The Martial Unity

It wasn't much, but it was enough.

"Strong..." Rui uttered, grinning with raised eyebrows. His power was just a notch below Fae, his speed was a notch below Kane and his durability was a notch below Dalen.

('He's this strong without even having mastered any Apprentice-level techniques.') Rui was shocked. His physical body possessed such high natural attributes that it was like he was using Apprentice-level techniques permanently.

Rui realized he probably hadn't spent much time in the physical foundation stage at all. His physicals were as solid as anyone could ever hope they would be. He likely spent a lot of time in the Exploration Stage looking for his Martial Path.

Rui wasn't sure he could beat him. He could try to compare his evaluation of himself, but frankly, he didn't believe anyone's evaluation of themselves could be trusted when the answer wasn't obvious.

He glanced back at Nel's retreating form before getting up and walking away. The fight was over, he might as well go observe other fighters.

Just as Rui was about head to Kane's fight, a voice beckoned him;

"Apprentice Quarrier." A staff member called out to him. "Your first fight has been scheduled. Please come this way."

Rui did his best to contain his smirk, as he followed the staff as they guided him to his first fight. Rui glanced at his opponent once they reached the sparring ring.

('Gale Minskow.') He mused with a raised eyebrow.

Gale was the oldest Martial Apprentice of the Academy, and had spent one of the longest periods training in the Academy. He was a senior Martial Apprentice that everybody knew.

He was also one of the strongest Martial Apprentices before Rui's batch had joined the Academy. There was no doubt that he was in the upper echelons of the Martial Apprentices of the Academy.

"Rui Quarrier." He said addressed Rui once he had gotten onto the ring. "Let me give you a piece of advice. Resign now and you won't suffer much pain."

He was also very arrogant. His sense of superiority came from the fact that he had been in the Martial Apprentice Realm for far longer than Rui had. Although Rui's meteoric growth was well-known in the Martial Academy, he believed Rui was far too young and immature to challenge him.

"Your talent has earned my admiration and envy." Gale said solemnly. "But unfortunately, you are still far too young to challenge me. Perhaps if you had another two years. No no, if you had another three years would be able to beat me as I am right now. But currently I am certainly destined to be the representative of our Academy. So therefore I strongly advise you to-"

"Shut up."

Gale froze instinctively.

as he

they looked back

pitch-black, sucking the very light out of

He felt naked.

Transparent.

Invisible.

looking

No.

looking far beyond

stone. That was all he

years of dedication, discipline and perseverance. A stepping stone in the Martial Path

supervisor broke Gale out of

"Y-You..." Gale stuttered.

just a

a

Gale gritted his teeth as he

how strong are

him from the

the gentlest of smiles arose

little less weak than I used

wasn't a shred of arrogance in his voice. Only sincere earnesty. Gale could feel it.

stared at those words written on a piece of paper, one would conclude they

than any attack from Rui

moment, Rui had driven his mind

moment Rui pulled

little less weak than he used

He had always wondered why he was weak, why he had to struggle for six years to obtain what other had in less than two. The arrogance and ego he projected were merely to hide this vulnerability in