The Martial Unity

"Then, in that case, I will attempt to ensure that both parties are able to secure each of their demands in a mutually beneficial cooperative partnership," Rui replied. "I am more than equipped to begin exploring potential models for the partnership between the Silas Clan and the Martial Union."

He pulled out several sheets of paper from a folder. Each of them focused on elements of a potential agreement or was a template for the partnership between the Martial Union and the Silas Clan with basic terms and conditions between the Martial Union and the Silas Clan.

"The first and what might be the most pertinent tenant, in my opinion, would be the clause of mutual aid," Rui began. "This clause specifies that both parties will be obliged to provide proportional aid to each other in the event that a party is a victim of a sustained and unprovoked assault. This clause lends the power of the Martial Union to the Silas Clan to fulfill the aforementioned security requirement for the Silas Clan."

Neither side had any issues with the spirit of the agreement, as Rui had privately conferred with both sides about it, but there were potential issues in defining the details.

"What exactly counts as unprovoked in these circumstances?" Matriarch Nephi raised an eyebrow. "The Kandrian Empire has made enemies in its history during the Age of Martial Art. It has undoubtedly provoked at least some of them in the past; what if an attack on the Martial Union is a long-awaited retaliation for transgressions of the Martial Union in the distant past?"

It was a valid concern.

The Martial Union had undoubtedly picked fights in the past, and Matriarch Nephi wanted nothing to do with conflicts provoked by the Martial Union in the past.

signing of the agreement," Rui replied. "The history of East Panama is such that any attack can be construed as a retaliation. It would be unreasonable to evade aiding the Martial Union by finding some niche historical justification for the attack, thus

in the eyes of the Union Martial Sages as Rui firmly put his foot down to be fair

of Fortitude remarked with a hint of arrogance. "Very few are even qualified to. On top of that, attacking us in our stronghold and domain of power is almost suicide, even if conducted by a

RUMBLE

almost as if his confidence alone radiated seismic radiation through the lands

of mutual aid so much?" Matriarch Nephi raised an eyebrow with askance. "If conflict is rare, then

are strong that conflict is rare," the Flickering Elder replied calmly. "If we didn't amass power, we would be targeted. This world is

definitely had to admit

grinned. "We can also fight stronger opponents if and when we

Fortitude snorted. "The point is to not get attacked; that's why the Matriarch seeks us. Are you trying

sayin'." She shrugged

wasn't sure why the Sage Council had chosen to send her, but if one representative of the Fire Sect

Silas Clan with an apologetic expression. "Rest assured, the Martial Union does not pick fights just to fight stronger Martial Artists. Individuals can make individual choices that have nothing to do with the Martial Union and thus will not apply to the

Matriarch Nephi's approval. "Then, I do not care what individuals do or say. The Silas Clan will not fight to clean up