The Martial Unity

He had experienced the difference in power in nearly every fight that he had in the Senior Realm and most fights he had in the Squire Realm. His raw physicality was holding him back since he hadn't cultivated his raw power over extended periods of time.

He was definitely open to getting some treat to amplify his raw power.

He also learned why the difference in Martial Body didn't seem to exist between Martial Artists of vastly differing generations.

It was because they employed expensive solutions to close the gap, according to the revelation of Master Zentra. It made sense that he had never heard of this before. Especially if they were highly rare and valued.

While the Martial Body was the most ubiquitous and mass-producible means of empowerment, it was not the only one.

However, only those who were worthy of these resources would gain access to them. The Martial Union was interested in maintaining the strength of Martial Art, that meant wisely allocating limited and strategic resources. Ensuring that older and more accomplished Martial Artists didn't fall behind the younger generations as far as their Martial Body went.

"I will most certainly be partaking in these resources," Rui remarked as he read through the details of what they offered. "It is much appreciated."

"There were some who opposed giving you this reward, citing its scarcity. Despite there being only one hundred and fifty three Martial Masters in the Kandrian Empire, we do not have the resources available to ensure that their Martial Body would not fall behind the times," Master Zentra noted. "…Are you saying I was chosen at a Martial Master's expense?" Rui's eyes widened. "To a certain extent, yes," Master Zentra confirmed. "Consider it to be a token of our appreciation if you. While your Martial power as a Senior greatly pales in comparison to even the weakest Martial Master in this empire, in our experience, your endless potential is worth investing in. We would be just as aggrieved at losing you as we would one of our Martial Masters."

"You flatter me…" Rui shook his head before returning to the list of potions and pills with greedy eyes. "I will be sure to put these to good use.

Master Zentra nodded. "You may take your time going through everything we have offered in your time and inform the Martial Union of your decision, it will be handled smoothly. Moving on to some of your next rewards."

He placed a card on the table, pushing it towards Rui. [Senior Martial Ambassador]

Rui's eyebrows rose. "This…"

"The Martial Union has a Martial heirarchy of authority and rank that is parallel to the administrative and executive heirarchy," Master Zentra informed him. "These usually entail the same authority with none of the duties and responsibilities. We usually do this to ensure that these is always some Martial Artist oversight in all departments and levels."

Rui nodded, recalling Master Ceeran being in a similar role back when he was a Martial Senior.

"In this case, we have decided to bestow you with position of Senior Martial Ambassador despite your status as an external member," Master Zentra informed him. "This is a great honor, and shows the trust and credibility that you have cultivated, as well as your competence as a diplomat."

Rui's expression didn't so much in shift, but inwardly he was already scorning. "…What are the benefits to being a Senior Martial Ambassador? So far it sounds like a lot of complications without anything to be gained for me."

Thus far, it only sounded like the Martial Union was using it to try and rope Rui into their circle. In fact, he was certain that that was one of the goals with trying to give hime this fancy position.

His value was too high to be left to any other faction or bloc in the Kandrian Empire. The Martial Union had grown dissatisfied with his refusal to enter their ranks. Naturally, they couldn't force him. A Martial Senior partner being intimidated and forced into their ranks by the Martial Union would be a scandal that would ruin their reputation and credibility.

Especially when so many people had their eyes on Rui.

Making him a senior ambassador was a good way to pull him into their circle without actually doing it.

"I was getting to that. We have learned about some of your…exploits during your time away through our internal investigation," Master Zentra informed him. "That with the gains you made during your time as a diplomat on Vilun Island and the G'ak'arkan Tribe have led us to believe that you are a Martial Artist who grows from environmental stimulation, is that correct?"

Rui couldn't deny it. He made much more progress traveling from place to place, being exposed to new and fresh environments than he did sitting in one place, especially if he ran into hurdles and challenges amidst his pursuits.

"Then I believe you will find this to be quite useful," Master Zentra pushed the card towards Rui. "This allows you to access the confidential data of our outreach program and partnerships. You may think that the situation with the G'ak'arkan Tribe was unique. But this is a situation that the Martial Union is quite familiar with. There are many more isolated groups, sects, and societies centered around Martial Art with unique philosophies and different paradigms. They have their own specialties and Martial cultures that are quite different from the continental standard. This world is far too large for there to be widespread uniformity."

He glanced at the Senior Ambassador card. "What we are offering is a way for you to easily gain access to them and visit them as a visiting ambassador of the Martial Union. You won't be expected to carry out any duties, and you may rely on the name of the Martial Union to sort any issues that occur. There, you can train and learn in their ways if you so please."

Rui's eyes lit up with interest at this offer.

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