Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1126: Panic

Across the table, Maya was already dissecting a dish made of five-colored leaves and soft, crystal-like fruit.

"This one’s called Neonfruit," Vale explained as he tapped his finger against the colored slices of fruit. "I don’t really want to explain each of these foods, but I hope you enjoy them..."

"Haha... You don’t have to tell us their names. Still, I’m curious if this food is something common or expensive in the Shadow Realm... and about its effects. Can you tell us more?" Chad asked. Since these foods weren’t something he could get or eat again, he wasn’t really interested in knowing their names.

He was more interested in their rarity and effects!

Vale chuckled, but he paused for a moment to recall its background before he replied.

"Alchemists there use it to bind unstable reagents. When eaten raw, they mentioned that it sharpens the mind... mental clarity, short-term memory, focus, or something like that. And what I’m telling you isn’t just some kind of temporary effects. We’re talking about permanent effects here."

"Permanent?!"

Everyone was immediately impressed as soon as they heard this.

After reaching the peak or high level in their respective fields, it was already difficult to advance. Any form of advancement was precious.

Because of that, they knew how important these fruits are, especially if Vale confirmed that it would be effective even for Immortals.

Maya’s eyes lit up as she tasted it. "I can feel it already... my thoughts aren’t scattering as much."

Denise, who was always buried in her research, was the most excited among the group... "I’ve used some potions with similar effects. I hope these fruits were better."

Vale gave a small nod. "Yeah... It doesn’t build up resistance, unlike the potions. Anyway, I heard that it’s only safe if harvested under moonlight. Otherwise, it turns poisonous."

Though that detail was unimportant since they wouldn’t be harvesting it here, Odessa still nodded as she turned to a tray of soft, steamed rolls filled with violet paste.

Vale noticed this and gestured toward them.

"Dreamspore buns..." he said. "They’re gentle, meant for those below Immortal grade. They ease spiritual fatigue and restore energy flow. I brought them back because I knew they’d help the Half-Immortals in our circle."

Odessa smiled faintly as she tasted one. "It’s warm... I hope you’ve brought more of them..."

"We have a greenhouse here where various herbs and plants are growing. Don’t worry." Vale replied.

Aubrey also liked the taste as she turned to another. She then started nibbling on a thin slice of something that looked like dried bark.

"This one’s interesting," she said. "What is it?"

"Shadowbark..." Vale replied. "It wards off possession in rituals. When consumed, it strengthens resistance against sleep and enhances lucid dreaming. Ohh... It’s perfect. Investigators like you will find it useful for sure..."

Aubrey smiled after hearing this...

"That explains the clearness I’m feeling. It’s like my senses are sharper."

Faith, eyes still closed, reached for a small cup of misty liquid. Vale’s tone softened as he introduced it.

"Hollowdew... It doesn’t heal, but it gives another permanent effect that strengthens soul. You can also drink it while meditating, and you’ll recall things buried deep in your soul."

Faith raised the cup to her lips. "Then tonight, I’ll remember what was lost."

Of course, all of these were just appetizers... After these appetizers were consumed, the Shadow Soldiers started moving and served the main dishes...

Constance didn’t speak at first as she turned to the broth that was served. The aroma was calming, carrying a faint sweetness that lingered in the air.

At this point, Vale didn’t need to explain anything as they just continued enjoying whatever food was being served...

There was a roasted golden pheasant placed at the center of the table... Beside it came a dish of braised river ox, slow-cooked until tender.

Then, there was also silver carp stew, served in deep bowls that could ease fatigue and stabilize aura flow.

For lighter fare, platters of herb-grilled venison were served, paired with roasted roots... There were also a tray of honeyed grain rolls with their sweetness balancing the heavier dishes.

Finally, pitchers of frostleaf tea and emberwine were poured... Even without explanation from Vale, they could tell that one was cooling the body and the other was warming the veins and stirring energy within their bodies...

The table was full now, and everyone began to eat in earnest. Vale leaned back, watching them with quiet satisfaction. He didn’t need to explain each dish anymore... Their effects would speak for themselves.

As they were eating, the conversation finally shifted away from the dishes.

Maya was the first to speak.

"Vale... be careful. The Void Immortals are already here. They’re keeping their distance for now, probably cautious after what happened to the Chaos Immortals who dared to fight you. But keep it in mind. They want to meet you..."

Vale set down his cup. "Void Immortals? Why would they want to meet me?"

Maya shook her head. "I’m not sure. It could be because they want your help... or it could be a trap. That’s why I’m warning you. Don’t take their invitation lightly."

Vale appreciated her concern and gave a small nod. "I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks, Maya."

The table grew quiet for a moment, until Denise spoke again...

"Vale... about the five Chaos Immortals we captured. Would it be all alright if I kept them alive for myself? I want to bind their Spirit and Soul into my golems."

She sounded so innocent, but her words were certainly cruel. Everyone looked at her, but in the end, none of them objected at all.

She was certainly Heinz’s student through and through. She was a researcher, and to her, this was simply another experiment.

Vale gave a wry smile. "You never change, Denise. Always thinking about your golems. Alright... You can have them all."

Then, as they continued discussing a few things related to their current works, a snake swiftly slithered and entered the room...

Everyone was surprised, but none of them attacked the snake after seeing Vale calmly looking at it.

"You look like you’re in trouble... What happened, Seven?" Vale asked after seeing that the snake seemed panicking.