Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy

628 Maya

In the western region of the Millton Kingdom, a few figures could be seen moving through the forest. It was as if they were being chased by a monster as one of them kept looking back to survey the surroundings.

"Are they keeping up?"

A female voice echoed as she asked the person beside her. She was Maya Featherstar, a student of the Vermont Academy, and the second daughter of the Featherstar's Clan Head.

The Arcanist beside her was one of her Shadow Knights.

After he heard Maya's question, he took a moment to communicate with the Shadow Knight trailing behind them before giving a reply.

"Six Shadow Knights have blocked their path… It will take time before they can chase us. Even if they arrive, we will sacrifice our lives for your safety. Just focus on running, Lady Maya."

Maya could only grit her teeth as she focused on using her movement spell, Ghost Walk.

After about an hour of moving, as Maya and her five remaining Shadow Knights dashed through the dense forest, the sound of snapping twigs and heavy footsteps echoed behind them.

They were quite lucky that the moon cast an eerie glow through the thick canopy, illuminating their path as they desperately sought refuge from their relentless pursuers.

Maya's Phantasm State had ended once again, so she could not use her Ghost Walk to move. She could only move faster by using the magical effect brought by her shoes.

'I'm about to exhaust my Dark Energy… We have to do something…' Maya worriedly looked around, finding a place where they could rest.

However, it wouldn't be easy.

The chilling howls of the pursuing Arcanists reverberated through the trees, sending shivers down Maya's spine.

She stole a glance behind her, her heart pounding in her chest, and saw the glint of moonlight reflecting off their fiery eyes.

'Are they not getting tired? Are they not humans? Just what kind of drugs did my father give to them?!'

Maya complained in her mind as their pursuers continued gaining ground, inch by inch, and their offensive spells kept getting closer and closer.

As Maya thought that they would have to stop and face the enemy, she heard her personal Shadow Knight give instructions.

"Shadow Thirteen, Twenty-Four, and Twenty-Nine… It's time to show your loyalty! Let crows feast tonight!" As he said this, the three Shadow Knights who were called didn't hesitate at all!

"Let the crows feast tonight!"

As the three Shadow Knights chanted, they stopped running to meet their pursuers… At this time, Maya was only left with two Shadow Knights protecting her!

It didn't take long before a deafening roar tore through the night, signaling the sacrifice of three of her Shadow Knights who valiantly held off the Arcanists, buying precious time for their escape.

Maya's eyes welled with tears, but she knew there was no time to mourn their loss. She had to ensure their sacrifice wasn't in vain.

Maya bit her lips to the point that it started bleeding… However, she didn't stop running as she knew that there was still hope.

'She couldn't give up now!'

With a plan in her mind, Maya urged her remaining two Shadow Knights to push forward, deeper into the heart of the forest.

The dense foliage whipped at their faces, and the uneven terrain threatened to trip them at every step. Nevertheless, the pulsating energy of the pursuing Arcanists grew further, pushing Maya and her loyal companions to their limits.

'We're about to lose them… Just a little bit more.'

Just when it seemed that the chasing Arcanists were about to find them again, Maya spotted a narrow ravine cutting through the woodland.

"Follow me!"

Without hesitation, she led her companions to the edge and, with a leap of faith, they descended into the darkness below.

The treacherous terrain tested their agility, but they pressed on, their breaths coming in ragged gasps.

As they emerged from the depths of the ravine, they found themselves in a hidden glade, bathed in the soft glow of a mystical moonlit pool.

The tranquility of the space offered a momentary reprieve from the chaos of their pursuit.

Maya and her Shadow Knights caught their breath while their senses remained on high alert. They knew that they couldn't stay hidden for long.

"Wait… My Magic Zone can only reach 5 meters… Lady Maya, where is this place?"

The Shadow Knight close to Maya exclaimed after realizing what had happened.

"Do not worry. Although this is also my first time coming here, I know about this place. Let's continue moving." Maya declared as she led her group.

She also didn't expect that her father would want to sacrifice her to appease the Untainted Sentinels or to buy more time for the Dark Arts Faction.

Although her Physique was special, she didn't know that it was to the extent that the Sentinels were willing to cease the war.

With the moon as their guide, Maya and her loyal companions ventured deeper into the heart of the forest. She was determined to evade being captured and live in freedom.

As they pressed on, they didn't know how long had passed as the moon's ethereal glow cast a serene light upon their surroundings, revealing the silhouette of a grand church emerging from the darkness.

The ancient structure stood tall and imposing, its weathered stone facade adorned with intricate carvings that seemed to depict some ancient secrets.

"A church?" One of the Shadow Knights muttered as he observed the mysterious building.

"Indeed… Is it an unorthodox church? However, with this grand design in this unknown place, it must be a fallen church." The other Shadow Knight commented. It felt as if the church was emanating an aura of enigma as its presence appeared both haunting and awe-inspiring in the dead of night.

However, Maya had a different thought.

As soon as she saw the building, she couldn't help but smile in relief.

"It's the Church of the Lord of the Secrets…"