Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy

Chapter 968: The Enforcers

”So, still interested in the job?” Corvin asked as he looked at the young man in front of him.

From Vale’s appearance, he could tell that he was about 25 years old.

However, since Corvin could tell that Vale was also an Immortal, it wouldn’t be surprising if he were a few more centuries older than him.

Still, the fact that Vale stopped aging early means that he had become Immortal a lot younger than the average Immortal.

Although there were Spells or Techniques to alter appearance to make yourself younger, Corvin could tell that Vale wasn’t using any of that at all.

”Hmmm...”

Vale finished the last of his Blessedmelon and wiped his hands.

”Depends. What exactly are you carrying that’s worth their attention?”

Corvin’s grin returned.

”Now that’s the right question.” He reached under the table and pulled out a small, sealed chest. When he opened it, a soft violet light spilled out, revealing dozens of compressed Divinity Crystals—each one worth a hundred times the standard amount.

”Delivery for the Keeper of Luminis Hold...” Corvin said quietly. ”Let’s just say... she pays very well for discretion.”

Vale stared at the chest, then at Corvin. ”You’re smuggling?”

”I prefer ’alternative procurement,’” Corvin corrected.

”But yes. And if those bandits get their hands on this, the Keeper won’t be happy. Neither will I.”

Vale exhaled. He was still unsure about the Keeper or the Luminis Hold itself or event he places around here.

He also couldn’t help but feel a bit surprised that Corvin had already trusted him enough to actually mention this secret to him.

’Is he not worried that I’m part of the bandit group or something? Does he have a way to detect any ill intent?’ Vale was surprised.

This was more complicated than he’d expected. But the payout—information, connections, maybe even the Keeper’s favor, whoever she was, was worth the risk.

Although he was unsure about the strength of the Immortals here, he was still confident that he’d be able to flee if he wanted to.

With his Divine Extraction System, he doubted that anyone would be able to stop him. Furthermore, if he tries to find out more about Xal’Zyrath, the Chaos Sovereign, he might as well follow this man.

”Fine,” he said. ”But I want double the information upfront. Starting with who really supplies these bandits with Divinity-disrupting weapons.”

Needless to say, Vale was interested in such weapons. Once he returned to his realm, it might prove very useful against Chaos Immortals.

Corvin’s smile faded. ”Ah. You’re sharper than I thought.” He then poured two glasses of dark, shimmering liquid and pushed one toward Vale.

”Let’s talk about the Rum Syndicate...”

***

Vale soon learned about this mysterious syndicate... He also learned a lot of things about the powers or factions around this region. This was certainly important information to him.

However, the conversation was cut short when a sudden explosion rocked the ground nearby.

”Hmmm?” Vale then used his Divine Sense to scan the surroundings.

Although their floating wagon wasn’t really affected by the quake, it still shuddered for a moment due to the shockwave...

On the other hand, Corvin’s hand instinctively went to the chest of Divinity Crystals, securing it under the table.

”What was that?” Corvin muttered as he also started using his Spirit Sense to detect the situation.

Soon, Corvin’s expression darkened. ”Trouble. And not the bandit kind.”

Before he could explain further, a figure burst through the trees lining the Silver Road—a young woman, with her silver hair tainted with blood.

Her breathing was ragged as if she was being chased by a monster...

’Half-Immortal...’ Vale immediately noticed. Then, he looked behind her.

She was moving with desperate speed, but her pursuers were getting closer.

Vale and Corvin then felt the presence of six other Half-Immortals, clad in dark leather armor marked with a crimson insignia that looked like the head of a wolf.

Thud!

Suddenly, the woman stumbled, her leg giving out from what looked like a deep wound.

She then turned to face her pursuers.

After that, she raised her blade, which was filled with unstable energy. It seemed that she was preparing for a last stand.

However, it was at this time that her eyes locked on Vale and Corvin, who were observing the situation.

Vale and Corvin expected her to ask for help, which they would certainly provide.

However, instead of pleading for help, she shouted, ”Run! They’ll kill you too!”

Corvin and Vale couldn’t help but look at each other.

It was unexpected...

This was certainly not something they would normally experience.

In the meantime, Corvin also finished observing those pursuers...

Corvin cursed under his breath. ”They’re Nightingale Clan’s enforcers. They don’t leave witnesses. That woman must’ve committed a crime in their clan or something.”

For now, Vale didn’t move.

He studied the scene—the woman’s desperate stand for survival, the hunters’ ruthless expression as they consider whether to eliminate the two travelers...

”Indeed... She’s not just some random target.” Vale muttered with a nod.

”Yes...” Corvin agreed grimly. ”That sword she’s holding and her belt came from the clan. She probably used to be one of their members. If they’re after her, she either betrayed them or stole something valuable. Isn’t that interesting?”

Instead of leaving, the two of them actually started discussing the current situation for everyone to hear.

With their confidence showing so clearly, the pursuers couldn’t help but stop at a distance, unsure about their stance in this matter.

The lead enforcer then frowned as he gestured to Vale and Corvin... ”You two—stay where you are. This doesn’t concern you.”

The woman then spat blood. ”Don’t listen to him! They’ll slit your throats the second they’re done with me! You have to quickly get away!”

”Oh... I am liking this girl.” Corvin whispered to Vale.

It seemed that she liked how the girl didn’t use them to escape or ask them to help with her life-threatening problem.

”I can agree to that.” Vale replied.

The enforcer then shook his head as he turned to the woman...

”Tsk. Should’ve kept your mouth shut, girl.” He then nodded to his men. ”Clean it up.”

Just like that, two of the enforcers broke off, advancing toward the wagon.