Of all the timing! Azphel laughs at me, I'm sure of it. What else can explain it?! Listen, Player.

I was out surveying earlier, when I stumbled across the largest sample of Malek Ore I've ever seen. Larger than your wingspan, I'd wager.

Of course, that's not something I can just ignore, so I come back here for my tools, only to find fresh orders from General Nerita waiting for me. Beluslan's blacksmiths need iron ore, of all things, and I'm the one they want to gather it.

Player: "You can't do both?"

Not with the deadline Nerita gave me. And, sure as thunder follows lightning, the Shugo will have that Malek in their sights.

I can't stand by and watch those profiteering furballs hack away at that Malek Ore, not when there's genuine research to be done.

Could you bring me samples of the ore, Player?

Player: Accept.

Now I hope you've got strong shoulders. That ore isn't likely to yield anything from tapping--you'll need one lengthy swing to get that thing broken up.

In fact, your average pick probably won't do anything even with a twenty yard run-up. You'll need something specialized for the job. Maybe one of the tools I've seen those Kidorun Grave Robber Band wandering about with.

Ask Huarinrinerk if you can use one of their picks. Just don't tell her why you need it, understand?

Player: "Of course. Blood for blood."

Ah, Daeva! Come a long way to see little old Huarinrinerk, yes? What for?

Player: "Horu wants one of your picks."

Gah! Can't make much money from that...unless....

Why does Horu want a pick? He told you, yes? No? Hmm...maybe told you to keep quiet. Nyerk! Hmm...interesting. Horu is a friend though, so Huarinrinerk will help.

Here you go Daeva. Here is our pick. Must hit the ore with weight behind the pick head, and it will crumble like dried sand, yes yes. Good luck!

Player: "Thanks for this."

Heading back to the fortress already, yes?

How was our pick? Strong, yes? Much better than normal picks, yes?

Player: "Well..."

What? Haven't even been yet? Stupid Daeva! Ore doesn't mine itself! Picks don't swing themselves!

Daeva must stand on your own two feet, work with your own two hands, fly with your own two wings, and think with your own two brain cells! Akakak! Funny Huarinrinerk!

No, serious face. Go back and mine! Otherwise Huarinrinerk will tell Horu the Daeva he sent was stupid!

Player: "Right."

What?! Stupid Daeva lost the pick?!

Pick isn't small, Daeva! Isn't key, or coin! Pick is big! How could you lose it?!

Here, take this! But it's the last one, yes? No more! Last pick!

Player: "I heard you!"

Player where have you been? I was getting worried about you! You didn't run into trouble with the Shugos did you?

What about the ore? Did you manage to mine me some samples?

Player: "Well..."

What? You failed?

I had you down as a good, dependable Daeva. Was I wrong?

Player: "Wait. I'll finish the job."

What?! Then the stories were true?

According to legend, all precious jewels are guarded by a powerful protector. If that is true, and that Malek Ore boulder was a precious jewel, then you fought a guardian. Fascinating....

I'll carry out my research as soon as possible, but please take this reward for now.