The Martial Unity

"…Additionally," he continued, "the Martial Union has also taken the liberty to analyze the data from your duel to further reduce the tediousness of this process. Based on it and the fact that you have grown stronger, the Union has decided to deploy six grade-twenty-five Martial Artists to test your power."

Rui's eyebrows lit up at the mention of their grade.

"…High grade," he murmured.

"Indeed, Your Highness," the Martial Master confirmed. "The Martial Union believes, in consideration of your prior matches, that testing you with grade-twenty-five Martial Artists, the first of the high grades, will lead to the most accurate evaluation."

"…Sounds like grades are much more rough in the Master Realm," Rui remarked. The Martial Master nodded. "In the Master Realm, grades are far less accurate and precise when it comes to measuring combat level. They are merely used as a reference and nothing more. Unfortunately, the Martial Union has yet to come up with a better way to quantify Masters."

Rui nodded, pondering the man's words. As a combat scientist or, at least, someone with the memories of a combat scientist, he knew just how difficult it was to quantify beings as complex and powerful as Martial Masters. "Your services are much appreciated, Masters," Rui expressed gratitude.

"It is an obligation, Your Highness," he replied. "By partaking in this test, you agree to partake in the evaluation of as many Martial Masters aiding in your evaluation. Each Master must agree to this."

Rui immediately understood the point of this.

It was to ensure that there always were Martial Artists available when others required themselves to be evaluated.

Thus, Martial Masters had essentially created a self-serving system where they took care of each other's needs rather than needing to commission a bunch of them each time.

"I don't mind," Rui calmly replied.

"Then, let us begin without any further ado. I am Vertol of the Earth Sect, and I shall be your first opponent."

Rui's eyes fixed on the man.

He had a sturdy, heavy body; in addition, he had a large paunch that undoubtedly made it harder to inflict any damage on him. Nothing above par for a defense-oriented Martial Master.

of offense. It almost made him want to drop out and come back after spending

knew how strong he

his current combat level, he would be unable to gauge

just wanted to fight more

could use the

time, Master Vertol." Rui

a large battlefield in the

took a

feet together, "I have been looking forward to this, Your Highness," Master Vertol admitted. "Show me the power that

so?" Rui

not gone down easily

fact, he had

"Come."

Vertol's challenge was

didn't need any

BADUMP!

surged forward. A tremendously

allowing the blow to land. The full power of Outer Convergence, Reverberating Lance, and Fire

what unfolded was beyond Rui's

BOOM!!!

a tremendous resistive force from within the man's body emerged out of seemingly nowhere, pushing back at Rui's powerful

so

his eyes, refusing to give up. Since the Master was a defensive Martial Artist, he didn't feel the need to

and Parallel Walk, surging towards the man at extremely heightened

second Flowing Canon

it was far stronger due