Although many had hoped to find a significant Kelon deposit at the heart of the Cais Adarra, the mountain ultimately holds no kelonic vein. Instead, it harbors a colossal tree, one whose proportions rival those of the Spindle. It is now clear that other world-trees exist within the Terra Incognita. Unfortunately, however, this tree—whom we have named the Nilam due to its bluish hue—has not withstood the ravages of time. Its trunk still reaches skyward in the shadows of the fractured mountain, its crown nearly touching the summit. Its massive branches and roots spread out, piercing and winding through the surrounding rock. The entire structure is embedded within the ravine, forming an intricate network within this vast crevice, as if it had fused with the stone itself. But its fibers—frozen and solidified—have become as hard as crystal, and its limbs have long since shed their leaves for good.

Upon examining the trunk where Kuraokami is imprisoned, the Muna arborists and Axiom botanists discovered numerous perforations and gashes along its bark. These openings, which are not of natural origin, penetrate deep into the tree’s phloem network. Additionally, all of the inner wood glows with an iridescent blue light. Yzmir mages believe that the entire xylem system—the vessels responsible for drawing nutrients from the earth—continues to absorb vast amounts of Mana rising naturally from the ground. This high-energy concentration may partly explain why Kuraokami remains trapped here, but it does not clarify why he is unable to manifest an Eidolon in reality. The Initiates continue their analyses to determine how the Oneiros can be confined both physically and anagogically, but so far, they have only put forth conjectures.

The Muna arborists have requested further study of the Nilam, hoping to find clues that might explain the Spindle’s current decline. Is it the presence of pathogens in the soil? A depletion of vital nutrients? Or merely the result of inevitable aging? They have also proposed establishing a permanent embassy here—a Tenth Refuge, the Refuge of Snow—with the goal of maintaining dialogue with the Winter Folk and the Belisenki. I am inclined to grant them a contingent to ensure their safety while awaiting reinforcements from Asgartha. In any case, the Asterion, for both political and economic reasons, desires the incorporation of the Storhvit region into the Asgarthan Protectorate. Muna mediators will need to remain stationed here to temper the ambitions of the Corporations, the Guilds, and even other Factions seeking to exploit the region’s resources.

Once the area is stabilized, the Storhvit will become eligible for a potential settlement strategy. In time, the explored territory will gain the official status of a Province under the name of Caer Nilam. Already, to honor this fallen world-tree, cartographers have marked their atlases accordingly, and heraldists have used its image to design the region’s emblem. Thus, this land will become the first addition brought forth by the Rediscovery Endeavor, following the recent reconquest of Caer Oorun. This step will serve as undeniable proof that this initiative will benefit our civilization, significantly strengthening its standing among the Asgarthan population.