Bianu Ajitaran!

Welcome, Player.

I've never said it openly before, but I've always regarded you as a friend of Shadow. In spite of the risks, there's something I must tell you.

Player: "Shadow? What are you talking about?"

You'll learn more as you carry out this mission.

For now, I cannot answer your questions, so please do as I ask.

Go to the Library of the Sages in Sanctum and see the historian, Nestor. He'll tell you everything.

Player: "I suppose I have little choice."

Bianu Ajitaran! Welcome, friend of Shadow.

Now that you're here...there's something about your past that I must tell you. It will be hard to accept...but you must listen.

I can explain it all to you later, but first...you need to know...

Player: "What do I need to know?"

This is all that I know. You'll need to get the Hidden Proof Orb in order to see the rest of what happened between those two. For that, though, you'll need the components.

You can get a Manastone: MP +50 through hunting, and a Lazuli is found commonly in Atreia. Getting a Black Blaze Stone will be a bit more difficult. You can only find it at the Grave of Claws in the upper layer of the Abyss, and you must defeat the Black Blaze Spirit that guards it.

When you've collected all the materials, take them to Alchemy Master Diana. I'll contact her in advance--when she has the materials, she'll make the Hidden Proof Orb for you.

Player: "Wish me luck."

Ah, Player! I've been waiting for you.

Nestor has ordered something for you. He always has such odd requests.

Did you bring the materials?

Player: "Yes, here they are."

Good. Then wait while I put it all together. It only takes a moment....

Let's see...Manastone and...Lazuli and...Black Blaze Stone...and...

Finished! You can take it to Nestor now.

Player: "Thank you."

You're back, Player. Did you take the materials to Diana?

And did she make the orb I asked for?

Player: "Yes, she made...this."

This orb will show you the past.

Something happened between Ecus and Icaronix at the Sliver of Darkness. Now you can see with your own eyes what passed between them.

When you're ready, place your hand on the orb. And watch.

Player: "I'm ready."

I've long had my doubts about what happened to Ecus. What did you see?

Player: "I saw..."

So it's true! Ecus is Vanished--his soul is unbound, never to find its way to an Obelisk. What a terrible loss....

It seems Icaronix knew that Ecus, like me, was a Shadow. I suppose I should explain now about the Shadow Elders.

To put it simply, we seek the truths that others hide--throughout Atreia.

Player: "What kind of truths?"

Young Daevas may forget that Atreia was once one world. The Cataclysm sundered that world, and we have waged war for eons as Elyos and Asmodians.

Each side fights in the belief that our survival hinges on the other's destruction. But we Shadow Elders believe there is a way to reunite Atreia.

Now I must let my colleagues know what happened to Ecus. Go to the Lyceum of Sanctum and tell Aithra about this.

Player: "Maybe Aithra will have more answers."

Welcome.

What is your business with me?

Player: "I have a message..."

So Icaronix really.... Hmmm. I appreciate you coming here to tell me this despite the risks.

But I don't have the authority to handle this matter. Please take this message to Boreas. And be discreet.

Player: "Of course."

Your story is not entirely shocking to me.

I was suspicious of Icaronix for some time, but didn't imagine he would actually harm Ecus, much less Vanish him. How awful. If I had known....

Well, that's the past. Now our job is to track down Icaronix. Thank you, Player.