“I see. Well, the Martial Union doesn’t have anything to worry about.” Rui told the commissioner. “Almost everything I do, I do to progress my Martial Art. I am extremely motivated and recently have gained clarity on how I want to proceed with that.”
“That is great to hear, Squire Quarrier.” The man nodded. “The Martial Art has a vested interest in your Martial Art for more than just strengthening the Martial Union with another Martial Artist. One of our interests is actually analyzing what makes your Martial Art and opening up the opportunity for the next generation of Martial Artists to obtain a piece of that power in the form of techniques.”𝗈𝚟𝐋xt.𝗰𝑜𝗆
Rui’s eyebrows rose at the commissioner’s statement. “Hmmm… I don’t know how I feel about that.”
“Of course, the Martial Union never coerces its Martial Artists to divulge anything.” The commissioner chuckled. “We cannot claim to be a haven for Martial Artists if we’re constantly attempting to rob a Martial Artist of their Martial Art. The Martial Union offers much in return for valuable contributions. These include unpublicized techniques, resources, appropriate aid and advice from Martial Artists much stronger and elder than yourself, power and influence.”
“Hm…” Rui considered the matter, before shaking his head. “I do not like relying on others unless I genuinely have an absolute necessity to. Unfortunately, I’m not particularly attracted to what the Martial Union offers in return at this point in time. Techniques would have been an attractive offer had I been a Martial Apprentice, but as a Martial Squire I have recently resolved to pursue a path where I develop my Martial Art with individuality to progress it and make it stronger through the intrinsic synergy that comes with techniques customized for myself.”
Rui wasn’t particularly interested much in the other things that the commissioner offered in return. Power and influence? He had never given a damn about such things, in this life or his previous one. As long as he had the power to do what he wanted, he didn’t care. Resources were also not too attractive, although they could be useless. Rui didn’t have a burning need or desire to acquire any particular kind of resource.
One thing that did somewhat interest him was the aid from elder Martial Artists. That was certainly valuable and useful, but not necessary. Ultimately Rui was an extremely pure Martial Artist. He pursued Martial Art truly and purely for his love of Martial Art. Much to his surprise, this wasn’t a particularly common sentiment based on his experience as a Martial Artist among other Martial Artists. When he first joined the Martial Academy, he had a very pure and idealistic image of Martial Artists, one where Martial Artists immersed themselves in their Martial Art purely and entirely out of love for it.
But reality had shown him otherwise. Most Martial Artists were far from purists like himself. Kane pursued Martial Art to be free of his shackles with his own power. Fae pursued Martial Art for the prestige that it brought her Martial Family. Even people like Nel pursued Martial Art out of their love for fighting and battle, rather than his Martial Art itself. Fiona was just mundanely going with the flow that came with being a prodigious genius. Every Martial Artists he had come across had motivations and goals outside Martial Art.
This was a little disappointing, but it was realistic. The kind of Martial Artists he had seen in fiction was just that; fiction. In reality, Martial Art was simply power. That too truly individualistic and personal power held by Martial Art that originated from themselves. People chased after power, and thus people chased after Martial Art and the many other things it brought to those who succeeded in pursuing it to a certain extent.
“An admirable resolution.” the commissioner smiled. “You have correctly identified an important element in the progression of one’s Martial Art. Still, the Martial Union is also most certainly aware of this. There are ways in which we can aid you in the personal development of your Martial Art.”
“Perhaps,” Rui admitted. “However, as I said, I do not like developing a reliance on others. Perhaps if I come across a barrier that is difficult to surmount, I may consider this option, but I certainly do not need to rely on others when it comes to progressing my Martial Art otherwise.”
He doubted the degree to which the Martial Union could aid him in the further development of the VOID algorithm. It would be nearly impossible for the organization to aid him with something they do not understand. When it came to developing individualized techniques, it was almost even more fruitless. If he relied too much on others to develop his own techniques, then could they truly be said to from him? Accepting too much aid was also counterproductive in his opinion.
Of course, that didn’t mean any and all aid or cooperation was bad. If there was a time when he wanted more reliable data or measurements while developing a technique, there was no harm in accepting the help of the Martial Union to perform the measurements and convey the data to him. It would be purely acting in an assistant role, and nothing more.
However, these services could be procured by Martial Squires in exchange for Martial credits, he did not need to sell the VOID algorithm to obtain such services.
The Martial commissioner smiled, as though approving Rui’s statement. “We understand, Squire Quarrier. Please feel free to contact us if you’re interested in engaging in an exchange with us. We always welcome contributions and innovations.”
“Will do.” Rui nodded. “I fully appreciate the offer of the Martial Union and am grateful for the privilege. The reason I reject it today is due to who I am as a Martial Artist. That being said, if there ever comes a day when I do decide to accept your offer, I will let the Union know immediately.”
“We appreciate your sincerity, Squire Quarrier.” The commissioner smiled.
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