Noax walked the Road of Existence. The thorns cut his feet, but the Torch of Hope kept him moving.
Soon, the road was blocked by a mountain of black iron. It stretched up forever.
Noax pushed it. It did not move. He was just a man. He was soft.
Sitting at the base of the mountain was a giant beast. It had the body of a bear and the scales of a dragon. It was eating the iron rocks like apples.
"Move aside," Noax said.
The beast laughed. The sound cracked the ground. "I am Strength. I move for no one."
"Help me move the mountain," Noax pleaded.
"Strength is not a gift," the beast grunted. "Strength is a burden. If you want to move the mountain, you must wear my skin."
"What is the price?" Noax asked.
"To wear the Mantle of Strength, you must give up your Ease. You will never be comfortable again. Your muscles will always be tense. Your bones will always be heavy."
Noax looked at the mountain blocking his path. He looked at the infinite fog behind him.
"I accept."
The beast roared and dissolved into red light. The light wrapped around Noax. It hardened into a heavy, red cloak that fused with his shoulders.
Noax gasped. He felt heavy. Every step was a struggle. But when he struck the mountain, the iron shattered like glass.
Noax walked through the rubble, strong but weary.