The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 3

The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 3 is the third volume in the manga series Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance. First announced in the second volume of the series, the volume was published on August 13, 2024.
==Publisher's summary==
A massive, interconnected cross-publisher initiative focused on an all-new era of Star Wars storytelling.
It is the era of the High Republic and Republic expansion is at its height. As trusted guardians of peace, the renowned Jedi protect the Republic and shine their light on those exploring the darkest reaches of the galaxy.
The destruction of Starlight Beacon also destroys the peace once protected by the great Jedi of the High Republic Era. In the year since Jedi Knight Lily Tora-Asi defied the Council's order to return to Coruscant, the Nihil continued to storm through the galaxy, advancing in from the Outer Rim and expanding their territory. Despite the encroaching Stormwall, Lily stands her ground and reestablishes Banchii's Jedi temple. Banchii is not to be abandoned and its long held secrets begin to unfurl as Jedi Master Arkoff returns to connect the pieces to a mystery long buried.
==Plot summary==
===Opening crawl===
===Letting go===
Lily Tora-Asi meditates through the Force in a cemetery plot on the planet Banchii. Having made peace with the passing of her Padawan Keerin Fionn, Tora-Asi resolves to acknowledge her emotions instead of suppressing them and to let go of her fears. She also reflects in past events including the Drengir presence on Banchii, the Nihil attack and the deaths of Fionn and local villagers. Tora-Asi decides to respond to situations instead of anticipating threats that may not come to pass. 
She is roused from her meditation by several Banchiians including Shosho. As they walk away, a hand rises from the ground beneath the tombstone of the deceased villager Kooba.
===The Jedi reassemble===
Outside the damaged Banchii Jedi Temple, Tora-Asi meets with Jedi Masters Arkoff, Savina Besatrix Malagán and the droid ZZ-10 ("ZeeZee"). Shortly later, a shuttle arrives with Jedi younglings Viv'Nia Nia'Viv, Nima Allets, Master Ru-Ru and Doctor Silar. The younglings have made progress with their training on Coruscant and look forward to upgrading their lightsabers. Ru-Ru tells Tora-Asi that the Jedi have accelerated the training of younglings in response to the Nihil's Stormwall spreading across the galaxy, recently ensnaring Eriadu. ZZ-10 also meets his successor DD-1A. 
Tora-Asi is pleased to see Dr Silar, who offers to help rebuild the Banchii Jedi Temple. He is surprised that the Jedi High Council has allowed them to remain on Banchii since other outposts are only being maintained by droids. When Allets asks how she can help, Tora-Asi invites her to the temple and sends Nia'Viv to accompany Ru-Ru to help the villagers. Meanwhile, a hole appears in the grave of Kooba. 
===Malagán's new mission===
Later, the Jedi and Silar gather for a meal inside a cave. Tora-Asi is relieved to see her younglings happy. She confides with Arkoff that she has learned to make peace with her anxieties and her Padawan Fionn's passing. Tora-Asi says she now prefers to focus on the present rather than the past, regarding unpredictability as an opportunity for growth. Tora-Asi then asks Arkoff about Azlin Rell, saying that she had heard the news that he is still alive following the events on Travyx Prime. The Wookiee Jedi Master is reluctant to talk about his former Padawan Rell, who is believed to have strayed to the dark side of the Force. 
Master Malagán tells the other Jedi that she is planning to leave for Astenban, an uninhabited moon near Banchii's main hyperspace route. Malagán fears that the Nihil plan to establish a base on Astenban before it completes its orbital revolution. Malagán also tells the other Jedi that she plans to retrieve Azlin's journal and its missing pages, which she believes contains knowledge on how to defeat the threat of the Nameless. Malagán says that Master Emerick Caphtor believes that the journal is too dangerous to be transported out off Banchii and adds that they must prevent Baron Boolan, the Nihil's Minister of Advancement, from getting his hands on it.
When Tora-Asi asks if Malagán is leaving alone, "ZeeZee" and Shosho volunteer to accompany the Jedi Master. Malagán accepts Shosho, saying that it is an opportunity for an adventure. Tora-Asi elects to remain behind on Banchii with the others. Before Shosho leaves, she promises that the Jedi will protect his planet. Before leaving, Malagán asks Tora-Asi to keep an eye on Master Sav. As Malagán flies away on her Jedi Vector, Viv wishes that the Force be with them. 
===A disturbance in the Force===
Later Nia'Viv, Allet and Arkoff assist with the reconstruction of the Banchii Jedi Temple. Several Banchiians also assist by carrying an oblong structure. Dr Silar says that with the progress they have made with the rebuilding, he should be able to begin treating patients inside the temple. Tori-Asi says that Silar's return was a priority since she fears another Nihil attack in the future. Tori-Asi tells the other adults that she has been sensing a disturbance in the Force. Ru-Ru expresses concern about a second Nihil attack while Silar hopes that the facility can withstand the attack. Tori-Asi says that the Banchiians have been helping them to reinforce the sturdier parts of the temple.
When Silar questions Tori-Asi's decision to assign Allet and Nia'Viv with handling the main structure, she replies that the two younglings have grown and will gain valuable experience. Just then the Banchiians alert the Jedi to a new disturbance, which Tora-Asi also senses. Outside the Temple, the Jedi and Banchiians encounter a petrified figure who disappears. The Jedi also hear a voice telling them to run. Nia'Viv recognizes him as the late Mr Kooba. When they visit the cemetery, they find a hold beneath Kooba's tombstone. Tora-Asi senses something is wrong and decides to contact the Jedi Temple on Coruscant.
===Mission to Astenban===
Meanwhile, Malagán arrives on the moon of Astenban with "ZeeZee" and Shosho. While ZeeZee doesn't think the Nihil have arrived, Malagán responds that the Nihil won't wait until the moon is within their Stormwall. To cover their tracks, Malagán blows up their Jedi Vector starfighter and proposes stealing a Nihil starship. ZeeZee expresses surprise at Malagán's apparent love for blowing things up. Malagán sets up a comm unit, which she uses to intercept transmissions from nearby Eriadu. Based on the static sound, Malagán deduces that they are in Nihil space since the Stormwall has cut off their transmissions. 
Shortly later, several Nihil ships descend into the moon's atmosphere. Malagán thinks that the Nihil were waiting for the arrival of the Stormwall in order to establish a presence on Astenban. Malagán dispatches Shosho on a recon mission while she prepares to embark on a sabotage mission targeting the Nihil ships. 
===Azlin Rell's assignment===
On Coruscant, Tora-Asi informs Master Yoda that Kooba, who had been turned into wood by the Drengir, had returned from the grave to tell them to run. Yoda instructs Tora-Asi to investigate the matter but says she will need help. In the Jedi Temple Detention Center, Yoda meets with the imprisoned Azlin Rell, telling him that he has an assignment for him. The Jedi Knight Reath Silas watches over Rell. Yoda tells Rell that his journal is on Banchii and asks if it is still being threatened by the Nihil. Yoda says that they have to travel to Banchii before the planet is engulfed by the Occlusion Zone. When Rell asks who reported the matter, Yoda explains that Master Arkoff requested an investigation. 
Rell thinks that it is not necessary for him to go to Banchii despite his old journal. Yoda convinces Rell that he should go to Banchii to help with the situation there. Yoda assigns Silas with watching over Rell. Silas protests that he has been researching the connection between the Nameless and the Blight. Yoda believes that these events are connected and asks Silas if he has experience dealing with the Drengir. Silas is reluctant to bring Rell along due to his role in the events on Travyx Prime. Yoda tells him to trust in the Force and reiterates that he trusts him. To satisfy the Council, Yoda decides to come along with them and thinks that it will be good for Rell to reunite with his old Master Arkoff. 
===Niv's mission===
Meanwhile in the Occlusion Zone, the Nihil Umbaran scientist Niv Drendow Apruk is dissecting an animal inside his laboratory, which is full of tanks with animals. He is contacted via holoprojector by Baron Boolan, who informs the scientist that he has intercepted communications from Banchii about the revival of a deceased human who had been infected with Drengir spores. Apruk is not interested since he is busy with his own experiments. Boolan reiterates this is an order because the Drengir have a connection to the dark side of the Force. 
When Aprik protests that he has his own research, the Ithorian reminds him that the Nihil provide him with his research material and threatens to experiment on him. Boolan orders Aprik to gather supplies and troops before heading to Bachii. Aprik grumbles about the assignment but decides to invite his pet Nameless creatures along, intending to unleash them on the Jedi there. 
===The walking dead===
The younglings Nia'Viv and Allets along with DD-1 and the Banchiians carry crates outside the Banchii Jedi temple. Nia'Viv is startled by something but Tora-Asi reassures her that it is just the wind. Tora-Asi says that the mysterious figure may be frightening but that he has not caused them harm. She counsels the Jedi younglings to have patience and understanding for the unknown, citing the wind as example. Since they are close to Nihil space, Tora-Asi says they should focus on preparing for the next attack. Master Ru-Ru agrees and says they need to stay focused and calm to avoid frightening the Banchiians. 
Tora-Asi says she is concerned about Master Arkoff, who is haunted by memories of his former Padawan Azlin Rell's descent into madness. The Banchiians begin chirping as several humanoid forms approach the sensors. As the figures come closer, the Jedi and Dr Silar recognize them as the civilians who had been turned into wood by the Drengir. Tora-Asi wanders whether they came back to life. The Banchiians prepare to attack but Tora-Asi restrains them, realizing that the wooden figures do not intend to harm them.
Dr Silar inspects the figures and surmises that they are no longer human but have become wood. He is curious as to how they move. Ru-Ru is curious about what the wooden figures want. Tora-Asi says she doesn't know but reiterates that the wooden figures do not want to harm them. She orders the others to return to work and wait for Yoda to arrive and investigate the matter. Tora-Asi and Master Arkoff agree to keep watch over the wooden figures.
===A furry friend===
Meanwhile on Astenban, Master Malagán and her droid ZeeZee monitor the Nihil ships and warriors, who have set up camp. The two begin preparing explosives to attach to the Nihil starships. Elsewhere, Shosho ventures into the nearby meadow. Two masked Nihil walk past searching for prey to hunt. Shosho trips over a wooden spork, prompting the two Nihil to open fire into the foliage. Sensing movement, the two armed Nihil fire in the opposite direction. While the Nihil walk away, Shosho emerges from his hiding place under the leaves and encounters a larger furry creature with three eyes. 
The creature takes a liking to Shosho, who approaches it with his spork. Regarding Shosho as a friend, the creature allows him to ride on her back. Meanwhile, Malagán and ZeeZee finish planting the explosives on the Nihil ships. After reuniting with Shosho and his new friend, ZeeZee remarks that their trio has become a quartet.
===Jedi reinforcements===
Elsewhere, Master Yoda arrives on Banchii with Azlin Rell and Reith Silas. They are greet by Tora-Asi and Master Arkoff. Arkoff is unhappy at Rell's presence, who greets him. Yoda praises Tora-Asi and Arkoff for the progress at the rebuilding of the Banchii Jedi Temple. Though Tora-Asi apologizes for disobeying the order for all Jedi to return to Coruscant, Yoda praises her for finding her purpose on Banchii as a Jedi Knight. 
The Jedi visitors assess the undead wooden figures. Silas and Rell think that the people are most likely dead until Tora-Asi shows the empty graves of the people who had turned into wood. Rell admits that their assumptions were wrong and says that the dead are not coming after them. Since his arrival on Banchii, Rell explains that he has been sensing fear from everyone including the Drengir. When Yoda asks what the Drengir fear, Rell is unable to provide an answer. When Tora-Asi asks why the Drengir are so afraid that they are telling them to run, Rell challenges her experience of fear. 
Tora-Asi relents and allows Rell to continue. Rell believes that the Drengir fear something worse than the Nameless. Yoda agrees and says that they should continue their investigation. When Rell proposes dissecting the wooden figures, Tora-Asi objects on the grounds that she does not sense hostility from them. She explains that the wooden figures are different from the Drengir since they came to warn them. Rell understands Tora-Asi's position but asks whether she is making a reasonable judgment as the leader of the local Jedi temple.
===Arkoff and Azlin Rell===
Speaking in Shyriiwook, Arkoff asks to speak with Rell alone, which he reluctantly complies. While walking together through the forest, Rell wishes he died a long time ago. He says that he did not think he would meet Master Arkoff again and removes his visor, revealing his empty sockets. Rell is haunted by memories of the Nameless but tries to hide his torment. Continuing the conversation, Rell expresses surprise that the younger Tora-Asi is running the Banchii Jedi outpost instead of Master Arkoff. 
Speaking in Shyriiwook, Arkoff explains that he has a lot of faith in her. Rell thinks that Tora-Asi is too naive and inexperienced. When Arkoff responds that she has strong communication skills and empathy, Rell surmises that is how relationships are established on Banchii. Rell allows Arkoff to continue. The Wookiee Jedi vouches for Tora-Asi's communication skills. Rell says he appreciates Tora-Asi's communication skills with people but asks how she would deal with those whom she cannot communicate with or those whose objectives they don't know. Rell warns that Tora-Asi does not yet understand fear, adding that he knows what fear looks like. 
When Arkoff expresses disagreement, Rell asks if he is questioning the ordeal he has experience since Dalna at the hands of the Nameless. Though Rell is tormented by a vision of the Nameless holding his hand, he realizes that it is his Arkoff holding his hand. After Arkoff speaks, Rell accepts that Arkoff tried to saving him back then but he was consumed by fear. 
When Arkoff says that Rell needs empathy, Rell disagrees and believes that he is beyond saving. While Rell accepts that the light side of the Force prevails, he believes that it is blinding. Rell ponders what he will see if he can look upon Arkoff. Through the Force, he sees memories and finally sees Arkoff despite his blindness. He thanks Arkoff for not abandoning him despite his ordeal and actions.
===The approaching storm===
Outside the Nihil base on Astenban, Malagán learns that Shosho's new furry friend is named Zimtok. She enlists Zimtok's help in attacking the Nihil base. From Zimtok, Malagán learns that the Nihil built their base on top of Zimtok's hope. Malagán observes that Zimtok is strong in the Force. Shortly later, the Umbaran scientist Niv Apruk arrives in a shuttle. He instructs the Nihil commander to capture any Force-sensitive lifeforms for his experiments and requests several Storm soldiers. The commander reluctantly agrees to loan several soldiers. Watching the conversation, Malagán expresses concern that the Nihil will use their base on Astenban to reach Banchii.
Back on Banchii, the Jedi ask the wooden figures why they have appeared. Suddenly, a Drengir emerges from the ground. Rell panics and says that they should attack the Drengir. Tori-Asi tells him to wait and says that she does not sense any hostile intentions. When a wooden figure begins relaying the Drengir's words about eating meat, Dr Silar fears that the Drengir is about attack. Speaking through one of the wooden figures, the Drengir reassures the Jedi that they have no intention of eating them. When Tora-Asi asks if the Drengir raised the dead, the Drengir warns of a new threat spreading across the galaxy known as the Blight. The Drengir does not explain whether the Nihil created the Blight but warns that they fear the Blight. 
The Drengir roar, alarming Tora-Asi. Silar realizes that the Nihil are not reacting to them but are responding to the arrival of the Nihil. Shortly later, three Nihil ships land nearby. The scientist Niv Drendow exits a starship, accompanied by several Nihil soldiers and Nameless beasts. 
===Zimtok's capture===
Back on Astenban, Malagán and ZeeZee discover that the Stormfall is interfering with their signal to Banchii. Before the Nihil ships can depart, Malagán uses a remote control to detonate the explosives, destroying and damaging several Nihil starships. She attacks the Nihil soldiers with her lightsabers. Zimtok and ShoSho also help but the former's Force sensitivity attracts the attention of the Nihil. Seeking a promotion from Niv Drendow, the soldier captures Zimtok in a net. Malagán is unable to stop the Nihil from escaping with a captive Zimtok aboard one of the last remaining Nihil ships. Against Malagán's wishes, ShoSho jumps aboard the ship before its rear ramp closes, leaving Malagán and ZeeZee behind. 
===Fighting the Nihil and Nameless===
On Banchii, Niv Drendow relishes the opportunity to capture a Drengir for his experiments and decides to unleash his pet Nameless creatures on the Jedi. Tora-Asi says they have to flee while a traumatized Rell panics due to his past encounter with a Nameless creature. Yoda counsels the Jedi to overcome fear by facing it. Unwilling to risk the lives of the younglings Nia'Viv and Allets, she tasks Rell with taking them to safety. Silas questions Tora-Asi's decision but she reiterates her decision to give Rell a chance to prove himself by protecting the younglings. Rell ushers the younglings away. 
Putting her battle plan into action, Tora-Asi tells her fellow Jedi that they need to avoid the Nameless and stop the Nihil. The Banchiians volunteer to draw away the Nameless from the Jedi since they are not affected by the Force-devouring creatures. Despite Silas' objections, Tora-Asi enlists the help of the Drengir, who say they cannot leave Banchii while the Nihil are here. The adult Jedi draw their lightsabers and make a stand as the Nihil invaders charge at them. 
One of the Nihil hurls thermal detonator, clouding the battlefield. He and another Nihil are grabbed by the Drengir's tentacles. Tora-Asi, Yoda and Arkoff take out several Nihil with their lightsabers. The Banchiians manage to lead some of the Nameless creatures away but Tora-Asi is worried about the others. Meanwhile, the younglings and Rell discover that a Drengir is following them. Fortunately for them, Yoda arrives. Rell tells the younglings to follow Master Yoda while he makes stand against the lone Nameless. 
Deciding to face his fear, Rell uses the Force to hurl the Nameless away. The creature returns for a second attack and attempts to jump on Rell. However, Arkoff comes between Rell and the Nameless, knocking Rell to the ground. Rell is grateful to his former Master for saving him and says that he won't make the mistake of being in darkness again. Guided by the Force, Rell uses the Force to disintegrate the creature. 
Meanwhile, Tora-Asi comes up with plan to have the Jedi and Banchiians lure the two remaining Nameless creatures into an underground bunker. One of the Nameless jumps over the bunker entrance but Silas and the Banchiians manage to tie a rope over one of its legs. Working together, they pull the creature inside the bunker. The Jedi then use their Force powers to crush the Nameless to death with beams and other construction material. A Nihil attempts to attack the Jedi but is dragger away by a Drengir. Silas thanks the Drengir for fighting by their side. 
Niv Drendow is dismayed by the deaths of his three Nameless creatures. A Nihil with a mohawk tells him that the Astenban camp was destroyed but that two Nihil survivors managed to capture a Force-sensitive creature. Satisfied with this small victory, Niv Drendow orders a retreat. At least two surviving Nihil soldiers surrender to the Jedi.
===A new mission===
Shortly later, Malagán and ZeeZee return to Banchii on a stolen Nihil starship. While Malagán is disappointed that she was too late to join the battle against the Nihil, she is reassured to learn from Tora-Asi that Allets and Nia'Viv are safe. Malagán informs Tora-Asi that Shosho stowed aboard a Nihil starship in an attempt to save a Force-sensitive creature on Astenban named Zimtok. Malagán fears that the Nihil are heading to the Occlusion Zone with their captives and that Boolan will experiment on them. 
Tora-Asi tells Malagán to rescue Shosho and Zimtok. She is unable to accompany Malagán since she is responsible for defending Banchii from further Nihil attacks. She also wants to be present when the younglings return with Master Yoda. Malagán agrees to rescue Shosho. Master Arkoff volunteers to accompany Malagán despite not being well. Azlin Rell bids his former Master goodbye. Addressing to Banchiians, Tora-Asi reassures them that Masters Malagán and Arkoff can be trusted to rescue Shosho. After Malagán and Arkoff depart on their stolen Nihil ship, Tora-Asi gathers with Ru-Ru, Silas, Rell and the Banchiians and wishes that the Force will be with them.
==Media==
===Editions===
*; August 13, 2024; Viz Media; US paperback
==Appearances==
==Sources==
*The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 2
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==Notes and references==
==External links==
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