i can't deny that i take pride in winning, however my duels are usually for very high stakes, where a loss costs me (and often others) their lives." stripetail replied. "Am I overdue for a loss? Yes, I am. However if I do lose, it will probably not be against another wizard, but against one of the myriad other creatures who I have not faced before. Bahumut, ot Lurna, or Madam Pipping, jigger or any number of creatures could beat me. In this upcoming tournament, I will not have my traditional advantages, I will be on the same plain as everyone else, and the only way I can win the tournament is by adapting to changing situatiuons. In some matches I won't be allowed to use magic, in others I will have to use technology. " He said. tHe look on Niar's face did not change, clearly Stripetail's answer did not surprise him. " Each one of my victories has taught me something,Niar. I take pride in winning, but I am well aware that every time i duel, I could lose. That is simply a fact of life, and my chances of losing will probably be higher in the upcoming tournament than they have ever been before."