Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1225: The Condition

Silence enveloped the onlookers as they verified the fight's conclusion at last.

Eryn towered steadfastly, his treant shape bearing wounds yet remaining whole. The foliage draped over his shoulders whispered softly with his breath...

Before long, his verdant gaze softened into human serenity.

He gazed upon the trio of bowed talents—Amaya, Vin, and Brannic—their perspiration still falling while their fiendish shapes faded into mist.

Throughout his existence, Eryn had endured countless clashes, yet this marked his initial encounter with demons—or more precisely, pupils who had morphed into demonic states. Though not as formidable as genuine fiends, their assaults bore a taint of corruption, their teamwork was merciless, and their aura proved disturbing. Rather than dread, however, Eryn experienced an odd respect.

A subtle smile crossed his face, even as his features stayed resolute.

"You three... I like your spirit. It is a pity you lack the energy to show your full strength. But remember this, you will become strong, so you have to learn how to control this demonic power. I hope you all find a good teacher. You gave me a good fight."

Murmurs surged among the spectators once more, yet this round lacked turmoil. Reverence, jealousy, and intrigue spread across the Transformation Arts learners.

As Amaya, Vin, and Brannic rose unsteadily, a swarm of peers encircled them.

"How did you do that?" one inquired with keen interest.

"Where did you get Demon Blood?" another demanded.

"Was it from the black market? Or ruins?"

"Tell us! Tell us how you obtained Demon Essence!"

The trio of talents shared fatigued looks. Their forms felt sapped, their thoughts weary too. No vigor remained for explanations, and they harbored no desire to unveil their mysteries.

Amaya shook her head. "Not now. We’re tired."

Vin also waved his hands. "We can’t tell you."

Brannic also ignored them and spoke in a stern voice. "Enough. Let us rest."

The learners retreated with reluctance, their gazes alight with unresolved queries.

In the Transformation Arts display they had unleashed, all recognized that Demon Blood by itself fell short. To achieve a true demonic shift at such depths, Demon Essence proved essential too. Blood delivered the primal force, but Essence infused the spirit, the drives, the decay that perfected the shape.

Lacking Essence, such shifts turned volatile, mere superficial imitations.

Yet within the mortal domain, securing Essence from superior entities or monsters bordered on unattainable.

Typical pupils depended on ties, mentors, or backers linked to alternate planes teeming with mighty creatures. Solely faction elites could breach those divides, and they shielded their valuables fiercely.

For average learners, just two routes existed... The forgotten ruins, where echoes of beasts and demons occasionally persisted, or the black market, trading blood and essence for outrageous sums. Each path brimmed with peril. Ruins bristled with snares or hexes, while the black market swarmed with deceivers, bandits, and assassins.

That Amaya, Vin, and Brannic had secured both Demon Blood and Demon Essence stood as a sheer marvel. No surprise, then, that their fellows yearned fiercely for the method.

Thus, the session wrapped up as the Professor dismissed the lesson... Even so, thoughts of his pupils' feats lingered in his mind.

"I hope Lord Vale can give us the Blood and Essence that we need soon." Professor Paterson muttered.

***

On the following morning, the trio of talents stirred to a deluge of summons.

Emissaries from elite families delivered ornate missives. Representatives from major groups arrived bearing vows of riches, guidance, and honor.

Every summons followed the identical pattern...

It ran something like this. Amaya recited yet another note aloud, her tone laced with astonishment. "The House of Varis offers us estates and servants if we pledge ourselves."

Vin flung another scroll away. "The Crimson Serpent Guild promises rare beast blood and essence."

Brannic snorted, crumpling a document in his grip. "The Iron Legion wants me to be their future champion. What in the world are they thinking?! I’m only twelve?!"

"Well... We will be considered adults in three more years." Vin chuckled.

Nevertheless, they dismissed every one.

"We’re still too young," Amaya declared resolutely. "And we already know who we want to follow."

Vin nodded. "Vale. The Shadow Immortal. He is the only patron worthy of us."

Brannic’s molten eyes gleamed. "We’ll be his disciples. No one else. But if I’m the only one accepted, you shouldn’t get jealous. I will not forget the two of you."

"Dream on..." Amaya muttered.

Vale embodied legend, a name murmured across all groups. The Shadow Immortal ranked as the mightiest Arcanist, wielding abilities defying understanding. He served essentially as the guardian of geniuses.

To claim discipleship under him meant ascending to glory.

***

Three days onward, with twilight claiming the sky, Professor Paterson called them forth.

"Ahem..."

Excitement danced in his features, though he strove to temper it.

"You three have caused quite a stir," he said. "I heard that various nobles, guilds, and factions came forward... they all want you. But you ignored them."

Amaya nodded. "Yes."

"Professor, you know who we wanted to follow." Vin added.

Brannic nodded.

Paterson regarded them at length, then inclined his head.

"Very well. I have spoken with Vale’s Avatar. He has actually thought of accepting all three of you. It’s something he hasn’t done with any other Arcane Path."

The three went still, pulses racing.

"Vale will accept you as disciples," Paterson continued slowly, "but only under one condition."

Tension thickened the atmosphere. Nearby pupils pressed closer, eager to catch the words.

"What condition?" Amaya asked, her voice quivering with eagerness.

The two also looked intently at the professor. They were all willing to do anything in order to be accepted by Vale!