### 304

A bitter wind arises from the north as the gloom of dusk surrenders to darkness. It whips the sulphurous dust into whirling eddies that skitter across the valley floor and dance away into the distance. Determinedly you trek towards the hill trail with your head lowered and your cloak drawn close about you. Blasts of grit sting your face and hands and, as you struggle up the steep track towards the crest of the hill, you are forced to lean into the wind to keep from being blown over. As you slowly draw closer to the hill crest, you catch sight of a rocky knoll that promises some protection from this vicious dust storm.

If you possess Elementalism and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Guardian, turn to 170.

If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, turn to 258.