The Martial Unity

Rui did a double-take at those words. It was unexpected. Yet the idea of being called something incredibly corny or cheesy or flashy made him cringe.

"Uh. Can they not?" He asked.

"Sorry, they can't not. The Martial community of this Empire loves doing that." She smirked.

They bantered a bit more, until Rui realized how much time had passed. He had trult gotten absorbed into the conversation.

"Good talk." He said, getting up. "But I should return now."

She nodded at his words. "This was fun."

Rui simply stared at her for a second.

"I look forward to fighting you tomorrow." He said, with a serious edge to his voice. "May the best fighter win."

She simply shrugged. "They always do."

Rui simply smiled at those words before taking his leave.

He thought about his conversation with her, having gotten a stronger grasp of her character and personality.

And then his thoughts soon proceeded to how to defeat her. Ultimately, that was what he would be setting out to accomplish.

His instructors came to his room shortly after, discussing the matter about her.

put a hand on Rui's shoulder. "Do your best, we'll

more meaningful to add. Although she was a Martial Squire and had vastly more experience than Rui, knowing how to fight specific opponents optimally was quite literally Rui's entire Martial Path. And he had shown everyone time and time again that he was exceptionally brilliant at

didn't stop even when it was clear that her opponents were quite prepared for that approach. Nor did she stop even if it was the sub-optimal solution, she's demonstrated remarkable

her fighting style in that sense, only someone who

arrogance, but after talking with her for

tried giving Rui several suggestions and tips. Some he agreed with and some he didn't. Ultimately, it was up to him. He was the

time passed,

as he closed

emptied his thoughts, one by one. He could hear nothing

of Fiona manifested

His concentration accumulated.

His focus sharpened.

His mind gathered.

environment, pushing down on it

as Rui remained in that state

Kyrie knocked on the

surprised at how well Rui had focused himself. She had been worried he would have been to anxious or demoralized

"You're

not want to waste even the slightest bit of energy on anything not useful. Even in the short journey to the Martial Colosseum, he merely closed his eyes.

delicate, it could easily crumble if his attention was drawn away even slightly. Doing so would not weaken much

immediately walked towards the arena once they arrived at the Martial

here folks!" The commentator cried. "The fight we've all been awaiting!

volatile cheers and applause as chaotic excitement sizzled

she is the representative with the highest estimated odds of victory according