After successfully creating Space Storage, I decided to stop training for the day.
Even Astrid told me not to push myself too hard.
According to her, overworking my mind and mana would eventually produce more negative effects than positive ones. Progress was important, but exhausting myself would only slow future growth.
So I listened.
There was no need to rush.
I still had plenty of time to become stronger.
After that, I sat beside the training field and waited for Amy to finish her training.
Fortunately, I managed to stay awake today.
If I had fallen asleep again, Amy would definitely have found a way to make fun of me.
Once Amy finished, we followed our usual routine.
We grabbed some juice and sat together for a while, chatting as we recovered from training.
The cold drink helped wash away some of the fatigue lingering in my body.
Afterward, we returned to the mansion and had lunch together.
The rest of the day passed peacefully.
We played games, argued over meaningless things, and spent time together as usual.
Before I knew it, evening had arrived.
Soon, it was time for dinner.
As always, I headed toward the dining room.
Mother and Amy were already seated when I arrived.
I greeted them before taking my usual seat.
During dinner, we talked about today's training.
Amy explained her progress while I talked about my newly acquired Space Control and Space Storage skills.
Most importantly, I reassured Mother that I had been careful the entire time.
"I made sure Astrid was watching me," I said proudly.
"And I stopped whenever something felt wrong."
Mother nodded slowly.
A faint look of relief appeared on her face.
She knew better than anyone how dangerous Space Affinity could be.
Many talented individuals throughout history had been injured—or worse—because they underestimated the element.
Some damaged their bodies.
Some lost control of their power.
Others simply disappeared after making mistakes while manipulating space.
Compared to those stories, my progress had gone surprisingly smoothly.
"I'm glad you're being careful," Mother said.
"Talent is important, but your safety is more important."
I smiled.
"I know, Mom."
After that, the three of us continued chatting while eating dinner.
The atmosphere remained warm and peaceful.
Exactly the kind of happiness I wanted to protect.
Eventually, dinner came to an end.
I stretched and let out a huge yawn.
"Good night, Mom."
Then I looked at Amy.
"Good night, Amy."
Amy immediately grinned.
"Good night, lazy little brother."
My eye twitched.
Mother chuckled softly.
"Good night, son."
I decided not to argue.
I was far too tired.
So I ignored Amy and headed back to my room.
After changing into my pajamas, I collapsed onto my bed.
Within moments, I drifted into a deep sleep.
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The Next Morning
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As usual, I woke up at exactly six o'clock.
The habit had become completely natural by now.
After getting out of bed, I headed to the bathroom.
I took a shower, brushed my teeth, changed into my training clothes, and neatly made my bed.
Only after finishing everything did I leave my room.
Soon, I arrived at the dining room.
Mother and Amy were already there.
After greeting them, I took my usual seat and enjoyed breakfast while chatting with them.
Once breakfast was finished, Amy and I headed toward the training grounds.
Astrid was already waiting for us when we arrived.
After exchanging greetings, Amy immediately went to continue her own training.
Meanwhile, I walked toward the center of the training field.
Today's objective was simple.
Space Affinity.
No matter how difficult it was, I found myself enjoying every moment spent learning it.
To other people, repeatedly failing might be frustrating.
To me, it was exciting.
Every failed attempt taught me something.
Every success opened new possibilities.
Space had quickly become one of my favorite affinities.
Today, I wanted to attempt something new.
Teleportation.
Not on myself, of course.
I wasn't stupid enough to suddenly teleport my own body without understanding the consequences.
If something went wrong, I had no idea what might happen.
So I decided to start with something safer.
A non-living object.
Specifically, the same wooden sword Astrid had given me yesterday.
I held the sword in front of me and focused.
Teleportation wasn't about forcing space to obey me.
At least, that was how I understood it.
Instead, I needed to guide space.
Influence it.
Make the smallest changes possible while achieving the result I wanted.
I slowly allowed mana to flow into my Space Affinity.
Then I imagined the wooden sword appearing several meters away.
First attempt.
Nothing happened.
The sword remained exactly where it was.
I sighed.
"Failed."
Second attempt.
Space around the sword distorted slightly.
The weapon trembled.
Then stopped.
It was like trying to move a giant boulder using a gentle breeze.
But instead of becoming discouraged, I became excited.
That meant I was moving in the right direction.
I poured more mana into the process.
Third attempt.
Fourth attempt.
Fifth attempt.
The sword continued trembling.
Sometimes space distorted.
Sometimes nothing happened at all.
Several attempts ended with painful headaches.
Others consumed large amounts of mana for almost no results.
Yet I continued.
Again.
And again.
And again.
Hours passed.
My understanding deepened.
Little by little, I started grasping the principles behind the process.
Then—
During one attempt—
The sword suddenly vanished.
My eyes widened.
A moment later, it reappeared several meters away.
"…It worked!"
I immediately ran over and picked it up.
Astrid smiled.
"Not bad."
I shook my head.
"No."
"It worked, but not properly."
The destination was wrong.
The sword hadn't appeared where I intended.
Which meant my control was still lacking.
So I continued practicing.
Again.
And again.
And again.
Eventually, I managed to consistently move the sword exactly where I wanted.
The distance wasn't impressive.
Only a few meters.
But accuracy was more important than range.
When the sword finally appeared precisely at the intended location, I released a long sigh.
"Ahh…"
A grin spread across my face.
"I finally succeeded."
Astrid walked over.
"It was a smart approach."
She glanced toward the sword.
"I'm glad you listened to your mother's advice and chose to experiment with objects first."
Then she asked,
"Are you planning to continue improving this tomorrow and eventually attempt short-range teleportation?"
I smiled brightly.
"You're half right."
Astrid blinked.
"Half right?"
Her expression became slightly suspicious.
"What do you mean?"
"Do you have another idea?"
I nodded.
"Yep."
Astrid sighed.
Whenever I looked this excited, it usually meant I had come up with something troublesome.
"What are you planning this time?"