The Martial Unity

Rui left the Apprentice library, leaving Kane to figure what techniques he wanted to purchase. He wanted to begin the training session immediately. The first training facility he headed over to was the designated training center for the technique.

“Instructor Dylon.” Rui greeted the head instructor of the Apprentice facility, a Martial Squire.

Generally, the Apprentice students were mentored and trained by veteran Martial Squires with deep expertise and experience with whatever field they were assigned to.

Squire Kyrie was the head instructor of combat training. Squire Dylon was assigned to offensive striking.

“Hm?” He glanced over, focusing on Rui. Just this gesture alone, generated a bit of mental weight on Rui. “Ahhh, kid. What brings you here today? Here to learn six techniques in one month this time?” He teased with a nonchalant smile.

“Only four.” Rui replied, sincerity.

“…”

“I just purchased this technique.” Rui said, waving the technique scroll of Outer Divergence. “I wanted to begin the training right away.”

“Ah, that one.” He said. “Good technique, I used it all the time in the field even after I became a Squire.”

Rui’s eyes widened at those words. “Wait what? I thought Apprentice-level techniques were too weak for Martial Squires.”

The man made a complicated expression. “Well yes and no. Actually, I’m not supposed to talk muc-“

He paused as he felt Rui’s intense stare burning holes in him.

“Alright alright.” he made an exasperated sigh. “The Realm of a technique is not related to the power of the technique. It’s related to the pre-requisites and the compatibility between technique and Martial Artist.”

Rui tilted his head, confused.

“There is a very qualitative and fundamental difference between Martial Squires and Martial Apprentices, it’s not just a matter of strength, speed and durability.” He explained. “The quintessential foundation of our material bodies is different.”

“Huh??” Rui made an incredibly confused expression at the cryptic nonsense the man spouted. (‘Is he for real?’)

“Because we are fundamentally different, our techniques function mechanically different.” he continued, ignoring Rui’s confusion. “An Apprentice-level Martial Art technique simply cannot utilize our full power because it is not meant to handle our power. Squire-level techniques are simply techniques that can handle the power of Martial Squires, and can only be used by Martial Squires.”

p “So, they’re just designed to be compatible with the power of a Martial Squire?” Rui asked, still frowning.

“Yes, and it’s harder than it sounds.” He directed a pointed look at Rui “The difference between us exceeds your imagination.”

“But… what is this difference? Why can’t you just… use Apprentice level techniques?” He pressed, the man was not telling him the key detail.

He simply shook his head. “There’s a reason we don’t tell Martial Apprentices about the path to Martial Squires, kid. And it isn’t just to sound mysterious and cool.” He chuckled. “There’s a very practical reason for avoiding spilling the secret to every little runt who discovered their Martial Path.”

“And why is that?”

“Because we’ve discovered that revealing the breakthrough to Martial Squire before one’s Martial Art has matured and one’s Martial Path has deepened… reduces their chances of breaking through.” He explained. “Kids are too immature; the knowledge simply has an adverse effect on most of you. It’s kind of the same reason we don’t allow children to drink alcohol or have sex. You’re just not ready, it will have an adverse effect on you and end up ruining an entire generation of children if normalized.”

“What?” Rui frowned.

“And that’s about all I’ll say.” He shook his head.

“Well, then at the very least tell me how you continued using Outer Convergence even after you became a Squire?” Rui asked. This was a valid question, how did Dylon use an Apprentice-level technique as a Squire if Apprentice-level techniques were too inadequate for Martial Squires?

“Ah, Apprentice-level techniques can be evolved and adapted to suit Martial Squires through training and experience. The moment the user has completely evolved it to suit his or her body, they’re no longer Apprentice-level, but now Squire level.” He said. “The Martial Union has Squire-level versions of all the Apprentice-level techniques which can be purchased in order to hasten up the process.”

“I see…”

“…”

“…”

“You’re here to train right?” He sighed. “Quit tryna learn what you’re not supposed to. Instead focus on learning what you came here to learn.”

Rui was so engrossed in thought that he’d actually forgotten why he had originally even made his way here.

“Right…” Rui pulled himself together. “I’m here to master the Outer Convergence technique.” He said with a hint sullen pout.

“Don’t look so down.” He chuckled as he took a boxing stance. He threw a straight punch, the strike flew with such ferocity and power that it whipped through the air, causing a powerful blast of air to slam against Rui, pushing him back a little. He looked on at Dylon, shocked at the display of power.

“That was Outer Convergence at peak Apprentice-level, I reduced my power to pinnacle Apprentice-level show you what you yourself can eventually achieve.” He said, leaving Rui speechless.

The display of power was beyond almost anything he had ever seen. The only thing that was comparable was the mysterious masked Martial Apprentice bandit who saved his comrade and evacuated.

“…And this.” He took a stance as his expression grew more serious, and his concentration intensified, his muscles growing taut. “Is what Outer Convergence can do that at the Squire-level…”

Rui felt every hair on his body stand up as he instinctively leapt back.

BAM

Just the very motion caused a huge shockwave far more powerful than before that pushed him back. Dylon disappeared, Rui only saw his starting stance and ending stance. Everything in between was too fast for Rui perceive.

“See?” He said, exhaling. “Outer Convergence is an incredible technique. It’s saved my life many a time, and reaped those of my adversaries in the Martial World many a time.”

“Well?” He glanced at Rui. “Feeling excited to learn it yet?”

A wild grin crept onto Rui’s face.