Xenoblade Chronicles Guide- Walkthrough Part 77: Mine, All Mine

On reaching the far end of the passage, you’re treated to another sky view- because you’ve reached a new region: Colony 6.  The camera comes back in overhead of the group, on the road up a broad cliffside ledge leading to the mining Colony.

Shulk looks up at the heavy-walled structure in wonder, and asks in awe that someone confirm this is really Colony 6.  Reyn echoes his disbelief, pointing out that it’s built like a fortress and doesn’t appear like a very hospitable place.  A bit unsteadily, Sharla mentions that a lot has changed in a month- whether she’s referring to the refugee camp, your recent adventures, or Colony 6 itself isn’t clear.  In an attempt to cheer her up, Reyn promises that the group will ‘find Juju and then smash some metal.’

Shulk is feeling more cautious, though, and stops his friend.  He points out that they can’t just bull forwards, they’ll be charging in blind.  Sharla suggests that the three can enter the colony by way of the mine.  Confused by the idea, Shulk looks to the medic.

Sharla explains that the entire reason for the colony is tha thtere is a massive Ether deposit underneath- and the first settlers in the area built directly on top of it.  The mine, she further digresses, is a complex network of caves and tunnels, meaning that the Mechon shouldn’t have managed to figure out everything just yet.  Reyn is confused as to why Sharla is even talking about this- but Shulk points out that entering that way may be unexpected, making it a covert route to the interior of the Colony.

Sharla approves of Shulk’s thinking, leaving Reyn to ask how they’re going to get into the mine.  Sharla explains that there’s an entry just ahead in the form of the Drainage outlet, which they can reach by using a nearby lift.

Once this is done, you’re given control again, and left aimed at the lift- but don’t head towards it just yet.  Instead, head up the hill towards Colony 6- don’t worry, the entrance is walled off so nothing’s going to leap out and ambush you.  There are, however, two Nopon here, both merchants.  One of them has a request, and the other one is selling stuff.  Useful stuff.  By which I mean books.

Daza Quest: A Hox stole my trade pass!  Please get it back.  Find the Nopon Coin in the Splintered Path in the Colony 6 region.
Reward: 850g, 320xp, Break II Ether Gem

Daza Quest II: Annoying Monsters!  Kill 4 Yellow Antol, 6 Soft Hox, and 3 Water Upa!
Reward: 900g, 400xp, Pelt Bottoms, Pelt Top

Daza Quest III: Bring a letter to Gerugu on the upper level of Bionis’ Leg.  Then bring Gerugu’s response to Daza.
Reward: 1000g, 500xp, Slow III Ether Gem, Top-Secret Data (Key Item)

You can also get started on collecting- this may take a while, as there isn’t much space and there aren’t many Collection Item nodes in the Colony 6 area, but the rewards for completing the Collectapaedia page are well worth the trouble, particularly if you can manage to find all the items before heading into the Ether Mine.