"Lord Tarnished, I'm no good at fighting. This is as far as I can take you."
Before the Lakeside Crystal Cave, a nomadic merchant spoke respectfully to Tarnished.
The Nomadic Merchants were remarkably resourceful, with people stationed everywhere. Once they learned that Stormveil intended to attack the Academy, they began actively offering assistance. This merchant had long been stationed in Liurnia, so he took on the role of guide.
With his help, Tarnished easily found the entrance to the crystal cave. His task complete, the merchant prepared to head to Gate Town Bridge and join Stormveil's main force, making preparations for the coming advance.
"Thank you for your efforts. Stormveil won't forget the help of the Nomadic Merchants," Tarnished said sincerely. "May our friendship endure!"
"May our friendship endure!"
The merchant bowed, mounted his donkey, and left.
Tarnished entered the cave as well. It was pitch-black inside, so he lit the portable light the merchant had given him-a small, finely crafted lantern worn at his waist-and began making his way deeper into the cave.
According to Alpas, passing through the crystal cave would lead him to a secluded cliff, where Latenna awaited.
The cave wasn't large, but it was rather complicated. Passages of varying sizes crisscrossed through it, leaving him able to see the paths below without finding any way to reach them. Fortunately, a group of Demi-Humans also lived there. Tarnished gave them the name of Demi-Human Queen Mako, and they immediately bowed in submission. Not only did they guide him to a passage leading down and clear out the crystal snails along the way, they also gave him a gift.
[Spear Talisman]: A talisman depicting a soldier and a spear. Enhances damage dealt by counterattacks.
A counterattack meant attacking at the same time as an enemy,