Genshin Impact Paralogism quest explained

Genshin Impact’s 5.6 update brought an Archon Quest Interlude that answered long-time questions and unearthed new ones. This was a continuation of two limited-time event quests: Shadows Amid Snowstorms in version 2.3 and Summertime Scales and Tales in version 4.8.

This article will explain the interlude's events and how they relate to the aforementioned event stories.

It is widely known that Genshin Impact’s Archon Quests are more than just battles and puzzles; they’re like moral narratives wrapped in fantasy. This arc of the Archon Quest brings us back to Mondstadt for its annual Windblume Festival celebration. However, the atmosphere isn’t as cheerful as before.

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What do you mean by 'Paralogism'?

Oxford Languages defines paralogism as:

"A piece of illogical or fallacious reasoning, especially one which appears superficially logical or which the reasoner believes to be logical."

In simpler terms, paralogism is like an argument whose logic may seem sound but ultimately isn’t in a practical sense. For example, in Genshin Impact’s terminology, Xingqiu uses Hydro to attack, and Neuvillette does too. Hence, both characters are equally strong.

This argument may seem logical in terms of gaming functions, but it is flawed, as there are other factors like scaling, kit, rarity, and position in the meta that make a difference. The word paralogism foreshadows the events and explains why it was chosen as the quest's title.

Note: Spoilers ahead for Genshin Impact's Archon Quest Interlude Chapter: Act IV Paralogism. Some aspects of this article are subjective.

Genshin Impact's Paralogism Archon Quest Interlude Act IV (Image via HoYoverse)

The official description of Genshin Impact's Interlude Chapter: Act IV Paralogism states:

"Greatness, created in the moment where miracles met life. Neither mundane knowledge nor earthly compassion could hope to reach that light. The arrogant slither forth from the darkness, hypocrisy draped in virtue and reason. Their gnashing maws devour all-brothers and mothers alike."

As we arrive through Mondstadt’s gates, the citizens are acting strangely, which is unusual for a romantic and lively festival like Windblume. One such example is when we overhear Donna, who usually admires Diluc, suddenly become interested in Kaeya as he walks toward Mondstadt's main gate.

After noticing Donna's “sudden change of heart,” Kaeya goes to the Traveler and informs them that Jean has been trying to find them. He was dispatched to locate the Traveler on her behalf. Upon entering the Knights of Favonius, we are greeted by the captains of all team segments, like Eula.

However, for the first time in a Mondstadt arc in Genshin Impact, Albedo, the Chief Alchemist and Captain of the Investigation Team, is absent.

We meet Jean in her office, and through her, we learn that Albedo has been accused of murder and is currently on a joint trial held by the Church and the Knights of Favonius.

The trial commences

Following the Fontaine Archon Quest, we are now witnessing another murder case trial in Genshin Impact. During the trial, Miss Hertha (Captain of the Logistics Company) serves as the prosecutor, while Kaeya defends Albedo. The trial reveals that Albedo has been disposing of human bodies at night.

Multiple eye-witnesses testify against him, including Diluc, who has witnessed him performing these actions in the area between Dragonspine and Dawn Winery. Both forensic evidence and personal investigations suggest that he is guilty.

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Who is Albedo?

Albedo in his Character Teaser “Still Life and Creation” (Image via HoYoverse)

As you can note, a key figure in the quest “Paralogism” is Albedo. Albedo, the 'Kreideprinz' (German for chalk prince), was introduced in version 1.2 during The Chalk Prince and the Dragon quest as a Knight of Favonius, the Chief Alchemist and leader of the Investigations Team.

He was originally born as a homunculus (artificial human) created by the infamous alchemist of Khaenri’ah, Rhinedottir, also known as Gold. He was introduced to Mondstadt on the recommendation of Alice (founder of the Hexenzirkel and Klee’s mother) and Rhinedottir herself.

A visual of the Hexenzirkel (Image via HoYoverse)

Rhinedottir and her influence on Teyvat

In the overarching lore of Genshin Impact, Rhinedottir is a character with a significant repertoire. Once a researcher and a master of the art of Khemia, she became one of the Five Sinners of Khaenri’ah. Rhinedottir is also linked to the cataclysm that occurred 500 years ago. She is also one of the witches of Hexenzirkel, along with Alice and Barbeloth (Mona’s master).

She was responsible for creating Durin, a huge dragon-like beast that once wreaked havoc on Mondstadt. The creature was subdued by Dvalin (former Dragon of the East), and his remains lay dormant over the mountains of Sal Vindagnyr, which we know today as Dragonspine (namesake based on him).

Durin’s remains, including his bones, heart, and blood manifested as Crimson Agates, are embedded across the snowy region. However, the corruption of the Abyssal powers causes his blood to be highly toxic and affects anyone who comes into contact with it.

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Throwback to Genshin Impact's version 2.3 Shadow Amid Snowstorms

Official Artwork for version 2.3’s event (Image via HoYoverse)

Albedo's backstory

In Genshin Impact’s version 2.3 Shadows Amid Snowstorms event, we get to know more about Albedo’s origins and his master Rhinedottir’s creations. The Primordial Human Project was one of her endeavors, out of which she created the perfect “synthetic” original human, Albedo. However, before him, there was a prototype, which she had deemed a failure.

She eventually fed the prototype to Durin, who absorbed it. Years later, before this event, the prototype, called 'Subject Two' by Albedo, escaped from Durin’s body and discovered his life in Mondstadt.

Key events in Shadow Amidst Snowstorms

Being Jealous of Albedo, Subject Two tries to get rid of him in hopes of taking his place. However, the Traveler's presence disrupts his plans. Aware of Subject Two’s existence, Albedo warns the Traveler to stay cautious.

Subject Two tries to create chaos and separate the group in Dragonspine, targeting Amber, Eula, and Bennett.

When everything fails, he proceeds to harm the Traveler with a mutant whopperflower he created with alchemy by stealing notes from Albedo's camp. In hindsight, this reveals how anybody affected by Durin can have shape-shifting abilities. In the end, Albedo goes to confront him in the final cutscene of the event.

Albedo's story takes a darker turn with this tense confrontation against Subject Two, marking one of the first major narrative shifts in Mondstadt's storyline. The details of Subject Two’s fate remain ambiguous.

Genshin Impact’s 5.6 Archon Quest Interlude continues the story from version 2.3’s event, finally answering the four-year-long question of what happened to Subject Two.

As the Archon Quest progresses, we learn that Albedo’s trial was an elaborate trap designed to subdue Durin and his lingering influence.

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Albedo during the trial (Image via HoYoverse)

The truth behind Albedo’s trial in Genshin Impact

After the first trial concludes, the truth comes to light in the second trial. Despite all of the evidence presented against Albedo seemingly supporting Hertha's prosecution, it is slowly revealed that her argument wasn't logically sound because she was missing key information.

Because of the real Hertha’s appearance, Albedo can expose the fake Hertha, who was acting as the prosecutor. She, along with audiences in that court, were all monsters disguised as citizens of Mondstadt, influenced by Durin’s power.

In the typical fashion of Genshin Impact's storytelling, a battle takes place to intercept these monsters, and eventually, victory is achieved with some help from Venti (Barbatos, the Anemo Archon). Albedo reveals that he and the other Knights had planned the trial. They anticipated an attack on the city, as Durin’s remains were becoming more active and dangerous over time.

Holding the Tripartite Conference

Once the battle has concluded, Venti, Albedo Jean, and the Traveler are in Jean’s office as we proceed to the next part of the operation. Albedo asks for permission to hold the Tripartite Conference between the joint forces of the Knights and the Church of Favonius, Barbatos, and the Hexenzirkel.

In the context of world-building in Genshin Impact, the Hexenzirkel is like a secret assembly of all the influential witches of Teyvat, known for exploring Irminsul and often having get-togethers. This Conference was originally set up by Barbatos per Varka’s wishes.

Although the terms of the agreement are unclear, all parties agreed that the Hexenzirkel would aid Mondstadt if the need arose.

Following these events, Albedo is questioned by Alice about his intentions of holding this conference. Amused by his ambitions to execute something grander than his master, she eventually agrees to assist Albedo. Meanwhile, Albedo requests the Traveler to visit his office before the Conference is held.

Mini Durin in the 5.6 Paralogism Archon Quest (Image via HoYoverse)

In the office, the Traveler and Paimon are surprised to see Mini Durin, who explains that he has come to Mondstadt following Albedo's plan. It is revealed ultimately that he will take over the deceased Durin and be revived as a human.

Having learned of the counterpart he was based on, Mini Durin hopes that his pure parts can help suppress Durin's evil and overpowering instincts, and to do that, he has made his choice to be a human and do something meaningful.

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Recap of Genshin Impact's version 4.8's Summertide Scales and Tales

Official artwork of the Summertide Scales and Tales event (Image via HoYoverse)

In Genshin Impact’s version 4.8 event, Summertide Scales and Tales, players explore a dream realm named Simulanka, shaped by a magical storybook created by Alice, Barbeloth, and Andersdotter (three members from the Hexenzirkel).

Mini Durin

The Traveler, Kirara, Nilou, Navia, and Wanderer encounter Mini-Durin, a young, storybook-like version of the original Durin in this realm. He is created entirely via imagination, emphasizing the original’s positive traits rather than corruption.

In contrast to the monstrous Durin, Mini-Durin represents a hopeful retelling because he is more inquisitive and compassionate, which is later revealed at the end of the event quest.

In Genshin Impact, the legacies of Durin and Albedo continue to evolve. Mini-Durin’s presence adds further depth to the lore of alchemy and dreams.

Alice in the form of a 'Dodoco' toy during the quest (Image via HoYoverse)

Albedo’s quest to recreate Mini Durin

Albedo needs three key components to create the human form of Mini Durin. First is the flesh of the immortal beast from Mare Jivari. The second is an embryo once used by his master, Rhinedottir. The final component is Durin’s heart, which lies in Dragonspine. While the heart is within reach, acquiring the other two materials necessitates the involvement of the Hexenzirkel.

Alice informs Albedo that, because these materials are intended to create life, he must first undergo a trial. He extends an invitation to the Traveler as well to accompany him during this crucial test.

Following the successful completion of the trial, overseen by Alice and the sudden appearance of Barbeloth, the necessary materials are granted to Albedo. As Mondstadt celebrates the ending of the Windblume Festival, with Venti performing for the city's citizens, he discreetly initiates the alchemical process.

Using the performance as a ruse, he completes the transmutation in the background, successfully turning Mini Durin into a human. Later, we find him standing before the statue of Barbatos, where he shares a revelation regarding Rhinedottir.

Albedo interprets the words left by his master, Rhinedottir (Image via HoYoverse)

Albedo’s search for purpose and humanity

In Genshin Impact's core narrative, Albedo's character story reveals that he and his master, Gold, discovered the heart of Naberius in a dungeon.

Soon after, Gold disappeared, but not before leaving Albedo instructions to find Alice in Mondstadt and uncover the truth of this world. He comes to understand that the latter part of the message isn’t about some revelation regarding the truth of this world but rather about life itself.

Life in itself isn’t about being alive or existing, but rather finding a purpose, getting to know oneself and others, our experiences molding it, and the fleeting moments. Albedo believes the final space between him and the real world is to become truly human.

This reflects the concept of existentialist philosophy, which is prevalent in Genshin Impact’s narrative surrounding its characters. For example, characters like the Wanderer also express existentialist themes as they struggle with their sense of identity, purpose, and choice.

Albedo reveals that Rhinedottir Gold has ‘devoured’ Naberius (Image via HoYoverse)

The mystery of the Ruler of Life and Rhinedottir’s role

At the end of the Archon Quest, he reveals that Rhinedottir devoured Naberius and achieved a measure of solace ever since then. Naberius is the other name for the Ruler of Life, who is also responsible for creating the first Hydro Archon, Egeria. However, he rephrases his words, stating that the “two are one now.”

In Genshin Impact’s lore, we learn about the Primordial One and its four Shades, who are believed to represent life, death, space (or void), and time.

So far, Naberius has been confirmed as the Ruler of Life, Ronova as the Ruler of Death, and Istaroth as the Ruler of Time. The identity of the Shade of Space or Void remains unknown.

As Albedo leaves to fill out his report following the entire operation and the alchemical process, he leaves us to ponder with our thoughts. Before we can think, Venti arrives and gives us a gift from the Hexenzirkel, with instructions that it will open itself when the time is right.

The same question arises in every Genshin Impact player’s mind at the end of the Paralogism Archon Quest: what events led Rhinedottir and the Ruler of Life to become one?

As always in the style of Genshin Impact’s storytelling, the Traveler will eventually discover the answer, as it’s all part of the journey.