Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1169: Visitor

The sounds of magical conflict faded away, leaving the four young Arcanists gasping for air as their Mystic States deactivated simultaneously...

Ardan moved forward, his heavy aura descending upon the area to quiet the onlookers. He signaled for silence with a firm gesture of his hand.

"You heard me right... The duel is over."

Frustration flickered across the faces of Hans and Tim, while Selene and Cassian stood tall, awaiting the final judgment.

Ardan’s gaze scanned all four combatants.

"I’ve verified the situation. Your Arcane Protections have been shattered. Any additional spellcasting could result in genuine physical harm, and since the semester hasn't officially begun, the Academy’s clinic is still closed. Continuing this fight risks injuries that cannot be treated immediately. I will not permit that."

A murmur rippled through the crowd as they understood Ardan's reasoning for halting the battle...

"This match is declared a draw," Ardan announced. "Both sides have demonstrated great skill, but neither can proceed safely. You must accept this outcome."

Internally, he knew he was being untruthful... However, he realized that if either side suffered a defeat, the reputation of their respective backers would be damaged, and he had no desire to be entangled in such politics.

The four students traded hesitant looks. None were eager to back down, yet with the Spirit Beast still observing from the arena's edge, none dared to act out of turn.

They were uncertain of how the creature might respond, after all.

In truth, the presence of the Frostborne Vulpestra had caused the students' arrogance to wither... They were well aware that if she hadn't been there, they would have likely started placing bets on the fight.

Hans clicked his tongue in annoyance but lowered his hands, conceding to the decision.

Tim let out a sigh, his pride clearly stinging... He had truly convinced himself he could defeat the pair... Cassian and Selene, meanwhile, simply gave a quiet nod of acknowledgment.

The confrontation concluded just like that.

***

Unnoticed by the spectators, a figure had been watching the events from the shadows of the upper terrace overlooking the practice grounds.

It was Professor Anya Hao, an instructor for the Mystic Arts Curriculum... She had arrived in the middle of the disturbance. Rather than stepping in, she had chosen to remain a silent observer.

She had followed every exchange with precision: Cassian’s meticulous control, the layered techniques of Selene, the aggressive style of Hans, and the sheer endurance Tim displayed within his Mystic State.

A smile touched Anya’s lips when Ardan called the draw...

She was fully aware that Cassian and Selene had actually secured the upper hand in that fight...

Regardless, she found the two students exceptionally gifted, particularly in how they managed their spell manipulation.

"Interesting... very interesting."

She felt a surge of anticipation, knowing they would soon be under her tutelage...

"Only first-years, yet they are already capable of pushing foundational spells beyond their limits. The disciples of the Church exhibit impressive synchronization, while the Order’s disciples show such raw ferocity. Both sides... are promising in their own way."

Her eyes lingered on Selene and Cassian. "Especially those two. Their synergy and control are a rarity for new students. They didn’t just rely on raw power... they adapted and held their own against superior Mystic States."

Anya Hao turned to leave, her mind shifting to her duties as a professor.

"Vale will want a report on this. If this Academy is to mold the future, disciples of this caliber must receive proper guidance. Perhaps... I should recommend them to him personally."

She had heard rumors of Vale’s intention to take on disciples, and professors like herself were permitted to suggest candidates... With that in mind, she decided to keep a close eye on those two... Perhaps after a few months of instruction...

"They will be the fifth and sixth names on my list, then..." Anya whispered as she noted them down...

The silver-furred Frostborne Vulpestra flicked her tails, almost as if she were nodding in agreement... For some reason, she appeared quite pleased with the duel that had just transpired.

Professor Anya Hao’s smile grew wider.

"I suppose she senses something beyond my perception? Yes... these children will certainly bring life to the Academy."

While she didn't know exactly what the Spirit Beast had noticed, she could clearly see the innate talent within those two.

***

After departing the practice grounds, Professor Anya Hao returned to her private office...

Watching those first-year students fight with such passion had stirred memories of her own youth. She thought back to the Twelve Academy Competition, a time when she stood among the most brilliant talents of her generation.

In those days, she was a young Mystic Arts Practitioner herself, fueled by fire and ambition. Vale had been present as well, though he had participated in a different category.

They had never fought directly, but his presence remained vivid in her memory. He had shattered multiple records... Even then, he carried the unmistakable aura of one destined for greatness.

Of course, she had also made a name for herself during that tournament—enough that Vale remembered her years later when he established the Arcane Academy.

Receiving his invitation to serve as a professor was both a great honor and a challenge she felt compelled to accept.

Now, sitting at her desk, she began organizing her curriculum for the upcoming term.

The desk was covered in stacks of documents... Many were complex diagrams of energy circulation and detailed notes on the fragile equilibrium between the mind, spirit, and the surrounding environment.

She arranged them meticulously while refining her teaching plan.

She was the instructor for the Mystic Harmonization Class, a course focused on stabilizing Mystic Arts and preventing magical backlash.

She noted down various exercises... including breathing patterns to align spirit energy, meditation techniques to calm the mind, and drills for controlled spellcasting to stop instability before it started.

She even included several case studies from her own past, intending to demonstrate how proper harmonization could transform a volatile spell into a pillar of strength.

As she worked, she felt a presence outside...

A knock soon followed at her door.

She stood up, straightening her robes, and opened it... only for her eyes to go wide.

There, resting on the floor, was a snake looking up at her with small, dark eyes...

"Huh?" Anya was baffled by the sight of the tiny serpent. However, after a moment, she realized this was no ordinary creature...

"A Spirit Beast? Who are you?"