It was late evening in Martial Citadel, but strangely, unlike the past late nights in a City with a struggling economy; where everyone went to sleep early since there was hardly anything to do, things were different.

The City was in the midst of an active Frenzy.

In the span of an hour after Guso had finished his market giveaway, information of what occurred in the Black Market had spread to almost every single Organization in the City.

That included those Organizations who did not subscribe specifically to a Martial Creed.

Powerful individuals and information gatherers were spread throughout the City.

Students and Martial Experts of many Organizations were instructed to gather and collect as many of the Focus Shards as they could get.

At first aggressive buying offers were made to many Citizens of the City, but most owners of the Shards realizing the value of what they possessed refused to depart with them so easily.

Soon news of altercations and robbery cases were reported.

There were even rumors that there were groups of Experts who were bullying individuals out of their Shards.

The Mayor who had become aware of what occurred, and had made immediate plans to visit Guso and Yupow, had to postpone his visit in order to keep the peace in the City.

He set out all of his personnel to impose a City wide curfew and defend anyone who was being put in danger.

But while doing so he had instructed many City officials and City Academics and Crafters to gather many of the Shards and study its constitution and potential uses.

In fact that was what most Organizations' objective currently was.

To find out the secrets behind the Mysterious Focus Shard, primarily its make up, potential uses, and a method to gain this power for themselves.

But in the end few Institutions in Martial Citadel had the knowledge, skill, and resources to truly uncover the methods of the Crystals creation.

But those that did were not having much success either.

The Organizations that were having the most success and were also the most interested in this new energy source, were the Inner Energy Martial Organizations, Mental Martial Organizations, Weapon Martial Organizations, Apothecary Association , the City's Energy Union, Martial Citadel University, the Banks, The Merchants Union, the Firebrun Clan, Unyielding Martial Will Dojo, and of course the City itself.

In a span of 24 hours all kinds of discoveries were being made.

The Firebrun Clan and by extension Great Inner Fire Weapons Company were seething at the mouth.

The Focus Shard was extremely compatible with their Inner Energy Weapons.

The Focus Shard upgraded their original creation into new levels of power and versatility.

In fact a whole new class of weapons could be created with these shards.

To them just this alone made finding out the secret to obtaining these shards, a matter of life and death.

Clan Head Dirgen was almost going insane with the greed and covetousness that overtook him whenever he looked at the beautiful silver Crystal.

It represented everything to him.

He had even already forgotten about trying to acquire Guso’s material Magic Enchantment Method.

No, this was much more important than that.

This allowed them to directly compete with Magic Weapons in terms of power, efficiency, and versatility.

The sky was the limit!

Why make themselves lowly imitators of the mighty Magic Weapons Companies, when in fact they could directly take on their Hegemony and become Titans themselves.

“Quickly prepare an envoy to the Mayor and do your best to gain communication with Guso or Yupow, this is do or die for our Clan. We must be the first ones to obtain the secret behind the Focus Shard!”

“Yes Sir!”

***

In another corner of the City, surrounding a pile of Focus Shards, were a group of powerful looking individuals all wearing different colored martial robes.

They all looked eager and anxious at the same time.

The bomb that had just gone off in the City was beyond what any of them could ever imagine.

A mature looking but well built man in blue Martial Robes stepped forward and saluted everyone in the circle, among whom Citum Headmaster of Bursting Vase Dojo, could also be found.

“I’d like to thank all you gentlemen for responding to me and Master Citums’ call for a meeting, and being present despite the commotion and turbulence that has currently overtaken the City.”

“It is our honor Master Jeck, in fact I'm of the opinion that in times like these, when the future of all Practitioners Lifepath, faces a radical change, that we Inner Martial Arts Organizations have to be most united. How could we not heed your call.”

All other Inner Martial Arts Masters in the room nodded in agreement.

Master Jeck knew what the man said was true, but he still felt honored by the respect the Experts in front of him showed him.

“Indeed what you say is true Master Mighu, I’m sure the wise men in your Inner Warrior Institute have advised you well, in fact the one who persuaded me to hold this meeting in my humble Rapid Stream Academy, and who long foresaw something like this would happen is Master Citum, thanks to his wisdom I feel confident today our Organization can face a brighter future in the days and years to come, finally overcoming the great shadow that has loomed over us Practitioners.”

Everyone in the room granted the Master Citum his respects, and lauded him in compliments and flattery.

“Master Jeck, you give me too much credit. I'm sure if I hadn’t called for this meeting one of you guys would’ve eventually done the same. But nevermind that we are here now, so let's discuss what is truly important.”

A short stocky man with yellow and white Martial Robes interjected in agreement.

He was the Master and Principal of Inner Fist Academy.

“ Yes Master Citum, I completely agree with you that the matter at hand is of utmost importance, and that the delicacy and wisdom of all my fellow Master Practitioners is indispensable .”

Everyone responded in agreement.

Master Jeck took the lead role of the meeting again and progressed unto the subject matter.

“ I'm sure you guys are well aware of the massive storm that has overtaken this City since last evening, an event that can only be described as nothing short of a spectacular and fortunate never before seen boon for the City, and for beings such as ourselves. The source of the tempest lies here before us. This invaluable item whom Young Guso has called Focus Shard, a name that I feel is very appropriate. After confirming with the Experts of all our Organizations on the mysteries behind this item, I can unequivocally say that this item is the key to the future not just survival, no my friends, its what will catapult us among the great Powers of Potestera and and allow us to take our rightful place at the top!”

Everyone clapped at Jecks final statement and looked at each other with beaming eyes.

Too long had they suffered the humiliation of not just Volunterras’ powerful Experts, but to top it all off, they also had to endure the ridicule of their fellow Martial Artist.

The powerscale flatlining all Practitioners in Potestera had to suffer through, was almost too big to bear.

Not to mention the constant comparisons they were submitted to in contrast to their counterparts, the powerful and thriving Magons.

This new lifeline and gateway to greatness almost wanted to bring tears to each one of their eyes.

They only prevented themselves from doing so, as every single man present was a legendary Inner Martial Arts Expert they could not embarrass themselves in front of.

After Jecks introductory speech Citum took the opportunity to chime in.

“Fellow Masters as Jeck said the potential benefits this Focus Shard brings to us Practitioners is almost unimaginable, but let me remind you it's better to tread cautiously and temper our expectations, less we fall face first and ruin this once in a lifetime opportunity. Many Powers not only in the City, but from afar have already set their sights on this item now more than ever we must act in unison.”

Everyone in the room looked at each other in understanding and nodded in agreement.

A tall intimidating man with scars on his face and silver and bronze Martial Robes took the opportunity to step forward.

“ As wise as ever Master Citum, yes according to my sources Firebrun Clan has already made their move, it is obvious they will put pressure on the City to make Yupow and Guso come forth. I advise that we do the same lest we fall behind.”

A lot of people looked surprised and angry.

Another Old Master among the crowd let known his thoughts.

“That damn Dirgen! As greedy and slimy as ever, I'm not willing to let him take all the benefits these Focus Shards bring. Look what he did with the Inner Energy Metals, if we let him get ahead of us, i’tll be the same story once again, and well be slaves to his will.”

Everyone in the room expressed their displeasure at such a thought.

Even now with the power he held as basically the only large scale manufacturer of Inner Metals his oppressive nature towards them was a huge thorn on their side.

Many in the room held the opinion that Dirgen had held back the innovation of Inner Metals’ and the growth of Inner Energy Weapons as a whole.

Jeck rose and reasserted his position as meeting director.

“ Thank you for the Vital information Master Fahreb, indeed we have already prepared an envoy representative of all our Organizations that will head out as soon as this meeting is done. But we must be clear on what our goals are. First and foremost we must refrain from making excessive requests until we know what the source of this Focus Shard is. Maybe it's not as abundant or readily available, that will change many dynamics and thwart many plans. No matter what we must constantly keep on collecting information about the Focus Shard. For now our priority is to amass as many Shards as we can and contact Guso and Yupow since they are connected to the source of this treasure.”

Old Man Citum who had something to say on the matter made his thoughts known.

“ Jeck they are indeed connected to the Focus Shards, and I suspect that they are in fact the source. Or to be more specific Yupow is the source! Do you remember the large energy emission and bright light that came from Yupows’ house that we all sensed? I suspect that that phenomenon has something to do with what is happening today. In fact I have it on good word that Guso himself has already confirmed Focus Shards cannot be found naturally in Nature, that means they are an Artificial Creation, and my guess that the only person capable of creating so many of these Crystals is Yupow himself. That Old Bastard has remained hidden in the shadows for so long, but now that he made a move this is the kind of commotion he causes? I don't know whether I should be grateful or remorseful!”

Everyone looked at Citum understably; they too felt deep trepidation in regards to Yupow because of how profound his powers and abilities were.

But now a great feeling of gratefulness and reverence emerged within their heart if what Citum said turned out to be true.

“Is that so Old Citum, I had completely missed that detail, and would have forgotten it had you not brought it up. If that is what the clues are leading you to believe, then let us proceed as if that is the reality of the situation. If it turns out to be false, then we can change our approach accordingly. If Yupow made the Crystals that gives me hope that perhaps we ourselves can replicate such a feat. If such a thing becomes possible I don't think I need to explain what that means for our Martial Legacies as a whole. The way I see it, securing a steady supply of Focus Shards, and figuring out the best way we can make the best use of what we have is first on our priority list, if we manage to contact Yupow or Guso. We will establish a Focus Shard Action Team consisting of top Experts and Intellectuals from all the Organizations here today, so our efforts are as efficient as they can be. Is anyone opposed to this plan of action?”

No one spoke out, everyone seemed to be in agreement.

“Good, then it is settled, from now on, or at least until the Focus Shard becomes more abundant, we will all act in unison in concern to this treasure. Today Rapid Stream Academy, Inner Fist Academy, Bursting Vase Dojo, Hidden Martial Blade Academy, Piercing Heart House, Ramuni Clan, Inner Warrior Institution, Inner Storm Sect, Profound Martial Path School, Inner Mystery Martial University, and Destructive Inner Body Organization, all unite to form the Inner Focus Association! Here’s to a bright and promising future!”

“Here! Here!”

The Hall of Rapid Stream Academy was momentarily filled with celebration upon their unification, before they all returned to make way in forging their path ahead.