Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy

Chapter 1266: The Winner and the Reward

The arena trembled as the Elementalist and Mystic Arts student combined their powers.

“Frozen Tempest!”

“Sacred Chains of Heaven!”

The combined assault surged toward Ruth, leaving her no other choice but to use her Forbidden Rune!

With a few more seconds left in her Chrono Shift, she accessed her Spell Model containing the Forbidden Rune!

“…Cataclysm Seal!”

A wave of radiant energy erupted, and it was so strong that it started warping the battlefield itself. The blizzard froze midair, and its shards were suspended like glass.

The sacred chains also cracked, as their holy energy started dissipating!

Of course, the Forbidden Rune wasn’t just a simple Rune that could destroy other Spells. It was also attacking the soul of her opponents!

Any soul attacks were incredibly hard to defend. If their spells were cancelled forcefully because of this, it would then backlash to their bodies!

As expected, the Elementalist clutched his chest and felt incredibly hard to maintain this Arcane State…!

His elemental domain collapsed entirely.

Soon, his staff shook violently before his Talisman flared, pulling him from the arena.

“Wayde, the strongest Ice and Wind Elementalist has been eliminated!”

The Mystic Arts student gasped, as he also felt the wave of energy crashing on his soul.

Thankfully, he had more Artifacts than the elementalist, allowing him to survive a little longer!

“You’re cheating… Soul Attacks aren’t fair!”

Well, Arcane Barriers or physical strength couldn’t block Soul Attacks.

Furthermore, there weren’t that many spells that could block this specific attack as well. More than that, no one would really waste a Spell Light and record a Soul Defense Spell Model in it. It wasn’t like anyone could use Soul Attacks.

“Cheating? Dream on!” Ruth shouted.

At this time, she watched as her last opponent, tried to summon another spell, but his energy was drained.

Ruth’s Piercing Rune followed immediately, striking him squarely in the chest.

Just like that, his Talisman blazed, removing him as well.

“Killian, the young shaman was also eliminated!”

The crowd erupted in disbelief.

“She did it!”

“The Rune Artist won!”

“Unbelievable! She defeated them all!”

Ruth collapsed to one knee with sweat dripping down her face.

Her defenses had already faded as her energy was nearly gone. She had won by a hair’s breadth, her Forbidden Rune deciding the battle at the perfect moment.

“Great!”

Queen Sabrina rose from her throne. Her move attracted some attention. Soon, there was brief silence across the arena.

Then, she spoke in front of everyone.

“The Battle Royale is decided. Ruth of Rune Arts… No, Ruth of Marshall Academy stands victorious.”

The crowd roared, the arena was filled with cheers.

It was an incredible battle after all!

Many of them really thought that it would be Johan to win. Then, as soon as Ruth sent him out and was targeted by the other four, everyone also considered that it was already the end for her…

But he defied it once more!

Soon, Sabrina descended gracefully, her attendants following with treasures. She turned first to the four prodigies who had resisted Johan and fought valiantly until the end.

“You have proven yourselves worthy,” she said. “Though you did not win, your courage and strength will be remembered.”

Soon, each of them was handed a Noble‑Grade Mystical Artifact. They were weapons and tools infused with deep arcane energy and her divinity, suitable for their paths.

The Elementalist received a crystalline staff.

Then, the Alchemist received a special cauldron… while the Mystic Arts Practitioners received a pendant that could increase their energy.

Lastly, the Beast Arts practitioner received a clawed gauntlet that enhanced transformations.

The crowd applauded their rewards, but all eyes turned to Ruth.

Queen Sabrina’s gaze softened as she approached her.

“And you… Ruth of Marshall Academy… You have not only endured, but also adapted against the unexpected opponent and struck at the perfect moment. Your mastery of runes has proven superior to all others.”

She raised her hand, and attendants brought forth a mantle shimmering with sovereign light.

“This is the Mantle of Authority,” Sabrina declared. “A Sovereign‑Grade Artifact. When worn, in your case, it amplifies your spells or runes, allowing them to extend longer than your supposed range. It shields you from interference, and grants authority over lesser runes… With this mantle, your runes will resonate with power beyond your current limits.”

The mantle was draped over Ruth’s shoulders… Its weight felt both comforting and heavy. She felt the artifact’s energy intertwine with her own, and she was already excited of using it!

But Sabrina was not finished.

“In addition, you shall receive ten thousand zen, a chest of rare Arcane Crystals, and scrolls of ancient rune knowledge preserved from the First Era. These are yours, for you have earned them.”

The attendants presented the treasures, and the crowd couldn’t help but feel impressed with her generosity.

Ruth bowed her head, her voice steady despite her exhaustion. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Sabrina smiled faintly. “Do not thank me. Thank yourself. You did really well in that Battle Royale… You adapted when others relied only on strength. And you struck when the moment was perfect. That is the mark of a true Arcanist.”

The arena erupted once more, chants of “Ruth! Ruth! Ruth!” echoing across the battlefield.

Ruth exhaled slowly and could only accept everything…

‘But Master Vale is no longer here…’ Ruth mused as she couldn’t find Vale’s Avatar.

***

Meanwhile, Vale stood before Johan. There were also chains binding the so‑called prodigy who had been ejected from the Battle Royale.

Johan’s youthful face was a mask, hiding the truth of his half‑immortal nature.

“Why did you want to win so badly?” Vale asked, and it was also his final warning.

Johan’s eyes burned with anger.

‘Fine… if I’m going to die, then you should die as well.’ He thought bitterly…

Johan then spoke… “It was all planned… Headmaster Dorian of Azure Sky Academy promised me a special item if I won.”

Vale was now curious. “What item?”

Johan sneered. “Something from the sky… that’s all you need to know.”

‘Hmm… Something from the sky?’ Vale mused as he looked at the sky.

‘Could it be a meteorite or something…’