Ah, Player. It took quite some time, but I was finally able to talk to Aran.

I looked deep into his eyes and let my mind become one with his...or, attempted to, at least. But his mind was like a stone!

A stone weathered by a world of pain. His soul has deteriorated and his will broken...he is himself no more. He must be stopped.

Player: "Stopped?"

Yes, stopped. Don't make me spell it out, Player. He protects the Jotun Studio because within its walls is a powerful device.

This device holds the power of the ancient days. Aran wants to use it to cast his vengeance on the Elyos...this much I could read from his bitter mind.

He blames us for Aion's Tower falling, for Lord Israphel and Lady Siel Displacing, for leaving his people to rot in Balaurea.

Player: "But the Elyos are not responsible!"

He doesn't see the truth any longer.... He only sees what he wants to see. Time has distorted the soul of this once great leader of the Reians.

It is impossible to persuade him otherwise. There is no longer any light in his spirit.

The Reians will be furious, but you must relieve him from the shackles of his hatred. You must kill him, Player.

Player: Accept.

I feel for Aran, and I understand his plight. I was supposed to assassinate him if I could not persuade him...but I cannot, my friend.

There is no time to hesitate. You must kill Dark Sage Aran.

And please bring me everything you find on him. He was once a great leader, and the Reian Tribe will want his belongings to honor him by.

Player: "I understand. I will kill him."

Aran lived a long life, and his soul, I hope, is finally at peace.

I am almost afraid to ask, but did you finish helping his soul return to the Aether?

Player: "He is dead. Here are his items."

I understand that you don't want to kill an old man, Player, but the lives of many Elyos may be at risk if you don't.

You must remove Dark Sage Aran from this world now.

And please remember to bring back his possessions so I can give them to his people.

Player: "I am ready now."

It is a sad day, my friend. But with these belongings of his, I hope the Reians will remember Aran for who he was...not who he became.

Thank you again, Player.