"A battlefield isn't just fought with weapons. It's fought with minds."
1. System Quest Unlock – "Conquer the National Tournament"
As Joshua walked toward the grand coliseum, a familiar blue system window appeared in front of him.
[New System Quest: Conquer the National Tournament]
Objective: Win the National Hunter School Tournament.
Reward: ??? (Unknown)
Joshua smirked.
"So, you're keeping it a mystery, huh? Fine. I was planning to win anyway."
He dismissed the window as he entered the main arena, where thousands of students and elite figures gathered.
This was it.
The China National Hunter School Competition had begun.
2. Principal Kang's Speech & The Tournament Rules
At the center of the arena, Principal Kang, the head of Hunter Academy, stood tall.
With a powerful Aura presence, he raised a hand, silencing the crowd.
His voice boomed across the stadium.
"Welcome, students, elites, and honored guests. The National Hunter School Tournament is not just a test of strength—but a test of will, intelligence, and adaptability."
He gestured toward the giant floating platform in the sky, glowing with intricate runes.
"This year, we are using a simulated world—created specifically for this competition. Through the advanced transporter system, all combatants will be projected into a replicated battlefield."
The crowd murmured in excitement.
✔ All weapons, magic, and Aura techniques would work exactly as they would in real life.
✔ Pain would be felt—but fatal injuries wouldn't be real.
✔ If a fighter was "killed" or incapacitated, they would be automatically removed from the simulation.
Principal Kang's gaze swept over the students.
"There are no second chances. Once you lose, you are eliminated."
Then, his eyes gleamed.
"Now, show the world your strength."
The crowd erupted into cheers.
The tournament had officially begun.
3. Watching the Matches – A Mysterious Presence
Since Joshua's match was later in the bracket, he sat in the crowd, casually observing the first few rounds.
✔ Wei Cheng's match came first. He used his signature shield and Aura techniques, overpowering his opponent with defensive counters.
✔ Sung En followed next. She moved gracefully and efficiently, using wind-enhanced speed and fire-enhanced strikes to overwhelm her opponent.
Joshua smirked.
"She's even stronger than I remember from my past life. Interesting."
Then—someone sat beside him.
A woman, draped in a simple black cloak, her face partially covered with a mask.
Joshua didn't need to look.
He already knew.
"Yue."
Leader of Dark Shadow.
Even in disguise, her presence was unmistakable.
4. An Unexpected Conversation – Joshua Recognizes Yue
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Both simply watched the match unfold below.
Then—Yue spoke first.
"The wind mage is strong," she murmured.
Joshua smirked. "She is."
Her voice was smooth, calculated. "But she's not using her full power."
Joshua glanced at her. "No. She's not."
A small chuckle.
"You have sharp eyes."
Joshua leaned back slightly. "So do you, Yue."
Yue's entire body stiffened.
The air around them changed instantly.
Joshua turned his head, meeting her eyes.
Her usual calm, controlled expression cracked slightly.
Her lips parted, as if she wanted to ask something—but instead, she simply narrowed her eyes.
"…How do you know that name?"
Joshua smirked.
"Of course, you'd ask that."
He didn't answer.
Instead, he casually reached into his pocket.
"Got a business card?"
Yue's gaze sharpened, filled with suspicion and intrigue.
And for the first time in years—
She was at a loss for words.
Joshua chuckled, standing up.
"Don't worry, Yue. We'll talk again."
Then, without another glance, he walked away.
Yue sat in silence, watching him disappear into the competitors' section.
Then—she smiled slightly.
"…Interesting."
5. Joshua's First Match – Against a 4-Star Aura Specialist
As Joshua stepped into the simulator platform, the magic runes activated.
In an instant, he was transported into a vast battlefield—a replica of a mountainous region.
His opponent had already arrived.
A tall, muscular student wielding a massive greatsword.
A high 4-star Aura specialist.
The announcer's voice echoed across the simulation.
"Match Start!"
The Aura user charged forward immediately.
Joshua didn't move.
He simply watched. Studied. Calculated.
Then—the first clash happened.
✔ The greatsword came crashing down, but Joshua sidestepped effortlessly.
✔ His opponent's movements were strong but slow—typical for a power-based Aura fighter.
✔ Joshua exploited every opening, using Phantom Blade's afterimage illusions to mislead his opponent.
The crowd watched in stunned silence.
Joshua wasn't just dodging.
He was playing.
His opponent grew frustrated, swinging wildly.
Then—Joshua struck.
✔ A single, precise dagger strike to the ribs.
✔ A flash of compressed mana, sending his opponent staggering.
✔ And finally—a clean Aura-enhanced kick, knocking him out of the battlefield.
[Victory – Joshua Lim Wins!]
6. The Aftermath – A Growing Reputation
As Joshua stepped out of the simulator, whispers flooded the arena.
✔ "He's toying with his opponents…"
✔ "He barely even used his full strength."
✔ "A hybrid like him shouldn't be this good at both styles."
Joshua didn't care.
His gaze drifted to Sung En, who stood with her arms crossed, watching him with a slightly furrowed brow.
He smirked at her.
She rolled her eyes—but he didn't miss the tiny smile.
7. Yue's Thoughts – A New Target?
Back in the spectator stands, Yue sat deep in thought.
She replayed their conversation in her mind.
"He knew my name. He knew my presence."
"Who the hell is Joshua Lim?"
For the first time in years—
Yue had found someone she couldn't figure out.
And that made her very, very curious.
She leaned back in her seat, a slow smirk forming.
"This tournament just got interesting."