"These herbs you've collected," Ethan gestured toward the glowing specimens. "What's their success rate for Gold-rank advancement?"
"Perhaps twenty percent for someone at my level. Higher for those with more powerful talents."
"For someone like you... considerably better odds."
Almost guaranteed, considering my unique advantages.
Ethan nodded, looking at the containers.
"Are you planning to use those?"
Ezekiel shook his head without hesitation. "No. Before everything happened, I was thinking of taking a few more years to acquire additional specimens. Better herbs, complementary effects, as an insurance against failure."
"But after seeing you... I changed my mind. I'd rather you reach Gold-rank first, then share spoils when you kill Gold-rank opponents and obtain their cores."
He has some practical reasoning. Invest in the stronger player, so they can carry him.
