Trial of the Scholar

The Test of the Scholar is one that all Wizards must pass. Only those who possess a passion for research and humility in learning will advance to the level of high magic and knowledge.

I can tell that research is not your strong suit. Each person has their own way. Some will be Warriors, and others will search for enlightenment through spirituality. I pray that you find your own road and overcome all the obstacles that you confront along the way.

(Quest available only for Wizards or Elven Wizards above Level 35 )

'Scholar' is a term used to describe all high level Magicians of the Ivory Tower. They are the ones we count on to research magic and make sense of the chaotic world we live in. They are also charged with educating our young...

The Scholar is qualified to teach the highest-level magic.

The Scholar's Trial determines if one is qualified for this responsibility. If you choose to advance your learning, you must pass this trial. However, at this time I don't think that you are ready. As the great Magician Akenias said, "There is a right time for all learning."

(Quest available only for Wizards or Elven Wizards above Level 35 )

'Scholar' is a term used to describe all high level Magicians of the Ivory Tower. They are the ones we count on to research magic and make sense of the chaotic world we live in. They are also charged with educating our young...

The Scholar is qualified to teach the highest-level magic.

The Scholar's Trial determines if one is qualified for this responsibility. If you choose to advance your learning, you must pass this trial. However, you still look a little green to me. As the great Magician Akenias said, "Knowledge must be won." If you think that you are ready, do not hesitate to accept the challenge.

• Accept the Trial of the Scholar

Now you must seek the highly respected Scholar Magicians and complete the tasks that they give you. Once you complete all the tasks, you will qualify for the trial.

First you should see High Priest Sylvain. He knows more than anyone about light's purifying power. He is also in charge of the spiritual purification of Dion territory. Previously he participated in the Elves' plan to purify the Sea of Spores.

Take this mark to the High Priest and then come back to me.

Very well. You must meet with well-respected scholar mystics and complete the tasks they give you in order to qualify.

First, visit High Priest Sylvain. He has studied the cleansing power of light more deeply than anyone else and oversees the spiritual cleansing of Dion territory. Rumor has it that he even assisted the Elves in their previous attempts to cleanse the Sea of Spores.

Bear this mark to him and he will give you an appropriate task. When he have accomplished it, return to me.

Finally, accept this Dimension Diamond. You can trade it to the village gatekeeper for something special that may help you on your journey.

Did you meet the High Priest Sylvain? He is here in this temple.

The High Priest Sylvain will give you a task concerning the 'Scholar's Trial'. When you have completed it, come back to me.

Good job. I understand that High Priest Sylvain asked you to bring back the Crystal of Purity? I am glad to see that my concerns were unjustified. Congratulations!

Now you should see Grand Magister Jurek. He can be found at the Wizard Guild of the Town of Giran. He once was Chief Wizard of the Ivory Tower, but grew weary of the factional infighting within the Ivory Tower and quit.

Now, take this mark and go see Jurek in the Town of Giran. I wish you a safe journey.

Have you met Grand Magister Jurek? He is in the Wizard's Guild of the Town of Giran.

You must complete the task he gives you in order to advance.

You have brought the mark of Grand Magister Jurek! Good job. Your integrity gladdens my heart.

There is only one challenge remaining, expand your abilities and do your best.

• Take the final challenge

You are in danger of getting hurt! You have done well up to now, but are headed for disaster.

May I suggest that you return after some more education. When you are ready I'll let you go on to the next trial.

For your last task you must see Elder Cronos. He is the wisest prophet and the greatest scholar of all time. He is so old that he is mentioned in our history books, although no one actually knows how old he is or even his true name... It is said that he has been alive since the age of Elmoreden!

He does have his detractors, however, with some going so far as to call him a swindler! However, I met him during my days of discipline and, in my opinion, he is the true prophet.

He currently lives in seclusion in Hunters Village. Occasionally he will venture out to join us in a trial in the hope of meeting some young scholars.

Go and see Elder Cronos and take this mark with you. Accomplishing the task that he will give you is the final step of this trial.

Are you hard of hearing? Your time has not come. Come back when you have completed more training.

For your last task you must see Elder Cronos. He is the wisest prophet and the greatest scholar of all time. He is so old that he is mentioned in our history books, although no one actually knows how old he is or even what his true name is... It is said that he has been alive since the age of Elmoreden.

He does have his detractors, however, with some going so far as to call him a swindler! However, I met him during my days of discipline and, in my opinion, he is the true prophet.

He currently lives in seclusion in Hunters Village. Occasionally he will venture out to join us in a trial in the hope of meeting some young scholars.

Go and see Elder Cronos and take this mark with you. Accomplishing the task that he will give you is the final step of this trial.

Did you meet Elder Cronos? He is in seclusion in Hunters Village.

To complete the Test of the Scholar, you must accomplish the task that he gives you. Good luck.

You've brought the Symbol of Cronos! Did you have any trouble? I have to admit, I wondered if you could do it. Please don't take any offense at that -- it's no reflection on your ability, simply the difficulty of the task.

But with all sincerity, please accept my congratulations. You have passed the Trial of the Scholar and are now one step closer to achieving a higher level of wisdom and knowledge. Take this Mark of Scholar. You will need it when you transfer to a higher class. May the Goddess protect and keep you. Farewell!

So, you seek the Crystal of Purity?

Traditionally the first born daughter of our family inherits the recipe for the crystal. My aunt, who passed the recipe to me, died in a peasants' uprising. Since then I have given up making Crystals of Purity.

• We must have the crystal in order to purify the execution grounds!

The execution grounds...? Oh yes... Many lives were lost unjustly there. Most of my family was among them...

I will help you in order to put their souls at rest.

A month ago the recipe for the crystal was stolen from me. I reported this incident to the guards but have not heard anything from them. Take this letter to Captain Lucas and ask about the progress of the investigation.

If you expect me to make the Crystal of Purity, you should go and ask Captain Lucas how the investigation is going. Without his help, it will be impossible to find the lost scrolls, and without the scrolls, the crystal cannot be made.

I must have the scrolls in order to help you...

Lucas's mention of the fortune-teller reminds me of something... I know an astrologer who is an old friend of my family. I haven't seen her since the peasant's uprising...

Her name is Creta the Astrologer. You should be able to find her in Floran Village.

Take her this letter. I think she may be able to help us... Please.

Go and meet the Astrologer Creta of Floran Village. He will help us to find the lost scrolls.

How is Creta? I remember her as a kind woman, although she tends to mumble...

Did she give you any clue as to the location of the scrolls?

You mean Creta said so? Let me see... Ah, yes, I remember the day...

• Ask for details about the day that the incident took place.

It wasn't very much different from any other day. I was alone, daydreaming as usual. As always, my thoughts eventually returned to that horrible day...

Then my childhood friend Lucilla came to visit. We went out together and I had more fun than I have in years. We stayed the night in Gludin. The next morning we parted, going to our respective homes. When I got there my house had been ransacked and the scroll stolen from its locker. The only thing undisturbed was Lucilla's Handbag that she left behind.

• "The handbag will give us some clue."

Do you really think that this could possibly be the clue that Creta had asked for? Hmm... Maybe...! Then go ahead and take the handbag, but don't let Lucilla know, she would most likely be upset.

You think Lucilla's Handbag could be a clue? Then by all means, take it to Astrologer Creta!

So Creta drew this? Hmm... Look here! What is that strange shadow? Could it be the figure of the thief? It is very hard to make out. It appears to not be human...

We should show this to Captain Lucas... He is an expert in this field and should be able to help us.

Show Creta's painting to Captain Lucas. I'll wager Lucas can tell us who's shadow it is.

The Leto Lizardman Warrior? Lucas says this? Well, he should know...

I beg you... Please track down the lizardmen and recover the scrolls.

You've torn the scroll! How could you have been so careless?!

Well, perhaps we can piece it together and make out what it says.

How ironic that it should fall to me to create the crystal that will purify this land.

I will reopen Maria's Crystal Workshop!

And you shall have my first product... Please wait, it won't take long.

• Wait for the crystal to be completed

The Crystal of Purity is complete... May this crystal pacify the souls of my family.

Take it now. I shall continue making more. I wish you a future that shines as brightly as this crystal.

You said that you would use this crystal to purge the dark energy from the Execution Grounds? You must hurry and give it to High Priest Sylvain. I hope that the purification of that place will soon be achieved.

I am happy to see you again. How is your task coming along?

I pray that the crystals I make will always be used for good.

Ah, you seek the Crystal of Purity? Well, you helped me, so I can't say no. I will give you a Crystal of Purity.

I want to be perfectly clear, you must not use this for any dark purpose! Take this Crystal of Purity.

Yes, I used to work for Master Cronos. Ha, he told you that, did he?

I took that job because I wanted to learn magic. He mainly wanted an errand boy, but I was able to learn much from him eventually. Master Cronos was a nice man.

He asked you to find the Book of Intelligence? I shudder when I remember the last time I heard of that book. He flew into such a rage I thought he would kill me.

• Ask about the whereabouts of the books

These memories bring me such pain...

Well, you'll find out soon enough so I might as well tell you.

I stole the books. Master crossed the line that day. I was enraged when he told me I should consider being a farmer... I stole the books that night to spite him.

I hid the books in a very safe place.

I wanted to get Master into trouble... But it got complicated. Master flew into such a rage that, fearing for my life, I went to retrieve the books but they were gone!

• Ask what happened afterwards

Since then I have been searching without success for any sign of the books. If this gets out I would be strung up for sure.

So, I forgot it until today. I have no idea where the scripture may be... Do you have any ideas? I would be very grateful if we could find that book...

• Introduce Astrologer Creta

Isn't an astrologer the same thing as a fortune-teller? If word got around to the other Magisters that I consulted a fortune-teller I would never hear the end of it. No way!

• "Don't worry. I will handle it."

Really? Thank you! However, is this Astrologer Creta trustworthy?

Solved that robbery case, huh? That's impressive. I am not familiar with such things but I get the sense there may be some truth to it. I will take your word for it.

If you are looking for clues, you may find this interesting. Here is the key to the chest that the stolen books were in.

I thought you might show my key to the astrologer... I see that you haven't yet.

What did the astrologer say? Is this letter from him? Let me see...

Hmm... the guy seems to have real powers...

Creta... Is that a real name? I didn't realize he would be so helpful! Let me read it to you.

• Read Creta's letter

This vision came to me from the key you gave me.

"You were being watched by the thieves before you even stole the scripture. Because it was so long ago I was not able to distinguish much about them.

There were 4 shadows. One of them was definitely a Dwarf, obvious from the short shadow. The other 3 were more difficult to distinguish. It was a moonless night.

I saw them open the box and steal the scripture shortly after you left it there. They left hurriedly, in a northerly direction."

I don't remember anything after this. I think there may be more secrets locked in my memory.

• "Take your time and try to remember."

The loss of the scriptures diminished my reasoning for a time...

There were many outsiders around in those days... Mostly ill-trained hunters, watching for a chance for one shot at the village. They were laughable. However there were some outsiders who did not hunt and were always gone in the evenings...

Yes! I remember them! There were 4 in the party, 2 humans, a Dwarf and a Dark Elf! I remember speaking with the Dark Elf once. He asked me something about my master, I can't really remember.

The inn where they stayed is gone and the innkeeper died 2 years ago...

I was good friends with the innkeeper's son, his name was Edroc. The last I heard he was running a shop in the Hunters Village. He might have some useful information. Go and see him, I will write a Letter of Introduction for you.

Meet my friend Edroc at the weapon shop in the Hunters Village. He might have some useful information for you.

Hmm... Is that so? Gludin Township, and Warehouse Keeper Route... Isn't this letter from theWarehouse Keeper Route of Gludin Township...,? It must be investigated. I have to ask you one more time.

Have you made any progress locating the Book of Intelligence? Please, you must find it!

Ah, the Scriptures are safely returned and my master's anger shall be appeased. This certainly takes a weight off of my mind. I cannot thank you enough!

• I heard that the Book of Intelligence is 6 volumes altogether.

What?! That's not possible...! There were only 4 that I know of. He must have been misunderstood.

Don't worry. Now carry all the books of intelligence to my master. I'm sure he will be happy to see them. This will be such a relief for me. Thank you very much.

Thank you so much for returning the Scriptures to their rightful owner. I feel like a new man now that that has been resolved!

Greetings. I have been waiting for you. Maria sent you, correct? By your expression, it must be. The stars are never wrong.

We have no time to waste, please give me Maria's Letter.

• Give Maria's Letter

How is my old friend Maria? She seems to have nothing to live for since she stopped making the Crystal of Purity.

This skill requires extensive knowledge of the coldness of the moon, and the waxing and waning of a star. I would like to help her in any way I can.

You came to me seeking information, didn't you?

• Ask about the thief
• Ask about my future

I need more clues before I can determine the identity of the thief of the scroll. I only have a vague idea of who may have the scroll now. A clue that can be evidence is essential, do you understand?

• Ask about the clue

My divination skills seem to be failing me lately, dark clouds cover the future of all I see. There are surely dark days ahead for the Kingdom. We must keep the faith.

I sense that you are in the midst of an important test, perhaps one that will benefit Maria?

I also sense that you have a question for me?

• Ask about the thief

The clue I need is an item from the place where the incident happened. It could be anything, I only know that it is related to the incident.

Bring one clue for me. Speak with Maria, she can answer questions about any object associated with the incident.

I am not getting anywhere without any clues. Go to Maria and ask her for any object that is related to the incident.

Ah, a handbag left by Maria's friend! Very interesting... Handbags are very important to most women. Only a very careless woman would leave such an object behind.

This is certainly a sign of a future incident.

• Ask if this is a clue

Please be still, I am feeling something....

...

I see a shadow...

A long, dark shadow that hugs the ground...

Now the shadow stands on it's two legs...

The arms and head are not human, and there is a tail!

Hard to explain in words... This is my feeling...

• Ask her to draw

A very good idea, I shall do my best....

Let's see, the arms were unusually long, and the head much larger than a human's. And the tail... It seemed as though the shadow was cast by one far away..

Oh yes, one more thing before you go. . Soon you shall meet an ancient one. This meeting will be a part of the test you are taking. . You will return to this place soon.. Until then... Farewell....

This drawing will be a great help to you. You will surely be able to find the thief and retrieve Maria's scroll. Believe in yourself.

I am very happy to help people find precious items that have been misplaced. Have you found that which you seek?

As I foretold you have come to me again. I see from your face that you are somewhat uncomfortable with your situation.

What can I do for you?

• Explain your situation

Another robbery, eh? 20 years ago? There was a recent robbery that I could see quite clearly, but one so far in the past, I cannot be sure.

Let me attempt to see...

• Ask whether she has found the clue

I can see that you are still in a hurry. I have told you all that I have seen. There were many shadows, this means many culprits. I definitely recognize the shadow of a human.

There are differences between shadows, but I see no more shadows of monsters.

Take this letter explaining the situation back to the owner of the key.

There will come a day when we will meet again. I hope our next meeting is of a more pleasant nature. Until then.

These days I am very happy to help people who have misplaced precious items.

Running errands for Mirien, are you? How are those greenhorns? Aren't they annoying when they ask you to do this and that? They call themselves High Priest or Grand Magister or whatever, but only their words are courageous.

They probably don't even know any great magic... All of their 'knowledge' has come from books, they have no practical experience. 'That's the way of a Sorcerer' doesn't ring so true anymore, does it?

OK, I'll ask you just one more time... Why do you want to learn magic?

• "To be successful"
• "To gain wealth."
• "To earn recognition."
• "For no reason in particular."

Success? What do you mean, that you wish to succeed as a Mystic? Have you ever heard of a Mystic who became King? Well, there was Baium, the Emperor of Elmoreden, but he didn't become King as a Mystic! Do you get it? The highest calling you can achieve is the pursuit of wealth!

• "Whatever... just give me the test."
• "I am not interested in your opinions. Let me take the test."

You think you can build wealth with magic? How naive! Do you think that all the other Dwarves are wrong? They gave up magic long ago and used their limited intelligence for earning money! If you wish to learn to accumulate wealth, you should go to a Dwarf and learn from him.

• "You seem bitter. Just give me the test, old man."
• "Could you please shut up and give me the test?"

You're so vain! Do you think people will respect you because you're a Magician? Ha! Showing off your magic like a trained monkey... Is that what you want? If you wish to earn the respect of others, the best way is to be generous. Yes, that's the best way!

• "Whatever, old man. Just give me the test, OK?"
• "Could you please stop babbling and give me the test?"

No reason in particular, huh? Could it possibly be that the stupidest person in the world is in my presence? What are you thinking? Or are you thinking at all?

• "You seem bitter. Could you please just give me the test?"
• "Please stop babbling and give me the test."

Ha! Cheeky, aren't you? Well, if you are sure that you are ready... Don't hang around here bawling if you fail...

• Take the test

Ah ha, a flash of boldness! Good, that characteristic will serve you well. OK, you shall have the test. If you fail, don't think you can stand around here crying about it though...

• Take the test

What a cheeky youngster! Very well, you shall have the test. Now listen carefully, as I hate to repeat things! I also have no patience for laggards, so keep up! Are you ready?

• "I am ready!"

Over 100 years ago I wrote a book that some fool got ahold of and named 'The Scriptures of Knowledge'. 20 years ago the book disappeared, I'm not sure if it was stolen or if I lost it. Please find it for me.

• "Where would I look for it?"

Such a helpless child, must I do everything for you? If you are totally flummoxed I shall give you a clue. You must find Dieter from the Magister's Guild in Giran. He used to work for me... You should be able to get some advice from him. Don't waste time! Dieter will probably not want to talk to a greenhorn like you, take this mark and letter to introduce yourself!

Did you see Dieter? Did you meet my helpless pupil in the Magister's Guild of Giran? You must go and meet him. He will tell you about the Scriptures of Knowledge. Stop lolling about and leave right now! And don't come back until you have the book!

Impressive! You collected all 4 of them. Good work!

Now a promise is a promise, and I believe I now owe you a mark?

• "I heard that there are 6 Sacred Books of Knowledge in all?"

Well, yes, of course. There are 6. To tell you the truth, I know who has the other 2, and I am not inclined to get them back.

As Dieter told you, the books are meaningless unless you have all 6. This knowledge could be very dangerous if it became widespread in the world.

My book is a mere copy of the key of knowledge which the Gods used to teach the Giants the secrets of absolute geometry. I just transcribed this knowledge and have no intention of allowing this awkward copy loose upon the world. It must be kept from the grasp of greedy Humans and Dwarves at all costs.

• Ask about absolute geometry

Absolute geometry evolved from the beginning of time. It contains all truth in the universe. Mathematics, dynamics, architecture, astronomy, and navigation were all derived from the absolute geometry. He who truly understands absolute geometry can control the world.

The secrets of absolute geometry are contained on Maphr's Tablet Fragment, written in the ancient language of the Giants. Word has come that the Dwarves have been trying to obtain the tablet... I shudder to think of the consequences if this knowledge should fall into the hands of those greedy creatures!

The Scriptures of Knowledge contains the secrets of absolute geometry written down in understandable language. Do you have any idea how dangerous this knowledge is? You must bring it back. Even though it was only a part that I transcribed... And with only 4 books the knowledge should be safe... We cannot be too careful...

Why have you returned? Stop bothering me and go see Mirien!

So, you have come for the 4th volume of the Scriptures of Knowledge? I understand your situation but it is not something that I can give freely. Do you have any idea of the power of these volumes? .

They contain the knowledge of the Giants' technology that was thought lost for millennia! The absolute geometry... It's a pity that we can't decipher the texts since we are missing volumes 1, 2, and 3...

You are looking for Chapter 4 of the sacred scripture? That is not something that I can hand over easily. Do you know what the scripture contains? Nothing less than all the knowledge of the world!

This book may yet reveal the lost knowledge and science of the Giants, who have long since vanished from this world. Oh, the ultimate secrets of geometry... I lack the rest of chapters 1, 2 and 3, so many details are still unknown to me.

• Tell him that you will show him chapter 1, 2 and 3 if he shows you chapter 4.

What is that? You have the rest of the scripture? Could it be true?

This sounds acceptable, but let me make a copy for myself. It won't take too long if we use magic instead transcribing it by hand. We will need some special materials for it, though. Would you help me gather the ingredients?

• "I will help."

Excellent. Here is what we'll need.

10 pieces of Ghoul's Skin, 12 bottles of Medusa's Blood, 5 bottles of Fettered Soul's Ichor, and 5 Enhanced Gargoyle Nails.

You must get the Ghoul's Skin from the Ghoul himself. He can be found in the execution place of Dion.

You must collect the Medusa's Blood from the medusas that you can find in the northern part of Giran.

The Fettered Soul has been seen frequently in the Corridors of Death.

Last, the Enhanced Gargoyle Nail... Among all the materials that you must find, this will be the most difficult. The Enhanced Gargoyles are much stronger than any of the other creatures. They may be found near the Ivory Tower of Oren.

When you bring all the materials that I have requested, I will make a copy of the texts. I will then give you the 4th volume.

I see that you have obtained all the materials! Good job! An old Sage like me is no good at chasing down magical creatures... Thank you very much. The copying will be finished soon. Please wait a minute...

Here we go... All done. This is truly a momentous occasion. Here, I'll give you back volumes 1, 2 and 3, and here's my 4th volume...

Hold on! What is this?

• "What?"

What in blazes? I understood that there were only 4 volumes of the Scriptures of Knowledge... But now this! It says that there is one before the 1st and one after the 4th...! How could it be...? Without those two, we won't be able to understand the Scripture! What a blow! To find 4 volumes and then discover that it is not enough... Now I will never be able to decipher the texts...

So you have acquired the 4 original copies of the existing Scriptures. An admirable feat, but as I said, without the introduction and the 5th volume it will be impossible to fully understand its meaning. What a shame.

Maria's scroll... Ah yes, I have heard of its importance. We have looked everywhere and are still unable to find it. The thief must be very cunning.

It is very unusual to have no clues in a whole month! Maybe we should consult a fortune-teller...

Anyway, please tell Maria that I am terribly sorry. I'll do my best to apprehend this thief as soon as possible.

Please give my message to Maria. Be patient, I will catch the thief as soon as I can.

You saw the fortune-teller? Fortune-teller, astrologer, what's the difference? I was only kidding the other day when I suggested it. Who thought you would have taken me seriously? I guess I just ran out of ideas...

What is that picture, anyway? Why are you holding such a thing? Ah! Hold on, what the hell is that strange reflection?

• "It is the reflection of the criminal"

Do you mean this is the reflection of the thief?

I can't help noticing that it looks exactly like a Leto Lizardman. He appears to be a perfect Warrior... I heard that the Leto Lizardmen have been seen in the southeastern part of Oren.

If this fortune-teller's mirror is correct, we have a huge problem. There must be a deeper reason for their behavior...

Let's get started. The fortune-teller might be correct.

If this mirror is correct, the person who stole the scroll will be among the Leto Lizardmen. We might find the scroll if we find them.

We have recovered all the scrolls from the leto Lizardman! Thank God. Take them to Maria immediately.

I'm afraid I didn't express my gratitude adequately before. Thanks to you we recovered the scrolls from the leto Lizardman. I am in your debt...

The Scriptures of Knowledge? Ah, what a strange book! I got it from that Drunkard Triff as payment for his debt... Is it as valuable as he said? Well the money that he owes me wasn't that much, anyway... 1,000 Adena, I believe...?

• "Please give me the Scriptures of Knowledge: Volume II."

Hey, youngster! You expect me to give it to you for free? What about the debt? Would you care to pay for that instead?

• "I will pay the debt."

So, you will pay the debt? Hey since I loaned that man 1,000 Adena... How long has it been? Let me see... Yes, that was 10 years ago, 10 years! Do you know how much interest is drawn from that? If you compute the compound interest, that would be... Let's say, 100,000 Adena! You will pay all that money for him?

Forget it... I gave up collecting that debt a long time ago. Instead, I have a proposal. If you do me a favor, I shall give you that Scriptures of Knowledge.

• Accept the proposal

Good! You are a good fellow. Now listen to me carefully. I have heard of a very precious crystal, what was its name, yes, that's right, it is called the Purifying Crystal. I have heard that only one person can make it.

If you will bring me one of those, I shall gladly give you that Scriptures of Knowledge.

Have you forgotten the terms already? First you must bring me the Crystal of Purity! Then we will talk about that scripture thing.

Wow, this is indeed the Crystal of Purity! How did you find such a precious thing so quickly? You are more skillful than I had expected. Oh, well, a man should keep his word. Here is the Scripture: Volume II. Take good care of it!

I understand that you are trying to acquire the whole collection of scriptures? Well, I doubt that you can find them so easily? Keep trying, young one!

Mirien has sent word that you have taken the path of the seeker. Are you prepared to test your magical abilities?

• Agree to the test

Not long after I arrived in Giran frightening monsters began to gather in the corridor to the north. During this time I learned that the creatures using magic were not originally magic users.

I can't be sure, but I sense the complicity of Dark Magician Hardin. As you know, his school is nearby.

I can't imagine why, but I am quite sure that it is he who gave these monsters the ability to use magic. I have no evidence of this crime, and the suspicions seem to be mine alone.

I intend to investigate, starting with the monsters that use magic. What do you say? Will you assist with my investigation?

• Participate in the investigation

Good. Take this mark for now. I will tell you about the monsters that you must investigate. First, we have the Monster Eye Destroyers. There are many of them in the Wasteland and the Plains of Dion. Please bring back 5 of their hides.

Second, we have the Breka Orc Shamans. You will find them easily in Giran. Defeat them and bring back 5 Shaman Necklaces.

Finally, you must confront the monsters called Shackle. We need 2 scalps from them. They appear at the Watcher's Tomb, but one word of caution: Recently, they have also appeared at the Ivory Tower Crater. Either way, if you aren't careful, you will lose your life. So remain vigilant. All this may be difficult to remember, so I will make a list for you.

It seems that you have not yet completed the investigation that I tasked you with. As I said before, please investigate the Monster Eye Destroyer, Breka Orc Shaman, and Shackle. The Monster Eye Destroyer appears at the Wasteland and the Plains of Dion, the Breka Orc Shaman appears at Breka's Stronghold, and Shackle appears at the Watcher's Tomb and the Ivory Tower Crater.

Let's see, Monster Eye Destroyer Skins, Shaman Necklaces, and Shackle Scalps. You have brought me all that I have asked of you. I thank you on behalf of the Mystics Guild of Giran! With this evidence, I should be able to prove my suspicions and find Hardin's true purpose.

As a token of my appreciation, I will give you my mark. You are more than qualified to receive this. Now return to Mirien.

Return to Mirien and she will instruct you regarding the next stage of the trial.

The Trial of the Scholar is the first step toward reaching a higher understanding. I wish you luck.

You must learn about the purification of light.

As you probably know, my duty is to purify the land of unclean energy. In the eastern part of this village is an Execution Grounds where many of the people involved in the peasant's uprising were killed. This place casts a dark shadow over all of Dion. This evil history has made the area a fertile ground for strange creatures.

You must sooth the angry spirits of the Execution Grounds and assist in the purification of this land. This won't be easy or quick. It requires patience and persistence. Will you assist me in purifying the Execution Grounds?

• "I will participate."

Carry this mark while you perform the task I have assigned you. Let us begin the purification of the Execution Grounds. To do so, we must acquire the Crystal of Purity. It is a purely formed crystal.

This pure gem is not obtained easily. The only person capable of creating it is Maria in this village. Take this letter to her. She will tell you more about the Crystal of Purity.

Please visit Maria and obtain the Crystal of Purity. That is the only way that we can cleanse this spiritually bereft land.

Ah, the Crystal of Purity! Behold the beauty of the most pure formation!

To tell you the truth, I knew that Maria wasn't quite ready to make the crystal and I thought that you might help her find the way.

Thanks to you, the method of creating this crystal has been restored to us, and we have the object we need to purify the Execution Grounds. Good work.

You shall have the mark as promised. Take it to Magister Mirien over there. Good luck in the Trial of the Scholar.

You have successfully completed the task that I assigned you. You should go and meet Magister Mirien now, she has another task for you.

I wish you good luck on your tasks and hope that you become a mature Magician soon.

Who are you~hiccup

Raut? Who is that, hiccup~

Leave me alone! I don't want any!

Again...one shot for sea, one shot for me. Two shots for me, one shot for sea...hiccup!

• Give him Strong Liquor

Uh, is this wine? For me?

Woohoo! What a pal! hiccup~

Yeah, Raut is my great big brother, hiccup.

Is that the first book you have there? Put it away! Hiccup~!

When I think of my friends, sob, hiccup, sob~

• Ask about his friends

Sob...hiccup~! My poor friends...?

Hiccup~ yes, it was the time that Despe.., he told us to steal the books from that difficult man. He offered us a tidy sum of money for them, too. Burp~!

But you see, we discovered that these were extraordinary books! Hiccup~!

So we decided to keep them for ourselves. Hiccup~ First we went to my brother's house and split up the books and then went our separate ways.

We promised to reunite when things calmed down. Hiccup~ Now my friends will never return...sob...sob~

• "What happened to the Books of Intelligence?"

Hiccup~ Everyone but I was confronted by Des... something?! He is an unusually cruel and deceitful Magician. Damn! Burp~!

Ever the hero, I gathered the scriptures and hid them away before he could find them. But the third one was lost to the forces of evil, the dastardly Grandis, a huge monster living in Giran. Hiccup~!

But, now all is lost, hiccup~ all my friends are dead and I'm alone... sob...

The second book and the fourth book are entrusted to the Warehouse Keeper Valkon at Giran and the Blacksmith Poitan at Dion. Hiccup~ Take my ring and meet them.

Burp~I don't feel so good.

Hiccup~! Wow great~!

One shot for sea, one shot for me~

Two shots for me, One shot for sea~

• Ask about Book of Intelligence

Hey, you! Hiccup~! I've already told you all I know...Hiccup~!

The 3rd book was stolen by the two-headed Grandis~! Hiccup~!

The 2nd book was given to Warehouse Keeper Valkon~! Burp~!

Hiccup~! The 4th book was given to Blacksmith Poitan~! Burp~I feel dizzy!

What, this envelope? It can't be... After so long, and now...?

Oh, my... Please forgive me. It was a thoughtless mistake by my brother when he was young. I apologize for him. Please forgive us this one time.

• "I don't understand what's going on."

What? Weren't you here looking for the Scriptures of Knowledge? I have been suffering from bad dreams for the last couple of nights. Every night an old man appears and demands that I give the scripture to the person who brings this envelope. First I thought it was just a silly dream, but then it keeps recurring night after night!

Anyway, I truly apologize. Take this Scriptures of Knowledge: Volume I. Regarding the remaining 3 volumes, I do not know. My brother said that he gave them to his friends. It was said that some strange man asked them to steal the scriptures... However my brother and his young comrades kept it for themselves. They ran all the way to this village where I now live. Afterwards they split up and took one book each, and have not been heard from since.

What do you say, would you like to meet my brother? He might remember something. By the way, he won't even speak to you if you don't bring him any alcohol. Here, take this wine with you. I hope you can sort it out so that I can sleep in peace.

• "Where is your brother?"

You will find my brother near the harbor. He drinks there everyday. If you go and mention my name he will talk to you.

Have you met my brother? He can be found near the harbor. If you give him the wine that I gave you, he will answer your questions.

I didn't realize that my brother had stolen such an important thing... By all means, I shall pray for you to find the rest of the Scriptures of Knowledge.

Ah, a letter from Dieter! Dieter the crybaby! Of course I remember him! Did you say that he became a teacher at the School of Wizardry? Oh, my! He did better than I expected he would... He used to cry like a baby after being scolded by Cronos the wise, and I always had to cheer him up.

Oh, well, what did you say you came here for?

• "It is all in the letter."

The letter! Oh, yes, yes... It was probably 20 years ago but I do remember. There was a big fuss about a stolen book, and the burglar...

Yes, he sure seemed strange to me as well. Back then, the atmosphere was very tense between the Dwarves, Dark Elves and Humans.

What? The far west...? Uh? What fortune-teller?...

Ah, yes, I remember now. I was sitting inside an apple barrel that night. Right beside me, they were talking about going to Gludin Harbor. Perhaps they stole the expensive book and hid it there? They were so rushed that they didn't notice that something extra was included with the bill.

Wait a moment please! Where... did I put it...? Yes, it was an empty envelope. I kept it just in case... It says here Raut the Warehouse Keeper. Do you want it?

What did you do with the envelope? I hope Dieter finds the book soon so that he will stop crying. Oh, yes, I remember... You said he is a good teacher now. Ha ha!

Did you find the book? Please help Dieter!

The Book of Knowledge? Ha! That was sold long ago.

Triff left it to cover his bar tab, but I didn't think he would pay it back so I sold it.

It was a Sage who bought it. He was a very eager buyer and paid handsomely for it. If you want the book, talk to him. I have his name here, I wrote it in the account book...

Ah! Here it is!. It was a month ago. Casian is his name. Elder Casian... Address...The Wastelands. I wonder what he is doing in a place like the Wastelands. Anyway, if you want to try to talk him out of his precious book, he is there.

I told you the book has already been sold to Elder Casian from the Wastelands! Go to the Wastelands if you want the book!

I guess Elder Casian gave you work to do. Well, nothing is free, my friend.

You have found all 4 of the books! Very impressive!