After the exchange of pleasantries, Paimon looked at Katheryne and said, "You're actually Nahida, aren't you? I knew there was something strange about the Katheryne I saw at the Sabzeruz Festival venue."
"And about Dunyarzad—was it you who saved her?"
Nahida's voice came from within Katheryne's body. "That's a long story. It's better not to disturb the patient here—she's still very weak."
"Let's find another place to talk. How about that bench the Traveler seems to favor?"
Near the bench.
Paimon said, "Let's talk about Dunyarzad first. I'm so glad she's alright."
Nahida nodded. "Mm. After we parted on the final night, I went outside the city and saw the scene the Traveler described. Among the countless dreams, I found one that was gradually thinning. This confirmed my suspicion—when Dunyarzad could no longer endure the Akasha's harvesting of her dreams, her consciousness would dissipate, thus escaping the Akasha's control."
"However, the remaining fragments of consciousness couldn't sustain themselves for long. They would return to their own dream, thin out along with it, and then disappear."
Nahida continued, "I used all my strength to maintain Dunyarzad's dream, but it wouldn't last very long. Fortunately, you two broke the loop in time."
Paimon was also happy. "So together, we saved Dunyarzad. We made it in the end after all."
[Paimon: This time, we didn't fall short by just a little. Instead, we had just a little extra, and it preserved the beauty.]
[Lumine: After all, the two of us are the protagonists. Luck is on our side.]
[Ningguang: The loop has finally come to an end. I'm also ready to head to Sumeru. The official documents have been prepared.]
[Dehya: Do you need help arranging accommodation?]
[Nahida: I'm sorry, but I can't receive you in my own body.]
[Ningguang: No problem. I have my own trade caravans and... intelligence agencies in Sumeru. They'll prepare everything for me.]
[Paimon: Intelligence agencies. That's quite direct.]
[Lumine: Perhaps 'information network' is a more appropriate term.]
[Ningguang: My trade caravans have already spread across six nations. They're what made me Liyue's wealthiest merchant. I hope that one day, the shadow of the Jade Chamber can shroud all seven nations.]
[Furina: Wait a minute. That sounds a bit ominous.]
[Paimon: It should just mean cooperation between the seven nations.]
[Ningguang: Exactly.]
Lumine was also excited. "That's right. It's truly a heartening result. You could call it a miracle."
Nahida looked confused. "Why are you all smiling so contentedly? I thought you'd be moved to tears by now. Hmm, I still need to observe more."
Paimon said, "Actually, both reactions are normal. It just depends on the person."
Lumine still had many questions and continued, "When I was unconscious in Avidya Forest, I saw a giant tree, a red sky, and heard a voice. The key words were 'world' and 'forgetfulness.'"
Nahida said, "Traveler, it seems you connected to Irminsul. That message was left behind by the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's residual consciousness within Irminsul—perhaps her final memories before death."
"You probably also know that the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata disappeared after the Cataclysm of Khaenri'ah. So the timeline does match up. Your suspicions aren't unfounded."