Thus Was the Work Done in Vain

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1. missing potential dialogue if second secret chamber is entered BEFORE obtaining this quest (requires not obtaining the quest, as none of the enter-the-room-ahead-of-time dialogue is obtained if the quest is already obtained); see walkthroughs for location
2. Does the line "Haha, to think that I'd find a Sweet Madame here — and still warm, too! It's practically a miracle." really exist in-game? If so, where? A regular editor and a couple of YouTube videos show that the line does not exist at the start of Wolfgang's final message even when a Delicious Sweet Madame is submitted.

Thus Was the Work Done in Vain is an event World Quest in Golden Apple Archipelago during the Summertime Odyssey event.

Steps[]

Start the quest by interacting with the Old Notes in the ruined tower on Present Day Minacious Isle.

Go to the island within the lake to check the ruins of the past
Go to the place on the lake island where the notes were left
Find a way to open the secret chamber
- Use Elemental Sight to reveal the correct order
Talk to Paimon
Etch hints for Wolfgang
Return to the outside of the lake to check Wolfgang's notes
Check Wolfgang's notes
Talk to Paimon
Go to the ruins on the ocean surface to search for traces of Wolfgang
Talk to Paimon
Go to the place on the lake island where the notes were left
Find a way to escape the secret chamber
- Use Elemental Sight to reveal the correct order
Talk to Paimon
Look for a place to leave hints
Return to the outside of the lake to check Wolfgang's notes
Check Wolfgang's notes
Talk to Paimon
Go to the now-sunken highland ruins
- Interact with the etchings
Talk to Paimon
Go to the island within the lake to check the highland ruins
Leave hints and a Sweet Madame
- Only the Normal and Delicious variant can be used. The Suspicious variant cannot be used.
Talk to Paimon
Go back outside the lake to check Wolfgang's etchings
Go to check the etchings that Wolfgang left behind
Talk to Paimon

Dialogue[]

(Enter the first secret chamber before the quest starts): Paimon: Uh oh, the door's closed. Why did it do that? ... This place is kinda dangerous...; Paimon: Let's look around, (TravelerTraveler). Maybe we can find some way to open the door!

(Enter the second secret chamber before the quest starts): Paimon: Transcription missing

(If torches lit in the wrong order): Paimon: The torches all went out. Do we need to light them in some specific order?; Paimon: Gah. If only there were some way to see what the order should be...

Quest Description

By chance, you discover notes left by an adventurer who was left stranded by Minacious Isle's traps. However, all that seems to have happened well in the now-unchangeable past. Might there be some way to help him, even if only in a Mirage?

(Interact with the Old Notes in present-day Minacious Isle)

Old Notes

(An old notebook. Someone has written in it with neat handwriting.)

I don't know if anyone will ever read this, but...

Jackpot! Congratulations! You've discovered a posthumous testament!

Yeesh, but is that really something worth celebrating? Well, whatever. I suppose I should be pleased that someone has found my last words, so I'll just pretend that I'm the one being congratulated.

To briefly summarize, I got trapped in this room when I was adventuring on this island. Try as I might, I couldn't find a way out.

I ran out of food, and then I ran out of ideas. I'm about to be done for.

And that's when I thought of my dear sweet Linda in Mondstadt... Hah, as if! Agh, I never would have become an adventurer if I'd had a girlfriend.

No, what I thought about was what my aunt said before I set off. She said I'd always been sickly, knew nothing of hard work, and was scatter-brained and gullible, and that sooner or later, I'd get myself into a pickle that I couldn't get out of.

I was so mad then, but when I think back on it now, her voice was nasal, like she was forcing back tears... or maybe that was just from the cold she had caught the day before, hahaha.

...Is it too late to regret having become an adventurer now?

At first, it was the thirst for adventure that made me take my first steps. But now, all these years later, I still haven't seen any amazing sights and I barely make enough Mora to make ends meet.

That is to say, it was only after becoming an adventurer that I discovered that real life isn't anything like the exciting and glamorous life imagined by a layman.

"There are no shortcuts in this life. Everyone will have some pains that are left unspoken of."

Speaking of regrets... there's really no point regretting things. Everyone, no matter which path they take in life, will have their own pain and obtain their own happiness because of it.

You could say that I'm happy now... Actually, never mind. It's way too cold for me to be happy right now.

Oof... Well, I think this is it. I'm starting to lose consciousness. Heh, I really wish I could eat some Sweet Madame from Mondstadt... Just let me have one Sweet Madame...

Wolfgang

Paimon: Hehe, Sweet Madame really is delicious.

Paimon: Paimon really gets why this Wolfgang guy misses it!

Paimon: Poor guy, trapped in here without any chance of having Sweet Madame just one last time...

This notebook is very, very old...

This happened a long time ago, Paimon...

Paimon: Yeah, but... Do you remember how we crossed through something like a lake on an island to reach another island on the other side, (Traveler)?

Paimon: The buildings on the island inside the lake do look way more complete than the ones outside it.

Paimon: The buildings on the current island look like ruins in comparison...

The buildings within the lake might be...

The buildings within the lake reflect their original appearance...

Paimon: That's very likely! The buildings on the island inside might just be the original form of the ruins outside!

Paimon: (Traveler), do you think...

That the island within the lake is the island as it once looked?

Paimon: Yeah!

Paimon: Also, look... We can save this guy if we find where that secret chamber used to be, can't we?

It's only gonna work within the confines of the Mirage...

That won't change what happened in reality...

Paimon: Yeah, but... Even if it's all fake, and this adventurer doesn't even exist... Shouldn't we at least try to save him? His fate was so sad...

Paimon: (Traveler)...

Well yes, I suppose you're right.

Paimon: Hehe! Paimon knew you'd agree, (Traveler)!

Let's go have a look, then...

Paimon: Yup, let's try to save this Wolfgang guy, shall we?

Paimon: Let's have a look at the island that's inside the lake.

(Enter the first secret chamber)

(If this is the player's first time entering the room): Paimon: Ugh, that door closed just like that. Guess this is how that Wolfgang guy got trapped in here...; Paimon: Let's look around, (TravelerTraveler). Maybe we can find some way to open the door!
(If the player has previously entered the room): Paimon: So this is where we were locked up previously...; Paimon: Still remember how to open it?

(Unlock the gate): Paimon: The door opened! Whew, that was kinda tricky.; Paimon: Huh, looks like Wolfgang hasn't written any notes here yet, (TravelerTraveler)...; So he hasn't been here...; Paimon: We did open the chamber for him back then... This means he won't get stuck now, right?; Well, if that device can be triggered multiple times...; Even if we did solve it once...; Paimon: Wait, then... Um, why don't we leave him a message?; Paimon: Let's try etching our message into someplace obvious. We'll tell him how to decipher the mechanism!

(Etch the words): Paimon: Let's leave a few words here, he should be able to see 'em!; Paimon: Let's go back to the island outside the lake. Maybe the notes might already be gone!

(Interact with the etchings in the past): Etchings: (These etchings are fresh...); Etchings: (They describe how one may light the torches up in the right order...)

(Interact with the etchings in the present, above the Old Notes): Etchings: (These etchings are old...); Etchings: (They describe how one may light the torches up in the right order...)

(Interact with the Old Notes in present-day Minacious Isle)

Old Notes

(An old notebook. Someone has written in it with neat handwriting.)

Good grief, this really is a dangerous island... I never expected that casually fumbling into a room carried the risk of being locked in a secret chamber.

Whoever reads this note — that's right, I'm talking about you — you must surely have been trapped in this secret chamber too. Bet you've got this frown on your face and a chronic case of uncontrollable sighing.

But your reliable ol' senior — that's me — discovered a hint that someone etched into the wall! While I don't know which kindhearted soul left it there, it is indeed a means of escaping this secret chamber.

After careful analysis, I've deduced that it means that one must "light the torches in a certain order"...

I finally succeeded after many attempts, and hurriedly left the method to unlock the chamber behind for the next adventurer who gets stuck in here — looks like that's you!

So, if you succeed, don't forget to thank me.

Your run-of-the-mill adventurers wouldn't have been so attentive as to notice the etchings in the wall like I did.

This island seems to conceal many secrets, so I'll be going ahead of you to the ruins in the mountains!

Wolfgang

Paimon: Hey, it looks like he got out of that secret chamber after all! ... And he... credited his sharp eyes for his escape!? C'mon, we left the clue in such an obvious spot!

Paimon: Also, how many notebooks does this guy carry around!?

Paimon: *sigh* He didn't go back after getting out of that chamber. He actually wants to continue adventuring...

Well, it's because he believes he resolved the crisis.

He did escape the secret chamber, you know.

Paimon: That's... That's true. The secret chamber that would trap him forever has now become an obstacle that he easily overcame...

Paimon: That said, the mountain ruins that he mentioned can't be seen in the island outside the lake at all.

It's been a really long time since, Paimon...

Paimon: Did it collapse and then fall into the sea, then? Paimon's pretty sure that we saw some similar buildings outside in the ocean...

Paimon: Let's explore the nearby sea regions when we've got the time!

(Interact with the Old Notes on the island far west of present Minacious Isle)

Old Notes

(An old notebook. Someone has written in it with neat handwriting.)

I don't know if anyone will ever read this, but...

Unfortunately, this is my last testament!

To sum things up, I got trapped in this room while adventuring on this island. Actually, there are loads of rooms on this island that can lock people up. I thought I could rely on my wits to break myself out of here like what I did in the last secret chamber, but alas.

But when I really think about it, I was only able to unlock the mechanism last time thanks to some notes that were left behind. It had nothing to do with my wits, really. Looks like I'm just not cut out to be an adventurer...

I ran out of food, and then I ran out of ideas. I'm about to be done for.

That's when I thought of that little tuxedo cat from Mondstadt, Bella... Oh, sweet Bella! Whenever I'd go out to eat, you'd always step all over my plate, tipping it over. I'm afraid I won't be able to go to the restaurant anymore... I wonder if you will feel lonely without me around...?

"That human whose plate I always stepped on hasn't come by in a while, meow..."

Is that what you're thinking, Bella? ...*sigh* Probably not, huh? Haha.

Speaking of restaurants, the last time I went to one, I had Sweet Madame.

I've been to so many places and eaten so many great dishes, but might I be so bold as to say that Mondstadt's Sweet Madame is the best in the world?

Saying that, my stomach is grumbling so much it's practically singing a tenor solo.

*sigh* If only I could have another bite of Sweet Madame... Just one bite would do...

Wolfgang

Paimon: This notebook... Oh, it's "Wolfgang."

Oh, joy. Stuck again, is he?

Didn't learn his lesson, I suppose?

Paimon: I guess some people need some punishment before they'll learn anything...

Paimon: These underwater buildings... They should be the mountain ruins that we saw on the island on the other side of the lake. Let's go inside again to make sure, (Traveler).

(Enter the second secret chamber)

(If this is the player's first time entering the room): Paimon: Well, that door closed, just as expected.; Paimon: This is the second chamber to trap Wolfgang. Let's see how we can get outta here.
(If the player has previously entered the room): Paimon: Oh, so this is the place...; Paimon: Isn't this where we got blocked the previous time, and Wolfgang before us?

(Unlock the gate): Paimon: Wolfgang hasn't left his notebook here either. Looks like he hasn't arrived yet.; Paimon: Let's leave him some hints on how to open this secret chamber again, shall we?; This solution...; Without the use of elemental powers...; Paimon: Oh yeah, that's true. If Wolfgang can't make use of the elements...; Paimon: Then the solution's useless to him. What should we do...; How about we just make him not enter this place at all?; Let's leave a message outside the door.; Paimon: Ooh, that's right! We can just leave a hint outside saying that there's a secret chamber here.; Paimon: Then he won't come in, and he won't get trapped in these ruins!; Paimon: C'mon, let's do it, quick!

(If the player chooses the location near the single torch in the next room): Paimon: Should we really leave the message here? Shouldn't we look for a place closer to the door?

(If the player chooses the location near the three torches in the locked room): Paimon: He should have gone into the secret chamber by the time he sees this message. Paimon thinks it won't be of that much use here...

(Etch the words at the right location): Paimon: This place should be eye-catching enough!; Paimon: Let's hope Wolfgang does see it, and doesn't go running around the secret chambers in these ruins anymore...; Paimon: Let's go back and have a look. Maybe his notes might have changed this time, too!

(Interact with the etchings in the past): Etchings: (These etchings are fresh...); Etchings: (They speak of how this place is a perilous secret chamber...)

(Interact with the etchings in the present): Etchings: (These etchings are old...); Etchings: (They speak of how this place is a perilous secret chamber...)

(Interact with the Old Notes)

Old Notes

(An old notebook. Someone has written in it with neat handwriting.)

Now, you might find it strange that a notebook has been put in front of the door, yes? Well, I'd say it's more conspicuous that way.

I do hope you aren't flipping through this notebook as you walk into the room behind that door, because then there won't be anything I can do for you.

If you haven't entered yet, then definitely don't enter! It's a trap that locks you inside!

See the etchings at the entrance? They're markings left for us by a senior adventurer. It's the second time I've seen them, and judging from the handwriting, they must have been the work of the same person...

I haven't met this senior, but they've already saved me twice by my count.

Thank you so much, whoever you are!

Well, even if I was in the secret chamber, it surely would have been a cinch for someone as exceptionally clever as me to find their way out of it, but as they say, "truly smart adventurers never put themselves in real danger"...

So I shan't test my luck.

So, let me guess: you didn't notice the etchings, and my notebook saved you. Don't forget to thank me!

Hehe, I'll be going to the ruins up there next, so I can get a panoramic view of the sea. I'm sure it'll be a great view. Can't wait to brag about it to my friends if I do manage to see it.

Wolfgang

Paimon: Well, he didn't go in again. That's a relief.

Paimon: Still, his annoyingly arrogant attitude is really ticking Paimon off!

He really does sound like he's getting more and more full of himself...

Paimon: That said, the highland ruins he mentioned should be near the submerged ruins...

Paimon: Let's go have a look. Honestly, who knows if he was able to climb that high up safely...

(Interact with the etchings)

Etchings: (These etchings are old. They have been written as such...)

Etchings: "The wind is very strong here, so I'm not going to use a notebook."

Etchings: "The sunrise here is beautiful indeed. It fills my heart with satisfaction to have braved many dangers to get here."

Etchings: "I wonder if anyone will come after me to see these same sights."

Etchings: "Now that I've cleared this particular trial... Next stop, Dragonspine!"

Etchings: "This truly is a lovely place. The only thing it's missing is some Sweet Madame..."

Etchings: "Wolfgang."

Paimon: Ooh, so there weren't any notes here because he carved a message on the pillar. Huh, so he made it all the way here.

Paimon: Where does his confidence come from, though... If we hadn't helped him out, he'd still be stuck in the secret chamber!

Paimon: He's pretty much gonna be Chilled Meat if he goes to Dragonspine!

That's a little overboard...

Paimon: Eh? U—Um, Paimon just means that he'd be in deep trouble if he went to Dragonspine.

Well, he's going to get in trouble for sure.

Paimon: Exactly! Dragonspine's super cold and is filled with hilichurls... Not to mention The Great Snowboar King!

Paimon: We need to tell him not to go, and quick!

Well, let's leave him another message, shall we...

Paimon: Right, that's right! Paimon thought so too... And y'know what, let's leave him some Sweet Madame this time too!

Paimon: Maybe he'll start missing the warmth of Mondstadt once he's had a bite, and he'll give up on going to Dragonspine!

The Sweet Madame's gonna spoil, you know.

Paimon: Eh, come on, it's the thought that counts. Right?

(Etch the words): Paimon: Let's leave our message here — and a Sweet Madame too!
(Submit Normal or Delicious Sweet Madame): Paimon: Paimon really hopes that Wolfgang can give that notion of going to Dragonspine a rest...; Paimon: Let's go to the ruins we were at previously once we get out through the lake. Maybe we'll find some sign of him changing his mind!

(Interact with the etchings in the past): Etchings: (These etchings are fresh...); Etchings: "Do not go to Dragonspine. It is a perilous place..."

(Interact with the etchings in the present)

Old Etchings: (These etchings are old. They have been written as such...)

Old Etchings: "The wind is very strong here, so I'm not going to use a notebook."

(If Traveler left a Delicious Sweet Madame within the lake)‍^{[verification needed]}

Etchings: "Haha, to think that I'd find a Sweet Madame here — and still warm, too! It's practically a miracle."

Old Etchings: "I don't know who left that Sweet Madame there or how they knew that I wanted to have some. It's all very strange... But I'm very thankful all the same."

Old Etchings: "Thank you, person who left the etchings behind! Your Sweet Madame was the best I've ever tasted."

Old Etchings: "And thank you. I do know that Dragonspine is very dangerous... and I know my limits as well. But I must go."

Old Etchings: "Who knows, a sign that says 'here be traps' might be all that shall be left of my journey to Dragonspine."

Old Etchings: "But if someone else can avoid that danger and get further than I did, that to me would be something even more precious than a Sweet Madame."

Old Etchings: "Thank you, whoever you are who left those etchings. But we adventurers exist precisely because of perils like Dragonspine."

Old Etchings: "Dearest Regards, Wolfgang."

Paimon: What the... This guy's saying some pretty glib stuff, huh?

Paimon: This is bad. We've got to get to Dragonspine and...

Paimon, what we change in the Mirage will not change the past...

Wolfgang will never make it to Dragonspine...

Paimon: Ah... Right, that's true. Wolfgang is only "here" at all because the Golden Apple Archipelago is under the effects of that device...

Paimon: That's why Paimon thought that he was rescued... But in the end, he really was just stuck in that very first secret chamber, wasn't he...

Paimon: But still, this Wolfgang is really... annoying! We helped him so much, but he still thinks that it would be nice if he could "pave the way" for others...

Paimon: Couldn't he at least value his life a little more?

Everybody's looking for that something...

Well, it's only because people like him exist...

Paimon: Ugh... Paimon gets it!

Paimon: Still, if only they could have come to better ends. You know, like returning to Mondstadt, becoming great adventurers, maybe going to the tavern to play with cats, eat Sweet Madame to their heart's content...

Paimon: Why doesn't it ever end well for them?

Video Guides[]

Thus Was the Work Done in Vain Guide

Quick Guide: Thus Was the Work Done (7 Chest Total)

Other Languages[]

Language	Official Name	Literal Meaning
English	Thus Was the Work Done in Vain	—
Chinese (Simplified)	正因其徒劳 Zhèng Yīn Qí Túláo
Chinese (Traditional)	正因其徒勞 Zhèng Yīn Qí Túláo
Japanese	無駄骨の結果 Mudabone no Kekka‍^[!]^[!]Assumed reading	Fruitless Outcome
Korean	헛수고의 이유 Hyeotsugo-ui Iyu	Reason for Vain
Spanish	Todo para nada	All for Nothing
French	Du travail accompli en vain	Work Accomplished in Vain
Russian	Напрасный труд Naprasnyy trud	Useless Work
Thai	ทุ่มเทเพื่อสิ่งนี้อย่างไร้ประโยชน์
Vietnamese	Sẵn Lòng Bỏ Công Vô Ích
German	Alles umsonst	All for Nothing
Indonesian	Pekerjaan yang Sia-Sia	A Fruitless Work
Portuguese	Tudo Por Nada	All for Nothing

Change History[]

Released in Version 2.8

[Create New History]

Thus Was the Work Done in Vain

Contents

Steps[]

Dialogue[]

Video Guides[]

Other Languages[]

Change History[]

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