Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1166: The Path of the Mystic Arts Practitioners

After hearing countless accolades, Cassian and Selene arrived at the Academy with high hopes. Because the Shadow Domain housed various Immortals, they assumed the institution would provide elite professors and instructors to oversee their Cultivation and development...

Unfortunately, as first-year students, they found little to be excited about since the curriculum focused entirely on fundamentals. It was a bit of a disappointment to attend these classes, considering they had already mastered the majority of the material under the Church’s Tutors. On the bright side, this prior knowledge guaranteed them excellent marks.

[ 6. Rudimentary Usage of Mystical Artifacts

]

[ 7. Practical Spell Application

]

[ 8. Mystic Harmonization

]

"There are only eight subjects, and we only have four classes a day..." Cassian remarked.

"Wait a second. The Practical Spell Application course is only held once every six days..." he noted further.

"Is that so? I assume that subject is either quite difficult or incredibly time-consuming. It might be a five-hour session or something similar," Selene speculated.

"There is also a mention here about joining an Academy Club... That’s intriguing. My tutors mentioned this before; they claimed we could build valuable connections if we find the right club for us," Cassian noted.

"That makes sense... However, we shouldn't rush into anything. We can't afford to waste our energy on a mediocre club."

Based on the details provided in the documents, the two continued their discussion regarding Marshall Academy.

Once they felt they had learned enough, they rolled the parchment back up, feeling quite content.

With that settled, the pair decided it was time to survey the Academy Grounds...

***

As Cassian and Selene wandered through the Academy Grounds, they spotted other groups of Mystic Arts Practitioners already exploring the area...

While the two of them were dressed in robes bearing the emblem of the Church of the Divine Sorcerer, the group they encountered displayed a very familiar insignia.

It was unmistakably the crest belonging to the Order of the Illustrious Liquidator from the Mystic Arts Faction!

The other group recognized them instantly as well...

No words were needed for an introduction.

Tension filled the air immediately, and Cassian and Selene could feel the weight of the hostile glares directed at them...

After all, the factions supporting them were currently far from being on friendly terms...

Under the guidance of the Church of the Divine Sorcerer, Cassian and Selene were taught to view Mystic Arts as something holy—a gift that required reverence and a sense of balance.

To them, every ritual was a way to communicate with higher powers, and every spell was akin to a prayer. Their training emphasized the importance of harmony, discipline, and restraint.

Conversely, the Order of the Illustrious Liquidators of the Mystic Arts Faction followed a completely different philosophy.

They viewed Mystic Arts as tools of war. To them, these powers were instruments of judgment designed to enforce order and wipe out corruption...

Their methods were far more ruthless; they viewed compassion as a defect and mercy as a sign of weakness. Despite utilizing the same Mystic Arts, their approach was the polar opposite of the Church’s teachings!

Because they operated on such conflicting principles, the friction between the two groups had grown significantly over the last few years.

"It’s them... Should we just walk past?" Cassian whispered. He was uncertain if they should engage if the other side began to provoke them.

"Classes haven't even started yet. Let's just avoid any drama for the time being," Selene answered, her eyes fixed on the rival students.

The doctrine of the Order demanded total eradication and absolute control, making their disciples carry themselves like executioners. This was an attitude that neither Selene nor the Church could tolerate.

While there wasn't an open war involving bloodshed yet, the two sides often engaged in confrontations to prove which path was the true one.

Now, the disciples of these rival factions stood face to face within Marshall Academy.

Cassian saw that they were making their way toward them...

***

The four students belonging to the Order approached with heavy, deliberate footsteps to make their presence known.

Cassian and Selene stood up straighter by instinct, their hands moving toward their robes as if they were prepared to channel their spells at a moment's notice.

A tall boy with short black hair, the leader of the group, let out a chuckle at how small Cassian and Selene appeared.

"So the rumors are true. The Church of the Divine Sorcerer actually sent their little saints here. I was wondering when we'd cross paths. Do they even feed you properly in that place? You probably need to eat more, which explains why you're both so short. Hahaha!"

The others joined in the laughter, as the two were indeed smaller than most other twelve or thirteen-year-old students.

This caused Cassian to scowl...

"We are here for our education, just like you. Stop acting like a child."

"Education?" another Liquidator sneered. "The Church focuses on restraint and prayers. We were raised on eradication and judgment. Tell me, in a real fight, which side do you think comes out on top?"

Selene’s brow furrowed. It was obvious they had been brainwashed by the elders of the Order... They had likely been told they were far superior to anyone from the Church.

"Mystic Arts aren't weapons for you to show off. They exist to maintain balance," Selene pointed out.

The youth’s laughter grew louder... "Balance? That's just weakness masquerading as a virtue. We have already perfected the three foundational spells of the Order! Each one is built to annihilate enemies and corruption alike. What do you have? Some protective veil? A healing chant?"

Cassian’s Mystic Energy flickered slightly, though he maintained a composed tone. "The Church uses foundation spells that are meant to stabilize, protect, and empower allies. They aren't designed for killing, and that is exactly why they are superior."

"Superior?" the Liquidator apprentices mocked.

"Then why don't you prove it?"

The four of them traded looks before one stepped forward, gesturing toward the practice fields visible past the courtyard.

"The Academy has a dueling arena available for students to test their spells before the term begins. Why don't we settle this right now? A simple duel. No permanent injuries, no killing. Just a test to see whose path is truly stronger."