Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1199: The Strongest Academy

With a heavy sigh, Vale accepted that no further information regarding the enigmatic Arcane Towers could be gathered from others.

'I suppose there is nothing else to do... it has turned into a waiting game,' Vale contemplated.

Since even the High Immortals possessed limited knowledge, he simply had to adjust to the situation...

The Elders of the Shadow Realm merely confirmed his existing suspicions: these Towers had served as ancient prisons and possessed various other hidden functions.

Nevertheless, he remained optimistic about Lisa’s safety. Her thralls and blood servants showed no signs of distress. Had she perished, these subordinates would have withered or died, with the exception of her Vampire Knights, who shared a different bond. Their unshaken strength served as definitive proof that Lisa survived within the Tower's walls.

It was possible she was facing trials far more grueling than any he had personally encountered.

'I am certain I reached the peak floor... yet I never faced such a phenomenon. Could it be because I attempted to extract its energy?' Vale let out a soft chuckle, remembering the actions of his original body during his previous entry into the Dark Arts Tower.

While he had successfully harvested a massive amount of energy back then, he had restrained himself since the Arcane Tower held immense value. At the time, he had merely been driven by curiosity regarding what he could extract.

In retrospect, the Tower likely perceived him as a genuine threat during that encounter...

For the time being, Vale handed down a series of strict commands. No other Immortals were permitted to step foot inside the fifteen remaining Arcane Towers.

The danger was simply too high.

Conversely, students were still allowed to utilize the initial four floors for their Cultivation and training. These specific levels had remained stable for decades without any recorded anomalies. Vale surmised that Lisa had somehow crossed a hidden threshold, which in turn triggered the Tower's sudden transformation.

Once these safety measures were established, Vale made his way back to the Academy.

He gave the order for training and classes to resume, allowing the Academy to gradually return to its normal rhythm. Although the students were still rattled, his presence and the reassurance of the professors helped restore a sense of calm.

However, this peace was shattered a mere three days later.

Various news outlets across the Shadow Domain began publishing harsh criticisms directed at the Academy.

The headlines were scathing, accusing the institution of failing to repel the Evil Spirit incursion and questioning their competence, as well as their devotion to the public good.

"The Academy's Great Failure: Evil Spirits Run Wild."

"Where Were the Professors During the Academy's Hour of Need?"

"Vale’s Marshall Academy: A Guardian or a Burden?"

These reports circulated with alarming speed. Vale suspected that agents had hired Arcanists and bards to spread these rumors in taverns, shout them in crowded markets, and stir up debates within council halls.

Concerned parents began demanding explanations. The citizens, who once held the Academy in high regard, now viewed its gates with growing distrust.

***

Tense meetings were held within the Academy walls, attended by Vale’s Avatar and the faculty.

"This situation is spiraling out of control..." Professor Dalton hissed, slamming a recent publication onto the conference table.

"They are distorting the facts," Professor Lenora remarked with bitterness. "We contained the threat to the best of our abilities. Had we not intervened, the loss of life would have been catastrophic."

"Unfortunately, perception dictates reality," Professor Zeno added with a grim expression. "If the populace believes we failed, our standing and authority will crumble."

Soon, every eye in the room turned toward Vale.

By now, the staff was aware that this was merely an Avatar. Nevertheless, his authority remained undiminished. His commands were still law.

He scanned the newspaper, finding the rhetoric somewhat intriguing. However, he noticed the repetitive phrasing, as if the articles had all been penned by a single hand.

The timing, he knew, was certainly no accident.

Finally, he broke the silence.

"Do not expend your energy on these tabloids. Simply address the parents' concerns and assure them that the Academy remains the safest place for their children, and that the perpetrators have already been dealt with..."

Vale continued to outline the necessary steps for the professors. Regardless of the current slander, they would have the chance to prove the Academy's superiority in six months during the Arcane Academy Competition, an event featuring the elite institutions of every nation.

A brief silence followed Vale’s declaration. Then, one by one, the professors’ expressions shifted. Their eyes began to glow with realization as the significance of his words took hold.

"Of course!"

Professor Dalton struck the table, nodding fervently. His voice shook with a sense of suppressed anticipation.

"That is the ultimate stage! This isn't just a local tournament; it is continental. Every major academy, from our neighbors to the most distant borders, will attend. If we demonstrate our power there..." He paused, a smirk forming on his face.

"...then no tabloid, no petty rumor, and no critic will ever dare to question our strength again."

Professor Perez from the Combat Arts Department gave a sharp nod of agreement. "Precisely. We couldn't ask for better timing. They want to drag our reputation through the dirt, but if our students dominate this event, the truth will be undeniable. The Marshall Academy will stand at the pinnacle."

Adjusting her spectacles, Professor Miriam of the Holy Arts Department voiced her support.

"The competition is relatively new, yes. The inaugural event was only a few years ago, and I recall the Marshall Academy did not attend because the Shadow Domain had not yet been recognized as a sovereign nation... but the situation has changed."

Though Miriam was a recent addition to the faculty, she was well-versed in the Academy’s history. It was a shame they hadn't been invited previously, but that era had passed.

Professor Jamie of the Psychic Arts Department wasn't convinced the Academy would suffer lasting damage from the recent events. He felt the Evil Spirit invasion hadn't truly tarnished their name, yet he appreciated the seriousness with which his colleagues were treating the matter.

"It is true... though the competition is young, it has already evolved into the most prestigious gathering for academic institutions. Victory means continental fame. If we succeed, we will silence the skeptics forever."