The Martial Unity

The difficulty of mastering the Pathfinder technique could not be overstated. While the data processing needed to use the Pathfinder was still not as extreme as that of the VOID algorithm, it was far from something a Martial Squire could accomplish.

In fact, if it wasn't for the fact that Rui had mastered the technique, it could probably be considered a Senior-level technique!

After all, by definition, Senior-level techniques were techniques that only Martial Seniors and above could master. If not for Rui, it would most likely be the case that Martial Squires simply didn't have what it took to master the technique.

Of course, he had no idea what Martial Seniors were actually capable of, so he couldn't be sure that Martial Seniors were actually capable of using it either. But he didn't even dare to assume that Martial Seniors were incapable of mastering the technique. If the gap between Martial Squires and Martial Seniors was even remotely as large as the gap between Martial Apprentices and Martial Squires, then such a technique would most likely not be too problematic.

However, within the Squire Realm, the technique was probably a grade-nine or a grade-ten long-range accuracy technique.

('This is the power of synergy.') Rui reminded himself.

Mastering an ordinary grade-ten long-range accuracy technique was beyond him in ordinary circumstances, but thanks to the synergy between the technique and himself, he could overcome this barrier and take that step.

He let his thoughts as he finally reached the Hajin branch, quickly heading in to complete the post-mission protocols. He needed to fill up a report and write down statements.

Rui made sure to give just enough information about the technique to inspire the greed from the Martial Union. An alternative method and system of aiming in the form of the ODA system was nothing short of revolutionary, after all.

('I wonder what the Martial Sect centered around long-range techniques thinks about this.') Rui wondered, realizing he had almost forgotten about them.

He was certain that there was a Martial sect centered around long-range techniques. After all, if something as obscure as symbiotes could have their own sects, then surely long-range techniques, which were much more common, would also have their own sect.

Furthermore, it was probably large enough that it wouldn't be considered an unorthodox sect like the Symbiotic Sect. Though it would certainly be smaller than the Fire, Earth, and Lightning Sects.

Once he finished up his paperwork, he quickly left the Martial Union after confirming his pay. He had earned some money from the commission and intended to spend it on himself and his family. He also wanted to take some time off and stick around for whatever the Martial Union's response to his report would be, as much as he wanted to go on another mission.

He didn't think that the Martial Union would show up at his door immediately. He had submitted the report normally, which meant that it would undergo a normal process. There was probably some evaluation team that evaluated the degree of accuracy and honesty of the report based on the intelligence supplied by the intelligence department.

Perhaps the parts regarding the description of the technique would be highlighted and passed on to the relevant experts; such as the long-range Martial Artists that were either retired or simply partaking as a consultant in an issue that required their expertise.

Once the long-range Martial Artist read Rui's report and verified the existing intelligence on the matter themselves, that was when Rui's technique would truly catch the notice of the right eyes.

After all, what long-range Martial Artist competent enough to partake in confidential consultants wouldn't be part of the long-range technique Martial Sect?

This individual would most likely alert the Martial Sect of the technique that Rui described compellingly in his report. The Martial Sect would verify the report and the intelligence once over itself before digging more into Rui in their database.

Once they learned the various things that Rui had accomplished even as a Martial Apprentice, the veracity of his claims became a lot less questionable. Only then would they look at his personality and character evaluation. They would most likely run into the fact that Rui had rejected the invitations of Martial Sects much more powerful than themselves. This meant that they would naturally come to the conclusion that there was most likely nothing that they could do to convince him to join their sect.

Rui had made it clear that he didn't want to forsake his desire to be an all-rounder in order to join a Martial Sect.

Beyond this point, Rui had a harder time predicting their actions. It all depended on variables that he had no way of accounting for. Either they would lessen the conditions that deterred Rui from joining a Martial Sect, or they would focus purely on obtaining the Pathfinder technique more than anything else.

In the case of the former, he wasn't sure what he ought to do. He was not averse to making favorable deals that benefitted him, but he wanted to make sure that he wouldn't be forced to do things he didn't want to. The Fire Sect required him to place greater weight on offense than other fields, which was instantly an impossibility for Rui.

The second possibility was a lot less demanding. Selling the technique for something worthwhile in return was definitely worth it. Though he lacked far too much cognizance in regard to what could be offered and what was good and what wasn't. Value was one thing, but he wasn't sure how far he could push.

('Meh, I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.') Rui shrugged. ('Besides, technically, this is all still speculation.')

He didn't even know if the chain of events that Rui had predicted would occur, would actually occur.

Just then, his accounter beeped.

He pulled it out, scrolling through the message inbox.

[Squire Rui Quarrier, this is an official invitation to the Hajin branch of the Martial Union regarding matters surrounding the latest mission that you have completed. Please be sure to come at 16:00 on the 40th spring.]