Rags to Riches

After two weeks of waiting, Eden was finally introduced to the 50 soldiers he would be in charge of. Upon first glance, the group appeared to be merely the dregs of the recruitment process. Some were grossly overweight, while others were as thin as twigs. Eden's eyes glinted with a malevolent grin that betrayed his sadistic tendencies.

With a deep voice that echoed throughout the barracks, he began barking orders at the enlisted men. "Listen up, you bunch of sorry-looking pigs! You are all going to have to train, and train hard! Honestly, you should all be ashamed of yourselves! Your wives are likely to be sleeping with twigs or fat pigs!" Suddenly, a random twig spoke up. "You can't make us train!"

Eden slowly turned his gaze towards the defiant soldier. "Oh, is that so?" He chuckled darkly, knowing that his words would soon bring fear to the soldier's heart. "If you all do not start running right now, I will kill you." With a little magical suggestion, the soldiers were terrified and began to do what Eden had commanded them.

Four years had passed since that initial meeting, and Eden took pride in the progress his men had made. The once-overweight soldiers now had impressive physiques and were almost unrecognizable. The once-puny twigs had become more muscular, but there was one soldier who had not changed physically.

Despite this, Eden had appointed the man his first lieutenant, knowing that his mind more than made up for his physical weakness. When Eden asked his soldiers what their primary weapon was, they all answered in unison: "Shield, sir."

"Eden asked his soldiers why their primary weapon was the shield, curious about their reasoning. He yelled in a commanding voice, demanding their attention.

The soldiers responded with pride and in unison, explaining the importance and power of the shield. They shouted that the shield was their life, protecting not only themselves but their fellow brothers-in-arms. They emphasized that when their swords and spears failed them in battle, the shield remained firm and that when they retreated, the shield covered their backs. They when they died, their shields journeyed with them to the darkest depths of Hades.

Eden felt his heart swell with pride and inspiration as he listened to his soldiers. He saw the unwavering dedication and loyalty in their eyes. The shield was not just a weapon, it was a symbol of their bravery, strength, and unity. Each of them carried a shield with unique engravings and patterns, reflecting their, personal identity and story.

Looking around at his soldiers, Eden saw determination and resilience in every one of them. They had all trained rigorously, enduring tests of both mind and body to emerge stronger and more capable. The shield was not just a tool of war but a testament to their brotherhood, a bond forged through countless battles and challenges.

For Eden, the shield had a deeper meaning. It was not just a weapon but a symbol of his own strength, loyalty, and bravery. He felt privileged to stand among his brothers-in-arms, to fight and die alongside them. With each word that his soldiers had spoken, Eden felt a renewed sense of pride and purpose, determined to live up to the legacy of the Spartan people. The shield was not just a part of his equipment but a symbol of his own identity as a warrior, and a reminder of the brotherhood that he had found in his comrades.