HARDEST. The Master and Nikita use Artur, the Master’s sub, to demonstrate the meaning of HARD as No Mercy for Men applies it. The role of sheer and muscle is at the heart of the pain but the torment also comes from a game designed to increase Artur's tension and to confuse his expectations. In spite of himself, he shares his tormentors' laughter as he tries to control the scale of what is happening to him. Sharing his anguish is half the fun.