The Martial Unity

The six of them eventually split ways when they returned to the Kandrian Empire. Fiona broke off from them first when she returned to Vargard instead of Hajin. Rui broke off from the remaining four of them as he returned home instead of the Martial Academy.

"RUIIII!" Alice tackled him with a hug when she saw him. "You're back!"

"Alright alright." Rui squeezed out after getting choked by her.

"You went away for more than a month!" She chided him.

"That's not unusual for missions, you know." He sighed.

He was soon swarmed by children and adults alike who inquired about him and his mission. The Orphanage was always excited to hear about Rui's unique experiences as a Martial Artist.

"I'd expected to see you soon when the news of the war in the Serevian Dungeon dying down spread." Julian smiled. "I also heard the most ridiculous tale of a single Martial Apprentice in the Kandrian Empire singlehandedly defeating three armies all by themselves."

Rui chuckled. "Technically true, but overblown and misrepresented."

Julian's eyes widened in shock. He had expected Rui to deny the alleged report.

"But who...?"

"Yours truly," Rui smirked playfully, yet Julian's reactions were even more exaggerated. He knew that Rui was not someone that lied for the sake of an ego boost. It meant that he was quite serious.

"You're picturing the wrong image." Rui waved his hand dismissively. "It's not nearly as impressive as you think it is."

at those words. "I see... You've certainly had a colorful experience in the

the Serevian Dungeon have helped

Surely you don't mean...?"

that." Rui nodded. "I'm ready to break through to a higher Realm of

was amazed at those words.

actually reach it." Rui chuckled. "The breakthrough process is

down at those words. "Indeed. I imagine they won't just plop you into the breakthrough procedure when you announce your Squire candidacy. I'm actually curious about the system that

am I."

intend to apply for the

I'm done with lunch," Rui replied. "Besides, I have some things to do in preparation for

that?" Julian asked,

said as he recalled

a technique that could potentially help him in the higher Realm. Rui had considered taking a look at that technique if

a decision on that after the Martial Union is completely done debriefing me regarding

out the secret to the Squire Realm, he had only figured out the general mechanics

was the most primitive and unrefined version of the process that Rui would likely

of funding into the research and development of even marginally better breakthrough processes that were just a touch safer than before, or just a notch more efficient and effective. The current iteration of the breakthrough

likely that the process would be dumbed down immensely to cater to Martial Artists, still, Rui hoped he could ask

to waste any more time. That day, he immediately headed towards the Hajin

The security team asked him as they verified his

replied, and soon

"I wish to apply for