That terrifying display of effortless authority was a stark reminder of the gap between where he stood and the true apex of power. To Ikenga, the conclusion was inescapable, diving headfirst into the faction of the Hegemons without the strength to back it up was nothing short of a fool's errand. The freedom they offered was real, waiting for anyone bold enough to reach out and take it, but the risk was absolute, leaving no room for error or weakness.
For all its stifling constraints, Order served a vital, inescapable purpose, especially for a world that needed nurturing and protection.
Order acted as a leash, ensuring that beings gifted with world-altering power like the paragons remained acutely aware of the consequences of their actions. Without those boundaries, existence would be a casualty of convenience. At their level of power, a casual glance, a stray thought, or a fleeting emotion could spell total extinction for mortal life.
