Dharen didn’t know what he had expected. It certainly wasn’t this.

Having seen the Alliance’s motif of the Vezian Spider, along with the city sector’s opinions of the man’s competence and ability, he had been expecting something more… intimidating. Instead, there was something quite comforting about the Vezian leader’s presence. He had an amiability that harkened to that of an old friend, a friendliness that was disarming in nature.

The man swept through the room like a storm, oozing charisma, a whirlwind of disarming remarks and amiable words. Those around him hung off of his every word, clinging to him in droves. Dharen might have suspected sycophantry had he not been able to see the genuine love and respect for the man in their eyes. This was not a following inspired by wish for rewards and material things. This was true admiration and reverence.

Everywhere he walked, it seemed he left allies in his wake. He clasped hands with each person individually, paying them each their own special attention. Truly, he was The Man of Many Threads. He was a man of innumerable connections, the center of an invisible network that spanned unimaginable distances. But, contrary to Dharen’s initial assumptions, his threads appeared to be formed of trust and respect - binding connections that were accepted and borne willingly by those he encountered.

It was as if Duende was a flame, everyone else the moths that couldn’t help but be drawn to him. Dharen questioned the appeal until he, as well, had the opportunity to meet the man himself, clasping his hand and speaking with him shortly just as he had the others. Dharen couldn’t help but appreciate the individual attention that the man paid, considering the number of people clamoring to interact with him. It was an effort that he couldn’t help but have great admiration for, really.

Eventually, the Vezian Alliance leader made his way up to a raised dais. To the side of the dais stood Ledan, the man who had introduced the Fifth Floor when Dharen had arrived. He was somewhat bewildered by the contrast between Ledan’s uncaring atmosphere upon his arrival and Duende’s friendly demeanor, but, then again, there were bound to be some personality differences even within a tight-knit organization.

Duende cleared his throat, and the room fell into silence once more.

“First, I would like to thank you all for accepting my invitation. It warms my heart to see so many fine individuals here today,” he began.

“I am sure many of you are aware of the inner workings of this Floor, but I will explain for the benefit of those who do not - please, bear with me. There are a few important things of note when it comes to this Floor. The first is that those who save up 15,000 Contribution have the option to progress to the next floor. However, many choose to extend their stay in order to better prepare themselves for increased difficulty in the future. This floor presents a unique opportunity to empower oneself through the expenditure of Contribution Points,” he said.

“In addition, it is known by a select few that the next opportunity for a group floor does not occur again for another five floors. Thus, for many of us, this will be a crucial opportunity to work with one another to grow more powerful. A chance to think of each other, rather than only ourselves.”

“Despite having long since accumulated enough personal Contribution Points to move on myself, I have chosen to stay and guide the human administration of this sector of the Fifth Floor in order to help properly prepare humanity for that which is to come. To that effect, it is my mission to select and cultivate individuals with the highest potential, allowing them to bloom into what they may someday be,” Duende asserted. At the man’s words, Dharen could see those around him light up, enraptured and listening with bated breath.

There was a magnetism about him, a great weight to his words, reminiscent of great kings and warlords. One couldn’t help but listen as he spoke, and Dharen was not immune to the effect.

Duande paused theatrically, before continuing. His face darkened with disapproval. “Unfortunately, not everyone believes in allowing humanity to blossom as I do. Some wish to focus solely on their own growth, to the exclusion of all else. Worse, some despicable individuals even seek to exploit others in their quest for personal power. Though the Progenitors punish those who attempt to commit murder against fellow humans while within the city by wiping away their accumulated Contribution Points, there are those among us who look for ways around such restrictions.” He shook his head at the thought, radiating disappointment.

“Such heinous quests for personal power are not why we are here,” he asserted firmly. His voice began to rise in volume, his eyes lit with the flame of zeal and passion. “We are here for those who cannot be. We are here for our families, for our friends, for the helpless and the Unawakened. We are here for our towns, for our cities, and for our kingdoms. We are the shield and the sword of Humanity, the last line that stands between the world and darkness.”

Dharen felt a fire alight from within his chest, mirroring that which was displayed within Duende’s eyes, as well as by the crowd in its entirety. It was as if the world had brightened with the Vezian Alliance leader’s words, as if each of them were beginning the journey of finding purpose beyond themselves.

“We are the elite. And as the elite, it is our duty to come together as one, to tie the threads connecting one another for the mutual betterment of all. Such is the duty of the Vezian Alliance. And now, it shall be yours as well.”

Having said his piece, Duende stepped off of the dais and was quickly surrounded by the crowd. Dharen watched for a moment. He couldn’t help but admit to himself that he felt a pull at his heart, a call to arms that was difficult to resist. The other invitees were no different. Moved by Duende’s speech and bearing, many of them excitedly expressed their desire to join his cause with open arms. Even the unpleasantly aggressive merchant from before removed one of the many amulets from around his neck, uncharacteristically gifting it to Duende with words of admiration and reverence. Others quickly offered their own contributions to the Alliance’s efforts.

Dharen fought down the sudden overwhelming urge to do the same.