**Avalamite World…** Months after deciding to choose the serpent as his familiar, Pierre found himself in Avalamite, where the challenges of his journey as a mage were intensifying. During this time, he not only trained to control his familiar but also needed to master one of the most complex arts of magic: transmutation.

That day, the transmutation class Pierre was about to face was one of the most complex—and feared. The relationship between a mage and his familiar wasn’t merely symbolic. For that connection to truly solidify, they needed to understand each other’s essence. It was necessary to become one, in body and soul, a union that required sacrifice, strength, and above all, transformation.

Pierre had failed in his first attempts at transmutation. The process wasn’t just arduous; it was painful in a way he had never imagined. Transmuting one's body wasn’t just about changing form. Every muscle, every bone, every cell had to be rearranged, and the human body, fragile as it was, resisted this change. When he tried, he could feel his bones twisting as if they were going to break with each attempt to adapt.

Now, after several failed attempts, he knew this would be the most crucial test: the final fusion with his serpent so they could finally share a single essence.

The room where he practiced transmutation in Avalamite was cold, and spacious, with crystal walls reflecting the dim light emanating from the center of the room. Volgrim, as always, watched from a distance, his penetrating eyes ready to guide but never to intervene. This was the kind of lesson every mage had to face alone.

“Today, you will not merely attempt transformation. Today, you will **become** the transformation,” said Volgrim, his deep voice echoing through the room. “Transmutation is the first test of your worth as a mage. Only those who accept the pain of change can attain true power.”

Pierre felt a knot in his stomach but nodded silently. He had failed before, feeling the overwhelming pain of an unfinished transformation. But now, his determination was different. He had spent months training, trying to understand every detail of his body and his magic. He could feel the presence of his serpent beside him, like a subtle shadow, waiting for him to be ready.

Volgrim gestured for Pierre to begin. The young mage took a deep breath and focused. Magical energy flowed around his fingers, slowly spreading through his arms, reaching every fiber of his being. Pierre closed his eyes and began to attune his mind to the essence of the serpent.

And then, he felt it. First, a slight pressure in his bones, a growing pain that spread through his arms, up his ribs. Every bone seemed to lengthen and twist, as if being reshaped. The pain was excruciating. His body trembled, resisting the transformation. But Pierre didn’t back down. He focused on the serpent's scales, on its graceful and stealthy form, trying to make his body accept this new structure.

His fingers began to elongate, and for a brief moment, they became claws, sharp as fangs. But soon, the process unraveled, and Pierre felt his body return to normal, as if being dragged back to its original form. The collapse of the transmutation brought him to his knees. The air rushed out of his lungs, and the pain, for a moment, was unbearable.

But Volgrim didn’t allow him to remain there for long. “Pain is part of transmutation. There is no achievement without sacrifice. To become a true mage, Pierre, you must embrace this pain, and accept it as an ally and not as an enemy.”

Gasping for breath, Pierre felt the weight of Volgrim’s words. He knew the path to true magic wasn’t easy. The body needed to be reshaped to bear the burden of advanced magic. This wasn’t just a technique or a spell; it was a test of his determination, a reflection of his willpower.

Gathering what was left of his energy, Pierre stood again. The serpent in his mind seemed to whisper, silent but present. He visualized it once more, now with more clarity, and more precision. Its scales shone like indestructible armor, its sinuous body moved with a grace that only creatures as ancient and powerful as it possessed. This was the essence he needed to master.

He focused, letting his mind merge with the image of the serpent. Again, the transmutation process began. The pain returned, but this time Pierre didn’t resist. He allowed his body to bend, his bones to reorganize. His legs lost their human shape, transforming into a flowing, serpent-like tail, and he could feel the scales growing on his skin.

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The process lasted only a few minutes, but for Pierre, it felt like an eternity. When he finally opened his eyes, the transformation was complete. He looked at himself, realizing he had partially turned into a serpent, but still retained some of his human form.

“Perfect,” Volgrim said, slowly approaching. “You felt the pain, accepted the change, and now you are closer to your true potential. But remember, this was only the first of many transformations. With each new form you take, the burden will be greater. However, over time, your body will cease to resist. It will become the tool you desire, not an obstacle.”

Pierre nodded, still feeling the residual pain, but also a deep satisfaction. He had succeeded. For the first time, he had mastered the transformation, he had merged with the essence of his familiar, and now he was closer than ever to unlocking the true power of transmutation.

With sweat still dripping down his face, Pierre finally allowed himself to breathe more calmly. He knew the journey had only just begun, but that success, even if partial, was the first step of many to come.

After the intense transmutation lesson, Pierre returned home exhausted but with a sense of accomplishment. The pain of the transformation still pulsed through his muscles, but he knew it was part of his growth. As soon as he stepped through the door, the familiar sensation of warmth surrounded him once again. Lady Peyton, as always, was waiting for him, ready to listen and offer the comfort he so cherished.

“Welcome back, young master,” Lady Peyton said in her usual soft, maternal voice. She approached, bringing a warm drink, knowing Pierre would need to relax after the arduous training.

Pierre smiled, accepting the drink and sitting on the couch. “It was… intense,” he said with a tired but satisfied laugh.

“Tell me,” Peyton encouraged, her robotic eyes glowing with curiosity. “What did you learn about transmutation today?”

Pierre took a deep breath, still feeling the remnants of the experience in his body. “Transmutation is so much more than just changing shape. There’s physical pain that comes with rearranging the body—the bones, the muscles… everything has to adapt. But it’s more than that. For it to work, you have to deeply connect with the familiar. It’s not just a companion; it’s part of who you are. Today, I truly felt that. I became the serpent, even if just for a short time.”

Peyton listened attentively, absorbing every word. “So, you and your serpent are starting to understand each other,” she said with a slight smile. “That’s a good sign. Magic is like a dance between bodies and souls. The more you and your familiar connect, the easier this transformation will become. Remember, pain is part of the process. Transforming is never easy.”

Pierre nodded. He knew he still had a long way to go, but this first victory gave him confidence. “Yes, it’s a process… but now I understand. Transformation only happens when we accept the pain as part of it.”

Before the conversation could continue, a mechanical alert echoed through the house, signaling visitors. Pierre stood up and, upon opening the door, found Gelub and Aluora smiling at him.

“Pierre!” Aluora exclaimed, with a bright smile. “We’ve missed you at the *Hungry Comet*! It’s been so long since you last came.”

Gelub, more animated, nodded. “Yeah, man. The place isn’t the same without you. We always have good talks and laughs when you’re around.”

Pierre couldn’t help but smile. “I’ve been busy with my studies,” he explained, scratching the back of his neck. “There’s a lot to learn, and it’s been keeping me indoors.”

Aluora laughed lightly, though there was a hint of curiosity behind her eyes. “I see. And how are the studies going? I heard getting into a galactic academy isn’t easy,” she asked, trying to sound casual.

“It’s challenging,” Pierre replied. “But I’m learning a lot. My studies need focus, and sometimes that means staying out of sight for a while.”

Gelub, who had been more relaxed until then, suddenly looked a bit more serious. “We were wondering… you don’t talk much about your family. Is there someone waiting for you somewhere? Aluora and I are always with our people, you know, it’s important.”

There was a brief silence. Pierre sensed something in those words, but chose not to question their meaning. His response was quick, almost automatic. “I’m alone,” he said, with a firm tone that left no room for further questions.

Gelub and Aluora exchanged glances but didn’t push the matter. Aluora, trying to lighten the mood, gave Pierre a playful nudge. “Well, that just means we’re your family now, right?”

Pierre smiled, grateful for the gesture. “Yes, you’ve been great friends.”

“So come back with us to the *Hungry Comet*, at least for tonight,” Gelub insisted,

switching to a lighter tone. “We need your company, man! And you deserve a break from all that studying.”

Pierre laughed, appreciating his friends’ insistence. “Maybe I’ll stop by soon. I still have a few things to take care of here, but I’ll consider it.”

Aluora shot him a challenging look. “No ‘maybe.’ We’ll be waiting for you there!”

Pierre nodded, knowing that at some point, he would indeed need a break. “I’ll show up,” he promised, his voice firmer this time.

The two friends said their quick goodbyes with cheerful farewells, leaving Pierre and Lady Peyton alone again.

Once his friends had left, Peyton looked at Pierre with her typical careful expression. “Now that your friends are gone… listen to me, young master. After everything you’ve been through today, you should rest.”

Pierre, already anticipating the conversation, put on a playful smile. “I know, I know. But I really need to unwind a little. Go out, clear my mind. Gelub and Aluora just want my company for a few hours. I promise I won’t overdo it.”

Peyton crossed her arms, skeptical, but there was a protective warmth in her gaze. “You always say that, Pierre, but you end up coming back exhausted. You need to learn to respect your own limits.”

Pierre tried to soften the situation, flashing a mischievous grin. “I’ll take care of myself, Peyton. I swear. I’ll be back early, I promise.”

Peyton sighed, defeated but still concerned. “Fine, go have fun. But please, don’t overdo it. I just want you to be okay.”

Pierre placed a hand over his heart, making an exaggerated gesture of devotion. “I swear. I’ll come back whole and rested, like new!”

She finally gave in, though her robotic eyes still showed caution. “Alright. But I’ll hold you to that promise when you return.”

Pierre smiled, knowing that despite her insistence, Peyton’s concern was a constant in his life. “I know. I’ll take care of myself, Peyton.”

She shook her head, a light smile on her lips. “Just don’t come back broken, young master.”

Pierre gave one last glance at the sky through the window, knowing that, even amid the magic and chaos of his journey, these moments of normality and friendship were also part of what he needed to keep moving forward.