The Martial Unity

“Hm, interesting tale indeed…” Headmaster Aronian stroked his beard, as he skimmed through the report before him. As the headmaster, he had received a variety of reports from the various branches, wings and departments of the Academy. This was one such report he had received from a Squire instructor.

“To think two fourteen-year-old boys would be able to force you, the vaunted Berserker of Hajin, to use a Squire-level technique…” Headmaster Aronian glanced up at the figure standing across the table. “Truly a fascinating tale, isn’t it, Kyrie?”

“I was quite shocked myself. Those two boys are truly remarkable.” Kyrie remarked, concurring.

“Kane Arrancar, son of the legendary Devil, is a prodigy who reached Apprentice at the age of eleven…” Headmaster Aronian continued. “And Rui Quarrier who became an Apprentice at the age of fourteen… These two have bright futures ahead of them.”

He placed Kyrie’s report down, before looking at their profiles and personal data. Although Kane was quite interesting and promising, Rui was truly fascinating.

“Explorer in three months and then Martial Apprentice in two months. And then he proceeds to learn ten techniques in the next seven months and is able to fight well enough to force you to use a Squire-level technique…” Headmaster surmised. “Not even his absurd tolerance for mental and physical rejuvenation potions can explain all of this. Even his extremely high IQ cannot explain how he discovered his Martial Path this quickly.” He set down the documents.

Discovering one’s Martial Path was a long explorative and introspective journey. It was regarded as the most important and profound of breakthroughs. It wasn’t a matter of talent, no one should be able to discover their Martial Path as quickly as Rui did. The reason for his breakthrough was because of his past life, something that unbeknownst to the headmaster.

“Hoho.” He chuckled. “These two shine too brightly, the Martial Sects will not let go of them easily. Particularly the Lightning Sect for young master Kane. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if Kane Arrancar will be approached by them soon, or perhaps it has happened already…”

Squire Kyrie’s eyes sharpened at those words. “Headmaster, surely the Martial Sects would not violate the clauses set by Grandmaster; His Honour Sage Damian.”

Headmaster Aronian chuckled at her naivette. “Not openly, no, and not within the Academy premises.” He continued. “But I would imagine they might take covert measures.”

Squire Kyrie narrowed her eyes at those words.

“Hm?” Headmaster Aronian caught her reaction. “Do you dislike these matters?”

“I do.” She shook her head. “The students may be Martial Apprentices, but they’re ultimately children. Entreaching them in the politics of the Martial Union is no different from exploitation.”

“Quite the distaste.” Headmaster Aronian chuckled. “The Sects would not look kindly upon those words, you might be accused of slander if word got out.”

“I merely stated the truth.”

“Well, you’re fortunate that I’m the only one who heard it.” Headmaster smiled. “After all, Martial Masters cannot have been members of a Martial Sect or a Martial Faction within the prior ten years of their candidacy for headmaster. I’ve religiously avoided Martial Sects, which is why I was anointed as the headmaster of the Mantian branch of the Martial Academy by His Honour.”

Squire Kyrie remained silent.

“However, Kane Arrancar might have a bit of a rough time ahead…” Headmaster Aronian mused. “As the son of His Honour Sage Arrancar, he will feel immense pressure to join the Martial Sect of his father; the Fire Sect, yet as a speed and evasive-maneuvering-oriented Martial Artist, he would most certainly have the most affinity with the Lightning Sect.”

“What about Rui Quarrier, Headmaster?” Kyrie felt the need to ask.

“Hmmm…” Headmaster Aronian pondered. “As an all-rounder, he doesn’t have any strong affinity to any particular Martial Sect.” He paused, before continuing. “Yet, with that prodigious mind and learning speed, as well as the peculiar Type X nature of his style, I’m sure every Martial Sect would clamor for him.”

“Considering this, would it not be wise to educate them about these matters immediately so that they can be better prepared?” Kyrie inquired, concerned.

“His Honour the Grandmaster has forbidden such measures.” Headmaster Aronian shook his head. “He is strongly against inculcation of political education within the Martial Academy. These are no more than stains and impurities to the purpose of the Martial Academies in His Honour’s view. The Martial Academy is an institution whose one and only purpose is to produce Martial Apprentices and Martial Squires, nothing more and nothing less.”

Squire Kyrie sighed inwardly, biting back a retort. It was one thing to express distaste to Martial politics. It was another thing to express disrespect to a legendary Martial Sage. Even Headmaster Aronian alone was a Martial Artist two whole realms above her, thankfully his easygoing personality made interactions with him comfortable, otherwise he could apply immense pressure on her mind through his concentration alone, if he wanted.

“Well, I’ve received your report, good work, keep an eye on those two and continue reporting. You may leave.” Headmaster Aronian dismissed her.

“Yes headmaster.” She bowed before taking her leave.

Headmaster Aronian stroked his beard as the door closed, deep in thought. The fact that that two Martial Apprentices could force a Squire to use a Squire-level technique of their Martial Art, particularly a Martial Squire as powerful and experienced as Squire Kyrie, was not a small matter. The Martial Sects hungered and lusted for fresh blood. Although His Honour Grandmaster Sage Damian had forged an accord between the Martial Academies and the Sects that prohibited inculcation and indoctrination of Martial students of the Martial Academy into their Martial Sects, this was not absolute. Although Martial Sage Damian was a powerful and influential Martial Sage, the dominant Martial Sects were led by equally powerful Martial Sages.

The almost unprecedented incident of two fourteen-year-old Martial Apprentices forcing Kyrie to use a Squire-level technique through a combination of powerful techniques and brilliant tactics was sure to reach their ears and direct their attention towards his Academy.

“Well, nothing bad should happen. But still… I hope they don’t cross any lines.”