Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1181: Foundational Spells

Meanwhile, the Holy Arts pupils had just stepped into their subsequent lecture hall...

This room stood out from the others; it was spacious, designed with a layout reminiscent of a cathedral, featuring a prominent podium at the front.

Sixty freshmen were seated in disciplined rows, each clad in the Academy's indigo coat, the golden sun insignia embroidered clearly upon their sleeves.

Galatea and Irene took their seats together toward the middle of the room. Both girls had been recruited by the Order of the Untainted Sentinels, an elite group celebrated for its rigorous discipline and absolute commitment to purity.

Naturally, their backgrounds were no secret, and their mere presence sparked hushed conversations among the peers.

"Those two are the younger sisters of Claire and Teresa..." one student whispered.

"They likely grew up with every resource imaginable. It’s no surprise they made it here."

By now, the fame of the two Saintesses, Claire and Teresa, was universal... Every practitioner of the Holy Arts aspired to follow in their footsteps.

Consequently, a sense of jealousy permeated the room, though Galatea and Irene paid it no mind. They had long ago become accustomed to being measured against their renowned older sisters.

In this Academy, however, the goal was not to validate their bloodline, but to prove their own worth.

Their opening session, Elementary Spirit Law, had already showcased their talent. Each girl possessed nine Spirit Strands, representing a formidable Foundation for twelve-year-olds.

The professor had commended their dedication, even though several classmates had produced comparable results. Currently, possessing nine Spirit Strands was notable, but it no longer seemed miraculous. This shift was entirely due to the Philosopher’s Elixir held by Maya.

Nevertheless, a massive gap could still emerge based on the specific spells they managed to record.

Given their connection to such illustrious sisters, it was widely assumed that the pair had already recorded the most superior beginner spells available.

The second period now commenced... Fundamentals of Holy Arts.

Professor Yena, a statuesque woman with silver hair pulled back in a tidy style, moved to the front.

She bypassed the traditional lecture, starting instead with a query that instantly made the students feel uneasy.

"Answer me... If a man of evil intent wields Holy Arts, can they still be considered Holy?"

Silence gripped the classroom. The students had anticipated a dive into spell-casting, the history of the arts, or perhaps the composition of Holy Energy. Instead, they were met with a philosophical riddle.

One boy tentatively lifted his hand. "Professor... Holy Arts are defined by purity. If a wicked man utilizes them, wouldn't they lose their sacred nature?"

A girl nearby shook her head in disagreement. "But the essence of the energy doesn't transform. Holy Energy remains Holy Energy, regardless of a corrupt wielder. Isn't the intention the only thing that matters?"

A wave of murmurs traveled through the hall.

Some argued that the arts were inherently sacred and immune to taint. Others countered that the wielder’s heart dictated the spell's true nature.

They simply could not fathom the concept of Corrupted Holy Energy... surely, at that stage, it would just be Evil Energy.

Galatea listened in silence, carefully weighing these perspectives...

Irene, however, had contemplated this subject long before today.

"Holy Arts are more than just instruments..." she declared with conviction. "They reflect the soul. If a villain wields them, the energy might still glow, but the underlying purpose is warped. It transforms into something else... a parody of holiness."

Nodding in agreement, Galatea thought back to the tenets of the Untainted Sentinels before adding quietly, "But that doesn't imply the Arts themselves are defiled. It means the practitioner has failed to embody them. Holy Arts necessitate a synchronization of spirit and intent. Lacking that, they are hollow."

A subtle smile touched Professor Yena’s lips. "Good. You are beginning to grasp it. Holy Arts are defined neither by the spell alone nor the wielder alone. They are defined by the marriage of purity and purpose. A tainted soul might command Holy Energy through force, but it will never achieve true resonance. That resonance is the very essence of the Holy Arts."

Yena needed to ensure they grasped this fundamental rule...

After all, practicing this Arcane Path was not without its own perils.

It was common knowledge that Dark Arts users had to fear falling into darkness if they failed to manage the madness attracted by their spells.

However, the risk was identical for Holy Arts practitioners and others... If they wavered in their chosen path, they too could descend into insanity. Every Arcanist requires a resilient psyche to master their Arcane Path and must never allow doubt to take root...

The students remained in pensive silence...

Watching their reactions, Yena went on.

"Do not forget this lesson. Holy Arts are not about raw power; they are about alignment. If you pursue strength while abandoning purity, you will find only a void. But if you foster harmony, even a basic spell will outshine any weapon. That is the secret to possessing a superior spell compared to others at the same level."

The students began taking notes, surprised by the unexpected depth of the lecture.

***

Professor Yena smiled as she observed their engagement.

She had caught them off guard with her philosophical opening, but she didn't dwell on it. Instead, she began outlining the curriculum for the coming weeks. This was, after all, their introductory session.

"In this classroom, you will learn more than just spells. You will study the principles that define the Holy Arts. We shall explore the Nature of Holy Energy—how it diverges from other forms of Arcane Energy and why it reacts to purity and intent.

"We will also delve into Blessings—the craft of directing Holy Energy to safeguard, mend, and sanctify.

"Naturally, there will be extensive lessons on Harmony—how your Spirit Strands must align with your soul, and how an imbalance can lead even the brightest light toward corruption."

She added that the Philosophy of Purity would be touched upon, though it wasn't her primary focus. It would serve as a study of morality and whether holiness can exist in the absence of virtue.

Regarding Practical Applications—ranging from closing wounds and resisting corruption to bolstering allies in the heat of battle—those would be handled in separate classes.

Everything taught in this room would remain centered on theoretical mastery.

"These are the pillars of your journey. Do not anticipate miracles on day one. The Holy Arts require patience, self-control, and deep reflection."

The students nodded, though a few appeared impatient.

They had come expecting to cast brilliant blessings or shimmering shields. Instead, they were being told to prepare for philosophy, Cultivation, and a gradual pace.

Eventually, a student raised their hand. "Professor... what are the Academy's own foundational spells for the Holy Arts? What will we be learning?"

Yena’s smile widened slightly, as if she had been anticipating the query. "Before I give you an answer, let me ask: what foundational spells are taught by the Order of the Untainted Sentinels?"

The class turned their gaze toward Irene. She sat up straight and provided a quick response.

It wasn't exactly classified information.

"The Sentinels focus on three primary spells: Blessing Light, Purity Dome, and Sacred Chant. Blessing Light serves for mending, Purity Dome provides defense, and Sacred Chant fortifies the spirit against corruption."

Yena gave an approving nod. "Indeed... The Sentinels prioritize restraint and protection. Theirs is a path of guardianship."

She then addressed the rest of the group. "But the Sentinels aren't the only ones practicing Holy Arts. What can you tell me about the Church?"

A boy signaled for attention. "Their three core spells are Healing Prayer, Radiant Protection, and Guiding Hymn. Healing Prayer mends injuries, Radiant Protection acts as a shield for allies, and Guiding Hymn instills bravery."

"Correct," Yena remarked. "The Church emphasizes community and conviction. Their spells are designed to unite people."

She continued her inquiry. "And what of the Paladins of the Sacred Flame?"

This group was obscure within the Millton Kingdom, yet they held great prestige in the Pallham Empire.

A girl replied swiftly. "They utilize Flame of Benediction, Shield of Virtue, and Oath of Light. Their spells are centered on combat. These are blessings that enhance weaponry, shields that guard comrades, and oaths that toughen the physical body."

"Precisely," Yena said. "The Paladins walk a martial path, using holiness as both their shield and their blade."

Lastly, she asked, "And the Sanctum of the White Star?"

Again, this was an organization unfamiliar to most in Milton, though it was highly regarded in the Ruri Kingdom.

This time, Galatea spoke up. "Their core spells consist of Star’s Blessing, Brilliant Barrier, and Echo of Grace..."

Professor Yena smiled, clearly gratified. "Excellent. As you can see, every organization possesses its own philosophy and its own method for molding Holy Energy. The spells might appear identical—healing, shielding, blessing—but the intent behind them alters everything. This is why a single spell can feel entirely different depending on who casts it."

Yena finished by saying, "As for the Academy... does anyone care to guess? I am certain you are already familiar with these spells."

She spoke with a knowing smile. Hearing this, the students suddenly realized that the Academy would not be introducing any exclusive Spell Models unique to the institution!

It was a bit of a letdown, though it left them wondering why such a choice had been made...

'Immortal Vale was originally a Dark Arts Practitioner... Perhaps he harbors a distaste for the Holy Arts?' Galatea mused, her brow furrowing.