"…It's just how the Hierarchy is built. The higher you go, the wider the gaps become."
Xaren paused for a second, his tone dropping slightly.
"But it's not really about catching up to anyone. The levels really aren't the finish line, just part of the journey."
Ilya turned slightly toward him, one eyebrow raised in confusion. But before she could ask what he meant by that, Xaren continued speaking.
"It may not be the end goal, but it sure as hell matters! I can't help but imagine myself reaching those big number levels."
His words made Ilya nod slowly, her fingers tightening over her thigh.
"It's kinda unfair how far away that world is."
"Unfair? I guess you could say that. Reality is fairly unfair to everyone." Xaren responded with a lighter tone.
"Anyway, it's best not to think too much about all those much higher levels. Not yet, at least. Focus on the immediate future so it doesn't weigh your mind down."
