Legacy of the Shadow of the Jedi | REMAKE |

17. Jedi Killer

|| Location: Gaulus sector, Ryloth system , Ryloth||

|| Timeline: 78 BBY ||

The landscape of Ryloth passed beneath our ship in a blur, a sea of rugged terrain dotted with the occasional settlement clinging to the harsh surface. The mission had changed swiftly, evolving from diplomacy to investigation in a matter of hours. It was a transition that left a lot to think about, especially with Isaac at my side, growing stronger and more confident by the day.

As the ship continued its descent, I found myself reflecting on how much had changed since that day I first met Isaac in the training room, where he stumbled upon me dueling the hologram of Darth Desolous. Back then, he was still finding his way, unsure of how to balance offense and defense. But in the years that followed, Isaac had shown a remarkable capacity for growth, constantly challenging himself to refine his skills.

When we first started, he had favored Soresu, the defensive form, just as I did. It was a natural choice for a young Jedi looking to build a solid foundation. But as time went on, he began to explore new techniques, branching out into Shien and Ataru. Isaac had a natural agility and a sense of daring that lent itself well to these more aggressive forms. He found a style that resonated with him, a blend of precision and power that suited his developing instincts.

My role as his mentor shifted during this time as well. It was no longer just about teaching the basics or refining his stance. It became about guiding him through more complex decisions, helping him understand when to press an attack and when to hold back. Isaac's journey from a cautious defender to a dynamic duelist had been a rewarding one to witness, and I felt a deep sense of pride in his progress.

"Master," Isaac's voice broke into my thoughts, pulling me back to the present. "We're almost there."

I glanced over at him. His expression was calm, focused—far different from the eager, uncertain young man I had first trained. "Good. Stay alert, Isaac. This isn't going to be a simple mission."

He nodded, the determination in his eyes a testament to his growth. "I understand. We need to find out what happened to the Jedi who was killed."

The weight of that reality hung heavy in the air between us. A Jedi's death was always a serious matter, especially when it occurred under mysterious circumstances. The fact that we were closest to the crime scene when it happened meant that we were immediately reassigned, our diplomatic mission set aside in favor of a more pressing task.

I could see the gears turning in Isaac's mind, already piecing together what little we knew. "Master," he began, hesitating slightly as if weighing his words. "Do you think this could be related to the tensions we were addressing in the negotiations? Maybe someone wanted to disrupt the talks."

"It's possible," I replied, considering his theory. "But we won't know for sure until we investigate. Keep an open mind, Isaac. We need to be prepared for anything."

As the ship landed with a gentle thud, I could feel the tension building within me. This wasn't like our usual missions. There was something about this assignment that felt more ominous, more personal. Isaac must have sensed it too, as he glanced at me with a hint of uncertainty.

"We've faced worse," I said, offering him a reassuring nod. "We'll get to the bottom of this."

The doors of the ship opened, and the harsh Ryloth wind greeted us as we stepped out into the arid landscape. The local authorities had cordoned off the area where the Jedi's body had been found, and we made our way there, our senses alert.