Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1149 1149: The Search

Vale smiled as he could understand Cecilia's confusion. She might even see this deal as burdensome to some degree.

However, Vale wanted to also show that even the one with bottom-tier talent could shine if he was the one supporting them.

Furthermore, it would be a great marketing for his Academy if the Summoner who was ignored by the Order of the Enlightened Threads managed to beat their best talents instead!

If that happened, it wouldn't just be the Summoning Arts Faction that would rethink their ability to find talents, but also all the other factions. They would realize that the Marshall Academy could truly awaken the hidden potential of the young Arcanists.

"Cecilia… Strength is not only measured by what you have now. It's measured by what you can become. I see potential in you, and I want to be part of your growth…"

The words struck her deeply. She lowered her head as she considered his words carefully while gripping her Grimoire tightly.

"If… if you believe in me, then I'll try. I'll accept the new Grimoire... and the Spirit Beasts you want me to get contracted with."

Vale pushed the book toward her.

"Good… Take it. But for now, just keep it close… When the time comes, I'll guide you through the binding. And then, you'll summon what others cannot and bind the Spirit Beasts. You have to increase your strength a bit more… Probably once you have enough Spirit Strands, then we can start."

Cecilia reached out with trembling hands, touching the cover of the empty Grimoire. It pulsed faintly before it started resonating with her water affinity…

As expected, it wasn't something she could bind yet…

She felt a surge of energy, stronger than anything she had ever felt from her old book. Once she was able to bind this Grimoire to her, she knew that it would help her reach an unimaginable level of strength!

Vale's smile widened slightly as he saw Cecilia's reaction...

"Yes… It recognizes you. That's a good sign."

It was indeed enough that the Grimoire didn't immediately reject her presence.

"Go now. Attend your classes as normal once they start. Someone will keep in touch with you once you've learned all the basics."

Cecilia bowed deeply, clutching the new Grimoire to her chest.

As she left the chamber, her heart raced.

She felt that her path might lead somewhere extraordinary. It was making her both excited and nervous.

Behind her, Vale watched with satisfaction.

Although he didn't offer her to become his disciple yet, as long as she continued to work hard, he'd surely offer it.

'A weak seed, perhaps. But with the right soil and water… it may grow into something remarkable.' Vale mused as the young Arcanist left the Headmaster's Chamber.

***

After Cecilia's meeting with Vale, she felt that it was still too early to return.

Because of that, she wandered further and soon reached the library. It was a towering structure filled with shelves of ancient tomes and various books about modern Arcane Studies.

But as expected, she could only access the first floor. She knew that it was for her safety as well, since she might hurt herself if she tried learning advanced Spells.

Inside, students from different Arcane Curricula were studying, focusing on books, copying notes, and discussing various Spell Theories on their desks.

As she walked around, she felt a strange comfort here since no one was here to judge her…

As she explored, she noticed that the Academy wasn't divided by arrogance or hierarchy. Summoners, elementalists, illusionists… They just mingled freely, sharing ideas and encouraging one another. The atmosphere was competitive, yes, but also supportive… and it was something that her Clan lacked.

Everyone there was fighting for resources.

If you're at the bottom, you won't be able to use any resources and slow your advancement or perhaps, you might have to give up becoming an Arcanist completely.

However, it was different here, and it was something she really liked in the Academy.

By the time Cecilia returned to her residence, her doubts had lessened.

'I'll do my best to be worthy of the Spirit Beasts and this precious Grimoire…' Cecilia silently thought.

***

Late into the evening, Vale sat within the quiet chamber reserved for his private work.

The desk before him was stacked with parchment and sealed folders.

They were the compiled reports from the Shadow Pillars.

Each document contained recommendations for potential disciples across the ten other Arcane Paths. From Mystic Arts, Elemental Arts, Knight Arts, Alchemy Arts, Rune Arts, Beast Arts, Holy Arts, Combat Arts, Psychic Arts, and Transformation Arts.

There were at least 3 student recommendations on each of them.

The Shadow Pillars had been thorough. They had scoured the Academy, the fallen clans, the transfer students, and even the overlooked recruits brought in by the Vampire Knigths.

Vale had made his criteria clear to them… He did not want heirs of powerful clans or pampered prodigies with endless resources.

He wanted underdogs… Those who had been ignored, underestimated, or outright rejected by the great families.

Students who would have no choice but to rely on him, the Academy, and their own determination.

Although it may not be the best way to find a disciple, he believed that true loyalty and growth came from struggle.

Vale flipped open the folder marked Rune Arts Practitioners. Inside were three names, each accompanied by detailed notes.

The first was Mathias Thorne, a boy from a minor merchant family. During his Rune Sanctification, a process similar to Darkness Possession of Dark Arts and Grimoire Election of Summoner Arts, his results had shown only low-grade talent.

Even so, he displayed remarkable patience in inscribing runes onto broken artifacts, repairing items that others had discarded. The Shadow Pillars noted his humility and persistence. He had no clan backing, no wealth, and no expectations placed upon him, only his own efforts.

"A hardworking one… Not a bad option. But I hope he had a bit more potential." Vale mused as he considered meeting Mathias first.

It might take him a long time to gather 12 disciples and prove to the world his ability to train young Arcanists, but it was a good thing that he was starting now.