Chapter 46: Rise Amongst the Best

World College Tournament ended after one and a half months of intense competition. With the tremendous help of Light's sisters, China's team managed to clinch the World College Championship, a title they hadn't won for several decades. Athena's leadership as Captain, and Su Xuanhua's strategic brilliance as Vice-captain, played pivotal roles in their victory. The entire nation celebrated their achievement, showering them with praise and rewards.

However, despite the accolades, Light's mocking comment during the celebratory banquet had stirred some uncomfortable murmurs among the authorities and advisors. "Giving a lollipop to students while they eat the sweet fruits without doing any work," Light had jested, his words laced with sharp sarcasm. The advisors, who had been lauding their own efforts, were forced to reconsider the fairness of the rewards. Thus, his sisters were granted one special resource that would help them break into the Super Level—an extraordinary opportunity that could push them further into the elite ranks of mages.

After congratulating his sisters for their achievements, Light was surprised by an unexpected piece of information: neither the Aorus Sacred Institute nor the European University Institute had been eligible to participate in the World College Tournament. Being globally renowned institutions, they were deemed too powerful and prestigious to represent any single nation.

This news hit Light hard. He had long harbored the desire to compete on the world stage alongside his sisters. Frustrated by the limitations of his current academic affiliations, he made a bold decision: he would join Pearl Institute, one of the finest national academies in China, to ensure he could participate in future tournaments.

Light didn't take the conventional route to enter Pearl Institute. Instead, he opted for the interview-based entrance exam, skipping the standard test process. The interview was held deep within the grand halls of Pearl Institute. By this time, Light had already displayed his formidable control over his Undead Element. After a series of probing questions regarding advanced magical theory and formation construction, the examiners were intrigued by his responses.

One of the professors, a stern-looking man with thick glasses, observed Light closely. "SSS grade… this is considered the lowest criteria for direct recruitment into our institution," the professor remarked. His voice was calm, but his eyes showed a glimmer of interest.

The examiners, particularly the head examiner, Director Lu, seemed to debate Light's candidacy. "There are hardly any skilled Necromancers in the country," a male examiner commented. "We need to bring him in."

"I agree," Director Lu replied. "Pearl Institute needs to continue its recruitment of exceptional talents in rare elements like Necromancy."

The room fell silent as the final decision was made. "Very well," the head examiner announced. "Light, considering your ability to control the Seven Stars of the Undead Element, you are accepted into Pearl Institute."

"Are you from Bo City?" a deep voice inquired. Dean Xiao, the revered leader of Pearl Institute, entered the room. His gaze fixed on Light with keen interest. "You know, Bo City has a reputation… after all, it was ravaged by the great calamity."

Light nodded, unphased by the tragic reference to his home city. "Yes, I'm from Bo City."

Dean Xiao smiled. "You don't carry the haze of destruction with you. Impressive. Very well, welcome to Pearl Institute."

With that, Light had secured his place. He moved into the institute's dorms and settled into the rhythm of student life. The next three months passed swiftly. Pearl Institute, with its two sprawling campuses—Azure Pearl for first-year students and Main Pearl for intermediate and advanced magicians—was a world unto itself. The institute was massive, and Light made sure to learn its ins and outs.

One day, while relaxing in his dorm room, Light met his first roommate. Zhao Manyan, a laid-back young man with a warm smile, introduced himself. "I major in the Light Element. What about you?"

"I'm called Light. I major in the Undead Element," Light replied with equal politeness.

Zhao Manyan's eyes widened. "Whoa, a Necromancer! Well, looks like we have a mixed dorm here."

The two quickly bonded, but their peace was interrupted later that day by the arrival of another dormmate—Lu Yunzheng. The red-haired Fire Element student barged in with an air of arrogance. He casually claimed Zhao Manyan's bed, throwing his belongings aside without a care.

"You're Fire Element?" Light asked, observing the red-haired student's demeanor.

"Of course," Lu Yunzheng replied with a smirk. "And now this bed belongs to me."

The tension in the room was palpable, but Light decided it wasn't worth the trouble to escalate the matter further. As the days passed, Light focused on his classes. He spent most of his time in advanced Necromancy lectures, studying the intricacies of summoning and commanding the undead. The Summoning and Undead Elements required intense practice. Students were expected to nurture their summoned creatures, and it quickly became clear that the training regime was far more difficult than he had anticipated.

"Your Welcome Program will be different from the others," Director Jiang Yunming informed Light one afternoon. "We have a special series of trials for Summoning and Undead students. Prepare yourself."

Meanwhile, rumors circulated around the dorm. Zhao Manyan, in particular, seemed keen on sharing the news. "Brother Light," Zhao said one night, laughing, "I've heard that you Summoning and Undead students are in for some real trouble."

Despite the playful warnings, Light remained focused. The months at Pearl Institute were passing quickly. After successfully completing his first semester, Light took advantage of the time to visit other prominent institutes. His first stop was the prestigious European University Institute. Unlike the Pearl Institute, this school thrived on fierce competition. The students were not only stronger but also far more ruthless in their magical duels.

During his time there, Light revealed more of his true strength. His six-element combination—Space, Undead, Fire, Earth, Curse, and Shadow—left his opponents in awe. He entered battle after battle, and by the time he returned to Pearl Institute, he had secured an undefeated record of 25-0.

Light also made important connections at the European University Institute. He befriended a student named Ayleen, a member of one of the most renowned magical clans in England. Their friendship grew as they shared magical insights and honed their skills through collaborative training. Light's reputation grew rapidly across Europe, and he was seen as an unstoppable force, a student destined for greatness.

Upon his return to Pearl Institute, Light resumed his studies and training. Six months had passed since he first set foot in the institute, and by now, he was a respected figure among his peers. He frequently joined the institute's excursion and patrol classes, which offered students hands-on experience battling demon creatures and patrolling the dangerous borders of the institute. These classes were essential for practical learning, and Light excelled in every task he took on.

His excursions to the Andes Mountains tested his strength against various demon creatures, while the patrols helped him refine his tactical approach to combat. These patrol classes were not as glamorous as the high-stakes battles against Commander-level beasts, but they were crucial for maintaining the security of the institute.

As Light's skills grew, so did his ambitions. He soon learned of an upcoming exchange program with the top institutes in England. Eager to expand his influence and experience, Light secured a place in the program. His participation further solidified his reputation as one of the most promising young magicians in the world.

Meanwhile, his sisters were making their mark as well. Athena and Su Xuanhua, having completed their training experience, were now preparing to compete in the World College Tournament. This prestigious competition was to be held in Venice, the city of canals, and Light knew that his sisters would once again shine on the world stage.

After a year of intense study, growth, and countless battles, Light arrived in Venice to watch the World College Tournament unfold. His heart swelled with pride as he watched his older sister Athena lead the national team as Captain, while Su Xuanhua stood at her side as Vice-captain.

The tournament was fierce, but with his sisters at the helm, China was victorious once more.