The Weight of Hope

"Why? Can't find the words?" The taunt hung in the air as Johan carefully composed his response.

He lifted his head, meeting the Dragon Emperor's piercing golden eyes with unwavering determination. Despite the crushing weight of the truths the Emperor had thrown at him, Johan refused to let himself falter.

"I can speak," he said, his voice calm yet resolute. "And you're right—my world has its share of chaos. There's no place free from greed, violence, or destruction. But there is one thing that drives humans forward, even in the face of despair."

"And what is that?"

"Hope. The kind of hope that creates miracles when people are willing to fight for it."