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,

an empty seat at the table they

Squire Kyrie smiled wryly.

stared at her for a moment before

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

walked over, one of them men

your way to invite a mongrel commoner to your table." He grumbled. "Fiona, you

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

to eat at my

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

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

towards Rui, 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 par with mine

flashed in him. "Ah, you

chuckled. "Did Kane

insecurity and inferiority complex quite

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

"Only an insult if

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

scratched his chin. "Then the Martial Contest is truly conveniently timed, isn't it?" He said with

cold face. "Finally, we can agree on something. I'll educate you in front of the entire empire. Free of

a habit of returning favours." He shrugged.

at the

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

disqualified, you know? Ah maybe that's for the best. Please continue,

was entirely unbothered by the mounting irritated pressure the

in the Martial Contest." He said. "I'll have to educate both of

He walked away.