Chapter 37: Training & Hidden Intentions
The academy felt different.
Ever since Feng Yuxia's arrival, the atmosphere had shifted.
✔ Students whispered about her upcoming challenge against Joshua.
✔ Noble families speculated on whether she was here for more than just competition.
✔ And for Sung En—something had changed.
This wasn't just about Joshua anymore.
It was about herself.
1. Sung En's Resolve – More Than Just an Engagement
Inside the elite training hall, Sung En stood in front of a combat dummy, her breath steady.
She had been at this for hours.
Her wind and fire magic had always been her pride—but now, she wanted more. More control. More precision. More strength.
She tightened her grip on her sword, recalling Feng Yuxia's smirk and those teasing words.
"It would be a shame if our number one hunter only had pretty decorations around him."
Her blade flashed, cutting through the air.
A controlled burst of wind sharpened the edge, followed by a precise surge of fire that burned only the target.
A perfect combination.
But she didn't stop.
"Again."
She wasn't training because she was jealous.
She wasn't training because she was afraid of losing Joshua.
She was training because she wanted to stand at the top—on her own terms.
2. Joshua's Observation – Noticing the Shift
Across the room, Joshua leaned against a pillar, watching her silently.
He could see it.
✔ Her stance—firmer, more grounded.
✔ Her magic—flowing more seamlessly than before.
✔ Her energy—focused, sharper, determined.
Sung En had always been strong.
But this was different.
"Looks like Yuxia's arrival did more than just shake up the academy," he thought.
Beside him, Wu Jian, his agent, smirked.
"She's changed."
Joshua nodded slightly.
"She's always been strong. But now she has something to prove."
Wu Jian chuckled.
"And let me guess—you find that interesting?"
Joshua didn't answer.
But the small smirk on his lips said enough.
3. A Training Session – Testing the Waters
Sung En finally took a breath, wiping sweat from her forehead.
She turned—and froze when she saw Joshua approaching.
"You're overdoing it," he said casually.
She narrowed her eyes.
"I'm training."
Joshua tilted his head slightly, his smirk still there.
"I can see that. But training without rest doesn't make you stronger—it just makes you exhausted."
Sung En huffed.
"I don't need your advice, Lim."
Joshua raised an eyebrow at the formal tone.
"'Lim'? That's new."
She looked away, gripping her sword tighter.
She wasn't angry at him.
She was frustrated with herself.
"Why does it feel like I'm chasing something?"
"Why does it feel like I need to keep up?"
Joshua, however, had already seen through her.
Without another word, he unsheathed his blade.
Sung En blinked.
"What are you—"
"Spar with me."
Her breath hitched slightly.
A moment ago, she had felt frustrated, restless.
But now?
Now she was excited.
"Fine," she said, raising her blade. "Don't hold back."
"I never do."
4. A Clash of Fire & Steel
✔ Joshua moved first—his attacks sharp, testing.
✔ Sung En countered—her movements faster than before.
✔ Fire met steel, wind cut through the air.
It wasn't like their past spars.
This time, Sung En wasn't just reacting—she was pushing forward.
✔ She forced Joshua on the defensive.
✔ She struck first, forcing him to adapt.
✔ She was fighting to win—not just to keep up.
Joshua grinned.
"She really has changed."
Sung En, breathing heavily, kept her stance.
"Not bad," Joshua admitted.
"I'm not done yet," she shot back.
They clashed again.
And for the first time—Sung En wasn't just fighting as Joshua's fiancée.
She was fighting as his equal.
5. A Hidden Watcher – Xin En's Growing Interest
From the shadows of the hallway, Xin En leaned against the wall, watching.
A slow smile curled on her lips.
"Interesting…"
She had planned to create a rift between them.
But instead—it seemed Sung En was becoming stronger.
Xin En tapped her fingers against her arm, thoughtful.
"I was hoping to break her. But maybe… pushing her further is even better."
A new idea formed in her mind.
And with that, she turned and walked away—leaving the seeds of her next move planted.