Assassin’s Creed Alliance has set in 8th-9th century Cambodia. It masterfully blends historical figures like Jayavarman II and the Shailendra dynasty with the series involving the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients. The new protagonist Serey Sayavong (formerly Kasikor Srae), a Hidden One of Khmer Chinese descent had transitioned from the Chenla period to the Khmer Empire (pre-Angkorian era) during the Javanese occupation after he witnessed total destruction of his village as a child, Serey represents the collective suffering of the Khmer people under foreign hegemony. This gives his mission to rescue the future King like Jayavarman II more weight—it’s not just a rescue; it’s an act of national liberation during his time in the jungle. It explains how a village boy becomes skilled enough to infiltrate a Javanese stronghold. Serey Sayavong embodies the archetype of the Perfect Disciple—a man who has transcended his humble origins through absolute psychological and physical conditioning, he was known as a man of "machine-like" perfection who remains a compassionate protector of the vulnerable, became a "perfect" living weapon—rigid and unemotional figure, when he transitioned himself from a peasant life to a highly trained operative, Serey functions with the precision of a machine. His training under his mentor removed "human error" by replacing hesitation with total obedience. Serey does not dwell on his humble beginnings or past traumas. He is defined by constant forward momentum, viewed through his evolution from a "peasant boy" to a "man of the Bureau." While he is "unemotional" and "untouchable" in combat or mission work, he is the ultimate provider for the sick, the elderly, and children. He ensures they are fed and cared for, creating a safe "welfare" system within his sphere of influence. Despite his rigid nature, he is described as the best conversationalist—likely because he speaks with absolute clarity, honesty, and intent, wasting no words. Serey Sayavong is characterized as a "no-nonsense hidden one" (a term often associated with hidden warrior or mentor groups in fiction) who rose from humble beginnings on a Chenla rice farm. As a mentor, he enforces total discipline and strict adherence to a "creed," ensuring his apprentices prioritize the welfare of the Khmer people, including providing aid to the sick, elderly, and ensuring children are fed. The group under his guidance is responsible for supporting and harvesting rice for the government of Jayavarman II. Serey imposes extreme, severe punishments—including starvation, execution, or torture—on those who kill or harm innocent people. Lesser offenses such as laziness, disrespect, lying, or betraying the creed result in exile or expulsion from the bureau, often resulting from failures or human errors in their work.
