Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1236: The Competition

Swiftly, time flew by, and numerous academies had completed their setups for the approaching International Arcane Academy Competition.

Certainly, Marshall Academy wasn't the sole institution intensely readying itself for the magnificent event. Every other academy aspired to seize the crown as the World's Top Arcane Academy!

That honor held immense prestige, after all.

Throughout the continent, institutions from kingdoms and empires alike rallied their elite pupils.

In contrast to Marshall Academy, which excelled in instructing all twelve Arcane Paths, most academies focused on just a single field. I

Within Millton Kingdom, twelve academies served as cornerstones for their selected disciplines.

Vermont Academy of Dark Arts, Lakrine Academy of Summoning Arts, Dorelts Academy of Mystic Arts, Rakmiths Academy of Elemental Arts, Kildare Academy of Knights, Aufidius Academy of Alchemy Arts, Adaereth Academy of Rune Arts, Lovell Academy of Beast Arts, Magrath Academy of Holy Arts, Langhorne Academy of Combat Arts, Farrel Academy of Psychic Arts, and Mortimer Academy of Transformation Arts stood among them.

Similar patterns existed in other kingdoms and empires, where each fostered its specialties or Arcane Paths through dedicated academies.

Yet Solstice Kingdom proved exceptional.

It featured two elite establishments... Azure Sky Academy, covering six of the twelve paths, and Crimson Moon Academy, handling the remaining six. Combined, they embodied the height of arcane learning in Solstice.

On that day, in the lofty chambers of Crimson Moon Academy, Grand Arcanist Nelia Draavos, the academy's Headmaster, faced her gathered students. Her scarlet robes gleamed as she gazed downward...

Her mere aura enforced quiet among the crowd of students.

Instructors positioned themselves along the edges of the vast hall, their faces grave yet filled with pride.

Before her waited the selected competitors, three pupils from each of the six disciplines at Crimson Moon: Beast Arts, Rune Arts, Holy Arts, Combat Arts, Psychic Arts, and Transformation Arts.

All remained below fifteen years, but each had undergone trials, honing, and validation to embody their academy.

Nelia's words echoed through the hall...

"Students of Crimson Moon," she started, "today you stand not just as novices in your paths, but as envoys for our kingdom. The International Arcane Academy Competition goes beyond a mere trial; it shapes the destiny of Arcanists! It will challenge your abilities, your determination, and your essence. It will reveal to the world the creations of Crimson Moon."

She halted, allowing her message to resonate.

"Keep this in mind... You each bear the burden of your path. Beast Arts, Rune Arts, Holy Arts, Combat Arts, Psychic Arts, Transformation Arts—these aren't simple studies. They form heritages. They pulse as the core of our academy. Honor them through every incantation, every blow, every inhale."

The pupils straightened up, their gazes aflame with resolve.

Nelia motioned to the instructors.

"Your guides have led you, but now you advance alone. The contest won't prove simple. You've all learned of Marshall Academy, mastering twelve paths, deploying geniuses versed in multiple fields... instructed by Immortals no less! They dispatch experts polished to flawlessness. And from rival empires, foes arrive bearing unfamiliar methods. Prepare yourselves. They may boast an Immortal guide, but everyone shares your age!"

Her voice grew gentler, while her stare stayed resolute upon the students...

"Shun fear of defeat... Shun doubt! In combat, doubt spells loss. In rivalry, doubt brings disgrace. Hold your heads high and trust yourselves! Valor will sustain you when power wanes."

The instructors agreed with nods, a few advancing to offer extra motivation. Professor Kaelen of Beast Arts advised his charges to rely on their Totem connections... Professor Aris of Rune Arts stressed exactness above everything. Professor Deyra of Holy Arts emphasized faith and clarity, as Professor Fresca of Combat Arts insisted on control and stamina. Professor Luthien of Psychic Arts cautioned about inner fortitude, and Professor Morwen of Transformation Arts promoted flexibility.

Collectively, their counsel directed the competing students.

At last, Nelia lifted her hand, quieting the assembly anew.

"The moment arrives. The airship stands ready. You head to Luminara Kingdom, host of this year's event. There, in the continent's eastern edge, the globe observes. Display Crimson Moon's splendor."

Beyond the doors, the academy grounds shook as the airship approached from above.

Magical symbols etched its frame, shining brightly...

Pupils drew in sharp breaths as the enormous craft settled on the docking area, its flags with the crimson moon emblem waving boldly.

The picked competitors exited the hall, joined by their instructors.

Remaining students crowded the paths, shouting and gesturing in support for their academy's finest...

"Bring glory to Crimson Moon!"

"Unveil Solstice's power!"

"Refuse to let Marshall Academy outshine us!"

The competitors climbed aboard the airship, pulses racing with eagerness.

As it ascended into the heavens, Nelia Draavos observed from the dock. She felt assured of their triumph!

"Set out," she murmured. "And come back as winners."

***

Distant in the west, Marshall Academy readied its group as well. Vale’s followers and leading pupils had been picked...

Instructors verified their charges' preparedness, aware the rivalry would rage intensely.

In Millton Kingdom, the twelve academies each geared up their experts. Vermont’s shadow wielders shrouded in darkness, Lakrine’s callers invoked companions, Rakmiths’ storm masters practiced with flame and tempest, while Langhorne’s fighters sculpted their forms to ideal.

From the northern realms, flying ships and processions launched their travels. Such crafts exceeded those of Solstice Kingdom in size and opulence.

In truth, Solstice's Azure Sky Academy possessed a more compact airship, limited to certain numbers of competitors and staff.

Even so, all believed they could prevail over peers of matching years!

Moreover, the entire world observed these proceedings!

Ultimately, the International Arcane Academy Competition transcended a simple gathering! It united the land's supreme prodigies.