Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1184: Failed

"These are the Three Fire Stones," Professor Zeno announced to the class.

"They represent new flames we have successfully acquired, each having been blessed by Immortal Beings... While you might not be prepared for Fire Infusion at this moment, we are making preparations so that you may eventually utilize them."

The moment these words were spoken, the eyes of every student sparkled with interest.

Those who had arrived with high-grade Fire Source provided by their own organizations had previously felt secure in the quality of their flames.

However, their perspectives shifted instantly upon learning that these Fire Stones carried the blessings of Immortals.

"Within each stone is a flame you can elect to merge with your body. You have the choice to keep your current fire or attempt to replace it. However, be warned: switching your fire at a later age is a perilous endeavor. It involves the reshaping of your Spirit Strands, and a failed attempt can leave your alchemy crippled for life."

The students tightened their grips, well aware that the ideal window for changing one's fire was during youth. Specifically, they needed to finalize their choice of Flame before reaching the age of twenty...

Their gazes were filled with longing as they stared at the magnificent Fire Stones.

Zeno first indicated a pale stone that emitted a constant, white radiance...

"The Eternal Whiteflame... It is harmonious, steady, and the ultimate tool for high-precision alchemy. Those who command it become masters of potion-making, inscriptions, and intricate refinement. It is truly the flame of patience and precision."

Next, he pointed toward the crimson stone, which appeared more like a mass of glowing, molten embers than a solid object...

"The Crimson Pyre... This flame is aggressive and destructive, perfectly suited for weapon forging, battlecraft, and combat alchemy. Those who wield this are as much warriors as they are scholars. But be careful... its nature is volatile, and it will devour those who are careless."

Finally, his hand shifted toward the azure stone... The sight of the blue fire was truly magnificent, capturing the desire of nearly everyone in the room...

"This is the Azure Frostfire. It is a flame of absolute clarity, perfect for refining potions and delicate concoctions. While it is rare and exceptionally difficult to control, its purity is second to none. Its wielders are typically healers, potion masters, and experts in the art of subtle transformation."

Professor Zeno continued to elaborate on these flames for some time. These introductions were merely the most basic summaries he could provide, yet they were sufficient for the students to weigh whether such a flame would suit their personal path.

Whispers broke out among the students as they began to sense which Fire Stone resonated most with them.

Some held their chests, feeling the Foxfire already residing within them and debating if they should take the immediate risk of a transition...

Others could only stare at the stones in wonder, picturing the immense power they might soon possess.

Watching from the shadows, Vale observed the scene with a quiet curiosity.

He noticed several students whose Spirit Strands showed an exceptionally strong resonance with the stones. It was clear to him that some were destined to succeed in the transition, potentially rising far above their classmates.

With a smile, Professor Zeno went on.

"Remember... Fire is not merely a source of power, as the Elementalists treat it. It is your identity. You must choose with care, because the flame you host will define your journey as an alchemist for the rest of your life."

Vale gave a small nod, realizing that Zeno was genuinely embracing his role as an Alchemy teacher... Even though the man was primarily a Dark Arts Expert, he was doing an excellent job of motivating the student body.

***

Three months passed in a flash, and the atmosphere at Marshall Academy had transformed into one of stability and strength.

The initial chaos of the opening weeks, marked by student rivalries and general uncertainty, had been replaced by a firm sense of routine and discipline.

The Academy was now functioning under total control...

The transition for the students had been smooth.

Those in the Mystic Arts had already moved on to studying Formation Circles...

The practitioners of Holy Arts had delved into their philosophical studies, discovering how to maintain a balance between purity and their inherent power.

Within the Alchemy Arts, students were busy testing their infused flames. A few bold individuals had even tried to resonate with the Eternal Whiteflame, Crimson Pyre, or Azure Frostfire, though they all met with failure. As of yet, no one had successfully claimed any of these new flames.

The Elementalists were focused on mastering various elements, striving to balance fire, water, earth, and wind to avoid falling into elemental chaos. The curriculum required them to understand multiple elements before specializing. For those with enough talent, the Academy placed no restrictions on mastering every element available.

Meanwhile, the squires training for Knighthood underwent grueling drills, receiving instruction from the finest Knights the Academy could recruit.

The Dark Arts students saw the least change, as the Academy had consistently provided them with top-tier education from the start...

In contrast, the Summoners were now, after three months of intense study, debating whether or not to replace their current Grimoires.

The Rune Arts students had reached a milestone, completing their ninth Rune...

Those on the path of Beast Arts were currently weighing their options for their next Beast Mark, choosing from a wide variety of selections offered by the school.

The Combat and Martial Arts students remained highly active, training daily in the Arena, often joined by a few of the Asura’s own disciples during their routines.

Students of the Psychic Arts had begun the process of sharpening their mental focus... Their training was not yet intensive, as practicing Psychic Arts with insufficient Mental Energy could prove fatal to both the practitioner and those nearby.

Finally, the Transformation Arts students were in the process of gathering various essences for their crafts. While the Academy provided most materials, they were required to earn the rarer essences harvested from Arcane Beasts...

Watching these developments, Headmaster Constance Leore felt a deep sense of pride...

Vale's dream of harmonizing the Twelve Paths was no longer a mere fantasy. It was actively taking shape within the walls of the Academy.

While rivalries still existed, they were now fueled by a healthy sense of competition.

Vale also watched from the periphery, satisfied with how things were progressing...

"Now that the situation here has stabilized... it is time for me to deal with Lust."

It seemed that the three dragons he had dispatched to handle one of the Seven Sins in the Palham Empire had ultimately met with failure!