Chapter 7: Southern Transformation Kindergarten

The closest highlighted location on the map was the Southern Transformation Kindergarten, a unique and renowned school teaching children the magical skill of metamorphosis.

It was here that figures like Oolong and Puar developed the ability to transform into different objects and beings: magical metamorphosis.

This technique, highly versatile, offered countless uses in everyday life and strategic scenarios.

Upon encountering this opportunity, Kaelor felt his curiosity surge.

"This ability would be incredibly useful! Imagine the tactical advantages in combat or the ability to remain unnoticed during an infiltration mission," he thought, excitedly.

However, there was an obvious problem: metamorphosis was not part of the martial arts field but rather of magic.

It was a fundamentally different system from what Kaelor had studied, something that challenged his understanding and experience.

This raised a crucial question: would it be possible for him, a Saiyan warrior specializing in martial arts and Ki manipulation, to learn something as different as magic?

Even with this uncertainty, Kaelor saw great value in exploring the possibility.

"Even if I can't master the technique, visiting this school might help me understand how magic works," he reflected.

Moreover, Kaelor had formulated a hypothesis about the potential connection between Ki and magic, and the Southern Transformation Kindergarten seemed like the perfect place to test his theories.

He knew that in the original work, Ki manifested itself in different ways depending on the nature of the user:

Normal Ki: The most common type of Ki, used by almost anyone. Its appearance is usually a white or blue aura.

Evil Ki: A specific form of Ki generated by beings with corrupted hearts. Despite this, its nature can be changed, as in the case of Vegeta, who left his malice behind as he became a better person.

This Ki often takes on a black, purple, or red aura.

Divine Ki: A special type of Ki reserved for divine beings. It is far superior to normal Ki, although an overwhelming amount of regular Ki can surpass it, as in Jiren's case.

Divine Ki is so advanced that users of regular Ki typically cannot even perceive it. Its appearance varies depending on the user.

Kaelor believed that understanding magic might shed light on the connections between it and these different types of Ki.

After all, if Ki had so many variations and uses, why couldn't magic simply be another form of vital energy manipulation?

Determined to uncover these mysteries, Kaelor prepared for his journey to the Southern Transformation Kindergarten, excited about the idea of expanding his knowledge and perhaps acquiring an entirely new skill.

"Even if I can't master metamorphosis, this experience will help me a lot," he thought, with a determined smile on his face.

Kaelor adjusted his map and prepared to set off, determined to make the most of the opportunity.

For him, the chance to unravel the mysteries of magic was simply irresistible.

Whether or not he would be able to learn was a question Kaelor was eager to discover, knowing that the journey itself would already be rewarding.

After a few days of travel, Kaelor finally arrived in an urban area. The scenery was strange and desolate: the streets were empty, and the silence was almost palpable.

At the center of the area stood a large institution, with an ornate sign that read: Southern Transformation Kindergarten.

Intrigued, Kaelor approached the entrance, where he was immediately confronted by a man with the appearance of a panda.

"Why aren't you in class, kid?" asked the man, frowning.

Kaelor realized that the man had mistaken him for a student. His eyes sparkled at the opportunity to explore the place without raising suspicion, and he decided to play along.

"Ah... I got lost. It's my first day of school... I think," he replied, trying to sound hesitant.

The panda man, with an understanding smile, responded as if it were a common situation:

"I see. I've been in your shoes before. Come on, I'll guide you to the classroom."

Without wasting time, Kaelor followed the man, who led him to a spacious room filled with students.

Everyone was practicing the magical transformation skill. As soon as they entered, the attention of those present turned to them.

A woman with fox-like features, who seemed to be the teacher, looked up at the newcomers.

"Pondanuki, is this a new student?" she asked the panda man.

"Yes, Pongitsune," he replied calmly. "He's new and was lost. Please guide him."

Teacher Pongitsune nodded with a gentle smile.

"Very well. However, before we begin, I want you to introduce yourself to me and your classmates. Tell us your name, your hobbies, and your dreams for the future."

Kaelor, despite having experience with similar introductions due to the compulsory education system of 21st-century Earth, still harbored a dislike for such situations.

Deciding to have some fun, he drew inspiration from a scene in an anime he had watched in his past life.

"I'm Kaelor. Things I like and things I hate? I don't feel like telling you that. My dreams for the future? Never really thought about that. As for my hobbies... I have lots of hobbies."

Internally, Kaelor could barely contain his laughter, amused by his own theatrics. However, his enigmatic and evasive tone left Teacher Pongitsune and the students confused.

"In the end, he only told us his name…" the teacher thought, tilting her head in perplexity.

After a moment of hesitation, she decided to move on.

"Very well, Kaelor. Choose a seat, and we'll continue the lesson."

Kaelor scanned the room and quickly chose the first empty seat he found, sitting down promptly.

Teacher Pongitsune returned to her position at the center of the room and began the lesson.

Meanwhile, Kaelor observed his classmates attentively, curious to understand how such a unique skill was taught.

After the initial confusion subsided, everyone settled down, and the class proceeded.

Teacher Pongitsune began explaining, her calm and firm voice filling the room:

"To begin practicing this magical skill, two things are required: feeling the frequency of the arcane energy that permeates all creation and attuning your mind to this energy."

She paused, her fox-like eyes scanning the students before her.

"This is the primary requirement. However, since all of you have already reached this stage to enter the school, we can move forward."

Kaelor, however, felt uneasy upon hearing this. Nervous, he closed his eyes and tried to attune himself to the energy Pongitsune spoke of.

This energy was not like Ki, which radiated from within oneself; it was different, emanating from everything, from inanimate objects to living beings.

With this idea in mind, he focused all his attention, attempting to detect the magical frequency that permeated existence.

After a while, Kaelor caught a glimpse of this energy.

It was like hearing a distant melody for the first time and gradually being able to identify it.

He remained focused, feeling an internal sense of accomplishment as he achieved this magical attunement.

When he opened his eyes, the world around him seemed strangely frozen, as if time had momentarily stopped.

He ignored this sensation and redirected his attention back to the teacher, who continued her explanation.

"If you've already managed to connect to the resonance of arcane energy," said Pongitsune, gesturing to the ground, "let us now observe the spiral symbol."

A red spiral drawing was marked on the floor. Within its winding lines, almost hidden, numbers could be seen.

"Inscribed within it are the following numbers: 01101101 01100101 01110100 01100001 01101101 01101111 01110010 01100110 01101111 01110011 01100101."

Kaelor, already familiar with binary codes, quickly formulated a hypothesis in his mind:

"Could the language used to interpret arcane energy in magic be binary numbers?"

Despite his curiosity, he decided to focus on the task at hand. Pongitsune had asked the students to meditate on the spiral, and he began to do just that. He visualized the figure of a raven in his mind.

Then, it happened. Smoke enveloped his body along with a soft "Poof!" sound.

When Kaelor opened his eyes, he realized he had transformed into a raven.

Everything around him looked different; he now saw as a bird would, yet he could still sense his human body somewhere beneath this new form.

He remained calm, experiencing the sensation for a few moments, and then decided to attempt reversing the process.

Focusing on the idea of returning to normal, he visualized a "shutdown." In an instant, he was back in his original form, sitting on the floor.

The room fell into absolute silence, his classmates staring at him in amazement. Pongitsune and Pondanuki were clearly impressed.

After a few seconds, Pongitsune regained her usual composure and declared,

"Congratulations, Kaelor. You successfully transformed for the first time. This is a rare feat, but remember: this is only the beginning."

Pondanuki, smiling, crossed his arms as the teacher continued:

"To master this magic, it takes more than simply achieving the transformation. You must be able to maintain it indefinitely and utilize the abilities of the form you assume. In your case, you need to fly and spend an entire day as a raven before you can consider yourself proficient in this technique."

Taking in Pongitsune's words, Kaelor closed his eyes again and quickly transformed once more.

This time, he flapped his wings and flew gracefully around the room. Satisfied with the test, he perched on his chair and, comfortably roosted, fell asleep in his raven form, leaving the room in mute admiration.

Pongitsune and Pondanuki exchanged glances laden with meaning but decided to continue the lesson while Kaelor slept.

The next day, Pongitsune and Pondanuki requested Kaelor's presence in their office.

Kaelor arrived at Pongitsune and Pondanuki's office, flying gracefully through the school corridors in his raven form.

Upon landing before them, he transformed back into his human form, gazing at them with curiosity.

Pongitsune, with her usual serene demeanor, held something in her hands and began to speak:

"Congratulations, Kaelor. You have successfully learned the skill of metamorphosis, something few can master in such a short time. Therefore, as is tradition in our school…"

She paused briefly, lifting a small, elegantly decorated scroll.

"You are awarded this diploma, accompanied by an invitation to continue your magical studies at a higher institution."

Kaelor inclined his head slightly in gratitude as Pongitsune continued:

"Lady Uranai will be very pleased to receive a talented student like you if you decide to become her apprentice at the World Magic Institute."

Hearing this, a spark of recognition flickered in Kaelor's mind.

Grandma Uranai was the sister of Master Roshi—a quirky and cranky woman, but one with extraordinary magical powers.

Her fame was well-deserved: beyond her ability to perform powerful spells, she could travel freely between the worlds of the living and the dead.

"Could she take me to King Kai's planet?" Kaelor thought, a hint of excitement rising within him.

Taking a deep breath, he responded firmly:

"Thank you very much, teachers. I would be honored to join the World Magic Institute in the future."

Pongitsune and Pondanuki nodded, both wearing proud expressions as they watched the student depart.

With diploma and invitation in hand, Kaelor left the school. He walked leisurely as he opened his map and analyzed it.

One location, in particular, caught his attention.

"Temple of King Chappa?"

Kaelor recalled the legendary King Chappa, a renowned martial artist of the past, known for his strength and impeccable technique.

He had been a significant figure in the World Martial Arts Tournament, facing even the best fighters.

"It might be worth it," Kaelor murmured to himself.

The idea of meeting someone important from the anime and perhaps learning a new technique or even testing his strength against him ignited his determination.

Carefully storing the map in his bag, he smiled with resolve and adjusted his belongings.

Without looking back, he continued his journey toward the next destination.