The Martial Unity

“Oh Ian?” Fiona laughed. “Ignore him, but be careful, he’s really mad at you for beating him in the Martial Contest last year.”

“I can tell.” Rui sighed.

“By the way.” Fiona turned to him.”You’re much stronger than you were a year ago, but you feel very weak, like a normal human, what’s that about?”

“Ah… That’s a mental technique I use to reduce my presence and danger so that normal humans don’t get affected by me even if I don’t maintain my emotions perfectly.” Rui explained.

“Oh? Fiona’s eyes flashed with curiosity. “How does that work?”

The two bantered for a bit before another individual entered the dispatch facility.

“Martial Apprentices, gather around.”All of you are those who have, both  applied for one of the two two squads of the dungeon team and all of you have been accepted for the respective roles.”

“I am commissioner Feristen of the Martial Union in charge of the commission. I will be breaking down the mission for all of you once more.”

He projected an image on a wall before gesturing at it. “The initial one percent core sovereign territory that every nation posses that cannot be infringed via mutual agreement is something that can be done with choice. Rest assured, the choice will be made by experts who will be part of the dungeon team who will carefully make the decision based off of the positions chosen by the smaller and weaker states as well as the largest and most powerful states that will make life easier for all of you.”

Rui nodded. It made no sense to leave such a strategic militaristic decision in the hands of laymen like Martial Artists. Rui was not arrogant enough to believe that his previous life’s memories and other cognitive advantages would somehow magically make him an expert in the field of militaristic strategy.

“Once you safely escort the dungeon team into and through the Serevian Plateau until you reach the Serevian Dungeon, you will escort and protect the dungeon team to the coordinates of the location chosen by the strategic department. Then you will form an perimeter around the dungeon team on hih alert as they begin the base formation.” He paused.

“Once that occurs, the defensive squad will engage in standard location protection missions protective protocols, while the assault squad will begin engaging in expansion and seizing of territory. The variables will vary and you will be expected to consult the strategic department on the assaults conducted.” The commissioner nodded. “The nature of the mission is such that very little can be concretely said beyond what I already have. The mission will commence in eighteen hours, be sure to be at this dispatch facility by then. It is recommended you finish all your paperwork well before then. You’ll be meeting up with the dungeon team as soon as the mission commences. And with that, I bid all of you good luck. Perform well, and you may earn some extra bonuses.”

He nodded before promptly exiting the dispatch facility.

The Martial Apprentices followed the commissioner’s words as they filled in the paperwork before leaving.

“You’re not planning on going back to Hajin right?” Fiona asked.

“No. It would be pointless to go back only to come back half a day later.” Rui shook his head.

“Then do you want to come over to my place?” Fiona asked she threw a side eye at him.

Rui met her gaze as he contemplated her offer, before shrugging. “Alright, thanks for the offer.”

“Yay.” She grinned before dragging him by the arm, much to his surprise.

Once they exited the office of the Martial Union, she waved to an extravagant horse-pulled carriage with the emblem of the Roschem Family stopped right before them.

“Er…miss , who might this be?” A maid from within asked once she saw the hand of a young man in hers.

“He’s now a guest of the Roschem Manor.” She declared.

“…Very well, miss.” The maid relented.

“Get in.” She told him as she hopped in herself, patting the seat next to her.

“Are you sure this is ok?” Rui asked, scratching his head.

“It will be fine, let’s go.” Fiona insisted, giggling.

Rui sighed as he got in, sitting beside her. Soon, the carriage began moving.

“You know…” She began. “That last fight we had was unlike any other fight I’ve ever had in my life.”

“Oh?” Rui asked, raising an eye. “Why do you say that?”

“I never had too much of a strong ambition for any one particular thing. But after seeing how far you’re willing to persevere for the sake of pursuing your Martial Art… I got a little curious, you see.” She continued, as she turned to face him. “I wonder what pursuing your Martial Path really feels like.”

In that moment, Rui felt as though she had actually matured a lot since he last spoke with her when they ate dinner together.

“That’s good to hear.” Rui nodded. “Have you named your Martial Art yet?”

“No. Why?” Fiona asked.

“Just curious.” Rui replied. (‘So she hasn’t yet made much progress on the individuality of her Martial Art.’)

This wasn’t particularly unexpected after all. She was still only a somewhat carefree sixteen-year-old. Even Kane hadn’t named his Martial Art yet because he hadn’t developed enough individuality yet. Although he did fulfill the other condition of Squire Candidacy; maturity.

“Well, you have enough time. Just make sure you remain true to your Martial Path, always.” Rui added.

“That sounds like something an old man would say.” Fiona noted.

“It’s just your imagination.”

“Is it?”

“It’s actually something the headmaster of my Martial Academy branch, Headmaster Aronian had told me. His wise words had truly helped me through some trying and difficult times.”

“Really?” She peered at him suspiciously.

“Really.” He laughed awkwardly.

The two bantered until they finally reached the Roschem Residence.

“And this is my home.” She waved at her home.

“Wow.” Rui cooed. This is going to be good.”