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,

gestured to an empty seat at the table they were all

Squire Kyrie smiled wryly.

her for a moment before

didn't care enough to go out of his way to reach out to them, he would not refuse a direct invitation.

as he walked over, one of them men in the group threw looks of disdain at

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

threw him an inquisiting look. "You're the only one complaining. Aren't you curious about the commoner boy who

retorted. "Even if I did, I wouldn't invite him to eat

Generic insults weren't really a big deal, and he had frankly anticipated snobby behavior from some of the

for. He's interesting, so I'm

"To think Kane lost to a commoner with dirty hair and eyes like yourself. Why the Martial

his head as a realization flashed in him. "Ah, you must

"Did Kane mention

your insecurity and inferiority complex quite well,

at those words. "Bold words coming from a

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

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

"Then the Martial Contest is truly conveniently timed, isn't

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

of returning favours." He shrugged.

tension at the table

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

you know? Ah maybe that's for the best. Please continue, don't

entirely unbothered by the mounting irritated pressure the

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

He walked away.