Michael leaned back against the bed, staring up at the ceiling.
He didn't consider himself selfish, but this was different.
His own body was just enduring the effects of the Soul Pool Fruit.
If not for his emergency attribute points, he might have found himself in a similar situation to Mage Lian—or worse.
Mage Lian hadn't even considered that.
The old mage's concern was solely for himself.
Michael wasn't naive. He understood that self-preservation came first. It was the way of the world. But it also meant he had to prioritize his own survival.
Still, there was something to gain from this
The competition had been nothing more than an excuse before.
Now, it held real value.
If the Titan's Heart Elixir was as powerful as the mage claimed, then Michael had every reason to consider competing.
The problem was that he wasn't the only one who wanted it.
Mage Lian needed him to win it.
And that gave Michael an advantage.
