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, facing

gestured to an empty seat at the

Squire Kyrie smiled wryly.

at her for a

was no harm to be done. Although he didn't care enough to go out of his way to reach out to them, he would not refuse a direct

men in the group threw looks

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

only one complaining. Aren't you curious about the commoner boy who beat Kane,

did, I wouldn't invite him to eat

than offended. Generic insults weren't really a big deal, and

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

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

flashed in

"Did Kane mention

your insecurity and inferiority complex

at those words. "Bold words coming from

a wry smile. "Only an

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

Martial Contest is truly

you in front of the entire empire. Free of cost, of course." He chuckled. "I know your poor plebeian ass doesn't have the funds to pay

have a habit of returning favours." He

at

want, I can give you that free lesson right here and

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

the tension. She was entirely unbothered by the mounting

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

He walked away.