"Strength was never the problem. It was hiding it that held me back."
[SYSTEM UPGRADE COMPLETE]
A surge of power flooded Joshua's body.
It was unlike anything he had ever experienced before—even in his past life. This wasn't just a natural increase in strength. This was something deeper.
Something fundamental had changed.
A translucent blue screen hovered before him.
[LEVEL UP!]
Current Rank: 2-Star → 3-Star
New Skill Unlocked: Adaptive Combat (Passive)
Stat Growth Applied!
[Updated Status]
Name: Joshua Lim
Age: 17
Rank: 3-Star Hunter
Class: Aura Blade User
Attributes:
• Strength: 15 → 20
• Agility: 18 → 24
• Endurance: 14 → 19
• Aura Control: 10 → 18
Joshua clenched his fists, feeling the raw energy coursing through his body. His muscles felt stronger, his movements more precise, his senses sharper than ever before.
But what caught his attention the most—
The new skill.
[Skill: Adaptive Combat (Passive)]
Description: Your combat instincts evolve dynamically. The more you fight an opponent, the better you adapt to their style, weaknesses, and rhythm.
Effects:
• Increased reaction speed and counter-efficiency against repeated opponents.
• The ability to analyze and predict attacks faster in prolonged battles.
• Higher learning rate for techniques and fighting styles.
Joshua's eyes widened.
This…
This was beyond what he expected.
This wasn't just an improvement.
This was a game-changer.
He had already fought using decades of past experience, but now?
Now, his body would actively adapt in real time.
In a prolonged battle, he would only get stronger.
A slow smirk crossed his lips.
"Hiding my strength?"
"Not anymore."
The Next Morning – A Storm of Rumors
By the time Joshua stepped onto the academy grounds the next day, the entire school was buzzing with whispers.
Students stood in clusters, talking in hushed voices, their eyes darting toward him every few seconds.
"Did you hear? Joshua Lim beat Shen Kai last night!"
"No way! Shen Kai's a 4-star! There's no way Joshua—"
"It's true! People saw it! And not just that, he fought nine people before that!"
"What the hell?! How did he have the stamina for that?"
"Was he hiding his strength all along?"
Joshua walked through the courtyard, his posture relaxed. He had expected this.
A sudden hand landed on his shoulder.
"Alright, what the hell, Lim?"
Joshua turned to see Wei Cheng standing there, looking at him like he had grown a second head.
"You seriously took on ten fights back-to-back last night?" Wei continued, crossing his arms. "And the last guy was Shen Kai?"
Joshua shrugged. "Yeah."
"'Yeah'? That's all you have to say?!"
Joshua simply smirked.
At that moment, more students began to gather around.
Some looked at him with curiosity, others with suspicion. A few even had undisguised wariness in their eyes.
One of the more well-known noble students stepped forward—a 3-star wind mage named Liu Fan.
"Why now, Lim?" Liu narrowed his eyes. "Why hide your skills all this time?"
The crowd fell silent, waiting for Joshua's response.
Joshua met Liu's gaze head-on, his voice calm and unwavering.
"Why should I keep hiding? I held back to avoid attention before. But what did that ever do for me?"
He let those words sink in.
Then, he added:
"This world respects the strong. If I have power, why should I pretend otherwise?"
The murmurs grew louder.
Some students nodded in agreement. Others frowned, unsure of what to think.
Wei rubbed his temples. "So, let me get this straight. You've been acting 'average' this whole time because you just… didn't want people looking at you?"
Joshua simply smiled. "Something like that."
Wei sighed. "I have no idea how to feel about this."
Then, a new voice cut through the chatter.
"Joshua Lim."
The crowd parted as Instructor Zhao approached.
The veteran hunter wasn't smiling.
His piercing gaze locked onto Joshua, measuring him.
Joshua stood his ground.
"You. With me," Zhao ordered. "Now."
Instructor Zhao's Office – The Confrontation
The office was bare and simple, containing only a desk, a chair, and a single window overlooking the training grounds.
Zhao leaned against his desk, arms crossed.
Joshua stood before him, waiting.
"You fought Shen Kai last night," Zhao began. "And you won."
Joshua nodded. "Yes."
"You also fought nine opponents before that. And still won."
Another nod.
Zhao exhaled. "Explain."
Joshua considered his words carefully. He could lie. Say he had a sudden breakthrough. Say he had been training in secret.
But Zhao was too sharp. He wouldn't buy a half-truth.
So Joshua met his gaze and said:
"I was tired of holding myself back."
Zhao's expression didn't change. "You expect me to believe that?"
Joshua shrugged. "Believe whatever you want. The truth doesn't change."
A tense silence filled the room.
Then—Zhao smirked.
"…Good."
Joshua raised an eyebrow. "Good?"
"I was getting tired of watching you waste your talent," Zhao said, standing up straight. "You have potential, Lim. More than I thought."
He leaned forward slightly.
"Don't waste it again."
Joshua's smirk returned. "I don't plan to."
Zhao chuckled. "Good. Then let's see how far you can go."
He stepped back, arms behind his back. "For now, you're dismissed. But expect harder training from here on out."
Joshua nodded. "Understood."
As he turned to leave, Zhao added one last thing.
"Oh, and Lim?"
Joshua paused at the door.
"You've drawn attention. From everyone. Be ready."
Joshua chuckled.
"I always am."
Then, he walked out—ready for whatever came next.
End of Chapter 5