Arditi,

I do not believe that any Mhaldorian has ever purported that Mhaldor is a place that souls seeking strength may enter and simply magically become stronger, or be coddled into a state of "strength." Mhaldorians, like any others, only find strength through sweat and blood, hardship and pain. It is true that the gift of Suffering is not exclusively granted to Mhaldorians. Certainly, one can become stronger outside of Mhaldor via the same kinds of trials that Mhaldorians face every day. Mhaldor is merely a city which embraces the simple fact that it is these trials that forge the greatest warriors, scholars, and ritualists. It creates an ideal environment for strengthening the self, for likeminded individuals who wish to pursue that goal.

You say that Mhaldorians merely serve "an uncaring tyrant with absolutely no interest in their growth" and that their actions merely serve to advance Mhaldor, not Mhaldorians individually. But not only do Mhaldor's leaders actively seek to promote the advancement of Mhaldor's citizens, it is also irrelevant whether they do or not. It is each individual's own duty to strengthen themselves. Again, Mhaldor is not a place for coddling. It is a place that facilitates advancement in individuals who are willing to do what is necessary to achieve it. Moreover, each and every Mhaldorian is a part of Mhaldor. Each and every Mhaldorian has the opportunity to prove themselves worthy, to rise through the ranks, and to rule, whether as a Minister, as a Viceroy, or as Tyrannus, even. Everything that is done to benefit Mhaldor and the Lord benefits Mhaldorians as individuals, because they are a part of Mhaldor. It is strange that you do not comprehend this.

More importantly, perhaps, I find it necessary to add that it is quite shortsighted to focus merely on individual advancement, outside of the context of society at large. Are not five soldiers stronger than one? Ten stronger than five? Twenty stronger than ten? Assuming, at least, that these individuals are of equal talent. If one truly desires strength and power, why stop at one's own prowess in any field?

Mhaldor provides not only a society dedicated to the same goal, but with that, the opportunity to become far greater than one can become on one's own. The strong will rise not merely as lone assassins, but to lead entire armies. And as such, they will accomplish far more than any man or woman can on his or her own. If you merely wish for "freedom," then so be it. But if you wish for strength, you will hardly find it as a rogue wanderer, nor as a citizen of a city that has no united purpose.

I pay little attention to what traitors do with their lives. As such, I know little of you and your goals. However, as an Ashtani, you live subject to the rule of the mob - the folly of democracy - and your city will certainly not unite to achieve anything, as a whole. Perhaps you seek to follow Nihilism. But if so, you can hardly make any claim to striving for advancement, as you seek only your own destruction. Even if you are no Nihilist, you follow those who are into battle, and serve as a pawn (ironic, yes?) for their ends, which include your own demise and well as everyone else's.

I pity you, Arditi. Truly, I do. I recall asking you, when you left Mhaldor, why you had done so, and you responded that it was merely because the Sartai had rejected you. You did not speak of the folly of Evil, or of how you had discovered the real truth of this world and chose to pursue it. Nay, it was merely a matter of ego. Of failure, on your part, and your choice to succumb to it.

Fear not, however. You will find your way back to Strength some day. Else, you will perish, as you perhaps desire.

In service,

Xinna
Minister of Security
Dread Legate

Penned by my hand on the 9th of Ero, in the year 672 AF.