Those people who didn't think they had anything to gain by coming over to perform their fans were the only people worthy of his respect and concern. He had to at least be concerned because if they don't care to perform, they must have something else to rely on.
Even if they had nothing to rely on, the fact that they remained quiet and solemn before this game is worthy of respect. After all, at this point, the destiny games have stopped being a game.
They can die permanently in this game. It is a glimpse of what is to come in the expert league.
Only those who want immortality are thinking of passing this game and advancing. These are far and few in between.
Many of these competitors don't dare to advance. They would prefer to fail and have to repeat the professional league than pass it and have to brave permanent death onwards.
He can't blame them, to be honest. If there is someone they should all blame, it is Icon.