Borders

No one knows exactly what caused the rise of the Shadow.

No one knows exactly what caused the rise of the Shadow. Clerics claim the gods placed a curse upon this world. Philosophers insist that Strix's Shadow is a pure blessing and a new milestone in human evolution. Both sides agree that the Shadow will eventually consume the entire world and change it beyond recognition.
But there are also mages, and according to them, the whole debate is pointless. They accept the Shadow as it is, with all its horrors and wonders. Moreover, for the past few centuries, mages have risked their lives in an effort to control the Shadow and harness its power for themselves.
It comes as no surprise that only a select few have access to information about the magic of the Shadow. Max Renard knows this well, which is why he chooses a different, riskier path. He decides to go to the border himself and experience the power of the Shadow first-hand.