Joshua Lim had faced many battles in his life.
But today, he found himself in a different kind of fight.
A battle not of swords or magic—but of words and wits.
And against two relentless opponents, victory wasn't so simple.
1. A Duel of Words – Yuxia Makes Her Move
Joshua entered the classroom as usual, ignoring the usual whispers and stares that had become a daily occurrence since his announcement.
✔ The talk about Equinox hadn't died down.
✔ People were still analyzing his fight footage.
✔ Everyone wanted to know more.
But Joshua? He didn't care.
He just wanted a quiet day.
Unfortunately—Feng Yuxia had other plans.
Like clockwork, the silver-haired troublemaker slid into the seat beside him, her golden eyes glinting with amusement.
"Morning, Joshua~ Miss me?"
Joshua barely spared her a glance.
"You saw me yesterday."
Yuxia chuckled, leaning in slightly.
"And? That's not enough time for us to bond."
Joshua sighed.
"We need to bond now?"
"Of course. After all…" she traced a slow, invisible pattern on his desk with her finger, "you're quite an interesting man, Joshua. And I like interesting men."
The watching students held their breath.
"Yuxia's being aggressive again…"
"She's really not giving up, huh?"
Joshua finally turned his gaze to her.
"And what do you want from me this time?"
Yuxia's smirk widened.
"Oh, nothing much. Just… a little more of your attention."
But before Joshua could respond—a new challenger entered the arena.
2. Sung En Enters – A Side Joshua Had Never Seen
A shadow fell over them.
A familiar, calm presence.
✔ Long violet hair swayed gently as she approached.
✔ Her gaze locked onto Yuxia for a moment before shifting to Joshua.
✔ Her usual composed demeanor was intact—but something felt… different.
It was Lee Sung En.
But not the Sung En Joshua was used to.
"Flirting so early in the morning, Yuxia?"
Yuxia glanced up at her, unbothered.
"Why not? The earlier, the better."
Sung En let out a soft chuckle.
And then—she moved.
✔ She took the seat on Joshua's other side, deliberately close.
✔ She placed a hand on his forearm, a light, deliberate touch.
✔ And then, with a subtle, knowing smile, she spoke.
"You know, Joshua…" she said lightly, her violet eyes locking onto his.
Joshua blinked.
He had never seen this side of her before.
"If you were trying to impress someone…" she continued, her voice soft yet teasing.
Then, without warning—she reached up and gently brushed her fingers through his hair, smoothing a stray strand.
"You've already succeeded."
3. A Reaction No One Expected
Joshua wasn't easily shaken.
But for the first time in a long time—he was surprised.
✔ Sung En was bold—but never like this.
✔ She wasn't the type to openly flirt.
✔ And yet, here she was—doing exactly that.
Joshua, instead of backing away, did something no one expected.
He smirked.
And then—he reached out, his fingers brushing through her hair in return.
✔ A slow, deliberate touch.
✔ His fingertips grazing against her soft strands.
✔ And then, his eyes met hers—holding her gaze, filled with amusement.
"Wow, Princess."
His voice was low, teasing.
"This is a great surprise."
For one second—Sung En froze.
✔ The slight brush of his fingers.
✔ The playful but unmistakably affectionate way he looked at her.
✔ Her heart skipped just a little too fast.
"What… is this feeling?"
And then—Yuxia cut in.
"HEY."
Both of them turned to look at her.
"Why didn't I get that reaction?" Yuxia huffed.
"You didn't surprise me," Joshua replied smoothly.
Yuxia groaned dramatically, slumping against her desk.
"Unfair. I work so hard for your attention, and Sung En just walks in and steals the moment."
Sung En, who had finally recovered from her own surprise, merely smiled.
"Maybe you need to try harder, Yuxia."
Yuxia clicked her tongue.
"Oh, it's on now."
4. The Whisper in the Dark – Dark Shadow Makes Their Move
That night, Joshua sat on the balcony of his dorm, gazing out over the academy grounds.
✔ The wind was calm, carrying the faint scents of the city.
✔ The world outside was vast, full of possibilities.
✔ But tonight, something felt… different.
And then—he sensed it.
A presence.
✔ No footsteps.
✔ No sound.
✔ But he wasn't alone.
Joshua didn't react.
Instead, he calmly spoke.
"You've been watching me for a while."
A soft chuckle came from behind him.
✔ Smooth. Controlled. Familiar.
Joshua finally turned.
A cloaked figure stood in the shadows of his balcony, their face obscured by the hood.
✔ Dark Shadow's emblem subtly marked their glove.
✔ Their posture was relaxed—but the tension was unmistakable.
The agent spoke.
"Our organization has taken an interest in you, Joshua Lim."
Joshua's expression didn't change.
"Should I be honored?"
"Perhaps. Or perhaps you should be cautious."
The agent tossed something toward him.
Joshua caught it.
✔ A small black card.
✔ No name. Just a single encrypted number.
"No pressure," the agent said. "But people like you… they always come looking for us eventually."
Joshua examined the card for a moment.
Then—without hesitation—he flicked it off the balcony.
It fluttered through the air, disappearing into the night.
The agent merely smiled.
"We'll talk again. Sooner than you think."
And just like that—they were gone.
Leaving Joshua alone once more.