The Ash of War confers Magic affinity upon an armament and introduces the skill "Thops's Barrier."

This skill allows you to erect a magical forcefield while swinging the shield, effectively deflecting sorceries and incantations. It can also be utilized as a regular parry.

Usable on small and medium shields.

To obtain these Ashes of War, embark on the side quest of NPC Tops, found in the Elis Church next to the cliff near the lake.

1. Initiate the quest by talking to Tops in the church, who will request 10 runes and offer to teach magic.

2. Speak to him again, and he'll ask you to find the second Academy Pyroxene Key.

3. Begin from the Blessing Discussion Room of the Academy of Magic. Proceed to the square, ascend to the second-floor platform through the left ramp, and continue upward through the left steps.

4. Jump down on the left side of the third-floor platform, turn left, and climb onto the roof. Ascend the ladder at the front.

5. Reach the bottom of the clock tower, proceed to the right, and jump to the roof. Continue along the roof, jump over the gap to the opposite side, and turn right.

6. Enter the tower on the right, descend through the hole in the floor, and leave the tower. Ascend the ladder next to the tower.

7. Jump to the top of the opposite building, enter the church through the window, and find the second Academy Pyroxene Key on the chandelier below.

8. Return to Elis Church and give the key to Tops, who will mention returning to the academy.

9. After a blessed break, return to Elis Church, and obtain the Battle Ashes by eliminating the dung beetle inside the church.