I see you still have the Piece of Zikel. I assume you've not found anything to do with it yet?

I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you: you can't just wave it over a weapon and expect it to become empowered.

It actually takes great skill, patience, and discipline to actually fuse the two together.

Player: "I wish you'd told me that before."

I said I was sorry! I have a lot on my mind, what with my duty to keep the Elyos and Balaur from demolishing us all.

At any rate, I don't think your smithing skills are up to the task. It requires the kind of skill one develops through a lifetime of training.

Fortunately, I know someone who fits the bill. I'm not sure if she's been training all her life, but her talents make it seem like she has.

Player: "And who is this?"

Her name is Usener, and she lives in Pandaemonium. Perhaps the two of you have already met?

I anticipate this will cost you a good deal of Kinah, both for her time and materials. But it will be worth it, I assure you.

Still, it's your decision. Will you go see her?

Player: Accept.

Very wise. Even if it turns out you can't afford it, you should at least listen to what she has to say.

As I'm sure you've been able to tell, Balaurea is a dangerous land. Any advantage we hold over the Balaur or Elyos could be vital.

Please pass my greetings on to Usener when you see her.

Player: "I will. Thank you."

T-that's Athana's Staff, isn't it? Then...that means that what you have there is...

I...I can hardly catch my breath. I can't believe it.... You actually want me to work on a Piece of Zikel?!

Not even Master Agrif ever touched one. It's every smith's wildest dream to be able to say she handled one! I...think I feel dizzy....

Player: "Are...you okay?"

Okay? Of course I'm okay! I'm more than okay! What kind of professional would I be if I couldn't rein in my emotions when need be?

All right, then.... You've come to the right person. I can certainly do what's required, but I'm afraid I'll need to use some rare materials of my own.

Those materials will cost 8,000,000 Kinah. Sorry, but that's non-negotiable. Still interested?

Player: "Of course. Please start."

Er, I'm afraid you're short on the components there. I won't be able to afford to take this job on without it. And frankly, that would be a tragedy for both of us.

Yes, you too. Partly because you'd not get your stronger Staff, of course. But also because I'd have to murder you for dangling hope of working on a Piece of Zikel in front of me, then cruelly taking it away.

Maybe if you returned later with everything in your Cube...?

Player: "I get the hint."

Great! I'm getting started right now! Ho! Yah!

By Azphel.... The Piece of Zikel is everything I'd ever heard. It's like it just melted into the Staff like butter over a hot plate of Granker Pasta....

That was well worth it for me. I think that once you wield the Staff in battle, you'll find it worth your while too.