Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1227: Transformations
Previously on Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy...
Weeks swiftly followed those initial days.
Mornings brimmed with classes on Arcane History, Magic Language, Fundamentals of Magic Zone, Transformation Harmonization, along with numerous other subjects.
Afternoons then ushered in the clubs...
Amaya joined the Tea Appreciation Club, Vin the Spirit Crafter's Club, while Brannic chose the Writer's Club. Evenings, however, were reserved for the Animus Haven.
Gradually, their thoughts adjusted. Spellcraft sharpened in precision, and control strengthened further...
They mastered refining the demonification spell, avoiding the madness it induced... They managed to harness the essence too, without allowing it to overwhelm them.
Nevertheless, the corruption persistently challenged them.
It seemed they had transformed into Dark Arts Practitioners rather than true Transformation Artists!
Yet they refused to surrender...
They pushed back against the essence's relentless efforts to morph them into senseless demons...
The Animus Haven Circle likely aided them as well, drawing them back to clarity each time despair loomed...
Nearly three months flew by in a blur...
Vials approached emptiness, with just a handful of drops left.
Some days later, once the vials stood fully drained, a shadow materialized along the magic circle's boundary.
Vale's Avatar it was.
***
The trio of prodigies stiffened as the shadow advanced.
The silhouette was instantly recognizable.
His likeness adorned marble statues beyond the academy's gates...
Those keen features, the serene eyes, the presence that dominated shadows... This was Vale, the Shadow Immortal!
Naturally, they remained unaware it was merely an avatar. To them, the legendary figure had truly entered the training chamber.
Instinctively, their knees buckled, and they bowed deeply.
"Congratulations, young ones," Vale's Avatar declared. "You endured well. But I still have to see the fruits of your hard work."
Excitement surged as the three raised their heads.
For a prolonged instant, Vale's Avatar examined them 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 stunned, 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."
Glances darted between the three. Months of training lay behind them. Uncertainty lingered about meeting Vale's standards, but readiness burned strong for the attempt!
Vale's Avatar clapped once...
"Alright... Enough of that, each of you will attempt the transformation. I will judge whether you are worthy."
"Let me try first!"
Amaya moved ahead first. She entered the magic circle...
Deep breaths filled her lungs as she summoned every lesson, every essence drop ingested.
Quickly, corruption roared inside her.
She triggered a Transformation Spell, the Essence Adaptation Spell, among the Academy's core Foundational Spells.
Moments later, her form began to alter. No claws or horns emerged. Rather, her aura evolved. Shadows twisted about her... Her soul synced with the Demon Saint essence, yet her core stayed intact. It simply tinted her skin and eyes anew!
Far from a setback, this!
Vale's Avatar nodded approvingly. "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."
Trembling yet elated, Amaya retreated.
Vin's turn followed. He entered the circle and drew a steadying breath to ease his tension.
Soon, his Demon Transformation Spell ignited!
Corruption bore down on him fiercer than on Amaya.
Fists tightened as he steadied the power raging through his frame...
His aura turned more ominous, faint scales flickering on his skin before vanishing...
Fortune smiled; his Faction's Foundational Spells proved invaluable. The Primal Shift Spell tamed his frenzy!
Rather than yield, he harmonized the forces inside. Balance settled over his aura! No demonic appearance marked him. Beyond extended hair, he resembled his usual self!
Relief washed over Vin as he exhaled and withdrew.
Success in transformation!
"It looks rough for a moment, but you did well," Vale murmured.
At last, Brannic advanced boldly... Corruption blazed like flames through his blood, compelling him to shatter, bellow, or ravage.
But memories of the Writer's Club flooded Brannic. The quill's grip, tales yearning for ink, a legacy to etch. Restraint surfaced, words' might surpassing brute force.
Indeed, that club served to temper his passions!
He called upon Primal Shift, drawing power without its domination.
Briefly, corruption risked warping him into a fiend's form, yet Brannic repelled it, molding it into an inner sentinel rather than a savage.
Thus, transformation concluded. No beastly demon emerged; merely his eyes shifted, nails elongating into keen edges.
Still, vitality surged stronger through his vessels.
Vale's Avatar's voice echoed. "Very well done!"
Sweat beaded on Brannic as he stepped aside, pride shining in his gaze.
Once again, the three aligned, their auras subtly humming with Demon Saint essence.
Silence held as Vale's Avatar observed them, then addressed.
"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 pressed 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 affirmed.
Amid their joyful celebration, Darlene Arkwright had eavesdropped the entire time...