104 THE MAGIC OF BODY TRANSFORMATION
"Why not now?" Leo pressed eagerly. "I could try tweaking the codes to make the magic work for my current tier. It's worth a shot."
Yun-Yun considered this, her expression thoughtful. "Very well. I can teach you, but you must approach it with caution."
"Caution?" Leo asked, tilting his head.
Yun-Yun's smile faded, replaced by a serious expression. "Yes. Body transformation magic is rare and easily misunderstood. Its characteristics overlap with demon possession magic, which many consider dangerous or unnatural. If people see you using it, they might assume you're tapping into forbidden, demonic power. That could make you a target."
Leo nodded slowly, the weight of her warning sinking in. "You're right. It wouldn't be wise to flaunt this magic, especially if it risks exposing my... demon abilities."
"Good," Yun-Yun said, her tone firm. "Let's begin, but remember—mastery takes time and discipline. Don't rush it."
"I won't," Leo promised, determination flashing in his eyes. "What are you going to teach me?"
"The Dragon Transformation Sutra," she replied. "This is the only body transformation magic that I know. Most mages only use one body transformation in all their career, so I don't know many. I'm not certain if you can master it though."
Leo's eyes widened. "What's that?"
"It's a rare, powerful magic that enhances your body to be as strong as a dragon, and at higher tier the spirits of dragons may manifest as a dragon guardian to aid you," she explained.
When Yun-Yun finished her explanation, she demonstrated a conjuration. "Try this," she said, forming a spell in the air, the energy shimmering before her without being fully cast.
Leo leaned in, studying the intricate magic.
His eyes focused as he translated the spell into magic codes, carefully reconstructing its structure. With a determined flick of his wrist, he attempted to cast it—but the spell failed.
"How is it?" Yun-Yun asked, watching him intently.
"I couldn't get the body transformation to adhere to me," Leo complained, frustration evident in his tone.
Yun-Yun paused, then cast the magic herself. A translucent dragon materialized, coiling around her body like a protective, glowing shield. "Watch closely. See if you can learn something from this," she instructed.
Leo's eyes widened. "How can you cast this magic when your tier is the same as mine?"
Yun-Yun smiled knowingly. "Because I'm not limited by my current tier. What you see is a suppression of my true strength. My dragon enhancement recognizes me regardless of the restrictions on my level."
Intrigued, Leo studied the spell again, comparing its structure to the magic she had demonstrated.
As he analyzed the differences, he discovered the problem: Yun-Yun's body contained specific magic receptors that allowed the spell to activate. His body, being at a lower tier, lacked those receptors.
"I might be able to replicate your receptors in my body," Leo said, determination flashing in his eyes.
Without hesitation, he adjusted the magic codes and transferred the structure of Yun-Yun's receptors to himself.
Suddenly, a golden light enveloped Leo, his body glowing with energy. The ethereal form of a dragon manifested around him, coiling protectively just as it had with Yun-Yun.
Yun-Yun watched in astonishment. "How did you master such a powerful transformation sutra at your level?"
"I modified my receptors to mimic yours," Leo explained with a proud grin.
Her eyes narrowed, her tone filled with amazement. "Does this mean you can learn spells meant for higher-level mages like me?"
Leo shrugged, a smug smirk on his face. "I don't know if it'll work for every high-level spell, but it's a useful hack for certain situations."
Yun-Yun shook her head, half-impressed and half-wary. "You've always been reckless, but this... this might just be your most brilliant stunt yet."
With this newfound technique, Leo realized he could now master spells meant for mages far stronger than his current tier. The revelation filled him with a mix of pride and trepidation.
"You must be careful not to display this body transformation sutra in public," Yun-Yun warned, her tone serious.
"Mages at your level shouldn't be able to wield this magic. If anyone sees you using it, they might suspect you're delving into demon paths to achieve it."
"You're right," Leo murmured, his brow furrowed with concern. "This spell is too powerful for someone like me. If I use it, people will start whispering that I'm a demon—this would only confirm their suspicions."
Yun-Yun nodded, her expression thoughtful. "It's an unfortunate truth. Power like this always comes with scrutiny."
Leo exhaled slowly, his resolve hardening. "I'll keep it hidden for now. But don't worry—I'll come up with a solution when the time is right."
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[At the Arena Tome of Sodom City Academy of Magic]
"I want that tome up there, The Golden Rakshasa Transformation Sutra," Leo said, pointing to a floating book high above the library's tower shelves.
The clerk raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "That tome isn't for beginners. Your level is far too low to handle it."
"Are you sure about this?" Petunia asked, her tone skeptical. "Only a high-tiered Svad mage could even consider using that body transformation sutra."
Leo's eyes narrowed with confidence. "I can master it. I'm a genius," he declared unabashedly.
The clerk snorted. "No, you cannot."
"Yes, I can," Leo shot back.
Their argument quickly escalated, both raising their voices until the librarian arrived, drawn by the commotion. "What's going on here?" he asked, his calm yet authoritative voice silencing them.
"This student insists on borrowing a tome he's not qualified to master," the clerk explained, clearly irritated.
The librarian followed Leo's gaze to the floating tome. "The Golden Rakshasa Transformation Sutra? Quite an ambitious choice for body enhancement. But I have to agree with the clerk—you're not ready for it."
Leo held his ground. "Let me borrow it for just one day. I'll master it in that time. You've got nothing to lose."
The librarian shook his head. "Our policy is clear: students aren't allowed to waste their time or our resources on magic beyond their reach."
Leo's eyes gleamed. "Then let's make a trade."