If what I've just heard is true, Player, the Steel Rake Pirates are using Stigma!

It beggars belief, but I heard it from a credible source. And if it's true, we can scarcely afford to ignore it.

I know I don't have to tell you how difficult it is to learn to harness that kind of power. And yet these hairy little pirates....

Player: "Incredible."

There are sometimes moments in a scholar's life when you realize you've perhaps studied too narrowly.

I know perhaps more than anyone about Stigma, but I've never so much as seen one of those pirates.

Perhaps Moreinen, whose knowledge is broader than mine, will have an answer for us. Will you seek her out, Player?

Player: Accept.

What's really frightening is this--if the Shulack pirates know how to use the power of Stigma, how long will it be before the Balaur can do so also?

Worse yet, what if they already can?

Let's hope Moreinen knows more.

Player: "I'll find out."

Books allow us to travel through space and time, experience our own past, or see the future of worlds beyond the Abyss.

We can ask books our questions, then open them to find our answers.

What do you want to ask, Player?

Player: "My question comes from Vergelmir...."

Shulacks using Stigma. There's already much talk of it in the Temple of Knowledge, actually.

The story seems to come from the Black Cloud Traders, and I believe you already know many of them personally.

Teirunerk is likely to be the most forthcoming with any information.

Player: "I'll try him, then."

Teirunerk heard Daeva was coming to ask questions about Shulacks and Stigma.

Story is completely true...nyerk, nyerk.

When Teirunerk went onboard during attack, saw Brass-Eye Grogget himself using Stigma.

Player: "What else do you know?"

Payrinrinerk said not to tell until envoy leader gives order, but information always for sale, yes? Of course!

Steel Rake ship runs on Surkana made from Balaur Drana. If Daeva goes onboard and looks inside Strongbox, will find Surkana there.

Bring to Teirunerk and trade for even more information. Akakakakakak!

Player: "I'll take you up on that."

Teirunerk doesn't know what Shulacks may have learned from Balaur, but secret lies with Surkana, yes?

And secret of Surkana lies with Drana.

If you've brought it, Daeva, hand it over to Teirunerk, please.

Player: "I've got it right here."

Put here in protective box, please. Shugos not immortal like some we know.

So since Daeva brought back Surkana, Teirunerk will keep his end of bargain. Not words this time, but something else....

Shugo Agent Rabinerk took this from Brass-Eye Grogget's steering house. Take it to Vergelmir if you want to see a Daeva happy! Akakak!

Player: "Thank you, Teirunerk."

By Aion's.... This seems to be a Greater Stigma AND some sort of intermediary one joined together somehow. Remarkable! This could be the key to equipping a Greater Stigma....

Can I test this on you? You needn't be afraid--I know just what to do if something goes wrong.

Just tell me whether anything changes. If you can.