The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 4

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Publisher's summary

A massive, interconnected cross-publisher initiative focused on an all-new era of Star Wars storytelling.

It is a dark and dangerous time for the galaxy, and the Jedi of the High Republic must face their greatest trials yet…

Despite barely surviving a vicious battle against the Nihil and the Nameless, Jedi Knight Lily Tora-Asi knows the battle to protect the Jedi Temple on Banchii and the people of that frontier world is far from over.

With an even more fearsome army headed their way, led by the infamous Nihil scientist Baron Boolan, Lily must trust her allies and dig deep to face their biggest challenge yet!

As Lily and her friends try to rebuild their defenses in time, Master Sav Malagán and Master Arkoff vow to rescue their comrades taken by the Nihil. Sav will have to look within her past to find the only person that can possibly help…

Opening crawl

Worlds suffer inside the formidable
OCCLUSION ZONE, where Marchion Ro
and his band of Nihil marauders,
untouchable by the Republic, rule with
an iron fist.

Jedi Master Avar Kriss has escaped
from this occupied space and, along
with fellow Jedi Elzar Mann, leads the
Jedi and Republic in a desperate fight
against the Nihil and their Nameless
creatures.

But a new danger now threatens the
galaxy. A mysterious BLIGHT has begun
to spread randomly across worlds,
slowly infecting areas and turning all life
in its path to dust….

Plot summary

A truce with the Drengir

Following Jedi Masters Arkoff and Savina Besatrix Malagán's departure on a mission to save Shosho and Zimtok, Jedi Knight Reath Silas asks Lily Tora-Asi what is their plan. Azlin Rell and Jedi archivist Ru-Ru are also present. Tora-Asi replies that they need to be prepared for any further Nihil attacks on the Jedi temple on Banchii. Outside the Banchi Jedi temple, Tora-Asi sees Rell and Silas conversing with the Drengir and a reanimated corpse. When Tora-Asi asks what is going on, Silas explains that they did not do anything but that the Drengir have become agitated.

Through the corpse, the Drengir representative tells the Jedi that they have to leave for Eiram where the Great Progenitor is based. When Tora-Asi asks what the Drengir fear, the corpse warns that something is spreading and attacking the telepathically connected Drengir across the galaxy. Due to the psychic impact of the Blight, the Drengir's plant structure begins disintegrating. Silas explains that the Drengir are talking about the Blight.

With Banchii no longer safe, the Drengir representative and corpse warns that they must escape. When the Drengir asks for a ship and meat, Tora-Asi says they will not sacrifice any of their people but will lend them a ship in return for helping them keep Banchii safe. The Drengir agree to the truce.

Unexpected help

Shortly later, the Jedi younglings Nima Allets and Viv'Nia Nia'Viv arrive on the scene. Tora-Asi is surprised to see the initiates since Master Yoda said that he would take them to a Banchiian village to keep them safe. Nia'Viv and Allets confirmed that Yoda did and expressed surprise that he has not yet returned. When Tora-Asi asks why the left the Banchiians, the younglings explained that they felt a disturbance in the Force. At Yoda's advice, the two had left the village in order to investigate the disturbance. They waited for Master Yoda but he never return.

Allets says that the younglings know that they have much to learn but says they can be useful. Nia'Viv adds that they came back to help them fight. The two younglings offer to help Tora-Asi defend the Banchii Jedi temple and the colony. Tora-Asi gracefully accepts their help but expresses concern about Master Yoda's wellbeing. Rell says that Master Yoda is strong in the Force and will be find. Tora-Asi expresses a cautious optimism.

Shortly later, a starship carrying several of the Banchii colonists disembarks. The returning colonists include humans, an Abednedo and an Ithorian. Tora-Asi expresses concern that the colonists have returned to a war zone. A human man says that they know the risks but came back to help rebuild following and offer to help clean up the damage left by the last battle. The colonists' leader says they are survivors and vow to help defend and rebuild their home. Tora-Asi agrees and thanks them for returning. In private, Tora-Asi thinks that many unexpected things are happening and wonders how she will protect everyone in Master Arkoff's absence.

Into Nihil space

Meanwhile, Master Arkoff, Malagán, DD-1A and the captive Nihil pilot Maktan Plynt fly the captured Nihil shuttle towards Nihil space. Not committed to the Nihil, Plynt offers to help the Jedi and removes his helmet. After introducing himself, Plynt offers to help fly the Jedi through the Stormwall. Activating the Path engine, Plynt takes the shuttle into the Occlusion Zone and uses the codes to get through the Stormwall and Stormseeds.

Having entered Nihil space, they are contacted by Nihil forces via intercom seeking their identification. Plynt says that he is part of a Nihil storm that attacked Banchii. The monitor replies that his storm has already been accounted for and says that Plynt was presumed dead. Plynt panics and switches off the intercom. Malagán castigates Plynt for his folly. Several scav droids converge on the Nihil shuttle. The Jedi Masters Arkoff and Malagán use their Force powers to repel the droid attacks. Plynt is amazed by the feat of Jedi power.

However, the scav droids return for a second attack and converge onto the ship's hull. Malagán flies the ship towards the asteroid while Arkoff gathers the intruders onto the ride side of the ship. She scrapes the vessel and the scav droids against the asteroid. Though they have eliminated the intruders, Plynt points out that the shuttle has sustained serious damage. Malagán uses her holoprojector to contact her old friend Dexter Jettster. Jettster agrees to provide them with an new starship and to look out for the Nihil scientist Niv Drendow Apruk. Malagán also convinces Jettster to join the fight against the Nihil.

Meanwhile, an impatient Niv Drendow Apruk is trying to contact his master Baron Boolan. His Nameless pet Deblindrix IV scurries away, much to his master's annoyance. Inside a crate, Zimtok is awakened from his slumber by the Banchiian Shosho, who has stowed aboard.

Calm before the storm

Back on Banchii, Master Tora-Asi supervises the colonists as they prepare a pit trap for the Nihil. Tora-Asi recalls that she fell inside one of these pits and asks if it is big enough. As the Jedi and colonists gather for a meal over a fire, she senses that the atmosphere is peaceful and that the outside danger has made them more determined to live each moment fully.

Allets speaks with the former Jedi Knight Azlin Rell and asks why his eyes are covered behind a mask. Without removing his mask, Rell replies that he can see through the Force. When Nia'Viv asks if Rell knew Master Arkoff, Rell confirms he knew him. When Nia'Viv asks how he was like as a Jedi Master, Rell recalls that Arkoff was strict. Nia'Viv remarks that Rell must have seen so many things for such a long life while Allets says that he could not imagine. Tora-Asi asks the younglings to help her load the Drengir shuttle.

When the other Jedi have left, Reath Silas warns Rell to stay away from the younglings. After drinking a cup, Rell remarks that innocence is a mysterious thing and says that the children treat him as an ordinary old man. Silas replies that is because the children do not know about his past. Getting to business, Silas tells Rell that he is more interested in the information that the Nihil gave us. He wishes that they could consult with Yoda, who is offworld.

A change of plans

After waiting for a long time, the Nihil scientist Apruk finally manages to reach Baron Boolan, who is annoyed at being disturbed due to his busy work. Apruk tells Boolan that he has captured a creature who can use the Force and that he is on his way back to base. Boolan is pleased that Apruk has finally proven his usefulness. Apruk then tells Boolan that he fought several Jedi on Banchii and demands more materials for his upcoming experiments. When Boolan learns that there are Jedi on Banchii, he tells Apruk that he is heading to Banchii and orders him to meet him there. While Apruk grumbles about Boolan's change of plans, Zimtok and Shosho wait outside. Once the Nihil scientist has left, they activate the holoprojector.

Meanwhile, Jettster joins up with Arkoff, Malagán and Plynt in space. He tells Malagán that his contact has spotted a ship belong to Niv Drendow Apruk and that it is turning back from the Occlusion Zone. Malagán expresses surprise at Apruk's change of plans. Just then, they receive a transmission from Shosho, who tells them that he and Zimtok are safe aboard Apruk's ship, which is heading back to Banchii. Shosho mentions that more Nihil reinforcements are heading to Banchii as well. Malagán says they have to contact Tora-Asi and thanks Shosho. Before terminating the transmission, Malagán tells Zimtok and Shosho to hide for their safety. Malagán tells the others including Jettster that they are heading back to Banchii. Plynt agrees to come with his new Jedi allies, saying that the Nihil think he is dead. Malagán says they need to beat Apruk back to Banchii and tasks Plynt with getting them through the Stormwall again.

Back on Banchii, the Drengir via their corpse emissary thanks Tora-Asi and Ru-Ru for procuring them a starship. Allets arrives with Malagán on call via holoprojector. Tora Asi asks if they managed to find Shosho. Malagán reassures her that Shosho and Zimtok are safe aboard Apruk's Nihil ship. She warns that the Nihil are returning to Banchii with reinforcements and to prepare for an attack. Malagán says that she and her companions are also heading back. Before leaving, the Drengir tell the Jedi that the plant life on Banchii will help them since it is their home as well.

After the Drengir depart, Allets says that the plants would want to help protect Banchii since it is their homeworld. Ru-ru says they need to stay optimistic. Tora-Asi tasks the two other Jedi with evacuating the colonists to the large storage facility and alerting both Rell and Silas. As the civilians evacuate to safey, Tora-Asi resolves to face the Nihil threat and to stay strong since everyone is counting on her.

Reunion

Malagán and her team arrive back on Banchii, beating Apruk and his starship. Malagán resolves to rescue Shosho and Zimtok and removes a smoke bomb. Meanwhile, Apruk and his minions arrive on Banchii. Before Apruk can contact Boolan and the other Nihil reinforcements, Malagán uses the smoke alarm to disorientate and incapacitate the Nihil team. Malagán captures Apruk with her lightsaber and demands to know where Zimtok and Shosho are. Apruk doesn't know where they are. Fortunately, they find the duo safely stowed away in the cargo compartment.

Malagán apologizes for the delay in rescuing them and compliments them for making their own arrangements back to Banchii. Outside, Tora-Asi and the other Jedi reunite with Malagán, Arkoff, Shosho and Zimtok. Malagán also brings their Nihil captives including Apruk. She warns Tora-Asi that there is a small Nameless creature aboard Apruk's ship. Shortly later, Nihil reinforcements led by Boolan arrive in starships.

The Baron's ultimatum

Shortly later, Baron Boolan and a contingent of Nihil arrive outside the Banchii Jedi temple. Boolan introduces himself as the Minister of Advancement and requests that the Jedi come with him. Boolan says that he has come to make the offer of a lifetime, claiming it is an opportunity for advancement beyond their dreams. Tora-Asi introduces herself but Boolan insists on speaking with the Jedi in charge, underestimating the Jedi Knight due to her petite appearance. Silas identifies Master Tora-Asi as their leader. Boolan tells Tora-Asi that if the Jedi accept his proposal, he will promise not to harm the Banchiians.

Master Malagán asks why they should trust Boolan since the Nihil have killed Jedi. Boolan replies that he is a renowned scientist and invites them to assist with his research. Through the Force, Tora-Asi senses that a Nihil attack is imminent. She tells Boolan to give them time to consider his offer. Tora-Asi heads to a dome-shaped building and thanks the Banchiian sentries for standing guard before advising them to go inside.

Addressing the colonists, she tells them that the Nihil have returned to Banchii. A boy with fair hair asks Master Lily if everything will be okay. Suppressing her anxiety, she tells the boy that they will do everything in their power to keep the people safe. She tells him not to fear because the Nihil cannot reach the building, and tells the boy to stay with his parents. Tora-Asi also instructs Allets, Nia'Viv and Dr Silar to keep an eye on the civilians. As the civilians wish her all the best, Tora-Asi steels herself for a showdown with Baron Boolan and his forces.

Resisting the Nihil

Choosing not to give into fear, Tora-Asi draws her lightsabers and faces the Nihil horde. Meanwhile, Baron Boolan tells Silas, Arkoff, Malagán and Jettster that their time to consider his ultimatum has finished. A defiant Silas rejects Boolan's ultimatum, telling him that they know the Nihil army is about to attack them. Silas tells the Baron that the Jedi are aware of his experiments. Malagán issues a counter-ultimatum and demands that the Nihil throw down their weapons and surrender. The Nihil reject her ultimatum and a battle ensues.

As Nihil marauders charge at Tora-Asi, the Jedi Knight uses her lightsabers to deflect their blaster bolts. During the skirmish, she tells herself that she knows where her opponents are, their moves and that they won't be able to stop her. In the middle of the battle, something that appears to be like smoke or pollen sweeps through the battlefield. Tora-Asi recalls that the Drengir had promised her that Banchii's plant life would help them. Tora-Asi thanks the Drengir for keeping their promise. As the Nihil react with bewilderment, the Jedi Knight attacks them with her lightsabers.

Meanwhile, Baron Boolan orders his Nihil marauders to execute the Jedi before fleeing, realizing that he cannot win against them. While the other Jedi fight his Nihil underlings, the Nihil scientist Apruk takes the opportunity to escape. Though Tora-Asi cuts down numerous Nihil, she senses that the Jedi are still outnumbered. Malagán resolves not to let Banchii fall to the Nihil and tells Arkoff that they need to drive them away. At that point, the Nameless Deblindrix IV rampages through the battlefield, charging at the two Jedi. Before it can harm Malagán AND Arkoff, the Nihil defector Maktan throws himself into the creature's path. The Nameless swipes Maktan away.

Reinforcements

As Tora-Asi panics about the new threat, reinforcements arrive in the form of Shosho, the other Banchiians and several armed colonists arrive to help them fight against the Nihil and their Nameless beasts. Tora-Asi is reluctant to endanger the civilians and Banchiians but a colonist leader says they will help them fight against the Nameless. Encouraged by the colonists and Banchiians, Tora-Asi accepts their help. Jettster finds Maktan and helps him to his feet. He enlists Maktan's help in fighting the Nihil.

The Banchiians lure one of the Nameless creatures into a pit trap full of sharp stakes. The Banchiians then kill the creature by shooting it with multiple arrows. Meanwhile Jettster, Maktan and the villagers work together to drive the second Nameless into the forest. The Nameless activates a tripwire trap consisting of a box raining down several grenades. The Nameless is killed by the exploding grenades. As the colonists celebrate, Malagán thanks Maktan, Jettster and the others for saving their lives. Joining forces, the Jedi and civilians take on the remaining Nihil.

Azlin Rell's choices

Silas pursues Boolan who flees. Boolan finds Azlin Rell blocking his path. Boolan tells the elderly Jedi that he knows him and that they are seeking the same thing. When Rell asks what they are seeking, Boolan replies that he is seeking knowledge, describing it as the ultimate goal. Boolan reminds Rell that he sought knowledge and strayed from the Jedi. While the Jedi have condemned him, Boolan says he commends Rell and that he would be amazed by the progress he has made in his research. Boolan invites Rell to assist him in his research on the Nameless, saying that they can abandon both the Nihil and the Jedi. He claims that the Force will be free.

At that point, Rell begins hearing the phrase Shrii ka rai ka rai chanting repeatedly and closes his ears in terror. The chanting is interrupted by the voices of Nima Allets and Viv'Nia Nia'Viv, who ask if Rell is alright. Their presence causes Rell's younger personality to resurface and he faces Boolan. Boolan attempts to kidnap the younglings but Rell fights him off. He protects the children and warns the Baron that he will not let him harm the children. Boolan expresses disgust at Rell's morality and flees. Allets warns Rell that Boolan is escaping but Rell tells the youngling not to chase the Nihil. While checking on the children, Rell is haunted by Boolan's warning that the Nameless will come for him and that he will be dust.

Aftermath

Meanwhile, the surviving Nihil including Boolan and Apruk retreat aboard their starships. Tora-Asi asks Jettster and the civilians if everyone is okay. Jettster reports that their side has sustained a few injuries but nothing serious. The colonists, Jedi and Banchiians celebrate their victory over the Nihil. Later that night, the people bind their wounds and have a feast.

Later that night, Tora-Asi chats with Master Arkoff and confides that she was able to face the fear inside her. She says that she has realized that she cannot keep everyone safe alone and is willing to accept help from the other Jedi including Ru-Ru and her younglings. She tells Arkoff that she doesn't have the same fear as before because she knows that they can face the fear together. Tora-Asi says that she has learnt that she is stronger standing with everyone. She resolves to continue rebuilding the Banchii temple and community together. Tora-Asi invites Master Arkoff to stay with them on Banchii but understands that he is needed on Coruscant.

As Arkoff departs with Silas and Rell, Silas tells Tora-Asi that Rell's only journal pages and their research on Banchii will help them to understand the connection between the Nameless and the Blight. He says that they have a lot more work to do. Allets and Nia'Viv wave the older the Jedi farewell while Rell thanks them for their help and wishes that the Force will be with them.

Master Malagán thanks Jettster for their fun adventure and promises to meet again. Maktan tells Malagán that Jettster will be giving him a trip offworld and says that he has left the Nihil. He thanks Malagán for giving him a chance. Malagán replies that she did not want to leave him behind. She wishes that the Force will be with them.

Later, Malagán offers to help assist Tora-Asi with rebuilding the Banchii temple and settlement, which she gratefully accepts. Malagán quips that Tora-Asi doesn't need to be too formal. Tora-Asi also accepts the help of the Banchiians and Zimtok. Malagán is glad that Zimtok has found a home among the Banchiians. Before joining the villagers and younglings in working on a warehouse, Tora-Asi meditates at front of a tree. She reflects on the themes of change, teamwork, leadership and resilience. After resolving to be prepared, she joins Allets, Nia'Viv and DD-1A in helping the colonists.

Media

Editions

• ISBN 9781974752676; April 22, 2025; Viz Media; US paperback

Appearances

This Appearances list is incomplete. You can help Wookieepedia by expanding it.

Sources

• The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 3
• Star Wars Celebration - DAY 1 Replay on the official Star Wars YouTube channel (backup link) (livestream no longer available)
• Star Wars Celebration LIVE! 2025 - DAY 2 on the official Star Wars YouTube channel (backup link)
• Star Wars: The High Republic Chronological Reader's Guide on StarWars.com (article) (backup link)
• "Star Wars: The High Republic: Phase III Companion" — Star Wars Insider 234

Notes and references

External links

• Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 4 on Viz Media's official website (backup link)

Phase I Vol. 1 · Vol. 2 Phase II Precedent Phase III Vol. 3 · Vol. 4 Premonition Other comics "The Banchiians" Related media The High Republic · FCBD Preview
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Phase III: Trials of the Jedi
Novels Adult novels The Eye of Darkness (audiobook) · Temptation of the Force (audiobook) · Trials of the Jedi (audiobook) Young adult novels Defy the Storm (audiobook) · Tears of the Nameless (audiobook) · Into the Light (audiobook) Junior novels Escape from Valo (audiobook) · Beware the Nameless (audiobook) · A Valiant Vow (audiobook) Audiobook Originals Seeds of Starlight · Haunted Starlight Audio dramas Tempest Breaker (script) Comic books Marvel The High Republic (2023) · Fear of the Jedi (1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · TPB) · The Finale Shadows of Starlight (1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · TPB) Omnibus Dark Horse The High Republic Adventures (2023) · Crash Landing / Crash and Burn (TPB) The Wedding Spectacular · Phase III Annual · The Battle of Eriadu Saber for Hire (1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · TPB) · Echoes of Fear (1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · TPB) Dispatches from the Occlusion Zone (1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · TPB) Complete Phase III Part 1 · Complete Phase III Part 2 Viz Media The Edge of Balance (3 · 4 · Premonition) Short stories Tales from the Occlusion Zone "No Big Deal" · "Friend or Foe?" · "Survivors" · "Pathogen" · "Family Ties" "The Fate of Eriadu" · "Sparks Fly" · "Out with a Bang" · "The Will to Fight" · Tales from the Occlusion Zone Chronicles of Corellia "Heir Apparent" · "Cracking the Mask" Tales of Light and Life "Light in the Darkness" · "All Jedi Walk Their Own Path" · "Rogue Element" Reference books The Art of: Volume 2 Promotional material The High Republic Show Trials of the Jedi promotional postcards Articles "Charles Soule: Luminous Legacy" · "Long Live Luminous" "The High Republic: Phase III Companion" Related media Comics Yoda: The Cave · "All the Republic" The Acolyte - Kelnacca 1 Novels The Acolyte: Wayseeker (audiobook) · The Acolyte: The Crystal Crown (audiobook) General The High Republic media · Phase I media · Phase II media
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