"Power is something you master. Emotions… those are harder to control."
Hunter Academy – Training Grounds
Joshua stood alone in the academy's private training hall, gripping the Twin Daggers of Equinox in both hands.
He exhaled slowly, his body instinctively trying to channel both Aura and Mana at the same time.
The moment he activated Dual Resonance—
BOOM!
A surge of raw power erupted around him, the sheer force cracking the ground beneath his feet.
Joshua's expression remained calm, but internally—
"This is unstable."
The fusion of Aura and Mana was supposed to create something stronger, but right now, it felt like trying to mix fire and water without letting either explode.
His Aura-enhanced attacks felt unpredictable, his mana flow flickered like a dying flame.
And worst of all—he could feel the energy trying to pull his body apart.
"If I can't stabilize this, I won't be able to use it in real combat."
He exhaled, dispelling the energy, and the room finally settled.
[System Notification]
Dual Resonance Mastery: 3%
Warning: Unstable fusion detected. Overuse may cause internal damage.
Joshua frowned. "So much for an instant power-up."
Looks like he had a lot of work to do.
Sung En's Room – A Confusing Heart
Meanwhile, in the noble dormitory wing, Sung En sat in her lavishly decorated room, staring at her reflection in the mirror.
Her mind was a complete mess.
The moment Joshua had casually suggested their engagement, she had been too focused on escaping Zhao Feng's marriage trap to think about it.
But now?
Now she was actually processing it.
Her cheeks heated up slightly at the memory.
"Engaged… to Joshua?"
She shook her head quickly. "It's not real. It's just a strategic move. A temporary arrangement."
And yet—
Why did the idea of him becoming her husband one day make her stomach feel weird?
Why did her mind suddenly picture a future where he stood beside her—not just as an ally, but as… something more?
Her heart skipped a beat.
Sung En scowled and buried her face in her hands.
"What the hell is wrong with me?!"
She needed to talk to someone.
The Moonlit Garden – Seeking Advice
Later that evening, Sung En sat under a magnolia tree in the academy's garden, waiting.
A few minutes later, a graceful young woman with silver hair and sharp golden eyes approached.
Jiang Yue.
Heiress of the Jiang Family, a high-ranking noble clan of strategists and magic users.
More importantly—Sung En's childhood friend.
Jiang Yue sat beside her, crossing her legs elegantly.
"You sent me a message saying you needed advice," she said, her voice smooth and knowing. "Let me guess… this is about your engagement?"
Sung En winced. "It's not an engagement."
Jiang Yue smirked. "So you say. But the fact that you're here, asking me about it, says otherwise."
Sung En grumbled. "It's complicated."
Jiang Yue chuckled. "Oh, I love complicated."
Sung En sighed. "Look, I just… I don't know how to feel about it."
Jiang Yue tilted her head. "Well, let's break it down then. First question—do you hate Joshua?"
Sung En immediately shook her head. "No."
"…Do you like him?"
Sung En froze.
She opened her mouth—then closed it.
Jiang Yue smirked. "Interesting."
Sung En scowled. "Shut up."
Jiang Yue laughed softly. "Alright, then tell me—what is it about this that's bothering you?"
Sung En hesitated.
"…I don't like the idea of my future being decided for me," she admitted. "And yet, Joshua gave me an escape from Zhao Feng… and instead of rejecting it, I went along with it."
Jiang Yue nodded. "Because deep down, you trust him."
Sung En blinked.
Jiang Yue smirked. "I've known you since we were kids. You don't let anyone decide things for you. If you truly didn't want this, you would've shut it down immediately. Instead, you let it happen. Why?"
Sung En bit her lip.
Jiang Yue leaned closer.
"Be honest with yourself. When you think about Joshua standing beside you—not just as an ally, but as your future husband—how does it make you feel?"
Sung En's face turned red instantly.
"I—I don't—"
Jiang Yue laughed. "You're blushing."
Sung En covered her face. "I hate you."
Jiang Yue grinned. "No, you hate that I'm right."
Sung En groaned, falling back onto the grass.
"I don't know what I feel," she admitted. "It's just… confusing."
Jiang Yue nodded thoughtfully.
"Well, here's my advice," she said, gazing up at the stars. "Stop overthinking it. Feelings don't follow logic. Just take your time, watch how things unfold, and see where your heart leads you."
Sung En stared at her. "That's it?"
Jiang Yue shrugged. "Would you rather me tell you to confess your love immediately?"
Sung En sat up so fast she almost choked. "Love?!"
Jiang Yue cackled. "Oh, this is too fun."
Sung En sighed, shaking her head.
"…I hate you so much."
Jiang Yue smiled knowingly. "Then why did you come to me?"
Sung En groaned.
Jiang Yue simply patted her on the back.
"Take your time," she said gently. "But I think you already know the answer—you're just too stubborn to admit it yet."
Sung En said nothing.
Because deep down…
She was starting to think Jiang Yue might be right.
The Rumor Spreads – Zhao Feng's Scheme
The next day, Joshua walked into the academy's main courtyard, instantly noticing the strange atmosphere.
Students were whispering.
Pointing at him.
Joshua sighed. "Alright. What now?"
Then Wei Cheng walked up, grinning like an idiot.
"Yo, fiancé."
Joshua froze.
"…What?"
Wei smirked. "So? How's the engaged life treating you?"
Joshua blinked.
Then—it clicked.
Zhao Feng.
That bastard must have spread the engagement news first, twisting the story.
Joshua sighed. "I'm going to kill him."
Wei laughed. "Oh, man. This is gold."
Joshua rubbed his temples. "How bad is the rumor?"
Wei grinned. "Well, according to the latest gossip—you didn't just propose. You manipulated Sung En into choosing you over Zhao Feng with underhanded tricks."
Joshua exhaled slowly.
"That idiot really wants to die, huh?"
Just then, he noticed Sung En walking by.
Their eyes met.
She immediately looked away, face slightly red.
Joshua blinked.
Wait… why does she actually look flustered?
Wei whistled. "Oh yeah. She's thinking about it."
Joshua sighed. "Great. Now even she's confused."
Wei patted him on the back. "Welcome to romance, my friend."
Joshua groaned.
"I preferred fighting monsters."