Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1220: Transformation Arts Lessons

At the distant edge of the arena, the three disciples from Sreas positioned themselves with serene composure.

A casual observation revealed them as typical young individuals, scarcely past their twentieth year. Simple garments clad their bodies, steady looks marked their features, and their overall vibe remained understated. However, the oppressive force of their aura weighed heavily on every onlooker...

Beneath that serene facade, they were unmistakably perilous Arcanists concealed in plain sight.

All were aware that their genuine prowess resided in the Asura Form... That fearsome shift which bestowed a third eye and two additional limbs, a condition rumored to match the ferocity of primordial creatures. Yet on this occasion, they chose to withhold such dominant might.

Rather, they opted to clash in beastly guises.

Professor Paterson's announcement echoed through the space.

"Three rounds await... Each disciple takes on five of yours. Simply shift, engage, and absorb the lessons."

The initial disciple advanced. Known as Glen, he cut a slender silhouette with piercing gaze and a relaxed grin. He offered a subtle nod to the gathered students.

"Five of you. Come."

Five participants stepped up front, comprising two with beast-blooded talents and three standard practitioners of Transformation Arts. Tension etched their countenances, yet resolve flickered fiercely in their stares.

The remaining pair of disciples summoned their own group of five to launch their separate rounds.

For the moment, Amaya, Vin, and Brannic opted to observe and gauge the abilities on display.

In truth, they weren't alone... By now, various Professors, learners from different Arcane Paths, and even Denise had arrived to witness the confrontation!

After all, Asuras proved exceedingly scarce, and any insights into their ways could prove invaluable.

Before long, Glen lifted his arm. His asura energy ignited, propelling the Transformation Arts into action.

His physique undulated, skeletal structure realigning, sinews contorting.

Within moments, his shape extended, his hide took on a deeper hue, and his frame slimmed further...

Even so, his limbs turned into talons, his limbs twisted at odd postures, and his visage elongated into a lupine snout...

Glen had assumed the Dire Wolf Form from the Beast Realm... Renowned in Beast Arts as a creature of velocity and savagery, though Transformation Arts carried a reputation for their bold assaults that slightly dulled the mind.

That said, this flaw appeared negligible for Asuras such as Glen and his companions.

The quintet of students mirrored the change.

One morphed into a Scaled Serpent Form, his frame sheathed in shimmering scales.

Another sprouted wings in a Falcon Form, plumage emerging as his appendages extended broadly.

The third bulked into a Stonehide Boar, his build thickening with protective plating.

The fourth took on a Dark Lynx Form, boasting its nimble structure, as the final one shifted into a Demonic Bear Cub Form, diminutive compared to Brannic’s heritage yet pulsing with untamed power.

"Those fellows aren't half bad..." Amaya whispered upon witnessing the shifts.

"Indeed... They're likely eyeing a spot in the Gentle Shifters." Vin remarked.

"What? Why seek out the Order? Isn't it on the decline?" Brannic queried, puzzled.

The Order of the Gentle Shifters served as the secretive society within the Transformation Arts Faction. Their sway remained minimal, for beyond three exclusive Unique Transformations unique to their group, they offered little else of note.

They operated on scant resources, typically depending on the Rune Arts Faction for essential Artifacts and the Alchemist Arts Faction for vital provisions.

"That could explain their interest... Quite the bold bunch, aren't they." Amaya murmured.

Brannic stood dumbfounded at the revelation. "For real? Then I have to admire these folks."

"No, hold off... They probably figure it's simpler to rule a small fish than trail a mighty serpent." Vin explained. He had once pondered leading the Order himself but ultimately reconsidered.

Brannic managed only a wry chuckle in response.

Meanwhile, the arena quaked as the shifts reached completion.

Glen hunkered down, his lupine shape exuding an aura that put the five students on high alert...

Then his words resounded, projecting clearly over the field.

"Remember... transformation is not about brute force. It is about control. Show me your instincts."

With that, the skirmish ignited.

The Falcon plunged ahead...

Its pinions carved the breeze. Glen merely dodged aside, his talons slashing skyward.

"Too direct," he noted evenly, raking the wing. "Speed means nothing without angles."

The Serpent lunged with venomous jaws exposed. Yet Glen seized the serpent’s throat in his grip. He hurled the student down, holding him fast. "Your scales are strong, but your center is weak. Protect it."

The Boar barreled forward, believing it could crush Glen amid his distractions with the snake and bird... But Glen seemed to possess rearward vision as he vaulted clear...

Then he dropped onto the Boar’s spine, talons piercing the plating. "Defense without mobility is a cage. You must learn to move even when armored."

The Lynx struck simultaneously... Her talons targeted Glen’s neck. He smirked, seizing her forelimb in mid-assault. "Good. You use speed and stealth. But your timing is too eager. Wait for the opening."

At last, the Bear Cub bellowed, unleashing massive swipes. Glen confronted the blow directly, his wolf talons colliding with the bear’s might.

Bam! The collision rattled the platform...

"Power is useful, but wasted without rhythm. Match your strikes to the heartbeat of battle."

The five students reeled away, gasping for breath. Their beastly shapes bore no wounds, but they now realized the necessity of true teamwork to stand any hope of victory!

Fortunately, Glen held back from further assault. Instead, he elevated his talons and addressed them once more...

He proceeded to impart further wisdom.

"Transformation is not just flesh. It is instinct. You must learn to blend your beast’s nature with your own mind. Do not fight like animals. Fight like warriors who wear the beast as armor."

The students shared knowing looks...

Even spectators beyond the platform absorbed the disciple’s guidance... At this point, anticipation built for their own opportunities!

***

While Denise observed the spectacle, thoughts of her Automatons inevitably surfaced... Maybe Vale wouldn't object if she dispatched her creations to drill the Combat Arts or Knight Arts pupils as well.