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

to an empty seat at the

Squire Kyrie smiled wryly.

at her for a moment before

go out of his way to reach out to them,

one of them men in the group

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

that big a deal?" She threw him an inquisiting look. "You're the only one complaining. Aren't you curious

to eat at my table. You're as careless of

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.

turning towards Rui, scrutinizing him condescendingly before sighing. "To think Kane lost to a commoner with dirty hair and eyes like

flashed in him. "Ah,

"Did Kane mention

your insecurity and inferiority complex quite well, I

"Bold words coming

with a wry smile. "Only an insult if you want

pressure he exerted on Rui increased.

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

stared at him as a mild smirk cracked on 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

of returning favours."

at the table

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

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

entirely unbothered by the mounting irritated pressure the Ian exerted on

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

He walked away.