The Martial Unity

The Adventurer Town possessed an energy more vibrant than any other place he had ever seen. Not even the town of Hajin could compare to the sheer enthuse in this town. For one, there were almost no residents; everyone in it was temporarily visiting for some business, either as an adventurer or to hire an adventurer.

This translated to an enormous hub for adventurer trade with a huge amount of flux in and out of the town.

THUD…

The carriage descended from the air, landing on the ground with a bump before slowly drawing to crawl.

The Snoring Sage got up, yawning lazily before glancing at the three of them seated some distance away.

He didn't even bother acknowledging Kane or Master Reina.

He was too lazy to.

"Alright, you too," Rui glanced at Kane and Master Reina. "Disappear."

They nodded, activating their stealth as a staff member opened the door to their private compartment.

"Your Highness, Your Sagehood, we have arrived."

"So it would seem," the Sloth Sage stretched, heaving a tired sigh.

"You just rested the entire journey; how are you this lethargic?" Rui furrowed his eyebrows at the Martial Sage. "I'm surprised you managed to become a Martial Sage in the first place."

"One needs to be a Martial Sage to be able to rest without worrying about anything," the man casually remarked. "Otherwise, there's something or the other that will always interrupt your peace, no matter what. I would argue that even becoming a Martial Sage is not enough in some circumstances. This is one of them."

Rui's eyes lit up with interest as he got some insights into the man's Martial drive which may have led him to reach the Sage Realm.

Regardless, this wasn't the time to think about the man.

"It's time, Your Sagehood," Rui echoed the staff's words. "Let's go."

The Martial Sage heaved a tired sigh, getting as he followed Rui.

Outside was a delegation that awaited them, led by a particularly distinguished man up front.

He had a heavy air of authority around him, instantly drawing Rui's attention.

His attire and appearance were immaculately groomed to perfection, radiating power and authority. His cleanly maintained salt-and-pepper hair and beard conveyed his age, giving him an air of experience and wisdom.

He smiled at Rui as he exited the carriage, accompanied by the Sloth Sage.

"Welcome to the headquarters of the Adventurer's Guild, Prince Rui Quarrier Silas Kandria," a gracious melody serenaded in his voice. "I, Guildmaster Vaughn Shelbous Raubeinon of the Panamic Adventurer's Guild, am pleased and honored to receive the next Emperor of Kandria."

His words conveyed much deference, while his tone and demeanor firmly maintained a proud and powerful image.

"I am pleased and grateful to be received the vaunted guildmaster of the Adventurer's Guild himself," Rui replied, smiling. "Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to indulge me, guildmaster."

"Not at all," he replied graciously. "I was quite pleased to learn of your interest in speaking to me. I hope I am able to aid you with whatever it is that you seek from me. The Adventurer's Guild hopes to build a better relationship with the Kandrian Empire."

He didn't bat an eye at the Sloth Sage behind Rui, remaining entirely unconcerned.

Rui had understood why the moment he had stepped out of the carriage.

He was accompanied by a Martial Sage himself. The woman behind him did an excellent job hiding her aura and blending in with civilians but there was no doubt that she was of the Sage Realm.

"Come, let us speak inside my office, Your Highness," Guildmaster Vaughn smiled, directing Rui inside the enormous headquarters of the Adventurer's Guild. The entire complex seemed to cover a good solid district in the Adventurer's Town, featuring many buildings and facilities.

CLACK

The door opened, and the four of them entered a spacious and extravagant office with an array of shelved books across the entire office. A huge artistic map of the Beast Domain was hung up on the wall behind him, drawing Rui's attention.

"We had that commissioned by one of the best cartographers on the continent," he remarked, noticing Rui's gaze. "The light fantasy themes from the Human Domain turn dark as they go towards the Beast Domain. Beautiful, isn't it?"

"Magnificent," Rui heaved a sigh as he admired the map.

The man smiled approvingly. "Have a seat."

The two finally commenced their first meeting.

"I apologize for the rescheduling and postponing," Rui smiled apologetically. "I was deeply preoccupied with some urgent, important matters. Still, that is no excuse for causing you inconvenience."

"Not at all, Your Highness," the man lightly shook his head. "It is rather understandable. After all, the news of the Silas Clan joining the Kandrian Empire has spread across all upper echelons of human civilization in Panama, I dare say."

He threw a knowing look at Rui.

Rui smiled wryly. "Indeed, it was rather unforeseen, to a certain extent, but the Kandrian Empire is proud to host the Silas Clan as a residential group of land-owning citizens."

The guildmaster's eyes lit up with interest. "There are many tales and legends of them that have spread through the years. I wonder how many of them are true and how many aren't."

"I have experienced their power firsthand, guildmaster," Rui smiled proudly. "I can assure you that their power is very real."

His words were sincere.

After all, Matriarch Nephi had provided him with more information on the Divine Doctor's location than all of humanity combined just through the sheer power of her prophecy. The feat allowed Rui to understand just why they were hunted so much throughout history.

"It begs the question; is the Silas Clan open to trading their prophetic power?" The guildmaster asked Rui with a pointed interest.

He didn't hide how much he would look forward to that.

"The Eye of Prophecy technique is one that requires the user to pay a heavy price," Rui remarked. "It is not something that they are willing to trade lightly, but…"