The Martial Unity

1544 Be Warned

Headmaster Aronian smiled. "There's no need to be so stiff, young Rui. This old man has known you ever since you were a child, and now you've grown to become a fine young man and a brilliant Martial Artist. Come, have a seat. We have much to speak about."

"Yes sir," Rui obliged, taking a seat opposite to the elderly Martial Master.

"As curious as I am to hear stories and tales from your eight-

year voyage for power that you have recently returned from, I'm afraid that we will have to save that for another day," He remarked, growing more serious in his demeanor. "As I said, we have much to speak about."

Rui raised an eyebrow. "Is something the matter, Headmaster?"

"Well, for starters. As you might have already expected, your return to the Kandrian Empire has already spread like fire through the upper echelons of the Empire. Many well-informed circles of power, wealth, and influence have already received the news of your return, and more importantly, your return as a powerful Martial Senior," Headmaster Aronian informed him. "Naturally, such impactful events do not go unnoticed, and certainly do not go untouched."

sharply. "…Untouched?

Martial Senior, you yourself are an event of great import.

up on the subtext of his words.

a sigh. "It all began five years ago, when Emperor Rael Di Kandria fell into a coma that spanned nearly half a year. The princes and princesses sprung into action, ready to cease the throne by force. A civil war nearly broke out. The only reason it didn't was because the emperor woke up just in time to reconsolidate his power and authority.

by the Eternal Dream disease. An inexplicable condition that eventually causes a person to sleep forever. It can be slowed down and even stalled with particularly potent esoteric resources and the highest quality of medical care, but it cannot be treated or cured. It is a terminal condition. This news could not be kept secret any longer after his six

his eyes. "I

him. "Regardless, the main point is that the princes and princesses began gathering political capital for the eventual day that the emperor would pass away. The moment he does, the cold war will transition to an active war. Whosoever has gathered the most capital and power, be it economic, political, or militaristic, will win the war, be recognized as the crown

Martial Artists are naturally among the most highly sought capital in this war for the throne,

Aronian remarked. "Especially powerful Martial Artists

Rui a telling look. "…the youngest Martial Senior in history, high-grade in

sigh. "I knew I wouldn't be able to avoid

could he expect to be able to return to the Kandrian Empire, shattering the record for the youngest Martial Senior and then hope to be ignored by everybody and go about

itself," Rui replied. "I don't have any strong political or economic ideologies that I would like to lobby for. As long as it doesn't negatively affect my family, and doesn't get in the way of my personal ambition, I really don't

than understandable," Headmaster Aronian reassured. "I myself have been personally approached by each of Their Highnesses, looking to