[Edanian Journey] Elion

Chapter 1: A Vessel for the Flame

Illezra said we could not afford to stand still any longer. Hadum would not wait for us, and if Lord Grey had already made his move, we would have to hurry.

I thought again of the materials for Ynix that we had gathered so far: the oil to serve as fuel, and the flint to kindle the flame. We had both, but our preparations were not yet complete. Without a vessel capable of containing its heat, Ynix would soon burn out.

"We now need a fitting brazier to hold the Ynix."

Illezra said we needed to head for <b>Magaia</b>. The god there should possess the power to create a vessel that could withstand the heat.

The god we needed to meet was <b>Elion</b>. But Elion had already sided with Hadum. Illezra's explanation that Elion had accepted the world's destruction came with a warning: the god had turned away from humanity.

Persuade a god, or bring one to their knees. If we meant to reach Hadum, there was no avoiding it.

Still, Illezra advised taking the gentler approach. Elion's influence remained throughout much of the world. Elion was a god who knew mortals well and had once stood close to them, yet Illezra warned that Elion was not simply benevolent. Even the names of light and justice had been given by mortals, after all.

I could not judge Elion by those names alone.

Leaving Illezra behind to refine the flint, I headed for Magaia with the Black Spirit.

When a group approached, I assumed they were enemies and drew my weapon. But instead of attacking, the devotees <b>dropped to their knees and bowed</b>. I lowered my weapon and watched the procession.

The devotees there did little but repeat the same pleas: for salvation, and for their god to take them. Even when I approached, it was difficult to get any real response from them. I followed the procession of pilgrims as it continued in a single direction, yet they seemed deaf to everything around them, praying only for their own salvation.