What exactly does the Divine Arts Department teach? What can students learn there?

Divine Arts typically refer to powers granted by Divine Beings to lower races. But since deities command countless Domains, the abilities bestowed upon their followers vary wildly. Theoretically, Divine Arts encompass all forms of power.

For example: a God of Magic might grant spellcasting to believers; a War God would bestow martial prowess; a Death God would impart Undead arts.

Thus, the Divine Arts Department couldn’t possibly teach every Divine Art—there were simply too many. Besides, the greatest advantage of Divine Arts was direct bestowal by a Divine Being, bypassing complex, demanding study. Though practice was still required, the process was drastically simplified.

Moreover, each religion’s history, rituals, and daily customs differed vastly—impossible to teach together. Organized churches usually ran their own seminaries to train internal members. The Breath of the Sun Church had such schools, but they paled next to the Imperial Kingdom Academy. Given the Academy’s close ties with the Church—and the Empire of Aifei’s dominance by the Breath of the Sun faith—the Academy’s Divine Arts Department did offer specialized courses for its followers.

The department mainly taught foundational Divine Arts, theoretical frameworks, protocols for communing with deities, plus practical church knowledge like Divine Language, hymns, and sacred chants.

Right now, I studied my course schedule while walking with Mistflower toward our assigned dorms.

"First, the Breath of the Sun Church courses are mandatory. Skip the others." Several major churches taught here, but I’d never choose them—nor would they approve me. That’d be asking for trouble.

Followers of unrepresented faiths had to pick vocational courses closest to their abilities.

"Divine Language is essential—it’s a huge chunk of our grades and vital knowledge later. Learning multiple languages always helps. Let’s add Rune Language too; mages write spells in it." With Mistflower, I could freely show off my knowledge. After all, I knew far more than this commoner.

"Mm, got it. These two then." Mistflower nodded firmly, checking both boxes. The Rune Language course was under the Mage Division—we’d need to report there soon.

"Next, Continental Religious History covers all faiths on the mainland. Useful. Since we’re taking that, we’ll add Continental History too—easy credits." I guided her as she marked the sheet.

"Since we’re learning Divine Language, let’s take Divine Hymns. Angels excel at those. I’ll skip Sacred Chants though—useful, but I’ve zero poetic talent. No plans to compose hymns or fawn over deities daily. You can pick it if you want."

"I’ll skip it too. Without your guidance, Lefur, I’d know nothing. Thank you so much. I’ll just take whatever you take." Mistflower bowed her head gratefully.

Hah. Her words made me feel rather superior.

"This selection’s enough. Passing these covers our semester credits. But I plan to learn swordsmanship too. Join me?" Swords were so universal that, unlike other weapons confined to vocational tracks, swordsmanship was a public course. It remained the most popular choice across academies.

"No, I don’t want swords." Mistflower shook her head unexpectedly, scanning the schedule. "I’ll take Archery. I hunted in the mountains back home—should be easier to learn."

"Alright, good luck. Oh look—we’re already at the dorms."

Since the entire academy was compressed inside a castle, the dorm layout felt unconventional. Exiting the Divine Arts Department hall led to a crimson-carpeted corridor. Ancient-style lamp stands dotted the walls every few meters, each holding glowing magic crystals. Doors lined both sides, leading to different campus zones, with students constantly passing by.

The dormitory wing was brighter. One side held tightly packed wooden doors; the other featured floor-to-ceiling windows displaying simulated landscapes. Though the dorms spanned many floors, every level showed identical scenery.

With ample space, the Academy generously assigned single rooms—even for non-residents. Mistflower’s room was right next to mine.