"I had an epiphany," Rey stated, voice carrying manufactured conviction that concealed his true nature.
"A sudden understanding about how the world actually works."
He met the eyes of each young beggar in turn, his gaze carrying intensity that commanded attention despite his obvious physical distress.
"Gather around," Rey ordered with authority that transcended his apparent age and circumstances.
"I have some things to say."
The young beggars complied hesitantly, forming a loose circle around him with expressions suggesting they weren't quite sure what was happening but recognized something significant had shifted.
Rey surveyed them with a silent calculation that assessed not just their physical condition but their potential utility as resources for achieving his mission objectives.
Dozen children and teenagers—malnourished, desperate, possessing no cultivation foundation but demonstrating they could be organized into effective force under competent leadership.
