Imperial Preceptor Hadrian Hale united Astoria, but after his betrayal by Empress Celia Vale, he was stripped of his titles and exiled. Escaping with 800 loyal guards, Hale crushed her assassins with ease. As enemies attacked from all sides, Hale rallied powerful factions—Northmarch, Huns, and more—defeating the Sunblessed Isle, Sunset Empire, Dragon Empire, and Sultanate of Tutan. He dismantled the Celestial Kingdom and wiped out the Primordia Sect, building an army of millions. Despite the Empress's arrogant attempts to humiliate him, Hale marched on the capital, using his immortal powers to subdue the Imperial Guards, crush her final resistance, and exile her. In the end, he claimed the throne and united the realm.