The Martial Unity

Chapter 26 Provocation

(ʼInteresting. I guess the contract you negotiate revolves around how much utility you provide to the Union, the higher the utility you provide, the more lucrative the contract you can negotiate. Martial Squires probably canʼt negotiate that lucrative a contract with the Union, and would probably have to settle with lower commission-cuts.ʼ)

From this it could be inferred that higher realms of Martial Artists would easily be able to negotiate higher commission-cut rates; higher proportions of the money paid for the mission.

(ʼMartial Squires probably receive fifty-percent of the money paid for a mission that they completed, or something in that range. Itʼs likely that the higher you go, the greater the cut/percentage of the money paid for the mission you get.ʼ)

”...and these are the means and ways by which your time in the Academy can influence your contract in the Union.” Chancellor Callux concluded.

”This brings us to an end to the primary presentation of the Induction Ceremony. As Iʼm sure youʼve realized, the goal of this short presentation was not to cover every shred of information that is relevant in any way to your studentship at our Academy. But to give you a broad understanding of our system, norms, policies and regulations. The details are far too many to be able to possibly fit within a single presentation, nor are they worth diving into rigorously in a single presentation. Of course, that doesnʼt mean they are not important, nor does it mean we wonʼt address them, our Admission Department is fully equipped to address your inquiries and doubts of any kind once the Induction Ceremony is over.” Chancellor Callux smiled.

”And with that, the presentation has come to an end. I thank you all for your patience, and I would like you all to join me in welcoming the Honourʼs Student in giving his speech. Please welcome Student Nel.” He said, ushering a round of applause.

(ʼHonourʼs student, eh? That must be the student that ranked number one in the entire Exam.ʼ) Rui mused curiously. He was indeed curious about what the number one student was like. Especially so since this student was evaluated to be higher than Kane and Fae by the examiners.

Messy silvery white hair, shockingly red eyes, an undignified and a carelessly nonchalant saunter. These were the traits that stood out from the Honourʼs student Nel. The applause even died down with how remarkably lacking the adolescent boy seemed to be in the most common etiquette that encompassed all human interaction. Apathy and disdain oozed out from his demeanour, he had the bearing and mien of a wild animal.

(ʼThis is the kid that beat all of us?ʼ) Rui wanted to laugh. It was too amusing.

The bright light illuminating the stage only intensified his scowl. By the time he reached the stage, Chancellor Callux was sweating.

”Welcome, Nel, I look forward to your speech.” He courteously said, despite himself  away from the megaphone. ”Hm, where is your speech copy? ”

”Donʼt have it.”

”Eh?”

”Donʼt have it.”

”S-Surely you jest.”

Nel ignored the man and took his place in front of the megaphone-like device.

”Listen closely motherfuckers.” He instructed. ”He said something about no violence, but I donʼt give a fuck.”

”...”

”Imma fuck yʼall up.”

”...”

”I ainʼt playing. Iʼm boutta fuck all yʼall motherfucking asses up.” He grinned.

The crowd was unamused.

”Who the fuck you think you are kid?”

”Letʼs take this outside little brat.”

”Acting all tough just cus you won number one.”

The crowd heckled him. What was once a dignified gathering was beginning to disintegrate into a chaotic mess.

Nel grinned even wider. This was what he wanted to see. The peaceful, calm and dignified atmosphere was terribly dull. Conflict was his mantra. If this little provocation could spark even a single fight, he would be grateful.

”Thereʼs no need to go outside old man, Iʼm right fucking here.” Nel spread his arms. ”What? You scared? You a lil bitch? Huh? HUH??” He taunted putting a foot atop the megaphone stand.

”The nameʼs Nel! And Iʼm here to let you all know that each of you so-called students ainʼt fucking shit. Yʼall lil pussies who ainʼt got the balls to beat me. Iʼll dominate each and every single one of you, anytime, anywhere, anyhow and anywho. Iʼll spank your asses like the little children you are. Come at me, motherfucking wusses.” He said with a disgustingly smug, wide grin. He walked away flipping the bird at the audience.

Yet, despite how crude the provocation attempt was, it didnʼt fail completely. Rui get sense hostility emanating from his fellow batch-mates.

(ʼ... Is that even allowed?ʼ) He laughed. He wasnʼt sure. But it was a breath of fresh air to him in all honesty. The kid was interesting. Still, what Rui was more interested in than his antics was his combat prowess.

(ʼHe ranked number one in the second-round too from what I remember. It would be cool to see him fight and check out what heʼs made of. I wonder whoʼd win in a fight between him and Fae.ʼ) He couldnʼt know until he saw Nel fight seriously, and Fae too. He was positive sheʼd held back against him, and he still had no idea how she knocked him out.

(ʼAll in good time.ʼ)

**********

”Are you sure we shouldnʼt intervene, Headmaster?” Chancellor Callux wanted to puke. He felt his lifespan reducing every time Nel tried to provoke a fight.

”He hasnʼt violated any rules thus far.” Master Aronion sipped some tea peacefully. His calm and serene demeanor despite Nelʼs disruption boggled Chancellor Callux. It gave him almost as much anxiety as Nel himself did.

(ʼThatʼs because not insulting your fellow batch-mates is basic common sense! Itʼs not in the rules because itʼs an obvious norm.ʼ) He facepalmed himself.

Master Aronian chuckled at Calluxʼs expense, amused by the turn of events. He threw a glance at Nel. Where others might have seen a dangerous, savage beast in human skin with a maniacal temperament, he only saw an excited little chick throwing tantrums, eager to pick fights.

”This yearʼs batch will be interesting..” He stroked his beard in a sagely manner, while observing Nelʼs antics.

”Heʼs finally done! That felt like forever.” Callux exclaimed as he saw Nel walking down the podium flipping the middle finger to the audience. Relief sparked across his face only to be replaced with anxiety as he realized it was his turn next to follow up after that catastrophe of an honourʼs student speech.

”Can I resign?” He mirthfully asked.

”Sure, go give that speech first.”

”Sigh” Callux steeled himself while putting on his standard diplomatic courteous smile, before walking down the stage, leaving Master Aronion chuckling at his expense.

As Callux commenced the closing speech of the Induction ceremony, Master Aronian threw a glance at the crowd from the guest chambers, spotting several students he was looking for. Nel, Fae, Kane and Rui, among others.

(ʼThis yearʼs batch will definitely be interesting.ʼ)