"I see... That would rule out many treasures of old. All that holds true power is more than the matter it is written in. Though...

"The Sheikah tribe of the last age crafted fascinating workings that trapped the hidden power of the world, though they themselves were only metal and stone. Perhaps there is something in their lost armories you may find of use?"

"I've made some Sheikah slates and was able to recharge them, and some of their libraries and such for interested researchers."

"Quick-footed, you are. Be warned, however: the Sheikah had great dreams and made great promises, but somehow they must have fallen short, for all it cost. You would better understand why before following in their footsteps. I fear what one might accidentally wreak with all their power and none of their understanding."

"Yeah, I am trying with mixed success to tread carefully while still treating the situation with appropriate gravity."

The Deku Tree seems to read something from that answer. It lets out a deep sigh.

"Very well. The new world belongs to the mortals, and you may do with it as you wish. But if you intend to follow in your forebears' path, I only bid that you do us the courtesy that they did, and send a messenger in advance."

"...I don't actually know what you're referring to."

The Tree is surprised.

"Ah? Then... I don't know if I should tell you. No, it will be as easy for you to discover on your own. But I would have sworn that one hundred years ago, the Hylians uncovered...

"I speak of the world-sinks. The spirit condensers, I believe the Sheikah called them. Perhaps they have a different name now. They did not return to consult me after the early days, but I felt it when they activated. Ten thousand years ago, and again one hundred years ago. Great devices to drain and seal power from the world. Four found their way into this very forest."

"Are these separate things from the divine beasts, I heard those were draining a lot of ambient magic."

"The Divine Beasts... is that what those are? Those vast things in the corners of Hyrule? I heard the name one hundred years ago, but did not connect them to the phenomenon. They are greater constructs of the same design, if I were to hazard a guess. Yes, that is what they are meant to do."

"The researchers are looking into it. There is some reason to believe they are possibly important to defeating Ganon."

"...There is a matter relevant to your quest to which I am sworn to secrecy. It has been ten thousand years... but the Deku Tree's word is not so easily broken. I have bent my vow already. Only one of the Elder Circle of the Sheikah may release me from this bond."

"What is the Elder Circle?"

"The keepers of secrets of their people. With so many millennia passed, it is unlikely the same body still exists. An analogue will suffice. One of the Sheikah may advise us."

Can Cam call Purah on his slate?

This does not appear to be a function the device possesses.

At the same time, Link comes wandering back.

"Hey. There is a secret that we need a Sheikah to release the Deku Tree from keeping which might be relevant. What's the best way to fetch one?"

"Uh?" He blinks. "...I found a Shrine here. So I can travel to Hateno and fetch one of them back. Who should I get?"

"Whoever wants, I guess?"

Link fiddles with his Sheikah Slate and flashes away.

And a minute later, Purah comes running around the corner, trailed by Link.

She looks pale and out of breath, and yet, simultaneously, wired out of her mind. Her eyes pass over the sword and widens—she doesn't register the Deku Tree—but she has her own news to deliver:

"They did it on purpose."

"Who did what on purpose?"

"The ancient Sheikah! The Divine Beasts are meant to deplete the planes around Hyrule. They deliberately overengineered their power cores for energy drain!"

The Deku Tree lets out a throaty chuckle.

"My exposition is not so needed, after all."

"AUgGHH!"