After learning about Hugo Kupka’s movements, during Bolt From The Blue Clive is anxious to track the man down. He sets out with his uncle Byron to go to Drake’s Breath where the Dominant is hiding out. This mission has you speaking with a lot of NPCs which can get rather confusing. The guide below goes over who to speak with and how to complete the thirtieth main story quest, Riddle of The Sands in Final Fantasy XVI.

Enemies in Velkroy Desert¶

Items in Velkroy Desert¶

Items in This Area
Desert Rose
Desert Rose Seal

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Clive exploring the !Velkroy Desert.

How to Reach The Trading Post¶

Once you are able to move around, head for the large ruin in the Velkroy Desert. This is easy to find as there aren’t any enemies you fight along the way and there’s a road with travelers. Once you are under the structure, you will then proceed to the trading post, you will want to head to the Dalimil Inn. Once inside a long cutscene plays that bounces back and forth between Clive who is downstairs, and Joshua who is resting in a room upstairs. Before long though, Byron angers some Royal Osfreyrs and a brawl breaks out. There are only four Royal Osfreyr’s so take them out quickly after the cutscene, you will try to head out the gate to Drake’s Breath only to find it blocked, gather information from the NPCs on your left, there will be a man with a cart and a woman sitting under a tent. Next head to the right side and speak with the NPC on the dock.

The man will send you to find Ferda, who is in the alley ahead of you in a cloak, speak with him and he will lead you down the alley where you’re attacked by Back-alley Bruisers. Mop them up, and then you will be brought to the Lock of Leisure, follow the quest mark and you will meet a new ally named L’ubor. He will ask you to look into the crystal shortage during the sub-quest Follow The Crystals.

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(1 of 4) Head towards the ruins.

How to Complete Follow The Crystals¶

Once you are ready to help L’ubor, you will begin asking for clues around town. There’s a man at a stall on the outskirts of town, two women chatting on a bridge near the marketplace, and a man tending to a Chocobo. After speaking with them, head back to the Dalimil Inn and speak with the woman standing outside, you will then want to head up the stairs to your right where you will find Byron in negotiations with a shady character. Upon speaking with him you will learn that you need to go into the desert to meet up with a merchant for payment.

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(1 of 6) Speak with the man near the stall.

Follow the marker into the desert, here you will be jumped by several soldiers. This includes Kupka’s Private Guards, Royal Knights, and a Royal Knight Captain. Make quick work of them and after the battle, L’ubor will appear to check on the situation. He’s happy with Clive and agrees to help him out of town. After he gives you the Desert Rose Seal, head back to the gate that leads to Drake’s Breath and walk to the marker, at this point a cutscene will play where Byron wishes you well and a new location will be added to the world map. When you are ready, head to Drake’s Breath to start the main quest Into The Darkness.