Arieluma, Player! I've been studying those samples you gathered for me. I didn't find much, but I think I know why.

My new theory is that the real issue is probably detectable only in the in the Decayed Earth Spirits.

The distinction is small, but important.

Player: "You want more dirt?"

No...no...no...well, not exactly. You see, every Spirit has its own essence. It's a kind of crystal made from condensed energy.

The nature or ability of a Spirit is determined by its essence. So, inspecting the essence of a spirit can tell you a lot about it.

I've received essence samples taken from spirits in other areas. If I can get some essence from Decayed Earth Spirits around here, I can compare them.

Player: Accept.

If there's anything I can do for you in return, just ask.

From each Decayed Earth Spirit you slay, you should be able to collect some Essence of Earth.

May the protection of Ariel be with you!

Player: "I hope so."

I've been prepping these samples for comparison. Take a look. This is the Essence of Earth I told you about.

Did you manage to find some local Essence of Earth for comparison?

Player: "I've got this."

Did you get this from a Decayed Earth Spirit? This doesn't look like 3 samples of Essence of Earth.

You may have made a mistake.

Player: "I'll go look again."

Wait...this is from a Essence of Earth? Really?

I've never seen anything like this before. The problem's more serious than I thought.

Thank you so much for volunteering. I think you may have discovered something important.