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 they were

Squire Kyrie smiled wryly.

for a moment before

enough to go out of his way to reach out to them, he

of them men in the group threw looks of disdain at

to your table."

an inquisiting look. "You're the only one complaining. Aren't you curious about the commoner boy who beat Kane, Fae and

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

really a big deal, and he had frankly anticipated snobby behavior from some of

what I care for. He's interesting, so I'm interested. I'm interested so I

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 par with mine

his head as a realization flashed

"Did Kane

nodded. "He described your insecurity and inferiority complex quite well, I have to

those words. "Bold words coming

shrugged with a wry smile. "Only an insult if

what if I do?" The mental pressure he exerted on Rui increased. The other representatives at the table watched silently in

is truly conveniently timed,

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

have a habit of returning favours." He shrugged. "With

at the table

give you that free lesson right here and now." He said coldly. "No need to wait for

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

breaking the tension. She was entirely unbothered by the mounting irritated pressure the Ian exerted on

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

He walked away.