Trials of the Brave Warrior/Story

EventStory

Quests

Technical Martial Challenge

Main article: Technical Martial Challenge

Quest Description

In Nod-Krai, a unique martial arts tournament has now reached its most thrilling moment...

(Approach Kaedehara Kazuha and Sieciech): Sieciech: If Lady Nefer is right, the expert we've been waiting for should be arriving any moment now.; Kaedehara Kazuha: Indeed, Mr. Sieciech. The evening wind has already carried word of (‍hisText for male Traveler‍/‍herText for female Traveler‍) presence...; Kaedehara Kazuha: Greetings to you,(‍Traveler‍) [sic] and Paimon. It's been a while.; Kaedehara Kazuha: Seeing you both in such good spirits truly gladdens me.; Kazuha? Is that you???; Long time no see!; Paimon: Wow, didn't expect you to see you here in Nod-Krai, let alone chatting with a Lightkeeper!; Paimon: Hmm... Hold on a second... why does everything feel kinda tense around here?; Kaedehara Kazuha: That is hardly surprising. The competition is at its climax, and the masters of martial arts who have gathered here from various lands are now waiting for the final result.; A competition?; Of martial arts?; Sieciech: That's right — welcome to the finals of the Nod-Krai Technical Martial Challenge!; Sieciech: In contrast to a freewheeling, anything-goes style of combat, the emphasis in this championship is on the competitor's use and mastery of weapon techniques.; Sieciech: That's why our committee asked the Adventurers' Guild to bring in a master swordsman from the Crux Fleet as our consultant!; Paimon: Oh, it's all coming together now! So you're a judge for the competition this time, Kazuha!; Kaedehara Kazuha: That is correct. I was a little surprised myself. I did not expect word of the Crux Clash to reach Nod-Krai.; Kaedehara Kazuha: Captain Beidou and the others were just at a trade show in Nasha Town. Now that their business here has concluded, they are unlikely to come back anytime soon.; Kaedehara Kazuha: As for myself, I presently have some leisure time and possess a measure of experience from the Crux Clash. For that reason, I accepted Mr. Sieciech's invitation.; Sieciech: Thanks to Mr. Kazuha's keen eye and his almost perfectly impartial judgment, we've been able to make good calls even in the most chaotic matches.; Sieciech: But now, we've run into a problem: each of the three finalists has their own strengths, and none of them can overcome the others' techniques.; Sieciech: At this rate, they could fight for days and still yield no result.; Paimon: No result? In a competition? Oof, Paimon's never heard of that before...; Kaedehara Kazuha: In my opinion, we would do well to proceed with that plan.; Sieciech: Agreed. We'll have to rely on our expert among experts here to resolve our problem.; Paimon: Huh? What's going on? Why is (‍Traveler‍) the star here all of a sudden?; Kaedehara Kazuha: If you were to demonstrate a portion of your skill, it might be enough to break the stalemate.; Hmm? Do you want me to put on an exhibition match?; You want me to create more buzz?; Kaedehara Kazuha: No, not quite. As the champion of the Crux Clash — and a true master of martial arts — you will serve as the final trial to determine the victor.; Kaedehara Kazuha: You will face each of the three finalists in turn, and we will assess them based on the challenge they present to you.; Kaedehara Kazuha: The finalist who achieves the highest score will be crowned champion.; Sieciech: And to recognize your contribution, we'll award you half of the original prize money as compensation.; Paimon: That's... a rather unheard-of solution, Paimon thinks...; Paimon: But it'll definitely break the deadlock, and we'll come out better on the other side too! Pretty neat solution, Kazuha!; I have to admit, I've never seen anything like this before.; It's certainly a novel approach.; Sieciech: Heh, that settles it then!; Kaedehara Kazuha: Thank you for doing this, (‍Traveler‍).; Kaedehara Kazuha: Each of your three opponents has their own signature skill — I am confident you will enjoy the bouts and demonstrate the bearing of a true champion at the same time.

Final Match Concludes, Champion Decided

Main article: Final Match Concludes, Champion Decided

Quest Description

In Nod-Krai, a unique martial arts tournament has now reached its most thrilling moment...

(After completing Friendly Test Spars against all three finalists)

Kaedehara Kazuha: I believe you have already made up your mind, (‍‍).

Sieciech: Ahem. Let me recall my lines...

Sieciech: This has been a truly spectacular and thrilling competition, and now, it is time to announce the results.

Sieciech: We would like to invite our Final Trial Warden, (‍‍), to name the champion from among the three finalists.

Paimon: Huh? So (‍‍) gets to choose the final winner? Whoa... this has to be a first. Looks like (‍‍) has become the most important judge in this challenge!

The winner is the cutest little pup, Gaumaru!

Paimon: Oh yeah, Paimon agrees that Gaumaru was the strongest of them all too! There's definitely a bit of Taroumaru in that pup!

Gaumaru: Awoo! Awoooo!

Sumire: Great job, Gaumaru! Your hard work has paid off in the most glorious way!

Onyx Agate: My sincere congratulations to our two friends from Inazuma. This is a well-deserved win.

Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: I agree. Our peppy little Ninken here was quite a force to be reckoned with indeed.

I declare Onyx Agate to be the most outstanding competitor of them all.

Paimon: Yeah... It must've been tough dealing with this big and tall Fatuus wielding a greatsword, alright...

Onyx Agate: Who? Me? Thank you for this honor. It really means a lot to me.

Onyx Agate: Everyone has done pretty well. My guess is, I was just fortunate enough to get a better bead on (‍‍)'s pace.

Gaumaru: Ruff!

Sumire: See that, Gaumaru? You must learn from Onyx Agate.

Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: Nicely done, Bombardier Poruchik Stepanyan. I'm sure Major Valeriy will also be proud of you.

In my opinion, the winner is Diminished Seventh Arpeggio.

Paimon: Hmm... Paimon remembers now! Isn't she the one who trained some of those hat-wearing Fatui we fought in Fontaine? That is seriously impressive alright!

Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: Oh, the two of you are too kind... I'll have to prepare more premium sweets for (‍‍) from now on.

Gaumaru: Coo?

Sumire: If you want a taste of Ms. Budanova's cakes too, you'll have to work on getting stronger first!

Onyx Agate: Ah, we were up against a veteran Fatui instructor after all... That's just too hard to match.

Sieciech: While we're not holding a grand prize ceremony, I'd say that you all value practical combat and tend to keep a low profile in your daily lives anyway.

Sieciech: This honor coming from (‍‍) (‍‍/‍‍) is just about the highest honor one can receive in Nod-Krai, and one that far surpasses ordinary trophies and medals.

Paimon: Hehe... You folks are probably the very first in the whole of Teyvat to receive a prize from (‍‍) in this manner...

Onyx Agate: We do not need any pomp or ceremony. This is more than enough.

Onyx Agate: Isn't that so, Budanova?

Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: Of course! Maybe my people can host the challenge the next time, and make it an even bigger affair.

Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: We should have at least a hundred competitors in the qualifiers to start with. That way, we might be able to discover some unknown or unaffiliated talents.

Onyx Agate: That makes a lot of sense. The Bombardiers will also be pleased to organize something like this. I shall write up a proposal for Major Valeriy.

Sumire: The Shuumatsuban will also... Um... If organizing this thing is going to cost tens of millions of Mora, then never mind. But the Ninken troop will take part nevertheless.

Gaumaru: Woo...

Kaedehara Kazuha: I thank each and every one of you for your kind offers. However, it is my opinion that once a competition like this is held and funded by a powerful faction, things may be a little different.

Kaedehara Kazuha: Would any of you be able to resist the temptation to recruit any unaffiliated competitor who performs well, for example?

Paimon: Ah, Kazuha, do you mean...

Kaedehara Kazuha: That's right. The best candidate to host a competition like this would be the relatively neutral Adventurers' Guild.

Yes, we have to keep the competition free of any other interests.

He's right. The competition must be held only for competition's sake, and nothing else.

Paimon: Yeah... Paimon thinks she gets it too! Allow Paimon to state things bluntly then...

Paimon: Although the two Fatui contestants this time round have been really polite, some of your colleagues can be super mean, and even get right to attacking us without giving us the chance to speak.

Paimon: If the Fatui end up running this competition, who's to say they won't end up recruiting the top finishers? And that means we'd basically be... helping you scout out talent to fight against us!

Onyx Agate: Haha, there's no denying that now...

Onyx Agate: I hear what you two are saying. But I can't make any promises on behalf of the others.

Onyx Agate: Different units have different missions and ways of doing things. And the words of this mere junior officer do not hold much weight.

Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: Mr. Kaedehara makes a valid point. And (‍‍) and Paimon's concerns are just as understandable.

Sumire: Alright, you two, stop scheming and just enjoy the thrill of combat like Gaumaru over here!

Gaumaru: Ruff! Ruffff!

Onyx Agate: You are right. A foot soldier like me should leave matters like this to my senior officers and focus solely on combat.

Onyx Agate: The next time we face off, you can expect to see improvements in my skills!

Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: And I... will make sure to bring enough cake for everyone!

Open-World Dialogue

Sieciech

(Talk to Sieciech)

Sieciech: Hello, Final Trial Guardian. Would you like to begin with the contestants now?

Let's begin.

Sieciech: Alright. Please follow me to the arena then.
(Opens event gameplay interface)

Have we met before?

Sieciech: You remember me? You've got a good memory.

Sieciech: You saw me at the Lightkeepers' office, when you were on an investigation. I was called there by Lady Nefer to handle some paperwork.

Sieciech: Thank you for all that you did for Sergeant Major Sousi.

Huh. I didn't realize that the Lightkeepers were involved in this competition too.

Sieciech: I suppose I can be honest with you since you work with Lady Nefer.

Sieciech: This competition had nothing to do with the Lightkeepers originally, and we generally don't get involved in events like this either.

Sieciech: However, to ensure our combat readiness, we have to learn about and assess the combat capabilities of various parties from time to time.

Sieciech: And personally, the more I know, the better too.

Sieciech: That's why I went along with Sarin's suggestion and took on the role of the host in his place.

Sieciech: And I've definitely seen several really capable individuals in action so far. Unfortunately, most of them are no longer here after being eliminated by our three finalists.

Sieciech: Actually, I'm also really curious to see what happens when Mr. Kaedehara really goes all out.

Sieciech: Our three finalists are pretty much aces in their own right. If you ask me, the only people in Nod-Krai who are better fighters than they are would be Lady Nefer, Flins, Officer Illuga, and Jahoda.

Sieciech: But I can't help feeling that under Mr. Kaedehara's polite and easygoing presence lies a certain depth that's quietly profound.

Sieciech: Even during matches that have left me slack-jawed, he seems long accustomed to such scenes, delivering calm and objective commentary throughout.

Sieciech: Of course, that humble yet unflappable demeanor is something every warrior... or, more elegantly put, every "martial artist" can learn from.

We have faced life-and-death situations together.

Sieciech: No wonder. The way you two interact, it's like comrades who have fought bloody battles side by side.

Sieciech: To be someone to stand beside you against powerful foes... That certainly commands respect.

He stopped the blade of a God.

Sieciech: ...Is that some kind of metaphor? If it is, it's certainly a striking one.

Sieciech: With such high praise coming from you, it seems I haven't been giving him the respect he deserves...

Sieciech: To make up for that, I shall personally throw a dinner in Mr. Kaedehara's honor after the competition.

I'll come back later.

Sieciech: Sure. That'd give our finalists some time to prepare in the meantime.

(After finishing Final Match Concludes, Champion Decided)

Sieciech: I've gathered quite a bit of intel this time. I suppose it's good business etiquette to share them with the Curatorium of Secrets...

I would like a recap...

Sieciech: Oh? You'd like to retrace the battles? Please, by all means.
(Opens event gameplay interface)

If it benefits Nefer, I'm all for it!

Sieciech: I'm actually indebted to the Curatorium in a way... Miss Nefer has provided us with intel that has helped my squad on several occasions.

Kaedehara Kazuha

(Talk to Kaedehara Kazuha)

Kaedehara Kazuha: How have things been lately? I hope all is well.

I'm not as tired as before.

Kaedehara Kazuha: But I hear that you continue to extend your assistance to individuals of all stripes, even at the risk of your own safety.

Kaedehara Kazuha: Or perhaps you have already found the secret to balancing the rigors of battle with the comfort of rest?

Kaedehara Kazuha: If that is the case, it is a secret I must learn from you.

How have you been doing lately, Kazuha?

Kaedehara Kazuha: Thank you for asking. All is well with me.

Kaedehara Kazuha: Boss was the one who suggested that I come to Nod-Krai to experience the sounds of nature in a different land.

Kaedehara Kazuha: I've also taken the opportunity to visit Heizou's adventurer friend with a few gifts.

Kaedehara Kazuha: When I learned of this contest, I agreed to take part as I believed this to be an excellent opportunity to broaden my horizons.

Kaedehara Kazuha: After all, I still have much to learn in the ways of martial arts.

Kaedehara Kazuha: I haven't had any conflicts with the Fatui here, and they seem to maintain some kind of cooperation with you. So I'll treat them with neutrality.

Kaedehara Kazuha: Also, learning about the different combat styles of the Fatui would be nothing but beneficial.

Kaedehara Kazuha: I'll be counting on you this time, (‍‍). Guide them so they may demonstrate the very best of their abilities.

Let's chat again later, Kazuha.

Kaedehara Kazuha: Yes, do whatever you have to do first. There is no rush.

(After completing Final Match Concludes, Champion Decided): Kaedehara Kazuha: This visit to Nod-Krai has proven most rewarding. Beyond the delight of witnessing some splendid natural scenery, I've also had the privilege of learning from this distinctive martial contest.; Kaedehara Kazuha: Your presence at the event has also given one much more food for thought. I should certainly write down what I've witnessed in my travel journal...; Kaedehara Kazuha: It is almost time for me to return to The Crux fleet. When my journal is finished, I would be honored if you could spare a moment to read them.; Yeah, we should work together like this more often.; And we can also go sightseeing next time.; Kaedehara Kazuha: I'm sure there will be more opportunities like this. I look forward to seeing you again.

Sumire

(Talk to Sumire)

Sumire: Oh? So you're the "Final Trial Guardian" Mr. Sieciech was talking about... That's reassuring.

And you are...?

Sumire: Inspector Sumire of the Shuumatsuban. I'm here with my Ninken partner to sharpen my martial arts skills.

Sumire: Sayu has spoken of your abilities many times, and now I may finally witness them for myself.

Sumire: Please, don't pull your punches with any of us. I'm not the one footing the medical bills for the other two anyway.

"Gaumaru"?

Sumire: It's the Ninken I've raised since it was a pup, and true model and leader for the newest generation of Ninkens.

Sumire: Gaumaru may still be a little wet behind the ears, but with the new and improved training method that was put in place. [sic]

Sumire: its [sic] battle capabilities should be on par with... Mr. "Final Ray of Dusk" Taroumaru at his prime... Yes, we should be more or less there.

Sumire: I hope you two enjoy the battle. And please, don't be too hard on Gaumaru.

Sumire: Otherwise, I won't be able to bear it.

Goodbye.

Sumire: Take care.

(After completing Final Match Concludes, Champion Decided): Gaumaru: Ruff ruff! Ruff ruff!; Sumire: Looks like Gaumaru had a really good time.; Sumire: Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the guidance. I hope we can do this again in the future.

Gaumaru

(Talk to Gaumaru before defeating it in the Formal Trial)

Gaumaru: Coo!

You cute little pup!

Gaumaru: Coo!

Gaumaru: (This Ninken seems rather fond of you, its eyes are sparkling with excitement...)

That's not how a dog sounds!

Gaumaru: Woo...

Gaumaru: ...Ruff?

Good doggie!

Gaumaru: (The sparkle in the Ninken's eyes intensifies. Seems like it's really pleased.)

I'll come play with you in a bit.

Gaumaru: Coo...

(Talk to Gaumaru after defeating it in the Formal Trial): Gaumaru: Coo...; You did an awesome job back there!; Gaumaru: ?; Gaumaru: Ruff ruff, ruff ruff ruff!; Gaumaru: (This Ninken is really chirpy and full of vigor... Looks like it really is quite energized by the encounter...)

(After completing Final Match Concludes, Champion Decided): Gaumaru: Ruff ruff! Ruff ruff!; Sumire: Looks like Gaumaru had a really good time.; Sumire: Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the guidance. I hope we can do this again in the future.

Diminished Seventh Arpeggio

(Talk to Diminished Seventh Arpeggio before defeating her in the Formal Trial)

Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: Would you like some cake, (‍‍/‍‍) (‍‍)?

D—Did you just call me... (‍‍/‍‍)???

Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: Yes! You're a friend of Lady Arlecchino's, and someone my boss respects. So of course I have to pay you the utmost respect too!

Why are you here instead of in Fontaine?

Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: Oh, it's just some usual shuffling of personnel.

Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: The Lady Marionette's troops took quite a hit earlier and will need some time to return to their full combat capabilities...

Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: Apart from local reinforcements, Lady Arlecchino has also sent several companies here to Nod-Krai to strengthen the defense of the design bureau along with some other areas.

Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: Now that things have settled down in Nod-Krai, the companies are getting ready to head back to their old posts. That's why I've been given block leave, and the reason I'm lucky enough to take part in this competition.

Yeah, why not? If the food's already on the table, might as well dig in.

Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: Ah... I just realized it's all gone... My apologies.

Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: I'll make sure to bring more sweets from Fontaine next time, so I'll always have some on hand if I see you again.

That's not how the Fatui Operatives behave!

Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: Should I say, "I've been waiting for you" and strike right away?

Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: If you want, you could have it.

Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: But if I raise my arms against you in Nasha Town and Lady Arlecchino finds out, I'll certainly be punished.

Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: Besides, I'm not that arrogant. I wouldn't dream of trading blows with you without some rules to keep things in check.

Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: And according to my students, you'd beat me in an instant. So I'd best not make a fool of myself.

Let's do this next time.

Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: I'll be waiting for you.

(Talk to Diminished Seventh Arpeggio after defeating her in the Formal Trial): Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: Thank you for your time, (‍SirText for male Traveler‍/‍LadyText for female Traveler‍) (‍Traveler‍).; Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: If you become one of us, you'd certainly be an instructor of the instructors at the Fatui.; Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: It's just too bad that given your abilities, there probably isn't any organization in the world that's good enough for you.

(After completing Final Match Concludes, Champion Decided): Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: Ooh, looks like everyone's happy with the results of the competition. Time for me to head back to work.; Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: Life is unpredictable, and no one knows what the future holds... Maybe one day, if I get fired from the Fatui and you have your own team... I might just come join you?; Diminished Seventh Arpeggio: If that time ever comes, I hope you won't turn me away for being too weak.

Onyx Agate

(Talk to Onyx Agate before defeating him in the Formal Trial)

Onyx Agate: Greetings, (‍‍). I've been told that you will be my trial. I do hope that the experience would be enjoyable for us both.

...So unexpectedly polite?

Onyx Agate: "Courtesy is the air of the civilized. While it is present, it passes unnoticed; yet once it is withdrawn, its absence is immediately and keenly felt..."

Onyx Agate: That was the lesson Major Valeriy taught me when I first enlisted... Though these were not his exact words, it was, I believe, what he meant.

Onyx Agate: Major Valeriy is one of the people I respect most. And I take great care not to utter so much as a single crude word while I am in camp here.

Onyx Agate: After being assigned under the Lady Marionette, even when I had an unfortunate clash with the Frostmoon Scions and had eggs thrown at my face...

Onyx Agate: I still didn't resort to insults or violence, instead, I tried my best to reason things out with them.

You've got quite a good temper.

There aren't many Fatui soldiers like you.

Onyx Agate: Hmm. The only time I lost it in these past years was upon learning that the Lady Marionette had met with a mishap.

Onyx Agate: While I have never received a direct order from the Lady Marionette herself, her Bosco Landcruisers are undeniably reliable and durable.

Onyx Agate: To become a steadfast war machine like the Bosco has been my lifelong pursuit.

Onyx Agate: When the Wild Hunt and that unreasonable monster stormed the Experimental Design Bureau, my blade was chipped from all the fighting, yet I still couldn't stop them.

Onyx Agate: If not for the Bosco Landcruiser there helping me break through, I would not have survived at the docks.

Onyx Agate: Ah, though I nearly perished later in an energy field cast by another one of the Eleven... But that's another story.

Onyx Agate: When I learned of the news while lying in the hospital... I was plunged into utter shock and terror.

That's all in the past now...

My companions and I defeated the culprit...

Onyx Agate: Yes, you did... Speaking solely for myself, I would like to offer you my utmost respect.

Onyx Agate: Now that I'm under the command of Major Valeriy again, I may soon make my return to Snezhnaya.

Onyx Agate: I suppose that to have received your guidance here in Nod-Krai before I return would make my tour here all the more honorable.

Then I won't hold back.

Onyx Agate: Certainly. You can beat me up until I end up on all fours, and that would suit me just fine.

(Talk to Onyx Agate after defeating him in the Formal Trial): Onyx Agate: That was truly bracing bout, (‍Traveler‍). You've given me much to think about...; Onyx Agate: The importance of technique and timing is no less than that of pure strength.

(After completing Final Match Concludes, Champion Decided): Onyx Agate: Now, I can tell my comrades that I had a fine battle with (‍Traveler‍). they'll [sic] be howling from jealousy...; Onyx Agate: It'd be my pleasure to have another exchange with you again should we see each other in Snezhnaya in the future.