In an island located at the northernmost part of the world, a country named Alkar ruled. This continent had always offered a challenging life to its inhabitants. The cold was constantly felt due to harsh climatic conditions. There weren't many opportunities for people to earn money, so the general population led a poor life. There were no social class differences among the society. Until recently, there was even no regular political unity. After the dragon attack, Sargan seized control of the country's entire administration and united the nation under one flag.

Sargan was one of the people from the population. He had a tall and muscular build. He would casually tie his long, black hair and walk around. His bald face prevented him from appearing terrifying at all times. His eyes were like pieces of dark coal. He was an incredibly strong and agile warrior. It was said that he had never faced defeat in any fight he entered. He personally trained his soldiers in his army, which resulted in creating a formidable war machine after years of arduous training. He would spend most of his days practicing swordsmanship. It was said that the shield he used in battles was so heavy that it would require two people to lift, yet Sargan seemed to carry it effortlessly at all times. Born as an ordinary person during the tribal era, he joined the wars as an unranked soldier at a young age. His physical strength led him to gain respect from many renowned warriors in the army from the moment he joined. Due to his impulsive nature, he often made unexpected moves during battles, changing the course of the fight multiple times. Thanks to his accomplishments in battles, he rose through the ranks and eventually, against his own will, was placed on the throne as a king. Being one of the people, he had a good understanding of the problems the citizens faced. After unifying the country under one flag, he decided to open the state treasury to the people. He hardly sat in his palace while healing the wounds caused by the dragon. He spent his days among the people. He helped construction craftsmen like an ordinary apprentice. He carried water to the homes of those who couldn't do it themselves and took care of household chores. Through these actions, he earned an irreplaceable place among the people.

The basic livelihood of the people was agriculture, animal husbandry, and fishing on an island located at the northernmost part of the world. Those who didn't have agricultural land would go fishing in open seas and sell the remaining fish after setting aside a portion for themselves. Fisherman restaurants along the coastal areas had gained significant fame. In the inland areas, bars and taverns had become popular gathering places for the people. As the people gradually forgot the effects of past wars and devastation, they began to adapt more to the conditions of settled life. The savagery of war and the calamity of hunger were no longer even crossing their minds. The level of peace and tranquility among the people had increased. Perhaps for the first time in its history, the northern territories were experiencing a period of peace. Sargan was aware of all these developments. During this process, he systematically identified the weaknesses of the country and made improvements in those areas. However, he was also aware of a problem that couldn't be solved by any precautionary measures. The population of the country was increasing, while its resources were limited. As the population had never reached such high levels before, no one had ever faced such a problem.

When Sakha left the country, Sargan immediately sent 10 ships after her. Although it seemed like his aim was to capture Sakha, in reality, he hoped to discover new lands by following her. However, all the sailors who returned came back empty-handed. Somehow, Sakha managed to elude them all. Sargan didn't bother dealing with the orbit Sakha had taken and ordered exploration ships to be sent from all corners of the country. After extensive work, the news arrived that a large continent had been discovered beyond the group of islands. Since they didn't dare to engage in warfare in unknown lands, their initial plan was to peacefully reach the continent and gather information. The plan went as intended, and both trade flourished with the new lands' commercial goods and they gained a lot of new information about the newly encountered country. Among them, what fascinated Sargan the most was the presence of fertile lands in that country.

Sargan prepared a detailed plan and began implementing his plans step by step. The country he was dealing with was the Lacra Empire, which had a powerful army and skilled commanders. They were quickly becoming familiar with the seas and trying to maintain control over strategic islands. Sargan continued sending ships to the Eastern seas and started searching for hired soldiers who could fight on the seas. Through the hired pirates, he aimed to weaken his rival's navy and diminish their dominance on the seas. To some extent, he succeeded.

Sargan was well aware of how exhausted and worn out his country had become after years of prolonged wars, but he had to discover new settlements. The existing resources of the country would soon be insufficient, and famine could arise. He couldn't allow that to happen. For many years, he had strategically pressured the Lacra Kingdom and was preparing to deliver the final blow step by step. His navy had already gained significant superiority on the seas. Everything necessary for a large-scale operation was ready. He would soon mobilize his army and take action.
Sargan and his advisor, Lodros, were standing on the balcony of the palace, observing the outside, when a messenger quickly approached them and said, "My Lord, there is an urgent message from our agent in the Lacra Empire!" After delivering the message, the messenger stood motionless, waiting.

After reading the report expressionlessly, Sargan called out to the guards at the door and said, "Summon my master." He then entered his room, took out a clean piece of paper, and wrote something before handing it to the messenger, saying, "Deliver this to our spy quickly." The messenger quickly returned and disappeared from sight.

Sargan went back to the balcony and began taking deep breaths, paying no attention to Lodros' curious gaze. After a while of silence, he started speaking, "Flarka went on a hunting trip for a week. On their way back from the hunt, they encountered a skirmish, and 30 of our men were killed. They returned to the capital with a wounded stranger, who was chained," he said, without elaborating further, waiting for Lodros' response. Lodros didn't seem to be hiding his astonishment.

"Either Flarka engaged in a battle with a large group and could only capture one person alive, or we have found our man," Sargan replied before swiftly entering the room. Lodros followed closely behind him.
They stood by a map, and Sargan began speaking, "He first appeared in this region," pointing to the monks' territory. "Two years later, there were rumors of a stranger fighting Ito in the Kingdom of Dersey. Six months after that, whispers began circulating about someone crossing the Endless Desert alone. I believe this madman is still chasing dragons. For years, whispers from all corners of the world that fit his description have reached my ears. Fate has brought him to us at just the right moment. I feel it; we will seize the opportunity we have been waiting for and make our move soon," he said with excitement.

"I don't want to dampen your spirits, but it would be better if that opportunity arrived sooner rather than later. The ongoing lowintensity conflicts at sea are already burdening our budget, and on top of that, we have built a considerable navy. We have equipped the army fully. The expenses of war are already starting to strain us. We cannot wait any longer."

"Ten years ago, we initiated something significant here. We took a great risk and achieved successful results. Now we must make those results permanent. Otherwise, everything we have done will go to waste. Everything must align perfectly. A skilled hunter knows how to smell the air," Sargan said with excitement.

"I hope you're proven right." At that moment, someone entered the room. Sargan's mood had improved considerably.

Tharlok was Sargan's first mentor. He had taught him everything he knew, including the art of warfare. Undoubtedly, Tharlok was the most respected person in Alkar. Tharlok was a true oldfashioned gentleman. Sargan had settled in the capital to be near him and regularly joined him on long nature walks. Tharlok had been the greatest help in training Sargan's army. His love and dedication to Sargan prevented him from enjoying a peaceful retirement.

His short hair and dirty beard were sprinkled with gray, while the wrinkles around his eyes bore witness to the battles he had fought. As the rewards of a life filled with war, he carried a sword scar above one eye, a burnt arm, and a body adorned with scars and wounds. While everyone else his age in the country lived content with their bellies, Tharlok possessed a level of elegance that almost rivaled Sargan.