“Many of you have come here under false pretenses.” You let your words sink in as you gauge the reaction of those assembled before you.
These few simple words have let you discern much. You can see the doubt, the fear, and the uncertainty welling up in the hearts and minds of many. Focusing in on the handful of individuals that seem unperturbed by your words you continue.
“You have come seeking an easy way to gain much power. That is not what I offer.” You can see the confusion spreading through those that were seeking just that.
“What I am offering is a long grueling painfully hard ordeal. An ordeal that will make you stronger and much more powerful than you can possibly imagine but, only if you can survive it.”
A few former prospects start to wind their way out of the crowd. They are unwilling to put their lives on the line to gain what they seek. They are many who yet remain but, most of them are not suitable either. You have already singled out four individuals from the group that you will allow to stay for the time being the rest you will send home.
Slowly and confidently you point them out calling them by name and ordering them forward. As they step in front of the mass of unsuitable candidates you eye them each carefully.
“You four will accompany me inside.” Without another word you turn and head back up the stairway to your tower. You can hear the outraged screams and the shouts of protest as those below try desperately to get noticed. Their anger does not suit them it makes them even less likely to be chosen but they cannot see reason which is why they were not chosen to begin with.
The four you have chosen follow silently, well aware of the ignorance and stupidity of those they are slowly leaving behind. They are confident but not cocky. Smart but intelligent enough to be aware of how little they know.
As you reach the summit of the stairs and head through your giant red doors you feel their curiosity peaking. None of them show the slightest hesitation as the doors close behind them and you turn to face them. They wait eager yet patient. Ready to begin at a moments notice though they know not what awaits them. Now you must decide how best to begin their training.
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