Arieluma, Player. How does life treat you today?

By the by, did you know that, as with normal trees, you can examine the inner wood of Elim to find out how old an Elim is, and even what environment it first grew in?

I have this sudden urge to study Taloc's Knots from Taloc for that reason. What do you think? Is it worthy of my time?

Player: "There are more important duties."

Yes, I know, I know. But I'll never get a thesis published in Inggison if I just collect Aether and wait around for war.

That is not my destiny, Daeva. Discovery is my destiny! Fame is my destiny! Acclamation is my destiny!

I'll leave the war efforts to the soldiers. My fate is something much brighter than simple bloodshed!

Player: "Pride is ugly when abused."

Yes, yes, I agree. But this isn't merely for pride's sake. If my theory works, it can help all Daevas live richer, fuller lives.

I'll tell you what, Player. If you help me find what I need for my thesis, I will continue to perform my lowly chores as ordered.

Could you find me the Wooden Core as quickly as you can? I promise, I'll continue my real work until you return.

Player: Accept.

Splendid, splendid! Taloc's Knot is an elusive study...a study in luck, more than anything.

Few Daevas can tell one type of wood from another, let alone what purpose it serves. You'll have to keep your eyes sharp and your blade even sharper, Player.

And please, tell no one of my thesis. Any Daeva would give his wings for an idea like this.

Player: "I won't breathe a word of it."

Ah, you've come back, Player! I feared you might be out there selling my idea to some other Daeva. I was so worried that I couldn't perform my other duties!

What about Taloc's Knot? Did you get it?

Player: "Here's the Wooden Core."

What do you mean you can't find Taloc's Knot? Don't you have eyes?

I told you earlier that it would be as hard to find as a trustworthy Shugo. How much more help do you need than that?

I held up my end of the bargain! Now go out there and get that Wooden Core!

Player: "All right, I'll try again."

Interesting...Taloc's Wooden Core is quite different from other Elim that I have studied. See this line here?

It illustrates the wood's rapid growth due to a high concentration of Aether...just as I had surmised. This part here shows when fragments of the Tower of Eternity collided with the Forest.

My thesis begins...now! Thank you, Daeva. I will be sure and thank you in my award speech...whenever that might be. Fame is reward enough, right?