The Root of the Problem is a Subquest in Shin Megami Tensei V. Most Subquests will reward you with a large amount of experience, some Macca, and then you’ll receive an item of sorts. Most of the time, it’ll be a Talisman which allows you to have access to the different Magatsuhi skills in the game.

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Silky wants you to bring back some Mandrake Roots

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Collect 8 Mandrake Roots for Silky.

Where to start The Root of the Problem¶

After completing A Golden Opportunity main quest, head back to the Fairy Village and you will see the Silky there will have a quest for you. She has run out of some Mandrake Roots while preparing the medicine and wants you to help her get some more.

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Silky will be in Fairy Village

Where to find Mandrake Roots for The Root of the Problem¶

As the name of the item suggests, you will find that Mandrakes drop the Mandrake Roots, but they are only found in the forest north of the Fairy Village, or the Gotenyama area. However, Silky does warn you that some stronger demons may be seeking the same roots. Head to the area mentioned above to find some Mandrakes roaming around, which are their normal counterparts, being level 8 and all, so they won’t be a problem. You will only find a single Mandrake per battle, though, and the problem quickly shows itself after procuring two roots. On the third battle and beyond, you will find that Narcissus will pop up in the battle with the Mandrake.

Now, it’s highly likely that you haven’t seen these yet, since they are normally level 38 and won’t appear until the next region. These ones are level 36 and weak to Fire, while blocking Force. They have access to Sexy Dance, which has a chance to charm your party, so be prepared with some items/skills that can cure the ailment. They can also use Zanma, which is nothing you haven’t seen at this point. For every two Mandrake Roots you get after the first two, an additional Narcissus will join, so you will be fighting three of them (in addition to the Mandrake), once you need the final two roots. Bring the roots back to the Silky to finish the quest.

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(1 of 2) You will find the required Mandrakes in the Gotenyama area

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You will find the required Mandrakes in the Gotenyama area (left), As you kill more Mandrakes, you will find more Narcissus will join in the battles (right)

Recommended Party¶

Icon	Name
	Mothman
	Lilim

You don’t really need a specific party for this quest, as the Mandrakes are pretty weak themselves and the Narcissus aren’t anything special. However, having Mothman for his Me Patra to get rid of the charm, in case, might be extremely useful. Likewise, Lilim is immune to Charm, so having her included, especially with some Fire skills, will be great.