Ah, Player, you've come back to me. My legion is always happy to work with you, you know.

Straight to business! We've discovered a potential solution to the Aether shortage in Inggison and need to move quickly.

An Elim--like Arbolu--has been discovered, and the team I dispatched to investigate hasn't returned.


Quite. I need you to assess the situation and provide assistance to all who require it.

According to Crosia, who accompanied the Daevas of Life as far as the forest's edge, anyone returning from Taloc's Forest does so thoroughly banged up but unwilling to take help or medicine.

Start by finding Tialla, leader of the Taloc Research Group. Then move forward on your own initiative.
Yeah, yeah, I know. Brigade General Versetti sent you? Crosia didn’t let up until we contacted the Brigade General.

Good. There’s no one left here who isn’t injured and we need help urgently.

Perhaps you are already aware of the massive Aether energy that’s flowing from Taloc’s Hollow. If we could somehow use that energy, we wouldn’t have to depend on the Obelisks to make up for the Aether shortage in Inggison any longer.

While we were examining Taloc, we encountered an Elim called Lothas. He isn’t a real Elim, more like one of Taloc’s branches come to life. He told us that something terrible was happening in Taloc’s Hollow and asked for our help.

I thought this might be a good opportunity. The Elim never forget a debt. We sent some people to Lothas for that reason, but they all failed.
Most people didn’t think Lothas was up to much of anything, and dismissed him. Even those who were supposedly pretty talented came back completely exhausted.

They were unable to handle the power that Lothas gave them, and returned almost immediately. Which is why we don’t have any information on what is even going on in Taloc’s Hollow yet.

If you want to help resolve Taloc’s problems, Player, go and see Lothas.
Daeva!

Daeva!

Have you come to free...Taloc from his anguish?
Please, take my blessing.

My blessing will push you to the limits of your power.

I will send you inside now.

Take hold of my twig when you are ready.
Why are you here...? Why does my request go unheeded?

Taloc is... surprised.

He has never seen such power.

Taloc desires... Daeva’s help.

If you want to go inside again, take hold of my twig.
Taloc does not want the help of crowds.

Go alone... This is Taloc’s bidding.
Taloc rejects you, Daeva.

Taloc cannot... handle your powers, Daeva.
Who are you, Daeva with the Lord’s power?

A Daeva who shows such power after accepting my blessing... I have never seen the like before.

Did you find the cause behind Taloc’s torment?
This? Celestius so agonized Taloc and...disturbed the flow of Aether.

Taloc...speaks now, sweet Daeva, mighty friend of the...Elim.

We will remember you for...eternity.




You completed the assignment!

As a Daeva of Life, I knew straight away.

Shortly after you left, Player, I felt the forest’s flow of aether regenerate.

Were you at Taloc’s Hollow? Can you tell me what happened there?
There’s a fragment of the Tower of Eternity in Taloc’s Hollow?

I admit I found it strange that this sort of forest could thrive in Balaurea. Now it all makes sense.

How fortunate! The monster that was draining Taloc’s energy is dead! If we hadn’t retrieved the power that monster stole, it would have upset the delicate balance of the forest and caused another monster to arise.

Player, because of you, Taloc can help us now.

I must report this to Sanctum immediately. Head over to the Illusion Fortress, Player. Brigade General Versetti is awaiting your arrival.
I'm impressed by your skill and tenacity, Player. Though using the might of the Empyrean Lords was risky.

Aside from the danger if it hadn't worked, there's also a matter of perception. Your actions may seem holy to some, but sacrilegious to others. And still more may envy your ability.

Happy outcome for now, but do you think you'd do it differently given another chance?