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.

the group as they processed his simple yet scary

your tow painful? Or worse? Like stepping on lego painful?" Kane

it's not nearly as bad as stepping on lego, obviously." Rui shook

rolled her eyes. "I'm serious, you have to tell us

the Squire Realm was classified and not something Martial Apprentices were

power of a nation. Rui was vaguely aware that the discovery of the Martial

I don't want to tell you, it's because

then there was a chance that their lust for the power that the breakthrough to the Squire Realm would grant them would warp their Martial Art. Instead of their Martial body

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

back to face Rui. "It's because we aren't Squire candidates,

were aware of the concept, then

you tell us if we became

Apprentices like yourselves about the breakthrough condition to the Squire Realm, you won't

Nel snorted, interjecting abruptly. "How strong have

smiled at the hint of battle lust that flashed through his eyes. "Stronger than I ever thought

"Show me." Nel grinned.

time. You should focus on attaining that power rather than challenging those that already have it before acquiring it yourself. How much stronger have you

He grinned. "I would crush

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

He shrugged silently.

one of the

nodded, before pausing. "Ah, I need each of you to

that?" Kane