The Martial Unity

He had not forgotten about the esoteric substance primordial seed. According to Master Gremingar, it was a substance that could become anything. That was rather remarkable and clearly was something that held true given what the abyssfeeder displayed to him. It demonstrated many esoteric abilities that it developed on the spot to counter Rui, if he could tap into even a bit of that seemingly limitless power, perhaps he could become much stronger than he currently was.

He couldn't even imagine the sheer difficulty of such a task. This was an absurd hurdle that could not be overcome without immense effort and time. This was on a whole other level from simply grafting an esoteric substance deep inside his body. 

Furthermore, it was essentially impossible for him to ever reach the abyssfeeder's level, but that was fine, he did not need to get to that level to make a satisfactory application of the primordial seed substance.

Regardless, it was a project that he would have to shelve for the future. Perhaps he could look into it after he broke through to the Senior Realm.

"…And contestant Feron has been disqualified on the basis of being unable to prevent death." Master Gremingar helpfully announced, drawing Rui's attention.

He saw a Martial Senior with an active Martial Heart standing in front of a severely injured Martial Squire. The man had lost a hand and an arm and had many holes impaled into him across his body.

In front of the Martial Senior was a stationary abyssfeeder that had planted itself into the ground and had taken the shape of a tree with long and sharp whips sticking out of the tree trunk. It was a strangely adapted form and one that was quite different from the disk shape that it had taken against Rui. He could even tell what kind of Martial Squire the target was based on these adapted traits.

Regardless, the Martial Squire had done an admirable job holding on this long, but it appeared that he was unable to make it into the top eight, just missing the cut-off by two ranks.

Rui glanced at the other Martial Squires.

Almost all of them were gravely injured, and very few were in a genuine fighting position.

Only one had managed to stalemate the battle.

None of them had defeated their abyssfeeder specimen.

In fact, now that Rui thought about it, he was pretty sure that none of them were supposed to defeat the abyssfeeder. Although Master Gremingar had said that the first eight to win would pass, that was most likely to trick them into believing victory was possible, getting them to go all out rather than fight passively.

In reality, the last eight standing were the ones that would go on to the next round. Victory most likely was out of the question.

In fact, the more Rui became cognizant of his environment, he actually remembered that there was an audience.

He began cognizant of the many eyes that he felt fixating on him even though his battle had ended.

Oh well, I'm sure that Master Deivon will handle this situation well.

"…Contestant Veriole had been disqualified. With eight Martial Squires left in contention, the third round comes to an end." Master Gremingar resolutely announced. "Contestant Reese, Contestant Yiu, Contestant Feoul, Contestant Frinjschia, Contestant Falken, Contestant Dreemont, Contestant Nikila, and Champion Meera, I congratulate all of you on passing the third round. Each of you had proven your power, perseverance, and will in making it this far in a contest that originally held hundreds of thousands of your peers. Each of you has the capital to be considered the pinnacle of the Squire Realm. No matter what happens tomorrow, know that your achievements will ring across the Martial World. I wish you all the best of luck, may the best Martial Artist win."

The colosseum erupted in applause as the Martial Squires collapsed in relief receiving immediate emergency medical aid. The abyssfeeders had been incapacitated and returned to containment immediately the moment Master Gremingar began his announcement.

Only one Martial Squire was able enough to not require emergency medical care. Even Rui needed people tending to his arm.

"That was a beautiful fight," Squire Meera offered with a good-natured smile. 

Rui turned towards her, observing her body.

Bruises, a few cuts here and there. That was all he spotted.

He wasn't sure what was more impressive; stalemating an abyssfeeder with that little damage, or winning after losing an arm.

At the very least, he did not feel an overwhelming sense of superiority because he managed to take down an abyssfeeder and she did not. His victory had been close, even if he did account for that. Had the abyssfeeder been even a beat quicker, it would have torn off his arm before he could nail the final strike, and that would have been game over.

Perhaps the difference in this outcome reflected the difference in their mentality. Rui was willing to take risks if it meant victory. Perhaps he too could have harmlessly stalemated the creature had he chosen a less extreme solution to fight it, but he ultimately decided that that was not enough.

But more importantly, the fact that she did manage to stalemate it meant that it was possible that she could serve the same role that it did to Rui in this battle.

A glint of desire flashed in his eyes as he regarded.

Unfortunately, she misinterpreted it.

"I know I am beautiful, but could you please not lust after my body in such an open fashion? It is inappropriate." She remarked, yet he could see that she was hardly offended

He frowned. "I was not lusting after your body."

"You did, I saw you."

"I did not."

"Did too."

Is she a narcissist or just an airhead? 

He wasn't sure, but frankly, he didn't care.

It didn't matter, every Martial Artist this strong had strange quirks. Rui couldn't pretend to have an ordinary temperament or personality himself. As long as she could potentially serve as a whetstone to his blade, he didn't care what her personality was.