Chapter 139 "Aetherform"

Long before December unfolded its wintry embrace, Skyler had already attained mastery over the intricate skill of human transfiguration.

The complexity of transforming one's physical form into that of a human is undeniable. Even among advanced students, only a few manage to grasp this ability before graduation.

In the original narrative, Krum, a seventh-year wizard and an adult, demonstrated the pinnacle of human transformation as the strongest Durmstrang champion chosen by the Goblet of Fire.

Despite his prowess, Krum incurred no penalties for reverting to his original state, underscoring the formidable challenge inherent in human body transformation.

In a past life, Skyler frequently discussed this intriguing question with fellow enthusiasts in the official Harry Potter fan club: Why, after Voldemort assumed a repulsive, noseless appearance, did he not utilize body transfiguration to revert to his handsome self?

Fans of the series offered various speculations. Some believed that his red-eyed snake-like countenance served to intimidate foes effectively in battle.

Others posited that the fragmentation of his soul had stripped him of his humanity, distorting his sense of aesthetics.

Certain theories suggested he sought to distance himself from his Muggle father's inherited face, while others argued that his lack of hair and body hair prevented attempts to impersonate him with Polyjuice Potion.

Presently, if one were to pose the same question to Skyler, his response might be that Voldemort never truly mastered the art of human transfiguration.

Surveying the entirety of the original series and the Fantastic Beasts films, it becomes evident that, excluding the innate abilities of Metamorphmagi, Grindelwald stands as the sole individual capable of completely transfiguring into another person without relying on potions.

Now, however, a new contender has emerged—Skyler.

A Metamorphmagi by nature, Skyler possesses prior experience in employing magic at the cellular level. What he remained unaware of was that while his magical potency might not rank as the most potent, its flexibility and adaptability far surpassed that of any other wizard in the magical realm.

In a millennium, he became the inaugural individual to craft the unprecedented "triad," a single-bodied human wizard whose magical capabilities seamlessly adapt to any alterations without encountering stagnation or rejection due to bodily transformations.

This exceptional trait explains his swift mastery of human body transformation.

After numerous consultations with Professor McGonagall, Skyler honed the ability to alter his height, facial features, skin color, hair color, and eye color at will.

Under Professor McGonagall's guidance, he ventured into more ambitious transformations, transcending the constraints of the human form.

Behind his back, ribs morphed into colossal wings, the coccyx transformed into a tail crowned by a fearsome serpent's head, and the shoulders on each side metamorphosed into two additional arms.

Professor McGonagall's eyes gleamed with brilliance. Despite her awareness of Skyler's exceptional talent in transfiguration, the rapidity of his progress never failed to astonish her. Skyler's ingenious applications of human transfiguration further left her in awe.

At this juncture, having attained mastery in the art of transfiguration, Skyler could be considered a true maestro. Standing on the same level as Professor McGonagall, although not reaching the same level as Chang Hao and Grindelwald themselves.

"Skyler," Professor McGonagall's eyes conveyed both admiration and affection. "To be honest, I have nothing more to teach you. I fear you will have to forge ahead on your own in the realm of Transfiguration. You are the most gifted student I've encountered in this field." Her countenance then tightened, adopting a more serious tone as she whispered, "I hope you won't squander this talent. Instead, utilize what you've learned on the righteous path. Do you understand?"

Skyler held profound respect for the Professor before him—fair, caring for students, and willingly imparting his unique skills selflessly.

Responding sincerely from the depths of his heart, he conveyed, "Professor, thank you sincerely for your guidance throughout these days. I will forever treasure the kindness you've shown in your personal time to instruct me. Although I belong to Slytherin, Professor, your regard is as honorable to me as that of my own head of house. Please rest assured, I will carry each of your words close to my heart."

This moment marked what Professor McGonagall had been anticipating, and a delighted smile graced her face.

Back in the dormitory, Skyler contemplated the trajectory of his transfiguration skills moving forward.

He was acutely aware that his mastery of transfiguration was far from reaching its zenith in the magical world.

One particular avenue of transformation that eluded him was the Animagus. This technique delved into the realm of the soul, requiring extensive and time-consuming preliminary preparations.

It posed a formidable challenge to the caster's mental fortitude, and while its effects were intriguing, it had limitations. An Animagi could only transform into non-magical creatures devoid of magical powers and spellcasting abilities, making it useful primarily for stealth and disguise.

Skyler's lack of interest in becoming an Animagi did not signify a halt in his transfiguration pursuits. In fact, he harbored a sincere desire to ascend to the next echelon in human transfiguration.

Having delved into the contents of "Abatel Volume 4," Skyler encountered mentions of a form of transfiguration rooted in ancient centuries.

This particular transfiguration technique bore some semblance of a fusion of Animagus and Metamorphmagus.

While being an Animagi offered convenience, it came with significant limitations. Once an Animagi assumed the form of an animal, the wizard's magical abilities became inaccessible, and upon reverting to human form, the advantages of the animal form ceased to manifest.

Human body transfiguration can only change the shape of the human body, such as a shark head, a pair of wings, and a tail, but it cannot obtain the specific abilities of animals.

For example, although Viktor, who turned into a shark head, could breathe underwater, he couldn't swim swiftly, maneuver adeptly, or sense prey effectively.

This ancient-century transfiguration technique allows the caster to retain the basic human form while also taking on the advantages of the Animagus animal.

For example, Professor McGonagall's Animagus is a cat. If she can have the agility, night vision, and heightened senses that only cats can have under normal circumstances, then her combat power will definitely be greatly improved.

Another example is the Animagus of raptors, such as eagles, owls, etc. If the caster can be allowed to change the ribs on the back into bird wings on the basis of this transformation, and at the same time acquire the keen eyesight, powerful talons, and swift flight of the bird, wouldn't it be possible to navigate aerial battles without resorting to broomsticks?

It would be even more powerful if you could also get the ability to communicate with or control other creatures of the same species or access the innate magical talents of the chosen Animagus.

When Skyler discovered this magic, he was so excited.

However, at the end of the book's chapter, the harsh conditions for learning this transfiguration technique are mentioned - the caster must have a very strong magical core. The learner's mental capability is better than that of other wizards.

To be specific, he must have exceptional magical prowess. Simply put, the best practitioner is a wizard with an extraordinarily powerful magical aptitude!

And Skyler fully meets the conditions for learning this magic because he's been forging his body with relentless studies and training to elevate him to the next level.

In the following time, Skyler decided to devote himself to the study of this magic, and he named it "Aetherform"!