"Mastery isn't just about strength—it's about understanding every weapon you hold."
1. The Calm Before the Exhibition
The sun hung low over the academy, marking the final days before the China National Hunter School Competition.
The halls were buzzing with excitement.
A major pre-tournament Combat Exhibition had been announced.
Unlike formal rank assessments, this event was a public display of skill.
✔ Any student could challenge another, proving their growth.
✔ Noble families, guild sponsors, and high-ranking hunters attended to watch.
✔ Even students from China's second academy—the rival Imperial Dragon Academy—had arrived to observe.
Joshua sighed, rolling his shoulders.
He hadn't intended to participate.
But then—someone called him out.
2. The First Challenger – Aura Specialist
The moment Joshua stepped into the arena, a high-ranking 4-star Aura user challenged him.
A tall, muscular third-year student, wielding a greatsword crackling with Aura energy.
He smirked.
"Hybrid or not, you won't beat a pure Aura specialist."
Joshua grinned.
"Let's find out."
The match began.
✔ The Aura user was fast—his strikes powerful, his stance unshakable.
✔ Joshua didn't overpower him—he outmaneuvered him.
✔ Using Phantom Blade, Joshua's afterimages confused his opponent.
✔ His counters were flawless, each movement precise.
The fight ended in seconds.
Joshua dodged a heavy strike—then countered with an Aura-infused dagger strike to the opponent's ribs.
A clean victory.
3. The Second Challenger – A High-Tier Mage
Joshua barely had time to step away before a new challenger appeared.
This time, a fourth-year mage.
She specialized in high-tier elemental spells, wielding both fire and earth magic.
"Let's see how well a hybrid can handle real magic."
Joshua simply smirked.
"Go ahead. Try me."
✔ The mage launched a storm of fire and earth-based attacks, forcing Joshua to dodge.
✔ Instead of countering with Aura, he switched to pure mana techniques.
✔ Using Mana Compression, he enhanced his reaction speed, casting high-speed barriers.
✔ Then, in a split second, he unleashed a lightning-fast spell chain, disrupting her magic.
Before the mage could finish her next incantation, Joshua was already in front of her, dagger at her throat.
Another clean victory.
The crowd erupted into shocked murmurs.
✔ "He just beat a high-level mage… using magic."
✔ "That wasn't brute force—he countered her with precision."
✔ "A hybrid isn't supposed to be this good at both styles!"
Up in the VIP seating area, several guild leaders and noble hunters took notice.
One of them murmured, "This Joshua Lim… he's different."
4. The Final Challenger – An Agile Assassin
Joshua took a breath.
He had already beaten an Aura specialist and a high-tier Mage.
But before he could step away—
A new voice echoed across the arena.
"I want the next match."
The crowd turned.
A fourth-year student, known for his mastery in speed and assassination techniques.
Unlike the last two opponents, this one was fast.
Extremely fast.
The moment the match began—
✔ He vanished from sight.
✔ His movements were like a shadow, attacking from impossible angles.
✔ Even Joshua had to push himself to keep up.
"Good. Finally, a challenge."
Joshua exhaled, switching gears.
✔ Instead of trying to match his opponent's speed, he used Phantom Blade's afterimages to create false targets.
✔ His opponent took the bait, attacking an illusion.
✔ In that moment, Joshua closed the distance and ended the fight in a single, brutal counterstrike.
The assassin staggered, realizing his mistake too late.
Joshua stood over him, victorious.
For the first time, the entire arena fell silent.
5. The Aftermath – Recognition & Unspoken Concern
Joshua exited the arena, rolling his shoulders.
He had taken down three high-ranked 4-star students in a row—using different techniques every time.
People were staring at him differently now.
✔ Before, he was just a 5-star Hybrid.
✔ Now, they understood what that meant.
And among them, Sung En watched, arms crossed.
Her jaw was set tight, her fingers twitching.
She had seen it.
✔ The way Joshua controlled his energy flawlessly.
✔ The way he switched between Aura and Magic seamlessly.
✔ The way his steps were just a little bit heavier than usual.
He was exhausted.
But, as always, he hid it.
6. The Final Night Before the Tournament – A Private Moment
Joshua stood alone in the training field, one last time.
He wasn't trying to force Dual Resonance tonight.
Just refining. Perfecting.
As he moved, steel clashing against the air—a familiar presence approached.
"You're still training?"
Joshua grinned without looking back.
"Should I be surprised you're watching?"
Sung En stepped forward, drawing her rapier.
She didn't answer.
Instead, she took a stance.
"…I'm not watching tonight," she said.
Joshua turned, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
Sung En smirked.
"I'm training with you."
Joshua chuckled.
The night air filled with the clash of steel.
And this time—Sung En wasn't just watching from a distance.
She was right beside him.