The Martial Unity

“As promised, Prince Rui, the sum of six trillion dollars,” President Amelia smiled perfunctorily. “We appreciate your services and your contributions to the Republic of Gorteau.”

She handed him an especially fancy-looking cheque tucked inside an even fancier envelope.

“Thank you for the payment, Madam President,” Rui smiled back. “I will be sure to put this to good use.”

The two of them spoke a little longer about relating matters as Rui had to suppress the impatience that he was experiencing at that moment with all his will. He didn’t want to give himself away, after all.

He politely nodded and tagged along with the conversation for however long it was to last until it finally ended.

“Well then, Prince Rui,” she got up. “I am afraid we will have to conclude our talks. I have too many matters to attend to, and I’m sure that the same is true for you. It has been a pleasure speaking with you.”

Rui went about his way merrily after bidding her goodbye, leaving the President to her own devices. The birth of many dozens of new Masters truly changed all her plans and strategies. She could now go for more ambitious strategies in dealing with the Beast Incursion.

Additionally, she was itching to test the efficacy that the Dawnbringer imparted to all their Masters. That was especially something that needed to be measured as soon as possible in order for them to be able to incorporate the variable into their future plans.

Her government had already begun working on modeling the impact of the Hellbringer on the Republic of Gorteau’s defenses against the beasts and monsters, and it was one of the most important things that needed to be addressed immediately.

Rui, on the other hand, didn’t waste a single minute dilly-dallying after his meeting with the president.

He swiftly shot through the skies of Gorteau with a wide grin on his face.

His destination was the Martial Consortium headquarters of the Republic of Gorteau, a consortium formed by the mercenary groups, guilds, and individual Martial Artists within the nation that served as the lobby platform through which the Martial community lobbied for their interests.

He shot through the sky like a bullet, leaving countless sonic booms in his wake as he ran straight through to his destination. Once he got closer, he activated Greater Phantomind Void, having upgraded the image in his mind from Master Uma to a Martial Sage. He even momentarily activated his Martial Mind and Megamind, juicing up the technique immensely.

It wasn’t long before he stealthily entered the Martial Consortium towards a pre-arranged meeting room.

CLACK

He opened the door, entering a large conference room.

Twelve Martial Sages sat at the table at the very center of the room, glancing at him expectantly.

Sage Carlson Delm, the Predator.

Sage Milvena Martin, the Dark Queen.

Sage Winchester Wilfrey, the Rampaging Behemoth.

Sage Dilian Siekens, the Adamant Apostate.

Sage Morgan Lynes, the Deity of Desolation.

Sage Liana Merson, the Eye of Ecstasy.

Sage Denver Lemmins, the Iron Imp.

Sage Williamson, the Puppeteer.

Sage Niala Niel, the Premeditator.

Sage Kolson Kingsworth, the Spear of Deceit.

Sage Fabiano Caruana, the Titan of Theory.

Sage Melwiana Cenk, the Maiden of Mischief.

They sat around the table, garbed in crisp business and formal attire unlike any other Martial Sage Rui had ever seen. While other Martial Sages in other nations tended to wear attires that reflected their Martial identity, the Martial Sages of Gorteau were entirely comfortable emphasizing their identities as businessmen and businesswomen.

Rui smirked, raising the envelope in his hand. “I got it.”

All twelve Martial Sages were inordinately pleased to see the cheque. “Let’s flesh out the agreement then.”

Rui had previously informed the Martial Sages of the Martial Association of his intentions, and much to his relief, they were entirely on board.

These fellows truly didn’t give a shit as long as they got money.

As long as Rui procured the funds they demanded, he would get the opportunity to negotiate a deal with all of them.

“The agreement is rather simple,” Rui explained as he took a seat at the table. “Join the Sage- level task force and adhere to the directives that the task force receives. Aid human civilization by eliminating the quasi-Transcendent beasts and monsters in the Central Highlands of the Beast Domain.”

The Martial Sages exchanged glances. “We do not know the details of what the directives are going to be.”

Rui shrugged. “Be that as it may, I’m offering a whopping five hundred billion dollars per head for this particular mission. I know for a fact that even by the standards of premium Sage commissions, that is a truly large sum of money. I will even throw in my Hellbringer model to reduce the difficulty of the mission. There really is no reason to refuse.”

“It is true that the sum of the money is large, but the value of currency is more uncertain in times of crises and apocalypse,” Sage Willamson replied. “With inflation hitting nine percent, this money’s value will diminish.”

“That is true, but it is also true that you can invest and hold the capital in just about any way you wish,” Rui shrugged. “In addition to the fact that you won’t get a better deal for your services. It makes me wonder just how much the Gorteaun government is paying for your defensive efforts. Although it sorely needs it, there is also the fact that you, too, need to protect the Republic of Gorteau in your own interests to protect your assets and your financial empires in this nation. This allows the Republic of Gorteau to get away with underpaying you for your services, does it not?”

The expressions on their faces darkened at his words.

In just moments, Rui effortlessly dissected their financial and political outlook.

“I, on the other hand, am being more than generous with my commission and am able to reduce the difficulty of the operation, and I increase your bargaining power with President Amelia since you now have powerful alternatives,” Rui smirked. “Does it get better than

this?”

The twelve Sages heaved resigned sighs. “You drive a hard bargain, Dawnbringer.”

Rui smiled. “So, what do you say?”

They exchanged glances, turning back to him.

“Deal.”