Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1195: The Weakest Immortal

"We shall utilize our researchers to release specialized 'critiques" regarding the occurrence. Our narrative will claim that the Academy's defensive formations are fundamentally broken, and that Vale's dependence on such a defective Formation proves his personal inability to safeguard his pupils."

Dorian spoke in a low tone, already mentally drafting the instructions for his media outlets.

Nelia gave a firm nod. "Furthermore, we will incentivize the minor academies to support our agenda… If a sufficient number of voices challenge Vale, even his immense prestige won't be enough to suppress them."

In that moment, the two competing headmasters found common ground. Their shared animosity toward Vale had transformed into a refined blade, honed by the subtle manipulation of the Void Immortal.

Relaxing into his seat, Dorian finally experienced a sense of triumph. "Let the public perceive the Marshall Academy as a failing institution. Once the seeds of skepticism are planted, they will propagate more rapidly than any Evil Spirit."

"Vale snatched our students away," Nelia remarked in agreement. "In return, we shall dismantle his future. This is merely the opening move."

***

Following the assault, the Marshall Academy acted with urgency to re-establish stability.

Faculty members and healers labored without pause, escorting students into restorative circles while reinforcing the Formation Circles and Barriers that had been pushed to their limits during the conflict.

Despite being rattled by the events, a number of students insisted on participating in the recovery efforts.

Galatea and Irene, still under the protection of their Sovereign Artifacts, supported the medical staff by activating other Artifacts powered by holy energy to bolster the healing formations. Elsewhere, students of the Dark Arts who had successfully fought off possession volunteered for sentry duty, patrolling the corridors to ensure no stray spirits remained.

The Academy Council met without delay to formulate strategies for enhancing their security.

Fresh barrier formations were integrated with the existing defenses, and the Dragon Guardians were called upon to keep watch over the Academy from the skies.

Wards of the Shadow Immortal were stationed at the entrances, and Asura battle formations were organized in anticipation of a potential second siege.

Even with the recent turmoil, the Academy remained a dominant force…

However, Vale understood that raw power was insufficient; the public required confidence.

Eventually, an Avatar of Vale decided it was time to consult with Jody Lombarde.

Under the cover of night and veiled in shadows, one of Vale's Avatars departed from the Academy grounds…

His journey took him to a different city within the Shadow Domain, where the towering headquarters of The New Era Chronicle dominated the skyline.

Jody Lombarde, the editor-in-chief, sat in a top-floor office surrounded by stacks of literature and shimmering crystals. Her gaze was intense as her quill flew across the parchment, editing various manuscripts.

When the Avatar made his entrance, she glanced up, showing only a flicker of surprise before a look of recognition crossed her face.

"Vale… or a version of you, at least. It has been many weeks since our last encounter. What brings you to my door at such an hour?"

She questioned him, though she possessed an inkling of his purpose…

The Avatar offered a small smile. "Jody, I have come to ask for a favor. I would not trouble you if the situation weren't dire."

Jody was already prepared to assist him. Nevertheless, she found it gratifying that an Immortal Being was personally seeking her help.

Such a scenario would have been unthinkable in the past.

Recognizing the significance, she decided to maintain the formality of the interaction.

"Is the matter so grave that the Shadow Immortal himself must dispatch an Avatar? That is quite unusual. Tell me."

As the Avatar drew closer, he completely suppressed his Divinity, ensuring she would not feel the crushing weight of his aura.

"The Academy was besieged. Evil Spirits managed to penetrate our perimeter… We repelled them without suffering any casualties, yet the damage to our image is significant… I am certain that rumors will propagate and skepticism will take hold. Various factions will doubt the Academy's safety. I require your assistance to manage the public narrative."

Jody arched an eyebrow. "You want me to report on this? Vale, you are well aware that my publications reach far beyond the borders of this realm. What specific message do you wish for me to convey?"

A faint light flickered in the Avatar's eyes.

"Provide them with the truth… but frame it in a manner that rebuilds confidence. Report that the Academy survived the onslaught without losing a single life. State that our security is more formidable than ever, bolstered by Dragons, Shadow Immortals, Asura Warriors, Angels, and even those who command Time. Let the world understand that the Academy is not merely guarded… it is an impregnable stronghold for every path of cultivation."

Jody tapped her quill against the wood of her desk, processing the revelations he had provided.

While she was aware of the other entities, the mention of Time Manipulators was a fresh piece of information.

"That is a daring move. You are prepared to disclose all of that… and you want me to depict the Academy as a hub of cooperation, protected by every conceivable power. Dragons in the air, Angels within the corridors, Asura on the front lines, and Time Manipulators observing the threads of destiny… It creates a very compelling image."

She whispered the words, already visualizing the structure of her article.

The Avatar gave a nod of confirmation.

"Precisely. The public must believe that enrolling their children here is a distinct honor rather than a gamble. They must see the Academy as a force superior to any faction or kingdom. If we fail to act, we will fall right into the traps set by our adversaries, who will surely spread falsehoods. They will claim that Vale is a magnet for disaster and that my Divinity invites peril. We cannot permit that narrative to prevail."

Vale's Avatar explained, having realized that the goal of the Evil Spirits was not to destroy them, but to expose the Academy's perceived vulnerabilities.

In that sense, the enemy had succeeded. Many of the resident Immortals had been occupied elsewhere—some lost in deep research, others secluded in the Arcane Towers, or tied to specific locations by their rituals.

Jody nodded slowly, finding his logic sound…

"I understand… You intend to fight their fire with light. I will publish accounts of endurance, of brotherhood, and of the protection provided by Immortals. This message will go beyond our neighbors and reach across the entire continent."

"Correct," the Avatar replied resolutely. "Utilize the Chronicle to reach the nobility, the guilds, the merchant class, and even academies abroad. Let them read that the Marshall Academy continues to ascend… and that we have identified the instigator, ensuring such an event never recurs."

Jody let out a quiet laugh. "You always had a knack for requesting the impossible. However… I find the idea appealing. It is inspiring without being overly theatrical, and it should effectively silence the critics. I expect this edition will be quite popular… Regardless, I will handle the writing personally. The first copies will be ready by sunrise. By next week, every major city will be reading about the resilience of Vale's Academy."

The Avatar's gaze softened. "I appreciate it, Jody. I knew you were the right person to ask. Even though our lives have taken different turns, I value the power of your quill more than any blade."

***

Earlier, while the Academy was under siege and the majority of its Immortals were absent, one among them was secluded within the Dark Arts Tower. This was Lisa, the Vampire Immortal…

Lisa frequently viewed herself as the second least powerful within Vale's inner circle of Immortals. In her mind, she was only a step above Magnus, the Human Immortal. While her vampire heritage granted her incredible speed, durability, and the instincts of a predator, her abilities felt lackluster when compared to the draconic strength of Chad, the Asura's battle-lust, the holy light of the Angels, or the Time Manipulators' control over fate.

This sense of inadequacy was what had led her to this place.

The Dark Arts Tower served as a gauntlet of trials.

The initial six levels were intended for the students, guiding them from the rank of novice up to Grandmaster. However, the levels beyond that were reserved strictly for Immortals. Each subsequent floor acted as a crucible, challenging not only one's power but the very core of their soul.

Lisa had recently finished the 7th floor.

Currently, she sat in a meditative posture at the center of a room filled with crimson vapor, working to regain her vitality…

Hours of deep focus had allowed her to assimilate the energy of the trials, which had included visions of hopelessness, bloodline-eroding curses, and shadow beasts that thrived on terror. She had overcome every obstacle.

After a few more hours had passed, her breathing leveled out, and she opened her eyes.

"It is finished… The 7th floor has been conquered."

Rest was not an option, however, as the Tower required constant advancement.

Before long, she stood before the next challenge.

The entrance to the 8th floor materialized in front of her…

Lisa stepped toward it, her cloak brushing the floor behind her. As she placed her hand on the door, the locking mechanism began to turn.

A sudden shiver traveled down her spine.

She sensed immediately that the danger level had spiked…

"I am uncertain of what lies ahead…" she murmured to herself.

The 7th floor had been a test of her grit. She suspected the 8th would probe something more fundamental—perhaps the nature of her very bloodline or her resolve to maintain her status as an Immortal despite her self-doubt.

The door swung open with a heavy groan, exposing a set of stairs that spiraled upward into the gloom.

Initially, she assumed the staircase was a straightforward path.

Yet, with every stride, the air seemed to grow heavier… and by the time she reached her fifth step, she felt her vampiric essence beginning to churn.

She didn't feel a surge of power; instead, it was clear that her Divinity and Vampiric Essence were being put to the test!

However, this sensation was brief…

Upon taking her sixth step, the world around her suddenly transformed!