Aether to Aether

Aether to Aether

Quest giver

Hermes

Location

Elpis (X:24.1, Y:23.2)

Quest line

Endwalker Main Scenario Quests

Level

86

Experience

 488,400

Gil

 851

Previous quest

Their Greatest Contribution

Next quest

A Sentimental Gift

Patch

6.0

“

Something seems to be weighing on Hermes's mind.

— In-game description

Rewards

Unlocks

• 
  The Twelve Wonders

Steps

• Search for Hermes.
• Speak with Meteion and have her accompany you.
• Search for Doros while accompanied by Meteion.
• Speak with Meteion

Dialogue

Hermes

• Tell me, Player. In the course of watching me, have you learned aught of value?
  • Upon selecting Dynamis as a reply: Dynamis, you say? Curious that such an obscure phenomenon should be of interest to you.

Seasoned Observer

• Chief Hermes, what good fortune to find you here.

Hermes

• Is something the matter?

Seasoned Observer

• The lyakon -- I'm afraid it's done it again.
• No sooner did we release one for observation than it set upon the nearby okyupetes, slaughtering them.

Hermes

• Was the creature hungry? Or somehow provoked?

Seasoned Observer

• I had just fed them myself, and the okyupetes were keeping a wide berth. It is the nature of the lyakon that is to blame. Their innate viciousness.
• Temperament aside, it is an outstanding creation, perfect in form and function.
• Though it may not be suited for release, I have no doubt that the bureau will accept its concept for preservation.
• In any case, there's no point in postponing the inevitable. Doros will revert them all once the paperwork is in order.

Hermes

• Where is the scene of the incident?

Seasoned Observer

• Just off the path to the Twelve Wonders. As you make your way, you should see it on the left. I don't know if Doros is still there, however.

Meteion

• H-Hermes! Wait!

Emet-Selch

• If this is part of his work, then I would observe. We follow.

Hermes

• The lacerations and burns are unmistakable. A lyakon was indeed responsible.
• But the creature is nowhere to be seen. Doros must have taken it away.
• The man makes his base at the Twelve Wonders. I shall go and seek him out there.

Hythlodaeus

• Emet-Selch and I will search the area for good measure. Just to make sure the lyakon did not escape.

Hermes

• My thanks. Let us meet at the Twelve Wonders when you have finished.
• I will go on ahead. Please follow with Player.

Meteion

• Come, come. It's down this path and over the bridge.
• There it is -- the Twelve Wonders. Hermes is looking for Doros. Let's look for Doros too!
• He's a man with long, blond hair...I think. I'll know him when I see him!

Searching for Doros
Blonde-haired Woman

• ...Hm? If you're with Meteion, then I assume you're on an errand for Hermes. What can I do for you?
• Meteion: S-Sorry, wrong person! We're looking for Doros...
• Ah, I see. We do have similar hair, so people often mistake us from afar. I hope you find him soon.

Dark-haired Man

• Once I get back and record today's results, I should finally be able to put that report to bed...
• Meteion: Not Doros! His hair is long, but the color is wrong.

Blond-haired Man

• Meteion: Doros! That's Doros!

Blond-haired Man

• Well now, if it isn't Meteion. What brings you here?

Hermes

• Ah, I thought I heard familiar voices!
• I didn't realize you two had decided to help me search for Doros. Thank you.
• You're in charge of the lykaones, I believe. Where are they now?

Doros

• Out in the field in restraints. Frenzied as they were, I couldn't well return them to Ktisis.
• Once I've submitted my report, I'll see them reverted without delay.

Hythlodaeus

• It's as he says. The beasts are indeed quite ferocious

Doros

• Y-You're one of the Fourteen! Wh-What brings you here!?

Emet-Selch

• Nothing you need concern yourself with. As you were.

Hermes

• We've heard the news -- that a lyakon slaughtered okyupetes. As the observer in charge, you are of the opinion that they are not fit to be released?

Doros

• Aye, I am. Their abnormal aggression and exceptional strength makes for a highly problematic combination.
• It matters not where they are released. Lyakones would threaten other species and upset the natural order.

Hermes

• Could it be that the specimens observed are an outlier?

Doros

• Highly unlikely. We've created a good many of them; all exhibited the same tendencies.
• Even when we used Kairos to begin with a fresh slate, their behavior was unchanged.

Emet-Selch

• Kairos...?

Doros

• A memory reconfiguration system. The chief himself created it.
• It allows us to erase or alter memories, that we may observe creations in different environmental conditions without needing to remake them from scratch.

Emet-Selch

• Quite impressive...and potentially dangerous. Depending on the intensity of the aetheric emissions, Pashtarot may wish to have words with you.

Hermes

• Rest assured I've kept all values within prescribed limits. And to prevent misuse, its applications are limited to those authorized by the chief overseer.
• Do not misunderstand. To manipulate a subject's memories is an intrusive act I deeply abhor. But it is still preferable to execution.

Doros

• Come now, Chief, let's not be so melodramatic! What was born of aether is simply being reduced to its original state.
• I know the distinctions concern you, but we mustn't lose sight of the bigger picture -- making rational choices for the sake of a more prosperous star.
• If a creation cannot be properly studied even with the aid of Kairos, we remake it. If a creation is deemed a detrimental existence, we unmake it. 'Tis all for the greater good, and none question the necessity of such routine processes.

Hermes

• I understand these things, I do. I would never think to unleash a clear and undeniable threat unto the world.
• Yet insignificant though their individual lives may be next to all creation, it is all the lykaones have.
• Before we seal their fates, we owe it to these beings to exhaust all options. To ensure that nothing has been overlooked.

Doros

• If you insist. Let me provide you with a full report, and we may take it from there.

Hythlodaeus

• Would it be possible for us to attend the discussion? That Emet-Selch may better carry out his duties.

Hermes

• By all means.
• Pray show them to the meeting room.

Meteion

• To man, other beings are just things. To be used and controlled. Like magic.
• That's what Hermes told me once...