Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1236: The Competition

Swiftly, time flew by, and numerous academies had completed their setups for the forthcoming International Arcane Academy Competition.

Truth be told, Marshall Academy wasn't alone in its intense preparations for the magnificent event. Every other academy yearned to claim the spot as the World's Top Arcane Academy!

That honor held immense prestige, no doubt.

Throughout the continent, institutions from all kingdoms and empires rallied their elite pupils.

While Marshall Academy took pride in instructing all twelve Arcane Paths, plenty of academies focused solely on a single field.

Even in the Millton Kingdom, a dozen academies served as key supports for their selected disciplines.

Among them were Vermont Academy of Dark Arts, Lakrine Academy of Summoning Arts, Dorelts Academy of Mystic Arts, Rakmiths Academy of Elemental Arts, Kildare Academy of Knights, Aufidius Academy of Alchemy Arts, Adaereth Academy of Rune Arts, Lovell Academy of Beast Arts, Magrath Academy of Holy Arts, Langhorne Academy of Combat Arts, Farrel Academy of Psychic Arts, and Mortimer Academy of Transformation Arts.

Similar patterns existed in other kingdoms and empires, with each cultivating its unique powers or Arcane Paths through dedicated academies.

Yet the Solstice Kingdom stood apart.

It possessed two elite establishments... namely, the Azure Sky Academy, covering six of the twelve paths, and the Crimson Moon Academy, handling the remaining six. Combined, they embodied the height of arcane learning in Solstice.

On that particular day, inside the lofty chambers of Crimson Moon Academy, Grand Arcanist Nelia Draavos, who served as the institution's Headmaster, positioned herself in front of her gathered pupils. Her red garments glowed softly as she gazed down...

Just her aura enforced quiet among the crowd of students.

Faculty members flanked the edges of the vast auditorium, their faces displaying gravity mixed with pride.

Before her were the selected contenders, consisting of three pupils per each of the six disciplines offered at Crimson Moon: Beast Arts, Rune Arts, Holy Arts, Combat Arts, Psychic Arts, and Transformation Arts.

Every one of them was younger than fifteen, but they had all undergone trials, honing, and validation to stand for their school.

Nelia's words echoed through the space...

"Students of Crimson Moon," she started, "today you stand not just as learners of your paths, but as envoys for our realm. The International Arcane Academy Competition exceeds a simple rivalry; it shapes the destiny of Arcanists! It will challenge your abilities, your determination, and your essence. It will reveal to the world the creations of Crimson Moon."

She halted briefly, allowing her message to resonate.

"Keep this in mind... You each bear the burden of your discipline. Beast Arts, Rune Arts, Holy Arts, Combat Arts, Psychic Arts, Transformation Arts—these aren't just fields of study. They form heritages. They pulse as the core of our institution. Honor them through each incantation, each blow, each inhalation."

The pupils straightened up, their gazes alight with resolve.

Nelia motioned to the faculty.

"Your instructors have led you thus far, yet now you advance independently. The rivalry won't be simple. You've heard about Marshall Academy and its twelve paths sending out geniuses drilled in multiple areas... drilled under Immortals' direct tutelage! They'll dispatch experts sharpened to excellence. Challengers from distant empires will arrive bearing unfamiliar methods. Prepare yourselves. They may boast an Immortal guide, but they're your peers in age!"

Her voice grew gentler, yet her stare stayed steady upon the pupils...

"Shun the dread of defeat... Shun any pause! In combat, pause means loss. In rivalry, pause means disgrace. Hold your heads high with assurance! Valor will sustain you when power weakens."

The instructors agreed with nods, a few advancing to offer personal motivation. Professor Kaelen from Beast Arts advised his charges to rely on their connections to their Totems... Professor Aris of Rune Arts stressed exactness as paramount. Professor Deyra of Holy Arts emphasized faith and clarity, whereas Professor Fresca of Combat Arts insisted on order and stamina. Professor Luthien of Psychic Arts cautioned about inner fortitude, and Professor Morwen of Transformation Arts promoted flexibility.

In unison, their counsel directed the competing pupils.

At last, Nelia lifted her arm, quieting the assembly anew.

"The moment is here. The airship is ready. You'll set off to Luminara Kingdom, host of this year's event. There, at the continent's farthest east, all eyes will be on you. Display Crimson Moon's splendor."

Beyond the doors, the campus quivered as the airship came down.

Its frame sparkled with magical inscriptions...

Pupils exclaimed as the enormous craft settled on the docking area, its flags displaying the crimson moon emblem waving boldly.

The picked representatives exited the auditorium, escorted by their teachers.

Fellow students crowded the paths, shouting and gesturing in support of their academy's finest...

"Bring honor to Crimson Moon!"

"Show them the strength of Solstice!"

"Don’t let Marshall Academy overshadow us!"

The contenders climbed aboard the airship, pulses racing with excitement.

With the craft ascending heavenward, Nelia Draavos observed from the dock. Victory was certain in her mind!

"Go forth," she murmured. "And return victorious."

***

Distant in the west, Marshall Academy readied its group as well. Vale’s followers along with leading pupils had been picked...

Instructors made sure their charges were set, aware the clash would be intense.

Within Millton Kingdom, the twelve academies geared up their experts. Vermont’s shadow-wielders shrouded in darkness, Lakrine’s callers invoked companions, Rakmiths’ wielders of elements practiced amid flames and tempests, as Langhorne’s fighters sculpted their forms to ideal sharpness.

Out from the northern realms, flying ships and processions started their travels. Those crafts surpassed in size and opulence the ones from Solstice Kingdom.

In truth, Solstice's Azure Sky Academy operated a more compact airship, limited to certain numbers of contenders and staff.

Nevertheless, all believed they could triumph over age-matched Arcanists!

Moreover, the entire globe tuned in to observe!

Ultimately, the International Arcane Academy Competition transcended a mere gathering! It united the land's supreme prodigies.