'No… It's different now.'
As Vale's thoughts raced, he realized that he had grown significantly during his time at the Academy, thanks to his Divine Extraction System.
He had become stronger and more skilled, and he now possessed the confidence to face Lesley, should their paths cross again. Vale took a deep breath, reassuring himself that he was no longer the same vulnerable young man who had once fallen victim to the Darkness Possession Potion.
"Vale? You looked pale just now. Are you alright?" Professor Zara asked.
"Ahh… I'm alright, Professor. I'm just shocked to hear Lesley's name. I've seen some of her battles in the Archive Room before. She's indeed a talented Alchemist. I didn't expect that Lisa knows her." Vale replied.
Lisa seemed to like what she just heard. She felt really proud that she had a connection to Lesley.
"Indeed! I knew you'd appreciate her as well. If you want to meet her someday, I'll introduce you to her. She likes talented people." Lisa said as she knew that Lesley would surely realize Vale's talent.
Vale wryly smiled after hearing this.
Alchemist Zach seemed to dislike being ignored as he interrupted.
"Haha… Lesley is indeed great. But I'm still better since I'm older and more experienced than her. You should consider again to be my disciple, Lisa. My offer wouldn't last forever."
He then shifted his attention to Vale.
"Vale, you can also consider becoming my disciple. I can tell that you have a certain type of Seamless Arcane Physique. It can even be better than the Enduring Body. It's probably close to the Tyrant Moon Physique or even an Innate Dark Sorceror Body similar to Sir Morgan Vermont."
'It's actually Incorruptible Body… It's also considered an Impure Darkness Physique.' Vale thought as he smiled at the Professor.
"I'll think about it, Professor Zach. You should know that I already have a Master."
"Ahhh… Indeed. I hope that Senior Heinz is doing well. Haha…" Alchemist Zack laughed awkwardly after being reminded about Vale's master.
With the completion of Lisa's transformation, the attention shifted to Leonore, who now stood at the center of the Formation Circle, ready to consume her second Darkness Possession Potion.
She felt a lot more pressured since Vale and Lisa's transformation was quite evident. She was able to tell just from their fluctuation of energy that they had become a stronger Dark Arts Practitioner.
'I'll become the best Dark Seer… I can do this…' Leonore encouraged herself before drinking the potion.
Soon, the energy in the Ceremony seemed to intensify, mirroring the internal changes occurring within her. She could feel her Magic Zone expanding, reaching outwards like tendrils seeking to connect with the world around her.
As the transformation progressed, Leonore's presence seemed to grow more grounded and centered. The power that coursed through her was raw yet controlled, like a raging river flowing within the confines of a strong dam. She felt a newfound connection to the Dark Elements as if she could command the Darkness itself.
Vale and Lisa watched in awe as their classmate underwent her transformation. They could sense the immense power of Darkness radiating from Leonore.
As the effect of the potion was about to subside, a hushed silence fell over the room.
An otherworldly eye materialized above Leonore! It was the size of a huge metal door of the Hall!
Its presence was both awe-inspiring and unsettling, casting an eerie glow that illuminated the Ceremony Hall.
Vale and Lisa exchanged wide-eyed glances, their surprise evident.
As the eye hovered above her, Leonore remained unaware of its existence. However, everyone, including Professor Zara and Alchemist Zach, was taken aback by the sight.
"Dark Seer? She truly has delved deep into the Dark Arts. Has she made a pact, selling her soul in exchange for such power?" Professor Zara muttered as she immediately understood what was going on.
Alchemist Zach's brow furrowed in concern. "A Dark Seer? But isn't she from the Roland Family? Known for their mastery of curses? Why would someone from such a renowned family choose to pursue such a dangerous path?"
He hadn't really paid much attention to Leonore. As soon as he learned that she was from the Roland Family, he just assumed that she used her family's achievements to reach her current level. However, it seemed that he had underestimated her.
Vale and Lisa's confusion deepened. While they had heard of Dark Seers and the ability to see glimpses of the future, they had underestimated the gravity of Leonore's chosen path. The otherworldly eye that had just appeared was something they had never expected to appear during the Darkness Possession.
"Whew~"
Leonore, still unaware of the audience's reactions, felt an indescribable sense of comfort. It was indeed quite painful at the first few seconds of her consumption. However, it didn't take that long before she sensed her improvement.'
'I'm different now…' Leonore thought as she clenched her fist.
As Vale thought that Professor Zara and Alchemist Zach would tell her about the otherworldly eye, they actually ignored that fact and just congratulated Leonore.
Just like that, they decided to leave the Ceremony Hall.
This stopped Vale from asking Leonore about it. He wasn't sure if it would be insensitive to ask her about that.
'Is it a Forbidden Dark Arts?' Vale mused.
After all, it would make sense why they couldn't discuss this openly since the Treaty of Keslore stops them from practicing these Arts.
'Interesting… I guess it's not really prohibited as long as it's not known by the Association.' Vale silently thought as he recalled the scrolls that he got from the Dark Soul Tower.
To be honest, he also wouldn't pass if he got an opportunity to learn powerful Forbidden Dark Arts, especially if it was the Blood Magic or an ability to summon a Mysterious Entity that was stronger than Dark Spirits.
As Vale and the others exited the Ceremony Hall, they found themselves face-to-face with the Class 3 students who were waiting for their turn to use the Hall with Professor Lucius.
Leo, annoyed that they didn't get to use the Ceremony Hall first, couldn't help but mock them for their seemingly quick completion of the ceremony.
His tone was soft, as if he was trying not to be heard.
"They finished so early? I guess the potion didn't give them much development, huh..."
