(Jake's PoV)
Well, I failed to reach 1A but that matters not. If I had shown everything that I had, then I would have defeated him and his position might have been mine but that would have attracted unnecessary flies, which I don't want to happen.
So, there is nothing to worry about the loss. It was worth it.
Living a long life matters more than anything. Getting the brand of Monster Genius might be good for me for a while as that would give me access to many things that are hidden from others but in the end that may cause me trouble, a lot of trouble.
I may end up dead.
A dead monster genius is nothing but a waste, worse than a common awakener, who was considered cannon fodder during times of crisis.
So even though, I may lose some advantages for not showing everything that I have, I would still be the winner at the end.
A person can be only a winner if they get to live. Dying means that they have lost automatically.