The story of Darth Vader and Kirak Infil'a unfolds in the "Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith" comic series, written by Charles Soule. This narrative is a pivotal moment in Vader's early days as a Sith Lord, immediately following the events of "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith." This comic series delves into Vader’s quest to solidify his identity as a Sith and acquire his own lightsaber.

After the fall of the Jedi Order and the rise of the Galactic Empire, Darth Vader is tasked by Emperor Palpatine to obtain a lightsaber crystal. However, instead of constructing one, he must take it from a Jedi and corrupt it, turning it red. To accomplish this, Vader needs to find a surviving Jedi and defeat them in combat.

Emperor Palpatine provides Vader with the information that leads him to Kirak Infil'a, a Jedi Master who survived Order 66. Kirak had taken the Barash Vow, a form of self-imposed exile where a Jedi refrains from all activities related to the Jedi Order. This vow is a penance, a way to atone for past actions by dedicating oneself entirely to the Force. Because of this vow, Kirak was not involved in the Clone Wars and remained hidden on the remote planet Al'doleem.

Vader tracks down Kirak Infil'a on Al'doleem, a mountainous and serene planet. Kirak has spent years in meditation and training, honing his skills in the Force and combat. He is unaware of the galaxy’s current state and the fall of the Jedi Order. Vader arrives and causes destruction in the city of Am'balaar, situated at the base of the mountain where Kirak is meditating. The devastation forces Kirak to abandon his meditative state and confront the source of the disturbance.

Kirak and Vader face off in a brutal duel. Despite being out of touch with galactic events, Kirak’s combat skills and mastery of the Force are formidable. He quickly demonstrates his prowess by severely injuring Vader, even managing to push him off a cliff. This encounter reveals Kirak's strength and the depth of his connection to the Force. However, it also showcases Vader’s resilience and determination.

Vader, though grievously injured, uses the Force to repair his broken body. His relentless nature drives him to return for a second duel, this time with a greater understanding of Kirak’s abilities and a more strategic approach. The second encounter between the two warriors is even more intense. Vader uses a combination of cunning tactics and brute strength to overcome Kirak’s defenses.

Despite Kirak’s best efforts, he is ultimately defeated by Vader. In a final act of defiance, Kirak attempts to use his knowledge of the Force to stop Vader, but it is in vain. Vader claims Kirak’s lightsaber, completing his mission to obtain a Jedi’s crystal and corrupt it. This crystal, once purified and green, is now subjected to Vader’s dark influence, turning it red and solidifying his status as a Sith.

Kirak Infil'a’s story is a testament to the strength and dedication of the Jedi, even in exile. His battle with Vader highlights the formidable power of both the Jedi and the Sith. Kirak’s valiant stand against one of the galaxy’s most feared Sith Lords is a crucial chapter in the early days of Darth Vader’s journey. This encounter not only demonstrates Vader's relentless pursuit of power but also the tragic fate of the surviving Jedi who faced him.

The "Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith" comic series continues to explore Vader’s evolution, his struggles with his new identity, and his efforts to eradicate the remnants of the Jedi Order. Kirak Infil'a's story is one of many that illustrate the complex and often tragic dynamics between the Jedi and the Sith during the rise of the Empire. Through these narratives, readers gain a deeper understanding of the characters and the dark path that Anakin Skywalker ultimately embraced as Darth Vader.