Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1219: The Students of Transformation Arts

Unlike any other division in the Marshall Academy, the Transformation Arts Department stood apart.

In contrast to most disciplines that attracted pupils from diverse clans or small groups, the Transformation Arts courses were overwhelmingly controlled by members of the Transformation Arts Faction.

Such dominance was far from accidental.

The entire situation tied back to a prophecy circulating throughout the continent, foretelling that the Academy would eventually emerge as the supreme power in the Arcane Paths, molding the destiny of magic worldwide.

Elders from the Transformation Faction worried that without deploying their top talents, the upcoming generation might lag behind competitors from other Paths.

As a result, they sent forth their finest young members—exceptional shapeshifters, prodigies infused with beast blood, and uncommon geniuses whose forms and spirits aligned perfectly with metamorphosis.

Certainly, within the freshman class, multiple individuals bore beast-blood originating from distant realms.

This lineage wasn't commonplace; it brimmed with the essence of mystical beasts, bestowing upon them a superior connection to Transformation Arts.

Shapeshifting for them involved reduced drawbacks, and naturally, they excelled even more when shifting into beasts or beings matching their innate affinity.

Beyond that, prior to arriving at the Academy, these youths were required to master their Faction's trio of core Spells. After all, the Elders discovered that the Academy offered a distinct set of foundational Spells.

It seemed the Academy's three basic spells felt somewhat outdated to them.

Among these was Morph Initiation, which enabled the user to modify subtle features of their physique, such as hair shade, eye form, or muscular tone. It instilled mastery over the tiniest alterations.

Another one involved Essence Stabilization, a technique that secured the user's soul amid shifts, averting breakdown or erosion of self. It served as the crucial barrier against impulsive transformations.

Last but not least came Adaptive Skin, an protective incantation that reshaped the user's dermis to withstand extremes of temperature or light blows. It marked the initial stage in adaptive survival shifts.

For novices, these undoubtedly provided a sturdy base, yet the Faction's young talents weren't feeble by any means. Thus, their groundwork emphasized achieving robust transformations.

One such spell was Beast Resonance, which stirred the dormant beast-blood inside, letting the caster tap into primal urges for sharper reactions. Naturally, it functioned for those lacking beast-blood too, though with diminished potency.

Next came Primal Shift, a incantation that briefly reshaped skeletal and fibrous tissues, delivering surges of power or speed.

Finally, Totem Echo offered something akin to Beast Arts, yet as a supportive ethereal spell, it connected the caster to ancient beast totems of their lineage, providing direction and steadying their shifts.

Once the Faction's students grasped all these, their groundwork grew remarkably firm and reliable.

In total, these six incantations laid the cornerstone of their practice—three sourced from the Academy, three from the Faction.

***

Under a crisp dawn, Professor Paterson faced a group of thirty eager learners.

As an expert in Transformation Arts, he gained fame for fluidly adopting hybrid shapes that merged human and animal traits without flaw.

The thirty pupils arranged themselves in orderly lines, poised for the Professor's instruction.

Three among the group particularly shone. Beyond being Faction prodigies, they ranked as potential disciples under Vale.

Amaya held her posture rigidly upright. Her lineage infused the spirit of a shadow-lynx from another realm. Her changes were famed for their speed, as though her form recalled urges predating her very essence.

Next to her, Vin hunched ahead. His ancestry proved even more unusual. His core shift granted him bird-like wings alongside snake scales, highlighting his deeply mixed nature…

Evidently, his beast blood stemmed from the fusion of two ancient primal forces.

Toward the back, Brannic occupied a seat. His sturdy build set him apart from fellow first-years. He resembled someone in their fourth or fifth year far more.

Still, his beast-blood linked to a demonic bear or some equally massive and fierce entity.

Professor Paterson's eyes scanned the gathering.

"Your studies in these chambers have laid your groundwork. Yet Transformation Arts demand more than mere knowledge. To grasp your forms, your lineage, and your boundaries truly, confront those who have advanced deeper on this journey."

The pupils perked up, eagerness flickering in their gazes.

The professor pressed on.

"Three days from now, skip this session and venture beyond the Academy's borders. There, you'll clash with three disciples of Sreas the Immortal Asura."

His declaration hit the room like a bolt from the blue.

Shock rippled through every face, impossible to conceal.

Sreas. The Immortal Asura was a legendary name they all recognized, with identity and backstory veiled in enigma.

However, one fact stirred envy among countless Transformation Arts masters.

Reportedly, Sreas had bestowed their blood upon numerous followers, forging fighters whose shifts supposedly matched the ferocity of beasts from foreign realms.

They understood that these followers had honed their skills beneath the Asura's influence, evolving into vivid symbols of evolution and savagery.

Now, three such figures had consented to a bout with the Academy's newcomers.

Seeing their stunned expressions, Paterson grinned. "View this not as a gentle spar. Sreas's disciples won't spare you kindness. They'll challenge you, shatter you, and compel your rebirth. Their lessons may sting, but they'll prove priceless. Survive it, and you'll emerge far mightier than you ever dreamed."

Murmurs filled the hall with a low hum.

A few faces drained of color, while others gripped their hands in thrilled resolve.

Yet Amaya's silver gaze burned with unyielding resolve.

Vin and Brannic shared the same eager anticipation for the encounter.

Paterson lifted his palm, quelling the chatter. "Cherish this opportunity. Rare few ever train under the Asura's followers. Any wisdom they impart surpasses lifetimes of lessons. Ready yourselves. The arena awaits your arrival shortly."

***

Carved from dark rock and fortified by inscribed wards plus diverse formation arrays, the arena sprawled enormously.

Before long, the thirty students entered in procession. A blend of thrill and dread stirred within them, yet no one yielded to fear at this point...

Across from them, at the opposite side, three silhouettes stood ready.

These were Sreas's disciples.