The ruler of a nation, now as wretched as a dog, knelt on the ground without a trace of fear, calmly raising his head to await the arrival of death.

A gentle breeze swept through, bringing with it the clamor of the entire city and the curses of the people.

His memories drifted back to the early days of the nation's founding, when Langya was newly established, occupying the barren edge of the western desert.

Back then, he was a wise ruler, beloved and revered by his people, fully devoted to his cause. But the Wilderness had long been plagued by chaos and strife, and Langya's foundations were too weak to provide a safe and prosperous life for its citizens.