The Martial Unity

Master Zentra wasn't done. "We usually reach out to these groups, sects, communities, and societies to conduct Martial Art exchanges with them, similar to what you did with the G'ak'arkan Tribe. However, is very unusual that we are able to obtain all of their secrets, heritages, and ethnic Martial Art. Meaning, it is quite possible for you to gain Martial Art techniques from them that you wouldn't find anywhere else in the world."

This definitely caught his attention. "I see…That does sound interesting."

He had learned some useful techniques from the G'ak'arkan Tribe that went on to become the basis of grade-ten techniques that he created. There was no denying the value of techniques of a field from a group who had dedicated their entirety to said field, along with their ancestors.

"And just to be clear," Rui glanced up at the Martial Master warily. "There are no duties or responsibilities that come with this, correct?"

"Correct," The man nodded. "So you won't take it away if I don't do anything?"

"We won't," Master Zentra confirmed. "The only way we would take it back is if you become hostile to the Martial Union."

"I see…" Rui considered the matter, before nodding. "Alright then. I'll accept this."

He didn't think he was going to use it any time soon, of course. He had just returned to the Martial Union and had already gotten involved with the matters of the nation to a small extent. This was an important phase that he didn't want to be away from for the time being.

Rui glanced at Master Zentra expectantly for his next reward, who simply stared at Rui.

"…We have also decided to present you with this," Master Zentra said.

He pushed forward a small device with a small screen on it that read '100:00:00'

"One hundred hours of the time of Martial Masters," Master Zentra explained to him. "Martial Masters in the Martial Union sometimes sell their time to the Martial Union in exchange for certain exclusive and elite high-level services and resources. You can purchase a total of hundred hours of the time of Martial Masters of the Martial Union."

This was a rather surprising revelation. Though it shouldn't have been, in hindsight. Still, it certainly wasn't something that Rui had expected the Martial union would just give him as a part of the rewards for the Hungry Pain technique.

"I see…" Rui murmured. "So I can purchase the one hundred hours of the time of any Martial Master?"

"That's not how it works," Master Zentra shook his head. "You can purchase a total of hundreds hours from the hours that Martial Masters have sold to the Martial Union. Some have sold only one, while others have sold hundreds. You can purchase only a hundred in total from a list that you can access any time."

"Interesting," Rui smiled, amused. "For the record, any Martial Artist can do that," Master Zentra informed him. "You already had a reputation for being a great trainer even as a Martial Squire. As the youngest Senior, there are those who would be willing to pay a lot to purchase your time."

"I'll have to decline from going that route," Rui shook his head. "My time is far too precious for any number of Martial Credits, honestly."

"As you wish," Master Zentra nodded. "That brings us to an end to your remuneration."

Rui's expression fell. "Is that it?"

Master Zentra heaved a sigh. "Yes."

"Shame," Rui murmured. "Well then, I appreciate the generous rewards. I am glad to see that the Martial Union truly does value my contribution. Since our business has concluded, I shall be on my way."

"Before you go. I would like to offer you an invitation." Master Zentra remarked, taking out an envelope from a locked drawer.

"Invitation?" Rui turned around. "If it's about whatever Martial Sect you're a part of then I'll have to decli-"

Rui paused when he saw the crest of the royal family on the seal of the envelope. "You may decline it if you want, but I would not recommend that," Master Zentra informed Rui with a more serious tone. "His Highness Prince Raijun wishes to speak to you."

Rui glanced back between the letter and the Martial Master. He was taken aback, but this revelation wasn't too surprising considering that Prince Raijun had gained a solid chunk of the support from the Martial Union.

That meant that the probability that he run into a Martial Master who was a part of his faction was actually quite high. "I presume that means you are a Martial Supremacist?" Rui inquired.

Master Zentra shook his head. "You don't need to be a Martial Supremacist to support His Highness. You just need to be a Martial Artist. Out of all the seven prime candidates for ruler, only one of them is fighting for the interests of Martial Artists. It is common sense for Martial Artists to support the Martial Prince, it is unfortunate that too many do not realize that."

Rui did not entirely agree with that sentiment, but he was not interested in having a philosophical or political debate with the Martial Master. "His Highness is quite impressed and appreciative of you," Master Zentra revealed. "He is willing to make offers that he would not make to any other Martial Senior, I promise you. He was quite amazed by your presentation and the fact that you were able to come up with such an incredible technique that has greatly aided the Martial Union. Along with your other colorful feats and accomplishments, he was willing to give you a position in the faction that is normally reserved only for Martial Masters. More than anything, he wishes to speak to you."

"I see…" Rui remarked. "Well, I suppose I can at least offer to hear His Highness out. When can I meet with the prince?"

"Today, of course," Master Zentra replied. "His Highness had prepared some time for you today looking forward to speaking to you after your presentation was done, there is a Royal carriage waiting to take you to meet His Highness. We have also prepared a grooming team to ensure that you are fit to be in the presence of a member of the Royal Family in Royal Palace of South Mantia."