"I guess everyone thought that I'd be taking the Dark Magic Branch…" Vale muttered as he heard Maya's reaction.
Considering how he had informed his friends that he was planning to choose the Dark Magic Branch before, he wasn't too surprised at all.
Nevertheless, what surprised Vale was when he heard that Maya was also taking the Rituals Branch! Initially, he thought that Maya would choose the Dark Alchemy Branch, considering that her Master was from the Branch of Dark Arts…
'Ahh… We actually have the same situation.' Vale silently thought after recalling that Sherah, Maya's Master, was also a Dark Alchemist like Heinz.
Anyway, Vale didn't overthink it.
The feast was a magnificent display of culinary delights, with various delectable dishes representing different regions and traditions. There were even some expensive enchanted delicacies that shifted flavors with each bite to beverages that sparkled like stardust.
Vale made sure to enjoy the meal since he contributed to the expenses as well.
The celebration continued until midnight before they were told to return. Apparently, there would be plenty of spirits within the Assembly Hall, and the concentration of the spiritual energy might cause complications for them.
Vale and others didn't know that the Assembly Hall was this complicated, but they didn't ask further and just concluded the celebration. In any case, they are still inside the Dark Arts Academy, so it wouldn't be surprising to have such phenomena.
Finally, it was the summer break.
During their summer break, almost everyone left the Academy to return to their homes, but Vale found himself fully immersed in his research and experiments with the mystical items he possessed.
Well, Headmaster Jean had prohibited him from leaving the Academy due to what he did when he had previously left.
He had basically offended the Vermont Clan for what he did to the "traitor" of their Clan and leaving the Academy right now might be dangerous.
Anyway, Vale embraced the opportunity to delve deeper into his studies, and he would even seek guidance from the professors who were basically living within the confines of the Academy.
He would also spend his time exploring other uses of his Devil Mask and Dagger, the Broken Immortal Item, the unreadable Ancient Book, and other items in his possession.
After a couple of weeks, Vale made up his mind, and he decided to visit the Exchange Hall once again.
As he stepped into the Contribution Points Exchange Hall, he noticed a familiar face among the bustling crowd. It was an Assistant Professor from the third year, although Vale couldn't recall his name at the moment.
Nevertheless, he approached the Assistant Professor, hoping that he could assist him in his search for the missing or the last part of the Aurora's Embrace spell model.
"Good morning, Professor… I didn't know that you're working here as well." Vale greeted as he recalled the other lady who should be working here. That mysterious lady, who was sensitive to the Dark Spirit, had left a deep impression on him.
"Vale… Why did you not leave to meet with your family? You may not be able to return in the next summer break." The Assistant Professor asked in concern.
"It's too far from here, Professor..." Vale answered.
Without waiting for his reply, Vale explained his business to the Assistant Professor, mentioning the information he had gathered about the Exchange Hall's system.
Well, Vale learned that the Necromancy students would get artifacts from the Dark Soul Tower and exchange them for Contribution Points in this Hall.
If this was the case, he was hoping that the missing part of the Planar Spell Model would be available in this very place.
The Assistant Professor listened attentively, nodding as Vale spoke. Understanding the significance of Vale's request, he offered to check the inventory of the Exchange Hall to see if they had the final part of the Aurora's Embrace spell model available for purchase.
"I'm not too familiar with this Spell Model, and all the mystical items from that Tower aren't being listed here in normal records. I have to check the inventory myself…"
"I will wait here, Professor. If you need help, you can just tell me." Vale replied with a nod, even offering his assistance.
As the Assistant Professor left to check the room behind him, Vale had nothing to do, so he just walked around the Exchange Hall and checked the displayed Mystical Items.
As he wandered through the hall, he noticed a newly added section that caught his attention.
It was a display showcasing the top 10 mystical items that were frequently exchanged with Contribution Points.
Intrigued by this selection, Vale approached the area and examined the items with keen interest.
"Mhhmm? These things are popular?" Vale muttered as he checked the items. Their price ranges from 4 to 10 contribution points.
They were quite cheap so that must be the reason why the students were exchanging for them.
There was also a sign on the shelf where the items were properly listed from the least popular to the most popular.
Bonebound Tome: A mystical copy of a weathered and ancient tome filled with eccentric, dark rituals and incantations. It grants the reader a deeper understanding of Dark Rituals and the ability to commune with restless spirits.
Corruption Shard: A small, obsidian-like shard infused with dark energy. When held, it enhances the user's ability to tap into the power of corruption, allowing them to manipulate and control dark forces.
Dusk Veil: A dark, flowing cloak that weakens the wearer's presence and grants movement enhancements when passing through shadows.
Whispering Skull: A small, intricately carved skull that acts as a conduit for communicating with the spirit realm. It amplifies the user's ability to hear and understand messages from the deceased, aiding in divination and spirit channeling.
Blood Rune Amulet: An amulet adorned with ancient runes and infused with the essence of blood magic. It enhances the user's proficiency in blood rituals, allowing them to harness life force energy for spells and sacrifices.
"They actually sound really useful..." Vale muttered in interest.
Unfortunately, as he was about to continue checking the other five, the Assistant Professor finally returned and called out to him.