The Great Flood had been the most catastrophic event since World War IV, which had already decimated the population by seven billion to barely four. The damage was not limited to the human species, but the entire flora and fauna had suffered. Many species had become extinct and what remained was nothing but a faint memory. The great forests were parched and the desert expanded visibly. At the end of all this the glaciers melted completely and in a horrendous and merciless wave the waters submerged most of the planet. When it was all over, Earth's population had been further decimated, leaving alive only the few who could find shelter.
It was then that Galeren, a surviving veteran, embarked on a journey through the now calm waters and collected all that remained of humanity beneath him, encouraging exploration to find dry land where one could recover. Galeren was the First Monarch and from his line descended all subsequent Monarchs. His explorations led to the birth of the Islands, lands remained untouched by the Great Flood. Technical and technological knowledge had made it possible to create self-sufficient island cities that responded to the sole authority of the Monarch and connected to each other through a laborious and complex system, which included, among all, the use of airtrains, which traveled suspended on tunnels built above the water. Shipbuilding had advanced rapidly, and new ship models and shipping routes had been studied and perfected.
Kora Island had been one of the First Inhabited Islands, due to the fact that it was not far from the Central Island, where the Monarch resided. At first it was used as a colony, then, as soon as the Forgotten began to be marginalized, it became their prison. Later, when some of the court dignitaries also began to manifest the Mark of the Forgotten, Kora was again made a livable city, though still intended to house all the Marches. The city itself was surrounded by high white walls, outside of which was the spaceport. Once inside the walls it was impossible to get out. Guards in the service of the Monarch were positioned on each side and patrols regularly passed through the streets. The city was governed by a master builder, who acted as a mediator between those who lived in the city and the Court of the Monarch.