Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1184: Failed

"These are the Three Fire Stones," Professor Zeno announced to the class.

"They represent new sources of flame we have acquired, each of them having been blessed by Immortal Beings... While you might not be prepared for Fire Infusion at this moment, our goal is to get you ready to utilize them."

The moment these words were spoken, the eyes of every student present began to glow with excitement.

Many who had already received high-grade Fire Source from their respective organizations felt a sense of pride in their current flames.

Nevertheless, their perspectives shifted instantly upon learning that these specific Fire Stones carried the blessing of Immortals.

"Within each stone resides a flame that you can elect to merge with your body. You have the choice to keep your current fire or strive to replace it. However, be warned: switching your flame at a later age is a perilous endeavor. It forces a reconstruction of your Spirit Strands, and a botched attempt could leave your alchemy abilities crippled for life."

The students tightened their grips, fully aware that the window for changing one's fire is best utilized during youth. Specifically, a Flame must be permanently settled upon before one reaches the age of twenty...

Contemplating the power of such magnificent Fire Stones, their gazes shone with fervent hope.

Zeno indicated the pale stone first, which radiated a constant white glow...

"The Eternal Whiteflame... It is serene, stable, and the ultimate tool for meticulous alchemy. Those who command it become masters of potion-making, complex inscriptions, and refined craftsmanship. It is truly the flame of precision and patience."

He moved his hand toward the crimson stone, which appeared more like a mass of shifting, molten embers than solid rock.

"The Crimson Pyre... Fierce and ruinous, this flame is intended for the forging of weaponry, battlecraft, and the arts of combat alchemy. Those who use it are as much warriors as they are academics. But take heed... its nature is volatile, and it will destroy those who are careless."

Finally, he pointed toward the azure stone. The sight of a blue fire was truly magnificent, and it immediately became the most desired flame among the crowd.

"This is the Azure Frostfire. It is a flame burning with immense clarity, making it perfect for the refinement of potions and subtle concoctions. Though it is rare and exceptionally hard to command, its purity is second to none. Its wielders are typically healers, masters of potions, and experts in the art of subtle transformation."

Professor Zeno continued to lecture about these flames at length. These descriptions were merely the most basic summaries he could provide, yet they were sufficient for the students to weigh whether such a fire would be a compatible match for them.

Whispers broke out among the students as they began to discern which Fire Stone called to them.

Some held their hands over their hearts, feeling the Foxfire already residing within, debating if they should take the immediate risk of a transition.

Others could only stare in wonder, envisioning the heights of power they might reach.

Watching the scene from the shadows, Vale observed everything with a quiet curiosity.

He focused his attention on a few specific students whose Spirit Strands showed a powerful resonance with the stones. He could sense that these individuals were destined to succeed in their fire transition, potentially outstripping their classmates.

With a smile, Professor Zeno went on.

"Always remember... Fire is not merely a source of power, as the Elementalists treat it. It is your very identity. You must choose with care, because the flame you host will define your journey as an alchemist for all time."

Vale gave a faint nod, realizing that Zeno was truly finding joy in his role as an Alchemy instructor. Even though the man was primarily a Dark Arts Expert, he was doing a remarkable job of motivating the student body.

***

Three months passed in the blink of an eye, and the atmosphere at Marshall Academy had transformed into one of stability and strength.

The friction and chaos of the opening weeks, defined by student rivalries and general uncertainty, had been replaced by a rigorous sense of routine and discipline.

The Academy was now functioning under total control...

The integration of the students had been successful.

Those in the Mystic Arts had progressed to the study of Formation Circles...

Practitioners of the Holy Arts had committed themselves to their philosophical studies, discovering how to harmonize purity with raw power.

The Alchemy Arts students had started their trials with infused flames. A few brave souls had even tried to resonate with the Azure Frostfire, Crimson Pyre, or Eternal Whiteflame, though they met with failure. As of now, the flames remained unclaimed by any student.

The Elementalists were gaining mastery over the various forces of nature, training to balance earth, wind, water, and fire without being overwhelmed by the chaotic energies. It was a requirement to understand all elements before specializing in a specific focus. Should a student be gifted enough, the Academy permitted them to master every element simultaneously.

Squires aspiring to become Knights were subjected to grueling drills, receiving instruction from the finest Knights the Academy could recruit.

The Dark Arts department remained consistent, as the Academy had provided them with top-tier education from the very beginning...

Meanwhile, the Summoners were reaching the point where they had to decide whether to switch their Grimoires after three months of intensive study.

The students of Rune Arts had already successfully completed their ninth Rune...

In the Beast Arts department, practitioners were evaluating which Beast Mark to next engrave upon their bodies, choosing from a wide array of options provided by the school.

The Martial Arts and Combat Arts students remained highly active in the Arena, bolstered by the fact that some of the Asura’s own disciples were participating in their training sessions.

Those studying Psychic Arts had moved on to the refinement of their mental focus. Their training was not yet at maximum intensity, as practicing Psychic Arts with insufficient Mental Energy could be lethal for both the user and those nearby.

Finally, the Transformation Arts students were busy gathering various essences to fuel their crafts. While the Academy provided the basic materials, they were required to earn the rare essences of powerful Arcane Beasts themselves.

Headmaster Constance Leore observed these developments with a great sense of fulfillment.

The dream Vale had of bringing the Twelve Paths together was no longer just a bold claim. It was manifesting as a reality within the walls of the Academy.

While rivalries still existed, they had shifted into a healthy, competitive spirit.

Vale also watched the progress from the darkness, feeling satisfied with the current state of affairs.

"Since everything here has stabilized... it is time for me to deal with Lust."

It seemed that the trio of dragons he had dispatched to handle one of the Seven Sins within the Palham Empire had ultimately met with defeat!