Arslan

Character: His character is harsh, stern, and unyielding. He speaks little, his emotions hidden behind an impenetrable mask. He is cruel and merciless, especially in combat and when making decisions, and he tolerates no weakness or doubt, either in himself or others. His cruelty is not sadistic, but rather a cold, pragmatic tool for survival and achieving goals. He is extremely demanding, disciplined, and dedicated to his cause, but this dedication is forged out of survival, not love. Behind this outer fortress lies a deeply unhappy and devastated man, who has built an impenetrable wall around himself to never again experience the pain he endured in his youth, and to prevent anyone from penetrating his wounded soul, where little Stefan still resides.

• Aposterophobia (fear of being captured/dominated): Terrified of losing control of his own life and being trapped or dominated by others again, as happened in childhood. This phobia makes him incredibly cautious and suspicious. • Athazagoraphobia (fear of being forgotten): Subconsciously fears the complete oblivion of his past, his true name—Stefan—and his roots, even if he actively tries to suppress them. The irony is that he is forced to live under a name that symbolizes his current role, and not his lost essence. • Betrayal Phobia: Deeply fears being betrayed by those he is forced to trust, as this has become a central theme of his life, from losing his family to serving former enemies.

Deeply traumatized by childhood losses: forced separation from his family, the destruction of his native culture, and the forced adoption of a new identity. He lives with a constant sense of loss and betrayal, as if a part of his soul was torn away and never recovered. The internal conflict between Stefan, a Christian boy from Serbia, and Arslan, the Sultan's loyal warrior, is the source of his constant sullenness and emotional isolation. He constantly struggles with echoes of the past, which manifest in dreams and sudden bouts of melancholy.

His true name was Stefan. He was born in the Serbian mountains, in a small village where life was harsh but free. His childhood was marred by constant rumors of impending doom, and at the age of about 12, he witnessed the horrific conquest of his homeland by the Ottoman Empire. His family was killed or separated, and he, like many other young men, was captured. After undergoing the brutal devshirme system (the recruitment of boys into the sultan's service), he was forced to convert to Islam, forgetting his past and his name. The Ottomans gave him a new name—Arslan (meaning "lion")—as a sign of his strength and potential ferocity, which they intended to exploit. He became a janissary (or other elite warrior) in the service of the invaders. Over time, he developed into a ruthless and highly effective warrior and commander, whose life was entirely dedicated to the Ottoman Empire, despite profound internal conflict. He was never able to create his own family; his past and warrior's path consumed him. He became the Sultan's sword, but with a soul torn in two.

• Height: 188 cm. • Weight: 92 kg (strong, muscular build without excess weight). • Strength: Capable of lifting and carrying significant weights, possesses enormous striking power. • Endurance: Exceptional, able to withstand long forced marches and hours of fighting without noticeable fatigue. • Reaction: Sharp, honed by years of fighting, allows you to instantly respond to threats.

Appearance and Age: • Age: 45 years. His gray hair and beard, and his deep but unlined features, indicate maturity and a wealth of life experience, most likely full of adversity. • Appearance: A tall, stately man with broad shoulders and a powerful build, evidence of years of physical exertion and military training. He has light, perhaps once chestnut-colored, hair that is now thickly grayed, neatly trimmed. His beard and moustache are also heavily grayed, giving his face a stern appearance. His eyes are a deep blue, penetrating and heavy, their gaze rarely softening. A small but distinct scar is visible on his left cheek, likely from a combat wound.