Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1221: Request

Another disciple advanced onto the second platform.

Eryn was his name, standing tall with wide shoulders, and he appeared remarkably composed. In contrast to Glen's fierce wolf-like presence, Eryn came across as more mature thanks to his deliberate way of talking and his overall steady demeanor.

"Five of you... Step forward."

Five students followed the command, shifting forms one after another.

The first one turned into a Crimson Tiger, muscles bulging across his frame, with stripes shimmering softly in elemental fire.

The second morphed into a Scaled Crocodile, its mouth extending into a long jaw, tough armored skin emerging on its body, though the armor hadn't fully formed yet.

The third adopted the shape of a Silver Stag, its antlers spreading out gracefully... Though it seemed fragile, this form brimmed with speed and nimbleness.

The fourth changed into a Duskwing Bat, wings expanding broadly, and naturally, it possessed sound-based powers that he believed might work well against the disciple...

Lastly, the fifth took on the appearance of a Molten Ape, cracks glowing on his skin like fissures, vapor steaming from his body with each exhale. This was the shift of a Rare Beast from the Beast Realm.

Awe rippled through the crowd in whispers. These shapes were powerful, each offering distinct strengths.

Yet Eryn simply shut his eyes. His energy flared up, and his form started to alter.

His flesh toughened, and bark soon crept over his arms and torso. His legs anchored to the earth, swelling into sturdy trunk-like pillars.

In the end, limbs branched out from his shoulders, foliage blooming effortlessly. Naturally, his features had shifted too, his gaze shining emerald...

He had assumed the guise of a Treant, a shift seldom witnessed among learners. After all, it carried a massive risk.

Without proper control, instances existed where the user ended up with a skin condition that barkened their flesh...

However, when handled well, it became an animated stronghold blending protection, restraint, and overwhelming might.

The five students paused uncertainly.

The Treant clearly wasn't built for swift movement, so it would remain rooted in place. Still, its defenses were bound to be extraordinary...

"Come on," Eryn urged. "Display your savage side."

The students shared looks before reaching a silent pact.

Quickly, the Crimson Tiger let out a mighty roar and pounced ahead... But Eryn's limb of branches swept in a broad sweep, snaring the tiger while it was airborne. The blow hurled it tumbling over the arena's surface.

Thud!

"Swiftness lacking roots goes to waste," Eryn remarked. "A hunter needs to sense the right moment to strike and the right one to hold back."

Next, the Crocodile lunged with snapping jaws. Eryn's roots erupted from below, twisting around the scaly form and holding it fast. He bore down with a limb, making the Crocodile thrash in vain.

"You ought to master using the earth to your advantage too."

The Silver Stag dashed forward, antlers gleaming with Arcane Energy.

However, Eryn lowered himself, his bark-clad body soaking up the collision. Then, with a sharp turn, he gripped the stag's antlers using his branch-like hands and compelled the student to drop to its knees.

"This Stag feels off... Consider picking a different Beast Form to learn."

This might have been the sharpest critique, especially with the rest overhearing. Still, they held back from challenging the master's words right then, as he could be spotting flaws beyond their sight.

Meanwhile, the Duskwing Bat dove from above... Eryn's branches reached skyward, forming a mesh of foliage and timber.

The bat unleashed a sound blast!

Screech!

Yet before it could endure even five seconds, it got ensnared mid-flight... It ended up knotted tight, with no way to break free.

"Work on a superior hiding skill. You're far too simple to trap. Lacking any protection at all."

At last, the Molten Ape roared deeply, fists radiating intense warmth. It rushed in, hammering Eryn's bark with blazing strikes. Briefly, vapor sizzled as the bark splintered. But Eryn's roots burst forth once more, encircling the ape's legs and yanking it downward. With one powerful squeeze, he slammed the ape into the dirt.

"Raw force without control destroys itself. Flames need restraint, lest they devour their master."

The five students sprawled breathless, their shapes worn down, yet they refused to yield. Eryn merely freed them, allowing another assault.

"Keep this in mind," he declared, his tone resounding. "Shifting isn't just about turning into another creature. It's about equilibrium. The beast lends you power, but you must lend it insight. Lacking unity, you're merely feral meat."

Silence gripped the crowd, struck with wonder.

Even Denise edged closer, her gaze sharpening in reflection. The message shone through... the Asura disciples weren't just warriors. They were profound mentors, living out a creed of change.

Over half an hour later, the next group's moment arrived.

Professor Paterson's call echoed.

He summoned Amaya, Vin, Brannic, and two more students...

"Professor... We'd like to train under Sir Eryn and his Treant."

Professor Paterson arched an eyebrow at the outburst. Students rarely picked which disciple to challenge. Usually, they took the platform they got. But this group stood firm in their choice.

"Eryn's who you seek?" Paterson inquired, his voice mixing astonishment and interest.

"Yes," Amaya replied steadfastly. "We wish to battle the Treant. It's an uncommon shift, so we yearned to test it."

The rest felt puzzled, yet they didn't dispute the plan.

Paterson's eyes turned to the third platform, where Kaelith waited.

Kaelith had earlier embraced a Serpent Asura Form. His frame was lithe, arms stretched long, four claw-ended limbs in total.

He struck with poison and slyness. He had broken down his foes with ease, though this Serpent shape wasn't truly rare, as plenty mimicked it.

Moreover, the Serpent's toxic power left his battling students rattled upon exiting the stage.

His approach differed from Glen and Eryn's harmony, focusing instead on supremacy via trickery.

"The rest were capable too, but we truly desire the Treant matchup, Professor," Vin added.

Professor Paterson, noting their determination, had no choice but to consent.