"Power attracts attention. But true power… changes the game."
1. Sung En's Reflection – Pushing Beyond Limits
Sung En sat in the waiting area, a towel draped over her shoulders, her body still aching from the fight.
But this time—she didn't feel disappointed.
She had lost.
But for the first time in years… she had truly pushed past her limits.
For a brief moment—she had overwhelmed Joshua.
A small smirk played on her lips.
"I'm stronger than before."
But… her thoughts kept returning to him.
The way he had caught her before she fell.
The way his voice was soft yet steady—'You did great, Princess.'
Her face flushed slightly.
Was it pride? Admiration? Or something… more?
She exhaled sharply.
"Tch. I don't have time for this."
But deep down—she couldn't ignore it anymore.
Something inside her had changed.
And Joshua was at the center of it.
2. Lee Sung Min's Insight – A Father's Perspective
From the VIP stands, Lee Sung Min, the head of the Lee Family and Sung En's father, watched Joshua's fights with an intense gaze.
✔ He wasn't just impressed—he was deeply analyzing every moment.
✔ Every move. Every shift in strategy. Every adaptation Joshua made.
Lee Sung Min wasn't like the average noble spectators, simply being in awe.
No.
He was measuring Joshua. Evaluating him.
And the results?
Joshua Lim was dangerous.
✔ His adaptability was beyond natural.
✔ He fought like someone who had already experienced countless battles.
✔ He never panicked. He never lost control.
Lee Sung Min narrowed his eyes.
"That boy isn't just talented. He fights like a man who has already walked through war."
He glanced at his daughter, still recovering from the fight.
"And he made my daughter push beyond her limits."
For the first time—Lee Sung Min truly acknowledged Joshua.
But with that recognition… came an unsettling thought.
"If he continues like this…"
"No one will be able to stop him."
3. The World Reacts – Guilds, Corporations, and Sponsorships
✔ The tournament was no longer just about competition.
✔ It had become a stage for major guilds and corporations to scout the next generation of elites.
And Joshua Lim was at the top of everyone's list.
✔ Powerful noble families wanted to recruit him.
✔ Hunter Guilds sought to make offers.
✔ Even major corporations wanted to sign sponsorship deals with him.
But then—they discovered something shocking.
✔ Joshua Lim wasn't just an independent hunter.
✔ He was already a major shareholder in a rising Hunter Guild.
✔ He had already signed with a guild before the tournament even began.
The realization sent waves through the elite circles.
"Wait… he's not just a strong independent hunter?"
"He already has a guild? And he OWNS shares?"
"Just how far ahead is this guy thinking?!"
Even then—some of the wealthiest corporations weren't willing to give up.
Several high-profile agents contacted Joshua's personal agent, offering:
✔ Exclusive sponsorships.
✔ Brand deals for weapons, armor, and even mana-enhancing potions.
✔ Advertisements featuring Joshua as their face.
But Joshua?
He wasn't in a rush to accept anything.
Because he knew his value.
And he was going to choose his deals carefully.
4. The Next Opponent – A Prodigy in Arcane Magic
"Next match: Joshua Lim vs. Fang Zhihao!"
A buzz spread through the audience.
✔ Fang Zhihao—a 5th-year high 4-star Arcane Mage.
✔ A prodigy in ancient spellcraft, specializing in high-complexity magic.
✔ Known for his incredible intelligence and near-perfect battle awareness.
Joshua stepped onto the battlefield, analyzing his opponent.
Across from him, Fang Zhihao stood calmly, adjusting his enchanted gloves.
✔ Intricate golden runes glowed along his arms, ancient spells woven into his skin.
✔ His reputation wasn't built on overwhelming strength—but on absolute control of magic itself.
The Arcane Mage smirked. "I've been watching you, Joshua."
Joshua raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Impressed?"
Fang Zhihao chuckled.
"You're strong. But strength alone doesn't win against me."
Joshua's eyes sharpened slightly.
"So, this guy's a thinker."
The announcer raised his hand.
"BEGIN!"
The battlefield erupted with magical energy.
And for the first time—Joshua felt like he was walking into a fight he couldn't brute force.