Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1185: The Mission

Vale acted immediately a few months prior when the Order of the Oracle Hivemind sent word regarding the potential awakening of the Sin of Lust within the Palham Empire.

Seeking assistance, the Psychic Arts Faction had personally visited his Immortal Tower in a display of humility. They promised to station themselves at the Academy in return, enhancing the curriculum, instructing the students, and supporting Vale's long-term objectives with their prophetic abilities.

However, Lust represented a unique level of danger.

The Seven Sins were catastrophic forces capable of rotting the foundations of entire kingdoms if left to fester. Vale understood that he could not overlook this development.

Consequently, he called upon three of his most reliable companions:

Ash, the Ancient Nature Dragon, whose composure and ancient intelligence made her an expert in delicate reconnaissance...

Next was Drazek, the Ancient Shadow Dragon. His mastery over the dark allowed him to roam undetected, though his nature made him a potential target for Lust's influence to a certain extent.

Finally, Zerel, the Ancient Lightning Dragon, was known for his volatility and aggression, yet his destructive capabilities and velocity were second to none.

This trio was ordered to journey north to the Palham Empire, specifically to Harake City. As the most populated hub in the western territories, it appeared to be the epicenter of Lust’s growing reach.

Naturally, upon entering Harake City, the dragons adopted human guises.

Ash transformed into a statuesque woman with emerald eyes and hair reminiscent of autumn foliage, wearing modest robes that suggested she was a traveling academic.

Drazek remained as enigmatic as ever, cloaking his form in dark attire.

Zerel, conversely, selected a flashy appearance, sporting golden hair and striking blue eyes while dressed in the fine garments of a wealthy voyager.

***

Harake City was bustling with diverse energy...

The air was filled with the shouts of merchants, the boisterous laughter from packed taverns, and the sound of music echoing through the streets.

Underneath this vibrant facade, however, a sickness lingered.

The three companions realized without needing to exchange a word that the atmosphere felt oppressive. The gazes of the citizens lasted a moment too long, and their base impulses seemed dangerously close to the surface.

As she navigated the marketplace, Ash’s brow furrowed. "The city appears to be suffering from a hunger that isn't natural. This goes beyond simple indulgence. Vale’s suspicions were correct... the presence of Lust is here."

After observing the surroundings, Drazek concurred.

"The sensation is thick in the air. Countless oaths are being traded for gold and carnal pleasure. The Sin is harvesting strength through raw temptation. It is quite fascinating..."

Zerel tightened his grip. "Then we should force it into the light. I want to conclude this and return quickly."

Ash shook her head in disagreement. "That is unwise. Lust thrives amidst turmoil. A blind attack might provide the very energy it requires. It is acting with caution currently due to the presence of the Immortals, but if this Sin is cornered, the entire city might suffer the consequences. Vale wants to avoid that. We must find the source."

To uncover the root of the strange occurrences, the three dragons devised a strategy and went their separate ways to investigate...

Ash visited the shrines and gardens, engaging in conversation with herbalists and clerics.

She discovered that numerous healers had forsaken their callings, lured away by the lure of sensory pleasure and riches. Even the holy groves had been tainted as their guardians succumbed to excess.

'The situation is far more dire than I anticipated...' she thought to herself.

Meanwhile, Drazek moved through the shadows of brothels and taverns, eavesdropping on the local chatter. He learned that entire organizations and guilds were being controlled, their superiors enslaved by a mysterious entity promising unending bliss in exchange for their souls.

'A classic tactic for this Sin...'

Zerel focused his attention on the aristocratic sectors, where the local festivities and banquets had descended into blatant debauchery.

The stench of moral decay was palpable...

He witnessed high-ranking lords and ladies neglecting their obligations, entirely consumed by their secret carnal pursuits...

Every piece of evidence pointed toward a singular reality... Lust was not merely lurking in the shadows.

It was weaving itself into the very infrastructure of Harake City, tainting the commoners, the priesthood, and the ruling class alike.

****

The three dragons reconvened in a quiet courtyard as night fell.

"The clergy has been compromised," Ash reported first. "The temples have no intention of intervening. It seems Lust has effectively silenced them."

Drazek provided a matching assessment.

"The guilds are under a spell. This task would be far simpler if we weren't burdened by the safety of these mortals. Tsk..."

"Do not speak like that... view this mission as a test from Vale..." Ash countered.

With a faint, cynical smile, Drazek continued his briefing. "Regardless, the leaders whisper about a 'Radiant Mistress' who meets them in hidden chambers. That is undoubtedly Lust, or at the very least, its primary agent..."

Zerel gave a slow nod.

He didn't have much in the way of subtle intel...

"The aristocracy are nothing but marionettes. Their feasts are actually rituals intended to empower her. I suspect she will stop hiding soon; she has been meticulously constructing a kingdom of desire."

Ash shut her eyes, attempting to tap into the vibrations of nature.

Regrettably, the Sin of Lust remained elusive to her senses...

The dragons persisted in their search, delving deeper into the city's dark underbelly...

Eventually, they stumbled upon a congregation in the slums...

Dozens of citizens were bowing before a figure draped in crimson silk.

Her voice possessed an intoxicating, melodic quality, and every syllable she uttered was drenched in charm...

"Freedom is found in desire," she murmured. "Break your shackles. Devote yourselves to me, and I shall provide ecstasies that no mortal could ever imagine."

The assembly trembled, completely captivated by her words.

Drazek squinted at the woman in the distance...

She seemed far too feeble to actually be the Sin of Lust... He eventually realized that the Sin was likely employing thralls or disciples to circulate its influence!

Just as they moved to intercept, the figure evaporated into a fine mist, leaving nothing but the sound of mocking laughter.

"She is aware of us," Ash noted with a grim expression.

"So, she's testing our resolve..."

By this point, the fate of the humans was of little concern to them. So long as they weren't the direct cause of their demise, the deaths of these mortals meant nothing to the dragons.

Finally, the three Dragons reached their limit...

"Let us place the city under a seal... As long as we do not slaughter the humans ourselves, we are still adhering to Vale's commands..."