I shook my head in defeat.
"Bah! I'll just focus on the least complicated problem first!"
Shapeshifting.
That was right. Since the energy stone was now embedded in my body, perhaps I could finally transform between my human and beast forms without needing to hold it.
It was worth a try, at least.
I stood in the middle of the room, shook out my arms and legs, and took a deep breath. Then I relaxed every muscle in my body and waited.
And waited.
A few seconds passed but nothing happened.
I frowned and tried again, this time concentrating so hard that I probably looked like I was trying to move a mountain with my mind.
Still nothing.
"Do I need to say a magic spell or something?"
I closed my eyes and raised one hand dramatically.
"Shift!"
Nothing.
"Transform!"
Still nothing.
"Become a leopard!"
Absolutely nothing.
I opened one eye and glanced at my reflection in the mirror.
Same face. Same body. Same ridiculous shirt.
'Well, this is embarrassing.'
