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,

an empty seat at

Squire Kyrie smiled wryly.

stared at her for

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 invitation.

them men in

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

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

him to eat at my table. You're as

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

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

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

as a realization flashed in

chuckled. "Did Kane mention

and inferiority complex quite well, I have

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

a wry smile. "Only an

The mental pressure he exerted on Rui increased.

Martial Contest is truly conveniently timed, isn't it?" He said

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

of returning favours." He shrugged. "With

tension at

right here and now." He said coldly. "No need

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

breaking the tension. She was entirely unbothered by the

up. "We'll continue this in the Martial

He walked away.