The Lords would have closed in on him immediately. Not openly, of course, but they would have used discreet methods to leave him with no room to breathe.
They would have taken everything they could.
Isaac's City wasn't strong enough to fight them head-on yet.
He needed time.
Time to grow. Time to strengthen his city. Time to reach a point where he wouldn't be forced into submission.
That was why this competition existed.
If he could win, even against these odds, the message would be clear.
He wasn't prey.
The Lords would hesitate. They would slow down, reassess him, and move more cautiously instead of trying to corner him all at once.
That hesitation was what he needed.
It would bring him time.
'This competition… is really a reckless plan,' Isaac thought, a faint, wry smile forming.
Despite knowing how reckless it was, he would still start this competition if he had a chance.
A tiger cub was still feared, as long as it showed its claws.
