The Martial Unity

"Of course," Kan added. "It still makes me dependent on the Lightning Sect for protection against being coerced against my will to rejoin my family, but hey, we're getting there."

"Indeed." Fae nodded. "I am particularly impressed that your plan actually succeeded."

"It won't be that easy breaking out of the Arrancar Family's grasp, you know," Dalen told him.

"I know," Kane replied. "But there's a limit to how far they are willing to go."

"Perhaps," Hever replied calmly. "But that limit is likely much higher for someone like yourself. You're no ordinary Martial Artist. With your talent, you're a precious boon that any Martial Family would kill to have."

Kane sighed. He was aware of that, it would be much easier to cut ties with his family if they didn't give a shit about him.

"You should just fight them if they try holding you back." Nel snorted.

Kane snorted, ignoring him as he turned back to Rui. "Well, putting that aside..."

He studied Rui from head to toe. "So this is you as a Martial Squire, huh? You don't look or feel any different."

Rui chuckled. He had sealed the pressure that they would experience with the help of the Mind Mask, he didn't want them to change their behavior with him now that he was a whole Realm of power above them. "I've taken some measures."

"What was the experience of breaking through like, I've wondered." She stared at him with interest and curiosity in her eyes.

"Painful," Rui replied immediately.

befell the group as they

Stubbing your tow painful? Or worse? Like stepping on

no, it's not nearly as bad as stepping on lego, obviously." Rui shook

eyes. "I'm serious, you have to tell us more about the

breakthrough to the Squire Realm was classified and not something Martial Apprentices were privy to until they fulfilled the conditions for Squire

nation. Rui was vaguely aware that the discovery of the Martial body set the foundation for the higher Realms of Martial Art, though he wasn't aware of any

want to tell you, it's because I

Realm would grant them would warp their Martial Art. Instead

Artist of the higher Realms has unilaterally refused to tell me any meaningful information about the breakthrough to

Rui. "It's because

were aware of the concept, then it was easier

tell us if we became Squire

experts trained to explain to Martial Apprentices like yourselves about the breakthrough condition to the Squire Realm, you won't need to hear it from me," Rui

Nel snorted, interjecting

battle lust that flashed through his eyes. "Stronger

"Show me." Nel grinned.

that power rather than challenging those that already have

stronger." He grinned. "I would

Rui smiled, amused. "You must be close to Squire

He shrugged silently.

at least one of

before pausing. "Ah, I need each

that?" Kane