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It is my promise to Father... Even if I fail to complete it, the child within me will continue my work. One day, it will recount everything that has happened here to future generations.

It will be a bridge across the vastness of time, connecting the readers with those recorded over the great river of time.

I hear they plan to build a cenotaph for Father.

Yes...

Before he left, Father confided in me about a trove filled with the land's treasures. He instructed me to reveal its location only to the descendants of the Nightzmora.

Brother will not be happy when he learns of this.

Sister, you chose to record Father's every word and action to memorialize his departure, while I chose to protect everything he left behind.

Father has only just left, and already war rages among the western tribes... I must go and quell the unrest.

But how... how will you go in your current condition?

A gemstone artisan from Arsalan told me he could preserve my consciousness into gemstones inscribed with special circuits.

The craftsmen who created the Zhayedan are also willing to build me a new body.

Did you already decide on this before telling me about it, Zubayr?

Sister, I do not wish to be bed-bound forever...

Zubayr, I only wish for you to be happy, and nothing more.

Promise me you'll never forget this.

I promise.

(Where... am I?)

(So dark... is anyone here?)

Ugh...

(Wh-Why can't I talk?)

(Drat, I can't move at all. My limbs are all bound so tightly.)

Are you ready? I'm about to remove the brain.

(Brain?)

Administer more sedative, his pulse is still beating rather rapidly and I need him to be calm.

(Are you talking about my brain?!)

A cover is lifted and light pours in. Pepe finds herself lying on the center of a stone platform.

People around her come and go as they apply sticky, pungent medicine, tightly wrapping her body with linen, constricting her attempts at movement.

Her observations are cut short when an old man walks towards her with a small knife in hand. Pepe would have panicked, but the sedative starts to take effect.

She feels someone holding her head down, and the tiny blade inches towards her forehead...

(Is this what Zubayr went through?)

(When they transferred his consciousness... he was still alive.)

Is it over? Is this what you wanted to show me, Zubayr?

This is only the beginning.

Tell me, what else did you go through?

After quelling the rebellions for my brother, I bade farewell to my sister and ventured alone into this desert. Here, I stood guardian over the treasure Father entrusted to me, awaiting the arrival of a Nightzmora descendant.

Yet, through the long centuries of change, the Nightzmoran have forgotten Father's promise to Kharanduu Khagan. They never came—even when I was vanquished and sealed beneath the sands.

And you spent nearly a thousand years just waiting here?

I have witnessed lives come into being and pass away, cities rise and fall. With prosperity comes decline, and with life comes death—an inevitability for all.

And with each end comes a new beginning, the cycle repeating endlessly.

Father was right; everything that transpires is but a continual 'time loop,' and the future is naught but a repetition of the past.

I began to hate myself for choosing to become eternal.

I wished to forget, but my sophisticated memory system prevented me from doing so. It kept my experiences fresh and vivid in my mind, every detail distinctly clear.

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?