The Martial Unity

Rui didn't even know what to say. His image of her was shattered. He expected a cold, detached and arrogant temperament, but she came off as a scatterbrain girl with a lot of curiosity.

But one thing he did get right was that she was strong.

Incredibly strong.

Her passive mental pressure was deep, she was strong without even trying. Without even wanting.

Just her very curiosity alone exerted weight on his mind.

Rui suspected she might have even been a Squire candidate, though he wasn't sure.

Soon, he headed to the cafeteria. To his surprise, the other representatives had not only arrived but had also gathered around the same table. Only then had recalled that they were all acquaintances with each other for the most part, since they were all part of the Martial community.

They exchanged glances.

Rui could feel their scrutinizing gazes even as he scrutinized them.

('They're strong.') He smiled just a little.

"Rui." Squire Kyrie called out to him.

"Instructor." Rui turned, facing her.

"Eat quick. Also, feel free to join them." She gestured. "Although you are competitors, you are all the best of your generation."

"I don't particularly care to interact with them over dinne-" "Hey RUI!" The voice of a girl called to him.

He recognized it instantly.

turned,

to an empty seat at the table

Squire Kyrie smiled wryly.

at her for a moment before

harm to be done. Although he didn't care enough to go out of his way to reach out to them, he would not

of them men in the

a mongrel commoner to your table." He grumbled. "Fiona, you haven't

"You're the only one complaining. Aren't you curious about the commoner boy

retorted. "Even if I did, I wouldn't invite him to eat at my table. You're as careless of your

than offended. Generic insults weren't really a big deal, and he had frankly anticipated snobby behavior from

for. He's interesting, so

scrutinizing him condescendingly before sighing. "To think Kane lost to a commoner with dirty hair and eyes like yourself. Why the Martial Community thinks his talent is on

as a realization flashed in him. "Ah, you

chuckled. "Did Kane

your insecurity and inferiority complex quite well, I

eyes narrowed at those words. "Bold words coming from a commoner. You dare insult

wry smile. "Only an insult

pressure he exerted on Rui increased. The other representatives at

"Then the Martial Contest is truly

something. I'll educate you in front of the entire empire. Free

of returning favours." He shrugged.

tension at

give you that free lesson right here and now." He said

allowed." Fiona chirped. "You'd get disqualified, you know? Ah maybe that's for the best. Please

She was entirely unbothered by the mounting irritated pressure the Ian

snorted, closing his eyes and getting up. "We'll continue this in the Martial Contest." He said. "I'll have to educate

He walked away.