Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy

Chapter 914: Marshall Academy ( 3 )

Armin walked into the Ebonshade Building, the designated space for Class 1 to Class 5 students. He was feeling both nervous and excited as he didnʼt really expect this to happen.

Nonetheless, he was thankful to be a part of Class 1, which accepted many students from notable backgrounds.

After taking a deep breath, Armin looked at the surroundings. The hall was spacious, with dark wooden desks arranged in a semicircle to ensure every student had a clear view of the central platform where their instructor would teach.

ʼAre those things Formation Circles?ʼ Armin mused as he saw the walls, which seemed to be adorned with intricate carvings of magical runes that glowed faintly, giving the room a strange magical vibe around it.

He couldnʼt explain it properly, but he could say that the place felt completely different from the normal structures heʼd see every day around the city.

Anyway, the 30 students seated around him were also observing the place, and none of them were bothering to strike up a conversation with him. At the moment, none of them really knew each other, and it would still take quite some time before everyone formed their own cliques.

Then, as he looked around, he recalled the names of his classmates who were quite known. To Arminʼs surprise, as soon as he spotted Celeste Vayne, she nodded at him with a smirk on her face. He could only return the gesture as he didnʼt want to offend her.

On the other hand, Marcus Drayen seemed engrossed in examining a small rune-inscribed pendant he was wearing. It seemed as if he was praying.

After a few moments, the classroom started buzzing with quiet conversations as they started to get to know each other.

However, that didnʼt take long, as the door opened, and a man entered...

He wasnʼt what anyone had expected for their first instructor. With his plain brown hair, freckled face, and simple black robe, Professor Dalton Stranway looked more like a common scribe than a master of the Dark Arts. Yet, his unassuming appearance seemed very mystical as well. With the way he carried himself, they could tell that there was some confidence around him.

Nonetheless, his presence silenced the room as he approached the podium.

”Welcome to Class 1... Many of you have probably heard about my name already, but for those who werenʼt aware, Iʼm Dalton Stranway...” Professor Stranway said as everyone immediately recalled the rich Stranway Family who should be connected to the Dark Arts Factions...

It seemed that he was already part of the Shadow Immortalʼs Faction and not the Dark Arts Faction led by the five families...

Then, after looking at the expressions of the students, he continued.

”You are here because youʼve demonstrated exceptional potential in the Dark Arts and related disciplines. This is an achievement, yes, but do not let it lull you into complacency. Being in Class 1 means you will face the highest expectations and the most difficult challenges.”

The room was silent as they started imagining their future here. However, since they were selected to attend this Class, they must have something with them that will allow them to overcome such challenges.

”As first-year students, you will undertake a curriculum designed to build a strong foundation for your magical growth. There are eight core subjects, and each of them is critical to mastering the Dark Arts and becoming a well-rounded Arcanist.”

He gestured, and a glowing list appeared on the blackboard behind him.

1. Elementary Spirit Law

2. Fundamentals of Magic Zone

3. Magic Language

4. Darkness Path

5. Arcane History

6. Rudimentary Usage of Mystical Artifacts

7. Practical Spell Application

8. Introductory Cursecraft

”These subjects will cover the theoretical and practical aspects of Arcane Spells, from understanding the principles of spirit energy to the delicate craft of creating Curses with or without Spell Models. Each will demand your focus, diligence, and curiosity, so I hope that youʼll all listen and take notes during your classes and review them during your vacant time.”

A few murmurs were soon heard through the room at the mention of Cursecraft, a notoriously complex and controversial subject. Professor Stranwayʼs eyes swept the room, and the whispers died immediately.

”Your schedule will not be too demanding. You will have plenty of vacant time as well. However, you can attend other lectures if you want to listen to them... However, you must participate in guided practices, and undertake multiple examinations to assess your progress. Speaking of examinations, remember that the true test lies not in grades but in your ability to innovate, adapt, and wield your knowledge responsibly.”

He paused, allowing his words to sink in. The students may not understand him right now, but he knows that it will happen soon. After taking a deep breath, he continued...

”Now, I will accept any questions.”

As soon as he said this, several hands shot up immediately.

Professor Stranway pointed to a confident-looking boy in the front row, who stood and spoke loudly.

”Professor, will we have opportunities to learn the compulsory Dark Spells of the Academy this year?”

”An excellent question,” Professor Stranway replied. ”Our academy has four spells that you must learn... It will be introduced gradually. In your first year, you must learn one of them before you can advance to your second year... It will be taught to you in your Darkness Path class.”

Next, a shy girl with spectacles raised her hand. ”Professor, why are we studying Cursecraft so early? I thought it was an advanced discipline.”

Professor Stranway nodded. ”It is advanced, but this is an introductory course. Cursecraft, while complex, is integral to the Dark Arts. You will begin by understanding its ethical considerations and theoretical frameworks before delving into practical applications in later

years.”

Armin decided to ask a question as well. He raised his hand, and Professor Stranway gestured for him to speak. ”Professor, how will we be evaluated for each subject? Is there a standard grading system?”

This was something he really wanted to know since he was aiming to graduate and get a stable job, after all.