[Edanian Journey] Aal

Chapter 4: Abstinence and Fasting

Abstinence and fasting. They taught the faithful to restrain their desires and conserve food and water in order to survive.

As whispers of hunger, thirst, and the desperate will to live filled the air, spirits emerged from the smoke. At the altars of greed, fear, gluttony, and lust, I fought alongside the Hashashin to drive them back. Then Amaru, still facing the remaining enemies, suddenly froze.

"Brother..."

The moment Amaru reached toward the familiar voice, the spirits seized him and closed in around him. We tried to save him, but it was already too late. With his final breath, Amaru entrusted us with uncovering the truth of paradise.

I asked whether this was truly Aal's way, but Zaidan lashed out at me for doubting the divine will. I could not shake the suspicion that this was more than a simple test of worthiness. Perhaps it was a <b>selection</b>, meant to weed some of us out.

Ayawaka pressed on, saying that perhaps even our doubts were part of the trial.

The next commandments were <b>purity and sincerity</b>.