act35side

Pepe, you once told me you wished to become one who remembers history, both written and unrecorded. You wish to witness the truth behind the history with your own eyes.

But that comes with a price, Pepe.

Tell me, Zubayr. In your long life, even with the unbearable suffering you've been through, did you ever consider forgetting your father or sister?

Never.

That's my answer too.

We should remember the things that shouldn't be forgotten, even if they bring us pain.

Very good.

I'm... back.

There is no gigantic, ferocious beast, moist rainforest, or scorching sandstorm.

In the middle of the street sits only a small animal, casually licking its fur.

Why did you bring me inside Zubayr's memories?

It was a test he set for you. You could only see him if you passed it.

Was he the one talking to me inside the illusion?

No, that was actually me. Though the question was indeed his.

Did I pass?

You failed, so just run off back to wherever you came from, little girl.

He seemed pretty satisfied with my answer though?

No, you just imagined it!

I have to see him. He's the one who started the unrest in the city, so only he can stop it.

Besides... he's the only one who can help me reach the City of Gold, so I can't miss this last chance.

Silly girl. Do you think being the Historian of Shar-Agade is a good thing?

You serve at the hand of the Shahanshah, and so your tongue is cut out to ensure you can never speak his secrets.

You write only what the Shahanshah wants written. You are no longer yourself, only a gilded mouthpiece.

Is this what you want, foolish girl?

Where did you learn all that? The City of Gold isn't a place some random animal can wander into.

Foolish girl, my first human pet was Lugalszargus's own daughter!

I saw with my own eyes when the poor girl had her tongue cut out by her very brother!

What?!

Enough, Mio.

She has passed Zubayr's test. Speak no more and let her pass.

He awaits you at the second-last house in the third alley from here. Remember this, once you enter, knock thrice on the left door, then push the right door open.

You will see him there.

Insolent cur, she didn't pass the test! Why did you tell her!

She passed the test, Mio. Enough of this.

She did not if I say so! She failed!

You fool, do you <i>want</i> this girl to...?

Release me!

Our mission is complete! Let's go!

Mroaw—!

Woof grabs Mio by the scruff and disappears down the alley, leaving behind only drag marks.

Phew... Third alley, second-last house...

Knock thrice on the left door...

And then open the right...

We meet again, Pepe.

Question. Would I have found you if I didn't follow the instructions exactly?

Actually, you would have found me no matter which door you opened. The key is whether you truly wish to meet me.

Zubayr, I've come here with a hammer.

Do you intend to intimidate me with force?

I can't promise I won't use it.

We don't have much time left, so just answer my questions. Truthfully.

Ask your questions, Pepe. I will answer them faithfully—not out of fear, but because it is my choice.

Have you found the fourth gemstone?

Yes. Someone was keeping it safe for me. Their family passed it down through the generations, waiting for the day I would awaken and return.

Did you decide to destroy the entire city the moment you got it? The whole place is in chaos because of the jewel constructs.

Pepe, I apologize for what is happening to the city, but I have to do it. My duty compels me.

'Fourth, the liver. We go into the night, awake and alert, for duty and obligation.' Are your memories related to your duties complete?

Indeed.

So where's the Shah's treasure trove?

Right below our feet, underneath the city of Menat-Ha'mait.

You could say this city was founded by, and is prosperous because of the infinite treasures left behind by Father.

When he left us, I had his cenotaph built in the deepest reach of his trove, so that it may also serve as his tomb.

For centuries they kept digging underground, and every artifact or treasure they found in the mausoleum became fuel for the city.

This is my fault, but it is not too late. There is still a chance to stop it, as they have yet to dig into its depths... for the treasure that mustn't be touched by the wrong hands.

What is that exactly?

Patience, Pepe. I was just about to show it to you.

A beam of sunlight pierces through the window, illuminating the floor beside Zubayr's feet.

He raises his staff high, and suddenly a strong wind stirs from nowhere. The sistrum chimes as it jingles.

Pepe hears Zubayr hum a tune that feels familiar, though its cryptic lyrics elude her understanding.

She then feels the ground beneath her feet soften, her ankles sinking into a flowing sea of sand.

As Zubayr finishes his tune, he plunges the staff into the ground.

In an instant, sand and dust swirl wildly, enveloping them both until they vanish.

Water! Bring some water!

Hurry! Your curator spoke too much and is having a heatstroke!

Bad news, Medjehtiqedti Hanim—I'm afraid the museum hasn't had running water for a while now.

Or to be more precise, sand is pouring out of the taps. Can't even stop it.

...Do you work here? I don't recognize you...

No, wait, sand... pouring from the taps?

Yep. By the way, we met your staff at the entrance and he asked me to pass on this leave request and a bunch of books.

It was unclear where he was headed.

The river water is too muddy to be used, and all the nearby water channels are full of nothing but sand.

And all of these happened while we made our way here. As quickly as a rising tide...

Talk about a Flood Festival, only it's sand.

...Hey, Hanim? Why'd you turn so quiet? Bad time to make witty comments I see.

Anat! Anat! Wake up, hurry!

W-We're... WE'RE GOING TO DIE!

You've only just realized that? After everything that's happened today?

Medjehtiqedti Hanim, could you explain what's going on?

To put it simply, if every gem in the city can be removed from its place, then the ones used for water purification are no exception.

If too many of them are removed, the water purification system will stop working, changing the internal pressure and causing sand to intrude.

...If this happens, the constructs will have an endless supply of sand to build their pillars and walls, ruining the city.

Also, Titi... I'm worried about something worse...

Such a sudden pressure change will almost certainly damage the city's ancient underground river canal system.

I didn't want to mention it, for fear of it coming true! Now I'm really scared of this city!

Go on, what happens when the underground canals are damaged?

A large volume of water will seep out and loosen the sand, forming quicksand.

The whole city will sink underground, and the modern materials the constructs can't use will be buried deep down in the earth.

And this is just speculation... but the constructs have been building their pillars and walls for a specific reason.

They're trying to recreate the way the place looked in their memories.

We, along with centuries of urban landscape, will be buried beneath the sands.

Ugh...