Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1183: The Fire

A trace of anxiety flickered through Galatea as her fingers brushed the necklace tucked beneath her uniform's collar.

The subtle warmth emanating from the jewelry served as a constant reminder of the gift Claire, her elder sister and Saintess, had given her: a Sovereign-Grade detection artifact.

Sitting next to her, Irene wore an identical necklace. Naturally, both sisters had also been granted another treasure by Saintess Teresa. Hidden away under their sleeves and strapped to their arms was a second relic.

This Sovereign-Grade defensive armband remained in a state of constant readiness, prepared to trigger instantly should they face a lethal threat.

These items were not crafted for combat. The Academy regulations strictly prohibited the possession of highly offensive relics, such as those capable of releasing toxic vapors or explosive fire, among many others.

Conversely, the institution permitted tools intended for awareness and protection, or perhaps artifacts designed to shield the soul and sharpen one's innate senses.

It was through the power of these artifacts that the sisters sensed it—a faint, probing gaze that seemed to be examining them. They were being watched. However, the detection necklace was unable to identify the origin of the stare. The observer was either perfectly concealed or possessed power that rivaled or eclipsed their Sovereign artifacts.

Exchanging a knowing look, Galatea and Irene understood the gravity of the situation.

'If our Sovereign-Grade relics are unable to break through their concealment... then whoever is watching must also possess a Sovereign relic. Or perhaps something even more formidable...'

A helpless smile touched Irene's lips, yet she couldn't suppress a spark of pride.

'A Half-Immortal... or possibly even an Immortal.'

The realization that such a high-level being was currently scrutinizing her filled her with a strange sense of excitement.

Nevertheless, both girls were wise enough not to show any reaction.

Revealing that they were aware of the observation would be a dangerous move. Instead, they maintained neutral expressions and sat up straight, focusing on Professor Yena's lecture as if they noticed nothing at all.

***

Just outside the classroom doors, a figure came to a halt.

Immortal Magnus had been strolling through the Academy corridors when his refined senses brushed against the Holy Arts classroom.

A thin smile played on his face as he shifted his attention toward those two exceptional students.

"So... these are the sisters who were suggested as Vale's potential disciples," he whispered. His gaze lingered on Irene and Galatea, sensing the soft resonance produced by their Sovereign-Grade artifacts.

"Entrusting Sovereign relics to children... it seems Claire and Teresa truly dote on them."

Magnus had no desire to interfere.

Driven by simple curiosity, he was merely evaluating the talent gathered within the school. Indeed, the sisters met his high expectations. Their Spirit Strands were robust, and their composure remained steady even under his hidden pressure.

However, his focus soon shifted. Among the rows of seated students, a different presence drew his eye.

To an untrained eye, the girl appeared normal. Yet, the immortal senses of Magnus picked up something irregular. Her resonance did not feel entirely human.

"How intriguing..." Magnus whispered, focusing his intent on her.

Her aura felt somewhat artificial, as if it had been woven together using alchemical essence and specialized arcane threads. She was, in all likelihood, a Homunculus.

The corners of his mouth curved upward.

"The forbidden project of the Church of the Fortune Goddess... Vale was supposed to have ended that years ago. And yet..."

Magnus’s eyes sparked with curiosity. "Did one manage to survive? But why enroll among the Holy Arts students? Has the project been continued in the shadows?"

He was uncertain if Vale was aware of this development. Regardless, he didn't particularly mind the presence of a Homunculus, provided she adhered to the Academy's regulations.

It provided a unique opportunity to study such a creature's behavior.

With that thought, Magnus turned to leave, having noted her existence. He would eventually have to alert the Professors regarding her status.

For the time being, he decided to say nothing to the Homunculus and simply placed her on his observation list.

'It appears the Academy is attracting more than just standard geniuses...' Magnus mused.

***

As the days passed quickly, the Academy students began to settle into the rhythm of their new lives.

During this time, Vale received word that the first-year Alchemy students were scheduled to visit the Three Fire Stones. These were newly acquired sacred relics containing the essence of the Academy's most esteemed flames.

"That sounds interesting... I should go see for myself."

His interest piqued, Vale chose to watch the proceedings from the shadows.

After all, these three Flames were no longer ordinary. They had received the blessing of Dragons!

Actual Dragons!

Their quality had improved immensely. Vale was convinced that any student bold enough to switch their internal fire to one of these three would find success, regardless of where they went after graduation.

Achieving such a result was one of his primary goals to bolster the Academy's reputation.

Professor Zeno, a man who commanded respect in both Dark Arts and Alchemy, stood before a group of sixty enthusiastic students.

Seeing their excited faces brought a smile to his lips. As practitioners of the Alchemy Arts, these students already possessed internal fires they utilized for their craft.

However, that did not mean they were stuck with their current flames forever. The Academy was offering them a rare chance to upgrade their fire, provided they were compatible.

"Are those the legendary flames?"

"I'm curious about what kind of fire they hold..."

"Imagine if we could obtain those sentient flames..."

"You're a fool... sentient flames would just kill you."

"Hahaha..."

The students chatted animatedly as they made their way toward the storage vault.

Every student there had fire residing within their bodies, a flame merged with their Spirit Strands. Naturally, if a superior option was available, they would jump at the chance to claim it.

The true obstacle, however, was the fire itself.

Without proper compatibility, they would be forced to either abandon the attempt or undergo rigorous training until their bodies could handle the infusion.

Out of the sixty students, twenty-two currently utilized the same type: the Orange Foxfire.

The Foxfire was a distinct orange flame, considered medium in terms of infusion difficulty, but it was highly reliable and safe. Furthermore, it was quite affordable compared to rarer types.

It possessed enough power to help any alchemist reach the First-Class tier with consistent effort. While there were no flaws to it, it was a common and predictable choice since so many Alchemists already utilized it.

Upon reaching the chamber, Professor Zeno pointed toward three stones, each the size of a human head, resting in the center of the room.

They were colored white, azure, and crimson.