VERSATILE MAGE: RISE OF A LEGEND

Light had made a monumental decision—one that would shape his future and set him apart from other magicians. He had decided to forgo his primary schooling to focus solely on cultivating his three elements. This choice wasn't made lightly, and it wasn't without sacrifice. But Light knew that the path to greatness required singular focus, relentless determination, and the willingness to give up the ordinary in pursuit of the extraordinary.

In the quiet solitude of the treehouse, Light sat cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by the soft glow of the morning sun. His mind was clear, and his heart was steady as he focused on the task at hand. He had discovered something within himself—something that both shocked and excited him. A new innate talent had emerged, one that he never imagined he possessed.

Higher Recovery Rate.

With it, Light's magical energy replenished at a speed ten times faster than that of an ordinary mage. Where others would need to rest for 12 hours before being able to regain their full energy, Light could do so in slightly more than an hour. The potential this unlocked was nothing short of revolutionary. It meant that where other mages were limited by their capacity to maintain extended battles or prolonged cultivation sessions, Light could continue almost without pause. His stamina in both combat and cultivation was effectively limitless.

The realization of having not one but two innate talents shook Light to his core. For most mages, possessing a single innate talent was considered a rare gift, a divine blessing that set them apart from their peers. To have two was practically unheard of—a mark of potential greatness that few in history had ever achieved.

"15 hours is no longer my limit," Light whispered to himself, a determined gleam in his eyes. "I can cultivate twenty-four hours a day if I choose to."

For most magicians, the average cultivation time for a single element was roughly 5 hours. It was a routine that everyone followed—five hours of deep meditation and concentration to harness the power of their element.

But for Light, who had awakened three elements, his routine was different. He had always believed that he had more time compared to others, dedicating 15 hours a day to his cultivation. But with his new talent, the possibilities were endless.

But could he really do that? The thought lingered in his mind, gnawing at him. While the Higher Recovery Rate gave him an unprecedented advantage, Light knew that pushing himself too hard could have consequences. A magician's mental capacity, while significantly higher than that of a normal human, still had its limits. Light's mental strength was already greater than that of other magicians due to his three elements, but even he had to be cautious.

After discovering his new talent, Light began to ponder how best to utilize it. His mind raced with possibilities, weighing the pros and cons of different cultivation strategies. Should he devote equal time to all three elements? Or should he focus on advancing his Space element to the third level before turning his attention to the other two?

The idea of prioritizing the Space Element was tempting. It was the most powerful of the three, and mastering it would give him an edge in battles and other challenges. But if he did that, the progress of his Chaos and Undead elements would come to a standstill until he was ready to cultivate them.

Light's mind raced with possibilities. He needed guidance, someone who could help him navigate this crossroads. And there was only one person he trusted to help him make this decision—his eldest sister, Athena.

Athena was more than just an older sibling; she was a seasoned mage, an Intermediate Magician who had walked the path he now faced. She had the experience, the wisdom, and the understanding of what it took to become truly powerful. When Light sought her out in the family's grand library, he knew that her advice would be invaluable.

When he shared this discovery with Athena, her reaction was instantaneous and intense. She froze, her usually composed expression giving way to one of pure shock. Her eyes widened as she processed what Light had just said, and for a moment, it seemed as though she couldn't believe it.

"Ten times faster?" Athena repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. She stepped closer to Light, her gaze searching his face as if trying to find some sign that he was exaggerating. But there was no hint of doubt in his eyes—only the certainty of his experience.

"Do you understand what this means, Light?" Athena asked, her tone filled with awe. "This is unheard of. Most mages would give anything for a recovery rate even twice as fast, and you're telling me yours is ten times quicker?"

She shook her head, disbelief still lingering. "This kind of talent is beyond rare. It's almost mythical. Light, this changes everything. Your potential... it's beyond anything I could have anticipated."

Athena's mind raced with the implications. With such a talent, Light could train harder and longer than anyone else, pushing his limits in ways others could only dream of. He would have the stamina to engage in battles or training sessions that would leave even the strongest mages exhausted, only to bounce back almost immediately.

"Light, this talent... it's more than just a gift. It's a sign that you're destined for something extraordinary," Athena finally said, her voice trembling with emotion. "We have to be even more diligent now. With this power, there's nothing you won't be able to achieve."

For a moment, Athena simply stood there, her eyes locked on Light, filled with pride and an overwhelming sense of possibility. The shock of his revelation slowly transformed into a fierce determination. She knew that with a talent like this, Light had the potential to surpass them all.

"Athena," Light began, sitting across from her at a large oak table covered in ancient tomes and scrolls, " But I'm not sure how to proceed with my cultivation. Should I focus on advancing one element first, or should I spread my efforts across all three?"

Athena listened intently, her expression serious as she considered his words. "But it's also a responsibility. With such a talent, you have the potential to advance faster than any mage in history. However, you need to be strategic. Focusing on one element might give you quicker results in the short term, but it could also leave your other elements underdeveloped."

She paused, tapping her fingers lightly on the table as she gathered her thoughts. "After you reach the Intermediate level, the process of cultivating Stardust will change. The Stardust will transform into something more potent—something akin to a Nebula. This transformation will significantly increase your cultivation speed. This means that the speed at which your Stardust increases will be much faster than it was in Primary Stage. The meditation effect increases by100% compared to before."

Light's eyes widened at this revelation. "So, you're saying that once I reach the Intermediate level, I'll be able to achieve the same cultivation output in 2.5 hours that I used to achieve in 5 hours at the Primary level?"

Athena nodded. "Exactly. It's like getting twice the effect for half the work. But there's a catch—even after transforming your Stardust into a Nebula, you can only cultivate for five hours at most and spend one hour practicing control. So, while your talent gives you an advantage, you still need to manage your time wisely."

"Thank you, Athena," Light said, his voice filled with resolve. "I'll find a way to balance my cultivation. I'll push myself to the limit, but I won't let any of my elements fall behind."

The Little Loach Pendant, which Light had worn since Old Man Ying's passing, had already proven to be a valuable asset. Its mysterious power seemed to enhance his cultivation speed by roughly 40%, a fact that Light had come to rely on. But even with this advantage, he knew that his path would be anything but easy.

Yet, despite all these advantages, Light knew that awakening three elements did not necessarily make him stronger. It only meant that he had more potential to improve—if he was willing to put in the effort. He had to invest even more time into his cultivation now, practice control over an increasing number of Elemental Stars, and utilize even more resources to support his growth.

"The majority of mages struggle to cultivate even a single element to a higher level," Light thought, "so how can they possibly find time to meditate on others? But I have no choice. If I want to reach my full potential, I have to raise the levels of all three of my elements."

Light returned to his room, his mind buzzing with ideas. He began to make adjustments to his meditation schedule, carefully planning out his time. He decided to dedicate 15 hours a day to cultivating the Space Element. The remaining 2 hours would be split between the Undead and Chaos elements, just enough to maintain his proficiency in their control.

Spending fifteen hours every day on his Space element was already much more than the five hours most students could manage. And while other mages might rush to cast spells once they connected their seven stars, Light chose to suppress that urge. He knew that consolidating his foundations was more important in the long run.

With his new schedule in place, Light threw himself into his cultivation with renewed determination. Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months as he followed his rigorous routine. The effects were remarkable—within 6 months, the Stardust of his Space element had reached the 2nd level of the PRIMARY STAGE. The speed of his progress was nothing short of astonishing, like a rocket accelerating towards the heavens.

Time seemed to fly by as Light immersed himself in his studies. Yet, from his perspective, the relentless grind of cultivation made the days drag on. Every meditation session felt like a battle against time itself, with Light pushing his mental and physical limits to the brink.

But he endured. He knew that this was the only way to achieve greatness—to push through the monotony and embrace the endless journey of learning and growth. If he lacked the willpower to persevere, he would never reach his goals.

And so, Light cultivated bitterly for 6 long months. Finally, after countless hours of grueling effort, he broke through to the 3rd level in the PRIMARY STAGE.

A year had passed since his AWAKENING in the blink of an eye.Light has already turned 14. The entire family began preparations for Su Xuanhua's eighteenth-year Coming of Age Ceremony, a milestone that held great significance for their family and the magical community.

One day, as Light approached the family's gathering room, he overheard his sisters discussing a topic that piqued his interest. He stood quietly at the entrance, listening attentively to their conversation.

"The truth is," Athena was saying, "every now and then, the students of our Tian Lan Magic High and the disciples of the Ancestral Family have a session of interaction. In past years, the school would always pick the most outstanding student, the one with the strongest combat ability, to fight against the disciples of Bo City's families."

Athena's tone was sincere as she addressed her siblings. "The reason I called you all here today isn't just to educate you. I actually hope that Su Xuanhua will be victorious in the duel this time, because the winner will obtain a chance to cultivate at Bo City's sole Underground Holy Spring."

Light's interest was immediately piqued. The Underground Holy Spring was a treasure known throughout Bo City, a resource so valuable that even Magical Beasts would risk entering human territory to steal it.

"Underground Holy Spring?" Su Xuanhua's eyes brightened with excitement.

Athena nodded, her expression serious. "Our Bo City naturally has some special resources, and they are specifically provided for those on the verge of entering the Intermediate level. Unfortunately, the Underground Holy Spring is an extremely limited resource. The Bo City Magic Association can only open it up once a month, and even then, only for seven days. The spot isn't just given to a student, but also fought over by the Magic Clans and Ancestral Families."

Light watched as Su Xuanhua's expression changed, the gravity of the situation dawning on her. Athena wasn't just talking about any duel; she was talking about a battle that could determine the future of their family's standing in Bo City.

"I have already cultivated for 7 days when I won that duel," Athena continued, a note of pride in her voice. "And it was incredible—far more productive than anything I had ever experienced before. You should win this duel, Xuanhua. Although I am 100% sure you will win as your cultivation has already reached into the Intermediate level. The Underground Holy Spring is best for Primary level mages, but it also works wonders for Intermediate level magicians."

Su Xuanhua nodded, her resolve visibly strengthening. She was quiet, but Light could see the gears turning in her mind, the weight of responsibility settling on her shoulders. For Su Xuanhua, this wasn't just about proving herself—it was about upholding the honor of the Su family, about securing their place among Bo City's elite.

The conversation moved on to the logistics of the upcoming duel, but Light's mind was already racing ahead. He had always looked up to his sisters, especially Athena and Su Xuanhua, admiring their strength and composure. But now, he saw an opportunity to contribute, to help them in a way he never had before. This wasn't just their fight—it was his fight too.

The days leading up to the duel passed in a blur of intense training and strategic planning. Athena oversaw Su Xuanhua's preparations, honing her combat skills and refining her magic. Light watched every session closely, absorbing as much as he could, offering words of encouragement whenever he could.

On the day of the duel, the atmosphere in Bo City was electric. The city's elite had gathered to witness the event, eager to see which young mage would earn the coveted spot at the Underground Holy Spring. The duel was held in an ancient arena, a place steeped in history where countless battles had been fought and legends born.

Light stood with his sisters on the sidelines, his heart pounding in his chest. The tension in the air was palpable, the stakes higher than ever. As the duel began, Su Xuanhua faced her opponent with a calm and focused demeanor, her eyes locked onto her target.

The battle was fierce, with magic crackling through the air as the two combatants exchanged spells and attacks. Su Xuanhua moved with grace and precision, her every motion calculated and deliberate. Light watched in awe as his sister displayed her mastery over her element, her magic flowing seamlessly from one spell to the next.

Despite her opponent's strength, Su Xuanhua remained unfazed. Her resolve was unbreakable, her focus unyielding. With a final, powerful spell, she struck down her opponent, winning the duel in a decisive victory.

The arena erupted in applause, the cheers of the crowd echoing off the ancient walls. Light felt a swell of pride as he watched Su Xuanhua stand tall, her expression one of quiet satisfaction. She had done it—she had won the duel and secured the chance to cultivate at the Underground Holy Spring.

---

The week that followed was a whirlwind of activity. Su Xuanhua entered the Underground Holy Spring, and for seven days, she immersed herself in its powerful waters, her magic growing stronger with each passing moment. Light waited anxiously, knowing that this experience would change his sister forever.

When Su Xuanhua emerged from the Spring, there was a noticeable difference in her. Her aura was stronger, more refined, and her magic had taken on a new depth that left even Athena impressed. The victory in the duel had not only secured her spot at the Underground Holy Spring but had also caught the attention of the Pearl Institute, one of the most prestigious magical academies in the nation.

Su Xuanhua was specially recruited by the Pearl Institute, an honor that signified her potential as one of the most outstanding students with the highest potential from across the nation. Light felt a mix of emotions—pride for his sister's achievements, but also a pang of sadness at the thought of her leaving.

On the day of her departure, the family gathered to see her off. Su Xuanhua stood before them, her bags packed and her expression as composed as ever. Light felt tears welling up in his eyes as he stepped forward to bid her goodbye.

"Take care of yourself, Xuanhua," he said, "I know you'll do amazing things at Pearl Institute."

Su Xuanhua smiled, a rare expression that softened her usually serious demeanor. "I will always love you, Light," she replied, placing a hand on his shoulder. "And don't worry—I'll be back before you know it."

With those words, she turned and walked away, her figure growing smaller as she made her way to the carriage that would take her to the Pearl Institute. Light watched her go, tears slipping down his cheeks, but there was also a sense of pride and hope. Su Xuanhua was destined for greatness, and he knew that this was just the beginning of her journey.

---

As the carriage disappeared from view, Light turned to his remaining siblings. Athena placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, her eyes reflecting her own pride and emotion. "She'll be back, Light. And when she does, she'll be stronger than ever."

Light nodded, his heart swelling with determination. Su Xuanhua's success had reignited the fire within him, a reminder that their family was capable of achieving great things. And now, it was his turn to prove himself.

"I'm going to train harder than ever," Light declared, his voice filled with resolve. "I'll make sure that when Xuanhua comes back, she'll find a brother who's strong enough to stand beside her."

Athena smiled, her eyes shining with approval. "That's the spirit, Light. We're all going to achieve great things—together."

With that, Light turned back to the family estate, his mind already racing with plans for his own training. The road ahead would be long and difficult, but he was ready for the challenge. Light's family was on the rise, and Light was determined to play his part in their ascent.

The Underground Holy Spring had been the turning point they needed, but it was just the beginning. There were greater challenges ahead, greater victories to be won. And Light knew, deep in his heart, that they would face them together as a family—stronger and more united than ever.