"Power isn't about who you follow. It's about who follows you."
Hunter Academy – The Royal Invitation
Joshua had barely finished his morning combat training when a messenger in black-and-gold robes approached him in the academy courtyard.
Students paused their sparring, watching the scene unfold.
"The **2nd Prince of China, His Highness Liu Shenyang, requests your presence at his estate this evening," the messenger announced.
Whispers spread instantly.
Joshua, unfazed, simply raised an eyebrow.
"So, he's making his move already."
In his past life, Liu Shenyang had been a dangerous manipulator, hiding ambition behind a polished, regal smile.
Joshua knew better than to trust him.
Still—he was curious.
He smirked. "Fine. I'll hear what he has to say."
The 2nd Prince's Private Estate
The estate was a grand yet controlled space, with no unnecessary extravagance—just like the man who owned it.
Liu Shenyang sat near a window, watching the city below like a ruler surveying his domain.
He turned as Joshua entered, a polite but unreadable smile on his face.
"Joshua Lim," he greeted smoothly. "I appreciate you coming."
Joshua took a seat across from him, unbothered. "You did go through all the effort to invite me."
Liu Shenyang chuckled. "I like efficiency."
He poured them tea, moving with the precision of a man used to control.
"I've heard much about you," Liu Shenyang continued. "A 5-star Hybrid at seventeen. A rising talent. A man who, in a few years, could stand at the pinnacle of power."
Joshua remained silent.
Liu Shenyang's smile didn't falter.
"I make it a habit to recognize potential early," he said. "And you, Joshua, have more potential than anyone I've seen in years."
Then, finally—he made his offer.
"Join me," Liu Shenyang said.
"With my support, you will rise faster than anyone else. I can provide you with resources, influence, and protection."
Joshua let the words sink in.
The 2nd Prince was good at this. He knew exactly what to offer, how to phrase it.
But Joshua didn't need to think about his answer.
He set his tea down.
And without hesitation, he said—
"No."
A Moment of Silence
Liu Shenyang blinked.
For the first time, the perfectly controlled prince looked mildly surprised.
Then, his expression smoothed over, his smile never wavering.
"…No?"
Joshua leaned back in his seat, calm but firm.
"I'm not interested in being anyone's pawn," he said simply.
A tense silence stretched between them.
Then—Liu Shenyang chuckled softly.
"You're a bold one."
His golden eyes gleamed with intrigue.
Most people would have hesitated. Most people would have at least entertained negotiations.
But Joshua?
He didn't even consider it.
Liu Shenyang swirled his tea, his movements slow and deliberate.
"Are you certain?" he asked. "This is an opportunity many would kill for."
Joshua smirked. "I'm sure."
The air in the room shifted slightly.
It wasn't hostile—but it was no longer entirely polite, either.
Liu Shenyang exhaled through his nose, setting his tea down.
"…I see."
Joshua stood up, stretching casually. "Well, thanks for the tea."
Liu Shenyang's smile returned, though this time, it carried a subtle sharpness.
"Then I look forward to seeing what you achieve… on your own."
Joshua grinned. "You'll get a front-row seat."
He turned and walked away without looking back.
The Academy Reacts – Sung En's Confusion
By the next morning, the entire academy was buzzing with rumors.
Joshua Lim had rejected the 2nd Prince.
Wei Cheng & Sung En's Discussion
Sung En sat in the academy courtyard with Wei Cheng, who leaned back on the bench, staring at Joshua from a distance.
"…That guy really rejected the 2nd Prince?" Wei said, shaking his head. "The dude just refuses to make life easy for himself."
Sung En stayed silent, her gaze fixed on Joshua.
"…Why did he refuse?" she muttered.
Wei Cheng glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "What, you're actually curious about him now?"
Sung En clicked her tongue. "I just don't get him."
Wei grinned. "Nah, you do. You're just starting to care."
Sung En huffed, looking away.
But deep down…
She really didn't understand.
Joshua had always been a wildcard, but rejecting a royal invitation was just insanity.
Why did he do it?
More importantly—why did she care so much?
Liu Shenyang's Private Thoughts
Elsewhere, at his estate, Liu Shenyang sat in silence, thinking.
His aide stood beside him. "Should we take action?"
The prince exhaled, sipping his tea.
"No."
He smiled faintly.
"Not yet."
[System Notification: The 2nd Prince Now Views You as a Possible Threat.]
Joshua had just made a powerful enemy.