Traces of Chroma

Traces of Chroma is a World Quest in Easybreeze Holiday Resort, Natlan.

Start Location

Start the quest by painting the Graffiti Zone near ???.

Steps

Paint the house with the big star (behind Cozatl) with any color
Talk to Cozatl
Go to the cafe
Give the cafe some color
- Color the walls with yellow, and the awnings and parasols with any color
Talk to Zolin
Meet up with Cozatl
Wait until the next day (08:00 – 12:00)
Go to the main street in Easybreeze Market
Complete the design commission
- Color the customers' stores supplies
- Decorate the instrument store with orange or yellow
Talk to Zolin
Catch up with Cozatl
Talk to Cozatl and investigate the cavern
Announce the investigation results
Talk to Zolin
Defeat the incoming enforcers
- Tepetlisaurus Warrior: Rockbreaker Blade ×1
- Yumkasaurus Warrior: Flowing Skyfire ×1
Talk to Tochtli
Wait until two days later (08:00 – 12:00)
Go to the studio
Give the studio some color

Gameplay Notes

Completing step 5 rewards an Exquisite Chest containing the blueprint for Easy-Breezy Wilderness.
Completing step 9 rewards an Exquisite Chest containing the blueprint for Fighting Chords.
Completing step 15 allows the player to use purple paint when indwelling an Asha.
Step 18 can be completed without painting the studio.
Completing this quest rewards the blueprint for Reimagined Colors, the Wonders of the World achievement Traces of Chroma, and a Precious Chest.
After completing this quest, Zolin, Zolton, and Tochtli can be found in the open world.

Dialogue

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Talk-again lines

Quest Description

One day, by chance, we become the assistants of a famous designer.

(Talk to Tochtli, optional)

Tochtli: That name... It's cute... but not cute-cute, y'know?

What is this place?

Tochtli: It's my cafe! And let me tell you, this will become the resort's absolute best cafe in the near future. What do you think? Looks wonderful, doesn't it?

Tochtli: Aside from the cafe's decor, name, equipment, and all that other nonsense, I've already got everything else covered! We're ready for anything!

(‍Traveler‍): Ready for anything... with nothing prepared?

Tochtli: Don't you sweat the details, we'll build that bridge when we get to it! Just come back to me once business is booming, and I'll give you a discount.

Good luck building your bridges.

Tochtli: Same to you!

(Approach ???, optional): ???: No vandalization...

(Talk to ???, optional): ???: No vandalization...

(Start painting the wall)

Cozatl: Hmm, this is stunning work... The brushstrokes are delicate, the colors bold — you've got some real artistic flair!

Paimon: Hehe, you've got good taste in art!

Cozatl: It's too bad, though... I heard the people on this street hired a scary guard to catch any troublemakers who go around painting on the walls.

Paimon: Huh? A guard? Paimon didn't notice any big, scary guards!

Cozatl: Indeed. His name's Cozatl, I think. He looks totally normal. In fact... he looks just like me...

Ahem... Paimon, doodling on walls isn't exactly upstanding behavior.

Paimon: S—Sorry... Hey, wait! You were doing it too!

Sorry about this. We'll clean it up right away.

Cozatl: It's fine, really! I've always thought the people around here were way too uptight anyway. This is Natlan — what kind of wall doesn't have a little graffiti on it?

Cozatl: Besides, as long as I clean it up before anyone sees, it'll be like it never happened!

Paimon: Hehe... Mr. Cozatl, you're the best!

Cozatl: *sigh* Well, your worries are gone... but mine are still...

Paimon: Huh? What's bothering you?

Cozatl: It's about this childhood friend of mine. Bit of an airhead — always drifting around like a Flowcurrent Bird. Everyone calls him "Lil' Floaty."

Cozatl: He's always loved drawing and painting, and he's actually picked up some real skills. Says he's carrying on the legacy of our old teacher, Alu. Nowadays, he's known as the face of "Chromaflair."

Cozatl: In the past, "Chromaflair" was famous in Natlan for its amazing use of color and texture. So yeah, he's kind of a big deal now.

Cozatl: It just so happens that the Easybreeze Holiday Resort needs someone to help with their facade design, so they invited a group of designers under the guise of a bidding competition. And guess who's on the list?

Cozatl: I figured I'd ask him to help some of the neighborhood shops design their storefronts as well, but he said his schedule's packed to the brim. He told me he couldn't take on any more work unless he had two assistants.

Cozatl: *sigh* If only there were two talented and reliable adventurers around here with a bit of artistic sense...

Cozatl: After all, he's a super famous designer, and he's always been a very generous, free-spirited person — I can't imagine him giving his assistants anything less than an impressive reward...

Paimon: Whoa! That sounds like a reward fit for our Mora pouches! Hehe, we're in!

Paimon, you're so easy to convince.

You figured out Paimon's weakness so fast.

Paimon: Hey, don't say that! Helping people in need is an adventurer's duty too!

Cozatl: Great, it's settled then. I'll give Zolin — that's the guy — a heads-up. Just meet him at the cafe across the street later.

Cozatl: Oh, and since it's a bidding competition, you might find some rivals who'll play dirty. Watch your backs.

Paimon: Pfft! We've dealt with way worse than a bunch of crooked bidders!

Cozatl: That's reassuring. As for the graffiti, don't sweat it, I'll clean it up.

Paimon: Okay! And leave your Lil' Floaty guy to us!

Cozatl: Of course. It shouldn't be a challenge for the legendary (‍‍) and Paimon.

Paimon: So you recognized us from the start!

(Quest Navigation)

According to the info Cozatl provided, the bidding site seems to be the cafe across the street.

(Talk to Tochtli or approach Alvo and Zolin)

Alvo: Well, well! I never expected the famed face of "Chromaflair" to be so young. Definitely worth the long trip out here!

Alvo: I've heard your school puts a special focus on color — makes it feel like the hues are actually flowing. Any chance I'll get to witness that for myself today?

Zolin: I wouldn't say we're experts, really. At "Chromaflair," we simply have our own interpretation of how to bring out the textures of colors. It's a little different from how others do it, that's all.

Alvo: What a coincidence! We at "The Varikas" also have insights of our own when it comes to color. I hope you'll be willing to share some of your tips during the bid later.

Zolin: Color is the art of clash and contrast. "Sharing tips" would be inappropriate. We should have a friendly clash — a spar — instead.

Tochtli: Hey there, my bad! I got held up by a little something and couldn't get here on time. Hope I didn't keep you waiting too long, pals!

Tochtli: Oho? Hey hey hey — Lil' Floaty, it's really you! So you did become a designer! I thought Cozatl was just pulling my leg again!

Zolin: Eh? Big Sis...?

Tochtli: "Color is the art of clash and contrast" — isn't that what the old man always says? Hehe, you're starting to sound like a real designer already.

Zolin: B—Big Sis, you didn't need to say that out loud...

Alvo: Ah, so that line came from the founder of "Chromaflair" himself. No wonder it carries such gravitas.

Alvo: Heh, Mr. Lil' Floaty, huh? I wonder if your skills can live up to Mr. Alu's legacy.

Tochtli: Alright, Lil' Floaty, go ahead and use my cafe as your canvas. Show them what "Chromaflair" is all about!

Zolin: Sure, I can do that... Just give me a moment. Cozatl promised me two assistants, but I haven't met them yet...

Paimon: (Paimon supposes this is where we come in!)

Paimon: Ahem, Zolin, your assistants have arrived!

Zolin: Wha— wait, you're... (‍‍) and Paimon?! Since when could Cozatl call in favors like that?

Alvo: Oho... the legendary adventurers. Hmph, even with top-tier assistants, the result's still going to depend on the designer's skill.

Zolin: Fine. I'll give you a proper taste of what "Chromaflair" can do.

Under Zolin's direction, you quickly complete the preparations.

Zolin: Ahem. (‍‍/‍‍) (‍‍), please take these pigments.

Paimon: Whoa, the colors are so weird! Are you sure they actually work?

Zolin: Ahem! Of course they work, and I'll have you know they're very useful! That's what being a color master is all about — turning the odd and ordinary into something brilliant! It's about drawing out the best colors in the most unexpected ways!

Okay, got it!

Paimon: Wait, really? You're not just pretending to understand, are you...?

Paimon: Hehe, alright then! Shall Paimon begin coloring the wall as our color master commands?

I don't quite get it...

Paimon: Hehe, Paimon doesn't either. But anyway, we'll just go with what Zolin says and splash some color on!

(While painting the cafe): Zolin: Well, since we're playing rough...; Zolin: Let's use bright yellow on the walls to amplify the deep, profound nature of the coffee!; Zolin: As for the other areas...; Zolin: You can do as you please, assistant! Then we'll see how it turns out.

(Talk to Alvo, optional): Alvo: Phew, it's so hot... This backwater is such a pain...

(Talk to Tochtli, optional): Tochtli: Huh? Oh, it's you! Well, how did it go? Did Lil' Floaty give you any trouble?; I'm still working on it...; Tochtli: That's alright, take your time! If Lil' Floaty holds you back, just let me know and I'll take care of him!

(Approach Zolin after finishing the paint job)

Paimon: Wow! It's so shiny and pretty!

Alvo: These colors...! The whole wall's rippling like a shimmering stream. I didn't expect to see this kind of vibrance out in a backwater place like this...

Tochtli: Lil' Floaty, you... this is seriously amazing!

Zolin: Aww, come on, Big Sis, it's not that big a deal...

Tochtli: Ever since the old man passed, I haven't seen color like this again. If he were still around... he'd be so proud of you.

Tochtli: Well, Alvo? Still think "The Varikas" can hold a candle to what you just saw?

Alvo: Tch... No need for that. I'm backing out. This piece has already blown past every expectation I had. If I show up at the competition, I'll just embarrass myself. So, without further ado, goodbye.

Cozatl: Huh? Alvo's already gone? Aww man, I missed the good part!

Zolin: Cozatl, you numbskull! Why didn't you tell me the cafe was Big Sis's place?!

Tochtli: Cozatl, you little brat! Where'd you run off to this time? Why do you always show your face only after the dust settles?

Cozatl: Hey hey, chill, Big Sis! Someone picking up the "Chromaflair" mantle — that's big news! Of course I had to let the old man know first, right?

Cozatl: Especially when the one inheriting it is the very person he thought had zero talent with color — the so-called "Cartographer." You bet I rushed over to tell him!

Zolin: Hey, it's been years! Are you seriously still using that nickname on me?! Don't you ever get tired of it?

Paimon: The "Cartographer"?

Tochtli: Hehe, did you know? When Lil' Floaty was a kid, he used to draw all over the blankets...

Zolin: Please, Big Sis, I'm begging you... Not this story again!

Tochtli: Oh come on, what's the big deal? Don't you remember that time when you—

Zolin: Ahh!!! Look, everyone, I really have to prepare for tomorrow! I'll see you all later! Goodbye!

Cozatl: Hehe, look at that... Our shy, clumsy Lil' Floaty really has grown up, huh, Big Sis?

Tochtli: He sure has... I can't believe you used the bid as an excuse to bring him back. If the old man were still here, he'd be over the moon.

Cozatl: Of course he had to come back. "Chromaflair" started here — it's only right that it ends here too.

Tochtli: And there's you... The old man had such high hopes for you. Then you disappeared for years, and never even told me where his grave was.

Tochtli: And now the prodigal Cozatl returns, only to tell me he's given up on painting. How am I supposed to explain that to him?

Cozatl: C'mon, Big Sis... Painting was just a childhood thing. I was never the patient type anyway, y'know?

Cozatl: Well, I've still got patrol duty to take care of, so I'd better get going.

Cozatl: Oh, right. You two — I need a quick word in private. Let's meet up where we ran into each other earlier, yeah?

(They return to the Graffiti Zone)

Cozatl: Phew, that was close... Is this what getting older feels like? Now that I think about it, the old man was the same, always going around sharing our embarrassing stories...

Paimon: Wait, you had embarrassing moments too?

Cozatl: Of course! Like that nickname, "Cartographer" — the old man loved calling him that more than anyone.

Paimon: That just sounds like you embarrassing other people!

Cozatl: Hehe, well, that's not the point. The point is... someone just revived the "Chromaflair" style, and in front of Alvo, no less. That could be a problem...

Paimon: Huh? Isn't that a good thing?

Cozatl: Well... It's a long story. About ten years ago, an adventure team called "Free Spirits" came to this land.

Cozatl: Only most of the members weren't here to adventure. Big Sis just wanted a getaway, and me and Lil' Floaty had straight-up run away from home.

Paimon: Whoa, that's a bit too free-spirited!

Cozatl: It really was. The only serious adventurer in the group was also the most senior. He was an old man, a priest from the Masters of the Night-Wind.

Cozatl: He was originally trying to uncover some link between Saurian Inscriptions and Asha. But maybe we rubbed off on him... he suddenly dropped that and started researching color theory instead.

Paimon: Wait... don't tell me that old man was...?

Cozatl: That's right. People used to say his colors hit with the force of a hammer, but danced like light on water. That clash of power and shimmer is where "Chroma" comes from.

Cozatl: Ever since he created the style, he was on the lookout for someone to pass it on to. Lil' Floaty and I were young, so naturally he picked us and forced us to call him "Master."

Paimon: "Forced"... Sounds like you were really that unwilling?

Cozatl: Back then, I had no idea we were learning something that would one day take all of Natlan by storm.

Cozatl: In the end, the old man passed without naming a successor. All that's left of him are some old sketches and a few of his pieces.

Cozatl: Since then, a bunch of us tried to recreate what he did — even me. But no one's really succeeded, except maybe Lil' Floaty.

Paimon: Okay, Paimon gets that part now. But what's that got to do with things being "a problem"?

Cozatl: Because of people like those merchants from Nod-Krai. They've got ambition, power... and zero hesitation when it comes to playing dirty.

Cozatl: What a headache... If they ever try to get forceful, poor Lil' Floaty might be in real trouble...

Paimon: No worries there! (‍‍) is super strong, so those guys wouldn't stand a chance!

Paimon: Plus, as righteous adventurers, we don't let the bad guys get away with anything. Right, (‍‍)?

Well, after everything you just said... How could I refuse?

Besides, looks like our time as assistants isn't over yet.

Cozatl: You two are lifesavers. How about we meet on the main road at the Easybreeze Market tomorrow? I'll put together a detailed plan too, just in case.

(Quest Navigation)

At Cozatl's request, the assistants' work continues...

(Approach Cozatl and Zolin the next day): Cozatl: Whoa, that's so cool! Try spraying another!; Zolton: ~; Zolin: Honestly, I don't get why Zolton's so attached to you.; Cozatl: I guess it's just natural charm. Huh, looks like you even made some little accessories for it. You really care about Zolton, don't you?; Cozatl: Wait, don't tell me you saw the famous (‍Traveler‍) with their adorable pet and thought, "Hey, I want one too"?; Zolton: ?; Paimon: Hey! Paimon's no pet! (‍Traveler‍) and Paimon are best buddies!; Zolin: That's right! Just like Zolton and I — we're the best of friends!; Paimon: Hehe, so the little one's name is Zolton? What a cute name! Nice to meet you, Zolton! Paimon is Paimon, and this is (‍Traveler‍)!; Zolton: ~; Cozatl: Alright, playtime's over. Let's get to work and start painting.; Zolin: Huh? Wait a minute, that arrogant fellow hasn't shown up yet, has he? Aren't we starting a bit early?; Cozatl: Haven't you noticed the crowd? Everyone's waiting to see your masterpiece. Don't keep your fans waiting, o great designer!; Zolin: Ahem... Okay, listen up, you two. Today's commission is pretty simple. Just paint the sports supplies and the store sign. Use... the same technique as last time!; Zolin: But keep in mind, the surfaces this time are a lot smaller, which makes it trickier to get the colors just right. Prepare yourselves, alright?

(Talk to Cozatl, optional): Cozatl: Looks like a lot of people came! I guess now "Chromaflair" is finally getting the recognition it deserves! All the effort I put into arranging this auction has paid off...; You don't look very happy.; Cozatl: Not happy? I'm over the moon! I'm just feeling a little tired... After all, in order to make this happen, I haven't slept in days.; Cozatl: I should get some rest. I'll leave you to take care of Lil' Floaty.

(Approach the sports supplies): Male Customer: Show me a surfboard that matches my icy allure.; Zolin: Icy allure...; Zolton: ...?; Zolin: I agree. Let's try using blue this time.

(After painting the surfboard blue): Female Customer: Um... Just give me something that looks good on kamera.; Zolin: Anything? That's tricky...; Zolton: !!!; Zolin: Mhm, given her hair color... Okay, let's use red!

(After painting the ball red): Young Customer: As for me, I'll, uhm... I'll take a yellow swim ring...; Zolin: The request was plenty clear — we should use yellow!; Zolton: !!!; Young Customer: Just like everyone else...

(Approach the instrument store): Zolin: When it comes to rock 'n' roll, it's better to use red...; Zolton: !!!; Zolin: Tch... Fine! I've made up my mind, let's use either orange or yellow!

(Nearby NPC idle quotes): Child Near Instrument Store: This shop looks kinda weird... What's it even selling?; Man Near Instrument Store: Tch, a shop whose selling point is rock 'n' roll...; Man Near Instrument Store: It feels awfully devoid of passion...

(After completing the paint job): Cozatl: After all these years, seeing these colors again really brings back a flood of memories...; Cozatl: This combination... wasn't it called "complementary pairing"? I remember one of Master's final works made use of this approach...; Zolton: ~; Zolin: Didn't think you'd remember a small detail like that... Though these days, I just call it a "color contrast."; Zolin: After all, as the saying goes, "Color is the art of clash and contrast — a language of raw emotion." Hence the name, "color contrast."; Cozatl: Really? Here I thought you were just thinking of our youth... Y'know, like the one time that little Tatankasaur headbutted you into a bunch of paint buckets, and they got splattered all over the room. Now, that was a real "clash and contrast" of colors...; Zolton: ~~~; Zolin: Hey! You're bringing that up just to embarrass me in front of everyone, aren't you!?; Cozatl: Don't be such a stick in the mud. I'm getting older, and nostalgia's starting to hit really hard these days. The old man was like this too, wasn't he? Always going on and on about the past like it was yesterday...; Cozatl: Forgetting... now there's a fate worse than death. If even we forget that place... who'll remember that the dazzling legacy of "Chroma" began in a pitch-black cave?; Cozatl: A tree that forgets its roots can never bear good fruit. So yeah, I'll bring up the past now and then — to keep it fresh in your mind.; Zolin: Ugh... Every time you get all cryptic like this, it's never a good sign...; Zolin: Hold on, where's Alvo? Wasn't he acting all high and mighty before? He didn't even show up...; Zolin: Don't tell me that cafe showdown spooked him so bad he ran back to Nod-Krai...; Zolton: ~!; Paimon: Hehe, someone's confident today!; Zolin: Of course I am! I've got Zolton with me, and the legendary (‍Traveler‍), and Paimon to back me up! Our victory is a foregone conclusion!; Cozatl: Good to see you in good spirits, Lil' Floaty. But come on. Do you really think someone from Nod-Krai's gonna play fair?; Zolton: ?; Cozatl: He could just threaten you outright... or try to bribe me behind your back. It wouldn't be complicated.; Cozatl: Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if they're already on their way to the old man's grave...; Zolin: How's that possible? Only you and I are supposed to know where that cave is!; Cozatl: Yeah, well... that WAS true... unless a certain idiot got followed last time they went there.; Zolin: W—Wait... You mean after the bidding yesterday?! Oh no... Then wouldn't the old man's place—; Cozatl: If I know Alvo, he'll probably cut out every bit of wall, floor, and rock in that cave with any trace of pigment on it, and analyze them piece by piece...; Zolton: !; Zolin: I won't stand for this! We need to stop him, now!; Messenger: Cozatl! Alvo really did head that way, and with a whole crew in tow! Big Sis went on ahead, but I'm afraid she won't be able to hold them off for long!; Cozatl: Then what are we waiting for? Let's go, everyone, time to see what Alvo's really up to.

(NPC idles at the sports store): Young Woman: This surfboard, this ball, this swim ring — they're all so pretty!; Young Woman: I'll take one of everything!

(Approach the cavern entrance): Tochtli: Back off! This is the old man's resting place, and you are not welcome here! I'm warning you, Alvo, don't think you have the right to barge in just because numbers are on your side.; Alvo: That's funny, Ms. Cafe Owner. You just found out about this place yourself, and now you're already keeping everyone else from getting their fingers in the pie?; Alvo: And what do we have here? The great Zolin, and even the legendary (‍Traveler‍)? What eminent company we have today... I don't suppose this means there's some sort of priceless secret hidden around here, hmm?; Zolin: You scoundrel! Instead of bidding properly, you snuck off and came here. What's the big idea?; Alvo: Well, see, even if "The Varikas" were to take something by force, we would do so openly. We wouldn't stoop so low as to use sneaky tricks... Tch, it's disgraceful, you know?; Tochtli: What are you trying to say?; Alvo: Ladies and gentlemen, behold — these flowing, radiant hues. You've surely realized it by now. Yes, this is what they call a "Chroma" masterpiece.; Alvo: What a pity. Such colors, left to wither under wind and sun, unknown to all of Teyvat...; Alvo: Luckily, our dear Mr. Lil' Floaty here inherited this style, and has recently started to make waves.; Zolin: Y—You! Stop beating around the bush! You wanna say something, spit it out!; Alvo: Over a decade has passed, yet this mural has no cracks nor signs of fading. It still shines as brightly as ever...; Alvo: That's thanks to some recent restoration. Judging by the marks, it was done just a few days ago.; Alvo: But these paint marks don't look like they were done by hand. They were sprayed on — almost as if... an Asha did it?; Alvo: Care to explain these "restorations," Mr. Zolin? Why don't you tell us who did this?; Zolin: I—I...; Alvo: And do please enlighten us, because now, my curiosity is well and truly piqued... who exactly is the real master of "Chromaflair"?; Cozatl: You seem awfully confident in your theory, Alvo.; Alvo: Of course. I took some paint from here yesterday and had it analyzed by experts.; Alvo: Which revealed that these pigments contain extraordinarily pure, volatile Phlogiston. Almost as though they're alive...; Alvo: More precisely, these pigments weren't made by humans. They were created by a Phlogiston-rich lifeform.; Alvo: In other words, this paint is the work of an Asha, a living being made of pure Phlogiston. No wonder its colors put to shame anything humans can make.; Alvo: And look who we have here! Zolin's ever-present Asha companion. Quite the coincidence, isn't it?; Alvo: Face it, everyone! The "Chromaflair" was never about human artistry. Just two generations of con artists taking credit for an Asha's natural talents!; Zolton: !; Cozatl: Oh, but there's more. Zolin's colors have never gone beyond the old man's palette. They both never used purple.; Cozatl: And the Asha with them? It's been the same one all these years.; Cozatl: *sigh* Lil' Floaty, now it makes sense why Zolton took to me so quickly...; Zolton: ?; Cozatl: So the truth is that this story isn't about a prodigy designer returning home after studying across Natlan...; Cozatl: ...But instead, about a pitiful orphan. An orphan who, upon stumbling upon an Asha in the wild, his childhood teacher's companion, gave in to malice and started stealing the fruits of others' labor.; Cozatl: And that "venerated master"? Nothing but a clever fraud who fooled an entire generation!; Zolton: !!!; Cozatl: The evidence is on my side, Zolin, and I'm not even done going through all of it. But honestly? The look on your face is all the proof we need.; Zolin: Cozatl... you set me up...; Tochtli: Lil' Floaty... look at me. Tell me this isn't true.; Alvo: (‍Traveler‍), Paimon, you two are champions of justice. I'm sure you won't shield this petty criminal.; Zolin: I—I...; Zolton: !!!; Paimon: Zolton, are you trying to say something...?; There's something fishy about this.; I don't agree with your conclusion.; Zolton: ~; Alvo: ...Fine. Since you insist, I won't argue. Investigate all you want. Just don't disgrace yourself in the process.

(After the cutscene): Cozatl: (Traveler), could I talk to you for a moment?

(Quest Navigation)

Alvo seems to be plotting something...

(Talk to Tochtli, optional): Tochtli: I won't lie — I still don't really get what's going on. But I trust the old man. He'd never steal anything, especially not from the Asha.; Tochtli: I'll stay here and keep Alvo in check, make sure he doesn't get in your way. The rest of the truth... I'm counting on you to uncover it.

(Talk to Zolin, optional): Zolin: Zolton, I—I...; Zolton: ...

(Talk to Alvo, optional): Alvo: Well? Have you made up your mind, great adventurers?; I still need a little more time...; Alvo: Very well, but remember — time waits for no one.

(Talk to Cozatl)

Cozatl: I already cleared out this cave after the old man passed. Aside from these notes, there shouldn't be anything of value left.

Cozatl: But if you've still got questions... take the notes. Maybe you'll reach a different conclusion than I did.

Yellowed Records

(A note already yellowed with age. The handwriting is rather messy.)
...
This is a diary, a journal used to organize my thoughts.
But why do I have to write these notes? I can't quite remember. Haha, but maybe that's exactly why I have to write them...
Before I start, I need to write down a few things to make sure I don't forget:
"Oi, 'Cartographer,' 'Slippery 'Un,' this is my journal, so you two brats better not be reading this! If I catch you, there'll be hell to pay!"
...
Now I can get down to business.
It's strange, honestly. There's this strange creature that's always been circling around me. The way it acts makes me think it's somehow very familiar with me.
But I don't remember ever running into it, or where I could've possibly encountered it.
If only it could talk... Maybe then, I'd be able to get some information from it.
Luckily, this old dog knows how to act, so it shouldn't have realized that I don't remember it. It'd break my heart to make a cute lil' thing like that sad. Or maybe it doesn't care at all...
Speaking of this lil' thing, those two brats seemed to call it an "Asha." From where I'm sitting, it's like a small animal that has very simple yet straightforward emotions.
In essence, whatever emotion it's feeling determines the color it creates in its body. Anger and anxiety give red, sadness mostly gives blue, and happiness gives us yellow.
I suppose that means the colors are how Asha directly express their emotions.
Of course, the color palette of this little creature is incomplete. For some reason, it can't produce any purple, which is a shame. I'm sure an Asha's purple pigment would differ from ordinary ones...
I'd love to see it.
...
There are differences, even between Asha...
The Asha with me... It's even more special. It's like there's some invisible bond tying us together...
I know it, and I know I can understand its emotions, along with some of its simple thoughts. I know why it moves the way it does, and sometimes... I think I can almost see an expression on its face.
Can Asha even make expressions?
Sometimes... I feel like it can feel my emotions. It uses some other method to make contact with me, to understand me...
When I've forgotten too much, and when I can't... even speak properly, it still finds some different way to communicate with me.
Even though my memory's all in tatters, I still remember... "Color is the art of collision and contrast — a language of intense emotion, an extension and transmission of memory."
I don't know who even said that... Maybe it's because I'm close with the Asha. Maybe that's why it can understand me, that's why it can... form those... colors?
Then why can't it make... purple? Is it because purple is too complicated...? Purple... a contradiction, an entanglement, a dream, a long plunge... It's the sky at nightfall when the stars are yet to wake.
Or maybe it's the only color an old man who's about to forget everything can still cling on to...
...
But why does my brain keep telling me that the Asha's soul and mine are connected...?
Ah, right, I remember them telling me I was some sort of famous priest in my youth... Was I...?
Those memories of priesthood are buried under layers and layers of fog... I'm not sure if that was ever me anymore.
"This is an attempt at archaic thaumaturgy and an experiment on whether Phlogiston-based life can transmit memory."
In my memories, I hear my voice, saying those words... to me...
But... what does it all mean?

(A few lines of small print follow...)
I might have forgotten many things, "Slippery 'Un," but I know darn well that you don't listen to a word I say. I'm sure you've secretly read this journal.
There are too many things I can't figure out, and I have too little time left to think about them... But if it's you, and "Cartographer"... perhaps you can find an answer...
"Cartographer" can be a little clumsy, but he has a pure heart. I'm sure he'll one day find his own colors, so I'm not worried about him. I want him to take care of the Asha.
But you, "Slippery 'Un," you're clever. Much too clever, even. You have far too many questions you wish to answer, far too many contradictions to resolve, and far too long a road ahead.
As I am now, I certainly cannot provide those answers.
I can only repeat to you the words I still remember: "Color is the art of collision and contrast — a language of intense emotion, an extension and transmission of memory."
A person's colors are always shaped by the path they have walked. I hope you take fewer detours and find your own "colors" soon...

(Talk to Cozatl again, optional)

Cozatl: What's wrong? Want to read the old man's notes again?

Yep.

Cozatl: Alright, I've got the notes right here. Please take a look.
(Opens "Yellowed Records" again)

No worries.

Cozatl: If you want to read the notes again, just come look for me whenever.

(Investigate the table near Tochtli)

"A workbench covered in dust. Its wooden surface is stained with paint and traces of fine brushwork."

(Investigate the painting on the wall to the right of Cozatl)

"As mentioned by Alvo, the retouches look fresh, and they do look rather like the handiwork of an Asha..."

(Investigate the container of paint to the left of Cozatl)

"A pile of dried-up paint. There's no sign of 'Purple Chroma.'"

(Talk to Alvo): Alvo: Well? Have you made up your mind, great adventurers?; Yeah, we're good to go.

(The Traveler enters Contemplation)

The Origins of Color

(Interpret - Alvo's Analysis)

(‍Traveler‍): While these "Chromaflair" pigments share similar ingredients to those used by regular Asha artists, their texture and level of complexity are on another level...

(Interpret - Zolton's Behavior)

(‍Traveler‍): Zolton seems quite emotional, and whenever it expresses strong emotions, it seems it can't help but spray out paint...

(Associate - Alvo's Analysis to Zolton's Behavior)

(Unlocks - The Relationship Between Zolton and Colors)

(Interpret - The Relationship Between Zolton and Colors)

(‍Traveler‍): What I read in the manuscript, that "color is the expression of powerful emotions and the extension and transmission of memories"... It seems to have something to do with Zolton's emotions — the colors must be connected to Zolton somehow...

(Submit the wrong conclusion)

(‍Traveler‍): That doesn't sound right... I need to think about this some more.

(Submit conclusion - The Relationship Between Zolton and Colors)

(‍Traveler‍): But it seems that Asha don't have particularly complex emotions or memories. It's hard to imagine that one Asha alone could create such rich colors...

(The Traveler enters Contemplation)

The Source of Emotions and Memories

(Interpret - Zolton's Memories)

Traveler: I already ruled that idea out...

(Interpret - The Collective Memories of Asha)

Traveler: Zolton's been here with Zolin and Alu this whole time. It's hard to imagine this place having anything to do with the other Asha...

(Interpret - Memories of Those Around Me)

Traveler: In fact, Zolton's expressions of color and emotions are closer to those of humans, especially those who are close to it. Could its memories have come from humans?

(Unlocks - The Source of Emotions and Memories)

(Interpret - The Source of Emotions and Memories)

Traveler: Zolton's emotions could be interpreted as a transmutation of memories from those around it. The absence of purple, then, might also be tied to something human...

(Submit the wrong conclusion)

Traveler: That doesn't sound right... I need to think about this some more.

(Submit conclusion - The Source of Emotions and Memories)

(‍Traveler‍): So, what was the main reason for purple being missing...?

(The Traveler enters Contemplation)

The Absence of Purple

(Interpret - Missing Emotions)

Traveler: "...Purple being full of contradictions and entanglement... like a plunge into the abyss, or the gasp of waking from a dream." Such a complex emotion defies simple explanation...

(Unlocks - Missing Memories)

(Interpret - Missing Memories)

Traveler: Alu spent many peaceful years living in a cave, and Zolin gained fame at an early age. That's why neither of them has "contradicting" memories that would otherwise give us purple...

(Interpret - Missing Ingredients)

Traveler: Though it's hard to get purple paints in Tenochtzitoc, it seems like Zolin and Alu have no trouble at all...

(Submit the wrong conclusion)

Traveler: That doesn't sound right... I need to think about this some more.

(Submit conclusion - Missing Memories)

(‍Traveler‍): Huh, wait. Now that I think about it, it seems that they do meet the conditions after all...

(The Traveler enters Contemplation)

The Origins of "Chroma"

(Interpret - Zolton's Special Talent)

Traveler: For an Asha, the ability to transmute memories into color was never innate — it had to have been bestowed upon it.

(Interpret - Alu's Secret Arts)

Traveler: The manuscript also recorded Alu's research on Saurian Inscriptions, as well as secret mnemonic arts from the Masters of the Night-Wind. Maybe that's where it got its transmutational abilities?

(Associate - Zolton's Special Talent to Alu's Secret Arts)

(Unlocks - The Origins of "Chroma")

(Interpret - The Origins of "Chroma")

Traveler: Alu created Zolton with their arts, and Zolton absorbed Alu's memories and emotions. That must be where its wide range of colors came from!

(Submit the wrong conclusion)

Traveler: That doesn't sound right... I need to think about this some more.

(Submit conclusion - The Origins of "Chroma")

(‍Traveler‍): So in essence, "Chroma" was a collaboration between Alu and Zolton.

(After completing Contemplation): Zolton: ~; Tochtli: So in essence, the "Chromaflair" style was created by the old man and Zolton.; Cozatl: I see... Now we just need one last decisive piece of evidence. Zolin, since that's the case, why don't you try what (‍Traveler‍) suggested?; Believe in yourself, Zolin.; Zolin: G—Got it. Zolton, my partner... please! I'm counting on you!; Zolton: ~~!; Tochtli: Whoa, it's really purple! Amazing, Lil' Floaty! You've achieved what even the old man never could!; Cozatl: Emotions and memories, huh... Haha, old man, guess I never really understood what you were teaching me. Funny, I was even about to...; Zolton: ~; Zolin: It... It actually worked! All those years... You knew, Master? You really believed in me? You were telling me the truth all along... And now... now the colors...; Zolin: That's why you made me care for the Asha... why you pushed me to travel and sketch in all sorts of places before... before you passed...; Zolin: All of it... everything you did... was to help me find my own path. My own colors, shaped by my own memories and emotions...; Zolin: And I... I thought you just didn't believe in me. I thought you saw me as a talentless hack. I thought you made me do all the chores just to be rid of me, because I wasn't worth your time...; Zolin: So that's what this was all about, Zolton... That's what you've been trying to tell me all along. And I... I thought...; Zolton: ~~~; Zolin: Master... if I'd only known... I... *sob*; Alvo: Bravo, bravo, what a show! Looks like the legendary (‍Traveler‍) has already made up (‍hisText for male Traveler‍/‍herText for female Traveler‍) mind.; Alvo: Then I guess it's time for you all to see what "The Varikas" is really capable of!; Paimon: Whoa! Watch out, (‍Traveler‍)!

(After defeating the enforcers)

Alvo: A—Argh...

Zolton: ~~

Tochtli: Hey, you two. Seriously, thank you. Without your help, I can't even begin to imagine how this would've played out.

Tochtli: As for Alvo... I'll get someone from the resort to deal with him. And these two little rascals...

Cozatl: Two days, Big Sis. Just give us two days — we'll definitely make things right by then... Please!

Alright. Two days it is.

Tochtli: Very well. If (‍‍) says so, I'll go along with it. You two better not let me down. I'll be watching and waiting!

(Purple paintballs are unlocked)

(Wait until two days later): Paimon: It's time! Let's head to the studio!

(Quest Navigation)

The agreed-upon time has come...

(Approach Zolin and Zolton)

Zolin: Now, let's welcome our star designer, Zolton, to add the final splash of color to the Chromaflair Studio!

Zolton: ~~!

Cozatl: You know, once Lil' Floaty admitted that Zolton was the real designer, he seems... more relaxed, somehow.

Cozatl: And he said he'd "work on his linework and grow into a good assistant"... What a simple and straightforward guy...

Cozatl: By the way, I really have to thank you two. Without your help, I don't think either of us would've found our way back.

Just doing an adventurer's duty.

Paimon: Hehe, exactly! Helping people find their way is what great adventurers do!

Paimon: But hey, Cozatl. You still have some explaining to do, don't you?

This whole thing... you set it up, didn't you?

Cozatl: Haha, I knew that question was coming. I was kinda hoping you'd be too busy to bring it up...

Cozatl: As you've probably guessed, I used the pretense of a design bid to lure Zolin back. Then I paired him with someone who had... let's say, a pretty shady reputation.

Cozatl: And I invited you as assistants to act as reputable witnesses.

Cozatl: It was all meant to "reveal the truth"... or at least, what I thought was the truth. But all I really ended up revealing was how petty and jealous I've been.

Cozatl: To be honest, I always thought I was more talented than Zolin — or even the old man. So when I couldn't figure something out, I just assumed they must've cheated somehow.

Cozatl: Anyway... in the past, traitors were exiled as punishment. I guess that's the path I should take too.

Paimon: Cozatl...

Cozatl: Well, time for me to begin my exile. Thank you, both of you. You've helped me see a lot more clearly. I suppose this is goodbye.

Cozatl turns and leaves, without looking back.

Zolton: ~~~

Zolin: Umm... Excuse me, (‍‍), Paimon! Zolton would love for you to help with the studio's finishing touches, if you'd be be willing.

It would be my honor.

Looks like the assistant job's not over just yet.

Paimon: Yay! Let's get painting!

(Talk to Zolin)

Zolin: Well... Umm... H—Have you decided on the color scheme yet?

We're ready!

(If the player did not paint the building)

Zolin: No color at all? ...Ah, I get it. A blank canvas. A fresh start. You're telling me to begin again, right?

Tochtli: Pfft, don't read too much into it, Lil' Floaty — they probably just ran out of ideas. Anyway, didn't you have something you wanted to say?

(If the player painted the building)

Tochtli: Wow, that's some solid work! No wonder the great designer Zolton had its eye on you. Oh, right, Lil' Floaty, didn't you have something you wanted to say?

Zolin: Thank you for stepping in. You didn't just help us get to the truth — you gave me the chance to make things right.

Zolin: Aside from your payment as our assistant, we'd like to officially invite you to be a guest designer for the studio. From now on, the exterior walls are yours to paint as you please.

Zolton: ~~~

Tochtli: Same goes for my cafe! Go wild with your designs, and don't you dare hold back!

Give me a moment.

Zolin: Got it. Take your time.

Video Guides

Traces of Chroma Guide

Other Languages

Language	Official Name	Literal Meaning
English	Traces of Chroma	—
Chinese (Simplified)	流彩的踪迹 Liúcǎi de Zōngjì	Traces of Flowing Color
Chinese (Traditional)	流彩的蹤跡 Liúcǎi de Zōngjī	Traces of Flowing Color
Japanese	流彩の軌跡 Ryuusai no Kiseki	Traces of Flowing Color
Korean	흐르는 색채의 흔적 Heureuneun Saekchae'ui Heunjeok
Spanish	El rastro del fluyecolor	The Trail of Flowcolor
French	Des traces chromatiques	Chromatic Traces
Russian	Следы цвета Sledy tsveta	Traces of Color
Thai	ร่องรอยกระแสสีสัน
Vietnamese	Vết Tích Dòng Chảy Màu
German	Spuren von Chroma	Traces of Chroma
Indonesian	Jejak Chroma
Portuguese	Traços de Croma
Turkish	Alacarengin İzleri
Italian	Tracce cromatiche	Chromatic Traces

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Released in Version 5.8

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