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

The Department of Transformation Arts at Marshall Academy differed from every other one.

In contrast to most paths that attracted learners from diverse small clans or lesser groups, the classes in Transformation Arts were overwhelmingly controlled by the Transformation Arts Faction.

Such dominance happened for a clear reason.

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

Elders from the Transformation Faction worried that without sending their top talents, the rising generation of their path would lag behind competitors.

Thus, they sent forth their finest young members—exceptional shapeshifters, prodigies with beast blood, and uncommon geniuses whose forms and spirits harmonized perfectly with alteration.

Certainly, within the freshman group, a few possessed beast-blood originating from distant realms.

This lineage wasn't commonplace; it brimmed with the essence of mystical beasts, bestowing superior compatibility with Transformation Arts.

When they shifted, drawbacks were minimized, and naturally, their prowess soared higher when assuming forms tied to their innate beasts or beings.

Beyond that, prior to arriving at the Academy, these youths had already mastered the three core Spells of their Faction. After all, the Elders discovered the Academy offered distinct foundational Spells.

Evidently, the Academy's trio of foundational spells struck them as somewhat outdated and traditional.

One such spell was Morph Initiation, enabling the user to modify subtle features of their physique—like hair hue, eye contours, or muscle firmness. It instilled mastery over the tiniest alterations.

Another was Essence Stabilization, a technique that secured the user's spirit amid shifts, averting breakdown or erosion of self. It served as protection against hasty transformations.

The last one, Adaptive Skin, formed a protective incantation that reshaped the user's dermis to withstand warmth, chill, or light blows. It marked the initial stage of adaptive survival forms.

For novices, these undoubtedly provided a sturdy base, yet the Faction's young weren't feeble. Their groundwork emphasized forging reliable transformations.

Among their spells stood the Beast Resonance Spell, which stirred the dormant beast-blood inside, letting the caster tap into creature urges for sharper responses. Naturally, it functioned for those lacking beast-blood, though with reduced potency.

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

Finally, Totem Echo emerged, akin to Beast Arts yet a supportive spiritual technique that connected the user to ancient beast totems, offering direction and bolstering their shifts.

Once the Faction's students grasped all these, their groundwork grew far more robust and steady.

Collectively, these six incantations laid the core of their practice—three sourced from the Academy, three from the Faction.

***

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

As a virtuoso in Transformation Arts, he gained fame for fluidly merging human and animal traits into hybrid shapes.

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

Three among them shone brightest. Not mere Faction prodigies, they also vied to become Vale's disciples.

Amaya held her posture rigid. Her lineage infused the shadow-lynx essence from another realm. Her shifts flowed with blinding speed, as though her frame recalled urges predating her very spirit.

Next to her, Vin hunched eagerly. His ancestry proved even more unusual. His core shift sprouted bird-like wings alongside snake scales, revealing his deeply mixed nature…

Evidently, his beast blood stemmed from fusing two ancient primal forces via alchemy.

At the room's opposite side lounged Brannic. His sturdy build set him apart from fellow first-years. He resembled a senior of fourth or fifth-year standing.

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

Professor Paterson's eyes scanned the assembly.

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

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. There, you'll clash with three disciples of Sreas the Immortal Asura."

His declaration hit the room like lightning.

Shock rippled through every face, impossible to conceal.

Sreas. The Immortal Asura rang as a mythic name, their sex a secret, origins veiled in enigma.

Yet one fact stirred envy among Transformation Arts masters.

Rumor held that Sreas shared their blood with scores of followers, forging fighters whose shifts matched otherworldly beasts in might.

These pupils had honed skills in the Asura's looming presence, evolving into vivid symbols of flux and savagery.

And now, three consented to duel the Academy's youths.

Paterson grinned at their stunned looks. "View this not as gentle practice. Sreas's disciples won't spare you kindness. They'll challenge you, shatter you, compel you to reform. Their lessons will sting, but prove priceless. Survive, and you'll emerge mightier than your wildest dreams."

Murmurs filled the hall.

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

Even so, Amaya's silver gaze burned with resolve.

Vin and Brannic shared that eager anticipation.

Paterson lifted his palm, quelling the chatter. "Cherish this opportunity. Rare few ever train under the Asura's heirs. Any wisdom they impart outshines lifetimes of classroom toil. Ready yourselves. The arena awaits shortly."

***

The arena sprawled wide, hewn from dark rock and fortified by rune barriers plus assorted formation arrays.

Before long, the thirty students marched inside. Thrill and dread swirled within them, yet fear found no foothold now...

Across the space, three silhouettes stood ready.

They were Sreas's disciples.