The Martial Unity

"Thank you for welcoming us," Rui began. "I am Rui, representative of the Martial Union. We are here to facilitate successful cooperation and trade between our villages. We hope that the G'ak'arkan Tribe will heed us and accept our offer to engage in a mutually beneficial relationship."

Rui stared at Senior K'Mala as she processed his words. He could immediately tell that she was not averse to the offer that the Martial Union had made. Although she did not do anything overt to reveal her thoughts on the matter, Rui was relatively certain that she did not possess any disregard for his offer.

Her subconscious non-verbal communication betrayed her interest in his offer.

"We are interested in listening to and considering what you have to say, warrior Rui," She replied carefully as she reached the ground. "Has the rank-three warrior not chosen to accompany you? Do you truly represent your village when he is a part of it?"

Rui was aware that the G'ak'arkan Tribe assigned numbered ranks to each Realm, ascending with the power of the Realm. Rank three Martial Artist was nothing but a Martial Senior, while he would be considered a rank two Martial Artist.

"As I'm sure you have long been made aware of, the rank-three Martial Artist and myself are both part of a group that is extremely large and powerful," Rui smiled. "Both the rank-three outsider and I are following orders. I am the leader of the village, and he is the rank three guardian and protector of it."

"I see…" Her eyebrows knitted briefly as she tried wrapping her head around the matter. She couldn't imagine why the group that they claimed to be a part of would ever order a rank-three Martial Artist. She especially couldn't imagine why a rank three Martial Artist would willingly bow his head to a rank two Martial Artist like Rui, yet she was open-minded enough to understand that they were outsiders with customs and norms that were entirely different from that of theirs.

witnessing what he could do. Thus, it wasn't nearly as much of a problem as it would have

how impressed they were

the village. The crowd parted ways for her as Rui and his

had changed in the village since Rui's last visit four months ago. There was greater greenery as it was the season of spring, it seemed. Yet everything

a word until they reached the larger hall that they used for important discussions

at a large table in the room. The room was heavily guarded with several Martial Squires at

of water on the table for all of

"Now then. Please begin."

Martial Union has offered all of you the opportunity to engage in a trade of techniques between both sides. We believe that both sides have unique advantages, ensuring that both sides stand to gain power from this trade.

not wish to rashly give our word in an agreement that is exploitative or deceptive of us. If you are able to truly convince us beyond any shadow of a doubt that our tribe truly benefits no less than your so-called Martial Union,

the very first time in all of the diplomatic interventions with the G'ak'arkan Tribe in history that the Martial Union had managed to not get rejected by the G'ak'arkan Tribe. Rui