Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1179: Introduction

Young Arcanists crowded the grand plaza of Marshall Academy, filling the space with vibrant energy.

Students from every corner of the globe poured into the ceremonial grounds, all clad in the official Academy uniform.

To celebrate this new chapter for the institution, they wore deep indigo coats accented with silver trim, the Academy’s crest stitched prominently over their hearts. Alongside it, every student displayed a smaller, unique emblem that identified their specific Arcane Path.

A raven-black emblem, resembling a lingering shadow, was etched onto the sleeves of those following the Dark Arts.

Students of the Summoning Arts were distinguished by a golden circle containing a spiraling grimoire.

The Mystic Arts practitioners bore a crescent moon entwined with a cluster of stars.

A four-pointed insignia represented the Elemental Arts, with each tip radiating the faint glow of fire, water, earth, or wind.

The Knights displayed a silver sword crossed over a sturdy shield.

Those in the Alchemy Arts carried the symbol of a flask set against a transmutation circle.

The Rune Arts students showed off an emblem featuring a rune of wisdom.

For the Beast Arts, the mark was a savage claw print enveloped by primal energy.

The Holy Arts followers bore a brilliant sun, representing divine order and sacred purity.

A crossed spear and gauntlet decorated the Combat Arts students, signaling their raw martial strength.

The Psychic Arts emblem featured a central eye encircled by multiple rings... and finally...

The Transformation Arts was represented by a hexagon split into three parts, each containing a different icon: a wing, a flame, and a claw.

Proud students filled the plaza, naturally gravitating toward the banners of their respective Arcane Paths. Each group stood tall beneath their own colors.

Traditionally, Marshall Academy had limited its curriculum to only four disciplines: Dark Arts, Mystic Arts, Psychic Arts, and Elemental Arts.

However, this year marked a turning point. All twelve Arcane Paths were present for the first time. The youths gathered here were no mere apprentices; they were world-class prodigies handpicked from various nations, clans, and families, carrying the weight of massive expectations.

Despite the expansion, the Academy maintained a strict limit on the number of students permitted to enroll.

Suddenly, the air grew heavy as a wave of immense power rippled through the plaza. The students fell silent as the Headmaster made her entrance.

Constance Leore, the Spirit Immortal, drifted gracefully down from the high balcony of the Dark Arts Tower.

Her long blue hair shimmered, and her gown, woven from spirit threads, emitted a soft radiance.

Stepping to the center of the stage, she let her gaze drift over the sea of gathered students.

A heavy silence gripped the plaza as she began her address.

"Students of Marshall Academy... I welcome you. For generations, this institution has served as a sanctuary of knowledge, honing Arcanists in four specific disciplines. Those paths have produced the warriors, scholars, and guardians who currently protect our continent.

"But today... today heralds the dawn of a new era.

"For the first time in our history, Marshall Academy opens its doors to all twelve Arcane Paths. Dark Arts, Summoning Arts, Mystic Arts, Elemental Arts, Knights, Alchemy Arts, Rune Arts, Beast Arts, Holy Arts, Combat Arts, Psychic Arts, and Transformation Arts... each of you wears the mark of your path, and with it, your destiny.

"You are not common students. You are the elite talents of the world, chosen not just by your nations, clans, and teachers, but by Fate itself! Some have traveled across vast oceans, others have abandoned kingdoms, and some have even challenged destiny to stand in this plaza.

"This Academy is more than a school; it is a proving ground. Here, you will face challenges. You will struggle, you will grow, and you will ascend. Here, you will realize the true potential of your own path while discovering the strength found in unity.

"The world outside is transforming. It is up to you, the new generation, to rise and face what comes.

"I welcome you, students of the Twelve Paths. Marshall Academy is yours. Let this new age commence."

The plaza exploded into a deafening roar of applause.

***

Once the ceremony concluded, Cassian straightened the silver collar of his indigo coat and entered the lecture hall designated for the first-year Mystic Arts curriculum.

Walking beside him was Selene, whose long dark hair was tied back in a neat style.

The hall was massive, already filled with dozens of students who all wore the same crescent moon emblem.

Today was the start of their education in the fundamental theories of the Mystic Arts.

"Mhmm... So there are only sixty of us..." Cassian whispered to himself after scanning the room.

The instructor, a robed Arcanist named Professor Halvar, signaled for silence by raising his hand.

"Welcome, initiates of the Mystic Path. Our journey begins with the core of all mystic work... the Elementary Spirit Law."

With a wave of his hand, a glowing diagram of circulating energy manifested above his desk.

"Spirit energy is not exclusive to Arcanists. It exists within every living being... Today, we will explore how it differs from your Arcane Energy..."

With those words, Professor Halvar began the lecture by teaching them about the Spirit Strand.

The students were called up one by one to be tested by a Spirit Converging Crystal, a device used to measure the actual depth of their Spiritual Energy.

They soon learned that the ability to manifest Spells was directly tied to the number of strands they could generate.

"Does anyone have questions?" the Professor inquired.

"Can you tell us about the Academy’s foundational Mystic Spells?" one student asked eagerly.

This peaked the interest of everyone in the room.

Cassian was curious as well. He knew the Church relied on Spirit Veil, Resonant Pulse, and Harmonizing Light as their basics.

In contrast, the Order of the Illustrious Liquidator focused on three different foundational Spells: Piercing Ray, Binding Seal, and Cleansing Flame.

Professor Halvar nodded at the expectant faces and began writing on the board. He anticipated this curiosity; even if he wasn't the primary instructor for these techniques, he could still provide an introduction.

"They are known as Mystic Hands, Spirit Whisper, and Arcane Shield..."

A wave of disappointment washed over the students as soon as the names were spoken. To them, these sounded far too basic!

Despite their underwhelming reaction, Halvar simply offered a knowing smile.