The Martial Unity

"Ah, one thing to remember." The old man said, turning to face Rui. "This is a premium guarantee mission. Meaning you will face more severe consequences in failing to complete your mission within the stipulated mission."

The atmosphere froze as the others inside the tent felt shudders climbing up their spines, as their knees buckled, collapsing under their own weight. The world creaked to a halt as waves of pressure emanated from Rui.

"...Is that a threat?" He asked with narrowed eyes.

"It's a warning made in good faith." The old man calmly replied. "Now then, if you have any other questions, please do go ahead."

Rui stared at him until the pressure in the room subsided. He was actually quite impressed that the old man was unfazed. That kind of mental pressure wasn't something that could be shaken off easily, the old man either underwent some kind of mental training that improved his fortitude or had undergone extraordinary experiences that tempered his mind to be able to keep its composure under the flux of pressure of Rui's hostility.

"Why commission me to destroy the Hlorn weapon if it was unable to stop you from launching assaults year after year?" Rui asked straightforwardly. He had already inferred and deduced all the information he could through deductive and inductive logic. The only way he could learn more was by creating scenarios where he would gain more information.

Of course, he didn't expect old Fushin to answer him honestly, but there was still information to be gleaned, directly and indirectly.

Fushin threw a flawless confused expression at him. "I... I didn't suppose I had to explain that. The Hlorn weapon outputs power in the Squire Realm while we are compromised almost entirely of ordinary humans barring the two dozen Martial Apprentices we have. The reason should be obvious unless, of course, you're saying the Squire-level power means nothing here."

an extremely well-constructed evasion of Rui's question. The way he framed it threw out all the nuance for why Hlorn was not as obviously devastating as he

to push back with his last statement, making it

a debate, but that was tedious and long-drawn, and ultimately pointless, he would simply be wasting everyone's time and patience. It was better

why he said that because he knows that I know that there is no point in doing anything of the sort.') Rui noted. ('Sly bastard.

careful. Rui had already observed that he held an incredible amount of sway about the information he conveyed through verbal

subordinates, old man.') A slight smile

question with an obvious answer. When he studied them with his senses and techniques, he couldn't really make out much obvious emotion

gives it away.') Rui

there was something to hide at all in the first place.

twenty-four hours, nervousness was rife. Furthermore, his little flex earlier had affected them as well, so he truly could not say that their nervousness was indicative of anything. If anything, it could be said that he

misplaced." Rui simply stated. "I

leaving. There wasn't much else

Falken." Old Fushin called out to

meet the old man's gaze with the edge of his

and sparring partner?" He requested. "I'm sure they'd be thrilled to receive the rare opportunity to