In the Persian Market: The Roar of an Empire

Episode Sixteen: The Great King’s Gaze, the Desert’s Declaration of War

1. Silence Before the Storm

The supply base of Harma had turned to ash, and just as the market battalion began to savor victory, the weight of the air abruptly changed.

“…Be quiet.”

Cyrus cut them off sharply. The wind died. Even the flutter of birds vanished.

From the desert horizon, a line of silver light emerged—slowly, yet with overwhelming mass.

This was no vanguard, no scouting force.

It was the Macedonian main army. At its heart flew the banner of the Double-Headed Eagle.

And astride the jet-black giant horse, Bucephalus, stood a single man, backlit by the setting sun.

“…So that is… Alexander…”

Nirfar caught her breath. Among thousands, that one man alone radiated as if he ruled the entire world.

2. The Blade Called a Gaze

Alexander cast a brief glance at the burning granaries.

There was no rage, no agitation—only the cold, intellectual curiosity of a man who had found an intriguing deal.

The Great King advanced his horse a few steps and fixed his eyes on Cyrus across the sea of soldiers.

The distance was vast. Yet Cyrus felt it clearly—those eyes saw straight through his soul, through every ledger he had kept, every dirty bargain he had survived.

“…Nameless Persian wretch. You have gifted me not steel, but hunger.”

Alexander spoke no words. And yet, his presence itself seemed to whisper so into Cyrus’s mind.

3. Cyrus’s Answer

“You shaking, Cyrus?”

Beside him, Azad gripped his sword, cold sweat dripping.

“…Yeah. I’m scared. A monster like that ain’t listed on any market chart.”

Cyrus stroked his beard with a trembling hand and forced a fearless grin.

He rode forward, slamming his will straight back into the Great King’s gaze.

From his pouch, he pulled a piece of burnt bread and hurled it—far short of Alexander’s feet.

“O Great King! The price for burning the market is steep! I won’t close my books until I’ve bought your whole empire!”

The shout raced across the desert.

Alexander’s brow twitched—no anger, but a smile close to delight, the joy of finding a worthy rival.

4. The Encircling Terror

The Great King raised his right hand—just slightly.

That alone set the Macedonian army in motion, precise as a machine.

“They’re coming! They’ll crush our encirclement by brute force!” Danesh screamed.

Alexander had acknowledged Cyrus’s cunning—and chose to annihilate it with overwhelming power.

The Macedonian lines spread like colossal wings, sealing off the desert, erasing every escape route.

“Shahab! Use the darkness—make us a way out! Lady Nirfar, we’ll hold them here!”

Cyrus’s orders flew, but the speed of the Hetairoi charge surpassed all expectation.

5. The Echo of a Declaration of War

“I will not let you escape. This desert shall be the final marketplace for you all.”

From behind Alexander, countless fire arrows filled the night sky.

Thus opened the true hell, carrying the story toward the climax of Part Two.

Cyrus knew it then.

Alexander was not trying to crush a mere rebellion—he was intent on erasing the will of a man named Cyrus.

“…Fine. Then let’s begin the greatest negotiation of all—

a business deal with a god.”