Zumion's Call: Part One

Dymones: This is Seraphine. She's a dedicated Zumion researcher committed to studying everything about Zumion and she's been eager to meet you.

Dymones: Seraphine. This is the Daeva you were looking for, right?

Seraphine: Yes! It's an honor to finally meet the Daeva everyone's gushing about.

Seraphine: You've been making a name for yourself, ‹your name›. I hear you retrieved sacred relics of Zumion and even awakened the three Zumion priests who had turned into statues.

Seraphine: That's why I wished to see you, ‹your name›. I have something I desperately want to inquire of Priest Estian.

Seraphine: For a Zumion researcher like me, this is a priceless opportunity. If you help me with my research, I promise I'll repay your kindness.

Dymones: I told her several times it would be difficult... but she kept asking. Can you help her?

Dymones: Can we talk for a second?

Dymones: Thank you. Very well, Seraphine. Your request has been granted.

Seraphine: While staying in Zumion Village, I found myself enamored with this area's history. I've read through The Fall of Zumion Temple a dozen times already!

Seraphine: That such a great temple could simply vanish is fascinating, and also terrifying. The more I looked into it, the more curious I grew.

Seraphine: Everything about the origins of Zumion and her priests, and why she left such an impression on people... I felt an urge to know everything!

Seraphine: In the process of piecing together Zumion's legacy, I learned of Priest Estian. A contemporary of Zumion's, right around the corner!

Dymones: The Notos Legion is short on time at the moment. Seraphine's interest in Zumion is pure and solely academic. She won't cause any problems.

Dymones: You need the Zumion Mace to resonate with the statues, don't you? I have it ready for you.

Dymones: Normally, this should be kept in the relic storage, but I know you can be trusted with it, ‹your name›. Here, Seraphine. Handle it carefully and don't use it for yourself.

Seraphine: ...Is this really Lady Zumion's Mace? Amazing. To be holding a relic I've only ever read about!

Dymones: Once your research is done, be sure to return it. It's not a relic to be taken lightly.

Seraphine: I'll guard it with my life! I promise to hand it back as soon as my research is finished. Thank you so much, Dymones!

Seraphine: We're all set now. Let's make our way to Priest Estian.

Seraphine: I heard Priest Estian was the closest person to Zumion. If that's true, then he must remember when the temple was first built, right?

Seraphine: I'll meet you in front of Estian's statue in the Destroyed Temple Site.

Seraphine: If I use this mace, I should be able to speak with Priest Estian, right?

Seraphine: I'll try to resonate with the mace. Through the power of Zumion, please awaken...!

Estian Statue: ...Who calls out to me in Zumion's name...? Oh? A familiar face?

Estian Statue: Why has Zumion's mace surfaced once more? It should have been returned to the relic storage!

Seraphine: I'm Seraphine, a student of Lady Zumion's legacy! I've borrowed the mace because I have something important to ask you.

Estian Statue: Though many years have passed, there are still those upholding Zumion's will... You have my deepest respect. What is it that piques your curiosity?

Seraphine: I read a book called the Fall of Zumion Temple. Are its contents really all true?

Estian Statue: Sadly so. Zumion Temple was a sanctum graced by AION's first blessing. In that radiant place, priests shared heavenly wisdom with believers.

Estian Statue: But then the Balaur invaded Atreia, seeking to destroy the temple. A long battle ensued... until even Meslamtaeda showed his face.

Estian Statue: He spoke a curse of eternal silence upon Zumion Temple, condemning it to the watery depths, and turning those within to stone.

Seraphine: ...So everything in the book was true. Do you also know about the temple's founding?

Estian Statue: I'm sorry. Even with my mind restored, my memory is still hazy. Zumion Temple... After all this time, it must be in ruins.

Estian Statue: There is a place known as Sacrifice's Rest, built by the priests to escape the Balaur. You may seek further answers there...

Seraphine: Sacrifice's Rest... Okay, I'll go right there! But... how?

Estian Statue: You will find it hidden in the cave that overlooks the horizon of the Altamia Highlands. But be careful. Guardite still roam there.

Estian Statue: I summoned them myself, alongside Calliste and Agathon. They lost their purpose when we turned to stone, yet still, they linger.

Seraphine: My goodness, such ancient Guardite are still functioning...

Estian Statue: With our strength alone, we couldn't stop the corruption spreading across Altamia. So we summoned the Guardite to spread purifying powder and repel intruders.

Estian Statue: If the Guardite are still performing that duty... They may view you as two such intruders.

Seraphine: What a shame. Those Guardite have great historical value... but perhaps releasing them of their duty would be a mercy.

Estian Statue: Eire Nikos Kerygma... Recite that incantation, and the Guardite should cease their movement.

Estian Statue: If they do not, then you must resort to force. As you say, it would be a mercy.

Seraphine: Understood. I'll head to Sacrifice's Rest and liberate those Guardite.

Seraphine: Not just for my own curiosity, but for the Guardite's sake as well. I'll see you again at Sacrifice's Rest.

Seraphine: Over here!

Rampaging High Guardite: Purification powder... scatter... contamination...

Rampaging High Guardite: Depleted... Require replenishment...

Seraphine: It's responding! It remembers its duty!

Seraphine: Incredible! It's regaining function!

Rampaging High Guardite: Purification powder exhausted... Leaving contamination zone...

Rampaging High Guardite: Mission... complete... R-Returning...

Seraphine: Wait! I still have so many questions!

Seraphine: Can you tell me about Zumion? Can other Guardite speak, too?!

Rampaging High Guardite: ...Standby... by... by... by...

Seraphine: It was released from its summoning. I had so many things I wanted to ask...

Seraphine: So it ends just like that? Such a priceless opportunity... What a letdown.

Seraphine: It's a relief to know the Guardite are finally at peace, but I hoped to learn at least a little more....

Seraphine: Their historical value, their strength and duty... Vanished...

Seraphine: May I ask one more favor? There might be records left inside here from before the temple sank.

Seraphine: They could contain new details on the legacies of Lady Zumion, the priests, and the Guardite. Could you help me look for them?

Seraphine: Priest Estian told us to seek further answers here. Perhaps there's still much to learn even without the Guardite...

Seraphine: ‹your name›, there are Guardite inside the chamber.

Seraphine: They really do look ancient. Just as Priest Estian said, they are guarding against any intruders.

Seraphine: I'll try the incantation first. Please stay alert, just in case.

Seraphine: If they don't respond... we have no choice but to fight them.

Seraphine: Shall we go now? Let's hope the Guardite halt without causing trouble.

Seraphine: Did you find anything?

Seraphine: Incredible! Records about the founding of Zumion Temple and the Guardite!

Seraphine: To think such books would still be lying around, undiscovered!

Seraphine: ‹your name›, if it wasn't for you, nobody would ever have read these. Thank you so much. From the bottom of my heart.

Seraphine: I will go inform Priest Estian personally that the Guardite have returned to AION's embrace.

Seraphine: Consider this a small reward for enabling me to follow in Zumion's footsteps.

Seraphine: These records will surely serve as a light for others someday. Thank you for all your hard work.