The Martial Unity

It wasn't that there was nothing about what he said that Rui didn't understand and empathize with. As a researcher, he could understand the sentiments of wanting to avoid the grubby hands that came with funding. He could even understand wanting to pursue research that didn't overlap with the interests of the sourcing of the funding for research. It was admirable that he went this far to keep his ambitions alive.

However, what he didn't understand was what all of this had to do with Kane and himself.

The two of them had come here to access the esoteric material science library of the Crexeet Town, and he had made amply clear that he could not forsake the rigid rules that were in place in so far as who was allowed access to the libraries of the Crexeet Institute. Then he launched a giant sob story about how his life as a researcher was so hard and the struggles that he had to go through in order to set up this town that was being sustained in part by those rigid rules.

Did he really think that he could guilt-trip the two of them or something like that?

If not for Kane wanting to stick around and hear what he had to say in hopes of somehow finding a way through despite his clear-cut rejection, Rui would have long left.

"I understand everything you say," Rui coldly stated. "But we are not interested in anything else you have to offer unless it gets us what we initially requested."

"I'm afraid… that it cannot be done. I'd like to ask you to reconsider your requests," The man helplessly replied.

Rui glanced at Kane.

His resolution to not give up was strong and hadn't yet broken. It was foolhardy optimism, but also admirable in a sense, even if foolish.

('He really wants that Fulminata technique bad,') Rui noted.

There were plenty of other places that possessed the information that they sought. However, they were excluded for the same reason that this town was not. They were subject to powers that would not offer them up without a costly price in return, they would be subjecting themselves to a transaction with a heavy power imbalance that was not in their favor.

Rui sighed, turning back to the Derr. "What was the requirement to gain access to your libraries again? Possessing a degree in general sciences?"

"Yes," The man nodded.

one obtain that

Exam, of course," The man

possible to write that

"Of course!"

the study materials needed for

certainly, we offer some of the best studying

bizarre idea. "So if I pass the exam, will I then

don't intend to… It's not possible for you to, given

glared at him. "I asked you if

very much," The

I can write the exam?" Rui

schedule it at the earliest one week after the registration,"

degree ahead

man's eyes widened. "It takes years of studying the basic and foundation sciences to be able to cross the minimum threshold to earn the degree. I believe

problem?" Rui

"One week might

not, with your own words, confirm that one week was possible?" Rui was truly losing

credibility and the cheat-proof measures are going to take time to get in place. I cannot do it without

losing credibility if I pass under normal circumstances?" Rui