My grandfather always said that since people and records can lie, you should always check three times if you want to confirm something. If you formulate a hypothesis and can provide three or more pieces of evidence to prove it, it might be enough to confirm its truth.

Why don't I come up with a hypothesis right now? I believe that you have nothing to do at the moment.

Why do I think that? One, you are here speaking to me. Two, you are listening patiently. And three, you aren't leaving.

My name is Nixkon, the explorer extraordinaire!

I'm planning an investigation of this newly discovered continent based on a certain hypothesis.

Would you be gracious enough to volunteer as my partner? I could do it alone, but then any evidence I find to support my theory would lack objectivity.

And that answer was the final proof for my hypothesis that you have time on your hands! What do you think? That was fun, wasn't it?

Now then, why don't we set out to prove an even more interesting hypothesis? There are creatures we've never seen before living in Cygnea villages. I want to investigate that place to prove my hypothesis.

Let us make our way to Black Fin Village! I will explain what we have to do once we're there. And, I'll be in hiding, so good luck finding me when you get there!

Welcome to Black Fin Village?

You saw them on your way here, right? What do you think?

That's right! A great observation. There are so many marvelous things here.

Now then, the first thing to do is collect some soil samples. Well... I think checking the sample should be enough to prove my hypothesis.

Collect the Shining Lump of Soil from Coral Rise and bring me the Shining Soil Sample. In the meantime, I'll get everything else ready.

Well? Did you bring the soil?

What a curious texture... The surface is dry, while the inside is a little moist, as if it was soaked with water and then dried. And it's crunchy.... Perhaps it was frozen, then melted, then hardened again.

It has some fascinating characteristics. An event of unimaginable magnitude must have happened on this continent in the past. I sense that my hypothesis will be proven true.

We must continue to investigate!

No, no, no. I need the soil sample collected from the Shining Lump of Soil in Coral Rise.

C'mon! Get moving!

The creatures here are obviously suited for life underwater.

That's not surprising, since this continent was under the ocean. Though, I didn't think they'd be able to breathe on land.

But I found some evidence in their village that will add to the credibility of my hypothesis!

Shh. Listen now. When you want to find out about a location's past, you need to examine the history and records of the people currently living there. I did some snooping around and discovered that different cultures coexist here.

Are these creatures really the indigenous people of Cygnea? I find it difficult to answer that question with confidence.

It's time to look for more evidence to validate my hypothesis! Here, take this. It's a tool for taking rubbings from things like murals. There is a Unusual Mural in Black Fin Village. Go collect a Mural Rubbing. Meanwhile, I'll look for more evidence here.

Ah, there you are. I was getting tired of waiting... I almost came to look for you.

Let me take a look at what you've brought.

Oh...! Just as I expected. Here, compare it with this rubbing from a mural I got in another part of Black Fin Village.

You can see that in the mural obtained from my rubbing, the form is clearly defined, as if carved recently. There is really nothing unusual about this mural. It just depicts the everyday life of the Black Fin tribe.

But the rubbing you brought, your character, shows... the sun and the moon... clouds... trees... four-legged animals and birds...

What do you think the difference is between these two?

Exactly! My hypothesis has been proven yet again. The vague picture is becoming more clear, yes?

Then the time has come to test my theory one last time.

While I was investigating here earlier, I noticed an interesting fossil deep in Black Fin Village, but I couldn't get to it. That fossil will be the final piece of evidence. Please bring me the Ancient Creature Fossil.

(It appears to be the fossil of one of the first creatures that lived in Cygnea.)

(It is very worn and eroded, showing signs that immeasurable years have gone by since its passing.)

(The fossilized creature looks more suited for life on land than underwater.)

(It is not a creature seen commonly in present-day Cygnea.)

How was it? Did you find the fossil I told you about?

Yes! This proves my hypothesis that Cygnea was initially a continent above sea level that, for some reason, sank to the bottom of the ocean. The age of the fossil and soil layer shows that the event took place well over a thousand years ago. And the continent remained submerged until it rose up after Beritra's Invasion.

The soil that bears the signs of extreme climate patterns, a mural that depicts a life on land, the fossil of an ancient land-based creature.... Now, one question remains... why did Cygnea rise up after all this time? Hmm.... Well, that's not my area of research, unfortunately.

But, I was still able to prove my hypothesis to be true, thanks to your assistance. I better go and start drafting my report. Thank you very much!

1. Talk with Nixkon at the Henor Territory Village.

2. Look for Nixkon in Hiding in the Black Fin Village.

3. Collect the Shining Soil Sample from the Shining Lump of Soil and report back to Nixkon in Hiding.

   Shining Soil Sample x3

4. Talk with Nixkon in Hiding at the Black Fin Village.

5. Use the Rubbing Tool on the Unusual Mural in the Black Fin Village.

6. Talk with Nixkon in Hiding at the Black Fin Village.

7. Examine the Ancient Creature Fossil.

8. Report back to Nixkon at the Henor Territory Village.

Help Nixkon unravel the secrets of Cygnea.

You helped Nixkon with the investigation of the soil sample, a mural, and a fossil in Black Fin Village.

The investigation revealed that Cygnea used to be a continent above sea level that sank to the bottom of the ocean a long time ago, but the cause remains unknown.