Dalin's words left Rod lost in thought for a long time.
Although the Royal City would allocate resources toward promising talents and specifically nurture those rising stars, resource distribution in Trolian was not entirely mandatory. It relied more on position, identity, and merit.
The Royal City placed great importance on fair environments and healthy atmospheres and, to some extent, surpassed harsh tactical considerations.
What surprised Rod the most was that the Royal City did not overly emphasize dedication and sacrifice. Instead, they repeatedly mentioned the importance of preserving living forces in necessary circumstances and not making futile sacrifices.
Rod had not understood this, not until Dalin told him that in Trolian, many warriors saw sacrifice as an honor, their glory lay in giving their lives for humanity, and returning to the embrace of fire was their dream.
They were not afraid to sacrifice; in fact, they actively sought it.
