"Winning isn't the end. It's just another beginning."
1. The Aftermath – Acknowledging a Rival
As the battlefield settled and the final echoes of the match faded, Joshua stood over a kneeling Zhao Feng.
The fire mage's breath was heavy, his entire body trembling from exhaustion. His blue flames had finally vanished, leaving only scorched earth and the lingering heat of battle.
For the first time, Zhao Feng had truly pushed himself past his limits.
Joshua offered him a hand.
"You did great."
"You awakened your blue flames, and that's no small feat."
Zhao Feng stared at him for a moment, then smirked weakly.
"Tch. Don't get cocky just because you won."
He gripped Joshua's hand, pulling himself up.
"From now on, you're my rival."
"I'll catch up to you someday."
Joshua chuckled.
"Then don't take too long. I won't be waiting."
The crowd roared, witnessing the birth of a rivalry that would shape the future of China's strongest hunters.
2. System Notification – A Key to the Future
Just as Joshua turned to leave the battlefield, a familiar blue window flashed before his eyes.
[Quest Completed: Conquer the National Tournament]
Reward: Key to the Ruins of Equinox
Joshua's brows lifted slightly.
"A ruin?"
The system didn't give many details, but something about this felt different from his usual rewards.
This wasn't a simple weapon upgrade.
This was a path to something much bigger.
And for the first time in a while—Joshua felt genuine curiosity.
3. The Post-Match Interview – Making Headlines
After receiving his championship medal, Joshua was led to a press conference area.
The cameras flashed, capturing the newly crowned tournament champion.
The interviewer, a well-dressed woman with sharp eyes, smiled as she began.
"Joshua Lim, first off, congratulations on your incredible victory."
"Your final match against Zhao Feng was nothing short of legendary."
Joshua nodded casually.
"Thanks. It was a fun fight."
The interviewer leaned forward.
"Let's get right to it—everyone wants to know… What was that dagger you used in the final fight?"
Joshua remained expressionless.
"Got it in a ruin."
The interviewer blinked.
"…That's all?"
Joshua smirked.
"Yeah."
Laughter rippled through the crowd.
But the interviewer wasn't done.
"If you had a weapon that powerful, why didn't you use it earlier?"
Joshua's smile widened slightly.
"The others weren't much of a challenge, so I didn't need to."
"But Zhao Feng and I agreed not to hold back. His power-up was unpredictable, so I made sure my ace was ready."
The interviewer nodded, intrigued.
"That makes sense. Now, here's the question everyone has been asking…"
She held up a tablet, showing an online poll.
✔ "Joshua Lim—The Future 7-Star of China?"
"Many are calling you the most promising hunter of your generation."
"They say you might become China's next 7-star hunter."
"What do you think about that?"
Joshua leaned back, thinking for a moment.
Then—he grinned.
"Why stop there?"
The room went silent.
The interviewer blinked, caught off guard.
"…You mean—?"
"Why stop at being a 7-star?" Joshua said, his tone confident but calm.
"If I'm going to climb, I'll climb all the way to the top."
The crowd erupted.
✔ "He's aiming for something beyond even the 7-star rank?!"
✔ "What kind of goal is that?!"
✔ "This guy… he's not normal!"
Sung En, watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but smile.
"That's so like him."
Lee Sung Min, her father, simply exhaled.
"This boy… he doesn't set small goals, does he?"
And in the shadows, Yue of Dark Shadow smirked.
"Interesting."
4. The Next Step – A Door to the Unknown
As Joshua left the interview, he checked his system.
The Ruin Key shimmered faintly in his inventory.
✔ [Key to the Ruins of Equinox – A Forgotten Legacy Awaits.]
✔ [Coordinates Unlocked – Location: ???]
He stared at the description.
"A forgotten legacy, huh?"
For the first time in a while—he had a new goal.
And this time, it wasn't about fighting.
It was about discovery.