Chapter 389: Year End
Vale didn't immediately celebrate as he didn't want to be too disappointed.
He continued with his experiments and used the Amulet as a catalyst. It indeed amplifies his physical and spiritual capabilities, allowing him to strengthen his Inccoruptible Body...
However, his intuition was correct. He soon realized a problem.
'What a shame...'
A wry smile crossed Vale's face as he completed his experiments.
The Amulet, though powerful, was inherently limited. It could only aid him in reaching the intermediate realm, a level he had already surpassed.
Nevertheless, he also realized that the Obsidian Amulet helps his Phantasm State much better than his Protector Amulet.
Because of this, he didn't feel that it was wasted. He decided to continue his Phantasm State Training within the confines of the Practice Room.
Clink!
After some time, Vale opened his pocketwatch and looked at the time.
"Thirty-eight minutes of Phantasm State... Not bad." Vale muttered in satisfaction as he finally concluded his unplanned training.
The 5 minutes that have been added was already a decent increase.
Then, with the obsidian Amulet around his neck, he made his way to the dining hall. It was time to fill his empty stomach.
***
The following day, Vale dedicated himself to extensive research on the three enigmatic Paragons.
His focus narrowed on finding books and texts that shed light on their identities and the significance of the Stormbringer and the Temporal Timepiece.
"Vale... You're here again." Lisa said with a warm smile after seeing him entering the library.
She couldn't help but admire her classmate. After all, Vale was already considered at the top of the class, but he was still doing some self-studies. He never wasted his time and continued working hard.
Of course, she was also doing the same since she felt that she was still lacking because of her late introduction to the world of mysticism.
"Ahh... I found a few interesting books. I'll be going to the third aisle again..." Vale replied.
"Mhmm? Third aisle? Are you interested in the five prominent churches or those less likely known or even disbanded churches?" Lisa curiously asked.
After being classmates with Vale for three years, they had obviously gotten close, and she no longer minded asking such questions.
"Ahh... It's not like that. I was just curious about the Church of the Three Paragons. As you know, they seem to have some connection with the Secret Organization... Well, that's how it appears, but I think they're just being used as a cover." Vale said with a mysterious smile.
Lisa's eyes lit up as she liked this type of story.
"Oh? Are you planning to be a detective?" Lisa asked, followed by a soft chuckle.
The two chatted for a bit more before a few students came in, so they decided to get back to their business.
"Let's see... Where did I stop?" Vale muttered.
He soon immersed himself in the ancient tomes, manuscripts, and scrolls that chronicled the Church of Three Paragons. The dusty pages revealed that no one was really studying about these Churches, and he could certainly understand them.
At the very least, he was thankful that this library did not throw away these 'unused' books.
Soon, he read some fragmented stories of the Paragons, their mythical exploits, and the profound influence they had on the realm of Arcane Arts.
'Paragons can use magic, calling them miracles... However, it wasn't properly noted. They seem more like Mystical Arts Practitioners.' Vale mused.
With each page turned, his understanding deepened. He also noticed that centuries ago, the world's Arcane Arts weren't developed yet. It was still in the exploration stage, and the Paragon's 'Miracles' seemed to be quite simple now, especially if they were using Planar Spells.
Soon, he discovered that the Church of Three Paragons wasn't just a revered institution but also a powerful force with over a hundred thousand knights many years ago...
'Is it exaggerated?' Vale commented in his mind.
He wasn't sure, but he certainly knew that their church in the Melthorn City, where he grew up, didn't even have a single knight. Well, they were probably not showing themselves, but he certainly couldn't feel their presence.
Anyway, according to the book, the Paragons themselves were legendary figures, embodying different aspects of power and wisdom.
'Mhmm... It's getting quite repetitive...' Vale silently thought as he read more and more books.
Finally, after some time, when he delved further into the texts, he uncovered references to the Stormbringer and the Temporal Timepiece... and a piece of ring.
'This is it!' Vale's back straightened as he read the texts carefully.
It became apparent that these artifacts held immense significance, intricately tied to the Paragons and their unparalleled abilities.
'The third item is the Creation Ring worn by the Church's Pontiff?' Vale gently nodded as he read this part.
It seems that there was no way for him to obtain all three items of the Paragons.
'That was such a wishful thought...' Vale wryly smiled as he shook his head.
***
As the final days of the third-year class came to a close, a sense of accomplishment filled the air, not just the third-year class but also the other years.
The students of Third-Year Class 2, having submitted their chosen paths within the five branches of Dark Arts, were eager to celebrate their achievements and bid farewell to their shared experiences.
With a collective decision, the students of Class 1 to 4 organized a grand farewell party, merging it with a celebration of completing their third year at the Academy. They rented a part of the Assembly Hall of the Academy where they held the part.
The venue was meticulously decorated, with dark hues and shimmering lights creating an enchanting ambiance.
Tables were adorned with low-level lighting mystical artifacts, casting a mesmerizing glow that added to the magical atmosphere.
The students spared no effort in ensuring that the party reflected their shared passion for the Arcane Art.
As the evening approached, laughter and chatter filled the air as the classmates and friends from other classes gathered together, exchanging stories, reminiscing about their time at the Academy...
They eagerly discussed their chosen paths within the Dark Arts.
Soon, a familiar voice was heard in the crowd.
"What? Vale chose the Rituals Branch?" Maya asked in disbelief. "Ah..." Realizing that other students heard her, she quickly covered her mouth.