"The Price of the Past"
[SAMARA - FIRST DAY - NOON]
The sun was high in the sky.
Samara was still burning. Smoke rose from the garrison barracks. The streets were covered in blood and ashes. The screams
had given way to silence—the silence of death.
Alperen stood on the balcony of the governor's palace.
His left shoulder was bandaged. His face was pale. He was
struggling to stand. But he stood.
"Sir." Shadow approached him. "The loot report is ready." Alperen
turned. He staggered. Shadow's arm supported him. "Speak."
LOOT REPORT
The Shadow unrolled a paper scroll.
"The governor's treasury—the main source. We found a secret room in the basement. Chen Bao has been robbing the people
for 12 years. He turned out to be much richer than we thought."
"How much?"
"45,000 gold coins. 12,000 silver coins. 3,500 copper coins. Total gold value: approximately 47,000 gold coins." Alperen
raised his eyebrows. "Just from the governor's treasury?"
"Yes, sir. But there's more." Shadow
continued:
"The Merchant Guild's vault - the city's commercial center. It wasn't damaged by the fire. It contains coins and valuable
materials worth 28,000 gold."
"Noble houses - 23 noble families identified. All looted. Total value: 18,500 gold." "Temple donation
chest - Longging Temple's Samara branch. 6,200 gold."
"Weapons and armor stockpile - salvaged from the garrison depot. Saleable value: 4,800 gold." "Other
- merchant shops, moneylenders, hidden stockpiles. Total: 8,500 gold."
Shadow calculated.
"TOTAL LOOT: 113,000 GOLD"
Alperen looked at the figure.
113,000 gold.
More than expected. Much more.
Chen Bao really was a dog, he thought. While the people were starving to death, he had amassed 47,000 gold pieces.
"The system," he said
quietly.
DING!
[LOOT CONVERSION]
113,000 Gold ÷ 10 = 11,300 Energy Points
[BATTLE ENERGY CALCULATION]
Enemies Killed:
Garrison Soldiers (~2,800): 5,600 Energy
1. Level Warriors (5): 35 Energy
Civilian Casualties (~450): 450 Energy Total War Energy: 6,085 Energy
[TOTAL GAIN] Loot Energy: 11,300 Battle Energy: 6,085 TOTAL: 17,385 ENERGY
[PREVIOUS ENERGY: 761]
[NEW TOTAL: 18,146 ENERGY]
Alperen looked at this
number.
18,146 energy.
The highest number so far. By far.
With this much power... what can I do?
"System. Show summoning options."
[SUMMONING OPTIONS - 18,146 ENERGY]
GENERAL SYSTEM:
Strategist (Combat): 100 energy
Commander (Combat): 300 energy
General (Combat): 1,000 energy
Tactical Specialist (Modern): 150 energy
Special Forces Commander: 400 energy
4-Star General: 800 energy
COMBAT ARTISTS:
1. Level: 10-30 energy
2. Level: 50-200 energy
3. Level: 500 energy
4. Level: 1,500 energy
MODERN SOLDIERS:
Basic Infantry: 15 energy
Heavy Armored Cavalry: 5 energy
Elite Soldier: 40 energy
Sniper: 60 energy
Commando: 150 energy
Cyborg: 300 energy
Exo-Suit: 500 energy
LIFE UNITS:
Farmer/Miner/Worker: 10 energy
Doctor: 15 energy
Engineer: 50 energy
Professor: 200 energy
Alperen reviewed the options. 18,000
energy.
I shouldn't spend it now, he thought. First, I need to stabilize the city. Then... then make big moves.
"Shadow. Prepare a plan for city management. I want it by tonight." "As you command,
sir."
[EVENING - GOVERNOR'S PALACE]
Alperen had withdrawn to his room.
The bed was large—Chen Bao's bed. Silk sheets, soft pillows, gold-embroidered covers. But Alperen didn't
see any of that.
He only felt exhaustion.
His left shoulder throbbed. They said the bone was visible—a deep wound. Dr. Kain's ointment had been applied, but it would
take time to heal.
Wu, he thought. That man... he almost killed me.
He closed his eyes.
This isn't a game. This is real. If I made a mistake... I would have
died. I would have died, and everything would have ended.
He lay down on the bed.
He was tired. Very tired.
And he fell asleep.
But it wasn't a peaceful sleep. It never
would be.
[NIGHTMARE]
Darkness.
Alperen was swimming in the darkness.
Then... a light appeared. A faint, yellow light. A familiar light. He
opened his eyes.
A small room.
He recognized it. He recognized this room.
My old apartment, he thought. Istanbul. Kadıköy. A 35-square-meter bachelor pad.
Computer desk. An old laptop on it. Posters on the walls—anime, games, movies. Clothes scattered on the floor.
This is... my old life.
He stood up. He looked around.
Everything was the same. Everything was exactly as he
remembered it. The door opened.
And he entered.
Elif.
Long black hair. Hazel eyes. A slender, elegant face.
She was beautiful. She had always been beautiful.
And Alperen had loved her. For seven years. From high school to college, from college to working life. Seven damn years.
"Alperen?" said Elif. Her voice sounded distant, echoing. "We need to talk."
Alperen's heart tightened.
No, he thought. I know this moment. I've lived this moment. I don't want to live it again.
But he couldn't stop. It was a dream. A nightmare. And nightmares couldn't be
controlled. "What happened?" Alperen asked. His voice—his old voice, his weak
voice—was trembling.
Elif sat down. On the edge of the bed. Away from Alperen.
"I..." She paused. She bowed her head. "I'm with Mert."
The words hung in the air. Alperen
didn't understand. He couldn't
understand. "What?"
"I'm with Mert," Elif repeated. "For six months." Mert.
Her closest friend. Since high school. A 12-year friendship. The man she shared everything with. Secrets, dreams, fears...
"Mert?" Alperen's voice faltered. "You... with Mert?"
Elif didn't lift her head. "Yes."
"Six months?"
"Yes."
"When we... when we were
together?" "Yes."
Alperen's world spun.
7 years.
Seven damn years.
He had given everything. His time, his energy, his future. He had stopped writing for Elif—he had said, "Find a decent job." He
had argued with his family for Elif—he had said, "I choose you." He had sacrificed everything for Elif.
Andhe...
"Why?" Alperen's voice was a whisper. "Why did you do it?"
Elif finally looked at him. There was no guilt in her eyes. Only... exhaustion.
"You haven't changed, Alperen. You've been the same for seven years. The same old apartment. The same failed writing
career. The same dreams." She paused. "Mert... Mert is different. Mert is successful. Mert looks to the future. Mert..."
"Mert makes you happy," Alperen said. His voice was almost inaudible.
"Yes."
The dream changed.
Alperen was no longer in the apartment.
A café. A small, warm, crowded café. He was sitting in
the corner. A cold coffee in front of him. And across
from him...
Mert.
Tall. Handsome. Successful. Mert, who was always smiling, always winning. "My friend."
Mert's voice was sincere. As always. "We need to talk." Alperen didn't answer. He just
looked.
"You've heard about Elif." Mert scratched his head. "I... I'm sorry, okay? It wasn't planned. It just... happened." "It happened?"
"Yes. You know, sometimes people..."
"You screwed me over for six months." Alperen's voice was flat. No anger. Just... empty. "And now you're saying 'it just
happened'?" Mert's face changed. The smile disappeared.
"Look, buddy, I'm trying to understand, but—" "You're not my
buddy."
Silence.
"You're not anymore."
Mert sighed. "Alperen, listen. I know you're going through a tough time. Your father died, your mother is sick, things are going
badly at work. But life goes on. Elif deserves to be happy. You couldn't give her that."
"I couldn't give it to her?"
"Yes! You've been living in the same apartment for seven years. With the same failed dream of becoming a writer. Elif told you
so many times—get a proper job, plan for the future, do something. You did nothing."
Alperen looked at the table. At his cold coffee. "Where
were you when my father died, Mert?"
"What?"
"When my father died of a heart attack. While I was in the hospital. Where were
you?" Mert fell silent.
"I was with Elif," he finally said. His voice had grown quiet.
"You were with Elif." Alperen shook his head. "My best friend's father had died. And you were fucking his girlfriend."
"Don't say it like that—"
"HOW SHOULD I PUT IT?!" Alperen stood up. His voice rose for the first time. "12 years of friendship! For 12 YEARS we
shared everything! You knew my secrets, you knew my fears, you knew everything about me! And you... you did this!"
Mert also stood up. "Alperen, calm down—"
"AM I CRAZY?!" Alperen flipped the table. Coffee splashed everywhere. "7 YEARS! I loved Elif for 7 years! I did everything
for her! I gave up writing—because she wanted me to! I fought with my family—because she wanted me to! I sacrificed
everything—and you came and STOLE her!"
The cafe fell silent. Everyone was watching.
Mert backed away. Fear was written all over
his face.
"Alperen... you're not okay. Maybe you need professional help—"
"Fuck off."
"What?"
"I said fuck off." Alperen's voice was like a knife. "Both of you. Elif and you. I don't want to see your faces again."
He turned and walked toward the door.
Mert called out after him: "Alperen! Wait! Let's talk—" Alperen
didn't stop.
He went outside.
And left behind a 12-year friendship.
The dream changed.
Alperen was now at home. In his old apartment.
He hadn't been outside for three days. He hadn't eaten. He hadn't drunk any water. He was just lying in bed.
He was staring at the ceiling.
Why, he wondered. Why did everything turn out this way?
My father died. My mother is dying. Elif cheated on me. Mert
betrayed me. I have no one. No one at all.
Why am I even alive?
The phone rang.
He looked. Itsaid "MOM."
He answered.
"Alperen?" His mother's voice was weak. She was calling from the hospital. "Alperen,
it's me." "Mom..."
"The doctors said. Two months left. Maybe three."
Alperen's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, I'll come. I'll come to you." "No." His
mother's voice hardened. "Don't come."
"What?"
"You didn't come to your father's funeral. You haven't called in three months. Now you're coming?
When I'm dying?" "Mom, I—"
"Listen to me, Alperen." Her mother's voice was tired. So tired. "Live your own life. Forget me. Forget your father. Forget
everything."
"Mom, don't say that—"
"I forgive you, son. But... don't come near me. I don't want to see you like this." The phone hung up.
Alperen sat on the bed.
He looked at the phone.
And he began to cry.
A silent, devastating, unstoppable cry. He had
lost everything.
Everything.
The dream changed again.
Alperen was now in a hospital room.
White walls. The smell of antiseptic. Beeping sounds.
In the bed... his mother was lying there.
She had grown weak. Very weak. Her hair had fallen out. Her skin was yellow.
Cancer. Terminal stage.
"Mom?" Alperen knelt beside the bed. "Mom, it's me."
His mother opened her eyes. She looked at Alperen. But... she didn't seem to
recognize him. "You... who are you?"
Alperen's heart stopped.
"Mom, it's me. Alperen. Your son."
His mother shook her head. Slowly. Weakly.
"My son... my son left me. Years ago. For that girl. For that damn girl." "Mom, I'm here.
I didn't leave. I—"
"Go." His mother turned away. She turned her face away. "I don't know you. Go."
Alperen stood up.
He walked backward.
He bumped into the door. The door
opened. But there was no hallway
behind it. Behind it... there was a
graveyard.
A gray sky. A downpour. Muddy ground. Alperen was
walking among the gravestones.
He found a familiar stone.
YILMAZ FAMILY
Ayşe Yılmaz (1965-2023) "Dear
mother, rest in peace"
Mehmet Yılmaz (1962-2021) "Dear
father, we will never forget you"
Both of them are dead, Alperen thought. I never got to see either of them. I couldn't attend either of their funerals.
My father died of a heart attack. I was on vacation with Elif. My mother died of cancer. I was at home, depressed. Both of
them... died alone.
He knelt down. In the mud. In the rain.
"I'm sorry," he said. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..."
A voice came from behind him.
"Apologizing won't help." Alperen
turned around.
And he saw himself.
Another Alperen. But different. His eyes were dark. His face was pale. There was a cold smile on his lips.
"You're weak," said the other Alperen. "You've always been weak. Elif cheated on you—because you're weak. Mert sold you
out—because you're weak. Your family abandoned you—because you're weak."
"No—"
"YES." The other Alperen approached. "The weak are used. The weak are crushed. The weak... die."
"I didn't die."
"You did." The other Alperen smiled. "You died that night. Don't you remember?"
The dream
changed.
For the last
time.
Alperen was walking down a street.
Night. Darkness. Rain.
One of Istanbul's back alleys. Narrow, dirty, dangerous.
He was drunk. Very drunk. He had been drinking for three days. After breaking up with Elif. After seeing Mert.
What's the point, he thought. I've lost everything. My love. My friend. My family. My dreams. What's the point
of living?
He came to a bridge. Not the Bosphorus Bridge—a small bridge. Over a stream. He leaned on the
railing. He looked down. Dark water was flowing.
If I jump, he thought. If I jump, everything will end.
But he didn't jump.
Because he heard footsteps behind him.
He
turned
around.
Three
men.
Hooded. Masked. Knives in their hands.
"Give us your wallet," said one of them. His voice was young.
Maybe 20 years old. Alperen laughed. A drunken, bitter laugh.
"My wallet? Take it." He threw his wallet. "There's 50 lira in it. It's the only thing I own." The man
took the wallet. He opened it. He looked inside.
"50 lira? Are you kidding me?" "No."
The man turned to the others. He whispered
something. The second man spoke: "Do you
have a phone?" "It's broken. The screen is
cracked."
"A watch?"
"It's from my father. Worthless."
The three men looked at each
other.
"This guy's no use," said the first one. "Let's go."
But the third one stopped. He looked at Alperen.
"Wait," he said. His voice was different. Colder. More dangerous. "I know this guy." Alperen
pricked up his ears. "What?"
The third man approached. He lowered his mask. A
familiar face.
"Cem?" Alperen said. "Is that you?"
Cem—an old high school friend. They weren't close, but he knew him. They had been in the same class ten years ago.
"Alperen Yılmaz," said Cem. He was smiling. But his eyes were cold. "Wow. You wanted to be a writer, right? What
happened?"
"What are you doing here, Cem?" "You see. Life
is tough. You need money." "Did you become a
robber?"
Cem shrugged. "Everyone gets by somehow." Alperen
shook his head. "Okay. Take the wallet, go."
"Wait a minute." Cem approached. "You were Mert's friend, weren't you? Mert Yıldırım?"
Alperen froze. "How do you know Mert?"
"Business circles. Mert's a big shot now. He's starting a company. I heard he's engaged to Elif."
Engaged.
The word stabbed Alperen's heart like a knife. "What...
when?"
"Last week. I saw it on social media. They had a big party. Weren't you invited?" Alperen couldn't
respond.
Cem laughed. "Wow. So you broke up that badly." "Cem... go.
Please."
"Hold on." Cem's eyes lit up. "Mert is rich, right? And you were his closest friend. Maybe... maybe we can reach Mert. Through
you."
"What?"
"Ransom. Call Mert, ask for money. We'll take our share." "Are you
crazy? Mert won't even talk to me!"
"Then..." Cem pulled out his knife. "Then you're useless."
Alperen wasn't afraid.
I'll die, he thought. I wanted to die anyway. If not now, then soon. It doesn't matter.
But something happened.
Something stirred inside
him.
Anger.
Pure, raw, uncontrollable anger.
No, another part of him thought. NO. Not like this. Not in the hands of these bastards. I won't give them that pleasure.
Because of Mert, because of Elif, because of everyone, I'm devastated. And now these bastards are going to kill me?
NEVER.
His body moved. Without thinking. Instinctively.
He attacked Cem's knife-wielding hand. Grabbed it by the wrist.
Bent it. CRACK!
Cem screamed. The wrist was broken.
The other two men were shocked. They froze for a second.
Alperen used that second.
He headbutted the second man. The man's nose bones cracked. He staggered backward.
The third man swung his knife. He slashed Alperen's arm. Blood flowed. But Alperen didn't stop. He
kicked the man. In the groin. The man doubled over.
Alperen turned. He prepared to flee.
But Cem—despite his broken wrist—had grabbed the knife with his
left hand. "SON OF A BITCH!"
He attacked from behind.
The knife...
It plunged into Alperen's back.
Deep. Very deep.
Pain.
White, sharp, burning pain.
Alperen fell. To the ground. Face
down.
Cem pounced on him. He pulled out the knife. He stabbed him again. Again.
Again. "KILL HIM! KILL HIM!"
The other two men joined in. Kicks. Punches. Knives. Alperen
couldn't defend himself.
He only... felt the pain.
Every stab of the knife. Every kick. Every punch.
I'm dying, he thought. Finally, I'm dying.
And my final thought... Will Mert and Elif's engagement be
ruined? How pitiful.
Cem stopped. He was out of breath. "Is
he dead?" someone asked.
Cem looked at Alperen. He wasn't moving. Blood was everywhere.
"He's dead. Let's go."
Footsteps faded away.
Alperen was lying on the ground.
He couldn't move. He could barely breathe. Rain was falling on
his face. Cold. Indifferent.
Mom, he thought. Dad. I'm sorry.
Elif... I loved you. I really did.
Mert... I hate you. But... it doesn't matter anymore. Nothing matters
anymore.
His eyes were closing.
But one last thought crossed his mind. If...
if I had one more chance... If I could start
over...
This time... this time I wouldn't be weak.
This time... no one would use me. This
time... EVERYONE would pay the price.
And darkness fell.
[AWAKENING - SAMARA]
Alperen woke up drenched in sweat.
His heart was pounding. His breathing was irregular. His body was
trembling. "It's a dream," he said. "Just a dream."
But it wasn't a
dream.
It was memory.
Real memory.
Elif. Mert. Mother. Father. That night. I
remember everything. Everything.
He got out of bed. He stumbled. He went to the window.
Outside was Samara. Dark, silent, bloody Samara.
I died, he thought. I died that night. I was stabbed and I died. And I came
here. To this world. To this system.
Why? How? I don't know.
But I know one thing.
He clenched his fists.
I will never be weak again.
I will never trust anyone again. I will never...
lose again.
[MORNING - CITY MANAGEMENT]
Alperen hadn't slept.
He had thought all night. He had planned. He had decided. When
morning came, he called Shadow, Fox, and Snake.
"City management," he said. His voice was cold. Colder than usual. "The plan is this:"
SAMARA MANAGEMENT PLAN
"First: Security."
"Soldiers will be stationed at every gate of the city. Entry and exit will be controlled. No one can enter or leave without
permission."
"Shadow, you are the head of security. Twenty soldiers are under
your command." "As you command, sir."
"Second: Public Control."
"Curfew - from midnight until dawn. Violators will be arrested. Those who resist will be killed."
"Prohibition on carrying weapons - only our soldiers can carry weapons. If civilians are found with weapons, the weapons will be
confiscated and the person will be questioned."
"Prohibition on gatherings - No more than 10 people may gather without permission. Gatherings must be reported."
"Third: Economy."
"All merchants will be registered. Tax rate: 15%. Lower than the previous Governor's - to keep the people happy." "No
taxes on Sundays - to win the people's sympathy."
"The Merchants' Guild will continue - but under our control. The guild leader will be our man." "Fox, you are responsible
for the economy."
"Understood, sir."
"Fourth: Intelligence."
"There will be an ear in every neighborhood in the city. Rumors, gossip, plans for rebellion—everything will reach us."
"Suspicious individuals will be monitored. If necessary... they will be eliminated."
"Snake, you will manage intelligence." "As you
command, sir."
"Fifth: Propaganda."
"The former governor's crimes will be revealed to the public. How corrupt Chen Bao was, how much he stole..." "We will be
presented as saviors. The image of 'heroes who overthrew the tyrannical governor'."
"Tax cuts, the curfew being 'for security'... everything will be framed positively."
"Sixth: Military Expansion."
"Volunteer soldiers will be recruited from the city. Orphans, homeless people, the hopeless—all are potential
soldiers." "The system will train the soldiers. The goal is 500 trained soldiers within 3 months."
"Additionally... a children's education program. Orphans aged 6-14 will be gathered. A long-term investment."
Alperen stopped. He looked at his spies.
"Questions?"
Shadow spoke: "Sir, what will we do if there is outside interference? The King or the Four Great Powers..." "For
now, we won't draw attention. Samara is a small, poor, insignificant city. No one will care." "What if they do
care?"
Alperen smiled. A cold, dark smile.
"Then... they'll share Governor Chen Bao's fate."
[NOON - ENERGY CONSUMPTION]
Alperen was alone. He opened the
system screen. [CURRENT
ENERGY: 18,146]
18,000 energy, he thought. What should I do?
He thought. He thought long and hard.
He needed men to run the city. Reliable men. System men. And he needed to
expand the army. But without drawing attention.
He made his decision.
"System. Make these calls:"
CALL LIST:
1. 1 × Strategist General (Combat): 100 energy
For city defense and army training
2. 1 × Tactical Specialist (Modern): 150 energy
For covert operations and special missions
3. 50 × Level 1 Fighter: 500 energy
For city security
4. 10 × Level 2 Fighter (Bronze Bone): 500 energy
Elite protection and attack force
5. 100 × Heavy Armored Cavalry: 500 energy
Crowd control and shock power
6. 20 × Farmer: 200 energy
Food production
7. 10 × Miner: 100 energy
Resource extraction
8. 5 × Engineer: 250 energy
Construction and development
9. 3 × Doctor: 45 energy
Healthcare services
TOTAL EXPENSE: 2,345 ENERGY
DING!
[CALL PROCESS INITIATED...] [2,345
ENERGY WILL BE SPENT]
[REMAINING ENERGY: 15,801] [DO
YOU APPROVE?]
"Confirm."
Blue lights flashed.
In the palace courtyard, figures appeared one by one.
Soldiers. Cavalry. Workers. Engineers.
And two generals.
The first general—the Strategist—was an old man. Long white beard, sharp eyes, stern posture. He wore traditional Chinese
armor.
"Strategist General Zhou Wei, at your service, sir." His voice was deep and powerful.
The second general—the Tactical Specialist—was younger. Black tactical attire, short hair, cold gaze.
"Tactical Specialist Yuri Volkov, ready, sir." His accent was Russian.
Alperen looked at both of them.
A traditional warrior, a modern specialist. A good combination.
"Welcome," he said. "Let's get to work."
[EVENING - NEW ORDER]
Samara was beginning to change.
Soldiers patrolled the streets. At every corner, every square. The people... were
silent. They were afraid. But at the same time... relieved?
Because the streets were safe. There was no theft. No robbery. No murder.
Fear, Alperen thought as he watched from the balcony. Fear is a powerful tool. Use it right, and you control people.
The Shadow approached him.
"Sir. The first day's report."
"Speak."
"Three people violated the curfew. They were warned. They said they wouldn't do it again." "Good."
"Seven people violated the ban on carrying weapons. Their weapons were confiscated. They were all
sent home." "Did anyone resist?"
"One resisted. He refused to hand over his spear. He was taken into
custody." "What should be done?"
Alperen thought.
"Public punishment. Tomorrow morning in the square. Fifty lashes. Let everyone
see." Gölge bowed his head. "As you command."
[NIGHT - SOLITUDE]
Alperen was alone again.
He was sitting in his study. There were maps, documents, plans in front of him.
But he wasn't looking at them.
He was looking out the window. At the dark night.
Elif, he thought. What are you doing now? Are you happy with Mert? Does it matter to
me?
He knew the answer.
No. Not anymore.
Alperen is dead. He died on that street, that night.
I... am someone new. Stronger. Colder. More... dangerous.
He looked at his hands.
With these hands, he gave orders today. With these hands, he had people killed. With these hands, he took over a city.
And I'm just getting started.
He stood up. He looked at the map. The
Kingdom of Openag. The Four Great
Powers. The King.
All of you, he thought. All of you will kneel before me one day. And no
one—NO ONE—will ever see me as weak again.
DING!
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
Dark Path Progress: 15% → 18%
Note: The Master's dark emotions are growing
stronger. The Dark Path continues to open.
Alperen looked at the message.
Dark Path.
What is this? What is opening?
But there was no
answer.
Not yet.
[THAT NIGHT - WEI CHEN]
Wei Chen couldn't sleep.
He was seven years old. Last night, he had lost his family. His mother. His father. His little sister Mei. All of
them.
Now he was in a shack. With the other orphaned children. About 50 children—all around Wei's age, all with the same vacant
stares.
No one wasspeaking.
No one was crying.
They had already cried. Their tears had run dry.
Wei was sitting in the corner. He had drawn his knees up to his chest. He was staring into the darkness.
Mother, he thought. Father. Mei.
They're all gone.
Why am I still here?
The door opened.
A soldier entered. Black-armored, cold-faced. "Get
up," he said. "All of you. Outside."
The children gathered in the courtyard.
It was midnight. The moon was shining. It was cold.
A man stood before them. Alperen.
Wei recognized him. He had seen him from the balcony—the city's new ruler. The man who had killed his mother and father.
Monster, Wei thought. Monster.
But he kept his face expressionless. He gave nothing away.
He was seven years old. But that night, he had learned enough to have lived to seventy.
Don't show your emotions. Don't show weakness. Survive.
Alperen looked at the children.
"I gathered you here," he said, "because I want you to make a choice." Silence.
"Your families are dead. Your homes are gone. You have no future. At least... no future like you used
to have." Alperen began to walk. He passed in front of the children.
"But I'm offering you a new future. A place in my army. Training. Food. Shelter. And most importantly... power."
Wei listened. Carefully.
"In this world, the powerless die. Your families are dead—because they were powerless. If you are powerless... you will share the
same fate."
Alperen stopped. In front of Wei. He bent
down. He looked into Wei's eyes.
"But if you become strong... no one can touch you. No one can harm you. No one... can kill your family." Wei looked at
Alperen.
This man killed my family, he thought. This man took everything from me.
But... he's right.
They died because we were weak.
If my father had been strong... he could have protected
us. If I had been strong...
"Those who accept, move to the right," said Alperen as he stood up. "Those who refuse, to the left."
The children looked at each other. At Alperen. At the sky.
One child—a 10-year-old girl—moved to the left.
"I won't be your soldier," she said. Her voice trembled, but she was determined. "You killed my family. I hate you." Alperen
looked at her.
"A brave choice," he said. "But a foolish
one." The girl trembled. But she didn't move.
Another child moved to the left. Then another. Five children gathered on the left.
The rest—45 children—moved to the right.
Wei was on the right too.
I hate you, he thought, looking at Alperen. One day... one day I'll kill you. But first I must grow stronger.
And you will give me that strength.
Then... I'll use that power against you.
Alperen looked at the children on the right.
"Good choice," he said. "Training starts tomorrow
morning." He turned to the five children on the left.
"You... will be left outside the city. Food and water will be provided. The rest is your problem." The 10-
year-old girl was surprised. "You won't kill us?"
"No." Alperen shook his head. "Courage should be rewarded. Not with death." He
turned. He started walking.
But he stopped. He said one last thing.
"But if you cross my path again... then I will kill you." And he
left.
Wei watched.
This man, he thought, looks like a monster. But... he didn't kill the children. Why?
Weakness? Compassion?
Or... something else?
He didn't know.
But he would find
out.
There was time.
[THREE DAYS LATER - TRAINING]
Wei fell to the
ground.
For the fifth time.
The soldier standing before him—a Level 1 fighter—stared expressionlessly.
"Get up," he said. "Again."
Wei got up. His legs were trembling. His arms ached. Every part of him ached.
He had been in training for three days. Waking up at 5 a.m. Training until 10 p.m. Running, push-ups, sit-ups, fighting
techniques. It was hell for a 7-year-old child.
But Wei didn't give up.
I must get stronger, he thought. I must get stronger so that one day...
The soldier attacked. Slowly—at a child's pace. But it was still too fast for Wei. The
punch came.
Wei blocked it. This time with the right position.
PAAT!
It hurt. But he didn't fall.
The soldier hesitated. For the first time, an expression appeared
on his face. Surprise.
"Good," he said. "You're learning."
Wei said nothing. He just took his position. "Again."
At the edge of the training ground, Zhou Wei was watching.
The new Strategist General. Old, experienced, sharp-eyed.
Alperen was beside him.
"That boy," said Zhou Wei. "Do you know which one he is?" "The 7-yearold," said Alperen. "Wei Chen."
"Yes. The system flagged him. Level 3 potential."
Alperen raised his eyebrows. "Level 3? Only 1 out of 255 children." "Correct. A rare
talent." Zhou Wei paused. "But there's something, sir." "What?"
"That child's eyes. I looked. They're not empty. There's anger in them. Deep, hidden, dangerous anger." Alperen
looked at Wei. The little boy had fallen to the ground again. But he was getting up. He got up every time. "His
family died in the war, didn't they?"
"Yes, sir. Mom, dad, little sister." "She's accusing us."
"Probably." Alperen
thought.
"It doesn't matter," he said finally. "Hate is a good source of motivation. Let him hate. Let him grow stronger." "And
then?"
Alperen smiled. A cold, calculated smile.
"Then he'll either be loyal to us... or die. Both are acceptable." Zhou Wei
bowed his head. "I understand, sir."
[ONE WEEK LATER - SAMARA]
The city had changed.
The streets had been cleaned. The bodies had been buried, the bloodstains wiped away, the ruined buildings begun to be
repaired. Patrol soldiers were everywhere. But now they didn't just instill fear. They also maintained order.
The market had reopened. Merchants were selling their goods. Customers were shopping. Normal
life—or a semblance of it—was returning.
Andthe people...
The people were getting used to it.
People were like that. They got used to even the most terrible things. As long as their stomachs were full, their roofs were secure,
and their lives were safe.
Alperen knew this.
Fear is short-lived, he thought as he watched from the balcony. Comfort is long-lasting. First,
scare them. Then give them comfort. Then... make them dependent.
And then they can never defy you.
The fox came over.
"Sir. The weekly economic report." "Speak."
"Tax revenues are normalizing. This week, 3,200 gold pieces were collected. Lower than the previous governor's term—due
to the 15% rate—but the people are satisfied."
"Satisfaction is important. Money will follow."
"Trade is picking up. Caravans of merchants from the east have begun arriving. The trade route to Iron Bridge City is open."
"Aren't we drawing attention?"
"No, sir. Officially, Samara is still part of the Openag Kingdom. It was just a 'change of governor'. No one asked for details."
"Good. Let it continue that way."
[TWO WEEKS LATER - QI REACTOR]
Dr. Kain was excited.
"Sir!" he said, almost running. "The prototype is complete!" Alperen
went to the laboratory.
There was a device on the table. Larger, more complex, and brighter than the previous one.
"The Qi Reactor Mark II," Dr. Kain said proudly. "Capacity: 500 units of Qi. Power boost ratio: 50%. Duration: 2 hours." "Has it
been tested?"
"Yes. We tested it on 01. It temporarily reached Level 2 Medium power." Alperen
looked at the reactor.
50% power boost, he thought. This... is a huge advantage in battle.
"How many can you produce?"
"If we have the materials... five a month. But we need Silver Bone. We're out of bear bones." "We'll
organize a monster hunt. Keep going, Dr. Kain. Good work."
Dr. Kain bowed. "Thank you, sir."
[NIGHT - DARK ROAD]
Alperen couldn'tsleep again.
Every night, the same nightmares came. Elif. Mert. Mother. Father. That street. That
knife. But tonight... something different happened.
In his dream, he was in that dark place again. In front of that door. The red, bloodstained
door. And the voice came again.
"Do you want power?"
Alperen looked at the door.
"What do you want in return?"
The voice laughed. A dark, echoing laugh.
"Nothing comes for free. Power... requires sacrifice."
"What kind of sacrifice?"
"You must give a part of yourself. A part of yourself... to the
darkness." Alperen thought.
A piece? Which piece?
My humanity? It's already gone.
My mercy? It died long ago.
My past? I'd like to let it go anyway.
"I accept," he said.
Silence.
Then the door... creaked
open.
And darkness poured in.
Alperen woke up screaming.
He was drenched in sweat. His heart was racing. He
looked at his hands.
They looked normal. But... something was different.
Something inside him... had changed.
He felt colder. More... empty. DING!
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] DARK
PATH: 18% → 35%
New Ability Unlocked: FEAR AURA
Can paralyze weak enemies
Targets of Level 1 and below are affected
Range: 10 meters
Warning: As the Dark Path progresses, the Master's humanity will diminish.
Alperen looked at this message.
My humanity?
He laughed. A silent, hollow laugh.
Which humanity?
He stood up. He went to the window.
Samara was silent. Night birds were chirping. A dog was barking in the distance.
The old me, he thought, was human. He felt pain. He cried. He hoped. The old
me was weak.
Now... now I'm different.
He raised his hand. He tried his new
ability. Fear Aura.
He felt something—a cold, dark, suffocating energy emanating from his body. It was invisible but palpable. The guard
standing at the door—a Level 1 soldier—suddenly began to tremble. His knees weakened. He collapsed to the ground. "Ssir?" he said. His voice was filled with fear. "W-what's happening?"
Alperen withdrew the aura.
The soldier took a deep breath. Relief.
"Nothing," said Alperen. "Just a test." Powerful,
he thought. This aura... powerful.
And this is only 35%. What will happen when I reach 100%?
He didn't know.
But he would find out.
He didn't sleep until morning. He
thought. He planned. He
calculated.
There was 18,146 energy. I spent 2,345. 15,801 remained.
What can I do with this power?
He opened the system screen.
[CURRENT POWER
ANALYSIS]
Total Units:
Fighters: 102 (13 × Level 2 old + 10 × Level 2 new + 79 × Level 1)
Cavalry: 123 (23 old + 100 new)
Mammoths: 2
Generals: 3 (Eris, Zhou Wei, Volkov)
Support: 38 (20 farmers, 10 miners, 5 engineers, 3 doctors)
Spies: 3 (Shadow, Fox, Snake)
Total: 271 active units Comparison:
Iron Shirt Sect: 1,300 warriors
Hua Clan: 1,000 warriors
The King's Army: 10,000+ warriors
I'm still weak, he thought. But I'm growing. And I
have 15,000 more energy. For emergencies.
As dawn broke, Alperen made his decision.
Three months, he thought. I'll stay in this city for three months. I'll grow stronger. I'll grow.
And then... Iron Bridge City.
Then... the entire
kingdom.
Andthen...
He smiled. A cold, dark, dangerous smile.
Everything.
[END OF CHAPTER 9.6]
CHAPTER STATISTICS:
Energy Exchange:
Start: 761
Loot + Combat: +17,385
Summoning: -2,345
Final: 15,801 Energy
New Units:
1 × Strategist General (Zhou Wei)
1 × Tactical Specialist (Yuri Volkov)
50 × Level 1 Fighter
10 × Level 2 Fighter
100 × Heavy Armored Cavalry
20 × Farmer
10 × Miner
5 × Engineer
3 × Doctor
Total Army Strength:
Fighters: 102 (23 × Level 2, 79 × Level 1)
Cavalry: 123
Mammoths: 2
Generals: 3 (Eris, Zhou Wei, Volkov)
Support: 38 (farmer, miner, engineer, doctor)
TOTAL: ~268 units
Alperen's History (Disclosed):
Former name: Alperen Yılmaz
7-year girlfriend (Elif) + best friend (Mert) betrayal
Loss of mother and father
Killed by stabbing during a robbery
Reborn into this world
Dark Path: 18%