Rui entered the Martial Union Hajin branch after showing his learner’s license and an invitation letter to the security.
The Martial Union was incredibly large, one could easily get lost in its vastness while navigating through its large structure. Thankfully, there were maps frequently placed across the entire complex. Otherwise, Rui would have gotten lost even with the Seismic Mapping technique.
CLACK𝑜𝒱xt.𝐂𝒪𝑀
Rui opened the door to an office, having reached his destination. Inside was a Martial Squire in a business attire, which took Rui by surprise. He had done a remarkably good job at restraining his mental pressure, even if Rui’s powerful senses and mind were able to detect it.
“Squire Grillogan, a pleasure to meet you.” Rui greeted him respectfully.
“The pleasure is mine, Apprentice Quarrier.” The Squire replied with a smile. “Have a seat.”
Squire Grillogan was a rather old man and a clearly retired Martial Artist.
Rui took a seat at the table, as he scrutinized the room briefly. His eyes immediately fell on the name on the placard placed on the table as well as the photos of the Martial Squire and what appeared to be his family on the table.
“I must confess, I am surprised.” Rui told him candidly. “I did not know that Martial Artists also occupied bureaucratic and management positions within the Martial Union. I was under the impression that these posts were occupied by non-Martial Artists.”
“That is mostly true.” Squire Grillogan confirmed. “More than ninety-five percent of the bureaucratic and management posts are actually occupied by normal humans. However, there are posts with a certain amount of autonomy and power that are a bit sensitive. For positions like these, the upper echelons wish these posts be occupied by retired Martial Artists like myself. Important posts with power and authority should be in the hands of Martial Artists because it is less likely that the power would be exploited against the class interests of Martial Artists and the Martial Union as a whole.”
Rui nodded. That made sense. By ensuring that all the important positions were in the hands of Martial Artists, the loyalties of the people occupying these posts could be much more assured than if all these posts were occupied by normal humans. “I would imagine that all of the executive posts with no autonomous power are given to humans then.”
“Indeed.” Squire Grillogan nodded. “These posts are much lesser in significance in comparison to posts like my own. Of course, with the sheer number of such posts, they do possess a soft amount of power in total. Rest assured; the Martial Union has many fail-safes, deterrents, and contingencies.”
He waved his hand. “Regardless, that’s not particularly important or worth getting into. You have gone out of your way to set up a meeting with me. I presume you came here to make more than just light talk.”
“Indeed.” Rui nodded. “Let me be straightforward, I cannot accept the invitation of the Symbiotic Sect at this particular moment. I do not yet possess a single Symbiotic technique, after all. The reason I wished to speak to you was that I am interested in learning more about Symbiotic techniques. I do believe that I might have a high degree of compatibility with them and thus want to work on at least one technique if that is the case. I was hoping you could help me out with this.”
“I see…” The Squire responded thoughtfully. “I appreciate your honesty, as well as your interest in our Sect’s techniques. I am more than willing to help you out, to a certain degree. However, you’ll have to be a bit more specific with your interests. If all you want is a basic guide to help you understand the more esoteric nature of our techniques, then such a thing can easily be handled by the staff that I can have help you, it’s not something that warrants me helping you out personally.”
Rui nodded. “That would also be appreciated. However, I also do have a general idea of what I want from a symbiotic Martial Art technique.”
“Go on.” Squire Grigollan told him.
“I do not want the Symbiotic Martial Art technique to usurp or hinder the inherent and intrinsic human capability for the sake of additional capabilities. I do not want a symbiotic Martial Art that replaces human capability or potential in any way. What I seek from a symbiotic Martial Art is to enhance my strengths, or mitigate my shortcomings.”
“I see…” The Squire murmured. “Unfortunately, that does cut away a large proportion of symbiotic Martial Art techniques. Most of the techniques of our Sect do replace human capability with the capabilities provided by symbiotes.”
Rui nodded. He’d suspected as much when he saw how Fernan fought.
“Well, no matter.” The Squire replied. “For what it’s worth, I do think that the choice is indeed most fit for you. You’re clearly an all-rounder. A technique that changes the configuration of your body unevenly like how most Symbiotic techniques do will likely not coincide with your Martial Art.”
“Although this does reduce the number of techniques that can give you what you’re looking for. It’s not too much of a problem. For a single Martial Artist, we still have plenty of techniques that match what you’re looking for. I’m sure that amidst all these techniques, there will be something that suits you.” He finished.
“Thank you, Squire Grigollan.” Rui bowed his head. “I appreciate your help.”
“Not at all, young man.” The Squire waved his hand. “I shall personally ensure a list of techniques that match the conditions you have laid out will be sent to you in the Martial Academy. The list will contain all the general information about the techniques that are normally displayed free of cost like in the technique scrolls of the Martial Academy. Once you find something you’re interested in learning more about or purchasing some techniques, you can just purchase it from the Martial Union straightforwardly.”
Rui smiled. “Thank you, much appreciated.”