In HSR (Honkai: Star Rail) “Expectation and Reality” is a secret quest from the series under the general name “The Chronicles of Amphoraeus”, during which our Pathfinder will have to uncover a fraudulent scheme for trading counterfeit titan weapons in the Ochema market and assess the durability of the fakes in order to get a secret achievement.
In this guide, we will analyze how to start completing the “Expectation and Reality” quest in XSR, check the authenticity of the spears and shields, and then see the outcome of the story, for which the “Pathfinder's Paradox” achievement will be issued.
Completing the “Expectation and Reality” quest in XSR
To meet confident weaponsmiths and start the quest, you need to:
- Open access to the territory of sacred Ochema;
- Complete the story mission “O silver chariot, rush to the dark lands” from the main story line;
Next, visit the street northeast of the Marble Fair anchor in Ochem and join the crowd of onlookers examining the weapons of Kilik and Kelok. To become a participant in the quest, allow the thoughtful Pathfinder to “Listen to the enticing speeches of the merchants…” Your attention will be focused on Kelok, the merchant of “genuine Georios shields”, and we will check his goods first.
Try to break the shield
During the first check, aim any attack move at Kelok's goods – the shield, as expected, will fall apart into pieces. Surprisingly, the seller will assure that even in pieces his weapon can still protect someone.
Choose an Arbiter
After the shield check fails, spearman Kilik will join the conversation – this merchant will assure you that his polearms, unlike the competitor's goods, are actually created from the body of a titan. But as soon as the question of another crash test arises, both sellers will start demanding an independent expert, and of course we will have to look for him.
A blacksmith Khartonus whom we know just stopped opposite the merchants — talk to him and offer to participate in the assessment of the weapons “created by titans.”
Choose a bid
Before the start of the assessment, passers-by will start arguing about whose goods will be able to withstand the test. We can also take part in the dispute by betting on a shield or a spear, or not get involved in the venture at all – the choice will only affect the line at the end of the quest, rewards and achievement will not change.
Watch the testing of the titans' weapons
Having found the most suitable Arbiter in all of Ochem, return to the merchants and watch the first test – the divine goods will barely touch each other and immediately fly apart. The entrepreneurs will say that it is all about the equal strength of the titans of earth and discord. Therefore, as a control test, they will be tested on ordinary weapons.
Check the durability of spears and shields again
Finally, take part in a series of crash tests with different numbers of spears and shields to finally make sure that Kilik and Kelok are ordinary, extraordinary swindlers. The crowd is finally convinced of the deception and gives the guard a testament, and we end our participation in the task.
For successfully exposing the would-be merchants, the player will be rewarded with the following valuable trophies: 10 jades (+5 for the achievement), 2 Memory Shards, 20 thousand credits and 3 magazines for leveling up heroes.
Pioneer's Paradox Achievement in HSR
The secret achievement “Pioneer's Paradox” is awarded after completing the mission “Expectation and Reality”. For it, you can loot 5 jades from the collection “Our Memories”.
