Back when the Cataclysm shook Atreia, this fortress was falling apart like everything else. It would've crushed everyone in it, if it weren't for one thing--the Rift Artifact.

Fate decreed that the Artifact was being studied right here. They didn't know everything it was capable of, but they knew it could stop time.

So they stopped time for the fortress. No more time, no more falling.

Player: "It actually stopped time?"

It did then, but just last week a big chunk fell down and crushed one of the Humans here. Nasty scene.

We called in Bestla, a Daeva of Construction, to fix the problem, but she's been telling me she needs an assistant. Maybe you could help?

Player: Accept.

It may seem like a small matter, but not everything is fighting and excitement. Sometimes the most important things are the most mundane.

I'm glad you realize how important the small battles can be.

Player: "I'll do my best."

Oh, you are the one the Brigade General sent. While the popular belief is that the Rift Artifact halted the collapse of the Beluslan Fortress long ago, that isn't entirely true.

The artifact was successful in holding the exterior walls together, but the interior has been gradually collapsing for some time.

I suspect that the flow of Aether has changed since the distance between Elysea and Asmodae became larger. But it doesn't explain why the speed of the collapse is so fast.

Player: "Interesting...."

I contacted Cavalorn, a Sage in Pandaemonium, to seek help. She has always been quick to help, and her reply contained a number of suggestions. Eventually, through her advice, I've come to believe there must be insufficient Aether.

It makes sense that the Artifact would be effected when Aether is disappearing all across Atreia. We may have a short-term resolution, but it wouldn't be anything more than a cosmetic fix. Eventually this problem is going to come back worse than ever.

Until we can come up with a more permanent solution, I've acquired an Aether Booster. Take this to Horu. He will apply it to the Artifact.

Player: "Right away."

Collecting and studying minerals always makes me happy.

I bet minerals have something to do with the instability of the Rift Artifact.

Anyway, what are you holding in your hand?

Player: "Hopefully, a solution."

I've heard about these, but I've never seen one in action.

(Installs the Aether Booster in the Rift Artifact.)

Well... Bestla was right. I was a bit skeptical, but it seems like we've bought ourselves some time with this. You'd better inform Brigade General Nerita of our success.

Player: "Of course."

There's a jump in your step. I assume everything went well?

Give me the details.

Player: "The walls are safe for now."

Funny, how such a thing could cause problems even here. I never knew the Aether held domain over so many happenings in Atreia.

The problem here may be solved, but I fear the implications of its cause bode ill for our future. If we can't contain the Aether, we might be looking ahead to bigger problems.