Chapter 6: The First Magic Skill

The afternoon's visit to Diagon Alley proved to be a transformative experience for Li William as he stood before the shelves of Flourish and Blotts, clutching a copy of A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration. His mother's hesitation was palpable—Transfiguration was potent, complex, and not without its dangers, particularly for a child.

Yet, understanding his mother's concerns, Li William played his part perfectly. "Could I really learn to cast these spells? Don't I need a wand for that?" he asked, eyes wide with feigned innocence.

Mary, momentarily caught in her thoughts, remembered the critical role of the wand in wizardry. It was, after all, the conduit through which a wizard or witch channeled their magic. No wand meant no magic, a fact that reassured her enough to let her son explore the book.

"Yes, that's right, William," Mary replied, easing into a smile. "You can read the book all you want, but you won't be able to perform any magic until you're of age and have your own wand."

With an understanding nod, Li William masked his triumph. This book was his gateway to understanding more about magic, specifically Transfiguration, which he knew held a myriad of practical applications. It could provide defenses or solutions in unexpected situations—exactly what he needed to navigate the challenges of the magical and non-magical worlds.

At the checkout, Mary exchanged a gold Galleon for the book, a transaction that piqued Li Wenhua's interest. He quizzed Mary about the peculiar currency, leading to a brief explanation of the magical economy and the strict regulations that prevented arbitrage using Muggle money.

"Only a limited number of Galleons can be exchanged by Muggles annually, and even then, they're monitored closely by Gringotts and the Ministry of Magic," Mary elaborated, dispelling any notion of a quick profit from exchanging currencies.

As they left the bookstore, Li William's thoughts were ablaze with the possibilities his new book opened up. Back at home, he wasted no time delving into the Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration. The text was dense and complex, far from the straightforward spellbooks aimed at young witches and wizards his age. It challenged him, but he was undeterred.

After hours of studying, Li William felt a slight shift in his understanding—a new magical skill was taking root. He checked the system panel:

[Magic (LV0-1/10000): Transfiguration (LV0-1/100)]

A small start, but monumental in its implications. Even without a wand, Li William knew the theory he learned today would one day empower him to perform magic with or without traditional magical tools. The path forward was clear: he would need to master Transfiguration to a level where he could manipulate his environment with a mere thought, transcending the limitations set by traditional wizarding practices.

That night, as Li William lay in bed, the book by his side, he felt the first real stirrings of magical power within him. It was faint, barely noticeable, but it was there—a promise of the power he might one day wield. His journey into the depths of magic had just begun, and he was ready for the challenges and wonders it would bring.