Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy

Chapter 1261: The Start

Dorn of the Crimson Gazette finally felt relaxed as his quill tapped idly against the table.

Unlike the professors and students who worried over fairness, he didn’t care if someone cheated.

He didn’t care who won, either. All he wanted was spectacle. Maybe chaos, drama, and headlines that would sell.

“If Azure Sky wants to sneak in a Half‑Immortal, let them,” he muttered to himself.

“As long as the arena burns with excitement, I’ll have my story.”

In truth, Dorn had already been paid handsomely by one of Azure Sky’s professors.

His task was simple… To gather information about the participants chosen by the top academies and feed it back to them.

That way, Azure Sky could prepare counters in advance.

Most academies had already revealed their representatives.

Ruri Arcane Academy had chosen their Elemental Arts prodigy. Golden Cross Academy shocked everyone with a squire. Crimson Moon Academy leaned on their firestorm wielder. Featherstar Academy sent their youngest Dark Arts practitioner. Lakrine Academy unveiled their beast‑binding summoner. Aufidius Academy gambled on a thirteen‑year‑old alchemist.

But others remained silent. Marshall Academy had yet to announce its choice publicly. The same was true for Silverveil Academy of Psychic Arts, rumored to be sending a master of illusions.

There was also Gold Trident Academy of Alchemy Arts, whose candidate would certainly wield weapons infused with a living soul…

Then, the Moonveil Academy of Psychic Arts, kept their prodigy hidden from the press. As for Stormsong Academy of Elemental Arts, they had not revealed whether they would send a lightning wielder or a wind elementalist.

Reporters like Dorn thrived on this secrecy. Every rumor was a headline, a chance to stir the crowd.

Still, when the day of the event arrived, the truth became clear.

Out of the dozens of academies across the kingdoms, only thirty had decided to participate. The rest withdrew, citing safety concerns after the recent attack on Dravemont.

On the day of the even, Queen Sabrina, the sovereign, did not mind.

“Thirty academies are enough. Let them fight. And to ensure fairness, each participant will be equipped with my talisman. If they suffer mortal wounds, the talisman will activate, pulling them from the arena before death claims them.”

The announcement calmed the crowds…

An hour later, the arena was nearly filled. Tens of thousands of spectators packed the stands, banners waving, supporting their nations’ academies.

At this time, all reporters were busy. There were even betting houses that shouted odds, and students from every academy stood ready.

***

Soon, the student representatives arrived at the stage…

Among the thirty academies that had gathered, one figure stood out… though no one realized it.

Johan, the supposed fifteen‑year‑old Combat Arts student from Azure Sky Academy, stood quietly among his peers.

His youthful face, lean frame, and nervous smile made him look no different from the other prodigies. But beneath that disguise was a truth far more dangerous.

“Keke… That Sovereign Artifact is mine…”

In reality, Johan was a fifty‑year‑old Transformation Arts expert who had already stepped into the Half‑Immortal realm.

His cultivation was so refined that even true immortals could not sense his presence through normal means. His aura was perfectly sealed, his body reshaped to mimic the vitality of youth.

While the crowd roared and reporters were capturing photos furiously, Johan remained calm. He did not care for the spectacle, nor for the cheers.

His eyes focused as he extended his Divine Sense, sweeping across the arena.

One by one, he observed the participants.

“Mhmm… Not bad, young ones.” Johan muttered as he licked his lips as he sensed, the Elemental prodigy from Ruri Academy, whose flames had reached an advanced level of control…

The squire from Golden Cross, who had one of the highest defense…

The firestorm wielder of Crimson Moon, whose aura burned anyone who got close to him…

The youngest Dark Arts practitioner from Featherstar, wearing a dark cloak and acting mysterious…

The beast summoner of Lakrine, already with his Grimoire on hands.

The thirteen‑year‑old alchemist of Aufidius, who seemed so fragile but also terrifying with the gas mask she was wearing.

And then his gaze lingered on Marshall Academy.

Ruth of Rune Arts.

Johan was actually surprised at her appearance since he was expecting to see the Demon Transformation Expert…

Still, Ruth seemed to have Draconic Runes, and that alone could be a huge threat to him.

Johan’s lips curled into a faint smile. “Interesting. She’s not the strongest, but she’s definitely a threat…”

He wasn’t sure about the limit of Draconic Runes, so he might have to observe her a bit before dealing with her appropriately without arousing suspicion.

After all, he was a Combat Artist here, and he had to act his part…

Anyway, his divine sense continued to sweep, noting every heartbeat, every fluctuation of energy.

He catalogued weaknesses, strengths, and confirmed the tendencies they had according to the records given by Dorn…

To him, this wasn’t a battle royale… it was a hunt.

Around him, the arena grew louder.

Tens of thousands of spectators filled the stands as they cheered for their favorite to win…

Soon, Queen Sabrina’s talismans glowed faintly on each participant, a safeguard against death.

The students were already excited…

In the meantime, Johan knew better.

Talismans could save lives, but they could not erase humiliation. They could not prevent defeat.

And defeat was what he intended to deliver.

“Whoa… so did it take effect already? The talisman, I mean…” one student whispered nervously.

“I think so… now we don’t have to worry about death.”

“But you’re still going to be injured and feel pain. Don’t be too confident.”

“Haha… as long as I don’t die, I will not give up.”

“Queen Sabrina! Please start it now!”

The voices of the young prodigies echoed across the arena. They were all eager to prove themselves.

But while they were all looking forward to the announcement that would mark the beginning of the Battle Royale, Queen Sabrina was also waiting for the betting houses to close…

There were just too many bettors, and they would no longer accept once the battle started!

Still, as soon as she got the signal from her staff, she immediately waved her hand and set off a firework to announce the start of the event!