Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1190 1190: Vale's Hope

Zerel was certain he had locked down the surrounding space, so the sight of someone tearing through the fabric of reality to seize their quarry left the group in a state of shock. Such a feat was far beyond the capabilities of a common Immortal.

Only a true sovereign of Space and Time could achieve this!

Drazek’s pupils dilated as he sensed the familiar signature of this specific energy…

“No… this is no ordinary intruder. That is a Void Immortal!”

The building trembled violently as the spatial fracture widened, pulling Lust’s physical form into the darkness…

“You… who are you?! Ahh… Hahaha! I see! Very well! Take me!”

Her manic laughter reverberated through the air as she was pulled into the abyss. Just before the rift vanished, she cast a final glance at the three dragons.

“Did you honestly believe killing me would be that simple? I am the essence of desire itself… and my protectors are beyond your comprehension!”

Her voice trailed off into nothingness as the rift snapped shut, plunging the area into a heavy silence.

In truth, it was clear that even Lust was caught off guard by her savior. Her initial terror and the shock on her face when she was grabbed from behind proved she hadn't expected a rescue.

The dragons stood in confusion, struggling to understand why a Void Immortal would suddenly intervene to save one of the Seven Sins.

Ash tightened her grip until her knuckles turned white. “A Void Immortal… interfering here? Why would they get involved? Wait… is it possible he isn’t actually saving her?”

Zerel let out a frustrated growl, sparks of lightning dancing through his hair. He had been ready to strike, but the Void Immortal's timing was impeccable. A wave of suppressive pressure had radiated from the rift, momentarily paralyzing their ability to channel spells.

“Our target was stolen. We had her right where we wanted her!”

Drazek looked grim. “If that Immortal truly came for her rescue… the situation has shifted. Lust isn't some rogue agent. She has backing… and not from mere mortals or low-level immortals. The involvement of a Void Immortal suggests she is entangled with something far more formidable.”

Ash spoke in a hushed tone. “If the Void Immortals have entered the fray, this corruption isn't limited to Harake City. We are looking at a much larger conspiracy.”

Zerel punched the wall in frustration. “Vale needs to be informed. If Lust is backed by such entities, our strength alone might be insufficient.”

Drazek gave a slow nod of agreement. “Indeed. We must bring this news to Vale…”

They realized that Vale likely didn't know the current movements of the Void Immortals either, making preparation essential.

***

Upon returning to Vale, the three dragons recounted the entire ordeal, including the tactical choices that might have delayed their pursuit.

They couldn't help but wonder if their caution regarding Karma—and the decision to take the indirect path using a blessed—had given the Void Immortal the window of opportunity needed to extract Lust.

A heavy sense of regret weighed on them.

Vale, however, did not offer any criticism. He knew they had put forth their best effort and that no one could have anticipated such a high-level figure waiting in the shadows.

At the very least, Lust had been pushed to her limit, forcing the Void Immortal to reveal himself and pull her into the void. This was an unexpected development for Vale as well, but even in failure, they had gained vital intelligence.

Once the dragons finished their report, Vale rose and stared out toward the horizon.

“What became of Desmund?” he inquired.

“We rewarded his assistance with various treasures to aid his path of Cultivation. Our pact with him is concluded, and he is free to follow his own destiny.”

Though it sounded indifferent, Vale understood their perspective. They were Dragons; they were not meant to be mentors to every mortal they encountered.

Vale nodded slightly, refocusing on the primary threat.

“A Void Immortal… crossing our path… We cannot afford to be passive about this,” Vale whispered.

With those words, Vale prepared to depart the Shadow Domain.

The dragons assumed he would head straight for the western territories of the Pallham Empire, but Vale had a different strategy in mind.

“I need to track down that Void Immortal first… and for that, I must consult the Imperial Arcane Council.”

Vale was not one for reckless action.

He chose not to involve Maya in the matter of the Void Immortal, wishing to avoid putting her in a compromising position given her ties to the Church of the Lord of the Secrets.

Furthermore, despite his status as an Immortal, Vale maintained a respect for mortal protocols.

Rather than simply appearing before the Imperial Arcane Council unannounced, he dispatched a formal missive requesting an audience with their leader.

When the confirmation arrived, he didn't descend in a display of raw power. Instead, he arrived via a majestic airship from the Shadow Domain.

The vessel touched down at the Imperial Capital, its dark hull adorned with glowing draconic runes.

His arrival naturally drew a massive crowd.

The local citizens spoke in hushed, reverent tones; it was a rare spectacle to see an Immortal arrive with such traditional pomp.

Vale stepped off the ship with composure, aided by the various Automatons and crew members of the vessel.

He was soon led by the Imperial Guard into the massive hall of the Imperial Arcane Council.

This Council was a different entity altogether compared to the Arcane Bureau or the Arcanist Guild.

It wasn't a collection of academics or merchants, but a body established by the decree of an ancient emperor of the Pallham Empire—the most powerful human nation on the continent.

Inside the grand chamber, the Council’s leadership awaited Vale.

Among them was Seraphis Dorne, the Council's head and its only Half-Immortal, a man renowned for his expertise in Soul Binding.

Beside him sat Grand Arcanist Calvus Ren, a stern, silver-haired figure who had mastered numerous Elemental Paths.

Grand Arcanist Helena was present as well, a master of both Psychic and Mystic Arts.

Grand Arcanist Nataniel, a scarred warrior at the pinnacle of Combat Arts, sat nearby.

Lastly, there was Grand Arcanist Natasha, the Council's youngest member. She was a master Alchemist and the primary reason for Vale's visit.

The five sat in a semi-circle, their eyes locked on Vale as he approached.

“Immortal Vale,” Seraphis Dorne began, his voice carrying a mix of respect and inquisitiveness. As a Half-Immortal, he was the only one with the standing to address Vale so directly.

“It is a rare occasion for a person of your stature to visit us. One would think your duties at the Marshall Academy would keep you occupied, especially since we have sent our own bright talents to train under you.”

Vale acknowledged the compliment with a polite nod, aware of the Council’s skilled Dark Arts Practitioners.

“Their presence is appreciated, and they represent the Academy well. However, my visit today concerns a different matter.”

The Council members traded glances.

Calvus Ren leaned in. “Then tell us. Why has an Immortal sought us out?”

They were genuinely perplexed. Vale’s request had mentioned needing their assistance, but they couldn't fathom what they could offer that the Shadow Domain lacked.

It was a riddle they couldn't solve, despite their many theories.

Vale noticed their bafflement and allowed a small smile to form.

“I have come because you hold the key to something I require. I need your assistance in locating the Void Immortals.”

A sudden silence gripped the room.

Helena’s brow furrowed. “Locate… the Void Immortals? That is a feat beyond reach. Even Half-Immortals cannot track them once they retreat into the void. They exist in a realm beyond mortal perception.”

Nathaniel let out a short laugh. “You must be joking. We are merely Grand Arcanists, not Immortals. What you ask is impossible for us.”

Throughout this, Seraphis remained quiet, his mind racing. He quickly grasped Vale’s true intention, though he wondered how Vale had uncovered such a secret.

Ignoring the skepticism of the others, Vale looked directly at the Half-Immortal.

“I believe the task is possible, provided you allow me to utilize your Arcana.”

The Council members went still.

They were well aware of Seraphis’s Arcana. It was a multifaceted tool, primarily used for the protection of the Empire.

Indeed, this specific Arcana had been their shield during several incursions by Chaos Immortals.

However, they doubted it could be used to hunt a Void Immortal. While it was a mysterious artifact born from the world itself, it was not without its constraints.

All true Arcana are natural births of the realm—not forged by hands, but bestowed by the world. They possess immense power, but they always demand a price.

“Is such a thing truly feasible?” Nathaniel whispered.

But seeing the look on Seraphis’s face, they realized Vale might be right.

Seraphis then shifted his gaze toward Natasha.

“You are the current bearer of that Arcana… what is your assessment?” Seraphis asked. To the shock of the others, she nodded slowly.

“That Arcana… I believe it can be tuned to find a Void Immortal. However, the cost is the user’s own soul energy… it drains one's very life force,” Natasha explained.

This heavy price was why the item was kept hidden. It was no simple tool.

Vale, however, sensed that she was merely setting the stage for a bargain.

By explaining the difficulty instead of giving a flat refusal, she was signaling that she wanted something in exchange for this service.