learn that this was because I was originally from that city. Fate's coincidences tend to come at you suddenly like that, I suppose. I discovered a foreign yet familiar face in a newspaper she'd brought along. The person in that picture had hair not yet stained by hoarfrost and a carefree smile. This was me... ten or more years ago.
It was only upon reading the obituary in the corner that I truly remembered all I had lost. But Old Shesternin was the one who owned all this, and he is "dead." Danyusha has inherited his family name and possessions, as has Zhorik. Zhorik... Ten years on, I still know not which hands those were that pushed me off the side of the ship... It was all too sudden. Surely Zhorik simply could not react in time, and the incident that occurred aboard the "Fortunate One" was but a tragic accident... Surely...
...
Danyusha, my child, what can I now do to mend the losses you have suffered since your mother passed? Even my attempts at reparation were not to last, for though it was not my intent, I caused you to lose a father also...
There is nothing I can do for her now. Surely a visit from a "dead man" uninvited will not find any welcome...
...

---

Paimon: Same handwriting as earlier... Wait, Danyusha... Zhorik?

Paimon: Is Danyusha Papa Wrench's daughter, then? But Paimon thought he fell into the sea because of an accident that happened ten years ago aboard the Fortunate One.

Tolfin: *sigh* Huginn, you just had to dig this page out, didn't you? I guess I have no choice but to...

Paimon: Paimon knew you were up to no good! (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍), draw your sword, quick!

Tolfin: ...No choice but to tell you all my plans now, and ask that you pretend you know nothing from this point on.

Paimon: ...Huh?

Tolfin: I was there the day Papa Wrench saw the obituary. He had a strange look on his face, so I asked him about the matter. Even so, he kept insisting that he couldn't remember the details from ten years ago.

Tolfin: Always assuming the best of others... That's just the way he was. Besides, he had Tinet to care for, so everything else took a backseat.

Tolfin: After he passed, I kept my ear to the ground, and what do you know? News reached me that the Shesternins had exhausted their wealth over the last ten years and had landed in serious debt.

Tolfin: So, I sent a messenger to tell a story. "Have you heard? The Proof of the Cognoscenti that can lead you to the Great Treasure is at the Blue Amber Lake in Nod-Krai"...

You were going to give him the Proof of the Cognoscenti?

Tolfin: Technically, it is Papa Wrench... Mr. Shesternin Sr.'s inheritance. As his legal heir, Zhorik has the right to it.

Tolfin: I'm not as charitable as ol' Papa, but I wanted to give Zhorik a chance to prove himself. And that's how the treasure hunt came to be.

Tolfin: He's not interested in the story or the setting, but he seems determined to get the Proof all the same. It's entirely possible that he might find it before you two.

Paimon: That won't do!

Tolfin: Indeed. Therefore, my plan is to ask you to interfere with the process... or should I say, "finders keepers" — as long as you get it before him, of course.

Tolfin: Though if your conscience permits, you can let him find it first before taking it off his hands. Not a terrible strategy either, that.

Paimon: So that's your plan... Paimon doesn't get it! Do you want him to have it or not? And, what if we didn't come this way? What was your original plan?

Tolfin: A scheme abandoned hardly matters in the present, does it? I have great faith in your treasure-hunting skills.

Tolfin: When we go back out, please pretend you've heard nothing. It would not do for me to appear biased, after all.

(Interact with the marked location again)

Search

After searching for a while...

Pat

(The Amazing 'Bot activates)

(Approach the elevator shaft)

Paimon: Looks like we're back on the path we came from. We should be able to get out now!

---

(Approach the marked area)

Zhorik Shesternin: So, you found the spare parts?

Seems you're helpless against this hunk of metal junk.

Guess it's up to us to awaken Colonel Iron Whale, then!

Paimon: Hehe, we won! The Proof of the Cognoscenti is ours now!

Zhorik Shesternin: W—Well... congratulations. But are you really going to activate the device right now? This thing looks like it's been out of use for a while, there might be some malfunction...

Tolfin: Mr. Shesternin, are you worried that such a malfunction might hurt one of us? How thoughtful. However, with the treasure within our reach, it would be too much to ask us to simply ignore it.

Paimon: Yeah, that's right! (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍), let's install the parts and start it up right now!

(Interact with the iron orb)

Install Spare Parts

(The orb begins spinning rapidly, creating an aurora in the sky)

Tolfin: This must've been the gift that Papa Wrench wanted to give to Tinet... Shocking.

Paimon: Did something shiny just fly upward...? W—Was that the Proof of the Cognoscenti!?

I'll go up and take a look.

Zhorik Shesternin: You can climb up that thing?

Paimon: Can we even call ourselves adventurers if we can't even manage that? Hmm, even if (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍) can't do it, Paimon sure can!

Tolfin: What reliable companions you are. Well then, I hope to hear good news from you soon!

(Talk to Zhorik Shesternin, optional)

Zhorik Shesternin: Maybe there are others...

(Talk to Tolfin, optional)

Tolfin: It's a shame that Tinet couldn't see all this with her own eyes. She would have loved it.

(Ride the Moonlane)

(A challenge begins)

Collect shiny fragments and reach the destination

Ride the "Aurora" and search for treasure

(Approach the first shiny fragment while riding the Moonlane)

Paimon: Shinies spotted! Let's collect them, shall we?

(After riding the Moonlanes)

You land in a safe place...

Paimon: Those shiny things we collected earlier... they look like pictures. But where's the Proof of the Cognoscenti? Paimon doesn't see anything like that at all...

Maybe someone already swiped it...

Paimon: If someone already took it, then that guy was leading us around all this time, wasn't he? Ugh. That's it. That's one score we've gotta settle!

The experiences and memories we gain are the most precious of treasures!

Paimon: Uh huh, and adventurers would've all starved to death long ago if that was always the case!

Paimon: Hmm... Not that we can do anything about that right now, though. Let's go back first!

(They return to Zhorik)

Zhorik Shesternin: Haha, you're too late. You didn't find the Proof of the Cognoscenti up there, did you?

Paimon: Huh? How did you...

Sure, but we found something more precious still!

Zhorik Shesternin: More precious? Impossible...

(‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍): (Judging by that smug look he's wearing, he probably found the Proof ahead of us. Might as well try to trick him here...)

Tolfin: (Oh? You want me to play along with your little act, then?)

Tolfin: Well... there are five Proofs of the Cognoscenti after all, nor would locating the Great Treasure be a simple affair even after one collects them all.

Tolfin: So... I would hardly be surprised if something in Papa Wrench's collection could far surpass a single Proof in value.

Zhorik Shesternin: ...Such an item exists?

Paimon: O—Of course! You could call it priceless, even!

Paimon: (Paimon has no idea what (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍)'s up to, but... That isn't exactly a lie, right? Memories are priceless! Besides...)

Paimon: ...J—Just ask Tolfin or something. He'd pick what we've got over the Proof for sure!

Zhorik Shesternin: And what would a wandering merchant like him know? ... Aha! I get it now, brat. You're bitter because you lost, aren't you? You're upset that I didn't need to play your little game to get the treasure.

Zhorik Shesternin: I happen to be in a good mood, so I'll pass this advice to you for free: Forget about the rules. People who stick to them hardly ever get the life they desire.

Zhorik Shesternin: Fortune favors those who think outside the box, like me. See? You did all that work, in the end, you still couldn't find the Proof of the Cognoscenti.

Zhorik takes out a pristine and opulent goblet. It is hard to believe that it also belonged to Papa Wrench's collection...

(If the player has not yet completed The Shoemaker's Children Go Barefoot)

Tolfin: Ah, yes. It is indeed true that one of the five Proofs of the Cognoscenti is a goblet. But as far as I know, that one is in the Fatui's possession. Many treasure hunters have their eyes on it, in fact.

(If the player has completed The Shoemaker's Children Go Barefoot)

Tolfin: Now, now. It is indeed true that one of the five Proofs of the Cognoscenti is a goblet. But as far as I know, that one is in the Fatui's possession — or was, before someone stole it from them.

Ooh, and would you look at that? It's right here in my backpack.

Tolfin: Haha, it seems your fate and Reed Miller's were destined to intersect.

Tolfin: The Proof that Papa Wrench found was a mask, and he would often let the children play with it.

Tolfin: As for this goblet... I do believe it's a gift the caravan leader brought from Snezhnograd. Ah, but Papa Wrench never could bring himself to use such a precious thing.

Tolfin: It's valuable, of course, but nothing compared to the Proof of the Cognoscenti... Which in turn makes it even less valuable than the treasure (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍) found, I fear.

Zhorik Shesternin: That's impossible...

Tolfin: It appears even a seasoned collector such as you can be mistaken at times, Mr. Shesternin. If it sets your mind at ease, you are free to find an appraiser for it when you return to Novokitezhgrad.

Zhorik Shesternin: ...Where is the real Proof of the Cognoscenti then? No... forget that. What's the treasure you spoke of, kid? The one you claim is the superior find...

Zhorik Shesternin: You may have beaten me, but I shan't accept it until you've shown me what you found.

Paimon: Huh? Th—That's...

Paimon: (The picture and memories might be priceless to Tolfin, but could we really say something like "This is the most valuable treasure!" without embarrassing ourselves!?)

Paimon: (Hurry, (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍)! Think of something!)

(‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍): (Since there's more to what happened aboard the "Fortunate One" ten years ago...)

Before we show you, take a look at this.

You show the picture from earlier to Zhorik...

Zhorik Shesternin: ...What is this trickery!? Who commissioned you to do this? Was it that old man? Is he still alive? Where is he!?

Paimon: So you *are* the Zhorik that Papa Wrench mentioned!

Zhorik Shesternin: "Papa Wrench"... So, he lured me here with a fake name so he can have his revenge, is that it? You think you can take me?

Paimon: Revenge? What are you talking about?... Wait, so the one who pushed Papa Wrench off the ship was...

Zhorik Shesternin: Drop the act. You're all working for that old man, aren't you? Wait... Does Danyusha know? Is she in on this too?

Zhorik Shesternin: That woman... She agreed so quickly because she knew this was a trap all along, didn't she? Offering to deliver the letter, doing all that, just to isolate me...?

That's right. It's over.

You're getting ahead of yourself...

Zhorik Shesternin: No. Not one of you will ever get me! Not you, and not that old man!

Zhorik scurries away, not even bothering with the precious goblet he mistook for the Proof of the Cognoscenti...

Paimon: Are you just letting him go? We don't have any grudge against him, but isn't Papa Wrench your friend?

Tolfin: Don't worry. The path he took looks most dangerous. I would not be surprised if something happens to him.

Paimon: What do you mean...?

Tolfin: I mean that Papa Wrench has many other friends aside from me. Besides, who doesn't love a story where justice is served?

Tolfin: I'm afraid ten years wasn't long enough to change his ways. If he had proven himself a changed man, even just a little, then I would have forgiven him, per Papa Wrench's wishes.

Tolfin: Alas, like many others, he too is a prisoner to his baser instincts. What a tragedy.

Tolfin: ...What saddens me more is the lack of a winner in our little treasure-hunting game. *sigh* No new story material for me, then.

Paimon: Oh! Paimon almost forgot — where exactly is the Proof of the Cognoscenti? Will we find it here? Um... can we ask Huginn for help?

Tolfin: Might this be what you're looking for?

Paimon: A mask... Is this it!? But how... You had it on you this whole time?

Tolfin: Haha, not quite. Zhorik did find it first, but he thought the flashier, fancier goblet was the real Proof, so he tossed the mask aside.

Tolfin: And now that he's forfeited it, the treasure is yours.

Paimon: Feels like a freebie... but wait! We worked hard for it too! It's our just reward!

Tolfin: That's right. If you end up revealing the Great Treasure's secrets... Well, that would make for a fascinating story.

(Obtain Stratagema-Cognoscenti's Mask and Photo with Colonel Iron Whale)

(Talk to Tolfin)

Tolfin: I guess I'll come visit Colonel Iron Whale from time to time.

About the Proofs of the Cognoscenti...

Tolfin: They make for great stories, so I do know a thing or two. Allegedly, there are five Proofs of the Cognoscenti in total.

Tolfin: Besides the one Papa Wrench had, there are two more on the three southern islands. The remaining two are further north. You might find more clues about them in Piramida.

Tolfin: If you're also interested in the Great Treasure, you might want to keep an eye out for them.

About Huginn...

Tolfin: A journey needs empathetic companions, no? It had quite the natural gift, so training it didn't take long at all.

Tolfin: Maybe it's because I have a special connection with weasel thieves — which I suppose you could call a family tradition too, hmm?

Goodbye.

Tolfin: I wish you a lovely journey.