Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1237: The Media

When Cici reached the bustling city of Dravemont in the Luminara Kingdom, excitement was already in the air.

'Miss Jody... I won't let you down!' Cici whispered to herself, thinking back to her mentor, Jody Lombarde.

Moments later, she scanned her environment.

The Luminara Kingdom's capital had turned into a dazzling arcane celebration, with streets adorned by colorful banners, squares packed with merchants offering magical gadgets, and skies swarming with airships arriving from all over the continent.

Adjusting her glasses, Cici exited the carriage, clutching her notebook tightly.

As a journalist for the Vale’s Echo, the leading publication in Vale’s Shadow Country and owned by Jody Lombarde's old ally, she was ready for action.

Joining her were two fellow reporters: Rynel, the witty columnist famous for his sharp opinions, and Marra, the eager photographer whose magical camera could vividly record aura traces.

Assigned to report on the International Arcane Academy Competition, the group understood the high importance of the event.

Far beyond a simple student tournament, it represented a gathering of countries, a display of creativity, and a clash for honor.

Each academy vied for the prestigious title of Supreme Arcane Academy, while every news outlet hungered for the story that would shape the year.

Competition among the press was already intense.

Journalists from the Dravemont Herald, the Continental Gazette, and the Arcane Times elbowed for spots in the central square, exchanging gossip and bits of intel.

'Have you heard?' one yelled. 'Rakmiths Academy of Elemental Arts boasts a genius who summons a superior Lava Spirit. His name's Laethorn Pyrrhus, and he's just fourteen!'

A rival reporter fired back, 'That's minor. Vermont Academy of Dark Arts is putting forward Devan Marron. Rumor has it he conquered three banned curses before turning fifteen.'

'Wow... Apparently, forbidden spells are permitted this round... This is going to be thrilling.'

Cici jotted down notes rapidly, her pen flying over the paper. These figures would be crucial. Readers devoured tales of young talents forging their paths to glory.

Rynel bent in, whispering, 'Remember the rumors. Supposedly, prizes for the leading student in every Arcane Path feature Sovereign-grade artifacts, scarce immortal blood, and bits of divine essence. If accurate, this event dwarfs all previous ones.'

Marra clicked a shot of the lively square, her special lens seizing the shimmer of symbols carved on the city's barriers.

'Check out this spot,' she remarked. 'The setup is all fresh. Luminara's builders created a rune network that balances aura throughout the capital. It's as if the entire city has transformed into a grand stage.'

The team ventured further into the throng, collecting murmurs and pieces of news wherever possible...

***

From Lovell Academy of Beast Arts, word came of Siera Wildclaw, a girl who had linked with a griffin totem bearing noble lineage.

From Adaereth Academy of Rune Arts, tales circulated about Thalos Inkspire, a youth who devised an original rune pattern boosting spells by thirty percent.

Cici's notebook brimmed rapidly...

Laethorn Pyrrhus (Rakmiths, Elemental Arts) - Lava Spirit summoner.

Devan Marron (Vermont, Dark Arts) - Forbidden curses prodigy.

Siera Wildclaw (Lovell, Beast Arts) - Griffin bond.

Thalos Inkspire (Adaereth, Rune Arts) - Rune innovator.

'Hmm... Some of this info isn't fresh. Our crew in the Millton Kingdom had details on a few already.' Cici said softly.

Regardless, additional names surfaced...

Eric Veyne from Langhorne Academy, a Combat Artist famed for smashing steel using only his hands.

Liza Moontide from Magrath Academy, a Holy Arts learner whispered to wield holy light potent enough to daze expert Arcanists.

Corvane Draemir from Farrel Academy, a Psychic Arts whiz who could twist dreams and control thoughts.

Every name held potential to spark massive coverage.

Yet the event extended beyond the competitors.

The Luminara Kingdom had evolved into a hub of progress.

Publications highlighted novel spells crafted by Luminara's experts, enchantments enabling instant message relay between distant places—a game-changer for news operations. Rune-crafters revealed an advanced stabilizing rune to avert aura rebound in battles.

Inventors showcased unique items made for the tournament, including charmed gloves, necklaces, and swords built to endure intense confrontations.

Cici was awed by the magnitude. 'It's like a bazaar of concepts. All countries are flaunting their finest.'

Rynel grinned slyly. 'And we're tasked with ensuring the world sees who outshines the rest.'

They were certain that Vale’s Shadow Country would hold its own strongly in such a contest.

That night, the reporters convened in a pub teeming with fellow writers.

Chatter filled the atmosphere with guesses.

'Crimson Moon Academy is deploying Veylor Ashencrest,' a scribe noted. 'Word is, he's perfected Transformation Arts so he can morph into a phoenix shape for ten full seconds.'

Someone else added, 'Azure Sky Academy fields Rune Arts talent Mirielle Dawnweaver. She allegedly solved a rune chain that funnels elemental power straight into mental magic.'

Cici's pen raced over the sheet. The roster of rivals expanded...

Suddenly, the big reveal hit.

A messenger burst into the pub, murmuring to chosen journalists.

In no time, the tidings raced through the room—the prizes for the top student per Arcane Path were verified!

Beyond the award, honor, and cash, victors would claim Sovereign-Grade Artifacts!

Confirmation also arrived for Immortal Beast Blood, a precious substance that might prolong existence or boost cultivation power.

More followed, including a droplet of divine essence, rumored to unlock the path to godhood.

Even those securing second or third in each Arcane Path earned an opportunity to claim a Forbidden Spell Model from the Kingdom's Royal Library.

Moreover, leaks indicated that the fresh monarch, Queen Sabrina, would attend the tournament and hand out a special prize to the standout Arcanist of the gathering!