The Martial Unity

Not a single person spectating was unperturbed.

One moment, Rui was on the verge of defeat.

The very next moment he successfully lands his trump card on Kane, inflicting serious damage with Stinger!

They all gaped in amazement.

How did Rui land that attack on Kane at all?

No one understood.

The sheer manner in which he landed the attack made it absolutely clear it wasn't dumb luck. That was absolutely impossible.

Furthermore, with the way Rui was running around the ring aggressively, it was clear that he was chasing Kane.

What had changed?

Did he develop a new way to sense Kane in the middle of the fight?

"No... That's impossible." Fae murmured. "But... that means he was able to sense Kane... from the very start?"

Her eyes flew wide open in amazement.

This revelation was unbelievable!

But what amazed her even more was that instead of using this from the very start and hounding after Kane, he held it in as a trump card and used it at the very right moment and place. If Fae was able to sense Kane she would not have used it in such a manner, she would likely have abused it from the very start and tried her very best to get a hit in on Kane.

This is what most of them would have done. None of them would have allowed themselves to get bullied by Kane ever if they could avoid it.

Yet Rui not only allowed himself to get bullied by Kane, but even used to his advantage to create an opening against Kane and gain a huge advantage.

The blood drops scattered across the entire floor was testament to Rui's to this!

The only person to inflict a wound on Kane was Nel, and that was a minor wound that was born largely out of raw physical prowess and luck rather than the quality of his decision making.

Now, Rui was winning!

He chased and chased and chased.

He wasn't particularly bothered by the fact that his attacks still missed and he hadn't touched Kane since the Stinger and blow immediately after.

He knew that as long as he didn't blunder, it was only a matter of time. Kane was no Milliana who would have been able to drag on the fight even in his condition forever until Rui ran out of gas.

Kane began flickering in and out of everyone's vision.

The wound was taking its toll.

Rui was also taking his toll by forcing him to go all-out with his speed. It was not easy maintaining top speed along with the Void Step. And it had become ten-fold harder with pain and blood loss.

Soon, the odds snowballed against Kane.

Pain, incapacitation and exhaustion had begun exacting their toll.

POW

Rui landed his third strike on Kane as he slipped up on Void Step technique.

The jab struck his nose just barely, but the immediate pain and disorientation that came from it collapsed his concentration on the Void Step technique complete.

BOOM!

Moment later, a powerful Flowing Canon crashed into his wound, causing him excruciating pain. Kane was not a defensive fighter, the Flowing Canon attack ravaged his arm.

Rui had used Blink and Phantom Step to land the strike in his disoriented state. This caused even more disorientation, especially when he wasn't a defensive fighter.

It had snowballed too much.

BAM BAM BAM

It was over.

Kane collapsed, unconscious.

He didn't move.

Everyone was shocked. Many people had already written Kane as the representative of the Academy. His ability was simply too perverse.

Yet Rui overcame him with a brilliant tactic as well as formidable sensory prowess!

This outcome made one thing very clear to all of them.

Rui Quarrier now held the position of the strongest!

Although there were several close shaves, ultimately, he had a perfect win streak.

Seventy-eight victories.

Zero draws.

Zero losses.

Not a single person could avoid losing to him!

"Winner; Apprentice Rui Quarrier!" The supervisor declared loudly, his voice echoing across the silent facility.

Rui closed his eyes, exhaling.

He had arrived.

The profound weight of the realization reverberated through his entire being. He absorbed the impact, the waves of ecstasy and relief, as well as the excitement of participating in the Martial Contest.

He would represent the Hajin branch of the Martial Academy in one of the highest levels of contest. He would go on to face fifteen of the best Martial Apprentices in his entire generation!

He quivered slightly. He was unable to contain his excitement!

The other fifteen representatives of the remaining Martial Academies were also among the very best of their Academies.

What kind of monsters would Rui run into? What kind of Martial Art would these Martial Artists practice?

Would he be able to win?

He wanted to know.

He wanted to find out.

He clenched his fist, controlling himself.

"Fuuu..." He exhaled, calming down. He waited patiently as the medical team healed Kane. He didn't want to leave without his friend.

"Hmm..." He groaned as his eyes opened, disoriented. "Wha...?"

"Hey." Rui drew his attention to himself.

"Rui...?" Kane's eyes flashed as he immediately recalled what had happened.

"Ah..." An expression of relief and gratitude flashed across his face. "Congratulations, and thanks."

"Don't mention it." Rui dismissed. "How are you feeling?"

"Groggy." He said, getting up. "Man, that last combo hurt like hell."

"Heh, thanks." Rui smirked. "I enjoyed finally punishing you after you bullied me the entire fight."

"Jerk." Kane grumbled, but his smile betrayed his emotions. He was truly happy, and truly proud. For the first time, he was actually excited for the Martial Contest.

The two bantered as they met up with their friends.

Rui was immediately bombarded with a flurry of earnest congratulating wishes.

"Thanks guys." Rui smiled. "Much appreciated, really."

Suddenly, a voice called out to him.

"Apprentice Rui Quarrier?" A staff member called out to him.

"Hm?" Rui turned to her.

"The headmaster has summoned you." She informed him. "Please head to the Headmaster's office immediately."