The Martial Unity

"My fellow Masters," Master Krakule managed to squeeze even as he was bombarded by four Martial Masters. "As warriors of Kandria, we ought not to fight amongst each other. What is the meaning of this? Cease this violence and speak with your words, not your Martial Art."

His Martial Embodiment disappeared as the bloody visage of his body became blatantly visible.

The other four Martial Embodiments also froze, before slowly fading away.

Yet the atmosphere grew more perilous.

The homing missile launcher faded away, revealing the identity of the Martial Master.

"Master Ceeran?" Rui whispered with shock, instantly recognizing him.

Yet the man didn't regard him.

Pure perilous rage erupted from him.

It washed over the entirety of the Daracol Region.

Every critter, every beast, every man and woman alike despaired at the wrath of a being that had ascended to a higher state of life.

A single whisper escaped his mouth.

"How dare you…"

His expression crumpled with rage.

"HOW DARE YOU?!" Master Ceeran bellowed, glaring at Master Krakule with bloodlust.

"You will answer for your transgression," Master Vericita coldly informed Master Krakule, emerging from the wisps of her withdrawn Martial Embodiment.

"As Martial Masters of the Martial Union, it is our duty to guide the future, not snuff it." Headmaster Aronian sternly informed the Martial Master.

"Now now," Master Zentra calmly interjected. "Let us hear what he has to say to defend himself.

The four Martial Masters stared at Master Krakule intently.

"Hmph," He snorted. "Is that what this is about? Do you think I attacked the boy with my Martial Mind? And he's still alive for some reason? Don't insult me."

"Your hand was pointed out at him," The Surgeon replied. "Which, knowing your Martial Art, is no different from pointing a sword at a person. On top of that, your Martial Embodiment was in full blaze, and the boy was severely damaged, and missing a hand. On top of that, you arbitrarily registered yourself as his combat partner for some reason. Tell me, what are we supposed to conclude?"

"I did not attack him. I was sparring with him with power limited to the Lower Realms. He managed to overcome a losing battle with a brilliant tactical gambit and defeated me, for all practical purposes. Truly an incredible Martial Senior."

"Is that true, my boy?" Headmaster Aronian glanced at Rui behind who was being tended to by Master Vericita retrieved his severed arm and had reattached it with a potent high-grade healing potion."

"Yes, headmaster," Rui heaved a sigh. "That is the truth. He never attacked me with the intent to kill, otherwise I would be dead right now."

"Just using your true power in a battle against a Martial Senior is highly inappropriate, especially when you gave your word otherwise," Master Vericita coldly pointed out.

"Hah," The man snorted. "You're all softies. It pains to witness this, get out of my territory if you have nothing else."

He turned towards Rui one last time. "Consider my words carefully, boy."

He closed his eyes, turning to leave the skies, heading back to the Daracol base.

Rui wasn't sure he would call any of the Martial Masters present 'softies', even Master Vericita who had taken to patting Rui's head affectionately.

"It appeared that we may have acted a bit too hastily," The Surgeon remarked.

"I disagree," Master Ceeran snorted. "We should not let this go. As Martial Masters, we are expected to have control over our power, he definitely used his power on purpose."

"It certainly was worth intervening regardless," Headmaster Aronian calmly remarked. "We have been blessed with a bright young star. Allowing it to be snuffed because of a prideful Martial Master is the height of imprudence and carelessness."

"Indeed," Master Vericita smiled, patting Rui's head gently.

"I appreciate your aid, Your Masteries, it is reassuring to know that four Martial Masters came to my aid at the first hint of danger," Rui smiled, bowing his head to the four Martial Masters.

He also did not miss that three of them were from three different princes and princesses. Master Ceeran was from the Ranea Faction. Master Zentra was from the Raijun Faction. Master Vericita was from the Rafia Faction. He knew that Headmaster Aronian was also part of some faction, though the elder Martial Master did not disclose which faction he was a part of.

While Master Krakule, the offender, was part of the Randal Faction. In other words, this incident became a little battle between the various factions. A battle to win over Rui Quarrier.

Still, he didn't mind. There could be multiple intentions behind an action, and he knew Senior Ceeran was most certainly extremely sincere about helping him out.

It wasn't long before Rui found himself completely healed with some particularly powerful healing potions that the Martial Master supplied him.

"Thank you, your Masteries," Rui bowed once more. "I am perfectly fine now, so there is no need to worry."

"Indeed, take care, Rui Quarrier," The Surgeon replied. "We need you. More than you realize."

He disappeared.

"Hm, I'm glad to hear that, my boy," Headmaster Aronian smiled. "Come visit the Academy every once in a while to keep this old man some company."

"I will be sure to do that, Headmaster," Rui smiled.

The old man smiled, disappearing.

"The Roaring Dragon Blood Potion has done you much good. Be sure to harness its power well, my child," Master Vericita smiled, petting him, before stepping away. "I look forward to the path that you will tread."

That left Master Ceeran who stood in the air with Rui, smiling. "Come, walk with me, Rui."

The two of them treaded the skies, unperturbed.

"Today went very unexpected," Rui replied, turning to Master Ceeran. "Was it okay to bare your Martial Embodiments in the skies like that? Didn't that hurt a lot of people?"

Master Ceeran shook his head. "The Daracol base is deserted and restricted to unauthorized non-Martial Artists precisely to allow Martial Masters to go all out without worrying about our power hurting people. We cannot turn off our Martial Embodiments at all because it occurs in the eye of the beholder."