Combat is the best catalyst for growth, and life-and-death trials are particularly rapid. In the end, as long as one can survive, there's no doubt, everyone becomes an elite because those with slightly inferior aptitude or lacking effort already have tombs three feet high.
Although extremely cruel, in the struggle involving the life and death of civilization, some sacrifices are insignificant. Even if Chen Fei is unwilling, someone will force him to act because if the wave doesn't eliminate them, everyone would die, and no one can escape.
With exceptional learning ability enough to enter university, Chen Fei fortunately managed to survive in the end.