The Burden Of Choice

1. A Key to the Unknown

Night had long settled over the academy, but Joshua Lim wasn't asleep.

He sat on his balcony, legs stretched out, fingers idly turning the Ruin Key in his hand.

✔ It was unlike any ordinary key.

✔ Golden, etched with ancient runes that pulsed faintly.

✔ A relic of the past, a doorway to something unknown.

His mind drifted back to the system's notification when he won the National Tournament.

[System Reward: Ruin Key Acquired – Access Granted to an Undiscovered Ruin]

[Difficulty: ???]

Joshua frowned.

✔ He had raided ruins before in his past life.

✔ Some were simple artifact retrievals.

✔ Others were death traps disguised as opportunities.

And this?

This was an unknown factor.

"A mistake could cost me everything."

His first instinct had been to go alone—no variables, no risks.

But now…

His mind flickered to Sung En and Yuxia.

✔ They were strong.

✔ They were improving.

✔ But were they ready for something like this?

Joshua exhaled sharply, standing up.

He didn't have an answer—not yet.

2. The Training Session – Lessons from the Past

The next afternoon, Joshua stood in the academy's private training facility, arms crossed as he watched Sung En and Feng Yuxia spar.

✔ The arena was empty except for them.

✔ Artificial mana fields hummed softly, adjusting the environment to their power levels.

✔ The scent of sweat and magic filled the air.

Yuxia moved first, dashing forward, her sword leaving silver afterimages in its wake.

"You're still too aggressive."

Joshua's voice cut through the air as he observed her movements.

"You commit too much to a strike. If I were your opponent, I'd bait you into overextending."

Yuxia clicked her tongue, spinning on her heel.

"Then show me how it's done."

Joshua vanished.

✔ One moment, he was standing still.

✔ **The next, he was behind her—**his wooden practice blade lightly tapping against the back of her neck.

"Too slow."

Yuxia froze.

Then she groaned, lowering her sword.

"I hate you."

Joshua smirked.

"That's good. Hate makes you want to improve."

On the other side of the arena, Sung En watched quietly.

She stepped forward.

"My turn."

Joshua's smirk faded slightly.

Unlike Yuxia, who thrived on speed and precision, Sung En was raw power.

✔ She was fast, but her real strength was overwhelming force.

✔ She didn't hesitate. She didn't second-guess herself.

✔ When she attacked, she meant to end the fight immediately.

Joshua switched tactics.

✔ Instead of dodging, he blocked.

✔ Metal clashed against wood, vibrations running through his arms.

✔ Her strength had improved—significantly.

"She's adapting fast."

A few more exchanges, and Joshua saw the flaw in her style.

He sidestepped her final strike and, with a precise movement, tapped the practice sword against her wrist—disarming her.

Her blade clattered to the ground.

Sung En exhaled, staring at her empty hands.

Joshua studied her.

✔ She wasn't frustrated.

✔ She wasn't annoyed.

✔ She was… processing.

"You're relying too much on power," he finally said. "Your opponents won't always let you hit them directly. Learn to adjust."

Sung En bent down, picking up her sword.

"I see."

She glanced at Joshua, her expression unreadable.

"Teach me how."

Joshua chuckled.

"That's why we're here, Princess."

3. Noticing a Change – Sung En & Yuxia's Growing Suspicion

As they finished training, Joshua leaned against the wall, deep in thought.

He barely noticed when Sung En and Yuxia walked up to him.

"You've been distracted lately," Sung En said, crossing her arms.

"Yeah, it's weird," Yuxia added. "You're usually sharp, but you've been zoning out a lot. What's up?"

Joshua didn't respond immediately.

✔ Should he tell them about the ruin?

✔ Would they demand to come with him?

✔ Would it put them in danger?

"It's nothing," he finally said. "Just thinking about my next steps."

Sung En and Yuxia exchanged glances.

✔ They didn't believe him.

But neither pushed the issue—not yet.

4. The Whisper in the Dark – A Warning from the Shadows

That night, Joshua once again felt it.

✔ A presence.

✔ Silent. Controlled. Watching.

He didn't turn around. Instead, he spoke.

"You're back sooner than I expected."

A soft chuckle.

✔ A figure stepped from the shadows.

✔ The same Dark Shadow insignia marked their glove.

"You're an interesting one, Joshua Lim."

Joshua finally turned.

"And you're persistent. What do you want now?"

The agent smirked.

"You already know, don't you?"

Joshua narrowed his eyes.

"You know about the ruin."

"So do others."

Joshua stilled.

✔ Dark Shadow wasn't the only one aware of the Ruin Key.

✔ Someone else was moving.

"You think going alone is a good idea?" the agent asked. "You're not the only hunter with secrets, Joshua. Others are already looking."

Joshua's fingers tightened around his side.

✔ If someone else was after the ruin, that meant two things.

✔ One—it was more valuable than he originally thought.

✔ Two—waiting wasn't an option anymore.

"I don't need your advice," Joshua said coolly.

The agent chuckled.

"Of course not. But remember—opportunity is fleeting."

And just like that—they vanished.

Joshua stood alone, staring out at the academy grounds.

✔ His decision had just gotten a lot harder.

5. A Choice to Make – Alone or Together?

The next morning, Joshua sat at his desk, staring at the Ruin Key.

Sung En and Yuxia walked into the classroom.

"We should train again," Yuxia suggested.

"Then Joshua, can I join as well?" Sung En added.

Joshua looked at both of them.

✔ They were strong.

✔ They were improving.

✔ But were they ready for what was coming?

He gripped the key tightly.

"This time, I have a choice."

And this choice… would change everything.