The Martial Unity

Traveling through the Virodhabhasa Theocracy evoked a lot of memories of old times within Rui, far more so than it did in Amare. The Virodhabhasa Faith accentuated the entirety of the civilization in not just the architecture of the entire nation but also in the ethnic attire of the nation.

The people lived and breathed the Virodhabhasa Faith.

They lived and breathed their faith in the Antithesis.

It made Rui feel uncomfortable.

Even as they made their way to the banquet hall in their ceremonial chariot, Rui could feel the sheer weight of their piety towards him. He could only acknowledge it lightly and move on.

And he did.

Eventually, the two of them reached the formal welcoming event of the Virodhabhasa Theocracy. The cheers and applause from the citizens who had gathered in droves, held back only by the barricades, only grew more boisterous.

Rui offered his hand to Amare, who accepted it with a beaming smile. The two of them ventured up the stairs to the illustrious welcoming ceremony of the Virodhabhasa Theocracy.

They drew closer and closer to an extraordinarily heavy presence.

One that weighed down on the world unlike any other.

They were greeted by none other than the Martial Pontifex himself.

He gazed deeply into Rui’s eyes with a profound expression before breaking out into a small smile.

“As leader of the Virodhabhasa Theocracy, I welcome you to our great nation, esteemed Dawnbringer.”

“Thank you, Your Sagehood,” Rui replied with a tone of respect. “I am honored to be welcomed by the highest leader of the Cardinal Council.”

“Come then, we have yet to welcome you as we would a guest of your significance and honor.”

A round of applause from the many other guests in his welcoming event erupted when they beheld him at the entrance. One that continued for longer than Rui was comfortable with. The event reminded him of the Virodhabhasa Contest Banquet that had been held after he won the contest decades ago. It, too, had been spectacularly extravagant.

The Virodhabhasans were deeply ceremonial, that was for sure. It was why Rui knew he couldn’t refuse them; it would be no different from something beyond the grave in regard to the worst of the worst.

Rui stood there, smiling perfunctorily while many distinguished guests came to him and spoke elaborate words. Including Sages.

“It has truly been a long time, hasn’t it, Prince Rui?”

Rui’s smile wavered as he found himself face to face with none other than Sage Sariawar herself.

“…I believe the last time we met was in the Shionel Confederation.” His voice lost its friendly tone.

“Indeed.” She smiled at him knowingly. “You have truly come a long way since then.”

Rui eyed her with a piercing gaze.

“How is Master Deivon doing? I heard he was in isolated training under your wing.”

His tone was sharp.

It has an edge.

One that sought to cut down the deceit she enveloped herself in. Master Uma had told him that Master Deivon had died twenty years ago when he sacrificed himself to allow Rui to escape.

He knew from the SOUL Model and his mind sense that she wasn’t lying.

However, the official record on Master Deivon stated that he was under the very woman before him. Thus, he could only conclude that this woman had most likely collaborated with Master Uma to hide her crimes of treason and treachery and to hide the death of Master Deivon.

It was entirely possible that it was she who was responsible for the death of Master Deivon.

If that was the case, he would surely make her pay.

No, just the fact that she had undoubtedly colluded to hide his death was enough.

This woman would die at his hands one day. “Ah, Master Deivon has instructed me to inform you that he is unable to meet you in this illustrious occasion.” She smiled pleasantly. “Would you like me to pass on any message to him? I’m sure he would love to hear what you have to say.”

His eyes sparkled with a hint of wrath.

It took every ounce of self-control to maintain his facade of courtesy.

He wanted to choke the life out of her where she stood.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t strong enough.

Not to mention, there was no way he would ever get away with it, even if he was strong enough. “Tell him that I will avenge him.” His eyes narrowed. “Tell him that I will kill everybody who was involved with his death.”

She giggled with well-feigned incredulity. “My, what strange yet dangerous words to say to someone who is still very much alive. The two of you must be good friends indeed.”

Amare gazed at Rui with a hint of concern.

Having spent much of a year with him, she had come to be able to read him very well. She didn’t know why, but she definitely knew that Rui hated the woman in front of him. She could feel his anger, as well as he hid it.

“Rui…”

She clasped his hand, interlocking fingers with him, while brushing him with her body in a soft and warm gesture. Her presence soothed his anger, allowing him to recollect his composure and calm despite standing before someone he had already decided to kill.

“It was good meeting after so long, Sage Sariawar,” Rui replied with a neutral tone. “I look forward to our next meeting.”

He was all but ready to move on from her when a wave of murmurs spread through the crowd of distinguished guests of his welcoming ceremony.

Three Martial Masters ascended the steps, making their way into the event.

Their attention was fixed on one and only one person.

Rui himself.

He turned, finding himself face to face with none other than the three Virodhabhasa Seeds of the Master Realm.

To the right was the Worldfolder. His gargantuan body yielded an indomitable presence.

One that demanded attention.

To the left was the Mindbreaker.

An eerie, sinister smile had found a permanent fixture on her face, causing her presence to wash away the jubilant atmosphere of the event.

And yet, even the two of them kept their distance from the man at the center.

His eyes were deathly cold.

As though he was an animated corpse devoid of life. Just standing near him sent chills across the skin of the guests in the welcoming ceremony.

He was none other than the Anti-Life.

“I believe it won’t be too long until our next meeting, Dawnbringer.” Sage Sariawar occupied her position behind the Anti-Life with a knowing smile as the two men sized each other up.

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