Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1187: Targeted

Talent had always been something Desmund lacked…

For years, he had been scraping together every coin to afford a Philosopher's Elixir, believing it was the sole path for a commoner to reach the rank of Arcanist. Yet, in this moment, he stood tall as an unfamiliar strength surged through his frame.

“What… what did you do to me?” he stammered, his voice vibrating with a mixture of terror and exhilaration.

He was certain this experience bore no resemblance to the Awakening rituals he had heard described. He was clearly not an Arcanist… Instead, it felt as though he had received a benediction from some divine, mystical beings…

'This feels strange…'

The power he sensed within himself was fundamentally different from the energy he had felt from Arcanists in the past.

The figure hidden in the cloak answered, “We have provided what you were missing. You are now what one might call... Hmm… an Extraordinary Human… Ensure you utilize this blessing with wisdom.”

In truth, they had bestowed Draconic Powers upon him via their blessings, rather than the standard power used by Arcanists.

The origins of these energies were entirely distinct from one another.

As the force settled deep within his body, Desmund’s legs nearly gave out. With trembling hands pressed against his chest, he monitored the peculiar rhythm of the power circulating through his veins.

“I… I don’t understand,” he said in a low voice. “Becoming an Arcanist was my lifelong dream, but I lacked both the innate talent and the funds. And now… you have handed me something this incredible. I have no words to thank you.”

The robed scholar—who was actually Ash in a magical disguise—offered a small smile. “You are already aware of what we require in return…”

Desmund gave a frantic nod. “Yes… Regarding that Evil Entity you spoke of… what are my instructions? How am I to use this power? I refuse to let you down.”

Even though he felt the raw strength, he was completely ignorant of how to wield it…

Drazek, the cloaked figure, moved toward him. He recognized the necessity of providing this man with proper instruction.

“Your mission is straightforward. Mingle with the common folk. Identify those whose souls have been corrupted by Lust. You will sense it… the rot will call out to you. Once found, you must perform a cleansing.”

Desmund took a nervous gulp. “Cleanse… do you mean the purification that has the potential to kill?”

Zerel, appearing as a noble traveler, let out a soft laugh. “Indeed… But as we previously explained, those with shallow corruption will survive. Their souls will be liberated. However, if the rot has taken deep root, the purification will consume them. They will perish.”

Lowering his head, Desmund spoke with a heavy tone. “I-I see… Then I will do it. I will purify them and defend this city. Despite my fear, I will give my all. Just show me the way!”

Underneath his hood, Drazek’s eyes flashed. “Excellent. Fear is a natural response. Do not permit it to dominate you, however. Lust thrives on vulnerability. Should you waver, it will only grow. Fear not, for we shall instruct you in the methods…”

Zerel reached out and rested a hand on Desmund’s shoulder.

“Have confidence… There is a reason we selected you. You are capable of this…”

Looking at the three of them, Desmund felt his anxiety begin to fade.

“Your true identities are a mystery to me… but I will place my trust in you. I shall offer prayers to you daily and fulfill this mission. Please… lead me if I should stumble.”

Ash’s smile grew wider. In reality, the man didn't actually need to pray to them.

“Then stand up, Desmund. From this moment on, you are no longer a mere citizen of Harake City. You are our chosen vessel. An Extraordinary Human.”

With tears welling in his eyes, Desmund bowed deeply. “Thank you… I will cherish this gift forever. I won't let it go to waste.”

The three figures traded satisfied looks. They had successfully secured their proxy.

Thus, Desmund’s transformation began. He underwent rigorous training under the three figures for two full days before being dispatched to patrol the city and execute their will.

***

From that point forward, Desmund’s labor commenced.

Disguised as a common man, he paced the streets of Harake City. He finally looked like a respectable individual, no longer covered in filth or smelling of the gutters…

Whenever he detected a tainted soul, he would reach out, touch them, and trigger the purifying energy.

On some occasions, the target would drop to the ground screaming before regaining their senses in a severely weakened state…

On other occasions, they expired on the spot, their physical forms failing to endure the intense purge…

Whenever a death occurred, he had to flee the scene immediately, knowing the Apostles of Lust would soon arrive to investigate.

Though every life lost weighed on his conscience, Desmund reminded himself that death was a kinder fate than being utterly consumed by Lust.

The true nature of his three patrons remained a mystery to him. To his eyes, they were enigmatic saviors, god-like entities who had pulled him from the brink of hopelessness.

Regardless of the truth, he offered them his prayers every morning.

“I thank you,” he would whisper, “for granting me this opportunity. For allowing me to safeguard my city. For believing in me.”

He directed his devotion toward the scholar, the cloaked man, and the noble traveler, unaware that they were actually the Ancient Dragons Ash, Drazek, and Zerel in human form.

***

Meanwhile, inside a grand estate within Harake City, Lust sat in silence, possessing the body of a young noblewoman.

Her eyes shined with a faint crimson light in the shadows as she gathered a satisfying harvest of energy around her…

Nevertheless, she was careful to mask this power, knowing that several high-level Arcanists were already monitoring her movements.

She had successfully asserted control over nearly a fourth of the city's residents. Merchants, guild masters, priests, and even members of the nobility were sustaining her with their inner cravings. Every act of betrayal, broken promise, and indulgence added to her might…

Yet, a disturbance had arisen.

Many of her energy reservoirs had started to disappear. The stream of corrupted souls she depended on was being severed.

Lust’s brow furrowed.

“Someone is meddling… someone is cleansing them. And it isn't those Oracles or Untainted Sentinels.”

Though her voice was quiet, the very air around her began to vibrate.

She thought back to her encounters with practitioners of the Psychic and Holy Arts. They had attempted to defy her, trying to ensnare her mind with foresight and illusions or even seeking to erase her soul through purification…

She had annihilated them all. Their efforts were trivial compared to her own strength.

But this new threat felt different. It wasn't a coordinated strike by Arcanists.

It was a single individual!