Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1199: The Strongest Academy

With a heavy sigh, Vale resigned himself to the reality that no one else could provide answers regarding the enigmatic Arcane Towers.

'I suppose there is nothing left to do but wait,' Vale contemplated.

Because even the High Immortals possessed limited knowledge, his only choice was to adapt to the situation...

The Elders of the Shadow Realm had merely validated his existing theories: these Towers served as ancient dungeons and possessed other cryptic functions.

Nevertheless, he remained optimistic about Lisa's safety. Her thralls and blood servants remained in good health. Had she perished, these beings would have withered or died, with the exception of her Vampire Knights, whose bonds functioned differently. Their persistent vitality served as solid evidence that Lisa still lived within the Tower's walls.

It was possible she was enduring even more grueling trials, the likes of which he had never faced.

'I am fairly certain I reached the peak floor... yet this phenomenon never occurred for me. Perhaps it was triggered because I attempted to extract its energy?' Vale let out a soft chuckle, remembering how his original body had behaved upon entering the Dark Arts Tower previously.

He had indeed harvested a significant amount of energy back then, though he had exercised restraint since the Arcane Tower held immense value. At the time, he had simply been driven by curiosity regarding what he could extract.

In retrospect, the Tower likely perceived him as a genuine threat during that encounter...

For the time being, Vale handed down strict commands: no other Immortals were permitted to set foot inside the remaining fifteen Arcane Towers.

The danger was simply too high.

Students, however, were still allowed to utilize the first four levels for their Cultivation and training. Those specific floors had remained stable for generations without any recorded anomalies. Vale surmised that Lisa had somehow crossed a hidden threshold, thereby activating the Tower's shifting state.

Once these safety measures were established, Vale made his way back to the Academy.

He gave the word for training and classes to resume, and a sense of normalcy gradually returned to the institution. Although the students were still rattled, they found comfort in his presence and the steady leadership of the professors.

However, the brief peace was shattered three days later.

A wave of publications began to spread throughout the Shadow Domain, leveling harsh criticisms at the Academy.

Sensational headlines blamed the school for failing to repel the Evil Spirit incursion, casting doubt on their competence and questioning their devotion to the public good.

"Academy’s Blunder: Evil Spirits Run Amok."

"Where Were the Professors During the Academy’s Hour of Need?"

"Vale’s Marshall Academy: A Guardian or a Burden?"

The stories moved with lightning speed... Vale suspected that bards and other Arcanists had been commissioned to circulate the news in taverns, proclaim it in markets, and spark debates within council chambers.

Concerned parents began demanding explanations. Citizens who once held the Academy in high regard now viewed its gates with growing distrust.

***

Within the Academy, the atmosphere was thick with tension as the professors, including Vale’s Avatar, gathered for a meeting.

"This situation is spiraling out of control..." Professor Dalton growled, slamming a recent newspaper onto the conference table.

"The truth is being twisted," Professor Lenora remarked with a trace of bitterness. "We contained the threat as effectively as possible. Had we not intervened, the loss of life would have been catastrophic."

"However, perception dictates reality," Professor Zeno noted somberly. "If the public perceives us as failures, our standing and authority will crumble."

The group then turned their attention toward Vale.

By now, they were all aware that he was merely an Avatar. Nevertheless, this did not diminish his influence in the slightest. His decrees remained absolute...

He scanned the newspaper, finding the prose somewhat intriguing... yet he noticed the repetitive phrasing, as if the articles had all been penned by a single hand.

He realized the timing of this smear campaign was far from accidental...

At last, he spoke.

"Do not squander your strength on these publications. Simply address the parents' concerns and give them your word that the Academy remains the safest place, and that the perpetrators have already been dealt with..."

Vale went on to outline the professors' responsibilities. Ultimately, they would have the chance to prove the Academy's superiority in six months during the Arcane Academy Competition, a prestigious event featuring the elite Academies of every nation.

Silence filled the room for a heartbeat following Vale's declaration. Then, the professors' expressions shifted. One by one, their eyes began to gleam as the significance of his plan took hold.

"Of course!"

Professor Dalton struck the table, nodding vigorously. His voice shook slightly with suppressed fervor.

"That is the ultimate chance! This isn't just a local tournament; it is a continental stage. Every academy, from our neighbors to the most distant borders, will be present. If we demonstrate our power there..." He trailed off, a smirk appearing on his face.

"...then no rag, no rumor, and no critic will ever dare to challenge us again."

Professor Perez of the Combat Arts Department gave a sharp nod of agreement. "Precisely. We couldn't ask for better timing. They are dragging our name through the dirt, but if our students dominate this contest, the world will witness our true strength. The Marshall Academy will tower above them all."

Adjusting her spectacles, Professor Miriam of the Holy Arts Department voiced her support.

"The event is relatively new, yes. The inaugural competition took place only a few years ago, and I recall the Marshall Academy did not attend then because the Shadow Domain wasn't yet recognized as a nation... But the situation has changed."

As a newer faculty member, Miriam was well-versed in the Academy’s history. It was a shame they hadn't been invited previously, but that era had passed...

Professor Jamie from the Psychic Arts Department wasn't convinced the Academy would suffer lasting damage from this incident. He felt the Evil Spirit invasion hadn't truly tarnished their name that much... nonetheless, he was pleased to see everyone treating the matter with such gravity.

"It is true... though this competition is in its infancy, it has already evolved into the most prestigious gathering for academies. Winning means achieving continental fame. If we succeed, all skeptics will be silenced for good."