The Martial Unity

Emperor Rael knew that there was a good chance that the Republic of Gorteau and the Sekigahara Confederate would consider Rui as a strong point of investigation to obtain the means of mass breakthrough.

Not because they had some reason to suspect that he himself was responsible for them

No.

But because of how powerful his position within the Kandrian Empire was.

Not only was he a prince of the Royal Family, but he was also a member of the Master Council. In addition, prior to Emperor Rael's return, he was undoubtedly the most powerful man in the Kandrian Empire.

If there was anybody who would know, it was surely the Void Prince.

"So you're saying I need to be careful when I visit the Panamic Martial Federation?" Rui asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Very." Emperor Rael nodded. "As much as I would rather you didn't, all constituents of the Federation must agree to a universal briefing on the state of affairs and certain truths that they believe that each Martial Master is entitled and obliged to know. Thus, the Martial Union will be answerable if you don't visit the Federation. In addition, it will make you look more suspicious if you don't "

Rui gazed at his father quizzically. "It begs the question that, if you and the Martial Union know what the Panamic Federation will brief me on, why do I have to even go all the way to the Panamic Martial Federation to partake in this little briefing instead of getting it done through you guys?"

"It was an arrangement that the various forces of the Martial World came to agree upon, including the Martial Union," Emperor Rael explained. "They believed that it would be good for Martial Art in the long run."

"…Is it to ensure that each Martial Master is operating with a similar understanding of the world?" Rui raised an eyebrow. "If Martial Masters were briefed on the state of affairs and the truth of the Martial World by their own organizations, then it reduced the common understanding of the world that each Martial Master operated upon. This, in turn, would reduce the prospects of cooperation for mutual interests as Martial Artists, which would be to the detriment of Martial Art."

Rui quickly deduced the truth based on the hints in Rael's words.

His father smiled. "Correct. Martial Artists are no less vulnerable to propaganda than normal humans are. In fact, they may be even more vulnerable to some forms of propaganda. Regardless, the martial forces of this continent came together and created a shared, mutually agreed-upon briefing of this world to impart a common worldview of the state of the power struggles that unfold at the highest echelons of human civilization."

"I suppose that is nice and all, but I'm not really seeing the viability of such an arrangement," Rui replied. "After all, propaganda is useful for instilling loyalty. Why would organizations let go of such a useful tool and allow their Martial Artists to gain a realer outlook for the greater good?"

"There are incentive structures in place that compel them to do so," Emperor Rael replied. "The Panamic Martial Federation functions as a Martial broker on an international scale, able to do for Martial Masters and Sages what the Martial Union does for Martial Artists of the Lower Realms."

Rui's eyes lit up with interest. "Tell me more."

"The Martial Union is indeed powerful, but it is not equipped to serve Martial Artists of the Upper Realms as well as it does those of Lower Realms," Emperor Rael explained. "I'm sure you've experienced that shift as you grow stronger. You are able to do more for the Union than it is able to do for you. You have a position of great power and responsibility within the Union, and it relies on you more while you rely on it less."

Rui nodded as he pondered about how his relationship with the Martial Union had shifted over his career as a Martial Artist.

There certainly was a large difference, even though the changes had been subtle and over a large span of time.

He had gone from being an Apprentice with a lot of potential to a Squire and Senior of strategic interest, to the golden and, eventually, platinum boy of the Martial Union. Both his regard and need for the Union had reduced.

"The Panamic Martial Federation taps into networks of all Martial organizations to access every inch of the continent and all markets of Martial Art," Emperor Rael continued. "As a Master, the market that is able to afford your services is much smaller than the market for the Lower Realms. That is why an organization that can stretch across the entire continent is useful, able to squeeze out all market opportunities from everywhere instead of just East Panama. Although, I suppose it isn't relevant to you since you haven't accepted a commission in a long time. Very unusual for a Martial Artist your age."

His words put Rui into deep thought. "It has been a long time since I thought about it. I have gained so many more lucrative streams of income that they're frankly meaningless to me. Still…"

He stirred at the memories of the many missions he had completed back when he had been an Apprentice and Squire.

"Maybe I should consider undertaking one from the Panamic Martial Federation when I visit it."

"I would rather you get the initiation and membership done before the war begins." Emperor Rael's tone grew more serious. "There isn't much time left. War is soon to come. After it begins, you won't have the opportunity to get these things done."

Rui grew more solemn at his words. "I bet the three Sage-level powerhouses are pissed off by the revelations of the mass breakthroughs."

"Not nearly as much as they'll be when they realize that they can't have it." Emperor Rael calmly added. "Now go. Make sure you prepare to ensure that your departure does not cause any suspicion to fall upon you."

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