As it happens, I've received some interesting news from the Anaz Forest, and I hope it has a bearing on our investigation. There've been sightings of some strange phenomena they're calling Distorted Energy Nexus.

I'm betting that you can extract some Rift Energy from them, and that will help us track Lord Israphel. I don't want to tell you any more than that, in case Garnon or Kahrun ask. That way you won't have to lie to them.

Player: "I appreciate that."

Welcome back, Player.

And the Rift Energy?

Player: "Right here."

Ah, good. This looks like exactly what the sorcerers were talking about.

They're saying that we can combine the two different energy signatures--the one from the Throne of Blood, and the one from the Anaz Forest--to create a dimensional gate leading to... wherever it was that Lord Israphel went.

The Reians have been very helpful to us. We won't forget that, angry though they may be in the end.

Player: "It's a shame."

Please don't ask me to explain this, since I'm not a sorcerer. However, I have detailed instructions and I know exactly how to activate this energy and send you to Lord Israphel's hiding place.

The most important mission, of course, is to get Siel's Relics back. Lord Marchutan is counting on you for that. However, there's also another consideration.

Israphel is an Empyrean Lord. There must be some good still in him. And you two have history. Perhaps you'll be able to talk him around.

Player: "I doubt it, but I'll try."

Well, then. If you're ready, I will teleport you to Lord Israphel.

Player: "Ready as I'll ever be."

What? I thought I was safe from your meddling in here. You've been dogging me for too long, interfering with every plan I made as Lephar.

Still, I have to admit, you've done me a favor by getting the relics out of Tiamat's claws, so perhaps you've earned an explanation.

Player: "I'll admit, I'm curious."

I'm sure you've heard the history of how the Dragon Lords rose up against their creator, Aion, and tried to become gods themselves. That's why Aion created the twelve Empyrean Lords.

We created the Aetheric Field to defend the tower, but it just prolonged the tedious stalemate. The Humans and Daevas began to laugh at us and turn away from our teachings, since the twelve of us together couldn't defeat our five enemies.

I was sick of my comrades' inaction. I'd suggested many plans, but they rejected each one, afraid of war and pain and loss. I knew that those things would only get worse if we didn't do something decisive. Besides, I knew how to absorb the power from the Tower of Eternity and use it.

Player: "You presumed too much."

I'm disappointed; I didn't think you had such a small mind. I needed that power to put down the Dragon Lords for good. All we needed to do was to lure them near the tower.

I told the other Empyreans that we were holding a peace conference. Then, I went to Beritra and convinced it that it could take this opportunity to crush the Empyrean Lords.

But Fregion had plans of its own, and destroyed the Tower of Eternity. As the Cataclysm happened all around us, I let the others think I was helping Siel to maintain the Aetheric Field, but I knew there was no point in sacrificing myself as well.

You might call me a coward, but I am a pragmatist. I had another plan--one which it has taken me this long to orchestrate.

Player: "It must have been a grand plan indeed."

What if you could restore Atreia to its original glory? What if you could bring Aion back? Well, with my control of space and these relics' power over time, I can do that. I can take us back to the beginning, when everything was perfect.

Of course, the new Atreia will need a leader. We've seen where so many voices would lead us, and it's clear that one voice must ring out clearer and louder than the others. We only need one Empyrean Lord.

This is my chance to redeem myself! I will lead Atreia into a golden age, and steer everyone onto the right path.

Player: "Your path. I don't think so."

Player! What have you done? My people all over Tiamaranta and Sarpan have been reporting huge waves of Aether washing over everything.

Did you activate Siel's Relics without us?

This whole thing has been a plot to cut out the Reians, hasn't it? Tell me!

Player: "Israphel was the one with the plot..."

You let Siel's Relics get destroyed? Have you learned nothing? If you'd have let me send some of my warriors with you, we would still have them. You of all people should understand their importance to my people!

Go, get out of my sight. Now!

Player: "I regret that it came to this."

They're gone? The relics? And... you heard the voice of Lady Siel?

I suppose we should at least be glad that Lord Israphel cannot cause any more trouble.

I'll have to put all these details on my report to the Convent of Marchutan, and I'm sure they're not going to be best pleased. You should hear from them soon, so just keep this quiet until you do.