Version 6.1’s Archon Quest Act IV, “An Elegy for Faded Moonlight,” delivers the climactic confrontation between the Traveler’s group and Rerir, the Rächer of Solnari—one of Khaenri’ah’s most dangerous Sinners. This Genshin Impact chapter answers long-standing lore questions while opening new mysteries about the fallen nation’s tragic downfall.
Table of Contents
Genshin Impact Key Story Moments at a Glance
| Event | Significance | Characters Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Reinforcements Arrive | Albedo and Durin join the fight | Traveler, Paimon, Varka, Albedo, Durin |
| Dainsleif’s Revelation | Truth about the Five Sinners’ corruption revealed | Dainsleif, Nefer, Traveler |
| Rerir’s Immortality Discovery | Body composed entirely of Abyssal energy | Albedo, Durin, entire team |
| Chess Box Containment | Two-day countdown to final battle begins | Nefer, Varka, Dori |
| Columbina’s Power-Up | Gains strength from Iridescent Moon | Columbina, Arlecchino |
The Knights of Favonius Enter Nod-Krai
The quest begins with Traveler and Paimon arriving at the Knights of Favonius’ hidden base in Nod-Krai, where they meet Albedo and Durin—the reinforcements Varka summoned to counter Rerir’s growing threat. This reunion marks a crucial turning point, bringing Mondstadt’s brightest minds into the battle.
Inside the base, Dainsleif announces he’ll join the fight against Rerir, adding invaluable experience from someone who personally knew the Five Sinners before their corruption. The team assembles with unprecedented strength, combining military strategy, alchemical genius, and ancient knowledge.
Looking for more Genshin Impact lore deep-dives? Explore our complete Khaenri’ah storyline analysis for connections across all regions.
The Race Against Time
Nefer warns the chess box containing Rerir will only hold for two days, creating urgent pressure on the team. During this preparation period:
- Albedo and Durin’s research reveals Rerir’s body is now entirely composed of Abyssal energy, making him effectively immortal
- Dori contacts the Dendro Archon, requesting aid and counsel against Rerir’s destructive powers
- Varka develops a strategic battle plan for the confrontation
The Battle Inside the Chess Box
After two days, the group reconvenes on Hiisi Island to prepare for battle inside the chess box. Everyone joins forces to face Rerir, but midway through the fight, he separates the Traveler and Nefer from the others.
The confrontation takes a devastating turn when Nefer witnesses Rerir’s memories and mocks him for his inability to see truth, causing her eyes to start bleeding. Her provocation drives Rerir to unleash his full Abyssal power.
Want to optimize your Nod-Krai team compositions? Check our latest character build guides featuring Nefer, Albedo, and other key characters.
Dainsleif Reveals the Five Sinners’ Origins
The most significant lore revelation comes through Dainsleif’s confession. When Nefer asks about the events that led the Sinners to be tempted by the Abyss, Dainsleif explains that each was driven by their own desires and ambitions, which the Abyss exploited to cause Khaenri’ah’s downfall.
However, Rerir differed from the rest—he didn’t have a grand ambition at that time. One night, his brother Vedrfolnir was summoned by King Irmin, who gouged out his eyes and imprisoned him. Dainsleif gathered his friends to rescue him, but all, including Vedrfolnir, had turned against him by siding with the Abyss that night.
This backstory recontextualizes Rerir’s motivations entirely, transforming him from a simple villain into a tragic figure corrupted by betrayal and desperation.
Columbina’s Mysterious Power
The act concludes with an intriguing development: Columbina reveals she has gained strength from the Iridescent Moon’s power acquired earlier with Arlecchino’s help. This power boost raises questions about the Harbinger’s true role in Nod-Krai’s conflicts.
For official game updates and patch notes, visit HoYoverse’s Genshin Impact website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to complete previous Archon Quests before playing Act IV?
Yes, you must finish Act III “A Nation That Doesn’t Exist” to unlock “An Elegy for Faded Moonlight.” The story builds directly on previous events, and skipping will leave you confused about character relationships and plot developments. The game provides a Quick Start function if you meet Adventure Rank requirements, but experiencing the full storyline is recommended.
Will there be more acts in the Song of the Welkin Moon storyline?
While Act IV provides major revelations, the ending leaves several mysteries unresolved, including Nefer’s conversation with Dainsleif and Columbina’s new powers. HoYoverse typically continues major Archon Quest storylines across multiple updates, so expect future acts to explore the aftermath of the Rerir confrontation and deeper Khaenri’ah secrets.
