Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1198 1198: Prison or Not

Vale's avatar quickly confirmed the situation: Lisa remained within the confines of the Dark Arts Tower…

It was possible she had uncovered a hidden truth regarding the structure. Whatever knowledge she gained inside could likely be linked to the remaining 15 Arcane Towers.

If the Dark Arts Tower possessed the capability to act this way, it stood to reason that the other Towers might also undergo a similar shutdown.

Regardless, the fact that the Tower chose to eject its occupants rather than imprisoning them during this transition was a positive sign. This suggested that the Tower lacked murderous intent… Instead, one could interpret its actions as waiting for a specific, worthy individual.

"I will stay here and wait for Lisa to come out." Vale said.

Professor Zeno frowned. "Wait? For how long?"

"As long as it takes," the Avatar replied firmly. "This Tower is one of the sixteen. It's still full of mysteries… If it has chosen her, then she will emerge when it is finished with her… and I need to know everything she learned inside."

The realization that Lisa might be truly trapped caused a wave of anxiety to wash over the observing professors.

Despite her status as an immortal, her Divinity was not infinite. The mortal realm suffered from a severe lack of Divinity, meaning Immortals like her were far from invincible compared to their counterparts in the higher realms.

Sensing their apprehension, the Avatar spoke up to offer them reassurance regarding her well-being.

"Lisa is strong. If the Tower has chosen her, it is because she has the will to endure. Do not fear for her. Fear only what this Tower may reveal when she emerges."

He moved toward the barricaded entrance…

Choosing not to challenge the Tower's will, he refrained from trying to force the doors. Instead, he assumed a cross-legged position on the ground before the gates and shut his eyes.

"I will remain here," he said. "Until Lisa returns."

Accepting his decision, the professors fell into a silent consensus. They needed to head back to the Academy to notify the Dark Arts Students to halt any planned trials. All schedules had to be suspended immediately.

Meanwhile, the Shadow Pillars watched from a distance, keeping a close eye on the unfolding events without daring to interfere.

The future remained uncertain, but they would be prepared for whatever followed.

***

In Euphemia City, the Holy Arts Tower—relocated there by Shane—had transformed into a primary landmark for the territory.

The spire served as a sanctuary for Arcanists pursuing the path of holy energy. Its very existence drew a constant stream of interest from the local populace and students alike.

Haruo the Angel acted as the Tower's sentinel.

His appointment as guardian was an obvious choice; his celestial wings and striking looks made him both a functional and symbolic figurehead. For the citizens of Euphemia, his presence was a testament to the Tower's safety and the reach of Vale's authority.

However, Haruo’s usual stoicism vanished the moment news arrived concerning the sudden transformation of the Dark Arts Tower in Clovis City...

Though he never missed a day of training his disciples, a powerful sense of curiosity now gripped him.

He felt a sudden urge to abandon his daily routine and enter the Tower at once.

"If the Dark Arts Tower has awakened," he murmured to himself, gazing at the radiant structure of the Holy Arts Tower, "then what of this one? Could it also… shift?"

Haruo immediately initiated a telepathic link, connecting with the version of Vale currently residing within the city.

It was another of Vale's Avatars.

"Lord Vale… I wish to enter the Tower. If the Dark Arts Tower has revealed new trials, then perhaps the Holy Arts Tower will do the same. Allow me to push my limits."

Vale’s response was instantaneous…

"No, Haruo. Not yet. We do not know if this change is a blessing or a curse. The Dark Arts Tower expelled its occupants, but Lisa remains inside. Until we understand what is happening, I cannot allow you to risk yourself."

Haruo pressed his wings tight against his back. Though his heart was set on testing his strength, he bowed to Vale's judgment.

"Very well," he answered. "I will wait. Please let me know once Lady Lisa comes out."

With a softening tone, Vale gave a small nod.

"Yes… Just patience, Haruo. One of my Avatars is already consulting a High Immortal about this matter. Soon, we might know more."

***

Across the distance in the Millton Kingdom, another of Vale's Avatars sat with Elder Setsuna and Elder Madoka, who served as Kaela's protectors.

This specific Avatar differed from the others, appearing as a simple merchant who had come to the city to seek investment opportunities.

Despite the disguise, he maintained a regal aura while facing the two Elders of the Shadow Realm.

"I need to know… What do you understand about the Arcane Towers?"

After explaining the current events and sharing his own observations, Vale sought the wisdom of these two Immortals, who had lived for centuries, if not millennia.

Setsuna and Madoka shared a brief look before Setsuna spoke.

"You are correct. These Towers were prisons. Their aura is too pure… It is ancient and somewhat oppressive. Each one was designed to contain entities aligned with its path. Some floors were meant to hold Immortals themselves."

Madoka offered a gentle nod in agreement…

"But what confuses us is this… if they were only meant to restrain, why do they now allow training? Why do they adapt to mortals and Immortals alike? That was never their purpose… maybe this wasn't meant to be a prison in the first place."

The Avatar nodded slowly. "That is what I suspected. The Dark Arts Tower expelled its occupants but kept Lisa inside. It is acting with intent. Maybe it's appropriate not to call it a prison at this point."

Setsuna's brow furrowed. "Choosing… or consuming. We cannot say. But if one Tower has begun to change, then the others may follow. What you saw in Clovis may only be the beginning."