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.

wordlessly turned,

at the table they were all seated

Squire Kyrie smiled wryly.

stared at her for

out of his way to reach out to them, he would

over, one of them men in the group threw looks of disdain

out of your way to invite a mongrel commoner to your table." He grumbled. "Fiona, you haven't changed at all in the

She threw him an inquisiting look. "You're the only one complaining. Aren't you curious about

I wouldn't invite him to eat at my table. You're

more amused than offended. Generic insults weren't really a big deal, and he had frankly

for. He's interesting, so I'm

dirty hair and eyes like yourself. Why the Martial Community thinks his talent is on par with mine

head as a realization flashed in him. "Ah, you must be Ian

chuckled. "Did

nodded. "He described your insecurity and inferiority complex quite

"Bold words coming from a

smile. "Only an insult

he exerted on Rui increased. The other representatives at the table watched

is truly conveniently timed, isn't it?" He said with a

his cold face. "Finally, we can agree on something. I'll educate you in front of the entire empire. Free of cost, of course." He chuckled. "I know your poor plebeian ass doesn't have the

I have a habit of returning favours." He

at the

you want, I can give you that free lesson right here and now." He said

Fiona chirped. "You'd get disqualified, you know? Ah maybe

said, breaking the tension. She was entirely unbothered by the mounting irritated pressure the Ian

eyes and getting up. "We'll continue this in the

He walked away.