Without warning, Ivar stepped forward, wearing the stern face of the war general he truly was.
"Temple disciples and future spears of the Empire… welcome to the grand event that will be broadcast across the entire world."
Ivar spread his arms as he continued.
"I see many faces before me… excitement, anticipation… Perhaps you wish to make a name for yourselves? Fame? Glory?"
Indeed, the Victoríad was a chance for temple students to shine. If they performed well, they could be recruited by powerful guilds—or even one of the great noble houses or the Church… though the latter demanded blind faith in their cause.
But this time, things were different.
"Don't misunderstand… Soldiers of the Empire—that's what I should be calling you now."
"You are no longer just students. You are the tools of war for what's to come. Warriors who will, with high probability, fill important roles in the war our Empire will soon face."
