Exploring the Story of Genshin Impact - Jakob Ingold, the Evolution of Humanity (Part 2)

In the previous installment, we learned about Jakob's childhood and the events that led the boy to lose not just one, but two family shelters. Today, let's revisit what transpired afterward, shaping this character into what we know today.

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Rediscovering Old Friends

After returning from Sumeru, Jakob and Rene sought out a secret library of the ancient Remuria civilization, poring over countless volumes. Despite much information being faded by time, Rene managed to unearth some insights and utilized them in his 'World Formula.' No matter how many times Rene experimented, the results remained the same: no civilization would arise after the next impending catastrophe.

But Rene believed it wasn't time to despair yet. He thought he could still influence from the outside to alter the predetermined outcome. To achieve this, Jakob and Rene together sought out a relic of the 'Golden Knights Brigade' - or the Sound Tamers trusted by King Remus to govern Remuria when he was in a slumber.

At this ruin, Rene discovered a magical technique called the 'Close Pact' consisting of two parts, but it was too blurred and unreadable. However, Rene recalled seeing similar symbols in the Narzissenkreuz Institute's archives, and they had a similar foundation. Rene believed what he found here would be very useful for the future.

While exploring the ruins of the Golden Knights Brigade, Jakob and Rene unexpectedly became intrigued by the corpse of the monster Elynas. They sensed a 'will' still lingering within the giant carcass - and they were right, as Elynas was still alive, merely abandoning its body. Elynas's flesh still contained vitality and venom, making Rene hesitant but Jakob believed there was no time to hesitate. He personally absorbed some of Elynas's blood, experiencing only a slight detox reaction.

Despite possessing an extremely intelligent mind, Rene still felt he needed more companions. Both sought out Alain and Mary, and the group met with joy even as Rene and Jakob tried to avoid Mr. Emanuel, their old foster father. The secret of Jakob's new body was also concealed as Rene still harbored resentment over the past Poisson raid. Alain recommended Rene and Jakob to the headmaster of the Narzissenkreuz Institute (possibly Dwight Lasker) and were warmly welcomed.

Both temporarily join Alain's laboratory, assisting their old friend in researching war machines from Khaenri'ah and Primal Constructs from Sumeru. They also get acquainted with Carter Scherbius, Alain's assistant. Despite being younger, Jakob forms a particularly close bond with Carter, considering him like a younger brother. However, Jakob is unaware of Carter's poor health and frequent ailments.

During this period, Jakob continues to nourish his new body with Elynas's blood, while still consuming human food out of habit. He gains immense strength - even a pack of Abyssal Wolves defeated in a 'strength test' orchestrated by Rene. Yet deep down, Jakob remains a vulnerable boy. He defeats the pack of Abyssal Wolves in tears, and in moments of peace, he enjoys watching Alain dismantle machinery, reminiscent of their days together in the orphanage.

Conflict and Division

While Jakob finds joy in the present life, Rene feels disappointed because the intellect of the Narzissenkreuz Institute members is not as expected. However, Rene still chooses to stay at the research institute because he believes that the influence of the scientists here is necessary to spread information about the impending disaster in Fontaine. To achieve this, Rene plans to use the Book of Revelation to share what he has seen with everyone.

However, the plan to change course fell through. One day, the group of friends Alain, Mary-Ann, Carter, Jakob, and Rene together went to the town of Petrichor for a camping trip. Here, they discovered more relics related to the Golden Knights Brigade, including Remuria's 'Golem' machines, and a torn map. Carter's health also unexpectedly deteriorated on this trip. Carter also revealed that he had also lived at the Narzissenkreuz orphanage, and the group became even closer as they reminisced about childhood memories.

Driven by the desire to help Carter and angered by Alain's refusal to trust anyone's results other than his own, Jakob and Rene decided to leave to pursue their own research. The head of the Narzissenkreuz Institute for Scientific Research allowed this new project, and the two were given their own laboratory to work in. They obtained a sample of Red Crystal, something created from the carcass of the giant dragon Durin, and realized that its structure and composition were very similar to Elynas's flesh as well as the Black Mud from Liyue.

Although Rene and Jakob's new research stalled after this discovery, their clandestine society continued to grow. At some point, Rene decided to name his secret organization the Narzissenkreuz Society to honor its origins, and to instill the necessary loyalty in its members.

(To be continued)