Ranunculus Chapter : Act I - Wisdom is Just A Game Between Geniuses

(Traveler turns back to the city.)

Paimon
There doesn’t seem much to do for us. Nevertheless, let’s check around.

(They walk around and see if anyone needs help.)

(They stop near a house. There is a huge machine in front of it.)

Paimon
Wow! What is that?

Villager
I-I’m not sure if this is safe. What if it breaks the house?

???

The half of the house is already gone and you are sleeping outside. You might just end up having a new house.

Villager
I still have concerns.

???
Trust me, this machine has constructed so many houses before. Everything will be alright.

Villager
Did you? How were they?

???
I wasn’t there personally but one of the architects in Sumeru bought my machine to build a palace in the middle of the desert.

Villagers
But we are not living in a desert!

Paimon
What is this machine?

???
Hm? Are you two interested?

Traveler
Sorry to drop in.

Villager
It’s alright. Maybe you can give your idea on it too. I’m still unsure whether to use it or not.

???
Relax. That’s just a construction machine that will build a house based on a plan you draw. You draw the building plan, insert it here and it analyzes it. Next, you just push it towards the materials and it works all by itself. I still couldn’t add legs to it. When I do, you won’t even need to push it from one side to the other.

Paimon

Wow! That sounds so cool. And it makes building much easier.

Villager
Do you think so?

Traveler
The worst case, you just stop using it.

???
Indeed. Just turn it off and reset its plan.

Villager
Okay then. I’ll give it a try.

???
Great. But I’m not an architect so the rest is up to you.

Villager
Wait! You are not leaving me alone with that thing, aren’t you?

???
You’ll be alright. The usage is very simple.

Villager
Please don’t go! Wait! Come back!

(Traveler follows the mechanic girl.)

???
What do you need?

Paimon
That machine was pretty interesting. You are not from Inazuma, aren’t you?

Gizzal
I’m a mechanic from Sumeru. My name is Gizzal.

Traveler
Why did you come all the way here to Inazuma?

Gizzal
Because they asked me to build cranes for their ships. While exporting goods between nations, there might be accidents if the cargo is too heavy. To prevent that, I’m designing a special crane system.

Paimon
That’s very impressive. You must be super smart.

Gizzal
No, I’m a genius.

Paimon
Wow, so humble.

Gizzal
You were praising me just now. Why is it a problem when I praise myself?

Traveler
So are you a Kshahrewar student?

Gizzal

No, I’m from the desert. Look at my skin, it’s dark. There’s no way Akademiya would let me in. But it doesn’t matter anymore. Because I know more than any researchers.

Paimon
You seem confident about your knowledge.

Gizzal
I am. I am better than any student of Akademiya. There are only a few people I respect.

Traveler
How did you learn all this stuff?

Gizzal
I have a friend from the Akademiya who provides me with books whenever I need. He sneaks them out of the library to Aaru Village.

Paimon
Wait! How can he do that?

Gizzal
He gets the book, puts it inside his bag and brings it to me.

Paimon
You make it sound like it’s simple.

Gizzal
It is simple. Although, I’m no longer living there nor need those books anymore.

Paimon
Is it because you read them all so you are looking for new books?

Gizzal
I got an invitation from a research laboratory in Fontaine. Currently I’m working there.

Paimon
A research laboratory in Fontaine? Paimon is so sure that she heard it somewhere else.

Gizzal
It belongs to a Harbinger if you are asking.

Paimon
What!?

Traveler
Are you working with Fatui?

Gizzal
Not really. Everyone in that laboratory is specially invited outside of Fatui. We are a group of genius who gathered up for the sake of science and machines. Personally, I only pursue knowledge -and machines-. Whatever they do with my gadgets is not my concern as long as I can work in peace and create new things.

Paimon
Aren’t you worried about the fact that Fatui might use your machines for their evil plans?

Gizzal
So what? It’s easier to break something into its pieces than building it. I can simply undo my work and everything is solved.

Traveler
Is it actually that easy?

Gizzal
Of course. It’s like the time a forest watcher asked me to create a gadget to control the withering. It can also control the leylines and elemental energy. But I know how to reverse its effect.

Paimon
Wait. Did you say you can control leylines?

Gizzal
With my gadget, yes.

Traveler
Do you know someone named Isabella?

Gizzal
She’s Lady Sandrone’s adopted child.

Paimon
She is what!?

Gizzal
I don’t know much about the story but Lady Sandrone found her when she was young and decided to raise her. Why do you ask?

Paimon
Paimon remembers she wasn’t working for any other Harbingers because she was obligated but instead, she was doing a favor for them.

Gizzal
It is true. She can refuse them anytime she wants and they can’t do anything. I declined a research invitation from a Harbinger called Dottore before because I thought it was unethical.

Paimon
And what did he do?

Gizzal
Sent me another letter. This time I didn’t even reply.

Paimon
And you can get away with that?

Gizzal
Yes.

Traveler
They used a mask on Isabella as a punishment.

Gizzal
Oh…

Traveler
What?

Gizzal
Nothing.

Paimon
Will you keep secrets from us?

Gizzal
Yes.

Paimon
Wha-

Traveler
I respect your decision.

Gizzal
Thank you.

Traveler
But I want to talk to you about a matter.

Gizzal
Sure.

(Traveler tells the whole story about Cailean.)

Gizzal
Oh… I’m sorry to hear that. But at the same time I’m happy that my gadget worked out well.

Paimon
It was pretty useful… Too useful.

Gizzal
About your questions… I’m sorry I don’t have a clue about the topic. I’m not a Fatuus so they won’t share their important matters with me.

Paimon
Oh… Paimon hoped to find even a tiny clue.

Gizzal
Sorry. If even Isabella doesn’t know, I have no idea about it.

Traveler
Thanks regardless.

Gizzal
But! I know someone who can have an idea about the topic. There is a young researcher in the Akademiya. His name is Hayri. He is young but he can find any information you need.

Paimon

Oh, maybe we can go talk to him.

Gizzal
Just go to Akademiya, whoever you ask will know where Hayri is. He is as popular as the Grand Sage.

Paimon
Now we know our next stop! Let’s go and find this Hayri!

Traveler
Thank you for your help.

Gizzal
You’re welcome. But before you go, can you give this letter to the post office in Sumeru?

Paimon
Sure. Who is it for?

Gizzal
It’s to Isabella. I finished testing my latest invention. These are its results. When I return, I plan to add more. But let’s keep that aside for now.

Paimon
Consider it done! But is there any post office in Sumeru?

Gizzal
There is. That’s how the mail system works everywhere. Only Mondstadt is living in the ancient era. How absurd! If they allow me, I can make a mail system working faster and further than those wooden charts without horses. But the tradition in Mondstadt-

Paimon
Yeah, it’s a bit problematic. But don’t worry, we’ll deliver your letter to its owner.

Gizzal
I count on you. Now I have to go back to work.

(Before they leave.)

Paimon
Actually come to think of it. If this guy is so knowledgeable about everything, maybe he can help us about your sibling.

Traveler
I thought so too.

Paimon
Even if he can’t find the exact location, he might help us how to get there. Nothing to lose by trying our luck.

(Sumeru city, The Akademiya.)

Paimon
According to Gizzal, the guy named Hayri spends most of his time inside the Akademiya. Let’s ask around about his whereabouts.

Hunayn
Hm…

Paimon
Hello. Sorry to bother you, but we wanted to know where Hayri is. Do you know where we can find him?

Hunayn
Are you looking for Hayri? May I ask your reasoning if it’s not personal?

Paimon
Actually we had some questions to ask him. Since he is very knowledgeable, we thought he might help us.

Hunyan
Oh I see. Sorry, I confused you with the new babysitters. Seems like I got mistaken.

Paimon
Huh? Babysitters?

Hunyan
Yes. Where do you know Hayri from again?

Paimon
A mechanic friend of ours led us here. She said that Hayri might help us.

Hunyan
Ah now I get it. If that’s the case, you can find him studying inside House of Daene.

Paimon
Got it. Thanks.

(Inside the library.)

(An enormous frog is watching a kid reading a book.)

Paimon
Wow! What is that!? It’s huuuge!

Traveler
Shh!

Paimon
Right, we are in a library. But don’t you see that frog?

Traveler
I do. It’s big.

Paimon
Shall we have a closer look?

Frog
Ribbit ribbit.

Kid
But I don’t get it. Why did people use different shapes for one letter? It’s just ئ, can’t you write it as ئ? Why do we have 𐰀 or ए?

Frog
Ribbit.

Kid
Whatever. Dafadi, when can I leave?

Dafadi
Ribbit ribbit, ribbit.

Kid
But that’s not fair! I’ve already finished my homework, you are giving me extra work!

Dafadi
Ribbit.

Paimon
Are they communicating? We know some animals that can talk in human language but this is the first time Paimon is seeing a human who can speak in an animal language.

Traveler
Maybe he is using magic.

Paimon
Like when Ioroi blessed us to understand Kichiboushi? Hmm, maybe that’s the case.

Kid
I wanna go out! Dafadi please! I’m so boooored. You promised to take me to the Akademiya Extravaganza if I finish this one! It’s already the time, please Dafadi let’s gooo!

Dafadi
…Ribbit ribbit.

???
How is work going?

Kid
Uncle, I finished my homework but Dafadi is not letting me go! Please help me.

Alhaitham

Is that so? Dafadi, did Hayri actually finish his homework?

Dafadi
Ribbit ribbit!

Hayri
But I finished it!

Alhaitham
What did she say?

Hayri
Um, she said that I made so many mistakes so I have to go through each of them.

Alhaitham

That means you didn’t do your homework properly.

Hayri
But-

Paimon
Alhaitham! What are you doing here?

Alhaitham

Oh, it’s you two. How can I help?

Paimon
We were looking for the guy named Hayri, but it seems like he is not an adult but…

Traveler

So you are the one who knows everything.

Hayri
Ugh, I know a few things. But Dafadi says that I know nothing.

Alhaitham

Hayri is a brilliant kid, I must admit. However, when it comes to practical knowledge, he is still lacking.

Hayri
I could find any information whenever I wanted if you didn’t turn off the Akasha. And what about your earplugs? Aren’t you still using it?

Alhaitham
They are not the same. Anyway, if you have any questions for Hayri, you should wait a little bit more.

Paimon
And you are here to check on him? Are you his teacher or something?

Alhaitham
Not like that of course. Dafadi asked me to tutor him. While doing that, I’m waiting on top of him like an eagle and being sure that he is studying properly -like a babysitter.

Hayri
I don’t need a babysitter! It’s for kids! I wanna go out and play! That’s not fair! They have already started! I will be laaaate!

Alhaitham
Ugh…

Paimon

Isn’t it better to give breaks from time to time? He needs to release his energy.

Traveler

We can look after him.

Dafadi
Ribbit ribbit.

Hayri
Come on Dafadi! I promise I’ll finish it when we return! I pinky promise, pleeeeease!

Dafadi
…Ribbit ribbit.

Hayri

Yay! I love you mom! Okay let’s go! I don’t wanna be the last one going to the stage.

(Hayri jumps over the desk and starts to run towards the exit.)

Paimon
Hey wait! Not so fast.

(Outside the library.)

Hayri
Finally, I’m free! Let’s go quick, or they will start without us!

Paimon
You shouldn’t run off like that young boy!

Hayri
Okay okay. Now let’s hurry. Come on, come on.

Dafadi
Ribbit, ribbit ribbit.

Hayri
I still want to be there early.

Paimon
How do you understand what she’s saying?

Hayri
She is my mother. I grew up with frogs.

Paimon
What? How can this be?

Dafadi
Ribbit ribbit.

Hayri
Oh right, she is my adoptive mother. She found me in an abandoned tent somewhere close to a lake. Ever since then, we have been together. I love Dafadi with my whole heart!

Dafadi
Ribbit.

Paimon
Aww, that’s so cute.

Hayri

Now let’s go let’- Wait a minute. Do I know you? You surely are not the new babysitter.

Traveler
Actually no.

Paimon
This Traveler you see is the savor of nations, legendary, one and only, barrier of titles of titles, the first sage of Buer, honorary Traveler!

Traveler
And their most reliable companion, fantastic Paimon.

Hayri
Oh, I know you! You are the reason why I can’t use the Akasha anymore. I hate you.

Paimon
What?

Traveler

!?

Hayri
If you want to ask me any questions, I will not answer them just because you made the Dendro Archon get back my Akasha Terminal. I will not talk to you, bleh!

Paimon

What’s that attitude!? We saved you from Akasha Terminal!

Hayri

Did I ask for that, huh? I don’t think so. Anyway, I am going to the Akademiya Extravaganza. There is a match I need to win. Hmph!

(Hayri runs off. Dafadi follows him.)

Paimon
Hold up! Wait a minute!

(They follow Hayri.)

(Inside the Grand Bazaar. Nahida is on the stage with two scholars. Everyone is waiting for her speech.)

Paimon

Where did he go? There is no way we can miss an enormous frog, right? Oh, there she is! Dafadi wait!

Hayri
Hush! Dendro Archon is about to make her speech.

Nahida
Welcome everyone once again. This year, we gathered together with another Akademiya Extravaganza. As many of you know, we are holding two important activities. First is the Wisdom Gala where you can show your Darshan’s works with the booths you organized. And the second is the competition we hold every four years, Interdarshan Championship. Our contestants are chosen by their Darshans and ready for the competition. This year’s stages are once more very interesting and various to test their abilities. However, if you are asking why I am personally standing here and making the opening ceremony, well the answer is simple. This year’s grand prize will be special and only one can have access to it among all the Sumeru other than me. I will grant the winner the only left Akasha Terminal for their personal use and not taking it back until the next Interdarshan Championship. That means you will have all sources of knowledge through Akasha for four years. This is a huge prize, and I’m hoping that the winner will use this terminal for the greater good. Now, without taking your time, I’m leaving the stage to the real hosts.

Hammad
Thank you for your time Lord Kusanali, and of course thank you for your generosity. This year’s prize is indeed a special one. We scholars all know the importance of quick access to information for our research. However, after the big incident that everyone knows, we had to restrict Akasha Terminal, and the Akademiya destroyed all the terminals. Only this example is left behind and is kept under Akademiya’s control. In order to not repeat the same mistakes, we will be keeping it in a highly protected safe within the Akademiya. Now, since we are done with presenting the prize, it’s time for our contestants. Representing Rtawahist, Layla. Representing Spantamad, Mohamed. Representing Haravatat, Bahar. Representing Vahumana, Amil. Representing Kshahrewar, Pharez. And finally representing Amurta, Hayri.

Paimon

Huh? When did he get there?

Hammad
As you can see, we have some old contestants and very young ones. But they are chosen with a reason of course. Now, let’s encourage them with a loud clap and start our first round.

(Everyone claps.)

Hammad
Now, for the first round, contestants will be taken to the Apam Woods and placed on top of the highest trees. Their mission is to find a way to cross over the forest and come to the opposing hills without falling. And we do not suggest you get down to the surface, simply because of the dangerous monsters roaming around. First contestant who can finish the stage will have three points. The second will get two and the third will get only one point while the rest will have zero points. You are allowed to withdraw from this level whenever you want, and you will be taken back to the surface. Considering how the last Interdarshan Championship ended so quickly, we decided to raise the difficulty level this year. That means the next two stages will be harder than this.

Paimon

This year seems pretty serious. Paimon can’t imagine the next two rounds. But again this year we know some of the contestants. Shall we go and wish them good luck before they depart?

Layla

Oh it’s you two. Hello.

Paimon
Hello Layla. How are you feeling? You are in the championship once more.

Layla
To be honest I feel more confident this time. It’s been a while since I last joined the Interdarshan Championship, but I learned a lot during this period. Although I might not be able to win again, I will try my best. Luckily, I had enough sleep before the first round, thanks to Tighnari. He gave me some sedatives and sleeping herbals. Ever since then I've been sleeping like a baby.

Paimon
It’s so nice to hear that you can rest now.

Layla
It’s like a miracle. Ah, but I can’t sleep right now. I have to go and get ready for the first round.

Paimon
Good luck Layla, we wish you the best. Hmm, everyone seems to be getting ready for the first round. But wait a second. Wasn’t Hayri also here? Where did he go?

(Hayri is behind the stage with Dafadi.)

Hayri

Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. How hard can it be?

Dafadi
Ribbit…

Hayri
I’m not a baby! I can do this. Also the championship has already started, so I cannot take a step back.

Paimon
Hi Hayri, what are you two talking about?

Hayri
Dafadi is saying that I’m too young for this championship and it is too dangerous for me.

Paimon
It is true that they crossed the border with difficulty this year. But if you get scared, you can withdraw anytime.

Hayri
I won’t! I will get that Akasha Terminal. It will be mine, and mine only!

Traveler
You can use it for four years only.

Hayri
It’s alright. Once I get that replica, I can create my own Akasha within no time. Easy peasy.

Paimon
Wait, can you do that?

Hayri
Very easy. I just need to remember how it works.

Traveler
You are a genius.

Hayri
Hehehe, let’s say that I know a few things. Trust me, this year will finish faster than the last. Because I, Hayri, son of Dafadi, am here to prove that I am the most genius of all time. I can not fail!

Paimon
That’s the spirit! Have faith in him Dafadi. If he is accepted to join, that means they have great expectations from him.

Dafadi
Ribbit… Ribbit ribbit!

Hayri
Wha- But why did you say that?

Paimon
What did she say?

Hayri
If I fall, she’ll take me back home and never let me go out again.

Traveler
That’s harsh.

Hayri
I cannot fail. Interdarshan Championship, wait for me.

(Hayri runs off with other contestants.)

Paimon

Youngsters these days.

Dafadi
Ribbit ribbit…

Paimon
What’s wrong Dafadi?

Traveler
She seems worried.

Paimon
Because of Hayri, right? She is a mother after all. It’s normal to worry about her son. But Paimon didn’t get how a frog could be the mother of a human.

Dafadi
Ribbit, ribbit.

Paimon
Sorry, Paimon doesn’t know frog language.

Tighnari
It means: “Family is not made from the same species.”

Paimon
Tighnari! What are you here?

Tighnari
I came to check on Layla if the medicine I gave her for her sleep worked, but it seems like she had left already.

Paimon
Yup, she said that it was efficient and she slept like a baby.

Tighnari
That’s good to hear.

Dafadi

Ribbit ribbit!!

Tighnari
Calm down Miss Dafadi, he will be fine. He reminds me of my Akademia years. Do you think I was incompetent back then?

Dafadi
Ribbit! Ribbit ribbit!

Tighnari
Ahaha, alright alright. I was only joking.

Dafadi
Ribbit…

Tighnari
Sigh…

Paimon
Hmm… How about we go to the finish line and watch him? If he gets into danger, we can go save him.

Traveler
That’s pretty smart Paimon. Maybe you should also join the competition next time.

Paimon
Why does Paimon feel like you are just mocking her?

Dafadi
Ribbit ribbit!!

Paimon
Look, she is happy.

Tighnari
Very well then, I wish you the best. I have to go back to the Avidiya Forest and check on the current patrol. See afterwards.

Paimon
Bye bye Tighnari, and good luck. Let’s not waste time too. We have a champion to protect!

Dafadi
Ribbit!

(Apam Woods.)

(Contestants are shown via huge crystals.)

Paimon
Look, they are already there. Most of them are placed in a separate branch.

Kaveh
That way they won’t cheat.

Paimon
Kaveh!

Traveler
It’s nice to see you.

Kaveh
It’s nice to see you too. I assume you are here to watch the Interdarshan Championship.

Paimon
In a way. We are also looking after Hayri.

Kaveh
Hayri? Which one?

Dafadi

Ribbit.

Kaveh

Wooow! What is this monster!?

Paimon
She is Dafadi, Hayri’s mother.

Kaveh
Dafadi? Oh right, you were Dafadi. Since you were too close I couldn’t see your cheesecloth, sorry.

Dafadi
Ribbit…

(Contestants are on trees.)

Pharez
It’s fine, I know how to cross over. I just need some simple but durable materials.

Bahar
Like what?

Pharez
You’ll see when I find- Wow wow! Huff… I almost fell.

Bahar
Maybe that’s a sign from the Gods that you shouldn’t underestimate me, or just try to run away while I’m stranded here.

Pharez
Ehehe, maybe you’re right.

Layla
Oh… And I thought I could win this year.

Hayri
Don’t worry big sis. I grew up in the wilderness, I think we can come up with a solution. Of course we can get down anytime. But that wouldn’t be so smart.

Layla
Since I have a vision, fighting against monsters won’t be a problem for me. But getting down is difficult too.

Hayri
Indeed. That’s why we have to fly.

Layla
Huh? Fly? What do you mean?

Mohame

Amil
Yes, what about them?

Mohamed
That’s Hayri, the genius kid of Akademiya. He is preparing something. If we can learn his plan and copy it, we might also be able to cross the hill before them. But we have to be quick.

Amil
Got it.

Pharez
And almost done. Considering the weight of the leaves and ourselves, also if we bend them in a proper angle… Uh, also there shouldn’t be any empty space between them.

Bahar

Is that a glider?

Pharez
Yes, although flying with leaves is not 100% safe, if we can imitate the birds’ wings, and make aerodynamic calculations properly, we can fly with these.

Bahar
I don’t know, it doesn’t look safe.

Pharez
It’s your problem then.

Bahar
Hey! You don’t plan to leave me here alone, right?

Pharez
I gave you a glider, right? Using it or not is your decision. You may stay here and lose or come with me using that.

(Pharez glides through the air but the glider falls to the foot of the hill.)

Pharez
Ah, crap. I forgot to calculate the distance. Well then, I have to climb up.

Bahar
Huh! I knew it… But it seems like working.

Hayri
Someone has already flown away.

Layla
Are we going to fly like that as well?

Hayri
Not really. We are lower than him, so using the same glider won’t get us to the same level. We are also further from bigger leaves -which is very disadvantageous for us. When I said “fly”, I actually meant it. His was not flying, it was falling with style. What I’m about to do is going to explode!

Layla
Aaah! I-I’m not sure if I want to explode! I’m still young to die.

Hayri
Don’t worry, we won’t die. Probably.

Layla
Oh… Maybe I shouldn’t have joined this year.

Hayri
Now, let me tell you what to do; it’s pretty simple. I’m burning some branches here to get some coil -which is the main ingredient of our explosive. Meanwhile, I’ll get those mushrooms and smash them. Since mushrooms contain sulfur, we can use them. But of course they contain other stuff too. That’s why our explosive won’t be so powerful. After I mix these two, I will use my Vision to separate the nitrate from the rainwater I collected before.

Layla

When did you do that?

Hayri
The moment we came here. They’ve already explained the round before arriving here, so I was planning something the whole way. Only problem is that we need to light it up.

Layla

Is it done already?

Hayri
Yup. With the help of my vision, it’s quite alright. Now, where to find a lighter?

Layla

Oh no, that guy is almost climbing to the finish line.

Hayri
Not before me! I’ll wrap this powder into something, so we can fly.

Layla
I don’t like this.

Mohamed

Amil
Maybe we should get down and start running. At this point, there is nothing much we can do.

Mohamed

Hush, I’m thinking… Hmm, maybe we can play a little game. Do you know that bedtime story about the kid who got raised by fire monkeys?

Amil

Yes, but where did that come from?

Mohamed
It might sound crazy but we can use these ivies to swing between trees.

Amil

Are you out of your mind?

Mohamed
Why not? It’s worth to try.

Amil

If we fall from this height, we are dead. Are you sure that we can actually swing from an ivy to another like animals?

Mohamed
It’s better than sitting here and doing nothing! I’m going first. Aaaa!

(Mohamed jumps but falls onto the lower branch.)

Paimon

That wasn’t a clever idea.

Hayri

Layla
Uh… If I can’t make it, please tell my family that I loved them dearly.

Hayri
Readyyyy, GO!

(Hayri lights the explosives and they start to fly up, then front.)

Paimon
What the- Are they flying?

Dafadi
Ribbit!!

(Layla and Hayri hit on the hill, higher than Pharez.)

Hayri
See, nothing happened.

Layla
Aaaah! I thought I was gonna die… Please don’t ask me to do this again.

Hayri
Heheh. Come quick, he is catching up with us.

Pharez
When did you get here? Oh, you’re not winning this.

Hayri
It’s over for you, I have the high-ground.

(Hayri starts to climb. Layla follows up.)

Hammad
Three of our contestants are going head to head. And about the others, they still have a long way to go.

(Hayri and Layla climb up and start to run.)

Hayri
Hopefully this will be the only physica round, cause I can’t do this again.

Layla
Me neither. Huff!

Pharez
You are smart, but your legs are short.

(Pharez passes through the other contestants.)

Hammad
And here it comes. Pharez finishes the first round first and wins this round.

Pharez

Haha! You forgot to calculate your short legs kid.

Hayri
Aaaaah! I can’t lose! I don’t accept this!

Hammad
In this case; Pharez gets three points, Layla gets two and Hayri gets one point. The other three contestants are brought to the finish line. Match is over -over faster than we expected. Hmm, maybe we put the bar too low.

Layla
Oh no, please no more explosions.

Hammad
Now you may go and take a rest. Tomorrow we will be gathered for the second round, you must restore your energy.

Dafadi
Ribbit ribbit! Ribbit ribbit ribbit!

Hayri
It wasn’t that dangerous! I know what I’m doing!

Dafadi
Ribbit ribbit! Ribbit, ribbit ribbit!

Hayri

What!? But that’s not fair! Three weeks is too long! Also you promised to take me to the kids theater next week. We were going to see Nilou and ask for her autograph. You can’t change the plans.

Dafadi
Ribbit, ribbit.

Hayri
No! I don’t accept this! You are being unfair!

Dafadi

Ribbit!

Paimon

What is going on? Why are you arguing?

Hayri
Dafadi said that I’m grounded for three weeks and can’t leave the Akademiya. But she promised to take me to the theater.

Dafadi
Ribbit ribbit!

Hayri
I’m not complaining about you. I’m telling the truth.

Dafadi
Ribbit ribbit.

Hayri
Ble!

Paimon
Calm down you two. You can’t solve anything if you keep arguing.

Dafadi
Ribbit ribbit.

Hayri
Gasp! That’s rude.

Paimon
What did she say?

Hayri
Um… She said that Paimon shouldn’t interfere.

Traveler
It’s because she is his mother. She has more right to him than us.

Paimon

You are right. Paimon keeps forgetting that. Sorry Dafadi, Paimon didn’t mean to offend you.

Dafadi
Ribbit…

Traveler
We won’t tell you two what to do, but Hayri needs to rest for tomorrow. He already seems tired.

Dafadi
Ribbit ribbit.

(Dafadi turns Hayri.)

Dafadi
Ribbit.

Hayri
Okay, I’m coming. But I want to say goodbye to that big sis.

Paimon
Don’t worry, we’ll deliver your regards to her. Layla is our friend too.

Traveler
Don’t upset your mother any more.

Hayri
Okay then. Let’s go Dafadi.

(Hayri hops on Dafadi’s back and they go together.)

Paimon
They really seem like mother and son when you think about it. Dafadi is scolding her son whenever he does something dangerous and Hayri is complaining about everything.

Traveler
Sounds like you and me Paimon.

Paimon
If you mean Paimon is taking care of you like a mother, you bet we are alike.

(Night time. Somewhere.)

???
We managed to have a closer look at that kid’s thinking speed. Make the proper changes on the next round, and be sure that kid is alone this time. Meanwhile I'll gather up the other scholars and take them out from Sumeru as soon as possible.