The Martial Unity

Rui’s eyebrow rose at her words.

That was an interesting description of a person’s strength.

“Be careful when you fight him,” Amare warned Rui. “He kills unlike anything I have ever seen in my entire life.”

That was also an intriguing description of a Martial Artist’s power.

Rui grew increasingly curious about the Anti-Life. And despite that, he didn’t want to ruin the battle by gaining the foreknowledge advantage.

A small smile cracked on his face.

“I guess I will just have to find out how strong he is in person.”

And that was exactly what he intended to do. Soon enough, he fell asleep, eager to get some rest. Although the Blood of Solaris gave him tremendous stamina, he still wanted to be at his peak when the next day rolled about. Although he probably wouldn’t end up fighting the very next day itself, he still wanted to make the most powerful impression he could on the Sages of the other seeds.

That was the goal that he had in mind at all times.

It was not about establishing prestige or anything else.

Everything he did was for the sole goal of tricking the Sages of the Theocracy into believing that he actually was the so-called Antithesis that they worshipped. Only then would he be able to command them to join the Solution of Harmony.

And thus, he kept in mind all the personality and temperamental traits that the Antithesis was supposed to have. Fearless.

Willful.

Dominant.

He was sure that the other seeds had also had similar considerations. They most likely projected these traits as much as they could to convince everybody that they were the Virodhabhasa.

The very thought made Rui cringe.

He couldn’t even begin to bring himself to replicate such an embarrassing strategy to change one’s behavior so much just to earn the approval of some religious crazies. And yet, he didn’t really have much of a choice.

“The things I do for human civilization…” he grumbled. “I better get some awards and medals when the Solution of Harmony is implemented, thanks to my groundwork.”

He had no doubt that his father was engaging in all manners of political machinations and strategies, but there was a limit to what he could do from such a great distance away. That was where Rui’s groundwork came in, allowing him to be more effective in wringing nations to cooperation.

“Hopefully, this won’t be nearly as bad.”

The night passed as Rui got some good organic rest along with Amare.

And thus, the very next day, it was show-time.

His unorganized but powerful faction within the Virodhabhasa Theocracy has already made grooming preparations for him, including but not limited to special baths, massages, and masks, much to his surprise.

That alone took hours. Then there was the hair stylist and the fashion team that garbed him with an absurdly extravagant Martial attire that could make anyone feel like they were an actual god in living flesh.

So much so that he didn’t even blame the existing Master-level seeds for potentially growing delusional in their own legend and significance beyond just power-mongering. By the time he was finally done, he felt like he had lost his soul.

What was a torturous process for him was an exciting one for Amare, who had never experienced anything quite like this. She relished the thrilling luxury experience as a separate team was dedicated to her. Their attire was comprised of matching themes and colors.

They were clearly meant to be a pair.

“Seeing as you had arrived with a partner, the event was designed around that,” the Martial Sages at his order offered an explanation.

Rui threw them a thumbs-up before beholding Amare, who was fully prepared by her grooming and fashion team. A soft, yet Martial attire accentuating her power as a Martial Artist and her natural charm enveloped her body, fitting her perfectly.

“How do I look?” she beamed with excitement at the novel experience.

Rui heaved a heartful sigh.

“Beautiful.”

She giggled as he offered her a hand.

“My lady, would you care to join me?” He couldn’t stop a silly smirk from appearing on his face at the cheesy line even as Amare laughed, accepting his hand.

“I hope you know how to dance.”

She stiffened. Rui smirked. “This might be fun.”

“…I can dance. I just have never danced with a partner.”

“You’ll be fine.” Rui shrugged. “Everything is Martial Art, after all.”

That had profound implications for how and when she could tap into the cognitive endowments of the Apprentice and Squire Realms.

She could most likely freely make use of it.

If that was the case, she could perceive the world in slow motion even outside of Martial Art and actively learn the dance while in the middle of it, and considering how astronomically prodigious her kinesthetic learning talent was, she could master it after the first try.

Although the mission was to set an unavoidable challenge to the other seeds, he secretly looked forward to spending more time with Amare than anything else.

And thus, the two of them set out, accompanied by most of Rui’s follower Sages, as they headed off to the welcoming ceremony of the Virodhabhasa Theocracy as a nation. Although it was easy to forget, the nation was united enough to welcome as a singular entity. The factions that existed within it were unofficial segments of the nation. He would be welcomed by the Martial Pontifex, the leader of the Cardinal Council of the Virodhabhasa Theocracy.

And yet, he wouldn’t be graced with a visit from the highest authority within the Virodhabhasa Theocracy.

The Transcendent Prophet.

Rui was actually somewhat thankful for that. There was no telling how the presence of a Martial Transcendent would affect his plans. He was much more comfortable operating with variables that he was familiar with than those he wasn’t. When they arrived at the venue for the welcoming banquet, it was time for him to pull off his plan and secure the future of human civilization.

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