The Ayazhan Empire.Also known as the Northern Empire—the empire that rules the northern lands of the Sin Continent, governed by the Ayazhan family.
Compared to the other empires, it had a smaller population, yet it possessed the strongest warriors on the Sin Continent.
The reason for this lay in its warrior traditions that dated back centuries—long before even the demons and magic.Brutal training forged their people.
Despite these harsh conditions, the citizens of the North shared an unshakable patriotism and a powerful sense of unity.
The capital of this empire was Kışincisi.
Although it ranked only third among the capitals in size, it was the most heavily fortified capital in the world.
A city called Buzelması, built inside colossal walls made of mana-filled stones.
Inside the Imperial Palace of the city, in the Emperor's study, Emperor Bozdağ was dealing with documents.
Bozdağ was a large and tall man. The first time you saw him, he radiated an aura that made you instinctively afraid.
His jet-black hair and his perpetually clean-shaven face only made him appear more intimidating.
Bozdağ: This is the last one…
He leaned back in his chair and let out a deep sigh.
Bozdağ: Ufff… I've finished today's trivial work as well. Rare as it is, I currently have absolutely nothing to do. Moments like this are extremely rare.
Bozdağ: Should I train, maybe?
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
The door was knocked.
Emperor Bozdağ: Enter!
A male imperial attendant stepped inside.
Attendant: Your Majesty, Emperor Alishan has arrived through the teleportation gate to speak with you.
A smile appeared on Bozdağ's face.
Bozdağ: I was just feeling bored today—how perfect. Let him in. And bring us Golden Wine and two goblets.
The teleportation gate was a massive magical portal that existed only in the capitals of the four empires.
There were four gates in total—one in each imperial palace—and each emperor possessed a single key.
An emperor could block or allow the other three keys from accessing his gate at will.
In other words, one key could prevent the others from reaching its passage.
Only emperors had the authority to use these keys, and only those they permitted could pass through the gates.
Normally, before using these gates, the opposing side was informed who would use them and for what purpose. If they approved, the gate would be opened and the meeting would occur instantly.
The only two empires that never blocked each other were the Northern and Southern Empires.
For ten years, their gates had remained permanently open to one another—because the two emperors were close friends who visited each other frequently.
This friendship had become the subject of many books and inspired countless stories.
The attendant bowed with firm obedience.
Attendant: As you command, Your Majesty.
Near the eastern window of Bozdağ's study stood a small table and two chairs.
Bozdağ took his seat and waited for Alishan.
Then, without warning, someone entered.
He was slightly above average height, slim but not fragile in build, with long, well-groomed light-brown hair.
It was the Southern Emperor—Alishan.
Emperor Alishan entered holding the Golden Wine and the goblets himself. He had clearly taken them from the servant who was bringing them.
Alishan: Your Majesty Bozdağ, I hope you are in good health.
Bozdağ: You snatched the drinks from the servant again, didn't you?
As Alishan placed the wine on the table, Bozdağ stood up.
Bozdağ: It's been too long—you've made me miss you.
Alishan: What are you saying? Anyone hearing that would think there's something going on between us. And what do you mean "miss"? I was here just last week!
Bozdağ: So what? Am I not allowed to miss my friend?
Alishan: HAHAHA! Anyway—let's drink this fine thing together.
They sat across from each other and filled one another's glasses. Both took a sip.
Alishan: This Golden Wine is produced in the Golden City. But for some reason, it tastes better when I drink it here… What's your secret?
Bozdağ: Golden Wine is special—the colder it is, the better it tastes. And tell me, is there any place colder than the North of Sin?
Alishan: HAHAHA! Fair enough.
A brief silence followed. Both looked out the window at the view of Kışincisi.
Alishan: I didn't actually come just to chat or drink today. I came with news.
Bozdağ: I figured as much. Go on—what happened?
Emperor Alishan: Karahan and his son Raman are dead.
Emperor Bozdağ: What did you just say?! That's a disaster! Hot Fortress could turn into a battlefield—did you come for help? I'll send word immediately—
Alishan raised a hand, stopping him.
Emperor Alishan: When have you ever seen me beg anyone for help? I'll take care of that myself. I came to tell you something else.
Bozdağ lifted his wine-filled goblet.
Emperor Bozdağ: About what?
Emperor Alishan: About the one who killed Karahan and Raman.
Emperor Bozdağ: Who was it?
Emperor Alishan: White Flame.
Bozdağ crushed the glass in his hand.Yet no blood flowed—the shards were not strong enough to cut his skin.
Emperor Bozdağ: What did you say?!!
Emperor Alishan: Judging by your reaction, I remembered correctly. He's the one said to have killed your friend in Sira, isn't he?
Emperor Bozdağ: You have no idea how long I searched for that name after that incident. That bastard killed my friend and razed his kingdom to the ground.
Emperor Alishan: You mean the Dead City on the Sira Continent?
Suddenly, Bozdağ grabbed Alishan by the collar. His eyes turned icy blue.
Bozdağ: Never call it the Dead City again!
Alishan tried to calm him.
Emperor Alishan: Calm down, Bozdağ.
Bozdağ released his grip and straightened Alishan's collar. His eyes returned to their dark shade.
Emperor Bozdağ: Forgive me. I lost my temper for a moment.
Emperor Bozdağ: It used to be called the Northern Sira Kingdom. But after the catastrophe known as the Great Sira Incident, it became a city for Sira's outcasts.The two kingdoms that inherited the legacy of the ancient Great Sira Kingdom were destroyed. Now, those two ruined kingdoms are known as the Dead City and the Ruined City.
Emperor Bozdağ: Because it happened on the Sira Continent, I haven't been able to investigate it in full detail. But every time I tried, I always reached the same conclusion—the one responsible was the so-called urban legend known as White Flame.
Emperor Alishan: Come on. It isn't even certain that it's real. The stories are greatly exaggerated—you know that too.
Emperor Bozdağ: I didn't believe it at first either. But when I was a child, I visited the place tied to the Si-Nalo legend with my uncle. It used to be a vast and beautiful land.
Emperor Bozdağ: I later went to the Sira Continent personally to investigate. I spoke directly with those who witnessed his destruction.
Emperor Bozdağ: Let me tell you this much from what I saw—the infamous Si-Nalo crater is absolutely real. When I visited as a child, no such pit existed there.
Emperor Bozdağ: Whatever created it… could not have been human.
Bozdağ paused for a moment, thinking. Then he turned to Alishan with firm resolve.
Emperor Bozdağ: I want you to hand him over to me. You can be certain I will repay you.
Emperor Alishan: As unbelievable as it sounds, because it's you asking, I trust you. You don't need to give me anything—we are friends, after all.But if he is as dangerous as you say, I won't be able to use the teleportation device. You'll have to come and take him yourself.
Emperor Alishan: I will have him transported as far as the Northern Border. After that, you must take him. And come fully prepared—there are many Underground Kings who want him dead.
Emperor Bozdağ: Thank you, Alishan. I won't forget this. I'll take him at the border.
Emperor Alishan: What if he isn't White Flame?
Emperor Bozdağ: That's a possibility, of course. If he isn't, he'll be punished anyway since he's a criminal.But think of it—someone mad enough to take down Karahan alone in Hot Fortress.Someone who openly challenges the Shadows and the Black Bosses…
Emperor Bozdağ: I place my bet on the real White Flame.