Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1182: Observer
Previously on Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy...
A wave of anticipation quickly washed over the room. Because this Holy Arts Curriculum lacked any upperclassmen, the students had no seniors to consult regarding these upcoming spells.
Being the inaugural group of Holy Arts disciples, they couldn't shake the feeling that they were merely subjects in an experiment conducted by the Immortals governing this land.
The class was desperate to discover what the Academy had selected for them, especially after hearing about the core spells utilized by the Church, the Sentinels, the Sanctum, and the Paladins.
With a lingering smile, Professor Yena inquired, "Well then… what do you think the Academy's three foundational Holy Arts spells are?"
In an instant, hands were thrust into the air.
"It must be Holy Sun Ray! Even for a low-tier technique, it is a highly complex Holy Spell."
"I bet on Radiant Shield, Professor. A defensive barrier is essential."
"No, surely it is Solemn Hymn. The Academy would likely prioritize something inspiring for our first lesson."
Predictions flooded the room one after another. Hoping the Academy had developed a unique hybrid system, several students suggested combinations of spells from various factions. However, Yena simply shook her head at every guess…
"Professor, is it Blessing Dew? According to my mentor, it’s an introductory healing spell that mends injuries with droplets of holy water."
"I disagree… I’ve studied Halo Ward. It protects the caster with a faint ring of light. The Academy would surely start us with such a defensive measure."
Eager to be the one who guessed correctly, another student raised his hand…
"What about Chant of Serenity? It’s perfect for novices since it focuses the mind and provides calm."
From the back of the room, a boy snorted dismissively. "That’s too weak. My money is on Smite Spark… it’s just a minor bolt of holy energy, but at least it offers offensive capabilities."
"Perhaps it is Sacred Ember," a girl remarked after a moment of thought. "A small flame intended to purge corruption. That seems appropriate for the Academy's standards."
The suggestions continued to fly, each one more creative than the last.
"Prayer of Dawn! It represents the first light of morning leading us forward, right?"
"Virtue Seal… I’ve heard it can suppress minor curses. That would be quite practical for us."
"Grace Hands. It emits a soft radiance that shields against evil spirits and can even be used for attacking. It’s a very versatile Holy Spell that many people overlook."
Some students even began competing to see who could come up with the most intricate theories.
Since Professor Yena remained silent, the debate amongst the peers intensified.
"What if a hybrid spell was created by the Academy? Something like Healing Flame, merging the Paladins' Flame of Benediction with the Church's Healing Prayer? The Academy is renowned for its Fusion Spells, so it wouldn't be shocking if our initial spells were that difficult to master."
"Or maybe Star Hymn… isn't that the fusion of Sacred Chant and Echo of Grace?"
Yena listened with patient grace, her smile never wavering as she continued to reject every proposal.
Irene and Galatea traded looks. They recognized their classmates' desperate need to appear intelligent. However, they had a feeling that the Academy's choices would be far more profound and fundamental than any of these flashy techniques.
When Yena finally raised her hand, the room fell into a hush.
"You are all mistaken," she stated quietly. "The introductory Holy Arts of the Academy are not what you anticipate. They weren't picked for their visual flair, but to ensure you build a solid foundation... Pay close attention…"
"The first spell is Holy Hands," she announced.
The students were stunned; they all recognized the name. It was a common spell that could be bought cheaply as a Spell Model in nearly any shop!
However, Yena began to manifest the Spell Model upon her palm, shaping it through the precise manipulation of her Arcane Energy…
The moment the model took shape, the students realized it would not be simple to transcribe. Even so, they estimated it would only take a week or two of effort to record such a spell.
Noticing their reactions, Yena nodded before continuing.
"This technique manifests an invisible hand composed of holy energy. Rather than combat, its purpose is support… assisting, steadying, or lifting. It is a lesson in control and precision, but more vital is how it trains your Spirit Strands to reach beyond your physical form. Do not mock it. A healer who lacks control over their reach is no healer at all."
The students looked at one another; while some appeared let down, others nodded in sudden realization.
"The second spell is Faith Pulse."
The spherical Spell Model in her hand transformed into a significantly more intricate design.
"While typical detection arts sense the physical body, Faith Pulse is designed to detect the soul and spirit. It grants you the ability to see hidden intentions, corruption, or even a person's unique energy signature. Though subtle, it is among the most vital tools a Holy Arts practitioner can possess. You are blind to the true nature of those around you without it."
Gasps filled the room as several students began taking notes at a frantic pace. The concept of sensing souls instead of physical forms was a revelation to many.
They had not expected such an incredible technique to follow the underwhelming Holy Hands…
"And the final one… Holy Light."
Once more, the model resting on her palm shifted.
Upon hearing the name Holy Light, many students nodded slowly. It appeared this would be their sole offensive ability.
Of course, its classification could change to a support spell depending entirely on the caster's intent.
"It may look like simple, harmless illumination at first glance. However, this Holy Light targets the soul rather than the flesh. It possesses the power to strengthen, soothe, or even strike the soul directly when necessary. This spell reveals the true gravity of the Holy Arts. Light is not always a gentle thing. At times, it possesses the power to burn…"
The class remained in a state of shocked silence.
"Holy Hands… Faith Pulse… Holy Light…" a boy murmured under his breath. "They sound basic, but I actually like them!"
Irene and Galatea were in total agreement. The logic was immediately clear to them. These spells weren't intended to be impressive; they were designed to forge a foundation that would endure for a lifetime…
Even so, they couldn't ignore a lingering sense of curiosity regarding a certain gaze watching them from a hidden corner of the room…
'Who is this person observing us?'