After testing this morphological transformation, Roy continued his exploration.
He suddenly realized his body adapted remarkably well to these changes. As the records mentioned, he could now cast spells silently without incantations. Both activation and effect manifested much faster.
Yet more crucially, the magic could now be applied to himself.
Originally, the power of Animation Art easily interfered with life energy fields. Even one's own life energy field, if not fully integrated, frequently caused complications. Some Warlock Apprentices bore grotesque appearances resembling malformed monsters—extra eyes sprouting across their bodies, additional limbs or even heads, bulbous growths covering their shoulders.
These deformities likely resulted from mishaps when applying Animation Art to themselves or consuming potions rich with active energies. The apprentices' reckless self-modification wasn't without purpose. Beyond seeking external transformations, they pursued instantaneous life energy amplification through wizardry energy infusion.
For instance, advanced apprentices with 3-4 degrees of Mental Strength could leverage 200% ambient Wizardry Energy, achieving 6-8 degrees of magical power! When this Animation Art energy acted upon oneself, it could momentarily elevate a low-tier Knight to Grand Knight levels!
This wizardry energy could enhance either living beings or Constructs comprehensively. Roy currently possessed 25 degrees of Mental Strength from his combined physical and equipment attributes. The leveraging principle for first-tier magical resources was a 400% multiplier—meaning approximately 100 degrees of Wizardry Energy!
"This wizardry energy can now be additively applied to my body," Roy mused, recalling the records. "No longer limited to weapons or Automata like before!"
After a brief trial, white radiance surged across his form as Animation Art activated silently. Satisfied, he confirmed a 100-degree wizardry energy increase, merging with his baseline physical energy to reach about 130 degrees.
"At full explosion, reaching a 200-degree physical state plus this 100-degree boost creates a 300-degree energy field!" This configuration represents the true Animated Body state—the genuine first-tier Wizard Body!"
Moments later, Roy crushed a piece of hardened Enchanted Cloudstone in his grip, smiling approvingly.
...
January 20th, the following day.
Alchemy Room, Tata Mountains Quarry.
"Strength Enhancement Potions, Agility Enhancement Potions, Elemental Resistance Potions... stockpile these first! Battling Mages will require proper equipment and protective charms. Additionally, nutritional solutions and specialty rations for this body... must be prepared promptly!"
With limited capable subordinates, Roy began deliberately training Atedia. Though serving as elite guard captain, Atedia felt overwhelmed by Lord Roy's increasingly complex wizardry-related instructions—a realm beyond her expertise. Fortunately, Celine stood nearby.
"Understood," Celine acknowledged promptly.
He promptly took out various alchemy tools, then retrieved labeled medicines from the nearby cabinet, methodically explaining as he worked.
"The special nutrients required for the Behemoth Body include minerals like potassium, calcium, and zinc... as well as a unique, mysterious substance called 'Salt of Beasts'—essentially iodized salt altered by demonic radiation! Your body now carries the Behemoth Bloodline too, so you'll need this as well."
Atedia listened with partial understanding, but the subsequent procedure turned out to be unexpectedly simple.
Celine merely extracted common salt and an iodine compound, mixed them with Aqua Alberti in alchemy vessels, then distilled and refined the mixture to produce a pale violet, faintly magical demonized iodized salt. Atedia, at her prompting, dabbed a bit on her finger and tasted it, immediately feeling invigorated.
This "Salt of Beasts," if left unreplenished for extended periods, would weaken the Behemoth. But before that point, it would trigger instinctual bloodlust and agitation... because this substance could be extracted from the blood of magical creatures. To avoid complications, it was safer to prepare it in the lab.
"Roy needs this far more than you do, and this demonized iodine compound is highly volatile with a short shelf life, requiring frequent preparation..." Celine explained to Atedia.
Truthfully, a Spatial Ring could preserve it long-term, though the flavor might deteriorate. Moreover, it was necessary for Atedia to start familiarizing herself with these processes. The special rations they consumed also contained this salt as a base ingredient.
The other key component was sugar—massive amounts of it, enough to overwhelm an ordinary person's palate... a particular favorite of Behemoth Orcs.
Roy's new physique had completely altered some irrational physiological needs and taste preferences, such as his craving for sweetness. As Celine briefed Atedia, Roy casually pulled a handful of specially crafted candies from his Spatial Ring and tossed them into his mouth, chewing loudly.
Moments later, the handsome youth stood facing the wall as a hollowed-out Silver Battle Armor floated toward him, encasing his body. This new attire, crafted from backup materials intended for repairs, maintained the general design of the original armor but had been resized to fit his adolescent frame.
Additionally, mysterious patterns woven from golden threads now adorned its surface. These motifs—resembling Curse Seals, Runes, or perhaps natural ornamentation—incorporated Radiant Gold filaments, lending the armor a superior platinum-like sheen while significantly enhancing its magic conductivity.
This upgrade would allow it to adapt to either Combat Aura or Wizardry, generating a natural shield akin to Aegis Stone.
While Celine and Atedia were still processing these modifications, Roy raised a hand, summoning the transformed Gleaming Wings to slot into his shoulder blades. The original Pegasus Wings had been reforged into these ethereal, luminous appendages.
Ribbons of intertwined azure and pearlescent light—condensed from concentrated Wizardry Energy Particles—streamed ribbon-like from the roots outward, tapering into delicate softness. The feathers themselves now existed purely as Energy Particle formations.
Thus, the original metallic blade-feathers had been completely transmuted into crystalline, translucent constructs.
Roy modified the blueprint of Pegasus Wings, abandoning traditional feathered wings in favor of energy wings shaped through Mental Strength manifestation. These could mimic past physical forms while offering greater flexibility.
As Roy swept his hand across his face, the face guard descended, concealing his handsome features.
A figure resembling a platinum demon now stood before Celine and Atedia.
(End of Chapter)