"Not everyone deserves to be at the top. The top is not a place for everyone. Some strive to sit on the peak of the mountain, but in the end, they discover they are not ready to pay the price. The summit is not easily attained. You can only reach it if you have the strength to bear the burdens of leadership, to influence, and to make a deep impact in this world."
The father walked calmly down the street, his eyes shifting between the faces of the passersby, watching them as if each one of them carried a different story, a story that could change the world if circumstances were different. He smiled at his son and said, "Many people think that reaching the top is just a matter of luck or opportunity, but the truth is that the summit is made. It requires strength, determination, and patience."
The father pointed to a man sitting on the sidewalk, leaning on his small bag. His clothes were ragged, his hair unkempt, but his eyes sparkled with wisdom and deep thought. "Look at this man. Some may see him as weak, defeated by life, but in truth, he possesses something profound. He doesn't have money or beauty, but he's still here, fighting life. His strength is not in his appearance, but in his ability to endure. Despite the harsh circumstances, this man is still standing."
The father smiled and said, "His strength is like the strength Nelson Mandela had, who spent many years in prison and did not let the barriers constrain his mind. It wasn't the prisons that defined his strength, but his deep faith. Mandela wasn't fighting for himself only; he was fighting for the future of his people. He knew that true strength lies in the ability to endure, in maintaining faith in freedom despite prolonged suffering."
He then looked at a small vendor standing in front of his shop, selling vegetables and fruits. He appeared simple, not boasting about what he owned, but he interacted with his customers with a smile and care. "And this man, despite his simplicity, possesses another kind of strength. He knows how to build relationships with people. How to make them feel comfortable and trust him. His strength lies in the connection he creates with each person who passes by."
The father added, "This strength is like the strength Mahatma Gandhi had, the man who led his people to freedom with his peaceful approach. He didn't have an army of soldiers, nor did he have wealth, but he had something stronger: the ability to change the world with simple words and a powerful idea. His strength was not in his body, but in his ability to influence people. He was like a ship sailing confidently through a storm, knowing his destination well and trusting his ability to reach it."
The father took a deep breath and pointed to an elderly man walking slowly down the street. He was leaning on a cane, his eyes filled with the wisdom of the years. "Look at this man. He doesn't appear strong, but his strength lies in his experience, in the years he's lived through challenges and faced the hardships of life. He knows full well that life is not about physical strength, but about a person's ability to make wise decisions, to choose the right path amidst the labyrinths of life."
"His strength reminds me of Martin Luther King, who had the ability to influence an entire nation with his sincere words. He didn't need to be physically the strongest, but he needed to be the strongest in his message. Like this man, who, despite his age, is still able to walk with confidence, because he possesses something more valuable than physical strength: wisdom."
Then, the father looked at his son and said, "True strength comes from within. It's the ability to influence others without imposing your will on them. It's the ability to endure, to keep going in the face of adversity, and to change the world in your own way. Strength is not in money or the body, but in the spirit that cannot be defeated."
The father added, "Life is like the sea. We all sail in this vast ocean. The ship without a compass will eventually sink, but the ship that knows where it's going, that has a wise captain, will continue to sail confidently, no matter the storms. Life needs a compass, someone who knows where they're heading and how to face the waves."
He then said, looking off into the distance, "True leadership doesn't come from physical strength or money. Leadership comes from the ability to influence, from understanding others, from the ability to stay in the game despite all the difficulties. As Mandela said, 'It seems I cannot change the world, but I can change myself, and then maybe I can change the world.'"
The father added softly, "All these people possess qualities that can create greatness, like patience, wisdom, and the ability to influence. Yet, despite that, they did not make history in the same way those great ones who carved their names in the annals of history did. Do you know why?"
---
Jackson took a step forward, his eyes a mix of determination and caution. He knew that this moment could define the course of his life, and his next words might change everything. He hesitated for a moment, then said in a steady voice:
"Master Miragen, my absence was not merely an escape from responsibilities. I knew there were hidden movements outside, and the conflict that rages in the shadows is far more dangerous than it appears on the surface. That is why I chose to retreat, not as a form of surrender, but as a necessary step to see the bigger picture."
Miragen raised an eyebrow slightly, waiting to hear what Sayron would say. At that moment, Sayron felt the weight of everyone's gaze upon him. The meeting hall was closed, but the tension felt like a strong wind raging inside him.
This was the opportunity that would decide his next step.
"Master Miragen, you know that our family has a long history. Since the founding of our family, we've defended ourselves without involving ourselves in the conflicts between other families. But do you really believe this will continue for long?"
Miragen kept his eyes on Kayden without blinking, waiting for him to continue, while the looks of the others were filled with doubt.
Sayron took a deep breath and continued, "Although our family is neutral and does not interfere in the internal affairs of other clans, how long do you think the major clans will remain silent while our clan thrives day by day? Especially the Sioren clan, do you think they will stay silent?"
Sayron could hear some whispers after hearing the name of the Sioren clan.
At that moment, Miragen's brow furrowed slightly. "What do you propose, then?"
Kayden could sense exactly what was going on in Miragen's and the other silent leaders' minds.
"As I said, Master Miragen, placing our family in a neutral position does not enhance its security but, on the contrary, could cause double harm. Although our family appears neutral, it has a strong voice among the other clans in the Western region. A simple movement could make the other clans on high alert. How do you think our family will remain strong if some clans unite against us?"
"But you said we are neutral. How will we get support? Your words are contradictory, Lord Sayron," interrupted one of the senior officials, expressing his doubt.
Sayron turned around to look at the speaker. Although he had encountered him several times before, he had never built a good relationship with him.
It was a man of medium height with a rather slim appearance, protruding eyes, and a slightly wrinkled face. This was the clan's chief financial officer, Raslan Sioren.
A person who obtained a high position in the family was required to leave his former title and adopt the Sioren name, a mandatory condition since the family's founding.
"Master Raslan, I understand what you mean, but this does not require us to be the initiators in this process. A simple rumor can turn a hero into a villain and a criminal into a hero. Do you understand what I mean, Master Raslan?"
"I do not," Raslan replied. "Clarify your words, please."
Sayron could tell this was a blatant declaration of threat.
"Gentlemen, although our clan is neutral, this only applies to the western part of the southern region, not the rest of the areas."
Sayron smiled faintly and continued, "We must exploit the card of neutrality to make it a weapon in our hands, not a hindrance. We have enough influence to steer the winds where we want, even if indirectly."
Another person turned around from his seat, speaking for the first time in his deep voice: "I'll go along with what you're saying. But it requires more than just words. We need a solid plan, with actions that align with the magnitude of the challenges ahead."
Sayron turned to face the speaker. This was Orin Remil, the general strategist and the one responsible for the plans and operations inside the clan.
"What made our family strong is that we have three knights who protect us, with well-trained forces. But what will happen if one of the knights is expelled?" Sayron spoke with full confidence.
Miragen raised his hand, silencing everyone while signaling to Sayron with his eyes. "There's no need for you to continue; we all understand the meaning of your words. You want your clan to expel someone, and the news would spread everywhere while you stay here, training a new military force, and the strategist sends messages for alliances outside our region. Did I miss something?"
Sayron was shocked internally. This was unexpected, but he held his composure. "No, that's exactly what I meant as well."
"...Understood," Miragen said, turning his back and returning to his seat.
"Your plan is very good, Lord Sayron... Or do you think I would say that and praise you? I expected something from you when you entered here with such confidence and stood before me with that boldness... Or do you think you're the hero of one of those hero stories?" Miragen leaned on his throne while mockingly gesturing towards Sayron, who was stunned.
Sayron could hear quiet laughter around him. "But..."
Sayron wanted to say something, but Miragen interrupted. "Do not add more. I gave you your time, and this is all you came up with. The mistake is mine for expecting more from you just because you're his son."
Miragen waved his hand at Sayron. "Go back to your room and think carefully about your words or read some military books."
Sayron carried his body back to his room, no longer a hero as he was told. His plan, which he had crafted in his mind, was a failure.
Sayron reached the door, and then he heard Miragen's voice behind him, words he would never forget, no matter how much time passed: "Boy, do not be deceived by yourself and know your place well."
Sayron returned to his room, closing the door slowly as if trying to shut the world behind him.
He paused for a moment, then collapsed to the ground as if his legs had lost the strength to carry him.
Wasn't this the same person who once ran through the streets?
Wasn't this the same person who laughed with his friends just the other day?
Why had everything become so fragile?
Why had everything in his life become tainted by emptiness?
He slowly closed his eyes and returned to those days, those days that seemed full of life, or maybe they were just illusions.
What happened to that world? He asked himself the same question every day.
What happened to those buildings that once stood tall, to those streets that once lit up with his laughter? Where did that feeling of hope go? Wasn't he the one who believed life always held a new opportunity?
Those trivial moments had now become the best scenes in his mind.
Those trivial friends had now become the best people he had ever met.
Those trivial laughs and screams had become the most enjoyable memories.
Those memories of adventures, trips, and running away from school together had become something precious to him.
He even remembered his father...
But now, even the sounds of the streets no longer reached him, and even the faces of his friends had become shadows, haunting him in his dreams...
Sayron smiled as tears fell down his cheeks. "Maybe I should just accept the truth."
---
[Author: "If you think you're reading a story where the hero gets what he wants and strives to achieve it, I tell you that you're in the wrong place."]