The Martial Unity

Rui shrugged. “That’s a long story.”

She smiled at him expectantly. “We have a long time together.”

Rui stirred. It was true.

They had only each other, after all. There wasn’t much to do while they traveled from nation to nation.

“Well…” he began thoughtfully. “My Martial Path originated from another world. You see, once upon a time, there was a martial artist who went by the name Bruce Lee…”

He began to narrate the story of John Falken.

How he had been deeply moved by Bruce Lee. How it caused him to pursue research into combat sports due to his inability to pursue martial arts. And how he had spent half of his life on Project Water before dying.

“And then…I woke up in this world,” Rui replied as his tone grew darker, “believing that I was the same person who had died just a moment ago. Believing that my soul, this wisp of energy and information, has transmigrated into this world. I spent most of my life believing that, until…”

His fists clenched. “Until the Divine Doctor identified my past life through signs of soul transference ritual,” his eyes narrowed. “It shattered me and everything I believe about myself.”

It was the second time he was telling her the story.

The first time, he had simply conveyed information relevant to her to inform her about the nature of her own condition.

This time, however, he bore his heart out to her. He described the sheer horror he experienced at the realization that someone had performed a horrific and cruel act on him by implanting someone else’s entire life into him and convincing him that he was that person.

Her expression grew painful, as though she could experience the agony of the wound that had still yet to heal.

CLASP

She wrapped her arms around him in a warm embrace.

“I can’t have imagined how that felt,” she whispered. “How it must still feel.”

She had been shaken about the origin of her memories despite only believing they were hers for a few days. She truly couldn’t begin to imagine how he must have felt having his entire identity shattered after believing in it for thirty-five years.

He pulled her into a loving embrace, feeling her warmth, her sweet scent, and her beating heart.

Everything about her made his heart stir.

He found himself gazing deep into her eyes.

At that moment, he couldn’t imagine loving anything more than he did her.

Their faces drew closer as their lips gently met in a connection of passion and affection.

It was the most heartwarming sensation that he had ever experienced in his life.

It lasted for a mere moment, and yet, it felt like an eternity.

Her cheeks flushed red as they drew away from each other, turning away as she continued on with the journey.

“…We mustn’t waste time,” her voice betrayed the emotion she felt in her heart. “What was our next destination again?”

“…The Nest of Terra.”

She threw a bashful, blushing glance before turning away from him. “…We should get going.”

A small smile emerged on his face.

“I suppose we should.”

He caught up to her as the two of them continued on in silence.

“What’s the Nest of Terra like?” she asked him with a soft tone.

He gazed at her with warm eyes. “…It’s a pretty unique place. After all…”

His tone grew thoughtful. “It is the largest subterranean civilization in all of humanity.”

“So I’ve heard,” she murmured as the sparkle of curiosity returned to her eyes. “I wonder if I will remember anything there.”

“I’m sure you will,” Rui replied. “The Nest of Terra is among the most populated nations in the entire world, with nearly one billion people. On top of that, although nobody has gained a full understanding of just how deep their underground nest is, it is said to be one of the single largest human establishments in area and volume. That large a population and underground civilization is not built easily. There’s no doubt it was around even when they were visited by the Martial.”

The Nest of Terra was one of the oldest nations in the world. It was said to have been built long, long ago, shortly after the Empty Ages concluded a thousand years ago, taking many centuries of construction to reach its current magnitude and vastness, enveloping a massive amount of distance underground.

She nodded, growing immersed with interest. “I wonder why they constructed an entire civilization underground.”

“It was because back then, the Beast Domain was just at their borders,” Rui explained. “Back then, the Beast Domain stretched all the way to the Great Maelorian Mountain Range, reaching the Trenchhill Valley where the Nest of Terra is situated. It is said that in order to escape dragon attacks and other skyborne predators, the Terra people sought to hide within the depths of the protective embrace of Gaia, building downwards where they couldn’t be hunted very easily by avian predators.”

“And they lived happily ever after?” her smile brightened. “I love stories that end well.”

“It did end quite well for them,” Rui smiled at her warmly. “They went on to become fourteen Sage-level powerhouses. Even now, amidst the Beast Incursion, they have suffered the least casualties and disruptions and are among the most secure Sage-level powerhouses after the Kandrian Empire.”

“I can’t wait to meet them,” her voice was as bright as the sun. “I wonder what kind of people they are. I wonder what kind of civilization they are. I wonder what kind of philosophy they harbor.”

“I wonder what kind of Martial Art they have,” Rui’s eyes lit up with deep interest and fascination. “I bet it’s something really unique that is very rare and special.”

“Is Martial Art the only thing you’re interested in?” she pouted.

“Yes,” his tone was amused. “Though… these days, I have come to harbor interest in a person as well.”

Her smile grew crooked with bashful embarrassment. “Hmph, tell me more about the Nest of Terra.”

“As you wish, dear Amare,” he smirked at her endearing reaction. The two of them continued their journey as they approached their next destination.

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