Where There Is Smoke main story quest is bugged

[Xiaoyu]

Date & Time:
15 February 1:12 AM AEST (GMT+10)

Frequency:
Always

World:
Tonberry

Character Name:
Sariel Rest

Retainer Name:
None

NPC Name:
Hihibaru

Monster Name:
Corpse Brigade Footsoldier

Class/Level:
Lancer 27

Party or Solo:
Solo

Race:
Au ra F

In-Game Time:
10:42 pm

Area and Coordinates:
Eastern Thanalan ( 20.1 , 21.3 )

Housing:
None

Steps:
1. Use the key item 'smoldering coal' at the specified location: Eastern Thanalan ( 27.7 , 16.3 )
2. Defeat the enemy 'Corpse Brigade Footsoldier' that appears. (Defeating it should result in the key item 'Ward of the Destroyer' appearing in your key inventory)
3. Return to Hihibaru to present the item for quest completion. (As I do not have the required key item I cannot complete the quest. As it is a main quest scenario quest I cannot abandon it either, nor can I repeat the previous steps to obtain another Ward of the Destroyer)

[Mholito]

I don't know if this will work, but have you tried reclaiming the quest item from a Calamity Salvager?

[Xiaoyu]

I tried this just now and it didn't work :x I believe the item reclamation only works for Holiday and Quest event items.

[XiXiQ]

I'm not convinced the item will just appear in your inventory, you're probably missing a step like picking it up? possibly its just difficult to see the sparkles?