The Martial Unity

The man accepted Rui's hand, pulling himself up before lowering his head to Rui.

"I'm sorry... I did think you would be strong, but to be this strong was beyond my expectations." He sighed. The others quickly followed through issuing quick apologies.

"It's alright, as long as you understand." Rui nodded before walking away towards the food gathering. He didn't want to interact with anybody beyond what was necessary. He simply procured a meal while ignoring the attention that he was still receiving.

The mood had gotten better because the spat had ended amicably and also because of the confidence boost they had received thanks to him.

"Mind if I sit here?"

Rui glanced at the woman who had approached him, recognizing her. She was one of the few Martial Artists who had not attacked him back then.

"Feel free." Rui shrugged.

She smiled, taking a seat beside him, holding a plate of meat, rice, and some greens. "I appreciate you holding back against those hot-headed fools earlier. It might have gotten bad if things had escalated."

"It's nothing at all." Rui dismissed.

"I'm Vemy, by the way." She told him. "What's your name?"

"Falken." He replied straightforwardly, using his official alias.

She noted, before peering at him with curiosity. "That

the blow. Meaning most Martial Squires should be able

fact that all of

even more." She laughed. "It's the

less of her for it. He hadn't been much different when he was a Martial Apprentices, after all. The secret to the Squire Realm was something that he had tried

before the Britannian Army had invaded." She sighed. "I keep thinking to myself if we Martial Apprentices had been stronger, if I had been a Martial Squire, we would not have lost. We would

a limit to what they could do. In fact, prior to the age of Martial Art, Martial Apprentices were controlled via force

have no obligation to fulfill it... but I did have a request." She told him, turning towards him, meeting his

stared at her, before

the information that the martial Union provided

briefed him about it thanks to Julian explaining the research data that Rui had provided him. However, that didn't matter, he would still be considered to

not?" Vemy asked with a dejected

would get me

won't tell

trust you. Even if your intentions are genuine, this is an extremely sensitive and important matter to the Martial Union and they aren't half-assed about their efforts to keep the information you're asking for

"I see..."

I did tell you," Rui explained. "There's nothing you can do about it, trust me. Rather than

only some Martial Apprentices can

('Well, no shit.') "Correct."