Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1187: Targeted

Talent was something Desmund had never possessed…

For a long time, he had been scraping together coins to buy a Philosopher's Elixir, as it represented the sole path for a commoner to reach the rank of Arcanist… Yet in this moment, he stood tall while a strange power surged through his frame.

"What… what did you do to me?" he questioned, his voice shaking with a mix of terror and thrill.

He was certain that this experience was not the Awakening he had heard others describe. He was clearly not an Arcanist… Instead, it felt as though he had been granted a blessing by some divine entities…

'This feels strange…'

The energy he sensed was fundamentally different from the power of the Arcanists he had encountered in the past.

The figure hidden in the cloak answered, "We have provided what you lacked. You are now what one might call... Hmm… an Extraordinary Human… Use this boon with care."

In truth, the power bestowed upon him was the result of Draconic blessings rather than the typical energy of Arcanists.

Their sources of power were entirely distinct from one another.

As the energy settled within his body, Desmund’s legs nearly gave out. With trembling hands, he gripped his chest, feeling the peculiar pulse of power circulating through his veins.

"I… I don't understand," he muttered. "Becoming an Arcanist was my lifelong dream, but I lacked both the innate talent and the funds. And now… you have handed me something this incredible. I have no words to thank you."

Disguised as a robed scholar, Ash offered a small smile. "You are already aware of what we require in return…"

Desmund gave a frantic nod… "Right… Regarding that Evil Entity you spoke of… what is my task? How do I wield this? I cannot afford to fail you."

Despite the strength he now felt, he was completely ignorant of how to apply it…

Drazek, the cloaked figure, moved closer… He recognized the necessity of providing the man with proper guidance.

"The mission is uncomplicated. Mingle with the populace. Identify those whose souls have been defiled by Lust. You will sense it… the rot will call out to you. Once found, you must perform a cleansing."

Desmund took a hard swallow. "Cleanse… do you mean that purification process that could potentially kill them?"

Zerel, appearing as a noble traveler, let out a soft laugh. "Indeed… But as we explained, if the corruption hasn't taken deep root, they will survive. Their souls will be liberated. However, if the rot is too profound, the purge will incinerate them. They will perish."

With a heavy voice, Desmund bowed his head. "T-that's right… Then I will do it. I will cleanse them and safeguard this city. Even if I am terrified, I will give my all. Just show me the way!"

Underneath his hood, Drazek’s eyes shone. "Good. It is natural to feel fear. But do not let it dominate you. Lust thrives on vulnerability. Should you waver, it will only grow. Fear not, for we shall instruct you on the method…"

A hand was placed on Desmund’s shoulder by Zerel…

"Have confidence… There is a reason we chose you. You are capable of this…

Looking at the three of them, Desmund felt his heart grow calm…

"I am ignorant of your true identities… but I will place my trust in you. I shall offer prayers to you daily and fulfill this mission. Please… lead me if I stumble."

Ash's grin grew wider. The man didn't actually need to pray to them.

"Then stand up, Desmund. Starting today, you are no longer a mere citizen of Harake City. You are our chosen representative. An Extraordinary Human."

Tears welled in Desmund’s eyes as he lowered his head. "Thank you… This is something I will never forget. I won't squander the gift you've given me."

The three figures looked at each other with satisfaction. Their proxy had been secured.

Thus, the new chapter of Desmund’s life began… He underwent two days of intensive training under the three figures before being dispatched to wander the city and execute their will.

***

From that point on, Desmund commenced his duties.

He navigated the streets of Harake City under the guise of an average man. At the very least, he now appeared respectable and was no longer covered in filth or stench…

Whenever he detected a soul that had been corrupted, he would reach out, touch them, and discharge the purifying energy.

There were times when the individual would collapse in a fit of screaming before returning to a normal, albeit extremely weakened, state…

In other instances, they perished on the spot, their physical forms unable to endure the intensity of the purge…

Whenever a death occurred, he was forced to flee the scene immediately, as the Apostles of Lust would soon arrive to investigate…

Though every life lost was a heavy burden on Desmund’s conscience, he told himself it was a better fate than being entirely consumed by Lust.

The true nature of his three patrons remained a mystery to him. To his eyes, they were enigmatic saviors, god-like beings who had pulled him from the depths of hopelessness.

Regardless, he made sure to pray to them every morning.

"I thank you," he whispered, "for providing this opportunity. For allowing me to defend my city. For placing your trust in me."

He directed his prayers toward the scholar, the cloaked man, and the noble traveler, unaware that they were actually Ash, Drazek, and Zerel—the Ancient Dragons in hiding.

***

Meanwhile, inside a grand manor within Harake City, Lust sat in silence, inhabiting the body of a young noblewoman.

In the shadows, her crimson eyes glowed dimly as she amassed another satisfying hoard of energy…

She was quick to conceal this power, however, knowing that several high-level Arcanists were already monitoring her movements.

Nearly a quarter of the city's residents had already fallen under her sway. Priests, merchants, nobles, and guild masters—all were nourishing her with their inner cravings. Every act of betrayal, broken promise, and indulgence added to her strength…

But a problem had arisen.

Many of her energy reservoirs were starting to disappear. The steady stream of tainted souls she depended on was being severed.

Lust knit her brows.

"Someone is meddling… someone is purifying them. And it isn't those Oracles or Untainted Sentinels."

Though her voice was quiet, the surrounding air vibrated with her irritation.

She thought back to her conflicts with practitioners of the Psychic and Holy Arts. They had attempted to defy her, trying to ensnare her mind with foresight and illusions or even seeking to erase her soul through purification…

She had annihilated them all. Their efforts were trivial compared to her might.

However, this new presence felt different. It wasn't a coordinated group of Arcanists.

It was a single individual!