Joshua sat at his desk, staring at the endless flood of notifications on his phone.
✔ His name was everywhere.
✔ His fights with Feng Yuxia and Zhao Feng had gone viral.
✔ And more than anything—people wanted answers.
He had expected attention.
But this? This was becoming a problem.
Joshua ran a hand through his hair. The rumors were spiraling out of control. If he didn't address them now, things would only get worse.
"If I don't clear things up now, people will keep digging… and I can't afford that."
With a sigh, he unlocked his phone and began typing.
1. Joshua's Online Statement – The Revelation
[@JoshuaLim – Official Post]
"To clear up all the speculation regarding my weapon:
The weapon I possess was acquired by me during a solo raid in an undisclosed ruin. I defeated its guardian and claimed it as my own.
Its name is Equinox.
It possesses both light and shadow attributes, allowing me to switch between them at will. It also grants me the ability to summon and dismiss it whenever necessary.
I hope this clears up any misunderstandings."
He hit send.
And within seconds, the post exploded.
2. The Internet Reacts – Shock & Speculation
✔ The number of likes and shares skyrocketed instantly.
✔ Comments poured in at an absurd rate.
✔ Hunter forums, guild chats, and online discussions erupted with debate.
"Wait, WHAT?! He cleared a ruin SOLO?!"
"A dungeon ruin? Alone?! And he killed a guardian?!"
"That explains why no one recognizes Equinox… it was never recorded before!"
"Light and shadow attributes? That's an insanely rare combination. No wonder he's so strong."
"I want to see it in action again! Someone invite him to an exhibition match!"
Even hunter guilds and pro hunters started commenting.
✔ Some called him reckless for raiding a ruin alone.
✔ Others doubted the claim—was it really solo?
✔ And some were already trying to scout him for recruitment.
Joshua sighed, setting his phone down.
"I knew this would happen. But at least now, people will stop prying into my personal life."
Or so he thought.
3. The Academy's Reaction – More Than Just a Student
The next morning, Joshua walked into the academy as if nothing had changed.
But it had.
✔ Students didn't just whisper about him—they outright stared.
✔ Some looked at him with awe, others with wariness.
✔ Even instructors seemed to regard him differently.
It was as if he had gone from 'academy prodigy' to something greater.
As he made his way to class, he heard the hushed conversations.
"I still can't believe he cleared a ruin alone. Isn't that suicide?"
"A normal dungeon's one thing, but a ruin? Those places are legendary for their dangers."
"He really is a monster, huh?"
Joshua ignored it.
But before he could enter his classroom, someone blocked his path.
Feng Yuxia.
4. The Flirty Challenger – Yuxia's Interest Deepens
Joshua raised an eyebrow as Yuxia stood in front of him, arms crossed, a playful smirk on her face.
✔ She looked more amused than usual.
✔ Her golden eyes studied him with curiosity.
✔ And there was a noticeable change in her demeanor—something more… intentional.
"A ruin, huh?" she said, tilting her head. "You didn't think to mention that before?"
Joshua sighed.
"Wasn't relevant."
Yuxia stepped closer, lowering her voice just slightly.
"You're an interesting guy, Joshua Lim. First you defeat me, now you drop this little bomb on everyone?"
Joshua met her gaze, unbothered.
"Didn't do it for attention. Just wanted to clear up misunderstandings."
Yuxia's smirk widened.
"You say that, but you're enjoying this, aren't you?"
Joshua didn't answer.
Yuxia chuckled.
Then—she leaned in.
✔ Close enough that he could feel her presence.
✔ Close enough that it was undeniably intentional.
✔ Close enough that the students watching in the hallway lost their minds.
"Since you're so talented, why don't you teach me sometime?" she teased. "We can make it a private lesson."
Joshua remained expressionless.
"You lost one match and now you're trying a different tactic?"
Yuxia let out a soft laugh.
"Oh, Joshua." She flicked his uniform collar playfully. "You'll find that I don't give up easily."
Before he could respond, she walked away, still smiling to herself.
Joshua sighed again.
✔ He had dealt with rivals.
✔ He had dealt with enemies.
✔ But an aggressive flirt? That was… new.
From a distance, Sung En watched the entire interaction.
And for some reason—her grip on her book tightened.
5. The Hidden Danger – Dark Shadow Moves in the Dark
While Joshua dealt with his growing reputation, far from the academy, a secret meeting was taking place.
✔ A dimly lit chamber, deep underground.
✔ Several figures seated around a large table.
✔ A holographic screen projecting footage of Joshua's fights and his latest announcement.
At the head of the table sat a woman with jet-black hair and piercing violet eyes.
Yue.
The leader of Dark Shadow.
She watched the footage in complete silence.
Then, she leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand.
"Joshua Lim…"
One of her subordinates, a tall man with silver-rimmed glasses, spoke first.
"A five-star hybrid at seventeen. His growth rate is unnatural."
A woman with a scar over her left eye frowned.
"And that weapon… Equinox. It's undocumented. No records in any known database."
Another member tapped his fingers on the table.
"He's unpredictable. We need to confirm if he's an enemy… or if he can be turned."
Yue smirked.
"He's no pawn of the monarchy. Not yet."
She traced a finger along the table's surface, deep in thought.
"For now, we watch him. Learn what drives him. Find his weaknesses."
A cloaked figure across the table spoke.
"Should we make contact?"
Yue's smile deepened.
"Yes. But subtly."
She stood, walking toward the shadows of the room.
"No threats. No force. Just… a conversation."
Her violet eyes glowed softly under the dim light.
"Let's see if Joshua Lim is the kind of person who can be persuaded."
And just like that—Dark Shadow had set its sights on Joshua.