Success! And it's all thanks to you, Player!

I've made a major breakthrough. I now know an important factor behind Taloc's growth.

Yet my triumph is tinged with concern. I will tell you what I've found, but only if you swear to not tell anyone else unless I permit it.

Player: "I swear by Azphel I won't."

Good. Now, I've discovered that Taloc's growth is now entirely dependent on the flow of Aether within it. The wood I've examined from inside Taloc proves it.

However...I've also found that the very presence of Daevas inside Taloc apparently slow down Taloc's growth severely!

My theory is that Taloc sees unwelcome Daevas as invaders, like a disease, and focuses his power on them, thus taking Aether away from growth processes.

So all the Daevas entering Taloc are unwittingly harming him! If I could ask you another favor...could you tell Lord Vidar of this?

Player: Accept.

Thank you. You may not know this, but Lord Vidar has some knowledge of ecology. I trust he will make a wise decision.

I would speak to him myself, but this discovery has created many issues that I must start looking into at once.

May the Shedim Lords speed your journey.

Player: "Blood for blood, Irkale."

I grow concerned about this war. Our resources are being stretched to the limit. Time is ever of the essence.

There are many Daevas nowadays who lack the training, strength, or intellect to truly shine. If they are the best we have against the Balaur and Elysea...

But you didn't come to listen to complaints, did you? What news do you have, young Daeva?

Player: "Urgent news, my lord."

Hmmm.... It seems my words were more true than I realized. Such carelessness is unbefitting of a true Asmodian.

I will order stronger restrictions against entering Taloc. Tell Irkale I will also provide whatever resources she needs to continue her research.

I don't know what would happen should Taloc stop growing, but my instincts tell me it would not be good for any of us.

Player: "Thank you, my lord."

You've returned already. Time has certainly flown, yet I still have so much more to do.

The very thought of Taloc ceasing to grow... It scares me, Player; it truly scares me. I will do whatever it takes to keep that from happening.

But I must not borrow worry from the future. What did Lord Vidar have to say?

Player: "Good news, I think."

Yes, that is good news. With more resources from Pandaemonium, I can really start getting things done.

And now that Lord Vidar is enforcing stronger restrictions to protect Taloc, I have a little more time.

If Taloc could speak right now, I think he'd be grateful for your role in all this, Player.