Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1198 1198: Prison or Not

Confirmation from Vale's avatar came swiftly: Lisa remained within the Dark Arts Tower…

It was possible she had stumbled upon a hidden truth regarding the structure. Whatever knowledge she gained inside could likely be linked to the remaining 15 Arcane Towers.

If the Dark Arts Tower possessed the capability to behave this way, it stood to reason that the other Towers might also undergo a similar shutdown.

Regardless, the fact that the Tower chose to eject its occupants rather than imprisoning them during this transition was a positive sign. It suggested the Tower harbored no lethal intent toward the masses… perhaps it was simply holding out for the ideal candidate.

"I'm staying here to wait for Lisa's return," Vale declared.

Professor Zeno’s brow furrowed. "Wait? For how long?"

"For as long as necessary," the Avatar responded with conviction. "This is one of the sixteen Towers, and it is shrouded in enigma… If it has selected her, she will reappear once its purpose is served… and I must learn everything she discovered within."

The realization that Lisa was likely trapped inside caused a wave of anxiety to wash over the observing professors.

Despite her status as an Immortal, her Divinity was not infinite. The mortal realm suffered from a severe lack of Divinity, meaning Immortals like her were not nearly as peerless as they would be in the higher realms.

Sensing their concern, the Avatar spoke up to offer them reassurance regarding her welfare.

"Lisa possesses great strength. If the Tower chose her, it is because her will is resilient. Do not worry for her safety. Instead, worry about the secrets this Tower might unveil upon her exit."

He moved toward the barricaded entrance…

He had no intention of forcing his way in, knowing better than to oppose the Tower's will. Instead, he assumed a cross-legged position before the doors and shut his eyes.

"I will stay right here," he stated. "Until Lisa comes back."

Accepting his decision, the professors fell into a quiet hush. They realized they needed to head back to the Academy to alert the Dark Arts Students. Anyone planning to undergo a trial would have to put their schedules on hold indefinitely.

Meanwhile, the Shadow Pillars hovered in the distance, observing the events silently, though none dared to step in.

The future remained uncertain, but they would remain prepared for whatever came next.

***

In Euphemia City, the Holy Arts Tower—which Shane had relocated—had grown into a prominent landmark for the territory.

It served as a sanctum for Arcanists following the path of holy energy, drawing constant interest from both the local citizenry and students alike.

The Angel Haruo acted as its sentinel.

The reason for his appointment was obvious… his celestial wings and striking appearance made him the perfect candidate for the position, serving as both a practical guard and a powerful symbol. For the people of Euphemia, his presence was a testament to the Tower's security and Vale's far-reaching authority.

However, Haruo’s typical stoicism wavered when news arrived of the sudden transformation of the Dark Arts Tower in Clovis City...

Though he diligently instructed his disciples every single day, he found himself consumed by a sudden curiosity.

He felt a strong urge to scrap his training sessions for the day and enter the Tower immediately.

"If the Dark Arts Tower has been triggered," he whispered, staring up at the glowing architecture of the Holy Arts Tower, "then what about this place? Is it possible for this one to… transition as well?"

Without a second thought, Haruo initiated a telepathic link… connecting directly to the version of Vale currently residing in the city.

It was another of his Avatars.

"Lord Vale… I wish to go inside the Tower. If the Dark Arts Tower has initiated new trials, perhaps the Holy Arts Tower will follow suit. I want the chance to test my boundaries."

Vale’s response was immediate…

"No, Haruo. Not yet. We cannot be certain if this shift is beneficial or malevolent. The Dark Arts Tower threw everyone out, yet Lisa is still inside. I cannot permit you to take such a risk until we have a better grasp of the situation."

Haruo pulled his wings tight against his back. While he obeyed Vale’s directive, his spirit yearned for the chance to prove himself.

"As you wish," he replied. "I shall wait. Please inform me when Lady Lisa has returned."

Vale nodded, his tone becoming more gentle.

"I will… Just be patient, Haruo. One of my Avatars is currently seeking counsel from a High Immortal on this topic. We may have answers soon."

***

In the distant Millton Kingdom, an Avatar of Vale sat opposite Elder Setsuna and Elder Madoka, the two protectors of Kaela.

This particular Avatar looked different from the others, appearing as a simple merchant who had come to the city to scout investment opportunities.

Despite the disguise, he maintained a refined aura while facing the two Elders of the Shadow Realm.

"I seek your insight… What is your understanding of the Arcane Towers?"

Vale had already briefed them on the current events and shared his own knowledge. He suspected that these two Immortals, who had survived for centuries or perhaps millennia, would possess ancient information.

Setsuna looked at Madoka briefly before providing an answer.

"You are correct in your assessment. These Towers served as prisons. Their essence is far too concentrated… it feels ancient and heavy. Each structure was built to confine beings that resonated with its specific path. Certain levels were even designed to hold Immortals."

Madoka nodded in agreement…

"The confusing part is this… if their sole function was imprisonment, why do they facilitate training now? Why are they adjusting to accommodate both mortals and Immortals? That contradicts their original intent… perhaps they were never truly meant to be prisons at all."

The Avatar gave a slow nod. "That aligns with my suspicions. The Dark Arts Tower cleared everyone out but kept Lisa. It is acting with a specific goal in mind. Perhaps it is no longer accurate to view it as a jail."

Setsuna’s expression darkened. "Whether it is choosing her… or consuming her, we cannot say. But if a single Tower has begun to evolve, the rest will likely follow. What occurred in Clovis might just be the opening act."