Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1210: Spirit Queen's Hidden Motive

Once the chaos subsided, Yvaine's gentle voice resonated in Armin's thoughts.

"Armin... you ought to realize. The Dark Arts Tower is taken already. Lisa, Vale's longtime vampire companion, pushed through her ordeals and got selected. She's the Tower Master now."

Armin blinked in shock. "Miss Lisa? She... she really managed to get it?"

Yvaine affirmed the fact.

"Indeed. Folks thought the Tower acknowledged her power and gifts. She's in charge of it, and because of her, those studying Dark Arts will receive stronger support within the structure."

Armin gave a nod. He dreamed of claiming a Tower too... Not a shocker, as most Arcanists likely yearn for their own Tower to delve deeper into their Arcane Path and Spells.

"So I can't take the Dark Arts Tower any longer... Maybe I can attempt the rest."

Even if he lacked real skill there, he'd picked up Transformation Arts along with various Arcane Arts, so it could be worth attempting...

Yet, his whole journey rested on Dark Arts foundations. He'd sharpened his spells, perfected shadow control, and waged endless fights using that might.

Realizing the Tower that fit him best was gone filled him with regret.

"Try the Mystic Arts Tower," Yvaine suggested.

"Huh? Mystic Arts isn't my strong suit," he grumbled. "How on earth could I seize the Mystic Arts Tower? It's far from my expertise. I should've gone for the Dark Arts Tower... but it's too late now."

Yvaine gazed at him, her eyes shimmering softly with Divinity.

"Don't sell yourself short. The Towers aren't just judging skill like Vale might. They gauge determination, flexibility, and destiny..."

"Lisa wasn't the mightiest of Vale's friends, but she triumphed. You can triumph too, in a Tower beyond your usual realm."

Armin wavered. Doubts about his skills crept in, yet Yvaine's advice held real influence.

Even so, he figured it deserved a shot...

"Okay... alright. Let's go for it. The task is done regardless. We'll return to Clovis City. If the Mystic Arts Tower marks my way, I'll confront it."

Yvaine's figure flickered, retreating into his shadow. "Excellent. I can whisk you there right away, no delays... Handle your business first."

"Ahh? Sure..." Armin replied, sensing he had no choice but to agree.

Before long, the trio informed the Arcanist Guild of the cult's downfall, presenting proof and wrapping up the affair.

The Guildmaster commended their efforts, though Armin's focus drifted to the Tower, Lisa's victory, and the ordeal waiting.

In time, Armin shared his circumstances with Ely and Rehan, wishing they'd grasp his intentions...

"What? You're ditching us already?" Rehan inquired, though he wasn't bothered much. It felt crucial, after all.

"If it's so vital... Then proceed," Ely chimed in.

"Thanks, you two... Should I claim a Tower Master spot, I'll aid you both!" Armin declared.

With that, he observed their carriage depart from the city...

Next, Armin faced Yvaine, who appeared oddly thrilled for unknown reasons.

'Hmm? Is something off?'

***

While Armin lingered in silence, Yvaine at last stood tall...

The Dark Spirit lifted her hand, causing the surrounding shadows to undulate like ripples from a tossed pebble. Out of that gloom, ten additional spirits appeared.

Unlike Yvaine's elegant shape, these were amorphous beings, mere hazy outlines of fog and darkness, yet they possessed voices audible only to fellow Spirits.

"These hail from the Spirit Realm and mean no harm..." Yvaine clarified. "They'll slip into your shadow to aid you in the trials. Their power doesn't match mine, but they'll offer guidance, safeguard you, and boost your essence as required. I can't join you inside for whatever reason."

Armin scowled, feeling uneasy. "This feels like... cheating, doesn't it? The Tower's meant to challenge me alone, not me plus ten spirits."

Yvaine's eyes gleamed subtly with Divinity. "View it not as deceit. The Towers assess determination and destiny. These spirits belong to your essence. Vale tasked me with your guidance, and I'll support you fully. Take them in."

Armin paused, but Yvaine's command proved unyielding. Gradually, he agreed. "Fine... if that's Master Vale's wish, I'll rely on you."

The ten spirits melted into vapor and flowed into Armin's shadow, blending without a trace.

Their existence hit him at once, bringing an odd serenity that calmed his nerves.

"Well done," Yvaine noted. "Now, I'll step aside for them. I've got duties elsewhere..." She whispered.

Armin had no time to reply before Yvaine's shape wavered and disappeared, stranding him with the ten quiet allies.

Shortly after, the shadows stirred once more, and Armin was relocated.

The surroundings warped, and as they steadied, he stood before the Mystic Arts Tower in the Shadow Domain.

This Mystic Arts Tower lay beyond Clovis City, but location hardly mattered.

The area buzzed with energy...

"Whoa~ It's been ages." He whispered upon spotting the massive tower. Truth be told, Yvaine's actions struck him as fishy, but her constant aid made doubting her impossible...

Thus, he chose to follow along and place faith in her.

"It hasn't changed much, has it..."

Back in his Academy years, he'd ventured into this tower and barely hit the second floor... He truly struggled with this route, so it didn't faze him.

He was merely glad he'd given it a go...

Still, it gleamed with shifting crystal motifs that altered at every look.

At its foundation, scores of Arcanists clustered. Students, trainees, and veteran specialists all queued for their shot at the test. The vibe hummed with eagerness, as they chatted about their trial experiences...

A bunch of young students clustered, fresh from their attempt.

"I barely made the third floor," one confessed.

"Those illusions... they showed my family pleading for me to quit. I nearly gave in."

Another shook his head. "I couldn't keep the orbs steady on the second floor. My energy kept fading. The Tower demands more than technique... it probes your grip on Mystic Energy at elite levels."

Close by, two experienced practitioners discussed boldly.

"The fourth floor kicks off the true test," one declared.

"Brute strength won't cut it... Insight is key. That's beyond me."

His partner laughed. "I cracked a few Formation Arrays, but after five, it messed with my head. I could swear the Tower mocked me."

A bit farther, a Master-Class Arcanist bragged to his group.

"I got to the fifth floor... A giant form shrouded in haze. It brandished a crystal staff, and it overwhelmed me... Perhaps with divinity, I'd stand a chance."

"Haha... Nothing fresh... I battled it for hours, but ultimately... it booted me out."

"Fifth floor? Impressive. Few surpass the fourth."

Still, some vented their defeats with resentment.

"The Tower dismissed me flat out," one grumbled. "Didn't even clear the first floor."

"It's unjust. I've devoted my life to Mystic Arts, but a novice might prevail. Does the Tower pick by destiny over skill? Or a mix?"

Armin's attention sharpened at that final comment.

'Destiny over skill... Yvaine mentioned the same. Yet it's clearly a blend of both.'

He stayed quiet, eavesdropping, soaking in each bit. The tales sketched a vivid scene... the Mystic Arts Tower proved fickle. It favored more than pure expertise.

As the throng kept chattering, Armin sensed the ten spirits in his shadow twitch lightly, like a nudge of their readiness.

'Miss Lisa conquered the Dark Arts Tower. My moment now. Mystic Arts may not suit me, but I'll tackle it.'

With resolve, Armin advanced toward the Tower's entrance.

***

In the meantime, Yvaine had reached a fortified spot, buried inside Vale's Immortal Tower. This haven stayed concealed from mortal and Immortal gazes alike.

Within, the Spirit Queen rested on a slab of ebony crystal. Her aura remained splintered from the fierce clash with the Demon Lord.

Thud.

Yvaine dropped to her knee by her side and addressed her deferentially...

"I've dispatched Armin to the Mystic Arts Tower, per your orders. He's welcomed the ten spirits. He must be tackling the trials presently."

The Spirit Queen's eyes fluttered open gradually... She looked frail, yet beneath lay sharp wit.

"Splendid... Vale's pupil needs to ascend. May those ten spirits suffice to earn the Tower's favor. Observe him well, Yvaine. His destiny ties to ours."

Yvaine inclined her head. "By your command, my Queen."

Yet the Spirit Queen's mind delved further than her speech.

All this unfolded beyond Vale's awareness.

After all, Vale saw her stay in his Tower as mere contract terms, a brief setup for her recovery...

But she plotted something more.