Chapter 45 – Space Element Training II (Part 1)
After successfully creating Space Storage, I decided to stop training for the day.
Even Astrid advised me not to push myself any further.
According to her, overworking my mind and exhausting my mana would eventually do more harm than good. Progress was important, but if I burned myself out, I’d only slow my future growth.
So, for once, I listened without arguing.
There was no need to rush.
I still had plenty of time to become stronger.
With training over, I sat beside the training field and waited for Amy to finish her own practice.
Fortunately, I managed to stay awake today.
If I had fallen asleep again, Amy would definitely have teased me for weeks.
Soon, she finished her final swing and sheathed her katana.
"Finally," she sighed, stretching her arms above her head.
I chuckled.
"You sound more tired than I am."
"Hmph."
She shot me a playful glare.
"That’s because unlike someone, I actually train properly."
"I train properly too."
"Sure you do."
She rolled her eyes dramatically.
"Mr. ’I accidentally fall asleep while waiting.’"
"..."
I decided not to respond.
Some battles simply weren’t worth fighting.
Astrid watched our usual exchange with an amused smile.
"As energetic as ever."
Amy grinned.
"Of course."
Then she looked at me.
"Come on. Let’s get something to drink."
I nodded immediately.
"I was about to suggest the same thing."
⸻
As always, we grabbed some juice before sitting together beneath the shade of a nearby tree.
The cold drink washed away much of the lingering fatigue in my body.
For a while, none of us spoke.
The gentle breeze drifted through the training grounds, carrying away the summer heat.
It was peaceful.
After a few minutes, Amy suddenly glanced at me.
"So..."
She smiled mischievously.
"How does it feel?"
"Hm?"
"You created two Space skills in a single day."
She nudged my shoulder.
"Feeling proud?"
I scratched my cheek.
"...Maybe a little."
"A little?"
She laughed.
"If I created two new skills in one day, I’d be bragging about it to everyone."
"I don’t think Mother would appreciate that."
Amy immediately coughed.
"...Good point."
Astrid smiled quietly.
"Humility suits both of you."
Amy puffed out her cheeks.
"I can be humble."
Astrid and I exchanged a glance.
Neither of us said anything.
Amy narrowed her eyes.
"...What was that look?"
"Nothing."
"Absolutely nothing."
She huffed dramatically.
"You two are bullying me."
Despite her complaints, all three of us laughed.
⸻
Once we had rested enough, Amy and I returned to the mansion.
Lunch was already prepared.
Since Mother rarely joined us during the afternoon because of work, the two of us ate together as usual.
The meal was simple but delicious.
As always, we chatted while eating.
Amy talked about today’s sword training.
I told her more about Space Storage and how strange it felt to sense an entirely separate pocket of space connected to my mind.
She listened with genuine curiosity.
"So you don’t actually see it?"
I shook my head.
"No."
"It’s difficult to explain."
"It feels more like... instinct."
"I just know it’s there."
"And I know exactly where everything inside it is."
Amy rested her chin on her hand.
"That’s... actually pretty amazing."
I nodded.
"It really is."
"The feeling is unlike anything else."
⸻
The rest of the afternoon passed peacefully.
After finishing lunch, Amy challenged me to several board games.
As expected...
She began changing the rules whenever she started losing.
"That doesn’t count!"
I pointed accusingly at the board.
"You moved twice!"
Amy folded her arms confidently.
"Hmph."
"Only losers complain."
"You literally changed the rules!"
"And I won."
She smiled proudly.
"So they’re official rules now."
I stared at her in disbelief.
"...What kind of logic is that?"
"The logic of victory."
"...That’s not how games work."
"It worked today."
I opened my mouth to argue...
Then closed it again.
Somehow, seeing her incredibly smug expression made me laugh instead of getting angry.
Eventually, after suffering another completely unfair defeat, I admitted surrender.
"You cheated."
"I used strategy."
"You cheated."
"Advanced strategy."
I sighed dramatically.
"...One day I’ll beat you fairly."
Amy smiled brightly.
"I’ll look forward to that."
Even if I somehow managed to beat her...
I had a feeling she’d simply invent another rule.
⸻
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 entered.
I greeted them before taking my usual seat beside Mother.
"Good evening, Mom."
"Good evening, Amy."
Mother smiled warmly.
"Good evening, Gray."
Amy waved casually.
"You’re finally here."
I smiled.
"I didn’t want to keep my favorite people waiting."
Amy immediately grinned.
"You say things like that so naturally."
Mother chuckled softly.
"He’s always been honest with his feelings."
Hearing that made me smile.
It wasn’t embarrassing.
It was simply the truth.
Being able to share meals like this with Mother and Amy had become one of my favorite moments of every day.
No matter how busy training became...
These moments were irreplaceable.
Soon, dinner began.
Dinner passed in its usual warm and peaceful atmosphere.
Mother asked about our training while the servants quietly served the meal.
Amy excitedly explained the progress she had made with her swordsmanship before turning the conversation toward me.
"And Gray created two new Space skills today."
Mother smiled gently before looking at me.
"I already heard from Astrid."
I blinked.
"...You did?"
She nodded.
"She reported everything after your training ended."
"I wanted to hear your side of the story."
I smiled sheepishly.
"Well..."
"I managed to obtain Space Control first."
"After that, I successfully created Space Storage."
"I was careful the whole time."
"I stopped whenever something felt wrong."
"And Astrid supervised every attempt."
Mother quietly listened without interrupting.
When I finished, she gave a small nod.
"I’m glad."
A faint look of relief appeared in her eyes.
She knew better than anyone how dangerous Space Affinity truly was.
Throughout history, countless talented individuals had been injured—or worse—because they underestimated it.
Some permanently damaged their bodies.
Some lost control of their power.
Others simply disappeared after making mistakes while manipulating space itself.
Compared to those tragic stories...
My progress had gone surprisingly smoothly.
"I’m glad you’re being careful," Mother said softly.
"Talent is important."
"But your safety is far more important."
I smiled.
"I know, Mom."
"I’ll keep being careful."
Her expression softened.
"I know you will."
The conversation soon drifted to lighter topics.
Amy complained about how unfair my new skill was.
"I still can’t believe you don’t even need a space ring anymore."
She puffed out her cheeks.
"I had to wait years before Mom finally gave me one."
I laughed awkwardly.
"I didn’t exactly expect to create one either."
Mother smiled faintly.
"Don’t become complacent."
"A Growth-Type skill has limitless potential, but it also requires constant effort."
I nodded seriously.
"I understand."
As dinner continued, the atmosphere remained warm and relaxed.
Exactly the kind of happiness I wanted to protect.
Eventually, dinner came to an end.
I stretched before letting out a huge yawn.
"Haa..."
Amy immediately laughed.
"Already sleepy?"
I rubbed one eye.
"I’ve been mentally exhausted all day."
"Space Affinity is a lot harder than I expected."
She grinned.
"So the little genius finally found something difficult."
"I never said it was easy."
"Hmm..."
She pretended to think.
"I’ll allow it."
I rolled my eyes.
"Thank you for your overwhelming generosity."
Mother couldn’t help chuckling at our usual banter.
Finally, I stood up.
"Good night, Mom."
Then I looked toward Amy.
"Good night, Amy."
Amy immediately smiled mischievously.
"Good night, lazy little brother."
My eye twitched.
Mother laughed softly.
"Good night, son."
I decided not to argue.
I was far too tired.
Ignoring Amy’s teasing, I returned to my room.
After changing into my pajamas, I collapsed onto my bed.
The moment my head touched the pillow...
Sleep claimed me almost instantly.
⸻
The Next Morning
As usual, I woke up at exactly six o’clock.
By now, waking early had become completely natural.
I stretched lazily before climbing out of bed.
After heading to the bathroom, I took a refreshing shower, brushed my teeth, changed into my training clothes, and neatly made my bed.
Only after everything was finished did I leave my room.
Soon, I arrived at the dining room.
Mother and Amy were already waiting.
"Good morning."
"Morning, Gray."
"Good morning, sleepyhead."
I smiled before taking my usual seat.
Breakfast passed peacefully.
We chatted while eating, occasionally laughing over Amy’s exaggerated stories about yesterday’s training.
Once breakfast was over, Amy and I headed toward the training grounds together.
The cool morning air felt refreshing against my skin.
When we arrived, Astrid was already waiting.
"Good morning."
"Morning, Astrid."
After exchanging greetings, Amy immediately retrieved her katana and returned to 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.
Most people probably found repeated failures frustrating.
I didn’t.
Every failed attempt taught me something.
Every success opened another possibility.
Without realizing it...
Space had quickly become one of my favorite affinities.
Today...
I wanted to attempt something entirely new.