Chapter 385: Better than Vale?!

'Rituals and Necromancy Branch?' Vale raised his brows as he listened to the Professor.

Vale felt a wave of disappointment after hearing this... The Dark Magic Branch, the path he had set his sights on, had not been recommended at all.

Although he still felt that he should just choose the Dark Magic Branch despite not being recommended, he didn't feel good that it wasn't among the options given by the Professors.

The allure of the Necromancy Branch, with its dealings involving corpses, zombies, and other eerie practices, initially piqued his curiosity since it would help his Divine Extraction System.

This branch would surely give him plenty of chances to Extract.

However, now that his System could extract living things and even objects at some times, he no longer needed to be attached to the corpses.

Furthermore, the Necromancy Branch, with its darker and potentially unsettling practices, didn't align with his true aspirations. He couldn't shake off the feeling that it would lead him down a path he wasn't ready to embrace fully. No—He didn't want to get used to the practices of the Necromancy at all.

The Rituals Branch, on the other hand, called to him in a different way.

Vale recognized his natural affinity for the Spirit World and related phenomena. After all, his experience with the Messenger, Lotus, and Yvaine could prove this.

After careful consideration, Vale made his decision.

However, he continued looking at the Professor, waiting for her to explain a few things.

"Our recommendations were carefully selected after considering all your grades in various subjects. You should know that your grade in Magic Circles Study is at the top of the class. Your innate abilities to channel and harmonize energies make you a perfect candidate to delve into the intricate art of rituals. It is within this branch that you'll uncover the secrets of Ancient Ceremonies and learn to wield the power of Darkness beyond our Realm..."

The class fell into a hushed silence as they were fascinated by the unique recommendation. Some of them were also recommended to the Rituals Branch, but the Professor didn't give them such a high evaluation...

'The Power of Darkness beyond our Realm? What was that? Is there a different form of Darkness?'

This was a question that everyone wanted to ask.

However, Professor Harrison wasn't finished yet.

"In the Rituals Branch, you will not only embrace your natural affinity but also explore the depths of your own potential. You should know by now that your affinity with Dark Spirits isn't normal. If you study this branch, you will learn to navigate the intricate threads that connect our world with the Spirit Realm. You might be able to help Sir Heinz with this path."

This confused the other students since they had no idea who Sir Heinz was.

Nevertheless, seeing that Vale wasn't confused, they could tell that Sir Heinz might actually be his backer. They could only think that the man was perhaps from the Chambers Family, whom the Professor knew.

Vale nodded at this, showing his acknowledgment.

Professor Stella Harrison then shifted her focus to the other branch.

Her eyes filled with a mix of caution as she began to address the topic of the Necromancy Branch.

"Just to be clear, Vale..." Professor Harrison began, her voice carrying a note of caution.

"The Necromancy Branch has been recommended by two esteemed Professors within our academy. While I may not personally endorse this path, their belief in your potential to summon an Abyssal Knight is worth considering."

As she spoke, whispers spread through the classroom. The students exchanged uncertain glances.

'W-what?'

'Abyssal Knight? Did I hear it correctly?'

'Does it mean that he has the potential to reach the Golden-Rank Necromancers?'

'No... It might even be above that!'

His classmates started whispering as they knew very well that the Abyssal Knight wasn't just above the Death Knight. The Abyssal Knight is on a whole different level. Even the Arcane Association would ban this Undead Being from being summoned if possible.

The notion of summoning an Abyssal Knight, a creature of immense power, held both fascination and trepidation among the students.

"I must stress, however, that delving into the realm of necromancy is not without its risks..." Professor Harrison continued. "The intricate knowledge and control required to manipulate the forces of death and summon such beings is not to be taken lightly. The path of the Necromancy Branch demands utmost caution and unwavering dedication."

The room fell into a contemplative silence.

Professor Harrison's words seemed to echo, cautioning Vale against placing too much hope in the possibility.

'Abyssal Knight sounds cool... However, I don't think I can Extract a Necromancer with this Summoning Spell. Should I learn how to summon it instead?' Vale mused.

"Ahem... I would advise against getting your hopes up, in case the two Professors have made a mistake in their high evaluation." She added, her voice tinged with a hint of concern.

"It is vital to approach this branch with realistic expectations and a deep understanding of the potential consequences."

Professor Harrison concluded, her voice filled with finality... "The choice ultimately rests with you, Vale. Consider the recommendations carefully, weighing the risks and rewards of each path. You still have a couple of weeks before you submit your chosen path.

Finally, it was Chad Bulmung's turn. He was the last student to be called.

"Chad, the professors have unanimously agreed to recommend you to the Dark Magic Branch based on your performance. Your grades in various subjects might show that you have the skills to be placed in the Rituals Branch, but we've all agreed that your current Spirit Strands and 7 Empty Spell Lights would greatly help you in the Dark Magic Branch."

"What? You have seven empty Spell Lights?!" Aubrey, the one seated beside Chad, asked in surprise.

The others were also stunned since they weren't 18 yet!

Their mouths hung open as they looked at Chad in shock.

He already has 7 Empty Spell Lights!

If they include the Spells he learned before attending the Academy and the required Spells they should learn, it means he would surely have at least 12 Spell Lights before turning 18!

They would already feel great if they could have a total of 9 Spell Lights before they turn 18, but Chad had actually reached this level already!

It appears that he was more incredible than Vale!