In Cobalt Manor

When someone claimed to have mastered the manifold techniques of Cobalt Manor, people doubted him, for understandable reasons. "There hasn't been a living person there for thirty-six years, and neither does the manor stand," they objected.
"And yet," the man said.
A series of duels convinced the world of his sincerity. Rather than resenting the opposition, he gave advice to anyone who wished to attain what he had done, which was to go to the ruin and be heedful.
A company assembled of adventurous fighters to make the attempt. After a month of resting in the field, half of them left, called by bolder deeds. In the second month, the remaining cleaned the manor's floors and walls. In the third month, those who endured their servitude became disciples and began to learn the outer techniques. In the sixth month, they began the inner techniques, the first disciple returned, and Cobalt Manor was reborn.
Finis

The Manifold Forms of the Silver Moon

One gentle night, three men relaxed outside of town. Why not? When insects play for the moon's pleasure, how indecorous it to refuse to be entertained.
"The man in the moon carries a pail! I am sure of it." Thus the first said.
"There is no question but that he has with him a gleaming sword." The second had that opinion.
"Naive! He carries nothing of course." The third laughed at the others.
A debate resolved nothing. Each held to his starting opinion as he studied the man in the moon, his stance and his movements. Without words, the three agreed they had discerned the moon's peerless technique and stood. Then that master of the pail, that genius of the sword, and that fist prodigy fell to battle, each against the other two, and who can say which of them won and whether the three attained the lunar perfection for which they yearned?
Finis

Unustainable Recruitment

- Welcoming Address. Astral Calendar 6297 -
". . . Whatever they call this place on the outside, to you it's the Grater. All you cadets come from the 62% who lived through having your genes scientifically altered in the womb to augment your ability to operate in space. That's what will make you Void Guards, if you survive. Most of you won't. 54% will die in your first year. 44% of what's left won't make it through the second. 29% of the remainder might have a chance to serve . . ."

- Welcoming Address. Astral Calendar 6301 -
". . . 42% will die in your first year. 30% won't make it through the second . . ."

- Welcoming Address. Astral Calendar 6302 -
". . . Some of you cadets are products of genetic engineering, but all of you have potential. The training is difficult. 25% will be expelled to prevent serious injury . . ."

- Welcoming Address. Astral Calendar 6305 -
". . . And if a cadet writes your name in the 'Recommended By' section, you will receive credit toward fulfilling your 'Practical Leadership' requirement . . ."
Finis

Protagonist Power Level

Many people will tell you your protagonist needs to slapped around for 80% of the story, if not 100%. Those people don't want you to succeed. One to three times is sufficient. Just look at James Bond. Or Cobra. Or Indiana Jones. Or any kung fu hero who has to train after getting beat up.