Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy

Chapter 1275: The Trial and the Fight

The surrounding glowed faintly as Stella knelt before the Nightmare Fire.

The black flames writhed like living shadows, stretching toward her as if to consume her…

She felt her heart skip a beat as the fire got closer and closer.

At first, the flames brushed against her skin. It was cold yet burning. It was a mystery that made her gasp. Then they continued to expand, wrapping around her arms, her shoulders, her chest. It felt as though the fire was trying to crawl inside her, searching for weakness.

She clenched her fists as she knew that she couldn’t miss this opportunity…

‘I can endure this. I must.’

But the Nightmare Fire was merciless. It pressed deeper, burning her veins, filling her lungs with darkness and heat.

Even her vision blurred, and for a moment, she thought she was drowning in darkness.

“Hold on, Stella!” Ruth’s voice rang out, steady but urgent.

Stella tried to focus, but the fire whispered to her mind.

‘Stop fighting… surrender… let me consume you.’

The temptation was strong. Her body trembled, sweat poured down her face, and her knees threatened to buckle.

Darlene stepped closer, as she observed Stella’s situation.

She couldn’t help but feel worried.

“She’s slipping!”

But Ruth raised her hand sharply. “Not yet. She must fight it herself.”

The flames surged again, this time clawing at Stella’s chest. Pain passed through her heart, and she cried out, collapsing to her hands.

Her body shook violently, the fire was already threatening to devour her from within.

“I… I can’t…” she whispered, her voice was already breaking at this point.

Ruth clenched her fist as she recalled that many Alchemists failed their first Trial of Fire…

Suddenly, she reached into her cloak and pulled out a small charm. It was a silver talisman etched with runes she created herself. She had prepared it for this very moment.

“Take this!” Ruth shouted, tossing the charm into the circle.

The talisman landed beside Stella, glowing brightly.

Instinctively, she grasped it. The runes immediately activated, forming a protective barrier that steadied her spirit.

Strength returned to her limbs.

Stella gritted her teeth, clutching the charm tightly.

“No… I won’t be consumed. I’ll master you!”

The Nightmare Fire continued, and dark fire started twisting violently, but Stella pushed back.

She focused her pitiful arcane energy, channeling it through her veins, forcing the fire to merge rather than destroy.

Minutes dragged like hours.

Her body convulsed, her breath came in gasps, but slowly, the flames began to settle.

The black fire seeped into her core, fusing with her Arcane Energy.

Soon, her heart steadied, her vision cleared, and just like that, even the pain dulled into warmth.

Finally, the circle dimmed.

The flames no longer lashed out… they flowed into her, becoming part of her essence.

Stella collapsed to her knees. She was exhausted but alive. Her body trembled, yet her eyes glowed faintly with a dark shimmer.

The mark of Nightmare Fire had taken root!

She wanted to celebrate, but she was already too tired!

Ruth stepped forward, her expression filled with pride.

“You did it. You endured the trial. The Nightmare Fire is yours now.”

Darlene let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding her charm she failed to give tightly…

“I thought we’d lose her… That fire nearly consumed her.”

Stella looked up, clutching the charm given by Ruth. “I almost failed. If not for this…” She raised the talisman weakly. “I would have been gone. Thank you, Miss Ruth.”

Ruth knelt beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder. “That charm was only a safeguard. The true victory was yours. You fought and resisted, and you claimed the fire. That’s what makes you an Alchemist.”

Tears welled in Stella’s eyes, but she smiled. “I… I will be the best Alchemist ever! Once I become a useful and capable Alchemist, I’ll assist you all to the best of my ability…”

The room was silent for a moment, as they appreciated the woman’s offer.

Then Ruth stood… “Rest now. We’ll be needing your skills soon, so you must practice after waking up.”

Stella closed her eyes and nodded. “Thank you..”

And so, the Dawnblades had secured another victory. Their fourth recruit had passed the trial, and with her new power, their cause grew ever stronger.

***

In the meantime, while Ruth and Darlene were occupied in Breeze Town, guiding Stella through her Fire Trial, the rest of the Dawnblades remained in the Atrium City.

Jericho, Cecilia, Cielo, and Enkrid had gathered in the inn’s courtyard, discussing Enkrid’s progress.

But their quiet moment was interrupted.

The sound of boots striking cobblestones echoed as a squad of soldiers approached, led by a knight clad in polished armor. His lifted the cover of his helment and his hand rested on the hilt of his sword.

“You four,” the knight spoke…

“By order of the city watch, you are to be detained. Suspicion of harboring fugitives, consorting with criminals, and disrupting guild law.”

Cecilia frowned… “Cheap excuses. What is it this time?”

Enkrid stiffened, his hand instinctively reaching for his blade. He knew the nobles’ influence stretched far, and this was no coincidence.

‘Did they find me already?’ He was worried!

Jericho stepped forward… “We’ve done nothing wrong. If you want to accuse us, show proof.”

The knight sneered. “Proof? We don’t need proof. Orders are enough.”

The soldiers raised their crossbows… Cielo’s fingers twitched, itching to unleash his Psychic Arts, but he restrained himself.

He whispered, “They’re waiting for an excuse…”

And then it happened. One soldier’s hand slipped, his crossbow loosing a bolt by accident. The arrow shot straight toward Jericho’s throat!

Jericho’s eyes widened. In a flash, he drew his sword!

Clang!

The sword steel rang as he deflected the bolt inches from his neck!

“What’s the meaning of this?” Jericho roared and it echoed across the courtyard.

But instead of apologizing, the knight found this as an opportunity to twist the events! He raised his blade. “You heard it! They resist arrest! Cut them down!”

The soldiers shouted, charging forward.

Jericho met the first attacker head‑on, but he simply knocked the soldier’s weapon aside.

It was completely boring.

Then, Cielo’s eyes glowed faintly as he unleashed a burst of psychic force, staggering two soldiers backward. He made sure not to make it too obvious that he had that much power.

“Stay close!” he shouted as he felt the knight who had confronted them was about to use his Will!