The air was thick with anticipation as the crowd gathered to hear Salvar's persuasive speech about pushing the limits of physical fitness.
Taf and others like him were the target of Salvar's enticing words: "Child, are you tired of being bullied because of your size and age?" His voice echoed promise as he dangled the prospect of rapid body mass improvement with minimal effort.
Taf pondered the offer, the allure of gaining strength quickly tempting him.
'I need strength now, but is bulking up the right way to go?'
But then, he realized that achievement comes with hard work and dedication. He rejected the idea, drawing from his lessons on the streets.
Salvar's persuasive tactics fell flat, so he turned to his last resort. His demeanour had a sense of urgency, driven by an obligation to fulfil a task by a mysterious figure known only as "the senior." Clearly, failure was not an option for Salvar, and the consequences of incompetence loomed over him.
The looming presence of the senior and the pressure to comply weighed heavily on Salvar. Reluctantly, he had taken on the role of recruiting test subjects for a potent concoction that promised immense strength. The mysterious senior had appeared in the gym one fateful evening, showcasing his unparalleled strength and instilling fear in all who witnessed it.
All were fearful for their lives as the stranger was brutal with his attacks, and blood filled the gym. Thinking they were going to die an unjust death, everyone had pleaded for their lives.
This pleased him. After this, the senior gave up on his attacks. Evidently, he was from outside the city.
He wanted the gym and many others in the city to test his concoction, which was said to bring immense strength.
The strange senior wanted them as test subjects. Therefore, they were initially among the first to bow their heads and take the concoction.
The senior left after stating that he needed a broader sample size and expected to see countless more subjects when he returned.
Not knowing when the man would possibly return, Salvar felt reluctant, but dread took over him.
So, he has been trying his hardest to fulfil the senior's request. The senior also warned him and the members not to disclose anything about his visit.
As Salvar revealed the vial containing the blood-red liquid to the crowd, he spun tales of its origins, claiming that it was crafted by a wandering cultivator using exotic herbs and rare beast blood. His words stirred fascination among the audience, especially the men, as he boasted of the liquid's purported ability to unlock untapped physical potential.
The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as Salvar's mesmerizing words captured the crowd's imagination. Echoing his earlier question, Salvar challenged those gathered to transform themselves from mere mortals to the pinnacle of physical prowess.
A surge of determination rippled through the crowd, culminating in a fervent declaration from a zealous young man who eagerly stepped forward, expressing his desire to embrace the transformative journey.
"I do! I... want to take that step."
Inspired by the young man's bold act, others voiced their readiness to join the gym and embark on their own paths to strength.
As Salvar witnessed the eager response, he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. He had merely dangled the proverbial carrot, and they had eagerly taken the bait. Inwardly, he pondered the consequences of his actions, silently repeating to himself, "Don't blame me. I just dangled the carrot, and you were the ones that ate it."