The last time I was here, it was with the Arrows of Freedom... and... my son. His name was Opel. He had no passion for fighting... just books. I pushed him through his training, regardless, so he would become a Daeva. He ended up joining my unit.

Investigating the Bastion of Souls was... his first mission. I wasn't able to keep him or my other soldiers safe.

Thanks to you and your comrades, Player, I was at least able to come back here and rescue the survivors. Are you ready to see this through?

Player: Accept

Mahorosh's report mentions "living sacrifices."

Most of the Daevas and creatures that were sacrificed were killed, rather.... gruesomely, but Mahorosh referring to them specifically as "living" means there may be hope.

We believe these captives may have been taken to the Path of Serenity.

Player: "That might include Daevas from your Detachment."

I dare to hope you are right.

Though they may still be living now, I learned from Mahorosh’s report that they will be killed, slowly and painfully, to grow the Incarna. Though the report doesn't specify exactly what the Incarna is, or why they want to make it grow, I hope we'll find more answers when we go to free them.

I have no idea what might be waiting for us. Are you still willing to go?

Player: "I am."

Good.

Please follow Path of Serenity Passage to the next area. Find out where the Daevas are and what exactly the Incarna is. We'll regroup once you're done.

Please, be careful. You do not want to meet the same fate as my friends, I promise you.

Player: "I understand."

(The body of a Daeva is wrapped securely in the roots.)

(No matter how hard you pull, it just won't give.)

Player: "Hey! I'm here to help, wake up!"

(You shake him. Some of his clothing crumbles to dust, but he doesn't move.)

(You cannot feel any energy from him. He seems like stone, or sand.)

(Even though his clothes are tattered and crumbling, you can tell the style is from Verteron.)

Player: "...Be at peace, Daeva."

(The body of a Daeva is wrapped securely in the roots.)

(You try to rip the roots apart, but they won't break.)

Player: "Psst! Wake up!"

Uh... ugh...

(To your surprise, he stirs. He groans faintly, unable to even open his eyes.)

(His insignia tells you that he must have been part of the Sanctum protectors.)

(You try again to pull on the roots, but they won't budge, and he moans in pain.)

Player: "...I have to keep moving. Maybe I can still save them."

(The body of a Daeva is wrapped securely in the roots.)

(As you touch the roots, you feel a tug--as though your energy is being pulled from your body. The Daeva comes awake with a gasp and tries to speak to you.)

Who... are you...? The roots... don't touch them. They... are evil... and will... drain your... energy....

Don't touch anything... You have to flee... before the Balaur find you...

Player: "How can I help you?!"

It's... too late for me... Aion... calls me to... to return into the flow of Aether.... The Daevas the Ereshkigal Legion took from Atreia... They are... sacrificing them to a flower called the Incarna, to nurture it....

They cut them... bleed them... cook them... or just offer them whole to the roots.... Their fates are all different but the suffering is the same... The suffering is... the point....

My comrades... the Arrows of Freedom... If even just one of them was still alive....

Player: "Captain Bastiel. Do you know him?"

Bastiel? Is he... is he safe...?

I see... our leader made it out alive and sent help... Ah... Aion, I am so grateful to you.... Tell Captain Bastiel... Past the Incarna roots, there are... Harvesters using their evil magic... to sacrifice the Daevas. Incarna... they want to use it to restore Ereshkigal....

And Opel... our leader's son... He was taken to the Altar of Serenity... Hurry and you may be able to still rescue him. Hurry... tell the Captain to hurry!

Player: "Tell me how to free you and you can help!"

I can't... Even talking... is too difficult now....

The only way... to protect the Daevas... from the Ereshkigal Legion... is to defeat the Harvesters. Without them, the Incarna... cannot grow...

My name... my name is Jeyshin... I hope... you and the Captain... will rescue the last of the Arrows of Freedom... and leave as free Daevas under... under Aion's sun...

(The Daeva slumps, his head lolling to one side.)

Player: "Jeyshin! Jayshin, wake up...! Damn...."

Opel... I am so sorry...

Player: "Are you okay?"

Opel and the Arrows of Freedom were taken, along with other Daevas, to become some kind of fuel used for the spell that makes the Incarna grow. We managed to stop them from completing the spell, but the main instigator, the Ancient Harvester Prida, managed to escape with the Incarna.

It is not yet fully matured, but the Incarna has grown on the blood and souls of Daevas. We won't be able to stop the resurrection of Ereshkigal.

I couldn’t get the Incarna, I was unable to rescue those Daevas, my son, and what's left of my soldiers. I have never failed so spectacularly.

Player: "At least we've prevented any further sacrifices."

Ha... Right. That... is some small relief. But the credit for that goes to you, Player, and your friends. I am truly grateful for you.

I... will remain here for a while. This is the place where my son and my soldiers died. I just... I wish to stay for a while.

I'm sorry, but I need to ask you to report this in my stead.

Player: "...As you say."

Oh, Bastiel.... I see. At least you were able to stop the spell, and stop the Incarna from growing more. Many Daevas that were to be sacrificed were rescued, and we were able to stop further suffering.

I'm very sorry to hear about Captain Bastiel, but... he is a Daeva, and he is prepared for pain like this. He will stand strong again. We need to prepare for Ereshkigal's return.

You did well, but this is far from over. Rest while you can.