Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy

Chapter 963: Half-Dragon

”Ahh...”

As soon as Ely saw the clone smiling at her, a chill ran down her spine... She instinctively backed away as she felt that this clone wasn’t just a programmed creation but a sentient being!

Thankfully, Ely noticed that Aiden’s second Rune Bomb was ready...

She swiftly made an opening, and soon, Aiden slammed a pre-etched rune stone into the ground.

Indeed, Aiden was practicing both Dark Arts and Rune Arts!

”Eat this, you knockoff!”

The rune was activated, and as the name implied, it exploded near the Clone!

Boom!

However, the Shrieking Ghost took most of the damage after Armin’s clone controlled it.

At this time, it followed up with a powerful shriek that could probably daze them out.

However, Aiden was ready as he released a Silent Rune. It may not be that strong, but it at least absorbed half its power, fracturing the spell.

It was more than enough for the others to release their spells, and in just a moment, the Clone was now down to one unstable Darkfire Serpent.

”I’ll deal with it...”

Rehan didn’t bother with finesse. He immediately tackled Armin’s clone from behind, driving his knee into its spine.

”Stop showing off!” He shouted as he struck the clone’s face..

Although no damage was done and Rehan’s face was almost punched, this move allowed Armin to assist as he destroyed the Darkfire Serpent with his Alchemy’s Black Fire Spell.

It was simply a battle of strength!

Boom!

Armin completed his task and immediately rushed towards the clone that Rehan pinned for a brief moment. Of course, Armin didn’t miss his opportunity.

Thud!

Armin’s boot crushed its wrist into the ground!

Then, his bracer glowed violet as he channeled every ounce of his remaining dark energy.

”You’re not me.”

Just like that, a single, concentrated Dark Lance—no mutations, no Chaos, just pure, refined Dark Energy—pierced the copy’s chest!

Bang!

For a heartbeat, the copy stared at him, its eyes almost... approving of his actions.

Then it exploded into swirling smoke before entering his body...

To be exact, everyone else also had the same experience! It was as if they had inhaled the smoke of Armin’s copy!

”Ahh... it entered my body...”

”This... It can’t be blocked by Arcane Energy.”

”My Artifact also didn’t react. Isn’t this bad?!”

Mira, Aiden, and Ely couldn’t help but feel uncertain...

However, Armin remained calm.

”Don’t worry... It must be the reward for clearing this first challenge.” Armin said as he recalled his master’s words about these towers.

These 16 towers weren’t meant to hurt them but to help them.

Soon, the ground floor shuddered, and the arena walls started dissolving into mist.

Then, a platform rose from the ground, where a single obsidian token etched with a chaos energy was located.

Apparently, their First Trial was Cleared...

”It’s the token to leave this tower.” Rehan muttered as he realized the purpose of the item. They could continue with more trials since this tower had several floors.

Nonetheless, the others didn’t like it anymore, and Armin could easily tell that from their faces.

Rehan collapsed onto his back. ”I’m out. My Phantasm State is over... Fighting a Chaos Version of myself drained me already. Let’s go back.”

Mira wryly smiled as she looked at the token. ”This isn’t just an item to escape this tower but also to reach the second floor.”

”Well, let’s just leave it at that. Let’s complete this mission and get our Academy Points.” Armin said as he decided just to leave.

”Thank you once again, Lotus... I’ll report these things about the changes you sensed here. Wait... Do you want to report it yourself?” Armin softly asked the Dark Spirit that was following him under his master’s orders.

Armin then nodded as she listened to Lotus reply. This was done discreetly and no one had noticed his conversation this time.

After that, he finally led the team outside.

***

In the meantime, far away from the Academy, the moment Thane and Zarall reported their findings, Chad Bulmung immediately learned of it...

”Chaos Immortals?” Chad muttered.

He knew he had to see for himself.

The once half-dragon, now a full-fledged Immortal thanks to Orden and Ryzoir’s guidance. At this time, he no longer bore the draconic features of his youth.

His scales and even his tail had receded... His golden eyes had also dimmed, and it was now just a normal amber. As for his physique, it was an unassuming build of man in his twenties.

Only those who knew him well would sense the power beneath his skin...

After about an hour, Chad Bulmung finally arrived at this destination.

It was in a mountain that Thane had marked. It was about thirty kilometers away from the Town where the Chaos Immortals are located.

”Sir Chad...” Zarall started as he updated the information they had gotten so far.

”They’re hiding in plain sight,” Thane had said. ”But we’re unsure if the whole town was with them.”

Chad smirked. ”Then I’ll find that out.”

There was no hesitation in his voice... Although it only took him a few minutes before he was able to make a plan, he knew that he hadn’t made a mistake.

With a plan in mind, Chad finally arrived near the town...

It was unremarkable at first glance. There were wooden houses with thatched roofs lined up in the residential streets.

However, Chad felt that he’d find something here...

’It’s subtle, but they’re right... There’s Chaos Energy here.” Chad muttered as he confirmed the report of the two immortals.

He then adjusted the hood of his traveler’s cloak and walked toward the market square...

Chad, who seemed just like any ordinary person, heard someone calling him.

”Hmm? Are they the ones approaching me instead?” Chad muttered as he thought that he was being targeted now.

Apparently, the voice just came from a stout woman.

She was planning to offer him a loaf.

”Fresh from the oven, sir! You can have them.” She said.

Of course, Chad took a bite—but he nearly choked!