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

Rui affirmed. "The drastic experiences I underwent in the Serevian Dungeon have helped push my Martial Art above

you don't mean...?" Julian

ready to break through to a

was amazed at those words. "That's

for when I actually reach it." Rui chuckled. "The breakthrough process

just plop you into the breakthrough procedure when you announce your Squire candidacy. I'm actually curious about the

am I."

do you intend to apply for the procedure?"

Rui replied. "Besides, I have some

that?" Julian asked,

Rui said as he recalled the Mind

in his last training session that he had identified as a technique that could potentially help him in the higher Realm. Rui had considered taking a look at that technique if and when he got the

Union is completely done

he didn't require briefing from the Martial union regarding the breakthrough process to the Squire Realm. After all, although he had figured out the secret to the Squire Realm, he had only figured out the general mechanics and principles of the process, he may as well

of the process that Rui would likely ever come across. The Kandrian Empire's breakthrough process was

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 process was something that had likely undergone

was curious to learn more, it was quite likely that the process would be dumbed down immensely to cater to Martial Artists, still, Rui

he immediately

team asked him as they verified

growth resources," Rui replied, and soon he was

receptionist. "I wish to apply for the breakthrough