Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1190 1190: Vale's Hope

Zerel was certain he had locked down the surrounding space. Consequently, the sight of a rift being torn open to snatch their quarry left them all paralyzed with shock. No common Immortal could have achieved such a feat.

Only a master governing Space and Time itself could do this!

Drazek’s pupils dilated as he sensed the specific resonance of this power…

“No… this is no ordinary entity. It is a Void Immortal!”

The building trembled violently as the tear in reality widened, pulling Lust’s entire form into its depths…

“You… Who are you?! Ahh… Hahaha! I see! Very well! Take me!”

Her manic laughter rang out as she was pulled into the emptiness. She cast one final glance at the three dragons just as the rift began to seal…

“Did you truly believe killing me would be so simple? I am the manifestation of desire… and my allies are beyond your comprehension!”

Her voice dissolved into nothingness as the rift slammed shut, leaving a heavy silence in its wake.

Truthfully, it was evident that even Lust had been unaware of an ally coming to her rescue. Her initial terror and the shock on her face when she was grabbed from behind made it clear she hadn't expected this.

The dragons stood in confusion, unable to fathom why a Void Immortal would suddenly intervene to save Lust, one of the Seven Sins.

Ash clenched her hands tightly. “A Void Immortal… here? Why would one of their kind interfere? Wait… what if he isn't saving her?”

Zerel let out a pained groan as static sparks flickered through his hair. He had been desperate to strike, but the Void Immortal's timing was flawless. The entity had emitted an aura of suppression that momentarily paralyzed their ability to cast spells.

“Our prey was stolen. We had her trapped!”

Drazek looked grim. “If that Immortal arrived specifically to retrieve her… the situation has shifted entirely. Lust isn't operating in isolation. She has backing… and not from mere mortals or even standard Immortals. The involvement of a Void Immortal implies she is connected to something much more formidable.”

Ash spoke in a low, serious tone. “If those from the Void are participating, then this corruption extends far beyond Harake City. It is part of a much larger scheme.”

Zerel punched the wall in frustration. “Vale needs to be informed. If Lust has such powerful allies, our strength alone might be insufficient.”

Drazek nodded in agreement. “I concur. We must report these findings to Vale…”

They realized that Vale likely didn't know the Void Immortal’s current agenda either, so they had to prepare for the worst.

***

Upon returning to Vale, the three dragons detailed the entire encounter, including the choices they made that might have slowed their pursuit.

Perhaps, had they ignored the repercussions of Karma and avoided the indirect route of using a blessed individual, the Void Immortal wouldn't have had the window of opportunity to extract Lust.

A heavy sense of regret weighed on them.

Vale, however, did not offer any blame. He knew they had exerted their best efforts and could not have predicted such a high-level figure was waiting in the shadows.

At the very least, Lust had been pushed to the brink, forcing the Void Immortal to reveal himself and pull her into the abyss. This was an unexpected turn of events for Vale as well, but despite the failure to capture her, they had gained vital intelligence.

Once the dragons finished their report, Vale stood up and gazed toward the distant horizon.

“What became of Desmund?” he inquired.

“We rewarded him with various treasures for his help and his growth. Our ties with him are severed, and he is free to pursue his own path.”

It sounded cold, but Vale understood. They were Dragons; they were not meant to be mentors or teachers to humans.

Vale nodded slowly, shifting his focus back to the primary issue.

“A Void Immortal… meddling in our affairs… We must take a more proactive stance,” Vale whispered.

With that, Vale resolved to depart from the Shadow Domain.

The dragons assumed he would head straight for the western territories of the Pallham Empire, but Vale had a different plan in mind.

“I need to track down the Void Immortal first… I must consult with the Imperial Arcane Council.”

Vale was not one to act without a strategy.

He chose not to question Maya regarding the Void Immortal to avoid putting her in a compromising position, considering her ties to the Church of the Lord of the Secrets.

Furthermore, despite his status as an Immortal, Vale maintained a level of respect for mortal protocols.

Rather than simply appearing at the Imperial Arcane Council, he dispatched a formal request for an audience with the Council’s leadership.

Once he received confirmation, he arrived not through a display of raw power, but via an airship belonging to the Shadow Domain.

The vessel descended toward the Imperial Capital, its dark sails glowing with the light of draconic runes.

Naturally, his arrival drew immense curiosity.

The local citizens spoke in hushed, awestruck tones; it was a rare event for an Immortal to arrive with such traditional formality.

Vale exited the ship with composure, aided by the various Automatons and crew members of the vessel.

He was soon led by the Imperial Guards into the magnificent hall of the Imperial Arcane Council.

This Council was distinct from the Arcane Bureau or the Arcanist Guild.

It was established not by scholars, but by the direct mandate of a former emperor of the Pallham Empire—the most powerful human nation on the continent.

Inside the grand hall, the Council leaders waited to receive him.

Among them was Seraphis Dorne, the Council’s leader and its only Half-Immortal, famous for his expertise in Soul Binding.

Beside him sat Grand Arcanist Calvus Ren, a stern, silver-haired man who had mastered several Elemental Paths.

There was also Grand Arcanist Helena, a master of both Psychic and Mystic Arts.

Grand Arcanist Nataniel, a scarred veteran who had reached the pinnacle of Combat Arts, was also present.

Lastly, there was Grand Arcanist Natasha, the youngest member and an Alchemist. She was the primary reason for Vale’s visit.

They sat in a semi-circle, their eyes locked on Vale as he stepped forward.

“Immortal Vale,” Seraphis Dorne greeted him. His voice was respectful but tinged with curiosity. Being a Half-Immortal and the closest in power to Vale, he was the only one with the confidence to speak so directly.

“It is a rare occasion for someone of your stature to visit us. One would think you’d be occupied with your Marshall Academy, especially since we’ve sent our own talents to train under your guidance.”

Vale gave a polite nod, acknowledging the Council’s skilled Dark Arts Practitioners.

“I value their contribution; they have brought great credit to the Academy. However, my visit today concerns a different matter.”

The Council members traded looks.

Calvus Ren leaned in. “Then tell us. Why has an Immortal sought us out?”

They were genuinely perplexed. Vale’s formal request had mentioned needing their assistance, but they couldn't imagine what they could provide that the Shadow Domain lacked.

It was a puzzle to them. They had theories, but they couldn't be certain of Vale’s intentions.

Vale smiled, sensing their bewilderment.

“Because you possess something I require. I need your assistance in locating the Void Immortals.”

The room went silent.

Helena’s brow furrowed. “Locate… the Void Immortals? That is a feat beyond possibility. Even Half-Immortals cannot trail them once they vanish. They exist outside the reach of the mortal plane.”

Nathaniel let out a short laugh. “You must be joking. We are Grand Arcanists, not Immortals. What you are asking is far beyond our capabilities.”

During this exchange, Seraphis remained quiet. He quickly deduced what Vale was after, though he was internally confused. 'How did he learn about this?' he wondered.

Ignoring the skepticism of the others, Vale looked directly at the Half-Immortal.

“I am confident you can assist me, provided you allow me to utilize your Arcana.”

The Council members froze.

They were all aware of Seraphis’s Arcana. It served many functions, one of which was the vital protection of the empire.

In fact, this specific Arcana had saved the Empire on multiple occasions from the assaults of Chaos Immortals.

Still, they doubted whether it could truly track a Void Immortal. They knew it was a mysterious artifact born from the World itself, but it had its constraints.

Every Arcana in existence was a product of the realm—items not crafted by hands but bestowed by nature. They were immensely powerful, but their use always came with a price.

“Is such a thing even feasible?” Nathaniel whispered.

However, seeing the expression on Seraphis’s face, they realized that it might actually be possible.

Seraphis then shifted his gaze toward Natasha.

“You are the current wielder of that Arcana… what is your assessment?” Seraphis asked. To the shock of everyone present, she nodded.

“That Arcana… I believe it can be used to find a Void Immortal. However, the cost of activation is the user’s soul energy… it drains one's very life,” Natasha explained.

This was the reason the artifact was kept under such secrecy. It was not a tool to be used lightly.

Vale, however, sensed that she was opening a negotiation.

Since she hadn't given a flat refusal but instead highlighted the extreme difficulty of the task, Vale knew she was looking for a favorable trade in exchange for her help.