Daeva, I'm disappointed in how our efforts against the Black Claw Tribe have gone so far.

Azphel once cautioned his soldiers to strike at the enemy's root, not its branches. So far your efforts have pruned back many branches, but the tree itself--the Black Claw Tribe, if you're following me--remains as healthy as ever.

Are you ready to strike at the root for a change, Daeva?

• "Blood for blood!"

My subordinates have failed to provide me with useful intelligence, but I've pieced together the Mau goal: open an Abyss Gate.

The first clue was the refined Odella they were stockpiling--Odella is useful for manipulating Aether and powering a gate-opening ritual.

The second clue was Zemurru. The Mau started to venerate Zemurru because he is buried near an ancient portal that could be redirected to the Abyss. They must be trying to bring the Balaur to Asmodae.

• "You're sure of this?"

Order: Talk to Brigade General Suthran and receive orders for a secret mission imperative to Altgard's very survival.

Yes, I'm sure...not that you have any credibility to be second-guessing your superiors. You do have credibility when it comes to closing Abyss Gates, though--or so I'm told.

For better or for worse, you're the best soldier for this job

teleport

• "Got it. I'm ready to go!"

Azphelumbra, Daeva. I await a full report...of your success.

Did you destroy the gate? And did you confirm that the Balaur were behind it all?

• "I did, and destroyed the Abyss Gate."

Just as I surmised. The Mau were trying to summon the Balaur to Asmodae. I think we just saved Asmodae from a full-fledged Balaur invasion.

I will report our success to Kvasir in Pandaemonium. And take note, Meiyer...I expect all my soldiers to deliver results like Daeva just did.

Here's a reward for you. You've done well.

Brigade General Suthran believes the Mau are trying to open an Abyss Gate.

You found the Abyss Gate within a tree and entered the sealed area. There was a large Gate Wardstone there.

As you were disrupting the Gate Wardstone, a Nagarant appeared. You defeated the Nagarant and destroyed the Abyss Gate.