VERSATILE MAGE: RISE OF A LEGEND

After traversing through several Chinese Magic History sacred grounds, Light and his companions finally stepped onto the revered grounds of the Imperial College. This institution had long been regarded as the number one university in China, a title it had held for centuries. Its prestige was unparalleled, casting a long shadow over other magic institutions, not only in China but worldwide. For Pearl Institute, it had always been a looming rival, yet one they could not topple. The sheer magnificence of the Imperial College, both in architecture and legacy, humbled even the proudest of students who arrived there.

Each year, there was an exchange event between the Magic Universities. It was a custom so ingrained in the tradition of magic academia that it was anticipated like a festival. The top universities from across the country would send their best students to compare notes, battle, and prove their worth. This event was as much about pride as it was about learning. With Pearl Institute being the top university in Shanghai, their sense of superiority was usually palpable. Wherever they went, they carried an air of dominance, as if bowing was beneath them.

But this year was different.

Luck had not been on Gu Han's side. As the head of the Pearl Institute's exchange group, he had been responsible for the selection process, and out of the 985 potential projects and 40 participating schools, fate dealt him a challenging hand. He had drawn the Imperial College, the strongest and most prestigious school in the nation. Upon hearing this, the school board of Pearl Institute was less than pleased. The staff murmured and grumbled, their collective mood growing tense. Competing with the Imperial College was not only difficult—it was a monumental task. The history of the Imperial College ran deep, its roots entwined with centuries of magical knowledge and unmatched reputation.

Pearl Institute was known for its excellence, but compared to the Imperial College, there was a slight but undeniable gap. While the former had earned its place among the top universities in the country, the latter stood as a beacon of magical power and legacy, with countless students from powerful aristocratic families attending each year. Even the most talented students from other schools paled in comparison to the sheer number of geniuses that flocked to this institution. For every magical prodigy Pearl Institute had, the Imperial College had dozens.

However, defeat was not an option for Pearl Institute. The school board knew they could not afford to show fear or hesitation. This was a battle of prestige, and Pearl Institute was determined to hold its head high. So, in response to the Imperial College's overwhelming reputation, Dean Xiao of Pearl Institute made a bold decision. He would send the most exceptional freshmen to represent Pearl Institute. These were not just students—they were the pride of the school, the shining stars of the Main Campus.

And leading that list of exceptional students was none other than Light.

Dean Xiao had made his choice with confidence. Light was not just another talented student; he had proven himself in the past, displaying extraordinary courage and power. He had faced the Black Vatican, one of the most dangerous organizations in the world, and emerged victorious. To Dean Xiao, there was no better candidate to represent Pearl Institute at the Imperial College. No matter how imposing or prestigious the Imperial College was, it couldn't compare to the deadly threat of the Black Vatican. With Light on their team, Pearl Institute stood a real chance of success.

Along with Light, Dean Xiao added several other names to the list. These were students that Light knew well, comrades he had fought alongside in the past. Zhao Manyan, Mui Nujiao, Song Xia, Zheng Bingxiao, Luo Song, Shen Mingxiao, Bai Tingting, and Peng Liang were chosen to join Light. Together, they would represent Pearl Institute in this prestigious exchange program. With a total of nine exchange students, Pearl Institute's team was strong and diverse.

Gu Han was to lead the group, while Qiu Yuhua, another respected figure, would handle the negotiations and formalities with the Imperial College staff. Upon arriving at the Imperial College, the teacher assigned to welcome them quickly arranged their accommodations.

"Mr. Gu Han, Mr. Qiu Yuhua, why don't you take the students and rest here? Tomorrow, the other six exchange students from the other schools will arrive. Once they're here, we'll begin the interschool learning event," the teacher explained.

Gu Han raised an eyebrow, his surprise evident. "So soon?" he asked, taken aback by the quick pace of the event.

The comparing of notes between the magic universities was a critical part of the exchange program, but the speed with which it was happening left Gu Han unsettled. The Imperial College wasted no time, clearly eager to begin the competition.

"What's the hurry?" the teacher responded with a laugh. "This is the most important event of the year for us. Plus, this time, we're including practicals. The sooner we start, the better!" His tone was friendly, but there was an undeniable undercurrent of anticipation in his voice.

Gu Han nodded in understanding. The students from Pearl Institute exchanged glances, their excitement mixed with nervous energy. This was the moment they had been preparing for. The teacher, who introduced himself as Mr. Lu Yiming, smiled and added, "We've heard quite a bit about your school's achievements. We've been looking forward to competing against you. When the time comes, please be lenient with us!"

The tone of false modesty didn't go unnoticed by Light and his friends. Despite Mr. Lu's polite words, they could sense the challenge behind them. There was no doubt that the Imperial College was itching for a fight, and Pearl Institute would need to be at its best to stand a chance.

After leaving the dormitories, Mr. Lu made his way to the practice grounds. The Imperial College was already preparing for the upcoming battles. Every year, they took this event very seriously, and this year was no different. The students who had been chosen to represent the Imperial College were not just talented—they were the cream of the crop, handpicked from thousands of applicants.

In the middle of the practice grounds, a man with bare arms and a body chiseled from stone approached Mr. Lu. His physique was intimidating, his presence commanding.

"Mr. Lu, have the exchange students from Pearl Institute arrived?" the man asked, his voice booming.

"They're here," Mr. Lu Yiming replied with a nod.

A loud laugh erupted from the man's chest as he clapped his hands together. "Finally! These mediocre students from Pearl Institute have been boasting about their skills for too long. It's about time we showed them their place!" His laughter echoed across the grounds, filled with an almost palpable excitement.

At that moment, another figure floated gracefully into the practice grounds. He was an elegant young man, dressed in flowing white robes that seemed to shimmer in the sunlight. "The students of Pearl Institute have always been more talk than action. They've never been able to back up their words with real abilities," he said, his tone dripping with disdain.

The rivalry between the two universities was fierce, and this year's exchange event promised to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. The students of the Imperial College were eager to test their skills against Pearl Institute, and the tension in the air was thick with anticipation.

Xu Dalong, the man with the stone-like physique, cracked his knuckles and turned to Mr. Lu. "Mr. Lu, if we beat Pearl Institute and bring glory to our school, do you think we might get a reward from the administration?" he asked with a grin.

The student in white, Liao Mingxuan, hovered a few feet above the ground, his arms crossed. "Rewards are secondary. I'm more interested in the challenge. Pearl Institute might be somewhat competent, but that's about it," he said with a shrug.

"Don't get too ahead of yourselves," a voice called out from the side. A summoning student with a fierce blue wolf by his side stepped forward. "If you underestimate them, you'll just embarrass our school."

Xu Dalong's temper flared instantly. "I could take down that Violent Mark Wolf of yours with one hand!" he snapped.

Lu Zhenghe, the summoning student, chuckled, patting his wolf on the head. "There may be someone who can defeat my Violent Mark Wolf, but it sure isn't you," he said with a smirk.

As the banter continued, Mr. Lu Yiming looked around the practice grounds. "Where's your captain?" he asked.

"She's resting. No need to bother her with this just yet," one of the students replied.

Even the most arrogant students of the Imperial College showed respect for their captain. She was a figure that commanded both fear and admiration, and even the fiercest of their summoned creatures would cower before her.

The battle lines were drawn, and the clash between Pearl Institute and Imperial College was set. The stakes were high, and both sides were ready to prove their dominance.