Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1217 1217: The Headmaster's Decision

The laboratory doors flew open with a resounding crash, allowing the Arcane Bureau's agents to enter boldly, their cloaks emblazoned with the organization's emblem.

This unexpected arrival sparked a wave of disarray, as even Professor Naya pondered resisting them fiercely...

Yet Naya observed that no aggressive energy radiated from them.

While their demeanor carried an air of menace, they showed no signs of launching an assault on anyone present.

At that moment, the students halted their work abruptly, the simmering in the cauldrons echoing excessively in the hushed space.

Professor Naya advanced and at last addressed them.

"Agents? What does this invasion signify?"

The leading agent lifted his hand, speaking in a steady tone that carried undeniable resolve.

"We're here to locate a student. Vanessa from the Elemental Arts Department."

A chorus of shocked intakes of breath swept across the classroom. Eyes darted to the corner where Vanessa remained seated in silence, her hands resting atop her notes. She had always come across as ordinary, reserved, hardworking, yet utterly mediocre in all aspects. Being targeted by the Bureau left everyone stunned.

"Vanessa?" a student murmured. "She's... she's just ordinary. What could they possibly want with her?"

"Is she some kind of offender?" another voice uttered anxiously.

Vanessa's complexion drained of color as the agents drew closer.

Nevertheless, aware of their purpose, she offered no opposition, merely rising gradually with her gaze lowered. The agents positioned themselves on either side of her, guiding her toward the exit.

Professor Naya's voice sharpened with worry. "Hold on! At minimum, tell us the reason for removing her. She's under my guidance."

Yet prior to any reply from the agents, a new arrival stepped in—a woman whose mere entrance quelled all noise in the room.

Denise.

It came as no surprise that these agents gained entry to the Academy. Though Naya was aware of the alliance between the Bureau and the Shadow Domain, she felt their conduct bordered on excessive.

That said, with Denise's endorsement, such an event was entirely feasible.

Denise's presence felt straightforward and unadorned. She differed from numerous Arcanists who reveled in displaying their Arcane Energy or donning mighty Artifacts to broadcast their prestige.

She appeared as any typical Arcanist, though her features were widely recognized due to the various monuments erected in her honor...

The students identified her right away. In an instant, murmurs raced through the group.

The Mother of the Automatons... The Golem Alchemist... Vale's most trusted companion.

These were the titles she had earned through the years.

Even so, Professor Naya's eyes grew wide, unprepared for her visit here...

She had caught wind of tales linking Denise to Vale, possibly even as his romantic interest beyond Lisa and Odessa, who often visited his Tower, but the key issue at hand was her commanding influence.

Denise was not a figure one challenged without cause.

Denise scanned the room with her eyes, pausing momentarily on Vanessa before shifting to the professor. "The Bureau's operations have full approval. Vanessa faces interrogation. That's the extent of what you require."

Her words brooked no debate. Professor Naya held back her objection, dipping her head in deference.

The agents exited alongside Vanessa, leaving behind an atmosphere thick with unease, much like lingering haze.

However, Denise lingered rather than departing at once. She directed her attention to two pupils positioned up front, Rice and Ruth.

"You two," she commanded. "Accompany me."

The pair tensed up. Rice shared a quick look with Ruth...

Ruth's pulse raced wildly, never imagining this formidable personality—who had played a pivotal role in shaping the Shadow Domain—would summon her.

Both had witnessed Denise's automatons firsthand and grasped her extraordinary skill... A mix of anxiety and respect flickered across their features as they got to their feet.

Professor Naya appeared hesitant, yet she refrained from stepping in.

Denise's power rivaled Vale's own, and should she request students, Naya had no grounds to object.

Denise moved to the side, motioning for Rice and Ruth to trail behind.

"Certain details demand your direct attention..."

The classroom hummed with speculation as the two prospective disciples stood.

A few pupils eyed them with jealousy, while others showed outright apprehension. Being called by Denise marked a significant occurrence.

Ruth gripped her notes firmly, thoughts swirling chaotically. 'Why us? What could she possibly seek?'

Rice maintained a composed facade, though his hands balled into fists. 'If this concerns Vale, then matters are grave. I wonder whether acceptance awaits us now...'

In unison, they trailed Denise from the laboratory.

***

Meanwhile, the Arcane Bureau agents refrained from dragging Vanessa to some grim cell or questioning hall, contrary to the students' grim assumptions. Rather, they guided her along the expansive marble hallways of the Academy until arriving at the imposing entrance to the Headmaster's Office.

Within, Headmaster Constance stood ready to receive them.

Owing to the Academy's transformations, the chamber had evolved too, now brimming with venerable books and parchments from every Arcane Path. Its walls even displayed flags symbolizing each discipline.

Constance occupied the chair at her desk and greeted the arrivals.

The agents offered a slight bow before retreating, positioning Vanessa solitary in the room's midst.

Constance's piercing gaze examined her at length.

"Vanessa," she murmured gently. "You belong to the Elemental Arts program. However, reports have reached me... indicating you've dabbled in Void Arts as well."

Vanessa's breathing hitched. Her fingers shook as she intertwined them. "Headmaster... I—"

Constance held up a hand, cutting her off. "Deny nothing. Traces of Void resonance appear in your aura. They're subtle, yet undeniable. The issue isn't your pursuit of it... but the source of your knowledge."

Originally, the intent had been to bide time until the Void Immortal or an associate of the Immortal reached out to her.

But following the vanishing of Lust, among the Seven Sin Entities, aided by the Void Immortal, adjustments to their strategy became necessary!

Silence enveloped the space.

Vanessa dropped her eyes. Accepting there was no escape, she breathed out softly. "I... I never intended to conceal it. I simply sought comprehension. The Elemental Arts seemed lacking to me. I uncovered scraps... ancient records... concealed in my family's basement archives... and began exploring them."

Constance's brow furrowed, displeased by the response she received.