The Martial Unity

"If the Virodhabhasa Faith does not have the information I seek, then who does?" Rui asked, out of curiosity.

"Powerful technocratic organizations, institutes, as well as nations with powerful technological foundations," Master Deivon offered. "The one organization that most likely possessed the most information on it is the Esocline Research Confederation."

This was not the first time he had mentioned that name. "If I remember correctly, that was one of the partners of the Virodhabhasa Faith that you mentioned was responsible for the carriage infrastructure of the Virodhabhasa Faith."

"Correct," Master Deivon noted. "It is a special organization, one that is quite rare in the modern world."

"Why is that?" 

"It is one of the few states that completely rely on esoteric technology and eschews Martial Art," Master Deivon replied with a complicated expression.

"What?" Rui's eyes furrowed. "There exist states like that?"

The man nodded. "Yes, for better or worse. The state evolved from what was initially an association of research and development organizations that were looking for a foundation. Due to certain circumstances, they were unable and unwilling to rely on external Martial Artists. These led to the increasing amount of self-sufficiency and independence, allowing them to become one of the few truly powerful states with no Martial power."

Rui couldn't even believe what he was hearing. Rejecting Martial Art in the age of Martial Art absurd, it was like trying to reject technology back on Earth while still trying to be competitive as an organization.

It was not possible, technological supremacy reigned the world.

The same was partially true for Martial Art in the Panama Continent, it was unthinkable for a nation to reject it.

"What's it like?" Rui asked with curiosity.

"I have found it to be a strange and alien place, personally," Master Deivon replied with a wry smile. "It's rather uncomfortable, but they truly are independent."

"The Virodhabhasa Faith has an organization that eschews Martial Art for a partner?" Rui raised an eyebrow. "That sounds unexpected."

"It is indeed controversial," Master Deivon admitted. "There are factions within the religion who wish to alienate or even vilify the research confederation, but they are mostly outweighed by more sensible voices that it is against our interests to pointlessly make an enemy of one of the greatest technological powers across the continent. Instead, the majority of us have agreed to develop a sort of symbiotic relationship with the confederation."

Rui raised an eyebrow. "I thought they eschewed Martial Art."

"Within their own power blocs, yes," The Master nodded. 

"But given that you mentioned cutting-edge research often employed the aid of Martial Artists of the Upper Realms, it is unwise for them to refuse such a service from the Virodhabhasa Faith." Rui quickly inferred.

"Indeed, however, it should be noted that they are much less dependent on Martial Art research aid than other research and development organizations." 

"I would imagine that bolstering their researching prowess is one of the greatest avenues of research to the nation to minimize independence on Martial Art." Rui mused.

"We can only hope that they never succeed," Master Deivon shook his head. "Thankfully, even if they do make progress, it is not as though we are stagnating in regards to the capabilities of Martial Artists. You have contributed to our cause in that regard, and the Virodhabhasa Faith recognizes that."

Rui immediately deciphered what he meant. "You mean the Riemannian Echo technique, and its ability to allow Martial Artists of the lower Realms to gain senses that they never could otherwise."

"Indeed," Master Deivon nodded. "The principle of the technique is, frankly, unbelievable. It is difficult for us to conceive that a Martial Artist came up with this technique himself. If not for the fact that we have confirmed that this technique is truly yours alone, we would not have believed it."

He threw a curious look at Rui.

Rui shrugged. "Just got some spontaneous inspiration, I guess."

"Right," Master Deivon smirked. "Regardless, we keep making progress in this field, ensuring that they never stop depending on us."

Rui shrugged. He didn't particularly care about the high-minded stuff, especially when he wasn't at a stage where it mattered to him, or he mattered to it.

All he wanted to know was if he could get what he wanted.

"Is it possible for the Virodhabhasa Faith to negotiate a deal to get the information from them?" Rui asked. 

"That is going to require the expenditure of genuine capital, more than you have earned even from my patronage," Master Deivon shook his head.

Rui sighed. It was at times like this that he missed the convenience of the Martial Union. As an external member of the Martial Union who had contributed to them in ways more than any Martial Squire could, he had earned its goodwill and a pretty decent relationship with them. Especially when he was an extraordinarily gifted Martial Artist from their perspective with immense potential.

I bet the Martial Union has a lot more information to offer.

It had quite respectable research and development capabilities even on the international stage. The only issue was that it too was a Martial Art organization.

Maybe I can persuade Julian to help me negotiate a deal with the Kandrian Institute of Technology when I return. 

If that did end up being the plan, then he could put it aside for now since it wasn't a thing for the near future.

"Are you that eager to get your hands on it?" Master Deivon raised an eyebrow.

"It's not the most immediate priority. I know that I have fulfilled all the conditions to break through to the Senior Realm any time now. My highest priority is triggering the activation of the Martial Heart. Throwing myself against hurdles that challenge the core of my Martial Art and Path is the best way to go about it for me particularly."

Master Deivon nodded. "You have your priorities right. You have an immense amount of momentum on your side, it is best to ensure that it doesn't die in front of the barrier to a higher Realm."