Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1204: The Candidate

"No Spirits were involved. A rogue Arcanist was responsible for the disturbances. Having sustained injuries, he utilized spells and talismans to ward people off while he recuperated. He no longer poses a threat to this district."

The merchant blinked in surprise before letting out a long breath of relief. "It wasn't Spirits… heavens be praised. I care little for who he was, provided my customers return. But what has become of him?"

Zhang Wei presented the mission scroll, now bearing their official seal. "We have sent him away… The Academy shall oversee the remaining matters. You may inform your neighbors that the issue is settled. Simply sign here to confirm our completion of the mission… Naturally, we shall remain in the vicinity for the next two days. Should any further complications arise, we will be here to resolve them immediately."

The merchant beamed with joy when the three students promised to stay in the district for two additional days to monitor the situation.

"That is wonderful! With Arcanists of your caliber nearby, the residents will feel secure once more," he remarked, offering a grateful bow before retreating into his shop.

However, for Zhang Wei, Mica Sato, and Liang Chen, safety was never the priority.

Those two days represented a window of opportunity to scout, observe, and accumulate more resources.

With their task finished, they vanished into the city streets, disappearing into the evening throngs.

Clovis City was sprawling, its various districts packed with taverns, boutiques, and marketplaces catering to every imaginable Arcane Path. To the trio, this was a golden chance.

"At last," Liang Chen grumbled as they stepped into a crowded tavern, "a decent meal away from the Academy."

They placed orders for simple fare… rice, roasted meat, and herbal broth were served. Yet even in this setting, their talk inevitably returned to cultivation.

"This food is acceptable," Mica noted, stirring her bowl, "but it lacks the specific herbs we require. I truly wish to acquire the ginseng as soon as possible. Without such aids, our meditation progresses too slowly."

Zhang Wei gave a nod of agreement. "This is precisely why we require funds. We must earn a significant amount of points during this excursion to exchange for the resources we lack."

Once finished with their meal, they ventured toward the cluster of shops in the eastern district.

One boutique dealt exclusively in various Arcane Stones, while another focused on incense and ritual powders. The group browsed shelves filled with shimmering crystals, parchment talismans, and jars containing rare herbs.

As anticipated, since the Arcane Path had been made accessible to the masses, Arcane Shops were proliferating. Furthermore, the manufacturing of Philosopher's Elixirs was becoming increasingly efficient.

Eventually, the three entered a specialized shop that catered to practitioners of Psychic Arts and Transformation Arts.

The establishment was named the Mind and Body Shop. It was a well-known venue focusing solely on those two specific Arcane Paths, making it a natural destination for the trio.

Liang Chen lifted a display vial and inspected the price tag…

"Mind Essence Extract. A single bottle costs more than our entire weekly allowance."

Mica's expression soured. "Keep in mind that Farrel Academy only grants its premier students one elixir per month. Relying solely on the Academy will never allow us to keep pace. Still, the fact that we currently receive five or so monthly from the Academy is already quite remarkable."

Zhang Wei exhaled a sigh as he replaced the vial. "This is why these missions are vital. Every coin and point we secure is reinvested into our cultivation…"

After verifying the current market rates for the supplies they would eventually need, they exited the shop.

The city lanterns began to glow with greater intensity as darkness descended. Crowds moved past them as merchants started shuttering their stalls; meanwhile, guards maintained their patrols and children finally headed home.

It was then, while turning onto a quieter path near a different Psychic supply store, that they spotted him.

A young man was walking alone, an earnest look on his face as he carried a simple satchel filled with herbs and talismans. Though his presence seemed ordinary at first, he was a familiar face.

Mica paused. "Wait… isn't that Cielo?"

Liang Chen turned his head and nodded.

"The orphan. The one who achieved awakening through a Philosopher's Elixir."

Zhang Wei spoke calmly, though his eyes grew sharp.

"Indeed. And word has it that Vale is considering taking him on as a disciple."

It seemed the rumors had spread to everyone; Vale was reportedly planning to take disciples, selecting one for each of the twelve paths.

"If those rumors hold weight, this unremarkable boy could become our competitor." Mica sighed, knowing they all aimed to become Vale's disciples. At the very least, one of their group needed to succeed.

The three traded looks, their previous conversation about resources shifting into a new type of calculation.

Cielo was merely average regarding spellcasting, Spirit Strands, and his Magic Zone. He possessed no legacy techniques or family secrets. All his knowledge was derived from the Academy. Nevertheless, his raw Mental Energy was undeniable… it was potent, unrefined, and perfectly suited for the Psychic Path.

That was his sole advantage, yet it was the most vital one.

Liang Chen whispered, "He is indeed an ideal candidate. But outside the Academy walls… he is vulnerable."

As he spoke, he glanced toward his two companions…

Mica shook her head, sensing that taking direct action here might be perilous.

"We don't need to do anything extreme. Just a few pranks… what do you think?" Zhang suggested.

"Hmm… He believes that simple hard work will suffice. Perhaps we should provide him with a lesson."

Zhang Wei couldn't suppress a smile upon hearing those words.

"Then let us go greet him."

***

The three walked toward Cielo wearing polite masks to hide their true motives.

"Cielo," Zhang Wei called out smoothly, "we didn't expect to run into you here. What brings you to the eastern district?"

Cielo looked up, appearing surprised but glad to see some familiar faces.

He was well aware of these three, who were known as the talents of their class.

"Ah, Zhang Wei, Mica, Liang! I am here on a mission as well. Having mastered the three foundational spells, the Academy granted me permission to take one on."

Mica tilted her head, acting curious. "Truly? What sort of mission?"

Cielo paused briefly before replying with sincerity. "It is… somewhat complex… I have been tasked with assisting a man who has lost his sanity. The guards claim he is usually harmless, but his episodes can be dangerous. My duty is to use Psychic Arts to stabilize him, calming his mind to ensure he doesn't harm himself or others."

Liang Chen gave a faint, mocking smirk. "A madman? That sounds… quite challenging."

Zhang Wei's eyes flashed with realization after hearing the details…

'So, if you fail, your evaluation will plummet. That would make it far less likely for Vale to accept you as a disciple,' he thought.

It was clear that Liang and Mica were thinking the exact same thing.

"I truly hope you succeed… that sounds like a difficult task," Mica said.

Cielo blinked, oblivious to the hidden malice in her tone. "Well, yes… but I will give it my all. I believe that effort truly matters."

Mica gave a sweet smile. "Then allow us to observe. We are interested to see how you manage. We might even learn something ourselves."

Cielo agreed without a hint of suspicion. "Certainly. I don't mind. The actual mission is tomorrow. Tonight, I am merely preparing the necessary talismans and herbs."

They coordinated a meeting place for the following day, settling on a quiet square located near the district guard post. Once the arrangement was made, the three said their goodbyes…

However, as soon as they were out of sight, their smiles turned into cold, mocking grins.

"Perfect," Zhang Wei whispered.

"If we target Cielo, we must be discreet… As you know, if he fails this, his prospects with Vale will disappear."

"Or," Liang Chen added with a dark tone, "we could target the patient instead to guarantee his failure."

Mica let out a soft chuckle. "Tomorrow is going to be very interesting."

Later that evening, Cielo went back to his inn. He was exhausted but remained fixed on finishing his first mission successfully.

He held his bag of herbs and talismans tightly… these were the items essential for the coming day.

Upon entering his room, he stopped dead in his tracks.

There was already someone inside.

A woman was sitting calmly by the window, exuding an overwhelming presence. Her long hair seemed to give off a faint glow under the lantern light…

"Miss Odessa…" Cielo breathed, recognizing her instantly.

He had not anticipated her presence here.

Odessa, one of the Half-Immortals, shifted her attention toward him.

She was renowned for her mastery over both Mystic Arts and Rune Arts, and more significantly, she served as a trusted agent for Vale.

However, Cielo had first heard of her back when she was the Royal Mage known as the Sky's Strongest, serving the royalty of the Millton Kingdom.

"You have matured," she remarked softly, her voice holding a trace of warmth…

"I have come to observe your preparations. Vale is watching you, Cielo. He wishes to see if you can find success in this mission."

Cielo’s heart began to pound. "Lord Vale… is truly considering me?"

Odessa nodded. "Yes. But you must understand that the Psychic Path is full of peril. Many who tread it lose their way. You must demonstrate not just your power, but your character. Tomorrow's mission is more than a simple Academy test. It is a trial from Vale."

Cielo swallowed hard, a fire of determination lighting up his eyes. "In that case, I will not fail."

A small smile played on Odessa’s lips. "Good."

She felt a genuine sense of relief, knowing all too well that over ninety percent of Psychic Arts Practitioners eventually became psychopaths…