Relics of the Divine

Professor Chen Yun stood at the podium, speaking:

"First, the school holds the [Elite Cup] every year during mid-semester."

"This is a large-scale, school-wide competition organized by [student clubs]."

"New students who wish to participate can consult the presidents of our [three major clubs]. By the way, you’ve already met two of them during the first two rounds of the entrance exams."

Zhou Ke lowered his head in thought. During the entrance exams, two seniors had indeed invited him to join their clubs.

One was a tall, dark-skinned senior named Li Hanfeng, and the other was a somewhat aloof-looking short-haired senior named Zhuang Xingyao.

Professor Chen Yun continued:

"Second, before enrollment, new students traditionally undergo three rounds of entrance exams. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, we only completed two rounds before the process was interrupted..."

At this point, Professor Chen Yun paused for a few seconds.

Zhou Ke seemed to sense her smiling in his direction, blinking subtly.

"...Therefore, the most important third round, the [Comprehensive Exam], will be held one week after enrollment."

"This exam will only serve to rank the new students’ abilities and will not eliminate anyone."

"Additionally, the top scorer in the Comprehensive Exam... will be rewarded with a [Divine Relic]."

The moment these words were spoken, the entire auditorium erupted.

Some students burst into heated discussions.

"A Divine Relic? For us?"

"Wait, what’s a Divine Relic?"

"Holy crap, if I could get one and sell it, I’d be set for life!"

"Is money all you care about? A Divine Relic can’t be measured in cash!"

"So what exactly is a Divine Relic?"

"I heard they’re sacred artifacts left behind by the ancient gods of cards, containing immense power!"

"But what does it actually do???"

While a few students debated fervently, most still wore puzzled expressions.

Fragments of conversation reached Zhou Ke’s ears, and he whispered:

"Zhang Yang, do you know what a Divine Relic is?"

He expected Zhang Yang to scold him again for his lack of worldly knowledge, but instead...

Zhang Yang also shook his head in confusion. "This is my first time hearing about it too."

Beside them, Su Chenxi sighed.

"It’s normal that you don’t know."

"Divine Relics are even rarer than your Joker Card."

"Generally speaking, Divine Relics are... [conceptual] artifacts."

Zhou Ke turned to the princess. "For example?"

"For example, a blade that kills with one strike, a clock that reverses time, a gem that resurrects the dead..."

"But these are just legends. Very few have actually seen one. Still..."

"If the professor mentioned it, it must be real. And the school must have one."

"I never expected the school would offer a Divine Relic as a reward for the entrance exam champion this year."

Su Chenxi suddenly met his gaze.

"Zhou Ke, do you want to compete for that treasure?"

The question caught him off guard.

"Why ask me that?" Zhou Ke was momentarily stunned.

"I just feel that if you aim to win, victory will be yours."

"But I’m just a commoner. I don’t know anything."

"You don’t need to. Magic aptitude is the true measure of strength. Your 43 magic points already surpass many upperclassmen."

Zhou Ke fell silent, lost in thought.

After a while, he answered:

"Yes. I want that treasure."

His gaze drifted toward the front rows, where the noble students sat.

There, Ye Lingtian was boasting to his fellow nobles, declaring that he would undoubtedly win the championship and claim the Divine Relic.

"Ahem, I know everyone is curious about the Divine Relic. But the third announcement is the most important."

Professor Chen Yun smiled.

"At the end of the semester, exceptionally outstanding performers will be granted the qualification for [Card Ascension]!"

What?

The entire hall erupted in chaos.

Zhang Yang couldn’t help but wave his arms excitedly.

"Card Ascension—this is the dream of countless people!"

Even the usually composed and reserved Su Chenxi leaned forward, her eyes brimming with anticipation.

Only Zhou Ke remained calm.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want [Card Ascension]...

He simply had no idea what it was.

"Cough." Zhou Ke lowered his voice. "Your Highness, could you explain what Card Ascension is?"

Su Chenxi blinked in surprise, then smiled.

"Of course. After all, I promised to answer any questions you have about this world."

She then explained softly:

"If Divine Relics offer humans a chance to touch divinity, then Card Ascension allows one to transcend social classes—from minor nobility to high nobility, the Four Great Houses, the King... or even become a god."

"Every person possesses magic energy. When one’s magic reaches a certain level by the age of 18, the gods bestow a supernatural artifact—a Card."

"However, a Card’s power isn’t fixed. Its abilities can be upgraded. This process is called Card Ascension."

"The rank of one’s Card determines their physical capabilities, the strength of their supernatural abilities, and ultimately, their social standing."

Zhou Ke pressed further. "Can you be more specific?"

Su Chenxi whispered:

"If you ascend your Card to the next rank, His Majesty—my father—will personally confer a title upon you."

"You’ll no longer be a commoner. You’ll become part of the nobility. The name [Zhou] will be a new noble house."

"You’ll also receive a small enterprise as a reward from my father."

"And if you ascend your Card to the highest rank... you’ll transcend into a new god."

"...It’s said only one person in the history of Dragon Country has achieved this."

After hearing this, Zhou Ke silently touched the Joker Card in his pocket.

He was tired of the hardships of being a commoner.

He had fantasized countless times about possessing a noble name, status, and wealth.

Now, everything seemed possible.

Even the distant dream of ascending to godhood.

Card Ascension...

At this moment, Zhou Ke burned with the desire to learn more about this world, to understand the secrets of Cards, and to grow stronger.

"...That concludes the enrollment ceremony. Thank you, everyone!" Professor Chen Yun’s speech came to an end.

Students rose in small groups, chatting as they filed out of the hall.

"Let’s go to the dorms! I wonder what the school’s living conditions are like!" Zhang Yang was practically bouncing with excitement.

They left the auditorium together.

Su Chenxi parted ways with them midway, heading toward the girls’ dormitory.

Zhou Ke and Zhang Yang continued toward the boys’ dormitory area.

"Wait—you’re Zhou Ke?"

A male voice suddenly called out from behind them.