The Martial Unity

The security team of the Lowminer convoy defended well against the incoming flux of bandits. Although they were outnumbered, they fought smartly, with remarkable calm and composure.

Rui, on the other hand, was not quite as calm.

('Think.') Rui urged. ('Why would they discard the element of surprise, attack us head on and that too without the Martial Apprentices?')

Rui had thoroughly memorized the intel provided by the Martial Union in the mission bill, the presence of Martial Apprentices as well as their well-executed ambushes that exploited the element of surprise had been the two major reasons they cleanly succeeded in their strikes.

What was to be inferred from their intentions if they did not use either of these two main elements that was responsible for their victories?

('It means they have no intention of winning through this particular battle. But then why even send them at all then?') Rui wondered.

All decisions were driven by incentives and disincentives, gains and loss, reward and risk. By simply applying this principle, one could gain insights into the minds of others. As far as Rui could see, there was either something to be gained through this battle, or something they could avoid losing.

('Intel.') Rui quickly realized. ('They're trying to learn more about the risk associated with attacking us.')

This was not only plausible, it was the only realistic possibility. Rui knew that the convoy was aware of the hidden operation of the Lowminer Industries as well as their presence, although they had not conveyed this to anyone, this knowledge would be reflected in their demeanor, as well as their responses in times of crises.

('They're not acting like they would if we weren't there.')

Rui's shot wide open at this. If this was truly the goal of the bandits, to evaluate the risk of attacking the convoy by gauging their response and sense of security. Even if their initial goal to draw out all the security measures set up by the Lowminers, they still gained valuable information about the convoy even if Rui and his friends stayed in their carriage.

('This is bad.') Rui grimaced.

smarter and sharper than he'd expected. These guys were

must have an incredibly intelligent leader.') Rui mused. ('Now then,

* * * * *

thing I don't understand boss." Feilin

man continued gazing at the

Apprentices acting, if they're even there in the first place?" She asked with

would do if they were present in the

defended the convoy from our men, right?" She replied with

that they didn't do this tells us

"..."

that this isn't a regular bodyguard commission, otherwise they would have done exactly what you said earlier." He told her. "But why would it not be

"..."

to the Martial Union are aimed at fulfilling an objective that can be fulfilled via Martial force. Different commissions fulfill different objectives." He briefly explained. "Thus, from this premise it can be inferred that if their commission is different from the norm... Then their objective

confused. "A different

He said. "Normally the objective would be to simply protect the convoy, or the important goods, atleast. What additional objective do you

"..."

conflict. An objective that requires Martial Apprentices.

her, meeting her eyes. "What objective

objective of dealing

the response of the convoy, the probability of Martial Apprentices somewhere within the convoy, or at a distance is not low. It could also be that they have certain powerful esoteric technological solutions at

are equally

do we do?"

or later. One is at