The academy buzzed with excitement.
A new transfer student had arrived—not just any student, but a hunter from one of the top international academies.
And her first public statement?
"I came here to challenge Joshua Lim."
It spread like wildfire.
Students gathered in the training halls, in the dorms, in the cafeteria—all discussing the new arrival.
✔ A noble prodigy from one of China's strongest elemental mage bloodlines.
✔ A hunter with a near five-star ranking, famous for her battles overseas.
✔ A woman with confidence, skill, and the presence to match.
Her name was Feng Yuxia.
And now, she had everyone's attention—including Sung En's.
1. A First Meeting – The Woman Who Stands as an Equal
The academy's training grounds were unusually crowded.
Students had gathered to witness the first meeting between Joshua Lim and Feng Yuxia.
Joshua, as always, was composed. His stance was relaxed, his gaze calm as he observed the woman in front of him.
✔ Feng Yuxia was tall, with long silver hair and sharp golden eyes.
✔ Her aura was unmistakable—controlled, powerful, and refined.
✔ She wore her strength like a second skin, unfazed by the attention around her.
She studied Joshua with the same level of interest.
Then, she smiled.
"Joshua Lim. I've heard quite a bit about you."
Her voice was smooth, confident.
Joshua gave a polite nod.
"Feng Yuxia. A pleasure."
Yuxia crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly.
"I expected arrogance. Or at least some kind of ego. But you're calmer than I thought."
"I let my skills speak for themselves," Joshua replied simply.
Her lips curled into a smirk.
"Good. That'll make it more interesting when I finally challenge you."
2. Sung En's Perspective – A Rival Unlike Any Other
Standing nearby, Sung En watched the interaction carefully.
She had seen many women approach Joshua before.
✔ Noble daughters trying to flirt.
✔ Young hunters admiring his strength.
✔ Guild representatives hoping to sway his loyalty.
But Feng Yuxia was different.
She wasn't here for shallow admiration.
She wasn't here because of politics.
She was here because she saw Joshua as an equal.
That realization settled uncomfortably in Sung En's chest.
For the first time… she felt something beyond jealousy.
She felt challenged.
3. The Challenge – Not Yet, But Soon
The students around them whispered excitedly.
"Is she really going to challenge him already?"
"Joshua's never lost—does she actually think she can win?"
"She's strong, though. Maybe stronger than anyone he's fought before."
Feng Yuxia chuckled at the attention, but her gaze never left Joshua.
"Not today," she finally said, "but soon. I want to see you fight first."
Joshua raised an eyebrow.
"You want to observe me before challenging me?"
"Smart hunters don't walk into battle blind," Yuxia replied.
She turned slightly, glancing at Sung En for the first time.
For a moment, their eyes met.
✔ It wasn't hostility.
✔ It wasn't condescension.
✔ It was acknowledgment.
Yuxia's smirk deepened.
"You're strong too, aren't you?"
It wasn't a question—it was a statement.
Sung En didn't look away.
"You'll see soon enough."
Yuxia let out a small laugh, clearly amused.
Yuxia let out a small laugh, clearly amused.
"I hope so. It would be a shame if our number one hunter only had pretty decorations around him."
A flicker of something passed through Sung En's eyes.
The comment wasn't openly hostile, but it wasn't exactly friendly either.
Joshua, watching the exchange, raised an eyebrow but didn't interfere.
Sung En remained calm, her voice steady.
"You don't have to worry about that."
"Oh? Then prove it," Yuxia said lightly before turning away.
Sung En felt something shift inside her.
Not anger.
Not insecurity.
But something sharper.
"I will."
And for the first time—it wasn't just about Joshua.
With that, she walked away, the gathered students parting to make space for her.
But the weight of her presence remained.
4. Sung En's Realization – A New Fire Awakens
Sung En exhaled, forcing herself to stay composed.
She could feel her heart beating just a little faster than usual.
Not out of intimidation.
Not out of insecurity.
But out of something else entirely.
"I don't just want to stand beside Joshua because we're engaged."
"I want to stand beside him because I deserve to be there."
She clenched her fists lightly.
For the first time, she wasn't just protecting what was already hers.
She was earning it.
And that realization changed everything.
5. Joshua's Thoughts – The Weight of Competition
As the crowd dispersed, Joshua remained in place for a moment, thoughtful.
Feng Yuxia was interesting.
✔ She wasn't just strong—she was tactical.
✔ She wasn't reckless—she was calculating.
✔ She wasn't here to make empty challenges—she was here to win.
But what caught his attention even more…
Was Sung En.
✔ She had watched the exchange closely, but she hadn't reacted with jealousy.
✔ She had met Yuxia's gaze with confidence, not hostility.
✔ And something about her presence had shifted.
Joshua turned slightly, glancing at Sung En as she walked away.
He could feel it.
✔ The way she carried herself.
✔ The way her energy subtly sharpened.
✔ The quiet determination that had replaced hesitation.
Joshua smirked slightly to himself.
"She's not backing down either."
The game had changed.
And he was looking forward to seeing where it led.