Just became an evil god and was summoned by the saint

The icy clouds surged, and wisps of magic were drawn into them from the outside, enhancing their power.

Ross nodded: "Not bad. You managed to amplify the original spell by calling upon external magic. Although it only increased the strength by less than 1%, it's a start."

A moment later, the icy clouds dissipated, and Celia caught her breath, asking in confusion, "Lord Ross, why did you force yourself to use an ability that can only be used by fourth-tier beings?"

Ross said calmly, "Because it will help you pass the fourth-tier advancement trial."

Celia recalled the description of the ascension trials from the third to the fourth tier in "Introduction to the Divine Realm." The text detailed the changes between the third and fourth tiers, but broadly speaking, it could be explained in one sentence—

The process of climbing the steps is a transformation from controlling oneself to controlling the surrounding environment.

In other words, the trials from the third to the fourth level are a process to help the sorcerer complete the process of calling on external magic to amplify spells. The specific manifestation of this process is very random, with no discernible pattern, and is difficult to understand.

If it were so easy to figure out, then mages of the fourth rank and above wouldn't be so rare, and wouldn't be the backbone of every empire.

"Could it be that in order to successfully pass the Ascension Trial, one needs to manipulate the magic of the environment before ascending the steps?" Celia blinked.

Ross said, "Of course not. Comprehending the principles before the Ascension Trial begins is something only geniuses can do; it's like a preliminary test before the actual exam."

"Then why doesn't the textbook just write it out directly..."

"Because not everyone can do it. You need to refine your magic power to over 110%, and you also need to use fourth-tier spells beyond your level. To use spells beyond your level, you need to have enough magic power reserves, at least the reserves of a normal fourth-tier."

Roston paused, then continued, "In other words, it requires entering the Deep God Realm at least once."

The thought of the terrifying trials in the deeper realms of the gods sent chills down Celia's spine.

To be honest, she has a phobia of the Deep God Realm.

The first time I entered, it was fine. All I had to do was kill, kill, kill. Either kill the monster horde or be killed by the monster horde.

The second time was even more terrifying, as it required specific conditions to defeat the monster.

Celia didn't want to face those disgusting guys anymore.

I wonder how the other sorcerers who entered the deeper realms of the gods survived without divine blessing.

The thought of the other saintesses entering the deeper realm of the gods made Celia somewhat depressed, which overshadowed her joy at sensing the magical power of the environment.

Ross sensed her emotions and, after discovering the source of her frustration, flicked her forehead without a word.

"In short, this is not something that ordinary sorcerers can learn. Putting it in a textbook has no reference value and may even hinder other sorcerers' advancement."

"I see." Celia muttered, stretching. "I have to go to school tomorrow... It's too difficult to complete the Ascension Trial before school starts."

Ross smiled slightly: "You've already touched the threshold. What you lack now is the call to the Ascension Trial."

Starting from the fourth tier, the Ascension Trial can no longer be summoned at will like the previous two times.

Besides personal accumulation, an opportunity is also needed.

Celia nodded, looking pitiful, and said, "Then...can I have the day off today?"

Ross patted Celia's head: "You've successfully invoked external magic, so of course you don't need to continue."

“Okay ヾ(▽)ノ”

Celia immediately cheered.

……

the next day.

With Vanessa's 'help', Celia finished packing her things.

Under Vanessa's nagging instructions and reluctant gaze, they left the temple and flew towards the Southern City.

Vanessa watched Celia leave, feeling very melancholy.

"Sigh, Star Ash Town is too small to accommodate Celia."

The deacon of the priest, Pigs, asked curiously, "Does the high priest mean that Miss Celia won't be coming back?"

Vanessa shook her head: "No, I'm just sighing. By the time Celia comes next time, she'll be at the fourth tier. Sigh, time flies."

Vanessa sighed.

Who could have known that the baby they found would turn out to be a genius sorcerer with extraordinary talent, and that she would be lucky enough to be chosen as a candidate for sainthood?

"Fourth rank?" Deacon Millie didn't have much of a concept of ranks, but she knew one thing: "The High Priest is also supposed to be fourth rank..."

Vanessa nodded, then sighed, "Celia's stage is the whole world. I hope she can come back and visit occasionally in the future."

"Doesn't Miss Celia come back every year?"

"I hope so."

Chapter 524 Third Grade, Using Back Doors

The start of the new semester at the Holy Magic Academy was as lively as in previous years.

Students of the same grade were still gathered together to attend the opening ceremony.

Unlike previous years, this year there is an additional reward program, which rewards students who have reached level three after the start of the third grade, encourages students who have successfully reached level two in the second grade, and specifically names students who have not yet reached level two after the start of the third grade.

Incidentally, we were "divided into classes" this year.

All students who have not yet reached level two will have their entry into the third year postponed, meaning they will repeat the year.

For all those who advance to Level 3, some additional courses will be added, and some courses will be reduced.

Celia glanced at the course and found that the main differences between the third and second years were in the three courses: Divine Realm Simulation, Advanced Spells, and Advanced Holy Word. The courses were the same, but the content was different.

"It looks alright, but it's a bit outdated for me now."

“It’s normal to fall behind,” Ross said. “Everyone’s talent is different, and their learning pace is different. It would be unfair to both first-tier and third-tier mages if they were to study together. Your school should give you special preferential treatment.”

"Backdoor? Really?" Celia raised an eyebrow.

“It’s not just you, the other Saintess candidates are the same. You are different from ordinary third-tier candidates. Your mentors have noticed your situation.” Ross smiled slightly. “I didn’t let you prepare for the ascension trial at home. I just wanted you to come back and use some of the school’s resources before preparing for the ascension.”

“What kind of backdoor might the school have…” Celia muttered to herself.

She was somewhat skeptical, but soon after, she received a call from Elena asking her to go to the principal's office.

"There really is a backdoor."

Celia's eyes lit up, and she excitedly went to the principal's office. When she entered, she found that she was not the only one there. All the candidates for saintess were there, as well as many students who did not look like third-year students.

When it was about time, Principal Blake walked in from outside, clapped his hands, and attracted everyone's attention.

He wasn't one for small talk, so he got straight to the point: "I called you here because you've all reached the threshold of ascension. The school will provide you with extra courses to help you complete the ascension trial."

"According to the statistics, there are 8 students in the third grade and 22 students in the fourth grade. Those whose names are called, please stand up. Doris Lorraine."

"To!"

“Shalin Elmi”.

"To!"

"..."

Soon, everyone finished answering, and Celia looked at the other students of the same grade in surprise.

Besides the candidates for saintess, there were actually three exceptionally talented magicians. However, what surprised Celia even more was Shalin. She was the last to reach the third rank, and it seemed that she only reached the third rank during the final exam period. How come she has also qualified for advancement after only a few months?

Cilia looked thoughtful.

Clearly, she did something extraordinary with that puppet heart.

Ross didn't say anything, so she had no idea what Sharon had done.

Led by the principal, a group of people arrived at the meditation room on the top floor of the Gentle Tower.

“Your meditation classes will be held here for the rest of the year, as final meditation preparations for the Ascension Trial,” Blake said.

Someone couldn't help but ask, "Principal, why are there only third and fourth graders? Where are the fifth graders?"

Blake said calmly, "Fifth graders are all at the level to take the Ascension Trial. Some students have already completed one Ascension Trial... That's right, they failed. Their courses have been standardized. I called you here because you have higher talent. Only those who have reached the Ascension Trial requirements before fifth grade, or are about to reach the Ascension Trial requirements, will receive Ascension Training."

This means that they are all talents that the school is focusing on cultivating.

Many people immediately showed joy.

Blake poured cold water on their enthusiasm: "But don't be arrogant. Every year we organize a sprint to climb the steps, but only a portion of them complete it. The worst year, which was last year... no one completed it."

All the students gasped.

None of them completed the Ascension Trial?

This is too terrible.

The invisible pressure immediately made everyone uneasy.

“Meditation is just the first step. Come with me, and I will take you to other places to participate in additional training.”

After having all the students appear at the Gentle Tower and recording their information, Blake led them through the Forbidden Forest to the northernmost Industrious Tower.

It remains at the very top level.

The top floor here is similar in layout to the top floor of the Gentle Tower, but the difference is that it has a luminous sphere at its center. The sphere is bound together and emits light forever, never dissipating.

Celia recognized what it was.

Second-tier Holy spell, Holy Strike.

Blake approached the Holy Light and said to the crowd, "Do you see this [Holy Light Strike]?"

Everyone stared at the ball of light and nodded.

Celia thought to herself: We're not blind.

Blake said calmly, "Come forward and feel it, see what's different about this sphere of light."

Upon hearing this, everyone stepped forward, curiously looking at the ball of light floating in mid-air, and pondering deeply.

Celia didn't stand in the front row; she just looked through the gaps in the crowd and sensed it. It was no different from a regular [Holy Light Strike].

Some people also noticed: "Headmaster, this spell seems... no different?"

Blake nodded. "Yes, it's no different from the Holy Light strikes you unleash."

Everyone: "..."

"But why do you think it's suspended here, and where does it get its energy from?"

Everyone was taken aback, and then they began to feel it again.

Celia already understood what Black wanted to do, and said, "Absorbing magic from the outside world and circulating it automatically is the mark of a fourth-tier mage."

Blake looked at Celia with approval and nodded, saying, "Yes, this holy light, apart from borrowing the magic power of the sorcerer when it was first released, has since drawn magic power from nature on its own and exists forever."

"In addition, the magic consumption of this holy light has been minimized. In the coming time, you will have important insights here. From the magical veins of this holy light, you will understand how to call upon the magic of nature and how to refine magic. You don't need to actually call upon magic; just having the feeling is enough. The Ascension Trial will help you complete the calling upon of the magic of nature."

"However, your magic refinement level must reach 110% or higher to complete the special training requirements. Of course, if you can reach 120% and have a sense of external magic, the Ascension Trial will be a natural outcome for you."

Black paused for a moment, then said, "All the resources here will be open to you. Go to the first floor later and find the mentor stationed there. Ask him for the items and materials you need, and he will provide them according to each of your circumstances."

Thank you Qin Yue for the donation!

Chapter 525 Fourth-Tier Intensive Class, Multiple Bets

Preparations for climbing the steps are mostly carried out at the Industrious Tower.

Besides sensing the external magic and improving magic refinement, Blake also talked about many precautions and shared his insights from the Ascension Trial with everyone.

Finally, he named this special training program for climbing the steps the "Fourth-Tier Sprint Class." In addition to his personal learning in the class, the last period of each afternoon was dedicated to learning and reflection at the Tower of Diligence.

After that, there were no longer any set study times, and they could study until the evening.

But in the end, Blake emphasized one more thing.

"The Forbidden Forest of Sacred Beasts at night is quite dangerous for you. There are many high-level sacred beasts in the forest that like to torment students who have wandered in. So, you'd better finish your studies before dark. If you're worried, you can seek help from the instructors stationed at the Diligent Tower, but they may not be able to help you."

"The sacred beasts of the Forbidden Forest of Sacred Beasts?"

Celia couldn't help but become interested.

Under Ross's guidance, she often went fishing at the Forbidden Forest Lake, but she rarely encountered the legendary sacred beast.

"I wonder what a sacred beast looks like, and how it differs from an ordinary magical beast," Celia thought to herself.

Ross's voice came through: "Back then, when I sent you fishing, your strength was too low, and those sacred beasts weren't very interested in you. But now it's different. You're at the third tier, and they'll really show up and be terrifying."