"Students who have reached the Intermediate Level in one Magic Element, please step onto the lowest platform!"
As Dean Xiao's words fell, those who had broken through to the Intermediate Level stepped forward one after another.
In an instant, the crowd noticeably thinned. Those still standing in place were the ones who hadn't yet reached the Intermediate Level.
Dean Xiao's eyes swept over the platforms and said, "Congratulations. You've earned your qualification to enter the Main Campus."
Then his tone hardened. "As for the rest of you—listen carefully! You have three years. If you fail to reach the Intermediate Level by then, you will be advised to withdraw from the academy!"
The students who hadn't advanced immediately fell silent.
Some hadn't broken through last year—and still hadn't this year.
Their time was running out.
Dean Xiao's expression softened slightly. "Of course, I also know that some of you have been cultivating diligently."
"Now, I want those who have trained sincerely, without slacking off even once this year, to step forward to the open space in front of the platform."
For a moment, the crowd was hesitant. Then, one student moved forward—then another—until a group of a few hundred stood before the platform.
Compared to the tens of thousands gathered, their number was only a fraction.
Dean Xiao nodded approvingly. "Your efforts may not always bring instant rewards, but now, turn and look at those standing on the platforms."
The diligent students turned. The sight of the Intermediate Mages above filled them with resolve.
"As long as you keep working hard, one day, you too will stand there!"
Many clenched their fists, silently swearing to themselves that they would reach that height.
Dean Xiao then turned his gaze toward those who hadn't moved.
"Do you feel ashamed?" he asked sternly. "You are all students of Pearl Institute. If they can stand there, why can't you?"
He sighed, disappointment in his voice. "Because you wasted the time that should have been spent cultivating."
"Frankly, I'm disappointed in you—especially those who failed the assessment last year."
He paused for a moment before continuing, "Three years pass in the blink of an eye. Don't wait until regret hits you before realizing you should have tried harder!"
The scolded students lowered their heads, guilt written all over their faces.
After all, getting into Pearl Institute meant they were among the most talented students in the entire country.
But talent without effort was meaningless.
Dean Xiao cleared his throat. "This assessment is only for the top ten students of each element. Those who are not in the top ten may leave now."
No one complained. Everyone knew this rule had been stated beforehand. One by one, they left quietly until only about a hundred students remained before the main stage.
Dean Xiao said, "This assessment will determine the top ten rankings. You have one day to form a five-person team. After that, the team score competition will begin."
The announcement stirred the crowd.
A team competition!
Mu Lei nudged Song Jie and grinned.
Dean Xiao added, "Anyone unable to form a five-person team will be disqualified from the competition."
The words struck like thunder. In an instant, chaos erupted as everyone scrambled to form teams.
But very few looked toward Song Jie.
Despite his strength, he was the public enemy of the entire Green Campus.
No one wanted to team up with him.
"Song Jie, looks like we're doomed," Mu Lei joked.
Meanwhile, in the crowd—
"Ding Yumin, how about joining our team?" Bai Liang invited with a confident smile.
Ding Yumin replied, "Alright, but Huang Xingli must join too."
"Huang Xingli?"
Bai Liang glanced at the girl standing beside her, whose adoring gaze made him uncomfortable. He hesitated.
"Sorry," he said, shaking his head. "We already have four people, and there's only one spot left."
In truth, he still needed two teammates, but he didn't want to team up with someone weaker.
"Then I'll look around," Ding Yumin said flatly.
"Think it through," Bai Liang urged. "Our team has a real chance at first place."
"Yumin, you don't have to give up this opportunity for me," Huang Xingli said quietly. "You can join them."
Ding Yumin shook her head. "We're friends. I won't abandon you."
"It's not the same," Huang Xingli said with a forced smile. "Your strength deserves those rewards. I'd just hold you back. If you don't go, I'll feel guilty."
"Alright," Ding Yumin sighed, finally giving in.
Huang Xingli smiled faintly and pulled her along toward Bai Liang's team.
Nearby, Bai Liang spotted Dongfang Ming. "Hey, want to join us and get revenge on Song Jie?"
Dongfang Ming smirked. "Sure—but I've got a friend with me."
Bai Liang sized up the man beside him and nodded. "Fine by me."
Not far away, Ding Yumin and Huang Xingli overheard their conversation.
"They…!" Huang Xingli bit her lip. It was humiliating to be rejected for lacking strength.
"I'm sorry, Yumin. I made you lose that spot," she said softly.
"It's fine," Ding Yumin said with a calm smile. "I wouldn't want to team up with people like them anyway."
"Then what should we do?" Huang Xingli asked anxiously.
Ding Yumin's eyes swept across the crowd.
"Yumin? What are you looking for?" Huang Xingli asked.
Her gaze followed Ding Yumin's line of sight—until it landed on Song Jie.
"Don't tell me… you want to team up with him?"
Ding Yumin nodded slightly.
"But he's the public enemy of the entire school!" Huang Xingli protested. "Teaming up with him will make us targets! Even Bai Liang's group is after him!"
Ding Yumin's voice was firm. "They couldn't beat him before—and now, we don't have any better options."
Instead of following others, she decided—it was better to bet on Song Jie.
...
Author's Note:
The first half (completed version) of Versatile Mage: My Magic Has Gone Beyond Limits! is now available on Patreon!
🔗 patreon.com/Shadow_demon_007
Thank you all for your continued support! 💙