In the meantime, Vale's meeting with Farah had ended with a firm agreement.

The Church of the Fortune Goddess would not remain idle while the specter of Lust threatened the Pallham Empire.

Farah herself, with her calm and radiant presence, had promised support in front of her followers...

Together, the two of them arranged a joint force.

From Vale's side, three of his most trusted allies would answer the call… He had decided it would be in their best interest to send Dragons on their side!

Ash, the Ancient Nature Dragon, had a breath that could restore vitality…

Drazek, the Ancient Shadow Dragon, was a master of concealment and suppression, capable of cloaking entire armies in protective darkness in case needed.

Zerel, the Ancient Lightning Dragon, was basically their damage dealer… His strikes were able to shatter barriers and burn corruption from the inside out. Not even Spirit or Souls could hide from him.

From Farah's side, five of the Church's Grand Knights would march.

They were Half‑Immortals, not as eternal as Vale's dragons, but formidable nonetheless.

Each of them was equipped with Sovereign Rank armor, and their weapons carried blessings designed to pierce through illusions and mind corruption.

Their holy spells were particularly effective against temptation and psychic influence… even Lust would falter before their combined sacredness.

Vale considered the balance carefully.

The dragons were overwhelming in raw power, but the Grand Knights brought the special ability to deal with the seven sins, and they also have holy resilience. Together, they formed a force capable of countering both the physical and spiritual aspects of Lust's corruption.

Satisfied, Vale gave his command.

"You will deal with the matter of the psychic arts faction and the Pallham Empire's problem. Do not underestimate Lust if that thing really exists... Strike quickly, and shield yourselves against its influence."

The dragons bowed their heads in acknowledgment, while the Grand Knights saluted with discipline…

Needless to say, the three dragons were in human form to ensure that their target would not flee in despair…

With that, Vale stepped back. He had no intention of micromanaging the campaign. He had chosen his allies well, and he trusted them to handle the threat.

His mind was already turning toward his greater responsibility.

The construction of the foundation of the Arcane Towers was his true priority.

These towers would be crucial structures within the Shadow Domain.

Just like that, Vale departed from the Church, as he returned to Shadow Domain and informed the Psychic Arts Practitioners of the Oracle Hivemind about his deal with Farah…

After that, Vale continued with the inspection of the lands and the progress of the construction of their foundation…

The Pallham Empire's crisis was important, but Vale knew the truth… Immortals did not win wars by chasing every threat. They won by building foundations that could endure or protect them from any external threats…

And so, while dragons and knights marched to confront Lust, Vale focused on the future of his Shadow Domain…

***

While this was all happening, Sterben's work as Lisa's Vampire Knight had been steady but difficult. He was previously recruiting Summoning Arts students, and it was never easy, especially at the Marshall Academy, which had only recently gained fame for its Summoning curriculum thanks to the Immortal's effort.

However, it must be remembered that he was only able to recruit the ones with the lowest talent within the Holy Land of the Summoners during their Grimoire Election Ceremony.

He enticed those who wouldn't be nurtured by the Summoning Arts Faction just to increase the number of their students.

Furthermore, Sterben's task didn't end there as he had transported them safely aboard the Shadow Domain's airship, ensuring each child had a residence prepared.

Their servants, relatives, or guardians were given quarters nearby, so the young recruits would not feel abandoned in this unfamiliar city.

Sterben's efficiency was unquestionable, though he knew the true test would come once the academic year began.

Among the twelve was Cecilia, a timid girl with a weak water-bound Grimoire. Her talent was considered the lowest of the group, and she knew it. Furthermore, she was actually poor, and with her little talent, she didn't even have a good chance to attend the Lakrine the Summoning Arts Academy.

That evening, Cecilia sat alone in her room.

Her servant had gone out to gather necessities, leaving her alone in her place while listening to the faint sound of the city outside.

She stared at her Grimoire, its thin with faint blue leather on it… It looks good, but the power inside felt fragile, almost brittle.

'What if the Academy thinks I'm too weak? What if they send me away? Now that the Academy has suddenly become super famous. Everyone else must've stronger Grimoires… fire, shadow, even godly bindings. Mine is just water. Weak water creatures or maybe water artifacts…'

She hugged the book to her chest, feeling the heaviness of her insecurity.

Then, a knock at the door startled her. She hesitated, then rose to open it.

Standing there was a young woman in the Academy's uniform, carrying a neatly folded set of clothes and a small satchel. Her smile was professional but kind.

"Cecilia, correct? I've come from the Marshall Academy to deliver your enrollment package."

Cecilia was confused… "Enrollment… package?"

The woman handed her the satchel.

Inside were her student uniform, an identification badge, and several documents outlining her schedule and dormitory rights.

"You are already enrolled," the woman explained. "Your classes will begin in a few weeks, once the academic year starts. For now, you may use these to familiarize yourself with the Academy grounds. This uniform will be required once the term begins."

Cecilia's eyes widened. "I… I'm really enrolled? Even with my Grimoire? I heard that stronger students would be attending the Academy… The Faction even--"

The woman's smile softened. "It's alright… Every student has a place here. Strength is not judged at the door. What matters is persistence. The Academy has seen many talents grow beyond expectations. You may surprise yourself."

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