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

breaking bones painful? Stubbing your tow painful? Or worse? Like stepping on lego

not nearly as bad as stepping on lego, obviously." Rui shook his head.

exchanged a chuckle as Fae rolled her eyes. "I'm serious, you have to tell us more

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

of a nation. Rui was vaguely aware

"It's not that I don't want to tell you, it's because I

that the breakthrough to the Squire Realm would grant them would warp their Martial Art. Instead of their Martial body catering to their Martial Art, their Martial Art might cater to the ideal Martial body that they

Every Martial Artist of the higher Realms has unilaterally refused to tell me any meaningful information about the breakthrough to the Squire Realm, and what it is that actually separates Martial Squires

Rui. "It's

were aware of the concept, then it was easier

tell us if we became Squire candidates?" Hever asked

to Martial Apprentices like

care about that." Nel snorted, interjecting abruptly. "How strong

battle lust that flashed through his eyes. "Stronger than I

"Show me." Nel grinned.

rather than challenging those that already have it before acquiring it yourself. How much stronger

grinned. "I would crush

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

He shrugged silently.

least one of the

pausing. "Ah, I need each of you to contact me when you reach Squire

that?" Kane