Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy

Chapter 1280: The Dawnblade and the Ambush

The Dawnblades did not rush blindly to complete Baron Silva’s commission.

Ruth, Jericho, and the others knew that transporting a precious item across the kingdom was not a simple errand.

It was a test of their strength, their discipline, and their ability to lead…

In the days following their acceptance of the mission, the leaders gathered in their Atrium City base. Maps were spread across the long oak table, as they considered what to do next.

Jericho looked at the map with his armored hand tracing the route.

“Nine days. That’s the time we have before the birthday celebration in the next city. If we arrive late, the Baron’s gift will lose its meaning. We cannot afford delays anymore…”

Ruth nodded as she had already learned enough about his mission anyway.

“The path takes us through the eastern valley. Reports suggest corrupted beasts roam there. We should be fine considering our lineup.”

Cielo then closed his eyes, as he recalled various reports.

“I’ve read the guild reports. One‑horned beasts are common in the grasslands. Two‑horned wolves have been spotted near the river crossings. And in the valley itself… There are rumors of three‑horned rabbits.”

Enkrid blinked. “Rabbits? That doesn’t sound dangerous.”

Cecilia smirked as she realized that Enkrid didn’t have enough encounters with these creatures… Perhaps, he had only seen one-horned or two-horned ones.

“Don’t underestimate them. They’re not common in our current area, so you haven’t encountered them, but those three‑horned rabbits are vicious. Their horns are sharp enough to pierce armor, and they move faster than most knights can react. Even low‑tier beasts can kill if ignored.”

Darlene then stroked the black snake coiled around her wrist.

“I have ways to handle them if they appear. But the valley is wide. We must prepare for more than beasts.”

Jericho tapped the map again. “The journey should take six days if we move steadily. That gives us three days of margin before the birthday. Enough time to rest, but not enough to waste.”

Ruth was also aware of this timeline and nodded.

“I’ve confirmed with the guild. The danger is manageable. I guess we can start moving tomorrow morning…”

The Dawnblades agreed.

Just like that, twenty members were chosen, including Enkrid, each armed with weapons and artifacts from their last shipment.

Shields, talismans, elixirs, and scrolls were distributed carefully.

They were not marching as mercenaries… they were marching like soldiers!

***

On the morning of departure, Atrium City watched as the Dawnblades assembled.

Ruth led at the front with her mantle flowing…

Jericho marched beside her with his sword.

Cecilia’s summoned her hounds silently, while Cielo’s eyes glowed as he made sure that he could see everything that was happening around them…

Still, Darlene walked with her black snake, as if it were some sort of guardian.

Enkrid carried his new sword, the blade forged by Clovis Skye.

He felt its resonance with every step, as though the weapon itself urged him forward…

Finally, the sealed chest was placed on a reinforced cart, guarded by four Dawnblades at all times.

The group moved in formation…

The first two days passed without incident. One‑horned boars charged from the brush, but Jericho’s blade and Cecilia’s hounds dispatched them quickly.

On the third day, two‑horned wolves appeared near the river.

Darlene easily handled them with her transformation…

By the fifth day, they entered the valley.

The atmosphere grew heavy as the grass grew thick and damp.

Soon, Enkrid spotted movement… They were small shapes moving through the undergrowth. Three‑horned rabbits!

“Careful,” Jericho warned.

“Shit!”

The rabbits struck so quickly!

Thud!

One pierced a shield while another leapt at Enkrid’s chest! The young man blocked with his sword, but it rattled his arms…

“T-that’s too strong… If not for my sword. I’ll be in trouble.” Enkrid muttered.

“Hahaha! Just keep vigilant, Enkrid.” Cielo said as he saw Enkrid’s situation.

Just like that, the Dawnblades fought together…

Within minutes, the beasts lay scattered with their horns broken. Of course, they were all looted of whatever items they could get.

Enkrid wiped sweat from his brow. “Even rabbits can be deadly.”

***

On the final day of their estimated time of arrival, the valley narrowed into a pass…

The cliffs still looked perfect in the sky, but above them, shadows were already stretching long.

Cielo’s eyes narrowed. “Something is wrong. I feel… minds watching us.”

Jericho raised his hand. “Formation. Shields forward.”

The group immediately moved, guarding the cart.

Then, from the cliffs, arrows rained down…

Whoosh! Whoosh!

“Ambush!” Cecilia shouted, summoning wolves to intercept.

Figures emerged from the rocks… They were armored men, but there were no insignias to identify them!

Still, they knew that they were disciplined soldiers.

Enkrid’s heart pounded. “Knights?”

Jericho blocked an arrow with his shield. “Not knights. Maybe mercenaries. But well‑trained.”

“Well… It didn’t really matter. If they want to stop us, they should’ve brought their Shamans.”

Ruth’s runes then activated, freezing the ground beneath the attackers.

These created chaos!

“Aahh!”

“The ground’s frozen!”

“Crush it!”

“Keep moving! Do not let yourselves get frozen! AAaackk—”

Ruth’s unexpected Freezing Rune damaged the enemies so quickly!

Meanwhile, Cecilia’s wolves leapt, tearing into the ambushers!

It seemed as if they were just waiting for the wolves, but apparently, Cielo unleashed a psychic wave, staggering the enemy!

Their minds slowed, and so, the wolves had their way so easily!

Enkrid charged and struck one mercenary!

“Die!”

The blade cutting through armor, surprising the enemy who thought that it could take a few slashes without any issues!

“Y-you…”

Enkrid didn’t listen as another lunged at him, but Jericho intercepted!

The battle raged in the valley. The ambushers were skilled, but the Dawnblades were united.

Ruth shouted over the clash. “They’re not here for the chest. They’re here for us! We do not need to interrogate anyone. Just kill all of them!”

Jericho growled. “Let’s show them who we are.”

The Dawnblades pressed forward as they showed how Arcanists fight!

They used Runes that freeze people, psychic blasts, summoned beasts, and knightly strikes that tore through the ambushers!

Within minutes, the battle was settled!

A few mercenaries managed to escape, leaving the Dawnblades standing victorious.

Enkrid breathed heavily as he voiced out everyone’s thoughts…

“That wasn’t random. Someone sent them.”