You know, the Piece of Zikel isn't a magical tool that enhances a weapon all by itself.

I can count on one hand the people I know of who have the skill and patience for the painstaking process. That's one reason why you rarely see the Piece.

However, I know one of those people who is available and almost certainly willing to help.

• "Can you point me in his direction?"

"Her direction", actually. Her name is Usener--you might've met her in Pandaemonium at some point?

At any rate, she's your best option if you want to fuse the Piece of Zikel's power into the mace.

However, there is one potential problem....

• "With Usener?"

Only in a sense. You see, the work involved is so specialised that she'll doubtlessly need a large amount of Kinah to do it.

Still, Usener will be completely transparent. She's a professional in that regard.

Knowing this, are you still going to consult her?

• Accept.
• Decline.

I knew it. I knew you'd realise how important having extra strength is during a war like this one. Some Daevas never do, you know.

It might end up being a sacrifice for you, but you'll get your money's worth, trust me.

Oh, and let her know that I expect some gratitude--perhaps some supper--from her the next time I see her. A finder's fee, as it were.

• "Heh, I'll tell her that."

Bring Athana's Mace and the Piece of Zikel to Usener.

What? A Piece of Zikel? And Athana's Mace?! Of course I'd be willing to work with them! Are you a blasted fool?

Athana's Mace is one of the best-made weapons in Atreia, and Pieces of Zikel are the rarest of the rare. I can't pass up this opportunity.

Now, let's see.... To do this, I'd need one of those...and some of that...and a few of these.... Hmmmm.

• "Is there a problem?"

Well, it's just that all of the other materials I need are very expensive. As in 8,000,000 Kinah expensive.

But I won't charge you for labor; having this chance is payment enough for that. But can you afford the expenses?

• "I sure can! Get it done!"
• "I'm not sure...."

Blast! You've not got everything!

I should've known. Hugely rare opportunity drops in my lap, and something keeps me from actually taking it.

Look, I'd love to do it for free, but I just can't. Please come back when you have everything ready to go in your Cube. And I mean it. Please come back.

• "Looks like we're both eager."

Right away! First, we smelt this. Then, we add some of that.... Then some muscle.... Hah! Yah!

Ahh, some of my finest work! You can see the difference, can't you? That's what quality materials gives you.

I may've been paid 8 million Kinah, but I feel like the one who was done a favour! That was tremendously fun!

Athana told you that special skill was required to bring out greater power in Athana's Mace.

With that in mind, you brought the Mace and the Piece of Zikel to Usener in Pandaemonium. She fused the two together and gave you an empowered Mace.