The Martial Unity

“I look forward to this alliance, Emperor Rael,” said an elderly man garbed in an ostentatious aristocratic robe and wearing a crown. “I look forward with great anticipation to the mutual prosperity of the nation of Selizantar and the Kandrian Empire for many years to come. May the great Almighty bless both our lands and our people.”

Opposite to him was a projection of a smiling Emperor Rael.

“I share your sentiment, King Aramon. I, too, believe in the immense potential of this powerful and far-reaching alliance. I am certain that the future for both our nations is bright.”

On the table were two stacks of sheets-copies of the treaty between both nations, each bearing the signatures of the two rulers. One for the Kandrian Empire and one for its most recent ally, the Selizantar Kingdom, a Sage-level nation and highly coveted agricultural powerhouse.

“And now that we have formally entered into an arrangement with the Kandrian Empire…” King Aramon began with a pointed tone. “I presume that we can expect reinforcements very soon? Our treaty specifies a certain brief timeframe after the signing of the contract within which they need to be here to protect our nation from the wrath of the enemy alliance.” Emperor Rael smiled. “They have just arrived, according to my reports. Three Martial Sages and twenty-five Martial Masters, including the one and only Harbinger, one of the most powerful Masters that the Kandrian Empire possesses.”

“Hohoho, to think that you sent them ahead of time to arrive at Selizantar just in time for the formal signing of our treaties.” King Aramon laughed with relief. “Your diligence is reassuring.”

“Rest assured that the nation of Selizantar is in good protection,” Emperor Rael informed him. “Once the war is over, we will begin the roll-out of all our promises and commitments, as the contract specifies. As much as I’d love to do it amidst the war, doing so would actually cause a deprivation of resources that could lead to our defeat. Thus, I hope you understand and will be patient.”

Specifically, Rui wouldn’t be able to participate in the war if he had to run around East Panama, nation after nation, triggering breakthroughs. It also opened him up to attacks en route.

Thus, the fulfillment of the promise of breakthroughs was something that had to wait.

King Aramon directed a knowing look at Emperor Rael. “If not for the fact that you have an extraordinary track record of credibility and trustworthiness, I would have never agreed to an agreement so rife with opportunities to exploit us. I hope that you will do well with us once the war is over.”

Emperor Rael’s expression grew serious. “I swear on the great name of Kandria that I will do right by not just the nation of Selizantar but all our allies. That is my blood oath and pact.”

King Aramon nodded, apparently satisfied. “I look forward to our eventual victory against the East Panamic Treaty Alliance.”

“It is all but inevitable, King Aramon.” Emperor Rael’s tone was confident and certain.

Soon enough, the call ended, leaving King Aramon in his thoughts.

He didn’t distrust the Kandrian Empire, but he wasn’t entirely comfortable with an agreement that was as one-sided as the one that he had just signed with the Kandrian Empire. Until the Kandrian Empire won the war, the nation of Selizantar was obligated to provide military aid to protect the Kandrian Empire whenever the Emperor of Harmony asked for it. Only after complete victory was achieved would the Kandrian Empire finally focus all its efforts on fulfilling its many tall promises.

It was truly absurd when one zoomed out and looked at not only how one-sided the agreements were but also how many nations had agreed to them, giving the Kandrian Empire so much potential to exploit and deceive their new allies.

“…However, the Emperor of Harmony will not destroy the immaculate track record and reputation that he has built over three centuries.” King Aramon shook his head. “Thus, unless we are given some reason to disregard that, such as a deep blemish on that track record, there is no doubt whatsoever that the Emperor of Harmony will adhere to the treaty that we have signed right down to the very T. Just as he did by sending reinforcements with perfect timing.”

He glanced at his comms device that detailed a brief report on the carriages belonging to both the Kandrian Empire and the Martial Union. He immediately departed the King’s Citadel, escorted by four Masters.

It wasn’t too long before he found himself before the Martial reinforcements from the Martial Union.

“As the King of Selizantar, I welcome you to our nation,” he began with a courteous smile. “I am relieved and grateful for your aid to Selizantar. We truly need all the Martial power we can get to protect ourselves from the wrath of the East Panamic Treaty Alliance.”

“It is our obligation and duty, Your Majesty.” The Flickering Elder smiled adorably. “We will work hard to protect this beautiful nation of yours.”

King Aramon was momentarily taken aback by the sight of the small girl who stood between two other Sages.

She couldn’t be more than eight years old.

Yet, he could sense a power that could belong to a Martial Sage.

This was the famed Flickering Elder, the co-leader and co-founder of the Lightning Sect. Beside her was a lethargic man who looked like he wanted nothing more than to catch some sleep and a drunk woman who reeked of alcohol.

He was not exactly sure what to make of these… interesting Sages.

Behind them were twenty-five more conventional Martial Masters, led by a short-haired woman with a devious smile and a dark heart.

The Harbinger.

The sight of her reassured King Aramon.

The Sage-level battles were not absolutely deadly serious. The enemy Sages mostly focused on drawing the defending Sages away from the home nation. Of course, they also fought to kill them after they were drawn away, but the main goal was to draw them away. It was the Masters who would actually protect the borders of the nation from the enemy Masters that tried to sneak in.

Thus, the presence of one of the strongest Masters in all of East Panama meant that his nation was certainly safe.