Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1250 1250: Familiar Move

The announcer's voice resonated throughout the hall, bringing a hush to the assembled crowd.

"The Affinity Trial has concluded! We now advance to the ultimate challenge of the first Holy Arts Competition!"

A wave of anticipation swept through the spectators. They had witnessed purity assessed by the crystal and affinity gauged against the Imps.

What spectacle would unfold next?

The judges approached, their expressions grave. One amongst them lifted his staff and declared in a clear tone.

"This final trial will ascertain the true core of Holy Arts. It is not about purity or destruction, but about sanctification. Each participant will be situated within a consecrated circle. Inside, shadow wraiths will materialize. Though less potent than the Imps, they will attack relentlessly. The objective is straightforward… Maintain the integrity of the circle and provide healing to the effigies within. The longer the divine light persists, the higher the score."

A buzz of speculation rippled through the onlookers.

"Sanctification?"

"So, the focus is on defense and restoration?"

"This feels more authentic to true Holy Arts."

Vale found himself favoring this particular test.

'While purity and offensive capabilities are crucial, without the elements of protection and healing, Holy Arts remain incomplete. My students should perform adequately here, though challenges may arise concerning their Spirit Strands,' Vale considered, observing that his pupils did not possess the highest levels of Spirit Strands or Qi.

Given that endurance was the determining factor, the sheer quantity of one's Qi would undoubtedly play a significant role…

Regardless, the inaugural student stepped tentatively into the designated circle.

The judges raised their hands, and precisely as described, spectral shadow wraiths materialized.

These wraiths emitted chilling shrieks as they surged forward.

The student initiated the Blessing Dew technique…

Soon, luminous droplets descended upon the effigies. The illumination was faint, and the wraiths closed in with alarming speed. Within mere moments, the circle's integrity weakened, and the effigies began to fade.

"Thirteen seconds…" the announcer proclaimed, noting the duration.

Thus, the trial proceeded.

Another competitor opted for Sacred Flame.

The circle ignited with a brilliant blaze, repelling several wraiths momentarily, but the intense flame proved too taxing on the student's Qi. In a short span, the light diminished, leaving the effigies exposed.

Ultimately, the student endured for only 16 seconds.

"Argh! This is far too demanding!" the competitor lamented.

He lacked any artifact to bolster his Spirit Qi reserves. Consequently, he failed to achieve even the 20-second benchmark he had set for himself…

Yet, he was not alone in his struggle. One by one, the students faced the trial. A majority sustained the circle for approximately fifteen seconds, with some reaching nineteen seconds, but none managed to surpass the 20-second threshold…

Before long, however, a confident representative from Aurora Holy Academy entered the circle…

He channeled Holy Barrier, conjuring a luminous dome that enveloped the effigies.

The shadow wraiths assailed the barrier with claws and shrieks, yet it held resolute.

The light flickered after a period, but it persisted longer than most. The announcer's voice cut through the air.

"Twenty-two seconds!"

The crowd erupted in cheers. This was the first instance of breaking past the nineteen-second mark.

However, the student wore a frown…

He had just realized that beyond the 20-second point, the shadow wraiths' intensity and strength escalated dramatically!

"So that's how it is… I had anticipated reaching fifty seconds if the intensity remained constant, but they've truly devised a cunning challenge…" he muttered.

The spectators, however, were simply thrilled by the achieved result.

"Finally, someone has surpassed twenty seconds!"

"Aurora truly excels!"

"They might just secure the lead in this trial!"

Next was a student from Sunspire Holy Academy. She commenced Blessed Chant…

The circle pulsed in harmony with her incantation, consistently driving the wraiths back.

In due course, the effigies radiated with a powerful glow from the spell.

Upon reaching the 20-second mark, the intensity intensified, and soon the circle began to dim… but not before enduring for a total of twenty-four seconds!

"Twenty-four seconds!" the announcer declared.

The audience burst into applause.

Subsequently, a student from Larkinson Holy Academy stepped forward.

This time, he employed Sacred Flame, but with remarkable control, not rashness. The flames burned consistently, keeping the wraiths at bay without depleting his Qi prematurely. The circle blazed fiercely, holding for twenty-five seconds before its light eventually waned.

"Twenty-five seconds!"

Gasps filled the hall.

"That's the highest score yet!"

"Larkinson has taken the lead!"

"Sacred Flame is indeed potent when wielded with mastery."

Soon, the announcer's voice sounded across the hall once more.

"Now, it is time for Marshall Academy's representative!"

The crowd leaned in with heightened anticipation. Following Galatea's prowess with the spear, Irene's radiant display, and Skye's devastating strike during the Affinity Trial, everyone was eager to witness their performance in this final test.

Galatea took the lead. "I'm ready!" she declared, stepping into the designated circle. Her hands came together as she then summoned Radiant Ward. A vast dome of light enveloped the effigies, resembling an Arcane Barrier of Mystic Arts more than anything. However, the wraiths let out shrieks upon colliding with the dome! They attempted to break through, their claws scrabbling at the barrier, but it remained steadfast. This defense held for a full thirty seconds! The effigies were completely unharmed throughout the ordeal. Unsurprisingly, the onlookers erupted in cheers, marveling at her impressive control. It was the highest score achieved thus far! "Hmm… she compensated with aggression, I see…" Vale murmured, observing that Galatea had also deployed a secondary field-type Spell, which diminished the shadow-wraiths' power rather than just reinforcing her barrier. A smile touched Vale's lips. 'Galatea truly understands. Defense isn't solely about ostentatious power; it's about maintaining the frontline.' Next to take the stage was Irene. Raising her staff, she invoked Healing Hymn. A gentle melody permeated the air, and the effigies began to emit a soft glow as their injuries miraculously mended under the soothing tune. The wraiths persistently clawed at the circle, but Irene's hymn proved to be overwhelmingly effective… It continuously repelled the wraiths! Thirty seconds elapsed. Then, thirty-five… Finally, the circle's light began to fade, signifying the end of the test… "Thirty-five seconds!" the announcer proclaimed. The crowd's cheers intensified… "Her healing is astonishing!" "She managed to keep the circle protected for longer than most contestants!" "Marshall Academy is excelling again!" Even the judges couldn't refrain from commending her adept fusion of healing and defensive capabilities. Yet, this was still not the most formidable student according to their prior knowledge. Skye remained. At this juncture, as Vale was contemplating departure, having already formed a solid prediction of the outcome, he sensed an unusual disturbance… Shortly after, he felt the activation of a massive summoning circle somewhere within the city! It was a technique he recognized instantly. "This is…" Vale's mind immediately recalled a past competition he had participated in as a student. This was unmistakably the same summoning event!