I've made up my mind. I need to ask for Sanctum's help.

I dislike collaboration--too many Shugos in the deal, you understand. That said, the situation in The Scorchlands is serious.

But I need more information first.

• "What do you need?"

Flame Crystals hold concentrated Balaur energy. I've been told they're the source of Molten Blade Spirits. If that's true, it's.... Well, I have to examine their Flame Essence to be sure.

I'm no warrior--I admit it. But the only way to get what I need is to go to The Scorchlands.

Would you help me? You'd have to extinguish Molten Blade Spirits and bring their Flame Essence to me.

• Accept.
• Decline.

Molten Blade Spirits carry Flame Essence, but they won't be carrying much. Destroy as many as you can--the more Flame Essences you take, the better.

You've been to The Scorchlands before so you know the perils you face.

You have my gratitude, Daeva. May Ariel protect you!

• "And you, also."

Eliminate Molten Blade Spirits in The Scorchlands and collect Flame Essence for Ankises' research.

Daeva! Excellent!

I've just finished summarizing my research results. It's the only work of its kind--and the information we glean from Flame Essence will make it a definitive work.

So--were you successful? Did you get any Flame Essences?

• "More than you need."

You're looking remarkably soot-free, Daeva.

You haven't been to The Scorchlands, have you?

My work is urgent! Please go, get rid of the Molten Blade Spirits, and bring their Flame Essences to me.

• "My apologies. I'm off."

This is exactly what I need.

Thank you so much for your help!

This, your reward, comes from my research budget from Sanctum. If the research garners rewards later, I'll give you more.

Fire Spirits have showed up in The Scorchlands. Ankises believed he couldn't complete his research alone and wanted to ask for Sanctum's help.

To do that, he needed to ensure that his information was correct: that Molten Blade Spirits really came from Flame Crystals. He asked you to kill some Spirits and get their Flame Essence for him.

When you got the Flame Essence as he requested, he thanked you and paid you from his research budget.