The list of 50 names had few surprises save some that garnered the points no one knew about until the semi-finals began. Athan Lear, for instance, was a favorite until that round and his actions eliminated himself.
Rathi got first in the same way, he was holding 1 Respect point and 3 Honor points that put him above Lind despite being defeated. The strange rounds made many reconsider how they approached their cultivation which Lind thought was the large part of the point. The realm was for a chance at an Inheritance, but it also wanted to encourage growth.
The desperation of it worried him more than anything but a large wave of soothing feelings washed over him. He tapped his chest where Ethry's head lay hidden and felt a rumble of happiness. It was very weird being like he was but it was not uncomfortable.
If anything, he pitied the next foolish person to attack him.
