Sixty years ago.
Winter of Terra 726.
After losing to Gride Saldor in the competition and failing to become the Azure Star Successor, Ulan Avaretiya refused to stay on Far Shore Island as a defeated subordinate to Gride, opting instead to lead a fleet on a long voyage to the New Continent.
He took over the rundown settlement on the New Continent, becoming the first governor to actively travel there.
At that time, Ulan was almost thirty years old, having recently advanced to the pinnacle of the Third Energy Level. If he had become the Azure Star Successor, he would soon have reached the Fourth Energy Level, joining the ranks of those with the most power on Terra Continent.
It could be said that Ulan was only one step away from becoming a force to reckon with on Terra Continent.
But ultimately, he failed.
This was not because he was not exceptional.
In fact, in terms of sublimation skills and alchemy, Ulan was superior to Gride at the time.
