"Offer other services besides information. Research, tech development, material goods. The Empire seems very invested in studying the crystals for their own purposes."

He takes out a mechanical bearing from his pocket and rolls it around his hand. "I heard they are the leaders in airship development. Hypothetically, wouldn't it make sense for a selfish engineer to put the other Heroes in danger in exchange for a decent workshop?"

He shrugs, a look of concentration replacing his earlier smile. "But then there's always the issue of secure communication."