GamerEscape

«The Face of an Explorer

In Heavenly Company»

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Hydaelyn ► Aldenard ► Mor Dhona (Region) ► Mor Dhona ► North Silvertear

Deryk Oh, greetings, Forename. If you've come to ask about developments in our phantom realm investigation, then your timing couldn't be better. A short while ago, I received word from G'raha Tia. He and Krile have completed their preparations in Sharlayan, and are ready to resume fieldwork. Even as we speak, they make their way hither. Let's wait for them together, shall we?

Cutscene start.

Deryk Ah, there they are.

G'raha Tia <pant> <pant>

Deryk What in the heavens are you carrying?

G'raha Tia This, my friends, is the latest technological marvel to come out of Sharlayan... I give you the aetheric analyzer! Holding it thus, you take a measure of the ambient aether... ...Whose waveform is then recorded by the aetherotranscriber at the back. This provides us with detailed data of the environment, which we can study at our leisure. As you know, the phantom realms are hidden by illusions. In order to ascertain their nature, I suggested to Krile that we record the data with proper equipment.

Krile Alas, said equipment is tremendously cumbersome. Raha has done well to bring it here in one piece, and as expensive as it doubtless is, I hope we can return it in the same condition...

Deryk Return it?

Krile Yes, to the Forum. In approving our investigation, they granted us use of the device in addition to their financial backing. Despite the Students' greatly reduced scale, the Forum has faith in our endeavors─thus did the approval notice declare, I'm proud to say. We owe much of this goodwill to the Scions, yourself not least of all. That being said, we can't depend on the Forum indefinitely. No, we must stand on our own two feet again, and it begins with our efforts in this investigation. The Twelve are meant to be Eorzea's guardian deities, yet they seek battle with mankind. What could it possibly be that motivates them? In treating with them earnestly, I am hopeful that we will find the answer. Well, we shouldn't keep Snoegeim waiting. Without further ado, let's join her in the Omphalos.

Cutscene end.

??? (World) ► ??? (Landmass) ► ??? (Region) ► The Omphalos

Cutscene start.

Snoegeim Welcome back! Well now, if that isn't the aetheric analyzer! You've done well to get a hold of it!

G'raha Tia Indeed, we're duly grateful to the Forum for the loan. It's no small thing to be lugging about, but I've always wanted to try it.

Krile If you are ready, Raha, you may proceed with measuring the aether of the phantom realm. Forename─please assist him, will you? In the meantime, I have a mind to further examine the monument with Snoegeim. How does that sound?

Snoegeim Like a plan! As a matter of fact, I've already done a little bit of work on that front. As you previously determined, the monument harbors some manner of magic. And this magic, I've since found, takes the form of an epigraph! By consulting Professors Rurusha and Namono, Sharlayan's foremost experts in the field of archaeology, I was able to make a discovery. Oh yes, a most startling discovery! ...That is, the epigraph is largely incomplete, so we can't read it.

Deryk So you didn't make a discovery...?

Snoegeim Ah, but see, establishing what one doesn't know is also an important step in research! For a blessing, the language used doesn't appear to be completely unknown. If we can but fill in the missing information, it should be possible to make sense of it.

G'raha Tia But where do we even begin looking for such information?

Snoegeim Why, we ask the gods themselves, of course! By giving them the battle they desire, we're doing them a favor, are we not? That being the case, I daresay they would grace us with their presence if called. Please come with me! Oh, the things I would ask them if they really did appear... Now, going by astrology, the Heaven of Earth should be the next to open. And it just so happens I know the perfect incantation for this purpose! Open Mun-Tuy! It's a time-honored charm passed down in Gridania, whose patron is Nophica, one of the deities said to dwell in the Heaven of Earth. Come, everyone─say it with me!

What will you say?

Open Mun-Tuy!	...Open Mun-Tuy.
All Open Mun-Tuy!

Cheery Voice Hehe, what delightful children you are. I too have desired to speak with you.

Snoegeim B-By the Twelve! It's her! It's really her! She looks precisely as depicted in legend! Amazing!

Krile 'Tis an honor to meet you, Nophica. If I may, what is it that you wish to speak about?

Nophica You seek to decipher the monument, do you not? If you face more of us in battle, I myself included, we shall grant you the key to unlocking that mystery.

G'raha Tia We would of course be much obliged for such a gift, but are you certain? The gods before were not exactly forthcoming with your secrets.

Nophica Closely have we watched you from our respective sanctums. Watched as you faced us and pursued the truth with pure hearts and minds. In light of what we have seen, we have concluded thus: Even should you uncover the monument's purpose, you would still be willing to lend us your aid. Help us to fulfill our heart's desire, and so too shall we grant you yours. I look forward to receiving you in my sanctum, my dear children.

Cutscene end.

Deryk I wasn't expecting a god to actually appear. 'Twas but a coincidence, surely...

Krile Our efforts to understand the Twelve appear to have paid off.

Snoegeim It worked! The charm reached the Matron! If it can be repeated, I shall have to mention it in my thesis!

Cutscene start.

G'raha Tia The original plan was to revisit the Heavens of Lightning and Fire... But I believe all would agree that we should prioritize Nophica's invitation.

Krile Well, Snoegeim, your charm did the trick. The way to another heaven lies open, and beyond it the truth of the monument.

Snoegeim I can scarcely wait to pore over the aetheric data! Raha, Forename─I leave it in your capable hands!

Krile As for you, Deryk─may we rely on your guidance once more?

Deryk Now that we know what awaits, I do not feel my presence is necessary; on the contrary, I would only be a burden.

Krile As you wish, of course. We can still count on you to pray for our friends, though, I trust?

G'raha Tia I'm glad that I can join you this time, Forename. Encumbered as I am with the analyzer, I fear I won't be able to assist in battle, but I shall do my part and secure the data we need!

Cutscene end.

G'raha Tia Curious about my attire, are you? I borrowed it alongside the analyzer. It's the choice of gleaners, cleverly designed to help one bear great loads. And hefty as the analyzer is, by now I'm quite used to the feel of it. That's to say, I won't unduly slow you down. Come, let us set forth!

Deryk Knowing you, you should have no trouble finding your way without me. I will cheer you on from here.

Krile In actually fighting the gods, yours is the hardest task of all. The rest of us are truly grateful to you, and we shall do our utmost to support your efforts.

Snoegeim Thanks to the aetheric analyzer, even those who can't accompany you will have access to valuable data. Compliments to the Forum for the loan!

Duty Commenced

Nophica At last the time has come!

G'raha Tia That the Matron should welcome us herself!

(G'raha Tia) Such overwhelming aether!

Nophica Prove to me life's resolve! Know true abundance! Feel you the heartbeat of the land?

(Nophica) Take your ease among the trees.

Nophica Nourish the soil! Reap the harvest! Let life flower and flourish!

(Nophica) 'Tis time for revelry!

Nophica Mine is the breath of the earth... My heart rejoices for our union!

(Nophica) Let the forest be lush!

Nophica Bow down like the willow. Beyond adversity lies strength! Good children... Be strong for what awaits...

(G'raha Tia) Impressive as always, my friend!

G'raha Tia The aetheric analyzer works as it should. Let us press on.

??? By my authority, let the land be remade.

(G'raha Tia) The data collection proceeds apace.

G'raha Tia Of course... It would be Althyk who could so manipulate space!

Nymeia Forgive me, but I couldn't stay away.

Althyk Hm, it seems my sister shall be joining us.

Althyk & Nymeia 'Tis only fitting that we face you together!

Nymeia I will spin your fates. Have you the strength to defy fate?

Althyk The sands of time are mind to command! I shall measure your worth. Surrender to my power!

Nymeia Drown in waters divine! Pray to the stars on high!

Althyk Time marches to my whim! Bear witness to the Keeper's might! Long have I awaited this moment...

Nymeia This, too, is fate...

(G'raha Tia) That Nymeia should also descend...

??? Upon the most exalted of battlefields you shall stand.

G'raha Tia We are come to a frozen domain. Which means...

(G'raha Tia) None the worse for the wear, I hope?

??? Summon your courage and press on!

G'raha Tia The same voice from before. 'Tis but certain that Halone awaits.

Halone I, the Fury, shall test your strength of spirit!

(Halone) O spears innumerable rain down upon mine enemy!

Halone All-piercing spear, drink deep of raging blizzards! For glory, you must be prepared to render your all!

(Halone) No quarter!

Halone You must do better that that against me!

(Halone) O spears innumerable, leave naught unpierced!

Halone There is no retreat, only victory or defeat! Victory must be seized by one's own hands! In ice unyielding now rest. Mine is the aegis! Ah, would that our clash could continue forever... Yes, lose yourself in the joy of battle!

(Halone) Ahhh, such thrilling battle!

Halone Well fought, mortals! Your next test awaits!

(G'raha Tia) Such a grueling trial that was.

G'raha Tia The light... It seems to beckon us to yonder palace.

Menphina Come bathe in the moon's tender glow! Behold my power. Lest you worry, 'tis naught I cannot handle.

(Menphina) Is it too much for you mortals, I wonder...

Menphina Prepare yourselves.

(Menphina) O ring of ice, have mercy upon them!

Menphina All our love, we give unto you. Pray accept it, my darlings! Love moves me to act! Let's delight in the simple things! Go on and play! You're always in my heart, my loves...

(Menphina) Pray accept this, my darlings. How do you like this?

Menphina Our dreams may yet become reality. Thank you.

Duty Complete

Cutscene start.

Krile You're both safe, thank goodness!

Snoegeim You have the data, then? Wonderful, wonderful! I don't suppose I could do the honors and replace the transcriber cartridge? I've always wanted to take a closer look!

G'raha Tia Take care removing it, now. We don't want anything to happen to the data.

Snoegeim Carefully does it... Come to me, O knowledge divine! Come to me!

??? What is that?

G'raha Tia Uwaaaaaah!

Snoegeim Oh... I-It's all right! Th-The cartridge is safe!

G'raha Tia Let's finish the task before there are any more surprises...

Althyk You have our gratitude for bringing us closer to achieving our dream.

Nymeia Oh, Althyk, must you always be so formal? Although he has trouble expressing it, I assure you, my brother is absolutely giddy with joy.

Halone Why are you here, Nophica? Have you not sufficiently amused yourself with the mortals?

Nophica Not nearly! I would talk to them some more.

Menphina Nophica promised you the key to deciphering the monument, did she not?

Krile Yes, that's correct.

Althyk Then you would do well to hold in your minds that which harbors information.

Nymeia Come now, Brother, you need to speak plainer than that. To clarify, we shall create the objects you need, but your assistance is required to give them form. Worry not─appearance has no effect on function. Just try and imagine that which, in your minds, is used to hold information. There. These instruments shall be useful in your quest.

Althyk Across Eorzea lie eternal stones that hold the information required to complete the words of the monument. By holding an instrument out to a stone, it will take that information unto itself. We scattered these stones across the realm that mortals would not uncover our secrets. Of late, however, 'twould seem you have found alternate uses for them as objects of worship.

Snoegeim Could they be the marks of the Twelve!? They are, aren't they? Oh, to think that they harbored information on the gods!

G'raha Tia It seems we have our next destinations. Aside from the three city-states, I believe the marks are located in Coerthas and Mor Dhona. I propose we split up, the quicker to finish the task.

Menphina I wish to come too.

Nophica No, Menphina. 'Twould not do to burden these children so.

Menphina After all this time, we finally have the chance to speak with mortals─to learn about them from up close. And we're not like to have another...

Halone I must say, I share Menphina's view.

Nophica Even you, Halone...

Snoegeim I'd like to learn about you too, and I believe I speak for all of us! By all means, let us travel together!

Menphina Music to my ears! We shall watch over you and see that you safely reach your destinations. Without further ado, then...

Azeyma Not so fast!

Meerkat with Azeyma's Voice Did you think you could go frolicking without us? The others have our domain well in hand, so we are coming too.

Menphina Well now, far be it from us to stop you. Let us assume our disguises too, and then each choose a mortal to accompany!

G'raha Tia Please, let it be something inconspicuous...

Snoegeim Hm-hm! I believe my destination is Thanalan. Then it's La Noscea for Raha, the Twelveswood for Krile... And last but not least, Mor Dhona and Coerthas for Deryk and Forename.

G'raha Tia Will you be all right, Krile?

Krile I shall be fine. You needn't worry.

Cutscene end.

Menphina Never before have I traveled with mortals. Ahhh, such fun this will be!

Halone Others will remain to keep watch over our domain. You needn't worry on our account.

Cutscene start.

Deryk We abided by the gods' selections...but why do you suppose the two of us were grouped together?

Menphina Why, because you make the most intriguing pair. The gods-felling hero, and the world-faring explorer! I shall relish the chance to learn about both of you! Now then, the others have already set forth, so let us do the same. Aside from my own mark, I believe we'll find those of Thaliak and Halone in Mor Dhona and Coerthas.

Baby Opo-opo Ook! Ook!

Menphina Oh my, what an adorable creature! Delighted to meet you, little one.

Halone It seems to want to join us too.

Deryk What an unusual company this has become... The gods truly know no inhibition. Forgive me, Forename. I couldn't have anticipated this turn of events...

Cutscene end.