Elias considered Mei Lin, observing her as she diligently cataloged a batch of newly arrived cases. Her dedication was unwavering, her belief in the Ledger's inherent justice still largely intact despite the "glitches" her uncle was seeing. She was a weapon waiting to be aimed, but Elias needed to ensure she'd hit the right target, and, more importantly, create an unwitting connection to a potential new ally.
He approached her with a prepared air of academic rigor. "Mei Lin," he began, "your earlier work on the Sylvan trader case, Faelan, was exemplary. It demonstrated a keen eye for subtle karmic nuances. I've been considering it further for a theoretical paper on 'Inter-Species Karmic Reconciliation.' For this, I require more nuanced cultural data."
Mei Lin beamed, flattered by the recognition. "Of course, Analyst Thorne! How can I assist?"
"I need you to interview Faelan again," Elias explained. "Not about the past dispute, but about the broader principles of Sylvan karmic practice, their spiritual connection to nature, and how it influences their trade. It's crucial for understanding how their unique cultivation interacts with our human-centric Ledger. Make a comprehensive report."
His true purpose, however, was far more specific. He knew that Faelan, the Sylvan trader, had a daughter who was a Sylvan Grove Warden. These wardens were powerful cultivators, deeply attuned to the Law of Nature, and fierce protectors of their ancestral lands. Their karmic practices were inherently tied to their environment, making them natural enemies of any force that sought to manipulate or degrade the land – or its inhabitants' spiritual essence. A potential ally against the Naga, whose manipulations were an affront to natural balance. Mei Lin, with her trusting nature, would be the perfect, unwitting emissary.
He also provided Mei Lin with specific, seemingly innocuous questions to ask about Sylvan spiritual customs, questions designed to elicit a particular kind of response. He subtly guided her towards inquiring about traditional gifts or tokens exchanged during peace offerings or expressions of deep respect.
Mei Lin, earnest and eager to prove herself further, embarked on her mission with characteristic enthusiasm. She spent several days traveling to the verdant Sylvan territories, immersing herself in their culture. When she returned, she was filled with stories of the ancient trees, the singing rivers, and the quiet dignity of the Sylvan people.
"They were very welcoming, Analyst Thorne!" she exclaimed, presenting him with a meticulously compiled report. "Faelan was most helpful. He understood the importance of cross-cultural karmic understanding."
Then, with a shy smile, she reached into her satchel. "And as a gesture of appreciation for my genuine interest, Faelan's daughter, Lyra—she's a Grove Warden, sir, quite formidable!—gave me this." She presented Elias with a small, intricately carved wooden charm, shaped like a miniature blooming flower. It hummed faintly with a natural, earthy prana. "She said it was a traditional Sylvan charm, for 'true sight and honest growth.' A blessing for my research."
Elias took the charm, his fingers brushing against hers. He activated his Karma Lens, discreetly. Through its shimmering surface, he saw what Mei Lin could not. The Sylvan charm, innocent as it appeared, was more than just a blessing. It pulsed with a subtle, yet undeniable, resonance with Faelan and, more importantly, with his daughter, Lyra. It was a karmic anchor, a tiny thread of their spiritual essence woven into the wood. Elias could use it. He could now subtly track the Sylvan faction, understand their movements, and potentially even gauge their karmic state, without ever directly interacting with them.
He smiled, a genuine flicker of satisfaction. "An excellent find, Mei Lin. This charm... it truly enhances the spiritual resonance of your report. You've done well. Very well indeed."
He had deepened her loyalty, while inadvertently securing a silent, powerful link to a faction that might one day prove crucial in his escalating war against the hidden manipulators of the Ledger. The charm, seemingly a harmless gift, was now another tool in his increasingly complex arsenal.