The Martial Unity

"Nothing too extravagant," Rui shrugged. "The training resources entail basic training resources for the most common kinds techniques in all primary fields of Martial Art, specifically, maneuvering. As far as the information goes, we seek access to your library of scientific literature on esoteric material science. We also wish to access your labs to conduct and engage in some research."

This took the man by surprise. "Interesting, the former is no issue, it's actually the standard. However the latter…"

He made a difficult expression.

"Is there any issue?" Rui raised an eyebrow.

"Unfortunately, our libraries of scientific literature are only accessible by those with a journeyman degree in the sciences," The man smiled apologetically. "I'm afraid we cannot grant you access to the library."

"Even in exchange for Squire-level services?" Rui frowned. "As far as I can see, your town doesn't have the leeway to refuse extra Martial power, am I wrong?"

Rui glanced at the two Apprentice-level guards behind him.

That alone spoke to the state of its defense.

"You aren't," He sighed as he took off his glasses, laying them on the table. "But unfortunately, I cannot make an exception to this rule. I cannot dilute our standards under any circumstances."

Rui raised an eyebrow as he considered the man's words. "Are the standards of the institute more important than the survival of the institute and the town?"

"They are the reason the town exists in the first place," The man sighed, turning towards Rui. "That is why it cannot be forsaken, not even for the interests of the survival of the town."

not

that even mean? All he asked was to access their scientific library,

what he said, but at the

this town afloat.

one source of funding is

That sounded nonsensical.

that it sounds absurd," The man sighed.

cannot give us what we need, then I do not

wait!" The man cried. "Please, hear me out. I'm sure you'll

the man out of his self-centered mindset, he hadn't even talked to the man for ten minutes,

he didn't leave was because Kane was giving him a pointed

was still something that could be done in

at the moment, since this was

"Speak. Fast." Rui snorted.

you seek, and to offer you other forms of recompense," The man sighed. "The reason I cannot break this rule is that the credibility of the rigorous meritocratic institutions of this town is the reason that people come here seeking high-quality education and research. The reason this town even exists in the first place is for two reasons. The first was

rose as he had an inkling of what the man was referring

constant need of constant funding. Scientists usually weren't rich, and thus the expenses of research were

to the research and some directive over the

Private.