Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy

Chapter 1269: The Pioneers

A few days after the event, the Shadow Domain’s cities celebrated with the news about the Marshall Academy’s success.

Needless to say, Jody used her New Era Chronicle to ensure that everyone would learn of their achievement.

It was not an easy task, but Vale compensated her for the work she’d done…

Still, the Academy itself barely celebrated its win against all the Arcane Academies.

In the capital, Clovis City, lanterns lined the streets, and it easily set the atmosphere…

Children ran with banners painted in crude strokes, shouting Ruth’s name and other participants’ names that brought honor to the Academy…

Merchants offered discounts in honor of the win, and even the stern guards of the Shadow Domain allowed themselves a smile.

At the Academy itself, the celebration was quieter but no less heartfelt.

The students gathered in the grand hall, tables filled with food and drink.

The participants of the competition shared stories, laughter, and relief since there was indeed an incident that had happened.

Of course, Ruth was at the center…

Younger students crowded around her, eager to hear how she had defeated prodigies from across the continent.

Furthermore, she wasn’t even practicing an Arcane Art that was known for combat…

It was Rune Arts after all!

Jericho raised a toast, his voice booming. “To Ruth, to Marshall Academy, and to our future!” The hall erupted in cheers, cups clashing together.

Darlene sat nearby with her black snake coiled at her feet, watching with calm eyes.

She rarely spoke, but even she allowed herself a small smile as she listened to the chatter.

Cecilia and Cielo even teased each other about who would be braver in the next mission…

Still, Vale’s presence was felt even if he wasn’t physically there.

His disciples knew this victory was only the beginning.

The Academy’s celebration was not about indulgence, but about resolve to show that this new Arcane Academy that was teaching all Arcane Arts was indeed the best…

They ate, they laughed, they honored their champion… At least for this day, there was no need to worry about exams and other stuff.

Many of them even had to do some Tower Trials later on, but none of it mattered for now.

Outside, fireworks of arcane light burst across the night sky, illuminating the Shadow Domain.

It was truly an event to be written in history…

***

Then, after almost a week, five young disciples gathered in one of the practice halls…

Their voices were hushed but brimming with excitement.

They had just learned that a mission awaited them… not in their own world, but in another realm entirely.

Darlene, pale and slender with her silver‑white hair, was the first to speak.

“According to Sir Cyper, only Ruth, Jericho, and I were supposed to go first. But since the path stabilized faster than expected, they’re sending all five of us.”

Ruth’s eyes lit up as she heard.. “That’s incredible! I thought I’d be stuck with just Jericho and Darlene. Now Cecilia and Cielo can join us. Five paths together… that’s a proper team.”

Jericho grinned as he fixed his posture.

“Well, it makes sense. If we’re going to establish a foundation in another realm, we’ll need more than brute force. My Arcane Infusion and Dragon Guard can protect us, but without Cecilia’s summons or Cielo’s psychic support, we’d be vulnerable.”

Cecilia smiled faintly. “You’re thinking too much. Summoning Arts will give us allies even in unfamiliar lands. If Valor has beasts or spirits, I can bind them to our cause. Besides, I’d rather not let you three hog all the glory.”

Cielo laughed, brushing his hair back. “And I’ll make sure none of you lose your minds out there. Psychic Arts aren’t flashy, but when mortals fight petty wars there, someone has to read intentions and keep us ahead of trouble.”

The group fell into a lively banter, as they all couldn’t contain their excitement…

Jericho smirked. “So, who’s going to be the leader? Ruth won the Battle Royale, but I’m the Knight. Leadership is kind of my thing.”

Ruth rolled her eyes. “Please. You’d just charge headfirst into danger. Leadership requires strategy. Runes are about precision, not brute force.”

Darlene tilted her head with her snake hissing softly.

“Maybe neither of you. Leadership should be shared. We’re five paths, five strengths. If one of us tries to dominate, we’ll fail.”

Cecilia chuckled. “Spoken like someone who doesn’t want the responsibility.”

Darlene shrugged, unbothered with this idea… “Responsibility is fine. But arrogance gets people killed.”

Cielo leaned back against the wall and shook his head…

“I vote Ruth. She already proved herself against prodigies from across the academies. And besides, if she messes up, I’ll know before she does.”

Ruth gave him a playful glare. “Psychics and their smugness…”

The laughter that followed was genuine, the kind only thirteen‑ and fourteen‑year‑olds could share. Despite their immense talents, they were still children, thrilled by the idea of adventure in a secret realm.

After the laughter died down, Darlene spoke again. This time, her tone sounded more serious.

“Sir Cyper said we have three months. That’s not long. We need to train harder than ever. Valor will test us in ways we can’t imagine.”

Jericho clenched his fists. “Then let’s make these three months count. I’ll push my Knight Arts to the limit.

The others nodded as they considered what they should do during this time. Well, they all had plans on their own…

Soon, the five exchanged determined looks…

They had no idea what was going to happen in that Realm since they wouldn’t have seniors they could rely on. However, they believed that they’d be able to do well because they weren’t ordinary Arcanists either…

Finally, Ruth broke the silence. “Three months. Then Valor.”

Jericho grinned. “And when we return, we’ll be legends.”

Cecilia laughed softly. “If we return.”

Cielo winked. “We will. Because we’re Vale’s disciples.”

With that, they parted ways, each returning to their quarters…

For the next three months, they would train harder than ever. And when the time came, they would step into Valor… not just as students, but as pioneers of a new realm.