Across the world's five continents, three were under the rule of an Empire — the vast and unmatched Empire. One of them was the continent of **Gahalia**, a land rich in cities, armies, and ambition.
At its heart stood the Empire's capital, an island surrounded by water, like a crown set in blue. From there, the Emperor ruled with absolute authority, and in each direction — north, south, east, and west — a Duke governed the lands in his name.
With a population of over two billion, it was impossible for one man to command everything alone. The hierarchy was strict — Dukes answered to the Emperor, and Counts served beneath them.
But the East was different.
In the East, there was one man whose power eclipsed that of his Duke — a Count who reported directly to the Emperor himself.
He had earned that right during the **Parade of One Hundred True Devils**, the darkest chapter in the Empire's history.
