A man once commissioned a great painter for a portrait, grandiose in concept and equally ornate in execution. Well-crafted by the artist, the portrait was just about photorealistic, yet managed to portray the patron in the best light possible.
The man was pleased by this work, hanging it up high on the wall in his living room to look upon in amazement. Every morning he’d look at the painting with a smile on his face, and every night he’d take one last good look at it before laying down to sleep.
So proud of this work he was, that he would begin inviting anyone with ears to hear to have a look. He would brag about the artist’s handiwork, to varying degrees of enthusiasm from his audience.
The man could not see a lingering since of puzzlement from those bearing witness to what he considered a perfect work of art.
One day, the man went away on business, no doubt the thought of the portrait still in his mind…as someone broke into his home. A robbery took place that day, but the stolen goods could not compare to what the man found upon his return.
In the midst of a room devoid of his other possessions, the man found his portrait torn asunder. All that fine craftsmanship, ripped to shreds by someone who had quite enough of the man’s boasting.
That portrait was a symbol of his reputation…and it was taken away from him, destroyed as a result of pride.
Because pride always comes before the fall…just ask Edward Newton. This is a man who built up a reputation of his own over time, cementing a legacy worthy of a portrait from the greatest of artists.
But nothing lasts forever, whether it’s a work of art or a winning streak. The moment one is broken, it can never quite be pieced back together…and your reputation becomes ruined as a result.
There was a time when the whole world would’ve bowed at the feet of The Riddler. They would’ve shivered in fear at his prowess, but now? The world simply laughs at the Laughing Man.
They say he who laughs last laughs best, Edward…and I have a proper chortle coming your way. I have worked long and hard to protect what is rightfully mine, and I will defend it with every breath left in my lungs.
I will destroy the image you’ve set for yourself, tear that portrait into shreds, and leave you begging for mercy. Problem is, Newton, I have none to give you…I have only the hard, cold truth.
And the truth is, your time has come and gone. People do not cower in fear of The Riddler, but they pay their respect to The Taskmaster…and so will you.
Your pride becomes your downfall. Your ego becomes your cowardice. And your pleas of mercy turn into surrender.
You will lay your crown at the feet of the Masterful King. You will acknowledge me. Above all else, you will submit.