Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1204: The Candidate

"There are no Spirits. A rogue Arcanist was behind the disturbances. Being wounded, he utilized various spells and talismans to keep people at a distance while he recovered. He no longer poses a threat to this district."

The merchant blinked in surprise before letting out a heavy sigh of relief. "So it wasn't Spirits… thank the heavens. I don't care what his deal was, as long as my customers stop fleeing. But where has he gone?"

Zhang Wei presented the mission scroll, which now bore their official seal. "We have sent him away… The Academy will manage the remaining details. You can inform your neighbors that the problem is solved. Just sign here to confirm our mission completion… Naturally, we will remain in the area for the next two days. Should any further issues arise, we will be here to settle them immediately."

The merchant was overjoyed when the three students promised to stay in the district for two more days to monitor the situation.

"That is wonderful! With Arcanists like you nearby, the people will feel safe once more," he remarked, bowing with gratitude before heading back to his shop.

However, for Zhang Wei, Mica Sato, and Liang Chen, public safety was never their primary objective.

Those two days represented an opportunity to explore, observe, and accumulate more resources.

With the task finished, they vanished into the city streets, disappearing into the evening crowds.

Clovis City was immense, its various districts packed with taverns, shops, and markets catering to every Arcane Path. For the trio, this was a chance they couldn't miss.

"Finally," Liang Chen grumbled as they stepped into a crowded tavern, "a decent meal outside the Academy walls."

They ordered simple fare… rice, roasted meat, and herbal broth. Even in this setting, their talk inevitably returned to cultivation.

"These dishes are acceptable," Mica noted, stirring her bowl, "but they lack the specific herbs we require. I really want that ginseng as soon as possible. Without such aids, meditation is far slower."

Zhang Wei nodded in agreement. "Which is why we need money. We must earn a significant amount of points this time to exchange for the resources we need."

After their meal, they headed toward the cluster of shops in the eastern district.

One boutique specialized in diverse Arcane Stones, while another focused on incense and powders. The trio scanned shelves filled with crystals, paper talismans, and jars containing rare herbs.

As anticipated, since the Arcane Path had been opened to the public, Arcane Shops were appearing more frequently. Furthermore, the production of Philosopher's Elixirs was becoming more efficient.

Soon, the group entered a particular shop selling items favored by Psychic Arts and Transformation Arts Practitioners.

The establishment was named the Mind and Body Shop. It was a well-known store focusing exclusively on those two Arcane Paths, so it was natural that the three wished to browse its wares.

Liang Chen picked up a displayed vial and checked the price tag…

"Mind Essence Extract. A single bottle costs more than a week's allowance."

Mica frowned at the cost. "Remember that Farrel Academy only provides its top students one elixir per month. We will never keep pace if we rely solely on the Academy. Still, it is already impressive that we receive five or so a month from them."

Zhang Wei sighed as he replaced the vial. "This is why missions are vital. Every coin and point we secure goes right back into our cultivation…"

After checking the current market rates for items they would eventually need, they exited the shop.

The city's lanterns began to glow more intensely as night arrived. Crowds moved past them as merchants closed their stalls, guards maintained their patrols, and children finally headed home.

It was then, while turning down a quieter alley near another Psychic supply store, that they spotted him.

A young man was walking alone with an earnest look, carrying a modest bag of herbs and talismans. His presence seemed ordinary at first, but he was a familiar face.

Mica stopped in her tracks. "Wait… isn't that Cielo?"

Liang Chen turned his head and nodded.

"The orphan. The one who achieved awakening through a Philosopher's Elixir."

Zhang Wei’s voice remained steady, but his eyes grew sharp.

"Yes. And rumors say Vale is considering taking him as a disciple."

Word had apparently spread that Vale intended to accept disciples—one for each of the twelve paths.

"If those rumors are true, then this common boy might become our rival." Mica sighed, knowing they needed to become Vale's disciples themselves. At the very least, one of their group had to succeed.

The three traded looks, their previous talk of resources now shifting into a new tactical calculation.

Cielo was mediocre in spellcasting, Spirit Strands, and Magic Zone. He possessed no inherited techniques or family legacies. All his knowledge originated from the Academy. Yet, his raw Mental Energy was undeniable… it was potent, unrefined, and perfectly suited for the Psychic Path.

That was his sole advantage, but it was the most vital one.

Liang Chen whispered, "He is indeed a prime candidate. But outside the Academy… he is vulnerable."

As he spoke, he looked toward his two companions…

Mica shook her head, sensing it might be too risky to take direct action here.

"We don't need to do anything extreme. Just a few pranks… What do you think?" Zhang added.

"Hmm… He believes that hard work alone will be enough. Perhaps we can teach him a lesson."

Zhang Wei couldn't suppress a smile upon hearing this.

"Then let us go greet him."

***

The three approached Cielo with polite grins, hiding their actual motives.

"Cielo," Zhang Wei called out smoothly, "we didn't expect to run into you here. What brings you to the eastern district?"

Cielo looked up, appearing startled but happy to see familiar classmates.

He was well aware of these three and their reputations as talents in their class.

"Ah, Zhang Wei, Mica, Liang! I'm here on a mission as well. Since I have mastered the three foundational spells, the Academy permitted me to take one."

Mica tilted her head, acting curious. "Really? What sort of mission?"

Cielo paused for a second before replying honestly. "It’s… a bit complex... I’ve been tasked to assist a man who has lost his mind. The guards claim he is usually harmless, but his episodes can be dangerous. My job is to stabilize him using Psychic Arts, easing his mind to prevent him from harming himself or others."

Liang Chen gave a faint smirk. "An insane person? That sounds… quite difficult."

Zhang Wei’s eyes flashed with interest at the news…

'So if you fail, your evaluation will plummet. That would make it much harder for Vale to choose you as a disciple,' he thought.

His thoughts were mirrored by Liang and Mica.

"I hope you succeed… That sounds very challenging," Mica said.

Cielo blinked, failing to notice the hidden malice. "Well, yes… but I will give it my all. I believe effort matters."

Mica gave a sweet smile. "Then let us watch. We are curious to see how you handle it. Perhaps we might learn something as well."

Cielo nodded without any suspicion. "Of course. I don't mind. The actual mission is tomorrow. Tonight, I am just preparing the necessary herbs and talismans."

They coordinated a meeting place for the following day, settling on a quiet square near the district guard post. With the plan set, the three said their goodbyes…

However, as soon as they walked away, their smiles shifted into cold amusement.

"Perfect," Zhang Wei whispered.

"We must be subtle if we are targeting Cielo… As you know, if he fails, his prospects with Vale will disappear."

"Or," Liang Chen added with a dark tone, "we could target the patient instead to ensure he fails."

Mica let out a soft chuckle. "Tomorrow will be very interesting."

Later that night, Cielo went back to his inn. He was exhausted but resolved to finish his first mission successfully.

He sat there, holding his bag of herbs and talismans… all the items he would require for the next day.

As he stepped into his room, he froze.

He was not alone.

A woman sat quietly by the window, her presence feeling absolutely overwhelming. Her long hair seemed to glow softly in the light of the lantern…

"Miss Odessa…" Cielo whispered, identifying her at once.

He had not anticipated seeing her there.

Odessa, one of the Half-Immortals, turned her eyes toward him.

She was renowned for her expertise in both Mystic Arts and Rune Arts, and more importantly, she served as a trusted representative of Vale himself.

However, Cielo had first heard of her back when she was the Royal Mage known as the Sky's Strongest, serving the royalty of the Millton Kingdom.

"You have grown," she remarked softly, her voice holding a hint of warmth…

"I came to check on your preparations. Vale is watching you, Cielo. He wishes to see if you can succeed in this task."

Cielo’s heart began to pound. "Lord Vale… is truly considering me?"

Odessa nodded. "Yes. But you must understand, the Psychic Path is full of peril. Many who walk it lose their way. You must prove not just your power, but your heart. Tomorrow's mission is more than just an Academy test. It is a test from Vale."

Cielo swallowed hard, a fire of determination in his eyes. "Then I will not fail."

Odessa’s lips curled into a slight smile. "Good."

She was genuinely pleased, knowing full well that over 90% of those who practiced Psychic Arts ended up as psychopaths…