[Maybe so, but if he's learned anything, it's that your future doesn't have to seem absolutely dire for the seeds of doubt to be sown in your heart. All the Wizard needed was motivation strong enough to kill, after all...and some have weaker wills than others. It's it's devestating for her, then it's plenty important.]

I'm sorry, Maya.

[And he means that, genuinely.]

But...the Wizard underestimates you, I think. Vastly.

You could stand on any stage you wanted with your talent, competition or not.