The Martial Unity

1547 Presentation

"That makes sense," Rui nodded. "A technique that would instantly or rapidly improve the Martial Bodies of all Martial Sages, Masters, Seniors, and Squires is much superior to a technique that will only do so for future Squires, Seniors, Masters, and Sages."

"Of course, that does not mean that the latter is not extremely valuable. It certainly is," Headmaster Aronian reassured. "The Martial Union is an organization with a lot of patience. Thus even the long-term benefits of the Hungry Pain technique are extraordinarily valuable to us, rest assured."

Rui smiled. "You don't need to pacify me, Headmaster. I am fully aware of the importance of pragmatism. While perhaps centuries in the future there will be a Martial Sage born who will be fifty percent stronger thanks to my technique, I am aware that the Martial Union cannot possibly reward me with remuneration that is worth half of a Martial Sage for that distant outcome."

"I am pleased that you haven't taken offense," Headmaster Aronian replied, relieved. "Nonetheless, we will be remunerating and rewarding you handsomely. However, before we do, there is one thing that needs to be addressed."

Rui raised an eyebrow, waiting.

"The information that you provided to Commissioner Reze nearly five years ago details the training regime quite thoroughly and precisely, but you haven't explained the theoretical and scientific mechanics and principles of the technique. That would not be a problem if not for the fact that the Hungry Pain technique has utterly confounded our department of research and development. Many thorough observational and sensory experiments have been conducted to discern the principles of the technique, but they haven't been able to decipher the technique," Headmaster Aronian explained. "We have even had Martial Masters employ their senses into the body, but haven't been able to detect anything that could explain what is happening."

Rui smirked wryly at that.

The Hungry Pain technique operated at a cellular but especially molecular level. Cells were broken down into elementary organic compounds and could serve to rejuvenate the body. The process was extraordinarily accelerated and magnified such that all dying cells were efficiently converted into usable organic compounds.

However, it was merely a magnification and acceleration of an otherwise normal molecular phenomenon. Because the field of biochemistry and organic chemistry of the Panama Continent was highly undeveloped due to their extreme reliance on the magic of esoteric substances, thus they were simply unable to grasp the core mechanics of the Hungry Pain technique.

It was an unpredicted predicament. He hadn't included an explanation of the science beyond the non-scientific explanation of 'the body recycles power' because he was in a hurry when he prepared the technique booklet for Commissioner Reze. The training was more important than the theory.

"I can provide a brief but detailed write-up," Rui shrugged nonchalantly. "This is a non-issue."

Headmaster Aronian shook his head. "The Martial Union requests you to make a formal presentation in a science conference that representatives and Martial Artists of various divisions, departments, and branches that have expressed deep interest in the technique will attend."

"…" Rui was a little speechless.

It was true that the Hungry Pain was highly valued, but was there really a reason to make such a big deal about the theoretical framework? A detailed write-up worked just as well as as a scientific presentation, did it not?

Then his inner scientist recalled the various scientific conferences that he had attended and presented research papers in.

It appeared that the Panama Continent was similar to Earth in that regard.

Regardless, this was a matter of concern for the Martial Union. Rui knew that he would probably gain a fraction of his rewards if the Martial Union was not satisfied with their understanding of this powerful but inscrutable technique.

"Fine," Rui heaved a sigh. "But I don't care to get bogged down too many matters that normally accompany such scientific conferences and presentations."

"It is curious that you are aware of such matters, considering your youth and lack of a scientific background," Headmaster Aronian stroked his beard with an intrigued expression.

Rui shrugged. "Regardless, I have to provide a scientific presentation, and that's it right? No other complications?"

"Indeed," Headmaster Aronian nodded. "The Martial Union maintains high standards for transparency when it comes to Martial Art. It is the safest and the best way to proceed with a secured and well-understood foundation. We will rapidly finish the final evaluations of your rewards and remuneration and give them to you."

Rui could understand that, but it only added to his burden, having to go through a tedious presentation because of it. Nonetheless, he was willing, if only because it would get him his remuneration sooner.

Still, it was interesting that he found himself doing this yet again even though he was a Martial Artist. What kind of presentation did they even expect from a Martial Senior like himself in the first place?

"The conference will contain important figures from not just the various formal divisions, departments, and branches, but also informal groups such as Martial Sects of the Kandrian Empire," Headmaster Aronian informed him. "The Martial Body is a matter that is deeply important to each of the Martial Sects, and anything that affects it to such a degree is of both a great interest and a great concern to them. Rest assured that you will find important higher-ups from each of the major sects. They have people across the entirety of the Martial Union, so it will be easy for them to secure a spot in your conference presentation. Be aware of that."

"Alright…" Rui heaved a sigh.

His entanglement with other forces seemed to grow more complicated ever since he returned. Not that he expected to be ignored, that was not happening, but he had hoped it wouldn't be too much.

He was wrong.

From the Kandrian Throne War to the exaggerated fallout from the Hungry Pain technique, Rui had already found himself in the midst of a lot of forces that had a deep interest in him.