Anima quest questoin

[Zumi]

I am on Born again Anima. Where it is telling me,

"Completing certain activities while equipped with your anima weapon and shield will increase their aetheric density levels.
Please be advised that aetheric density cannot be increased when their durability is zero.
By using the anima glass, it is possible to visually verify your progress."

My question is do I have to have it equipped when I do stuff? None of the other quests did. My alex weapon is 15 ilvls higher so it would be slower if I have to use the relic.