Notes: From now on, you are following the main timeline, so Zayn will always speak in the present tense.

Happy reading to all.

Year 733 - Six years after the end of training

Seventeen years ago, the half-century of carnage ended abruptly thanks to the intervention of the Peacers. Non-aggression pacts were signed—not without some coercion—by the six Shahanshahs, marking the beginning of a new era.

The world then underwent unprecedented changes. One of the Peacers from Novea initiated a global knowledge-sharing initiative, bringing together the greatest scholars, living and deceased, through their writings and assemblies. Their intention was clear: to meet the essential needs of each population. This initiative triggered a rapid technological boom, significantly improving the quality of life for every individual.

Instant communication across the world became a daily reality. Values clashed, giving birth to new philosophies. In accordance with the pact, borders opened, allowing individuals to travel freely between countries, subject to certain formalities—a concept once unimaginable.

To maintain this fragile peace, strict rules were established, including limitations on the use of ruh for civilians, controlled by mandatory technological devices. Advances in transport drastically shortened travel times: a journey from Orenda to Kiyo, which once took months or even years, could now be completed in less than a day.

However, the hard-won peace was shaken on 30 July 731. An incident with global consequences rocked Gaia, endangering the very existence of the world's population.

This event gave birth to the world's most wanted individual: "Sahar The Subversive".

It's been two weeks since I left my loved ones to embark on my quest. Kiyo's biting cold reminds me at every moment that I'm far from home. Originally, I planned to visit each continent, starting with Zafar, my native land, but my plans have been disrupted.

Two years ago, I was forced to make a radical decision. Consequently, I've become the enemy to be eliminated. Fortunately, they're unaware of my true identity, which has allowed me to act freely until now.

I could alter the shape of my mask to go unnoticed, but that would betray the symbol I wish to embody. It's out of the question to be seen in a land where my entourage could be associated with my actions. That's why I've decided to leave for Novea.

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The problem: I'm forced to go there on foot.

Sahara, perched on my head as usual, is anxious. She's grown attached to those we've left behind, but more importantly, accustomed to extreme heat, she dreads Kiyo's icy climate. The trees bent by the wind and the snow crunching under my feet constantly remind us of the challenge ahead. Fortunately, her long ears help regulate her body temperature.

My choice of Novea isn't arbitrary. I'm seeking answers about a mysterious country called "Rossea". Something tells me Lutan is connected to it.

Three options are available to me from my position in northwest Kiyo, where frozen plains stretch as far as the eye can see: cross the North Sea, take a land route, or plunge into the forest connecting the two continents.

Sahara's seasickness immediately rules out the maritime route. I'm not vehicular and have never learned to drive. Hitchhiking could risk revealing my identity to potentially hostile strangers.

Only the forest route remains. The dark, menacing trees looming on the horizon seem to call me, promising both danger and mystery.

I adjusted my green hood with my black gloves, ensuring my mask was barely concealed. Sahara's long ears protruded through carefully sewn holes at the top, allowing her to be comfortable while remaining sheltered on my head.

Approaching the only entrance to the woods not barricaded by fences, I spotted a solitary figure. An old man stood there, as straight as a pine despite his advanced age. His white beard, full and neatly trimmed, contrasted with his weathered skin from years spent outdoors. His eyes, a piercing glacial blue, seemed to have captured the colour of the winter sky he had so often scrutinised. He wore a long, thick, worn but well-maintained coat, and a felt hat rested on his silver hair.

"Pardon me," I said, bowing slightly, "would this be the path leading to Novea?"

The old man slowly lifted the brim of his hat, his piercing eyes examining my silhouette with undisguised curiosity.

"Indeed, young traveller," he replied in a gravelly voice, like pebbles rolling in a stream. "But allow me to give you some advice: if you value your life, you'd best turn back."

Intrigued by this warning, I couldn't help but ask, "Why? What secrets does this forest hold?"

The forest guard sighed, his gaze lost in the distance. He leaned on his walking stick and began his tale:

"There was a time, not so long ago on the scale of these centuries-old trees, when a charming village thrived beyond this forest. The banks of its rivers were dotted with rare flowers, and life was sweet. The village was under the benevolent protection of a Graf whose eyes, it was said, rivalled the most beautiful rubies.

But peace is never eternal, young man. A year before the war broke out, a witch appeared in the vicinity. Her intentions were never truly known, but her actions forever marked the village's history. With a gesture, she condemned the village to seclusion, isolating it from the outside world. Then, she cast a terrible curse: anyone who dared to cross this forest would meet a tragic end.

Sixty-eight winters have passed since then. Many have braved the warning and ventured onto this path. Merchants, travellers, soldiers during the war... All have disappeared without a trace, as if swallowed by the shadows of the forest."

Thanking the old man with a nod, I pretend to turn back. As soon as I'm out of sight, I hear Sahara's voice in my mind.

"Dad? Are you going to take another path?" she asks telepathically.

"No, we're going to take this route," I silently reply. "But did you see that man? He seemed tired and deeply affected by this story. He's probably seen many people disappear into these woods. Passing in front of him despite his warning would surely have worried him."

"But it's the only path that looks like an entrance," Sahara objects. "Passing elsewhere could lead us to get lost without knowing clearly where to go."

"Indeed," I agree. "So hold on tight!"

Having moved sufficiently far from the forest guard's field of vision, I look up at the sky. 'Blink', and in an instant, I teleport high enough to get an overview.

The forest stretches as far as the eye can see, dense and mysterious. Thanks to 'Mireye', I manage to discern the exit towards Novea, several kilometres from our position. However, the witch's story intrigues me. I spot a place at the edge of the woods, out of the old man's sight.

'Blink' Again, I teleport, my feet gently touching the firm

ground of the forest.

As I prepare to delve deeper into the woods, a disturbing sound reaches my ears...