The Martial Unity

He noticed the presence of many more Martial Apprentices and Martial Seniors amongst the spectators as well. It appeared that the Squire-level contest had attracted so much attention that even the other two groups with their own scheduled contests could help but gather to witness the famed Martial Squire who ate a blow from a Martial Senior and got up.

He also noticed the presence of many Martial Masters in the VIP zone. It appeared that not even they had been able to resist their curiosity.

However, their presence had made him more wary. He had already underestimated Martial Masters once. Master Deivon had made it clear that their insight was disproportionately higher than what he could extrapolate from their estimated power.

'I need to be extremely careful. I have already learned that Martial Masters are basically clairvoyant in their ability to gather information.' Rui narrowed his eyes.

No Martial Path destruction shenanigans.

No Martial Heart Awakening shenanigans.

Even if Meera was on the verge of becoming a Martial Senior, as she probably was, he did not intend to push her through.

Unlike with Squire Frinjschia, he didn't feel an ounce of sympathy or pity for Meera. Her circumstances were entirely different from Senior Frinjschia. The latter had truly hit a barrier that she was unable to overcome, all mostly due to bad luck. Her perseverance had earned Rui's respect and admiration, and he wanted to give her the opportunity that she most likely would never receive ever again, considering her age and steadily declining condition.

Meera, on the other hand, was quite young. She wasn't nearly as absurdly young as Rui was for their level of power. She would have many, many opportunities over a long period of time. She didn't need him. She didn't inspire any desire in him to help her either.

'I'm going to push myself to take her down as soon as possible.' He declared to himself. 'No messing around.'

It took some time, but the spectators had returned to their seats.

The energy of the crowd was a lot more volatile and charged. The spectators seemed to be oscillating with energy and excitement.

It appeared that the anticipation of seeing Rui fight and the experience of witnessing a historic event was enough to quell the outrage of having their security compromised.

'That's actually insane.' Rui mused to himself. 'Just how much do these people love and revere Martial Artists?'

He noticed that even the people perched in the VIP seat seemed to be absorbed into the tournament, as opposed to socializing with each other.

Various Martial Masters, heads of state like Guildmaster Bradt, ambassadors like Commissioner Reze... all of them obediently sat in their seats quietly.

Rui almost forgot about the two of them. Regardless, now was not the time to ponder about them.

He returned to the contest stands.

There were only two people inside.

Squire Janeau, who immediately regarded him with wary eyes.

And, of course, Champion Meera, who appeared to be highly absorbed in maintaining her nails.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" The announcer began. "We will soon resume the Squire-level Martial Contest now! Here's a fun fact that not many know; There was actually a controversy behind the scenes of whether this should even considered a 'Squire-level' contest anymore! That is the magnitude of the events that have preceded this resumption!"

The crowd went wild as it cheered loudly.

"And now, we will continue to the final match of the semi-finals! Whoever wins this will go on to face Squire Falken in the finals! Are you excited?!"

The crowd roared in approval and enthusiasm.

Not a single person could wait!

"Without further ado! The final match of the second round features Contestant Janeau facing off against Champion Meera!"

The two of them immediately got up, heading out in the colosseum.

note of the atmosphere

always, she simply gazed

from how he was in the

were the wild behavioural

the barely restrained

Gone was the bloodlust.

wariness and apprehension. His head was inclined downwards as his eyes seemed to look up to her, despite being taller than

was in sharp contrast to the prior battle where he blatantly looked down on his

fire? Tsk, it's an insult to Nel to compare you to him. He would have gotten even more excited and his battle-lust would have grown even

at him like he was a

her eyes was enough for the truth

was a trivial

not someone who could stir

your stances,"

crouched, centering

preparation to run, if

her eyes were fixed on him. Yet she didn't gaze into

Instead...

at his teeth?'

"Begin!"

Janeau leaped back warily, a drop of sweat trickled down his

Meera didn't move initially.

staring

air around her seemed to chill

STEP

She took a step.

...

STEP

STEP

STEP

to his credit, didn't run away immediately. His expression

on,

as he felt a profound wave of malevolence radiating from her, unlike anything

Malevolent, yet innocent.

She murmured. "May I

was soft,

every

wrong. He could feel that

"...What?"

His voice was stiff.

She smiled. "There's something wrong with your teeth, you

the horrifying sense of peril growing

"My teeth?"

on them. "The problem with them is that they

Her presence grew heavier.

word

"...disgusting."

shiver

me to get rid of them

gripped

leaped back, dashing away