The elevator took them to the top floor within minutes.

  When the doors opened, they were greeted by an extraordinary sight.

  Many rooms—some larger, some smaller—offered glimpses into the last few decades of their history.

  “We’ve collected pictures, artifacts, and even Nyds from many historical moments here!

  But before I start philosophizing too much, let’s begin our little tour.”

  Calmly, Munkan led them into a medium-sized room where several documents and paintings were displayed.

  “Let’s start our journey through the last war at its very beginning!

  We’re in the year 2331.

  At the end of the Second War, a non-aggression treaty was drawn up for 40 years.

  For the most part, those years remained peaceful.

  But as soon as that treaty expired, the four nations began to spy on each other.

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  When exactly this started remains unclear.

  However, in that same year, one of these spies—a Luvtanian spy—was discovered and executed in Nagasa by its then-ruler.

  This event sparked disputes between the two nations, which quickly escalated into skirmishes and eventually full-blown battles.

  Over the following months, the other two nations were drawn into the conflict as well.”

  He pointed to a painting depicting the former ruler of Nagasa impaling the Luvtanian spy on a trident.

  “On these copies of the non-aggression treaty, we’ve marked the clauses that were first violated and documented the events that led to their breach.

  Like its predecessors, this last war erupted very quickly.”

  After a few minutes, they moved on.

  They entered a small, blue-painted room where an enormous painting dominated one wall.

  “The year 2339!

  By this point, the war had been raging for eight years.

  This event, however, is still regarded as a significant turning point to this day:

  The arrival of the King of the High North!

  Near the cliffside city of Sainoda (Eroden)—where a battle between all four nations was underway—he reached the mainland aboard his Viking ship.

  As he approached, clouds gathered, and a storm broke out.

  He quickly drew the attention of the warring armies.

  It seemed as though the thunder and lightning were announcing his arrival.

  Standing at the bow of his ship, he leaped into the raging waters.

  Like a bolt of lightning, he stormed into the city, conquering it single-handedly within minutes.

  This moment is captured in this painting!”

  The painting showed a massive lightning strike hitting Sainoda, with the king's ship visible on the stormy sea just offshore.