TM27: Return

Guide your journey through TM27: Return in Dreams of Aether, covering Phase 1: The Shattered Ascent and reactivating Sky-Weaver Conduits.

Welcome, Aethernauts, to the comprehensive guide for TM27: Return! This section will meticulously detail your journey through the treacherous Aetherian Expanse as you seek to reactivate the ancient Sky-Weaver Conduits. Prepare for challenging encounters and hidden secrets. ensure you miss nothing and emerge victorious.

Phase 1: The Shattered Ascent

Your mission begins at the base of the Crimson Spire. The initial ascent requires careful platforming and avoiding the patrolling Gloom-Harriers. These aerial foes are vulnerable to ranged attacks, particularly the Aether-Bolt Repeater.

• Objective: Reach the first Sky-Weaver Conduit activation panel.
• Path: From the starting point, head north-east, utilizing the crumbling ledges. Look for glowing Aether-Moss to indicate stable platforms.
• Enemies: Encounter 3-5 Gloom-Harriers on your way. Prioritize taking them down from a distance.
• Item Location: Near the second large platform (marked by a leaning crystal formation), you'll find a Luminous Shard in a hidden alcove. This is crucial for later upgrades.
• Strategy: Use your Grapple-Hook to quickly traverse larger gaps. Be mindful of the wind currents; they can push you off course.

Phase 2: The Whispering Canyons

After activating the first conduit, a new path will open to the west, leading into the Whispering Canyons. This area is characterized by narrow passages and sudden drops.

• Objective: Locate and activate the second Sky-Weaver Conduit.
• Path: Follow the newly revealed energy trail. The canyons are a maze, but the trail will guide you.
• Enemies: Expect encounters with Stone-Golems and agile Canyon-Strikers. Stone-Golems are slow but heavily armored; target their glowing core. Canyon-Strikers are fast and attack in packs; use area-of-effect abilities like Shockwave Blast.
• Item Location: Within a small cave accessible by a hidden crawl space (look for a cluster of Glimmer-Fungi on the cave wall), you'll discover a Relic of the Ancients. This artifact is part of a side quest, "Echoes of the Past."
• Puzzle: To open the path to the second conduit, you'll need to activate three pressure plates in the correct sequence. The sequence is hinted at by the faint glowing symbols on the canyon walls: Star, Moon, Sun.

Phase 3: The Azure Nexus

The final phase takes you to the heart of the Aetherian Expanse, the Azure Nexus. This is where the primary Sky-Weaver Conduit resides, guarded by a formidable foe.

• Objective: Activate the final Sky-Weaver Conduit and defeat the Guardian.
• Path: The path to the Nexus is straightforward, but heavily fortified. Expect increased enemy density.
• Enemies: You will face elite versions of previous enemies, including Alpha Gloom-Harriers and Reinforced Stone-Golems. Conserve your Aether-Cores for the upcoming boss.
• Boss Encounter: The Nexus Guardian
  • Phase 1: Aerial Assault. The Guardian will remain airborne, launching energy projectiles. Use cover and counter with your Aether-Bolt Repeater and Charged Shot.
  • Phase 2: Ground Slam. After taking significant damage, the Guardian will descend, attempting powerful ground slams. Dodge these attacks and use melee combos with your Celestial Blade during its recovery period.
  • Phase 3: Aetheric Overload. The Guardian will begin to glow, unleashing a continuous beam of energy. This is your window to use your ultimate ability, Aetheric Surge, to deal massive damage. Repeat phases as necessary.
• Reward: Upon defeating the Nexus Guardian, you will receive the Sky-Weaver's Key, allowing you to activate the final conduit and complete TM27: Return. collect the Aetherium Core dropped by the Guardian; it's a rare crafting material!