The Martial Unity

The possibility of the Britannian Empire, the Sekigahara Confederate, and the Republic of Gorteau waging war against the Kandrian Empire was terrifying.

“Yet it is not unrealistic.”

The Emperor’s voice was calm.

“I know how my peers and counterparts think,” the Emperor continued. “They will not tolerate Kandria retaining so many powerful revolutionary assets together. The power that you have brought home for all of us is extremely great. Far too great. The world will not leave us alone if they were to find out.”

Rui nodded along, yet he kept the fact that a war wasn’t the worst thing to him personally due to the fact that he needed more real experience in battle as a new Martial Master.

Of course, he would never try to trigger a war purposefully.

“I will need to chalk up an exceedingly secure plan for the utility of these assets without it being leaked to the rest of the world, but…” The Emperor shook his head. “It is impossible to keep it a secret forever while also making meaningful use of them. The more we benefit from each of these treasures, the less we’ll be able to hide them.”

Rui had had exactly the same thought process.

The world wouldn’t just ignore the Kandrian Empire growing ten times stronger. It would have long taken any and all measures to halt the Kandrian Empire’s growth once it crossed a certain threshold.

If they did use the Divine Doctor to massively empower all Kandrian Martial Bodies, the world would notice instantly by straightforward observation.

If they did use the time-accelerating dungeon to accelerate the growth of all Kandrian Martial Artists, then the world would notice.

If they did use the Elder Tree to dominate the Beast Domain market, the world would notice.

If they did all three, then the world would refuse to stand by and watch the Kandrian Empire rise far above everybody else.

“In fact, even at this point, we are teetering dangerously close to that very threshold,” the Emperor of Harmony warned his son. “And you are at the center of it all.”

Rui frowned. “Me?”

His father nodded. “You are responsible for the two things that have pushed Kandria into the red zone. Namely, the Hungry Pain technique and the Silas Clan.”

Rui’s eyes widened. “…You mean that I have been pushing the line long before I even realized it?”

“That is precisely correct,” his father replied calmly. “The Silas Clan was certainly a big push. One of the reasons that it did not escalate too much was because, as juicy as the Silas Clan was, it was also feared. Your grandmother was feared. The power of prophecy was highly feared. That is why tensions have escalated but have not erupted into full-scale war.”

Rui narrowed his eyes. “However, if there is another push…”

“Especially if that push is of an element that is not directly additive to our net military power.” The Emperor’s tone grew solemn. “Like the Divine Doctor. He can change the nation immensely in the future. However, if he is discovered today, there is nothing he can do that will off-set the dangers that he will attract.”

Rui heaved a tired sigh. “So… what are your plans to deal with these dilemmas?”

The Emperor carefully considered the matter.

It was an extremely difficult matter to consider.

Yet, in the few days since his return, it was the matter that he had thought the most about.

“The best-case scenario is one where we’ll be able to both use these boons to the fullest and withstand the consequences of their disclosure.”

Rui’s eyebrows furrowed. “…That is highly unrealistic.”

Earning the bloodlust of three Sage-level powerhouses was no different from a death warrant.

It was an unfathomable amount of net military power.

Withstanding such hostility should have been impossible.

Yet, just as he sought to voice his opinion, he froze, remembering who he was talking to.

“I have withstood the pressure of the other three Sage-level powerhouses before.”

The Emperor’s tone was one of calm confidence.

His statement was one of cold historical fact.

During the first and second East Panamic Wars, it was he who had led Kandria to hang on under the combined pressure of the three other powerhouses of Panama, even if by the skin of his teeth through ingenious military and geopolitical strategy. It was he who had forced the other three powerhouses to finally concede and acknowledge Kandria as a true equal, cementing his glory as the Emperor of Harmony.

“I have reason to believe that it is possible this time as well, but…” his gaze softened as he smiled at his son. “…This time, I may not be able to do it without you.”

Rui stared at his father with an incredulous expression. “You…”

“Perhaps it is because I feel incredible at this very moment.” He gazed at his hand, clenching his fist. “…but I do not think I will fail. At least, not with your help. Without you, I might have no choice but to settle for inferior options. I might be forced to minimize the use and consumption of the priceless assets that you have bestowed upon this empire so that the world does not discover these treasures…”

“But with me, that somehow changes?” Rui narrowed his eyes.

A hint of pride lit up in his father’s eyes. “It changes everything.”

He closed his eyes. “Your mind is not ordinary. In the span of a few years, you accomplished what I failed to accomplish in thirty years: finding the Divine Doctor. You won the Kandrian Throne War dominantly. You lobbied the Silas Clan to join us, earned the friendship and cooperation of the mythical Elder Tree, and broke through to the Master Realm at the age of thirty-seven before procuring a few more priceless assets.”

His eyes opened as they met Rui’s gaze with endless certainty and confidence.

“Together, we can elevate Kandria to even greater heights,” he continued. “Together, we can manifest Kandria’s true potential rather than burying it forever. Together, we can accomplish the impossible.”