Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1201 1201: Bats

'Is this still not enough?' Aurion mused, his eyes sweeping over the remaining crowd.

Even though a large portion of the protesters had begun to retreat from the gates following the Celestial's declaration, one mother moved to the front. For some reason, she remained deeply hesitant.

"But… what if that Evil Spirit comes back? What if we are attacked again?"

The onlookers sensed that this woman was driven by genuine fear, unlike the others who might have been paid to cause a scene. Her bravery emboldened a few more to stay. After all, those who were hired worried they wouldn't receive their full payment if they abandoned their posts too early.

Aurion remained indifferent to their motives as he shifted his focus toward her.

"Should they return, they will be met by waiting guardians. Vale has personally pledged to defend this city, and my presence here serves as a testament to that oath. No harm shall befall your children while the Academy stands as their shield."

"Talk is cheap," another man whispered. "How can we be certain you are telling the truth?"

His voice was feeble, betraying his fear of confronting a Celestial.

In response, Aurion lifted his hand, casting a gentle radiance that washed over the entire courtyard.

The parents felt their tension dissolve, their suspicions quieted by the warmth of his aura. This was no spell of manipulation, but a subtle anchor of safety—a form of divine reassurance.

"You already know the truth in your hearts," Aurion spoke softly.

"Vale protected this city from the Chaos Immortals. He has triumphed over threats far more formidable than these Spirits. Do not allow terror to obscure what has already been proven. Have faith in the Academy, have faith in Vale, and have faith in the potential of your own children."

Silence fell as the remaining parents traded looks.

Eventually, those with sincere concerns felt their resentment replaced by peace. A few even lowered their heads, feeling a sense of shame for their previous demands.

Observing this change, Aurion lowered his arm and stepped back.

"Go back to your homes. Allow your children to resume their Cultivation. This Academy shall endure even if besieged by Evil Immortals. When the day comes, you will witness for yourselves that this institution has assembled the greatest powers on the continent."

The crowd, now fully pacified, began to scatter.

Within moments, the area cleared, leaving only a handful of lingering journalists who were unsure how to frame the event in their reports.

The chaos had been quelled—not through physical violence, but through the sheer weight of Aurion's presence and rhetoric.

From the balcony of the Headmaster’s office, Vale’s Avatar watched the scene unfold. A slight smile touched his face, pleased with how Aurion had managed the crisis.

"Aurion… you have performed excellently."

However, Vale knew in his heart that this was merely the opening move.

The enemy’s desperation to spread discord suggested they were rushing toward a specific goal.

Even so, he was confident that such tactics would never be enough to topple his Academy.

***

A quiet week passed. The tension outside the Academy gates evaporated, and the people of Clovis City regained their composure. Lisa remained secluded within the still-sealed Dark Arts Tower, yet Marshall Academy’s operations proceeded without delay.

By this time, the majority of elite students had successfully mastered the three Foundational Spells of their respective Arcane Branches. This milestone signified their growth from novices to practitioners ready to utilize their arts in the real world.

Among the first-year cohort of the Psychic Arts Branch, three individuals stood out prominently.

Zhang Wei, Mica Sato, and Liang Chen—all of whom hailed from the east and were recruited by Lisa’s Vampire Knights—were the top of their class.

The foundational curriculum of the Psychic Arts included Mind Shock, a basic offensive spell that emits a pulse of mental energy to break an opponent's focus. It was primarily used to stagger enemies or interrupt their concentration during a fight.

Next was Thought Link, a utility spell facilitating short-range telepathic communication between comrades. It was a vital tool for coordination during dangerous missions and team combat.

Finally, there was Mental Barrier. This defensive technique constructs a psychic wall around the user's mind, offering protection against illusions, mental intrusion, or magical fear.

"I’ve heard we are finally eligible to take on missions," Zhang Wei, famous for his family's Mind Pierce Spell, whispered to his teammates.

Mica Sato, a specialist in Clairvoyant Echo—a spell that allowed her to detect hidden entities and anticipate movements—nodded in agreement.

"We have mastered the three Foundational Spells. That should grant us the necessary clearance," she remarked.

Liang Chen, whose expertise in Mental Bind allowed him to pin targets with pure psychic weight, also chimed in.

"We need the income. This path is far too costly! I used to think the Alchemy Path was the most expensive, but I never imagined the Psychic Arts, which relies only on the mind, would be this draining on our wallets."

Despite their financial struggles, the trio was recognized as the strongest in their year.

Their teachers frequently praised their synergy. Wei's authority within his Magic Zone, Mica’s defensive intuition, and Liang’s sheer mental force created a perfect balance.

Soon, they received confirmation that they could accept a mission from a professor.

Because they had mastered the essential Psychic Arts spells, they were finally authorized to operate outside the Academy walls.

Professor Jamie of the Psychic Arts Department called them to the mission hall after reviewing their application.

"The three of you have reached the required level. The Academy is confident in your ability to use your skills in the field. Your inaugural mission will take place right here in Clovis City. A merchant has complained of disturbances near the eastern district. The police have confirmed reports of shadows that cause mental instability. While the city guard suspects Rogue Arcanists or remnants of Evil Spirits, they lack proof. This is where your Psychic Arts will be put to the test."

Liang Chen’s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Finally, a chance to show what we can do."

Mica Sato looked concerned. "If these are the leftovers of Evil Spirits, it won't be easy. Their corruption persists long after they are gone."

Zhang Wei remained composed. "That is exactly why we are the ones being sent. Our spells are tailored to find and neutralize mental corruption. Success here will prove that the Psychic Arts Branch is a force to be reckoned with."

Professor Jamie handed over the mission scrolls. "Keep in mind, this isn't just about using raw power. It is a test of discipline. Coordinate with each other and never underestimate your target."

Jamie neglected to mention that an assistant professor would be shadowing them in secret, ready to intervene only if their lives were in jeopardy.

The three students bowed in unison. "Understood, Professor."

As they exited the hall, they were followed by the envious and admiring gazes of their peers. Being selected for a mission so early in their first year was a rare honor.

"Let's get to work!"

"I can't believe we're finally leaving the grounds!"

"Just don't go spending anything at the night market! We have to be frugal!"

For Zhang Wei, Mica Sato, and Liang Chen, this was more than a task. It was their first step in upholding the Academy's reputation and potentially earning a spot to represent Marshall Academy in the continental tournament.

But first, they had to solve their money problems.

While the Academy provided for their tuition, board, and basic supplies, the Psychic Arts Branch required specialized resources that the school did not fully cover.

For the trio, the financial reality was a heavy burden.

Cultivating mental energy required rare and pricey materials.

Since they utilized Mental Energy, pushing themselves too hard could lead to severe cognitive fatigue or brain damage.

They required specialized incense, crystalline focus stones, and meditation rooms saturated with draconic essence to speed up their progress. These were luxuries that even the main Psychic Arts Faction or Farrel Academy struggled to provide in abundance.

The Academy only granted access to such high-tier resources to upperclassmen or those who proved their worth through missions.

Liang Chen often lamented the prices. "Do you have any idea what a vial of Mind Essence Extract costs in town? It's enough to feed a person for a week! And we use an entire bottle in just one night of training."

Mica Sato sighed. She had arrived with savings, but she hadn't realized how quickly they would vanish.

"The Academy covers the fundamentals, but if we want to expand our Magic Zones or strengthen our Mental Barriers, we need those supplements. Meditation alone isn't going to cut it. Without those resources, our Cultivation will hit a wall."

Zhang Wei understood this better than anyone, given his family's history with the Psychic Arts.

"Our Cultivation is different from other branches. Holy Arts users have their prayers and rituals. Mystic Arts students use elemental stones and common reagents. But for us, everything is centered on the mind..."

As he spoke, the trio suddenly stopped, watching as hundreds of bats swarmed toward the Dark Arts Tower.