Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1174: The Last Targets

It was unfortunate for Adam that he was currently facing only an Avatar. The primary body, presently situated within the Immortal Tower, was the only one capable of truly assisting him with this matter.

This was due to the fact that the Divine Extraction System remained inaccessible to anyone but the genuine Vale.

"I wonder how many Avatars he has managed to produce by now..." Vale contemplated. He remained uncertain about the extent of soul damage one might incur from utilizing this Avatar Creation Spell.

He was still in the dark regarding whether a limit to this technique existed.

Such knowledge was likely reserved for the original Vale or the Avatars in his immediate vicinity.

"How many Spell Models are you looking to have purged?" Vale questioned.

"Only one for now... However, I want to gauge the effectiveness first. Should it prove safe, my companions will also seek your aid. We are, naturally, prepared to compensate you," Adam clarified.

With a nod, Vale explained his current state as a mere Avatar and his inability to help at this moment. He promised, however, that Adam would be contacted the moment his true self was prepared to take on commissions.

"What is the best way to reach you once we are ready?" Vale inquired.

"Simply go to any branch of the Church of the Three Paragons and speak with the head priest... The message will reach me immediately," Adam answered.

Vale carefully noted the instructions regarding contact through the Church. Afterward, he scrutinized the disguise Adam was wearing.

"So," Vale remarked with a subtle grin, "you are already aware, aren't you? About the Chaos Immortals being picked off one after another."

Seeing Vale’s expression, Adam nodded in confirmation.

"Indeed. No one else would have the guts. The Chaos Immortals are a source of terror across the land. Only an individual like you would possess the boldness to hunt them down right in their own territories."

Vale let out a soft laugh. While he didn't necessarily believe he was the sole person brave enough for the task, the comment amused him nonetheless.

"And yet, they remain uncertain... They harbor suspicions toward me, but they also suspect other Immortals and even the orthodox Churches. That is the brilliance of the situation."

Adam shook his head in disagreement. He didn't doubt Vale’s formidable Cultivation.

However, Vale had many dependents to think about. A one-on-one victory against the Chaos Immortals was one thing, but if those under his wing were targeted, the consequences would be dire.

"The game you're playing is perilous. If your identity is revealed, they will mobilize their most powerful experts, and you might even lose your Dragons."

Vale gave a casual shrug. "Let them mobilize. The larger the gathering, the more efficiently I can strike them down. Tell me, Adam... are you interested in joining forces? We could finish this much faster together."

Adam declined with a firm shake of his head. "No. Not at this time. My priority is the protection of the Church of the Three Paragons. Should my involvement come to light, the Church will be the one to pay the price. Our numbers are still small, and we are focused on recruitment and baptizing new followers. If I jeopardize our foundation now, our entire progress could fail."

Although Vale hadn't seriously intended to recruit him, he respected the man's logic.

"Well... our goals differ... I suppose the Church will find success under your guidance," Vale murmured, recalling how he had previously been forced to purge the corrupt leaders of that very institution.

Adam smiled, agreeing with the sentiment.

"Mhmm... My methods of fighting are different. It is my obligation to ensure the Church's survival. I can, however, promise that we will at least assist in dealing with the Chaos Crusaders," Adam clarified.

The two spent some time in quiet conversation, discussing the increasing avarice of the Chaos Immortals, their crumbling leadership, and the growing atmosphere of distrust among them.

Adam cautioned that a counterattack from the Chaos Immortals was inevitable, but Vale maintained that they were already being dismantled by their own terror.

Eventually, Adam stood up to leave. "I have occupied enough of your time. When your real body is available, I may send word through the Church. Until then... stay cautious... The Chaos Immortals are not fools."

Vale rose as well and nodded. "Very well. Look after your Church. I shall continue my pursuit."

With a final nod, Adam exited the inn.

Once the door was shut, Vale felt a sense of calm and a renewed readiness for battle.

He turned his focus back toward Seo and Aven, the two investigators who had become covetous after seizing the riches of the deceased.

Within moments, Vale prepared to depart to handle Seo and Aven.

***

As night blanketed the western city, the bustling streets fell silent, save for the occasional patrols of Chaos Crusaders.

Inside their newly seized estate, Immortal Seo and Immortal Aven indulged in their greed.

The wealth of three fallen Immortals was now filling their pockets, and they toasted with premium spirit wine as if they had already triumphed.

However, Vale was already closing in.

Dressed in his priestly attire and the mantle bearing the goat emblem, he moved with composure through the dark alleys. His presence felt peaceful; to any mortal who saw him, he appeared as nothing more than a traveling priest.

But for Seo and Aven, he was about to become their end.

Inside the manor, Aven suddenly went rigid. "Do you perceive that?"

Seo scowled, using his Divinity to scan the surroundings.

"We have company... How intriguing..."

Before a response could be mounted, the doors swung open silently. Vale entered, his face concealed by the shadow of his hood.

"Who goes—" Seo started, but he stopped short as a faint light emanated from Vale’s eyes.

It was the Mindpierce Invocation.

Seo immediately stumbled, gripping his head as his consciousness began to shatter. Though his Divinity rushed to shield his mind, the spell had already breached his inner sanctum.

Aven gasped as he realized the killer was standing right before them!

"You!"

He quickly gathered a blast of Chaos Energy to repel the intruder. Yet, Vale’s second technique was already taking effect.

Delirium Echo.

A wave of psychic force crashed into Aven, turning his thoughts into a chaotic mess of hallucinations.

He hallucinated killers emerging from the walls, felt phantom chains on his body, and saw shadows attacking. His Chaos Energy erupted violently, smashing furniture and tearing through walls... yet he was merely striking at shadows and wrecking the room himself.

As Seo struggled to regain his footing, Vale calmly raised his hand.

Cerebral Eclipse.

The spell forced Seo’s mental world into total darkness.

At that moment, Aven let out a scream, his mind buckling under the pressure of the fabricated realities. Vale’s concluding spell pierced through the turmoil.

Mind Collapse.

Unseen forces completely severed Aven’s ability to reason.

Once Vale verified that both Immortals had been neutralized, a voice called out from behind him.

It was Lotus, who had arrived in a hurry to deliver vital intelligence regarding the Spirit Realm!