Asgard Academy of the Universe s Fundamental Laws

The evining in the office of the Director of Asgard Academy of the Universe's Fundamental Laws had taken an unexpected turn. Almit Beloyar sat at his desk, studying the laws of Beloria, which were changing at a frightening pace. Every new decree issued by the Supreme Witch drove another nail into the coffin she was prepearing for the counrty. The Beloria he remembered had been entirely different – bright, just, and full of life. Founded by sorcerers on the terrirory of Russia, it had been concealed from unwelcome visitors by ancient magic. What he saw now was hardly recognizable.

Asgard Academy was the only educational institution in the world where the sacred knowledge of the White Gods was still preserved. They were the distant ancestors of the Slavic peoples who had once inhabited the vast land of Oriana Hyperborea. Almit's family had been among the Academy's founders and had helped preserve this ancient knowledge. He had ingerited his potision from his father, one of the Academy's original founders, who had passed on everything he knew to his son. At thirty-five, Almit was still quite young for a director. Yet the constant strain had made him look older than he really was.

After scanning one of the articles, Almit frowned in displeasure. He rubbed his forehead with his fingertips, then ran a hand through his thick, wavy, ash-blond hair, pushing it back from his face. It was an almost automatic gesture, yet it betrayed the exhaustion he never allowed himself to show in public.

One of the latest decrees issued by Varvara Luchnay, the ruler of Beloria, handed her unlimited power and turned the council of the inner circle into something  lifeless: decocation for the eyes. In doing so, she shattered any illusions anout a bright, fair future - and made the people realize that a dark tyranny is coming, and soon it will take hold in their country.

"Things are bad"
Almit leaned back into his chair and closed his eyes. Varvara was not merely reckless, not merely cruel, with no patience for criticism of any kind. She was a traitor to her own country. With every step, she erased what Beloria had been build for. And now many generations would have to live with the wreckage of her rule, paying for her choices, repairing what she had broken. The elders tried to soften the sharp corners when they spoke to her, to keep peace with careful words and careful silences - but Varvara could not stand compromise. She had seized power through deception, and now the people had to survive inside the trap she had build.