I don't know if I'm friend who doesn't get subtext or not, but I just wanted to talk about the dual meaning of Leona's unique magic chant! Go ahead and pelt me with tomatoes and run me over and spit on me if this is already heavily implied and I'm going on about what everyone knows!
Leona's unique magic incantation reveals the dual nature of his magic's power. His ability is able to be a source of motivation and momentum as it effectively challenges what is considered "normal" by doing away with it entirely. Rather than the belief that he destroys whatever is in his path, his magic is capable of creating "even playing fields" by doing away with perceived advantages, so to speak; and his incantation is the first hint of this hidden motivation.
In English, to hunger and to thirst are words with multiple meanings depending on the context used. The literal hunger and thirst obviously refer to the drought and famine his magic can create by doing away with resources. However, in a more positive spin, hunger and thirst are also figurative words, meaning to have a drive for a goal one seeks to accomplish. While Leona could be causing your "hunger and thirst" by drying out your resources, he could very well be the reason you seek to no longer remain stagnate and reach towards a better future, he certainly is for the likes of Ruggie and Jack. Likewise, "I am the one who steals your tomorrow" can be read as dedicating your time to his cause. He is "stealing" you away from perpetual insignificance or trivial endeavors as you face reality with a newfound drive. Even the egregious "kneel before me" can be read as him demanding gratitude for his guidance, rather than a demeaning request after threatening violence. Although it's still a grandiose boast, there is an implication that you'll want to kneel before him once his mission is complete. This would also play into the spirit of persistence that marks Savanaclaw, as hunger (be it a spark of inspiration or a desperate need) creates the drive that makes one persevere in the first place.
His magic is mischaracterized as inherently destructive because of the magnitude of the force he exudes with it, but like in Chapter of Ignihyde, there's nothing destructive about turning falling shards of glass into a trinkle of light sand, in fact it's quite the opposite. Likewise, in chapter of Octavinelle, he is able to sand the contracts, shrapnel and heavy objects thrown the student's way by Azul. These moments reveal its true nature as a disruptive force, rather than destructive, as Leona disrupts the advantage that better mages and stronger agents have over his underclassmen. It could be intentional that both of these are instances where he does away with things that put weaker students at a disadvantage, effectively creating a fairer environment for them to compete and/or win. While he can (and does!) cause harm, its disingenuous to only paint his magic as dangerous, much like how his intentions by those around him are perceived. Leona seeks to disrupt normalcy, not degrade it into chaos like a surface level reading of his magic might cause one to assume. Disruption of abusive or harmful systems or powers isn't inherently a negative action, as he shows that there's actually stability that can be created by doing away with egregious privilege. His magic seeks to change narratives through his own momentum, which of course should inspire those around him to do the same.
This alternative interpretation of the meaning of his Unique Magic works because Leona is a character who lives in doublespeak and coded language. In the chapter of Octavinelle, he laughs with Ruggie over telling half truths to Yuu, he's one of the few characters to give coded nicknames to his peers regarding how they present themselves, and he even excels at ancient spell language, which might be a hint to the secret complexity of his own! His last name having "scholar" in the mix and his own harped upon intelligence also suggests an academic lens used for his character. This would explain why complex language is used for his spell, as the phrase comes from the user's understanding and own thoughts. Maybe he's still hopeful that he can win over those who view him negatively if they could only see where he's coming from?
anon requested: could I request, like, a better Black edit of Leona? idk what to call it as I'm requesting other things along with the skintone. things being fuller lips and maybe locs if that's not too much work? thanks!
feel free to use with credit, but don't claim as your own! like/reblog if you save or enjoy!
safe to say @mela-vsvs is tweaking and breaking down about human eared Jack
Also eeuuu havent been able to draw more twist stuff cuz of school and life i wanna go draw them again RAAAH!!
BONUS: request by @mela-vsvs
Twisted Wonderland Novel 2: I had grown tired of thinking… I knew I was just running away from what had pained me, but nonetheless, my heart felt lighter. With enough distance between you and the subject, you’ll lose all desire for it. The warmth of the sun, the smell of new leaves, the damp wind of the rainy season— it’s nothing but a blur when seen from so far away.
Leona has a lot of fun and noteworthy moments in this event (which is befitting one of the SSRs!) Like the previous Lost in the book event, they're all surrounded by books when being transported. This time, it's a secondhand book store, possibly the one mentioned in Sebek and Leona's birthday vignettes!
Something cute happens to; Grim seems to be overly familiar with Leona. In fact, he jumps in joy when he sees him and runs from the group of students he's with to "hang out" with him (which means have Leona buy him lunch) and even addresses him casually, calling out to him in a crowded bookstore.
Leona and Malleus have a very "on sight" relationship, as Leona is quick to throw jabs at Malleus. Malleus doesn't allow himself to be pushed around, however, and threatens to tan Leona's hide like a leather bound book! They're apparently close to fist fighting, as other students reprimand them for attempting to fight in such a crowded area.
Later, he's upset when others compliment Malleus' magical and mental prowress because he has the foresight to see if he can teleport out of there (we know how this ends) and see over the dense trees. When his magic fails, Leona gets in another quick jab, stating "oh pity, I had been hoping you could finally be of use for something." Sebek fires back "Must you ALWAYS have to pick at Young master's performance? If given permission, I would gladly punish your incorrigable behavior." However, Malleus calls him off .
It seems, however, that they can work together when push comes to shove, considering Leona warns Grim that "If that guy (Malleus) senses something odd about the book, its best to listen to him and back off." before getting sucked in. Again, when Jack Skellington introduces himself, Leona whispers to Malleus "Have you heard of this guy?" and when he confirms he hasn't, they agree he could be a problem.
Leona uses a special hand signal with Epel that nobody (is supposed) to decipher. However, Epel blurts out its meaning "That signal from Leona sempai means... let the guppies swim... he uses it during magilift games!", which backfires the plan that Leona had intended. Still, its very cute that he considers Epel to be someone reliable enough to scheme with! Also, its very cute how Epel was proud that he caught the subtle gesture and understood it.
Leona's new card has a voiceline that's so cuteee. He says "Do I think Sally's soft hearted? In what way... No matter how you look at it, she's the sharpest person in this town."
Love that he reaffirms her character despite just meeting her! I think he's going to be especially kind to her as he's the only student who doesn't immediately fear her upon seeing her (or at least, he doesn't show it or blurt it out like the other students) and he doesn't give her a nickname, like how he calls Scully 'badger'!
