Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1225: The Condition

Silence fell over the onlookers as they realized the fight had truly concluded.

Eryn remained upright, his treant shape marked by wounds yet resilient. Faint rustling came from the foliage on his shoulders while he let out a breath...

Before long, the vibrant green in his eyes faded to a serene human gaze.

His gaze settled on the trio of kneeling talents—Amaya, Vin, and Brannic—their perspiration still falling as their demonic shapes faded into wisps of vapor.

Throughout his existence, Eryn had engaged in countless clashes, yet this marked his initial encounter with demons—or more precisely, pupils who had morphed into such beings. Although not as formidable as genuine fiends, their assaults bore traces of taint, their teamwork proved merciless, and their aura carried an eerie chill. Rather than dread, however, Eryn experienced an odd sense of respect.

A subtle smile crossed his face, even as his features stayed resolute.

"You three... I like your spirit. It is a pity you lack the energy to show your full strength. But remember this, you will become strong, so you have to learn how to control this demonic power. I hope you all find a good teacher. You gave me a good fight."

Murmurs burst from the assembly once more, though now without disorder. Reverence, jealousy, and intrigue spread among the Transformation Arts learners.

Amaya, Vin, and Brannic rose unsteadily, only to find themselves encircled by numerous peers.

"How did you do that?" one inquired with keen interest.

"Where did you get Demon Blood?" another demanded.

"Was it from the black market? Or ruins?"

"Tell us! Tell us how you obtained Demon Essence!"

Weary looks passed between the three talents. Exhaustion gripped their forms, and fatigue clouded their thoughts. Explaining required effort they no longer possessed, and sharing their mysteries held no appeal.

Amaya shook her head. "Not now. We’re tired."

Vin also waved his hands. "We can’t tell you."

Brannic also ignored them and spoke in a stern voice. "Enough. Let us rest."

Reluctantly, the pupils retreated, their gazes alight with unanswered queries.

From the Transformation Arts display they had witnessed, it was clear to all that Demon Blood by itself fell short. Achieving a full demonic shift at such intensity demanded Demon Essence too. The blood supplied brute force, while the essence delivered the spirit, the urges, the decay that perfected the change.

Lacking essence, such shifts turned out shaky and superficial imitations.

Yet within the human domain, acquiring essence from advanced entities or monsters proved almost unattainable.

Typical learners depended on ties, mentors, or sponsors with entry to distant planes teeming with mighty creatures. Just the elite among groups dared breach those divides, and they protected their valuables with fierce possessiveness.

Common pupils faced merely two routes... The forgotten ruins, harboring echoes of monsters and demons at times, or the underground trade, offering blood and essence for outrageous sums. Peril shadowed both options. Ruins bristled with snares or hexes, and the black market swarmed with deceivers, robbers, and assassins.

The feat of Amaya, Vin, and Brannic securing both Demon Blood and Demon Essence bordered on the wondrous. No surprise, then, that their fellow students yearned to uncover the method.

In that manner, the session wrapped up as the instructor dismissed the lesson... Even so, reflections on his pupils' display lingered in his mind.

"I hope Lord Vale can give us the Blood and Essence that we need soon." Professor Paterson muttered.

***

On the following morning, the trio of talents stirred to an onslaught of summons.

Emissaries from aristocratic families delivered ornate missives. Representatives from major groups arrived bearing offers of riches, guidance, and honor.

Every summons followed the identical pattern...

Such messages ran similarly. Amaya voiced one more note, her tone laced with astonishment. "The House of Varis offers us estates and servants if we pledge ourselves."

Vin flung yet another roll away. "The Crimson Serpent Guild promises rare beast blood and essence."

Brannic snorted, crumpling a sheet in his grip. "The Iron Legion wants me to be their future champion. What in the world are they thinking?! I’m only twelve?!"

"Well... We will be considered adults in three more years." Vin chuckled.

Still, they brushed aside every one.

"We’re still too young," Amaya stated resolutely. "And we already know who we want to follow."

Vin nodded. "Vale. The Shadow Immortal. He is the only patron worthy of us."

Brannic’s molten eyes gleamed. "We’ll be his disciples. No one else. But if I’m the only one accepted, you shouldn’t get jealous. I will not forget the two of you."

"Dream on..." Amaya muttered.

Vale stood as a mythic icon, a name murmured across all circles. The Shadow Immortal reigned as the mightiest Arcanist, wielding abilities defying understanding. Essentially, he served as the guide for gifted youths.

Becoming his apprentice meant ascending to legendary status.

***

After another three days, with twilight claiming the sky, Professor Paterson called them forth.

"Ahem..."

Excitement lit his face, despite his efforts to rein it in.

"You three have caused quite a stir," he said. "I heard that various nobles, guilds, and factions came forward... they all want you. But you ignored them."

Amaya nodded. "Yes."

"Professor, you know who we wanted to follow." Vin added.

Brannic nodded.

Paterson regarded them intently for an extended while, then inclined his head.

"Very well. I have spoken with Vale’s Avatar. He has actually thought of accepting all three of you. It’s something he hasn’t done with any other Arcane Path."

The trio stiffened, pulses racing wildly.

"Vale will accept you as disciples," Paterson continued slowly, "but only under one condition."

Tension thickened the atmosphere. Nearby pupils pressed closer, eager to catch every word.

"What condition?" Amaya asked, her voice quivering with eagerness.

The two also looked intently at the professor. They were all willing to do anything in order to be accepted by Vale!