Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1152 1152: The Church
Vale waved his hand, and waves of light spread across the chamber.
One by one, various outfits and artifacts materialized before him. The Avatar stepped forward, taking them naturally as though he had always known how to wear them.
Soon, the figure looked less like a raw creation and more like a nobleman.
He donned a fitted suit covered with a trench coat. The fabric seemed normal, but it all had protective enchantments.
Then, there was a monocle over his right eye, but it didn't have any other effects aside from being a marker for others to know that he was an Avatar and not the real Vale.
He also had a bracelet of silver around his wrist, a necklace of obsidian hung at his chest, and gloves of fine leather over his hands.
These items, on the other hand, were all mystical artifacts.
Seeing his Avatar looking good, he felt that he should give more…
Vale then reached into his storage ring and withdrew a cane. It was the repaired Black Flame Cane, once belonging to Charles Blackwood, the previous headmaster of the Vermont Academy.
Its smooth shaft radiated some heat, and the carved headpiece flashed with restrained fire. It was as if it were so happy now that it could be used once again…
The Avatar accepted with a smile and gripped it firmly as if it were an extension of his own body.
After a moment of thought, Vale produced a revolver and handed it to his clone.
"Just to be clear," Vale said as he looked at this Avatar…
"Though you're aware of the plan, you will only assist with matters in the Academy and the search for disciples. Do not engage too much with the others… Faith, Constance, Magnus, and the rest. Leave their affairs alone."
"I know that much," the Avatar replied evenly.
They shared the same soul, after all; there was no need for lengthy explanations.
The clone tilted his head slightly. "Are you going to stay here in the tower?"
"Yes," Vale admitted. "I'm weak after the ritual. And I just realized that it's better to create more Avatars. I'll remain here for some time."
"Got it… I'll leave now."
The Avatar's form rippled, his body melting into shadow. In an instant, he vanished from the chamber and reappeared in the bustling streets of Clovis…
"Mhmm… No Divine Extraction… Just pure spells this time." Avatar Vale muttered.
The city was filled with life… There were plenty of merchants, students, and travelers preparing for the Academy's opening.
Soon, the nobleman-like figure adjusted his trench coat and the monocle he wasn't used to wear…
To the people of Clovis, he looked like a dignified aristocrat, but in truth, he was Vale's extension…
***
In the meantime, while Vale's Avatar was enjoying his peace in Clovis City, Magnus sat within the Shadow Castle in his desk, buried beneath scrolls, reports, and maps.
Although he was already an Immortal, the weight of responsibility pressed heavily on his shoulders. Between the Academy's preparations and the rebuilding of the Shadow Domain's army, there was little room for rest.
His assistant entered, bowing respectfully before speaking.
"Lord Magnus… our businesses in Clovis report a critical shortage. The supplies of mystical artifacts are dwindling. We cannot meet the demands of the Academy or the army."
Magnus's brow furrowed and asked for a full report…
After reading it, he sighed. He had expected difficulties, but not this severe.
"Tsk… The supplies are too low. Is it because of that?" He whispered.
The assistant nodded and replied.
"Yes, Lord Magnus… Because of the Chaos Immortals' invasion, many artifact craftsmen have perished from those nations supplying us with their products… Others have been captured or restricted. The western region of the continent is under their control, and most of our suppliers are based there. The flow of artifacts has nearly stopped."
Magnus shook his head as he recalled once again that their Shadow Domain was mostly just relying on trade when it came to matters related to Artifacts and other Arcane Studies.
The Shadow Domain certainly had high-quality artifacts, but they were limited to only those high-ranking Arcanists…
Without enough artifacts, their armies would be considered weak, their disciples and students would be under-equipped, and their businesses weakened.
After all, even with all the new Arcanists popping up, there weren't a lot of them taking the path of crafting. Many of them just wanted to be strong, defeat other Arcanists, and get recognized with their power…
The situation was dire. They did not need dozens or hundreds of artifacts… they required tens of thousands.
Perhaps Regular Artifacts for soldiers, Mortal and Noble Artifacts for disciples and students, Royal Artifacts for commanders, and even the rare Sovereign Artifacts for Vale's chosen…
Magnus rubbed his temples.
'How can this be resolved? Even if we scavenge, even if we barter, the numbers are impossible…'
At that moment, another messenger rushed into the chamber, breathless.
"Lord Magnus! News from Clovis City… a merchant airship has arrived!"
Magnus raised an eyebrow. "An airship?"
"Yes, my lord. Not just any merchant vessel. This one carries the banner of the Church of the Divine Sorcerer."
Magnus's eyes widened slightly.
The Church of the Divine Sorcerer was one of the few factions capable of producing and distributing artifacts on a massive scale. Their craftsmen were protected, their forges were also known to be hidden in their Holy Land… If they had sent an airship to Clovis, they were probably here to offer trade, or perhaps even support the Academy directly.
'But they will probably request to have a church built here in Shadow Domain.' Magnus thought to himself.
He then stood up and decided to meet them first…
"Right, this might be a good solution."
He strode to the balcony of the Shadow Castle…
Soon, he saw the airship bearing the Church's banner.
Magnus clenched his fist as he felt that this was indeed an opportunity…
'Vale entrusted me with rebuilding the Shadow Domain. If the Divine Sorcerer's Church is extending their hand, then I will seize this chance…'