"To grow strong, one must stand against giants."
Hunter Academy Training Grounds – The Challenge Begins
The sun hung high above the Hunter Academy's outdoor training field, its golden rays casting long shadows across the stone-paved arena. Over a hundred students stood in formation, awaiting instructions for the day's combat drills.
Joshua stood among them, his body completely relaxed, but his mind sharp.
It had been a full day since the underground arena fights, and the whispers around him had yet to die down.
Some students watched him with awe. Others with curiosity. A few with thinly veiled hostility.
But Joshua paid them no mind.
His focus was on the present.
And right now, that meant today's training session.
A loud, commanding voice broke through the murmurs.
"Listen up!"
Instructor Zhao, the academy's strictest combat instructor, strode into the arena, his broad frame exuding authority. His 5-star Aura subtly radiated from his body, an invisible pressure settling over the students.
"Today's focus is real combat application." His sharp gaze swept over the gathered students. "You can study techniques all you want, but if you can't use them in a fight, you might as well be a civilian."
A few students shifted uncomfortably.
Zhao's training was never easy.
"Pair up! Sparring matches start now! Show me what you've learned!"
The students quickly split into partners, the air filling with the sound of weapons clashing and Aura flaring.
Joshua, however, didn't move.
Because Zhao's eyes were locked onto him.
"Joshua Lim."
The entire training field fell silent.
Joshua met his gaze calmly.
"Yes, Instructor?"
Zhao's lips curled into a slight smirk.
"You've been making waves lately," he said. "It's time to see if the rumors are true."
Joshua raised an eyebrow. "A test?"
"A spar." Zhao's arms folded behind his back. "Me against you. Right here. In front of the whole class."
Gasps rippled through the students.
Joshua against a 5-star hunter?
For a moment, there was only silence.
Then—
Joshua smirked.
"Alright."
The Duel – Joshua vs. Instructor Zhao
The other students gathered around the arena, eager to witness the match.
A few instructors had arrived as well, curious about Zhao's choice.
And among them stood a girl with long, flowing purple hair—her striking gaze locked onto the scene with quiet interest.
Lee Sung En.
A prodigious double-elemental mage, gifted with both wind and fire magic, as well as proficiency in arcane energy.
She wasn't at her full potential yet, but Joshua remembered her from the past timeline.
In the future, she would become a 6-star hunter, one of the strongest mages in the world.
Right now, though?
She was simply another student.
But she was watching him closely.
Joshua rolled his shoulders, gripping his training sword.
Across from him, Zhao stood firm, a wooden combat staff in his grip.
"Any rules?" Joshua asked.
"Only one," Zhao said, his eyes sharp. "Show me what you're truly capable of."
A slight grin formed on Joshua's lips.
"Understood."
A moment later—
"Begin!"
The Clash of Power
Joshua moved first.
Faster than anyone expected.
The ground cracked beneath him as he exploded forward, his Aura flaring around him.
Zhao's eyes flickered in surprise—but only for a moment.
Then, he moved.
Joshua's blade struck like lightning.
Zhao's staff intercepted the attack, the force of the collision sending a sharp gust through the arena.
But Joshua didn't stop.
He followed up with a flurry of attacks, his movements flowing with precision and deadly efficiency.
Strike. Dodge. Counter. Attack again.
Zhao blocked the first three. The fourth grazed his ribs.
Gasps rippled through the audience.
Joshua was overpowering a 5-star hunter.
For a brief moment, Zhao's expression shifted—an acknowledgment of Joshua's skill.
Then—
He attacked.
Joshua barely had time to react before Zhao's counterattack came crashing toward him.
The instructor's staff became a blur, striking with brutal precision.
Joshua dodged the first strike. Blocked the second. Got hit by the third.
Thwack!
Pain exploded in his side as the impact sent him skidding backward.
He clenched his teeth. Fast. Strong.
Zhao was no ordinary 5-star.
He had decades of experience, and it showed in his technique.
Joshua exhaled, gripping his sword tighter.
Then—
His Adaptive Combat kicked in.
The longer he fought, the more he adapted to his opponent's style.
Zhao moved in again.
But this time—
Joshua was faster.
He dodged cleanly, stepping into Zhao's blind spot.
His blade flashed.
A clean hit—right against Zhao's exposed shoulder.
The instructor grunted, stepping back.
The students watched in awe.
Joshua was keeping up with a 5-star hunter.
Zhao rolled his shoulder, a slow grin forming on his face.
"Not bad." His grip on his staff tightened. "Then let's see if you can handle this—"
Suddenly, Zhao's Aura erupted, pressing down on the entire arena like a crushing weight.
Students staggered backward, gasping from the sheer force.
Joshua's breathing slowed.
Alright. Now the real fight begins.
End of Chapter 6.