The Martial Unity

The Beast Incursion had lasted seventeen years.

When it had finally ended, people celebrated, rushing to the streets.

However, shortly after it had ended, they had begun getting invaders from the opposite direction.

From outside the continent rather than from the core.

It led to a conflict that far exceeded even the Beast Incursion, especially when Rui harnessed the beasts and monsters to protect them in the Beast Excursion.

They learned of an alien world beyond their continent just when they sought peace and stability the most.

That, along with all the technological transformations that the world had undergone in the many years, with the introduction of the internet and smartphones, and digital technology spreading like a conflagration, with the first wave of non-esoteric technology being harnessed by Panamic Civilization.

Then there were the hemosapien children, MECHAs, the integration of beasts and monsters into their civilization, and the flora network technology that was recently being implemented.

"It's easy to get overwhelmed," Rui admitted. "In fact, part of the reason that I haven't been overwhelmed is because I don't interact with regular human civilization as a regular human being. I also am the cause of many of these changes, like my battle with Shenlong, even if it was inadvertent. But I felt overwhelmed too when I visited the Town of Hajin today, so I understand how you feel."

Kane shook his head. "I'm not just talking about how much the world has changed, but also how unsafe it has become. We risk complete annihilation, and this time, we don't have any Martial Transcendents to save us. It's a scary world, Rui. Being a Martial Sage does not mean what it used to. It used to mean that everything goes your way and the people you want to protect are absolutely safe, but…"

He gazed at his hands with a serious expression. "…I don't feel like I have the power to protect my family in this crazy world. Thirty years ago, I would have been one of only sixteen or seventeen Martial Sages in the Kandrian Empire. My voice would have been very loud and very powerful. But today, even Martial Sages feel like nobodies. I have lost count of just how many Martial Sages the Kandrian Empire has."

He heaved an exhausted sigh. "It really sucks when you reach the second-highest Realm, and even that isn't enough to feel safe."

Fae placed her hand on Kane's with a grim expression. "As a Martial Master, I feel that even more. Ever since the triggered mass breakthroughs, being a Martial Master feels like what being a Martial Senior used to feel like. Ah, I'm definitely not blaming you, Rui. God knows what kind of hellish situation we would be in if not for your miraculous breakthroughs."

Rui nodded with a sympathetic expression. "It must be rough. I completely understand."

That was a lie.

His experience had been the opposite.

He had become the most important, or perhaps the second most important man, depending on who you asked, in the entire continent. His value and utility to human civilization had never been higher, and he rose above all constraints and all balances.

He could freely issue orders to other Martial Sages, and most of them would follow them without the slightest hesitation. He could issue orders to powerful sovereign states like Sage-level powerhouses, and they would most likely acquiesce as long as it wasn't absurd.

He had experienced an inflation of his value and political power, so much so that it became an annoying shackle.

"The world is definitely more dangerous than it used to be," Rui admitted. "But unlike the Era of Darkness, it is also an era of endless possibilities. A whole new world with six different hominid races and six other paths exists with technology beyond even our fathoming. With the flood of negatron matter, the stars are within our reach. The universe is within our reach."

He turned to Kane and Fae. "I understand that the two of you are not exactly excited for a race to the stars now that you are starting a family. Dangerous but exciting adventure is certainly not a high priority for you right now, is it?"

They nodded at his question.

"Then the race to space should be a good thing, because it takes all the danger away from Gaia and throws it into the stars," Rui replied. "Think about it. Most siege weapons. Most pathwalkers. Most capital and resources will be dedicated towards carving out their own territory and set of resources, which will require a lot of military power. All the wars that are bound to happen will happen in space. Far away from Gaia."

Kane's eyes lit up at his words. "When you put it like that, this might actually be a really good thing."

"Of course, that doesn't mean that the other races have forgotten about the esoteric matter of our continent. The evolutionaries, tekvores, and the giants will never forget about it. And you can even say that the reason they are racing to space is to get their hands on enough resources and energy to overwhelm our resistance and finally seize our resources. But that will take a lot of time. Runark will likely have grown up before they gain any advantage in the long run. So don't fret too much. Your son will have a decently peaceful childhood, if nothing else. You have my word."

Those words were clearly of great relief to Kane and Fae.

Kane heaved a relaxing sigh as his tight shoulders finally loosened a bit. "Thanks, man. You have no idea how relieving it is to hear that from you, of all people. If anybody else said it, I would not believe them, but hearing you say it means a lot to me."

He directed a pointed gaze at Rui. "I will hold you to those words, man."

Rui smiled. "Of course, don't worry. As long as I'm alive, nothing can happen to human civilization. And rest assured, I have no intention of dying."