Qualitative Changes

From the far corner, a younger advisor, barely into his twenties, adjusted his glasses. "I think we're missing the bigger picture," he said, his tone cautious but firm.

"This town's never been memorable in the regionals. We're always the small dot on the map that no one pays attention to. Sending someone like Ivaim changes that."

"How?" snapped the older man.

The young advisor shrugged.

"Because people love an underdog. Even if he doesn't win, they'll remember the town that sent the fighter who made giants look clumsy. That kind of story spreads."

A plump woman in a green dress, who had remained quiet until now, finally spoke.

"But what if he fails spectacularly? What if he gets injured, or worse, dies? That would make us the laughingstock of the region."

Halvin leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk.