Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1217 1217: The Headmaster's Decision

The laboratory doors burst open with a resounding crash, allowing the Arcane Bureau's agents to march inside, their cloaks bearing the organization's distinctive emblem.

This abrupt entry stirred up a wave of disarray, prompting the Professor to briefly consider putting up a fight...

Yet, Naya observed that no aggressive energy radiated from them.

While their demeanor carried an air of menace, they showed no signs of launching an assault on anyone present.

Students halted their work in stunned silence, the simmering cauldrons' bubbles echoing excessively in the quiet space.

Professor Naya advanced and broke the hush at last.

"Agents? What's the purpose behind this uninvited entry?"

The leading agent lifted his hand, delivering his words steadily yet with unyielding resolve.

"We're here to find a student. Vanessa from the Elemental Arts Department."

A wave of shocked inhales swept across the class. Eyes swiveled to the spot where Vanessa remained seated in silence, her hands resting atop her notebook. She had always come across as ordinary, reserved, hardworking, yet utterly mediocre. Being targeted by the Bureau left everyone stunned.

"Vanessa?" a student murmured. "She's... she's nothing special. Why target her?"

"Is she some kind of offender?" another voice fretted in a low tone.

Color drained from Vanessa's features as the agents drew near.

Even so, aware of their arrival, she offered no opposition, merely rising gradually with her gaze fixed on the floor. The agents positioned themselves on either side of her, guiding her exit through the doorway.

Concern sharpened Professor Naya's tone as she called out. "Hold on! Tell us at least why you're removing her. She's under my guidance."

Yet prior to any reply from the agents, a new arrival stepped in. This woman commanded instant quiet throughout the chamber.

Denise.

It came as no surprise that such agents gained access to the Academy. Naya was aware of the alliance between the Bureau and the Shadow Domain, yet she felt their conduct crossed a line.

That said, with Denise's endorsement, such a move became entirely feasible.

Denise projected an aura of straightforward simplicity. She stood apart from numerous Arcanists who reveled in displaying their Arcane Energy or donning mighty Artifacts to broadcast their rank.

She resembled a typical Arcanist, though her visage was widely recognized thanks to various monuments erected in her honor...

Recognition dawned on the students right away. In moments, murmurs raced through the group.

The Mother of the Automatons... The Golem Alchemist... Vale's most trusted partner.

These titles had accumulated for her across the years.

Even so, Professor Naya's eyes grew wide, unprepared for her personal appearance...

Rumors had reached her about Denise's ties to Vale, possibly even as his romantic interest beyond Lisa and Odessa, who often visited his Tower, but the key issue remained her commanding influence.

Denise wasn't a figure one challenged without cause.

Denise scanned the room with her eyes, pausing momentarily on Vanessa before shifting to the professor. "The Bureau's operations have full approval. Vanessa faces questioning. That's the extent of what you require."

Her words brooked no debate. Professor Naya held back her objection, dipping her head in deference.

The agents exited alongside Vanessa, leaving behind a haze of unease like lingering mist.

That said, Denise lingered rather than departing right away. Her attention shifted to two pupils positioned close to the front—Rice and Ruth.

"Both of you," she instructed. "Accompany me."

The pair tensed up. Rice shared a quick look with Ruth...

Ruth's pulse raced wildly, stunned that this formidable woman—who had played a pivotal role in shaping the Shadow Domain—had summoned her by name.

They had both witnessed Denise's automatons in action and understood her immense prowess... A mix of anxiety and respect flickered across their features as they got to their feet.

Professor Naya appeared hesitant, yet she refrained from stepping in.

Denise's power rivaled Vale's own, and when she requested students, Naya had no grounds to object.

Denise moved to the side, motioning for Rice and Ruth to trail after her.

"Certain details demand your direct attention..."

Murmurs filled the air as the two potential disciples stood.

A few pupils gazed with jealousy, while others showed traces of dread. Receiving a call from Denise marked a significant event.

Ruth gripped her notes firmly, thoughts swirling chaotically. 'Why pick us? What's her intent?'

Rice kept a composed facade, though his hands balled into fists. 'If Vale's involved, this could be grave. Maybe acceptance awaits us now...'

In unison, they trailed Denise from the laboratory.

***

Meanwhile, the Arcane Bureau agents steered clear of dragging Vanessa to any dreaded cell or questioning room, as classmates had imagined. Rather, they guided her along the expansive marble hallways of the Academy until arriving at the imposing entrance to the Headmaster's Office.

Headmaster Constance stood ready within.

Due to the Academy's transformations, the office had evolved too, now brimming with venerable books and parchments spanning every Arcane Path. Its walls even displayed flags symbolizing each discipline.

Constance occupied the chair at her desk, greeting the arrivals.

The agents offered a slight bow then withdrew, positioning Vanessa solitary in the room's midst.

Constance's piercing gaze examined her at length.

"Vanessa," she murmured gently. "You're enrolled in Elemental Arts. However, reports have come to me... indicating you've dabbled in Void Arts as well."

Vanessa's breathing hitched. Her fingers shook as she intertwined them. "Headmaster... I—"

Constance lifted a hand, cutting her off. "No denials. I've detected echoes of Void resonance within your aura. It's subtle, yet undeniable. The real issue isn't your pursuit of it... but its source."

At first, the plan called for awaiting contact from the Void Immortal or one of the Immortal's associates with her.

But following the vanishing of Lust, among the Seven Sin Entities, aided by the Void Immortal, adjustments to their strategy became necessary!

Silence enveloped the chamber.

Vanessa dropped her eyes. Accepting escape was impossible, she breathed out. "I... I never intended to conceal it. Curiosity drove me, that's all. Elemental Arts seemed lacking somehow. I uncovered scraps... ancient writings... tucked away in my family's basement archives... and began exploring them."

Constance's brow furrowed, displeased by the response she received.