You're Player, right? My men have told me of your achievements in battle.

I wish I could say Heiron is safer now, but it's not. It's actually worse now than ever before.

In addition to the Balaur and Asmodian situations, we now have a problem with Fake Stigmas.

Player: "Fake Stigmas?"

They're being sold on the open market. Even one of my Guardians fell prey to the cheap imitations. I'm not one for depriving Daevas of cheaper prices...but these imitation Stigmas have some bad side-effects.

Some Daevas have gone crazy after using them...others have slipped into comas. My sources tell me that the Black Cloud Traders have their hands dirty in this one.

Luckily, the Black Cloud Traders are in Heiron for a union meeting. It's the perfect opportunity to find out more. Can I hire your services for this one, Player?

Player: Accept.

I'm relieved knowing you're on the case, Player.

Take this...it's a purchase voucher for Fake Stigmas. My internal investigation team beat it out of a Shugo.

It was issued by a merchant of the Black Cloud Traders named Kurochinerk. See if you can make a sale. Then bring the proof back to me....

Player: "Damn, dirty Shugos!"

Is the Daeva looking for something? Something tasty, maybe?

Just tell Kurochinerk what you need. Kurochinerk can get anything the Daeva desires, nyerk.

Player: "I have this voucher."

Ahhh...the Daeva wants a taste of the (whispering now) sweet, sweet Stigma?

The Daeva knows quality merchandise, nyerk. But Kurochinerk doesn't sell anymore. Daeva Herthia now sells Fak...Replica Stigmas for Kurochinerk.

Daevas trust Herthia, so she runs Kurochinerk's operation now, nyerk. Go see her for my tasty Stigmas.

Player: "Herthia, huh?"

Arieluma, Daeva. Did...did Kurochinerk send you? Are you on the level?

This place is too crowded...eyes and ears everywhere. Cross your arms and nod casually if you want a taste of a Replica Stigma.

Ahhh...there we go.

Player: "Are they fresh?"

Fresh as a dewy sunrise, my friend. (She pulls something from her pocket and hands it to you as if shaking your hand.)

Put this in your boot quickly. There's been a crackdown on this stuff lately.

All right, time for you to go. But act casually...just like we're old friends.

Player: "Yeah...like old friends."

Ah, Player. How did the plan go?

Did Kurochinerk sell you the goods? Was it the Fake Stigmas we were hoping for?

Player: "Here. Herthia is now running the show."

What? A Daeva is selling Fake Stigmas? Sweet Lady Ariel! I'll have my men watch her. We'll set up a sting operation and take her down.

Oh yes...don't be alarmed when you have some strange dreams, Player. One brisk touch of that Fake Stigma, and your subconscious is in Shard Town.

And you've been holding it for what...30 or 40 minutes now? I don't recommend sleeping for a few days, Daeva.