Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1227: Transformations
Previously on Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy...
Weeks swiftly followed the passing days.
Mornings brimmed with classes on Arcane History, Magic Language, Fundamentals of Magic Zone, Transformation Harmonization, plus numerous additional subjects.
Afternoons, meanwhile, ushered in club activities…
Amaya joined the Tea Appreciation Club, Vin the Spirit Crafter's Club, and Brannic the Writer's Club. Evenings, however, were reserved for the Animus Haven.
Gradually, their thoughts adjusted. Their spellcasting sharpened, and their mastery improved further…
They mastered refining the demonification spell while avoiding the insanity it induced… They managed to harness the essence too, without allowing it to overwhelm them.
Nevertheless, the corruption persistently challenged them.
It felt like they were turning into Dark Arts Practitioners rather than Transformation Artists!
Yet, they refused to surrender…
They fought back against the essence's relentless push to morph them into senseless demons…
Maybe the Animus Haven Circle played a key role, drawing them back to sanity whenever despair nearly overtook them…
Nearly three months flew by in a blur…
The vials approached emptiness, with just a handful of drops left.
Some days later, once the vials stood completely drained, a shadowy form emerged at the magic circle's boundary.
This was Vale's Avatar.
***
The trio of young talents stiffened as the shadow advanced.
The silhouette was instantly recognizable.
His likeness had been etched into the marble statues positioned beyond the academy grounds…
Those piercing traits, the serene stare, the presence that dominated the shadows… this was Vale, the Shadow Immortal!
Naturally, they remained unaware it was merely an avatar. To their senses, it seemed the mythical figure had materialized right in the training chamber.
Their legs buckled on reflex, and they lowered themselves in deep reverence.
"Congratulations, young ones," Vale's Avatar declared. "You endured well. But I still have to see the fruits of your hard work."
The three raised their faces, excitement surging through them.
Vale's Avatar observed them intently for quite some time before proceeding.
"Do you know why I have given you this chance? Why I have allowed you to consume the Blood and Essence of Demon Saints?"
Not one ventured a reply.
"Because in three more months, the Arcanist Academy Competition will begin. Every academy across the continent will send its finest. Each of the twelve Arcane Paths must present three participants, all under the age of fourteen. And I intend for you three to represent the Transformation Arts if you're able to show satisfactory results."
The revelation left them momentarily speechless, yet thrill quickly ignited within.
Vale then drew nearer.
"That is why you must show me now. Show me that you can wield the demonic corruption without being consumed. Show me that you can transform… not into mindless demons, but into warriors who embody the strength of Demon Saints while retaining your humanity."
The three shared looks. Months of rigorous training lay behind them. Still, doubt lingered on whether they'd achieve Vale's expectations, though all were set to attempt it immediately!
Vale's Avatar clapped his hands…
"Alright… Enough of that, each of you will attempt the transformation. I will judge whether you are worthy."
"Let me try first!"
Amaya took the initiative. She entered the magic circle…
With a profound breath, she summoned memories of each teaching and every bit of essence she'd absorbed.
Before long, the corruption rushed through her.
She triggered a Transformation Spell, specifically the Essence Adaptation Spell, among the Academy's core incantations.
Moments later, her form began to alter. No claws or horns emerged. Rather, her presence transformed. Shadows twisted about her… In short order, her spirit attuned to the Demon Saint essence, yet her core identity held firm. It simply altered her skin and eye hues!
Yet, this hardly counted as a setback!
Vale's Avatar inclined his head. "Good control and understanding of the Demon Saint's Essence… That's right… You are not a beast, you are a hunter who chooses when to strike."
Amaya retreated, quivering yet filled with accomplishment.
Vin followed. He entered the circle likewise and drew in a steadying breath to soothe his tension.
Quickly, he initiated his Demon Transformation Spell!
The corruption bore down on him more fiercely than it had on Amaya.
His fists tightened as he steadied the power roaring inside him...
In moments, his presence turned more ominous, with faint scales briefly surfacing on his skin only to vanish…
Fortuitously, his Faction's core spells aided him greatly. The Primal Shift Spell reined in his frenzy!
Rather than yielding, he balanced the conflicting forces inside. His presence evened out! He resembled no Demon whatsoever. Beyond extended locks of hair, he appeared utterly ordinary!
Vin breathed out, a wave of ease washing over him as he withdrew.
He had succeeded in the transformation!
"It looks rough for a moment, but you did well," Vale murmured.
At last, Brannic advanced boldly… The corruption blazed through his blood like flames, compelling him to shatter, bellow, or ravage.
Yet Brannic recalled the Writer's Club. He thought of the pen in his grasp, the tales he yearned to pen, the heritage he aimed to forge. He recalled moderation, the might of language surpassing brute force.
In truth, he'd chosen that club partly to master his feelings!
He called upon Primal Shift, directing the power without permitting it to dominate.
Briefly, the corruption risked warping him into a fiendish form, but Brannic pushed it away, molding it into an inner protector rather than a savage entity.
Thus, he finished the transformation. Though, far from a monstrous Demon appearance, only his gaze shifted and his nails lengthened into keen edges.
Even so, greater might coursed through his bloodstream.
Vale's Avatar's voice echoed. "Very well done!"
Brannic pulled away, perspiration trickling, though pride shone in his eyes.
The three reunited, their presences still subtly humming with the Demon Saint essence.
Vale's Avatar watched them quietly, then addressed them.
"You have proven yourselves. You have endured corruption, refined your spellcraft, and shown me that you can transform without losing your humanity. You are ready!"
"Remember," the Avatar went on. "this was only the first step. The Arcanist Academy Competition will not be forgiving. You will face prodigies of other Academies, and you have to train more…
"But don't worry. This time, I will guide you all personally." Vale said.
While the three rejoiced, Darlene Arkwright had been eavesdropping the entire duration...