[Edanian Journey] Angavu Outpost

Chapter 4: The Blackstar of Salvation

For ages, the Hashashin had lived as shadows guarding the <b>doors of Alyaelli</b>, said to stand at the end of the world. To them, the doors were both a sacred charge and a seal holding back the Abyss that might one day break loose. Few knew what lay beyond, but all understood that the darkness there could swallow the world.

Through those long years of vigilance, the Hashashin clung to a single hope.

"When it seemed darkness was all that awaited us, our only ray of hope was the Blackstar of salvation."

Then, fourteen years ago, word reached the Sanctuary that a massive black rock had been discovered at the western edge of Calpheon. When they heard that Calpheon's priests were calling it the Blackstar, the Hashashin were thrown into an uproar.

Some believed salvation had finally begun. Others grieved that Aal had abandoned them, for the star they had waited for had appeared in another land.

But no miracle came. Even after the Blackstar was discovered, the ceaseless battles against monsters continued. Three years passed, yet neither the paradise nor the destruction the Hashashin had awaited ever came. Met only with silence, some began to turn their backs on the Sanctuary.

Among them was <b>Prince Kayal</b>, who had been promised the position of the next Qabal. His departure was more than the desertion of a single man. It was proof that the legend the Sanctuary had believed in was beginning to falter.

Wariyana said they still had no way of knowing whether what had fallen in the west was truly the Blackstar they had awaited. Then he looked toward the doors before us.

"Yes, we can no longer afford to wait. We should seek out Aal and ask Him ourselves."