The Martial Unity

The two of them continued discussing a few more matters. It had been a while, and Rui was curious to learn everything that he had missed.

"Your siblings are doing well," Commissioner Reze informed him. "Our intelligence indicates that they were distressed at your disappearance, but have come to terms with reality. They voluntarily graduated from the Martial Academy a few months ago, and have begun completing open Apprentice-level commissions."

Rui smiled melancholically when he heard that.

Though his heart ached when he heard about the pain he had caused them, he was still pleased to hear that they had been doing well.

"I'd like to make a contribution to the Martial Union." Rui pulled a small booklet from a pocket in his gaudy attire. "I prepared this for you when I saw you at the first banquet."

Commissioner Reze raised an eyebrow with interest. "Oh? This is unexpected."

"This is Hungry Pain. It's a powerful Apprentice-level technique," Rui explained. "It substantially increases the power of the Martial Body produced by the Squire evolution breakthrough process. I want you to give this to Max and Mana, and get them to master it before they become Martial Squires."

Commissioner Reze's eyebrow rose. "That is a bold claim, we would need to see substantial evidence of that."

"I do have evidence." Rui grinned. "If you recall, my Martial Body started off at grade two."

Commissioner Reze narrowed his eyes. "There were statistical anomalies and discrepancies with the predicted performance parameters and your actual power. Are you suggesting..."

"Yes," Rui affirmed. "It was thanks to this technique."

"Do you have proof of that?" Commissioner Reze asked with a hint of skepticism. "The Martial Union has a high standard of evidence for confirmation of the capabilities of a technique. Not even the Martial Sages can bypass this with their words."

"I have proof," Rui smiled. "You told me that Nel and Hever broke through to Martial Squire a few years ago, right? They will have used this technique that I shared with them indirectly. Their Martial Bodies are also a product of this technique, I'm certain that their Martial Bodies also started out at grade two."

Commissioner Reze looked intrigued and surprised. "To think you had been planning this for so long. You are far-sighted as ever, Squire Quarrier. I am not intimately familiar with the profiles of your friends as I am yours, so I will need to verify that their Bodies are as you claim them to be and that they actually used this technique. However, as long as there are no problems, then we will accept your contribution."

He accepted the booklet, skimming through it. "...If this technique is as powerful as you claim, then this will be a truly significant contribution. A single grade is a significant boost, and in the long run, it can increase the power of the Martial Union by eight percent, possibly nine percent. Truly incredible. For the Martial Union, even a single percent of Martial growth is extremely precious, that is how powerful we have become."

A look of genuine appreciation appeared on his face. "We were not wrong to invest in you. You have proven your value to not just us, but to the entirety of the field of Martial Art. You can consider the Martial Union your staunch ally. We will not allow so much as a hair of your family to be harmed. Naturally, we will ensure that your siblings master this technique."

"I appreciate that, Commissioner Reze." Rui smiled. "I'd love to chat more, but I should be getting back to the Banquet before people think there is more going on than meets the eye."

"That is prudent," Commissioner Reze agreed. "Good luck, Squire Quarrier. We sincerely wish you the best of luck in your endeavors and journey. I hope that the next time we meet, it will be in open circumstances."

After the two bid farewell amicably before Rui quickly returned to the banquet. Commissioner Reze declined to return immediately, most likely pouring through every detail of the brief yet dense technique explanation and training methodology. Thankfully, Rui had been able to pass on the technique quickly because it was based on an existing technique, so he didn't need to explain much.

The moment he returned, he was once again crowded with all kinds of important dignitaries among the guests.

Rui was gracious enough to perfunctorily give them non-committal answers while accepting their offers of means of communication. He only got some space to breathe when the first wave of dignitaries were satisfied and left him alone.

"Congratulations on your victory, Champion Falken." A familiar voice behind him wished him.

"Squire Ran..." Rui murmured with a surprised expression behind his mask as he turned to get a good look at her.

"I am not surprised that you won the tournament. I was certain that you would after fighting you myself," She remarked.

Rui simply stared at her with eyes of concern, studying her. "Have you... recovered?"

She didn't respond immediately. "...No. But I am working towards it. I do not bear any resentment towards you, Champion Falken. I came to the Martial Contest prepared to lose my life as a risk. You took mercy and prevented a much worse outcome from unfolding."

Rui's eyes lit up. "So that means that you've still retained your Martial Art?"

She nodded with a weary smile. "Broken bones heal to become stronger. I intend to follow their example when it comes to my Martial Path. I will overcome this challenge and become a stronger warrior. Rest assured, neither I nor my clan intend to cause any problems for you."

It was only then that Rui recalled that she was some famous Martial clan. It was good to know that he didn't make another enemy.

She briefly chatted with him before leaving him alone.

Yet it appeared that she wasn't the only familiar voice to reach out to him.

"Champion Falken, I have something important to convey to you." Senior Frinjschia's grave voice spoke from behind him.