Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1178: Connections

Ceres halted briefly during her rounds. The number of patients was unusually high today, largely due to the exhausted Arcanists who had endured Immortal Chad’s rigorous training sessions.

This Half Dragon Immortal had apparently handpicked a group of Arcanists, and it fell to her to mend their injuries following every drill.

"What sort of practice causes such severe internal damage? One would think we were preparing for an imminent war," Ceres pondered.

While she didn't truly resent her duties, she couldn't suppress her growing curiosity regarding the situation.

As a faint light from a healing spell still lingered on her palms, word regarding the Spirit Queen reached her ears.

Naturally, this information was not common knowledge.

She had received the update via telepathy, a privilege reserved only for those with Level 3 membership or individuals granted access to the Immortal Tower’s third floor.

Consequently, only about forty people were aware that the Queen and her followers had arrived.

"Incredible... I wonder what their purpose is?" she mused. Her knowledge was limited to the fact of their arrival and the instruction to remain cautious should they cross paths.

Since the visitors were granted access to the third and fourth levels of the Immortal Tower, the staff had to be notified of their presence.

Furthermore, Ceres recognized that the legendary Queen of Spirits might possess the power to assist Arcanists in forming contracts with various Spirit entities.

"It would be marvelous if they actually established a partnership with the Academy," Ceres thought to herself.

She was acquainted with many young Arcanists from the Millton Kingdom who were set to enroll in the Marshall Academy. Her homeland would reap massive rewards if the Spirit Queen assisted them in deepening their bonds with the Spirits.

"I also wonder if her beauty is as great as they say..." Ceres whispered.

She had heard nothing but myths regarding the Spirit Queen’s peerless elegance and her immense power—tales of her triumphs over both Evil and Demonic Spirits.

The realization that such a legendary figure was currently walking the same corridors where she worked felt almost surreal.

Ceres quickly regained her focus, reminding herself of her professional obligations.

There were still patients who required her medical expertise, and the protective wards of the Tower demanded maintenance. Nevertheless, she remained intrigued. She speculated on the Queen's personality—whether the sovereign would be cold and distant or perhaps approachable despite her high rank.

While moving through the hallways, she caught snippets of conversation from excited attendants. They whispered in wonder about the Queen’s shimmering silver hair, her striking violet eyes, and the regal aura she radiated.

Ceres felt a complex blend of deep respect and slight envy; she, too, longed for a glimpse of the Spirit Queen.

***

Three days had passed since the Spirit Queen and her retinue had taken up residence within Constance’s Immortal Tower.

To their surprise, the accommodations were far superior to what they had anticipated.

The Tower was inscribed with Draconic Runes that incessantly amplified Spirit Energy. This environment allowed the Queen and her protectors to better withstand the Spirit-suppressing Will of the Human Realm, leading to a recovery that was swifter than projected.

The group was astonished that Vale possessed ties to so many Dragons—beings known for their arrogance and greed—who had agreed to engrave various runes throughout the structure. Such a feat was nearly unheard of.

"The Spirit Dragon would never agree to such a thing..." the Spirit Guardians thought privately.

Nevertheless, the tower had been transformed into a haven where Spirit Beings could heal with efficiency.

During this time, Mesa, a Spirit Guardian, resided on the fourth floor with her peers. Although she possessed a humanoid shape, her physical form was entirely elemental.

As a manifestation of pure holy energy, she usually stayed by the Spirit Queen’s side.

Today, however, she was occupied with a specific errand. She carried a small decorative chest containing Spirit Stones, serving as a portion of the payment for their stay in the Tower.

Her task was to bring them to the third floor, where the Tower’s staff would document and store the tribute.

As she walked down, her aura shimmered softly while she extended her Spirit Sense to survey her surroundings.

Upon reaching the third floor and turning a corner, she encountered her.

Ceres was traversing the hallway, her golden hair pulled back, radiating a potent Holy Energy.

She glanced up, startled to find Mesa walking toward her.

The two women paused for a moment, observing one another. Mesa’s eyes, a blend of violet and gold, sparked with interest, while Ceres looked on with genuine fascination.

They did not exchange words, choosing instead to simply acknowledge each other’s presence.

A connection had been established, though it was currently rooted in nothing more than mutual curiosity.

***

"Ugh... things aren't moving along very well..." Vale grumbled. He had been secretly monitoring the developments within the Tower this entire time. His Divine Sense permeated the floors, granting him a clear view of the subtle interactions between the Arcanists and the Spirit Queen’s party.

He scowled.

While the Spirit Guardians and Arcanists behaved with civility, there was a distinct lack of any meaningful bond. They passed one another with interest, yet a lack of trust remained. Even Ceres and Mesa, who shared an affinity for holy energy, had only traded a silent nod before going their separate ways.

Vale had envisioned a better outcome. He desired for the Spirits and Arcanists to forge a solid relationship that would be mutually advantageous.

"I suppose I'll have to wait for them to fully recover from the Realm's suppression before sending the Spirit Beings to the Academy," Vale contemplated.

The Queen’s arrival was a massive opportunity, perhaps even a divine blessing, yet the emotional gap between the two groups persisted.

He sighed, disappointed by the lack of progress.

The Tower was fortified, the Queen was protected, and her guardians were mending. However, the human Arcanists remained hesitant, and the Spirits stayed guarded.

Vale understood that trust was something that couldn't be coerced; it had to develop on its own.

Now, only five days remained before the new term at Marshall Academy was set to begin.

"Fine... I'll try again once classes are in session."