VERSATILE MAGE: RISE OF A LEGEND

"Oh? Are you sure that you're done preparing?" Dean Xiao asked, his eyes widening with curiosity as he looked at Light standing before him.

"Yeah, I will enter the Three Step Pagoda to cultivate," Light replied with great determination, his voice unwavering despite the gravity of his words.

Dean Xiao stroked his beard, impressed by the young man's resolve. The Black Vatican had already been placed under tight surveillance by the Magic Court and other influential powers, but Light knew that wouldn't be enough to stop them entirely. The Vatican was like a snake, always finding new holes to slither through. They had captured the range of Black Vatican activities within their net, but there was always the risk that someone could slip through undetected. The Pearl Institute and Magic Court were well aware that despite their efforts, they couldn't fully prevent the Vatican's pawns from infiltrating.

Just when Light was about to leave the room, a male teacher stepped out from the hall next to them, his presence sudden and commanding.

Mr. Guhan glanced at Light as he walked away through the window, his face pensive. He turned to Dean Xiao with concern etched across his features. "Since we've already been notified, then why aren't we simply hiding him? The Black Vatican is capable of anything, they will always find a way to deal with their targets."

Dean Xiao nodded solemnly. "They've been hiding for nearly one and a half years, and they've finally shown some movement; furthermore, it's towards a student. Presumably, Light possesses something they desperately need, or else they wouldn't be making a move now."

"So, the Magic Courts are planning to use the Black Vatican's movement to uncover their plans, and from there, track down Salan?" Guhan asked, his tone one of realization.

"Exactly," Dean Xiao affirmed. "Doing this may expose Light to danger, but I believe that child is capable of protecting himself."

"Since we have received the tip from the Magic Court, why don't we directly tell Light? After all, he is the bait," Guhan pointed out.

Dean Xiao smiled softly, his eyes gleaming with pride. "He's a smart person. I believe he already knows it deep inside."

---

The Three Step Pagoda stood tall and proud in the heart of the Pearl Institute's Main Campus. It was a resource fought over by the elites of the school, a place of legendary cultivation. Its power was known far and wide, comparable to the Underground Holy Spring—a heavenly treasure.

The Underground Holy Spring had nurtured itself for thousands of years, its energy capable of producing outstanding magicians. The Three Step Pagoda, though, was an ancient construct, built by a wise man who had the incredible ability to gather elemental energy from the atmosphere. The Pagoda was designed to converge energy from thousands of meters around it, condensing it within its towering walls.

Its triangular structure was composed of gleaming silvery metal, towering high above the campus like a beacon of power. It was revered by all who studied within the school.

"Dean!" The two men guarding the entrance saluted as Dean Xiao approached with Light beside him.

"So you're the ones on guard today. I've already shown your superiors the permits. You may let this student through," Dean Xiao instructed.

One of the guards, a friendly-looking man with a warm smile, nodded and looked at Light with curiosity. "Ah, so this is the rookie from the Azure Campus," he remarked, his eyes gleaming with interest.

"Follow me. I'll explain what you need to know," the guard said, gesturing for Light to follow.

The guard led Light inside, his voice steady as he explained the pagoda's origin. "The Three Step Pagoda was built by a great expert who mastered both Earth and Space Elements. Even now, no one has been able to fully decipher the mysteries of its enchantments. The instructions we follow were left behind by our seniors. Each layer of the pagoda condenses different amounts of energy, and the further up you go, the stronger the elemental energy becomes. As an Intermediate Magician, you can only cultivate on the first and second layers."

Light followed the guard deeper into the pagoda, until a grand staircase appeared before him. The staircase seemed to float in midair, with no visible support, leading to a dark area above where the floating steps connected to a triangular platform.

Light began ascending the steps, his heart calm but focused. At first, the climb felt smooth and easy, but as he neared the fifth floor, a sudden wave of dizziness washed over him. His breathing became labored, and his mana seemed to drain rapidly.

"What is this? Why is my mana disappearing?" Light muttered, his senses sharp as he identified the problem.

He quickened his pace, hoping to reach the platform in a single sprint, but the faster he moved, the faster his mana drained. By the time he reached the first layer, his energy was nearly depleted. Yet, as soon as he stepped onto the platform, a rush of energy surged into him, filling his body with renewed vigor.

Light wasted no time and entered meditation. The cultivation speed here was unlike anything he'd experienced before—20 times faster than normal. The energy coursed through him, and he could feel his elemental energies strengthening.

"The first layer's speed is already 20 times faster," Light marveled to himself. "What kind of effect would the second layer have?"

His curiosity piqued, Light decided to challenge the second layer. The cultivation time within the pagoda was limited, and he wasn't about to waste this precious opportunity. With determination in his eyes, he began climbing again, pushing his body and mind further.

As he reached the second layer, the spiritual gravity pressed down on him with overwhelming force. His mana reserves were tested, but his vast knowledge and understanding of nine elements gave him an advantage that most Intermediate Magicians could only dream of. The cultivation speed here was an astounding 40 times faster than normal, even more impressive than the Underground Holy Spring.

"How about I try going further?" he thought.

The spiritual gravity increased as Light ascended toward the third layer. His breath came in ragged gasps, but he pressed on, determined to test his limits. When he finally reached the third layer, the oppressive gravity vanished, replaced by an elemental richness so potent that it seemed to saturate his very soul. The cultivation speed here was 80 times faster than normal, a speed almost unheard of.

He absorbed the energy greedily, feeling his Nebula expand and solidify as he focused on cultivating his Summoning, Shadow, and Curse elements. For the next day, Light's body and mind were immersed in the rich, elemental aura, strengthening his magic beyond anything he had experienced before.

But he wasn't satisfied yet.

---

After a day of cultivating, Light stood before the staircase again, his eyes fixed on the path to the fourth layer. It was an ambitious goal, but he was never one to shy away from a challenge. With a deep breath, he began ascending.

The spiritual gravity intensified with every step. By the time he reached the fourth layer, the pressure was nearly unbearable, but Light endured. When he finally stepped onto the platform, he was met with an overwhelming 160 times cultivation speed. The sheer amount of energy swirling around him was beyond his wildest expectations.

For the next five days, Light cultivated in the pagoda, using the elemental energy to further strengthen his Shadow, Summoning, and Curse elements. By the time he left the pagoda, his entire being felt invigorated, his magical power refined and sharpened.

---

Upon returning to his residence, Light noticed something unusual. Mui Nujiao, who rarely meditated in the living room, was sitting quietly on the couch, her eyes closed in concentration. A bracelet on her wrist glowed faintly, pulsing with a rhythmic light.

"A Nebula Magic Tool?" Light muttered to himself, surprised by the discovery.

The bracelet was a rare, Spirit Grade Nebula Magic Tool, designed to nourish a magician's Nebula and enhance their cultivation. Light couldn't help but be impressed by the wealth of the Mui family, who could gift something so precious to someone as young as Mui Nujiao.

In fact, Light had sensed a significant increase in Mui Nujiao's cultivation ever since they returned from winter vacation, but he hadn't dared to confirm it. Now, he could clearly feel the change.

His time in the Three Step Pagoda had given him the strength he needed, but he knew the journey ahead would only grow more treacherous. The Black Vatican was still out there, lurking in the shadows, and Light was their target.

But he was ready.