Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy

Chapter 1279: The Missions

The twelve knights stood in silence as the old man, Commander Arthur, stroked his long white beard.

His voice made everyone freeze…

“Sage Mennena has spoken… the invaders are here.”

The knights shifted uneasily with grim faces, but some of them were scoffing… They had heard rumors before, but never a prophecy so direct.

Among them was Sir Roland, a brash young knight known for his reckless courage.

He tapped the table and spoke cautiously…

“Invaders? From where? Sage Mennena never gives straight answers. Could be from the east, could be from the west. We’re chasing shadows. What are we supposed to do with this information?”

Beside him, Lady Seraphine, adjusted her gauntlets. “Shadows or not, the prophecy cannot be ignored. If the sage speaks, it means danger is certain. We must prepare before it’s too late…”

Arthur raised his hand, silencing them.

“Reports have already reached us. Scouts from the northern borders claim strange movements near the Kingdom of Farinas. Merchants from the south mentioned the unrest in Veloria. And in the west, the Dominion of Karthas has begun gathering troops. We cannot say which threat is real, but the signs are everywhere.”

The knights exchanged uneasy glances. The prophecy had left them blind… no clear enemy, no clear path.

Arthur continued as he had already planned.

“We cannot rely solely on Mennena’s visions. If the invaders are truly here, they will not march openly. They will send scouts, infiltrators, or agents to gather information. That is where we must act.”

“Ohh… That makes sense…”

“So we will be looking for a spy… No, in this case, there must be plenty of them. It should be spies.”

Sir Roland smiled… “So we chase rats before lions?”

Arthur’s gaze remained calm as he looked at Roland.

“Rats can gnaw through walls if left unchecked. We will use the Adventurers Guild. They are spread across the kingdom, always watching and listening. We will instruct them… or perhaps issue some missions to report suspicious movements like strangers gathering details about the kingdom, organizations meeting in secret, anyone who might be affiliated with foreign powers.”

Lady Seraphine nodded. “It’s a clever move. Adventurers are everywhere, and they ask fewer questions than soldiers. If invaders are scouting, the guild will notice first.”

Another knight, Sir Darius, spoke quietly. “Still… if Mennena’s words are true, this invasion will not be ordinary. We must prepare for the worst. Whoever comes may not be from Farinas, Veloria, or Karthas. They may be something else entirely.”

Arthur’s expression darkened. He had also considered this part.

He thought of the prophecy again… It was vague, unsettling, yet undeniable.

“That is why we must be vigilant. The Order of the Sky Sword will eliminate all these threats once they’re identified, so you must prepare yourselves. Even if there are only suspicions about our targets, we’ll eliminate them. We will guard Davai, and if the invaders reveal themselves, we will be ready.”

The knights bowed their heads in agreement.

Though uncertain of the enemy, they knew their duty. Reports would be gathered, scouts would surely be dispatched, and the Adventurers Guild, once mobilized, would be a huge help for them.

Somewhere in the shadows of Atrium City, the Dawnblades continued their quiet preparations. And now, the Sky Sword Order had begun theirs.

***

Three more months passed quickly.

Within Atrium City, the Dawnblades’ influence had already exceeded that of the normal Adventurers Guild.

Their reputation for reliability and strength spread across the city, and whispers of their growing numbers reached the ears of the local lord, Baron Silva.

One evening, Ruth received a summons.

The Baron wished to meet them personally.

When the Dawnblades arrived at Silva’s manor, they were ushered into a grand hall where the Baron awaited.

He was a shrewd man, dressed in fine robes, and he seemed to be surprised to see a few young people leading the group of mercenaries.

Then, after some introductions, the Baron no longer hesitated.

“I have heard much of your group,” Silva began.

“Your deeds have reached beyond the guild. You are not ordinary adventurers. That is why I have a commission for you.”

“A commission… It’s as expected. Please tell us more.” Jericho replied.

Silva then gestured to a sealed chest beside him.

“This item is too precious to entrust to common mercenaries. I want the Dawnblades to deliver it safely to the next city. For this, I require at least twenty of your members to guard it. The reward will be more than three hundred gold coins. But more importantly, you will gain the right to purchase land within my territory.”

The Dawnblades exchanged glances.

Land meant permanence and thus, be part of influence. Ruth’s eyes lit up.

Even Jericho’s jaw tightened as he imagined it…

They had long discussed the idea of establishing a dojo, a place to train others in their sword arts and spread the discipline of Arcane combat. This was the opportunity they had been waiting for.

Ruth stepped forward. “We accept.”

Jericho added firmly, “We will gather twenty of our members… The Dawnblades will see this task done.”

Baron Silva smiled knowingly. “Good. I suspected you would agree. Your group is expanding, and this will be the first step toward your future. Deliver this item, and the land will be yours.”

Soon after, the Dawnblades gathered their chosen twenty.

Enkrid stood among them, proud to be included in such a mission.

The group prepared for the journey, aware that this commission was more than just a delivery… it was a test.

A test of their strength, and their readiness to claim a place in the kingdom.

For the Dawnblades, this mission was not simply about gold.

It was about legitimacy. With land, they could build a shelter, a dojo, and perhaps even a fortress.

Their influence would no longer be confined to guild halls and taverns. They would become a recognized force within Atrium City and beyond.

And so, with Ruth leading and Jericho commanding, the Dawnblades set out to fulfill the Baron’s commission… unaware that their growing power was already drawing the attention to a specific Knight Order.