Read Novel Full Chapter 1201: Bats
Chapter 1201: Bats
'Is that not enough?' Aurion thought as he looked at the remaining people….
Apparently, even if many of these people started leaving the gates after accepting the Celestial's words, one mother stepped forward. She was still hesitant for some reason.
"But… what if the Evil Spirit returns? What if another attack happens?"
The others realized that this mother was probably here with genuine concern… Perhaps, he wasn't paid like them. Still, her presence made a few of them brave. After all, they were worried that they wouldn't get fully paid if they left immediately.
Aurion, on the other hand, didn't care as he turned his gaze upon her.
"If they return, they will find guardians waiting. Vale himself has sworn to protect this city, and I stand here as proof of that promise. No harm will come to your children while the Academy is under our protection."
Another man muttered, "Words are easy. How do we know you speak the truth?"
He said this weakly since he also didn't want to face the Celestial…
Still, Aurion raised his hand, and a soft radiance spread across the courtyard.
The parents felt their anxieties ease, their doubts calmed by the warmth of his aura. It was not a spell of compulsion, but a subtle reminder of safety… It felt like a divine reassurance.
"You know the truth in your hearts…" Aurion said gently.
"Vale saved this city from the Chaos Immortals. He has faced threats greater than these Spirits. Do not let fear blind you to what has already been proven. Trust in the Academy, trust in Vale, and trust in the strength of your children."
The crowd fell silent as the remaining parents exchanged glances.
Finally, those genuinely concerned felt their anger fading into calm. Some even bowed their heads, ashamed of their earlier demands.
Seeing this, Aurion lowered his hand and stepped back…
"Return to your homes. Let your children continue their training. The Academy will stand even if it's attacked by Evil immortals. And when the time comes, you will see with your own eyes that this place has gathered all the strongest on the continent."
The parents, finally subdued, began to disperse.
In just a few moments, the crowd thinned, leaving only a few lingering journalist, unsure what to write on their papers.
The unrest had been suppressed… It was not by force, but by Aurion's presence and words.
Inside, Vale's Avatar watched through the balcony of the Headmaster's office… There was a faint smile crossing his lips as he liked how Aurion handled the matter.
"Aurion… you've done well…"
But deep within, Vale knew this was only the beginning.
The enemy seemed to have other motives. They felt like they were rushing and so desperate to sow doubt.
Still, he knew that this would not be enough to shake his Academy.
***
A week passed quietly. The unrest outside the Academy had faded, and the citizens of Clovis City seemed calmer. Lisa, however, remained sealed within the Dark Arts Tower, which had yet to open. Despite this, the Marshall Academy continued its activities without pause.
By now, most of the top students had already mastered the three Foundational Spells of their chosen Arcane Branch. It was a milestone that marked their transition from mere learners to practitioners capable of applying their arts in real situations.
Among the first-year students of the Psychic Arts Branch, three stood out above the rest.
They were Zhang Wei, Mica Sato, and Liang Chen… They all came from the east and were recruited by the Vampire Knights of Lisa.
The Psychic Arts had foundational spells in the form of Mind Shock, which was also a basic offensive psychic spell that delivers a burst of mental energy to disrupt focus. It was also used to stagger opponents or break concentration during combat.
Then, there was Thought Link, a utility spell that allows short-range telepathic communication between allies. It was something essential for coordination in missions and group battles.
Lastly, there was Mental Barrier… It was a defensive spell that creates a psychic shield around the caster's mind. It protects them against illusions, mental interference, or fear-inducing effects.
"I heard that we can finally accept missions…" Zhang Wei, known for his family's Mind Pierce Spell, spoke softly to his companions.
Mica Sato, who excelled in Clairvoyant Echo, a spell that let her sense hidden presences and predict movements, gently nodded.
"Well… We learned the three Foundational Spells already. That should give us the privilege." She said.
Liang Chen, whose mastery of Mental Bind allowed him to restrain targets with psychic pressure, also agreed.
"We need to earn money too… This path, too expensive! I thought that the Alchemy Path was the most expensive. I didn't expect that the Psychic Arts, which only uses the mind, would be this humbling…"
Although they were struggling with money, together, they were recognized as the top three of their class.
Their instructors agreed that their synergy was remarkable… Wei's control in his Magic Zone, Mica's defensive foresight, and Liang's raw force complemented one another perfectly.
Soon, they confirmed that they could accept missions from a professor!
Just like what they thought, now that they had mastered the three Foundational Spells of the Psychic Arts, they were finally permitted to accept missions outside the Academy.
Professor Jamie of the Psychic Arts Department summoned them to the mission hall after hearing their request…
"You three have reached the threshold. The Academy trusts you to apply your skills beyond these walls. Your first mission will be in Clovis City itself. A merchant has reported disturbances near the eastern district… There were confirmed reports from the police about the shadows that unsettle the mind. The city guards suspect remnants of Evil Spirits or Rogue Arcanists, but they cannot confirm. This is where your Psychic Arts will be tested."
Liang Chen's eyes lit up. "Finally, a chance to prove ourselves."
Mica Sato frowned slightly. "If it's remnants of Evil Spirits, then it may not be simple. Their influence lingers even after defeat."
Zhang Wei nodded calmly. "That's why we're being sent. Our spells are designed to detect and suppress mental disturbances. If we succeed, it will show the Academy that the Psychic Arts Branch is ready."
Professor Jamie handed them their mission scrolls. "Remember, this is not just about you guys using brute force… It is about discipline. You must work together and do not underestimate the task."
Of course, Jamie didn't mention that there would be an assistant professor who would be watching them throughout their mission. However, in case of danger, this assistant would reveal himself.
Just like that, the three bowed respectfully. "Yes, Professor."
As they left the mission hall, the other students watched with admiration and envy. To be chosen for a mission so early was a mark of distinction.
After all, first-year students wouldn't normally get the chance to do such missions.
"Let's do this!"
"I'm excited… We're finally out of the Academy!"
"Just make sure not to visit the night market! We need to save money!"
For Zhang Wei, Mica Sato, and Liang Chen, this was more than a mission. It was the first step toward proving themselves worthy of the Academy's name, and perhaps, one day, representing Marshall Academy in the continental competition.
To do that, they have to save money!
Although the Academy covered tuition, housing, basic meals, and even the cost of standard spell materials, the Psychic Arts Branch was notoriously demanding in ways that went beyond what the institution could provide.
For Zhang Wei, Mica Sato, and Liang Chen, the reality was humbling.
The cultivation of mental energy required resources that were rare and expensive.
Indeed, they were using Mental Energy, and exhausting it could affect their brain functions.
They needed Specialized incense, crystalline focus stones, and meditation chambers infused with draconic essence to enhance their learning speed. They were all tools that accelerated their growth, and not even the main Academy of the Psychic Arts Faction or Farrel Academy could have…
The Academy provided access to these only sparingly, reserving them for upper-year students or those who had already proven themselves in missions.
Liang Chen often complained about the cost. "Do you know how much a single vial of Mind Essence Extract costs in the city? Enough to buy a week's worth of food! And we burn through it in one night of training."
Mica Sato nodded helplessly… She had saved a lot of money, but she didn't expect it to be this tough as well.
"The Academy gives us the basics, but if we want to push further, to strengthen our Magic Zones, to extend the duration of our Mental Barriers, we need supplements. Meditation alone isn't enough. Without those resources, our progress will stall."
Zhang Wei knew all of this really well. His family had learned the Psychic Arts for years…
"Psychic Arts cultivation is different from the other branches. Holy Arts practitioners can rely on divine prayers and rituals. Mystic Arts students can use common reagents and even elemental stones. But for us, everything revolves around the mind..."
As he said this, the three suddenly noticed hundreds of bats moving towards the Dark Arts Tower!