"Mm."
Kurose Akira gave a casual shrug. Even he was a little surprised that he'd managed to grasp [Spatial Shift] in a single attempt.
But thinking about it more carefully, it made sense.
After all, [Spatial Shift] was merely a high-tier spell—while he possessed the Law of Space itself.
Wasn't that basically cheating?
More importantly, there was that absurd 10,000% multiplier effect—his own "Kaioken." With that kind of amplification, even complex spatial spells could probably be learned in just a few tries.
"Y-you…"
A flicker of astonishment passed through Mira Aurelia's eyes as countless thoughts churned in her mind.
She simply couldn't understand how Akira had managed to learn a high-tier spatial spell in a single chant.
Could it be… he really was a genius?
No… no, impossible!
From what she had observed these past few days, Mira Aurelia was certain—Akira's strengths lay in close-quarters combat, in raw physical engagement, not in magic!
Then why…
For a moment, her emotions grew complicated, tangled in confusion at his terrifying aptitude.
If his magical talent truly surpassed all others…
No. Impossible. Absolutely impossible!
How could a human surpass a dragon in the control of space?
After all, the very first spatial and temporal mages among humans had only come into existence by comprehending fragments of scales shed by dragons who ruled over time and space.
That alone proved the gap—an immeasurable gulf between humans and dragons in their mastery over such domains.
Not just twice the difference—tenfold wouldn't even be an exaggeration!
So!
A human surpassing a dragon's talent?
Impossible!
Absolutely impossible!
"You'd better not get arrogant just because you learned a single spatial spell," Mira Aurelia said, regaining her composure. "You're still far from the true essence of space. Once you witness the real power of spatial magic, you'll understand how insignificant you are."
"You're right."
"…Huh?"
Akira's unexpected compliance left her momentarily blank, her thoughts stalling.
Had she said something wrong?
Why would he agree so readily?
But before she could dwell on it, Akira continued—
"So please—teach me even more powerful spatial magic! Mira-sensei! I want to learn!"
"Sensei???"
The sudden title hit Mira Aurelia like a shock.
A faint, unfamiliar shyness crept over her.
After all… this was the first time anyone had ever called her teacher.
Of course, from Akira's perspective, that "shyness" translated into her thighs pressing together slightly… and her hips giving a subtle sway.
Anything resembling a blush or tender gaze?
Completely invisible.
"Ahem."
After clearing her throat and regaining her composure, Mira Aurelia spoke again.
"It's not that I'm unwilling to teach you. It's just… I don't actually know that many spatial spells. There is one pseudo-forbidden-level spell, but your body wouldn't be able to withstand its strain. Especially not a spatial one—it's far too demanding."
"I see…"
Akira frowned slightly but didn't doubt her words.
Spatial magic operated differently—it used the caster's body as a medium.
In contrast, elemental or necromantic magic could rely on external conduits—like elemental particles.
That difference alone made spatial and temporal magic far more dangerous to learn.
If she said his body couldn't handle it, then he'd take her word for it.
Besides… he hadn't even mastered the basics yet.
"You… aren't disappointed in me, are you?"
Mira Aurelia suddenly asked, her tone carrying an unexpected hint of concern.
She could tell—Akira genuinely wanted to learn from her.
"No. Not at all."
Akira shrugged.
"If my body can't handle pseudo-forbidden spatial magic, then I'll just wait until I'm strong enough. I'll learn it from you then."
"Good, good~"
Mira Aurelia's tail swayed happily, clearly pleased with his response.
"If I can't learn that yet, then maybe I can try…"
Akira shifted his focus inward, toward the Law of Space.
The effect of the [Spatial Ring] was still unclear, but one thing was certain—
Its tier was higher than Spatial Shift.
As his consciousness sank deeper into the spatial law, he flicked his fingers lightly.
A faint ring of crimson sparks appeared before him.
The sparks formed a circle—and within that circle, a blurry scene began to take shape…
Snap.
With a crisp sound, the sparks vanished, dissolving into wisps of smoke.
"Failed?"
Akira frowned.
Even in that brief moment, he could feel his mana draining rapidly.
Though… that might just mean his method was inefficient.
"Looks like I need more practice."
Letting out a breath, he resumed experimenting with the Spatial Ring.
Meanwhile, Mira Aurelia watched intently.
"What is this brat doing?"
Her hips shifted slightly as she observed his every move.
She could sense fluctuations of spatial law—but strangely, they were faint… and yet impossible to fully perceive.
Like being shrouded in mist.
Like staring directly into divinity itself.
Then—
Suddenly!
A complete ring of sparks formed before Akira.
Though the inner image remained blurred, the fundamental structure was there.
Only mental weaving remained.
Snap.
It collapsed again.
"Hah…"
A faint smile tugged at Akira's lips.
"Almost there…"
And without hesitation, he continued refining the spell.
"This…"
Mira Aurelia's expression turned utterly baffled.
Even if she couldn't be seen in this sealed space, the subtle movements of her lower body betrayed her shock.
"What kind of magic is that? Even I can't decipher it…"
She was certain now—what Akira was attempting was beyond her understanding.
It wasn't enough to shake a demi-god like her…
But the speed of his progress?
That was what stunned her.
This guy…
He really is a damn genius!?
Half an hour later, Akira's complexion had turned pale.
While he could now reliably construct the Spatial Ring, using it properly was still out of reach.
But there was good news.
He had roughly figured out its function.
The Spatial Ring could be woven anywhere, anytime—its other end connecting to a destination envisioned in the user's mind.
With enough mastery, it could be deployed instantly—and stepping through it would transport you directly to your target location.
Far more convenient than teleportation arrays.
The only real hurdle… was proficiency.
At least for now, he couldn't deploy it freely at will.
"Alright… that's enough for today."
Akira exhaled deeply. His mana was completely drained.
"Child… where did you learn that spatial magic?"
Mira Aurelia finally spoke after her long silence.
"Where?"
Akira thought for a moment.
"…Self-taught, I guess?"
After all, the Law of Space had become one of his traits. Calling it self-study wasn't exactly wrong.
"Self-taught?"
Mira Aurelia froze.
She had never heard of anyone self-learning spatial magic.
Even if he had obtained the Law of Space from some spatial phantom beast, that shouldn't make this possible!
After a long silence, she spoke softly—
"Once you've mastered it… could you teach me?"
"???"
Akira blinked.
Wow.
Now he was the teacher?
"…Depends on my mood," he replied with a grin.
"You greedy little brat."
She chuckled, then added—
"Time's up. You should be leaving."
Before he departed, her tail swayed expectantly.
"Got anything to say?"
"Actually, yeah!"
Akira clapped his hands once.
"Thanks for the meal!"
"Get lost!"
With a sharp shout, his consciousness was instantly expelled from the sealed space.
—
When Akira opened his eyes, he found something small resting on his chest.
"…Flora?"
He blinked in surprise.
Why was she sleeping on him?
Looking around, he saw the White Elf Queen and Lucia still engaged in a game of chess.
Though Flora blocked his view of the board, their expressions told him enough—
The queen clearly had the upper hand.
"Guildmaster…?"
Flora stirred, rubbing her sleepy eyes.
The moment she realized she was lying on Akira's chest, she jumped back like a startled rabbit.
"G-G-Guildmaster! I didn't mean to fall asleep on you!"
"Even if you did, it's fine."
Akira smiled faintly, completely unconcerned.
"Come on. Let's go watch their game."
"O-Okay…"
Flora nodded, cheeks flushed—whether from sleep or embarrassment, it was hard to tell.
Akira stepped behind Lucia and examined the board.
Just as he thought—the White Elf Queen had completely suppressed her.
There was no way back.
"The outcome's already decided, Lucia."
The queen smiled gently.
"…Sigh."
Lucia exhaled.
"I lost again."
"Your skill is excellent," the queen said softly. "But something is distracting you, isn't it?"
"…No."
Lucia shook her head—but the faint flicker in her expression betrayed her.
Akira noticed.
From their exchange, it was clear—she'd lost several games in a row.
"That's good, then~" the queen continued. "If something's troubling you, you can always tell Guildmaster Akira. He'd be happy to help."
Her gaze shifted toward Akira.
Only then did Lucia realize he was standing behind her.
"You're awake?"
"Yeah."
Akira nodded, then smiled.
"I learned a new spell."
"A new spell?"
Instantly, all eyes turned toward him.
Lucia, the queen—even Ivsha mid-prayer and Alice cleaning nearby—all focused on him.
They were clearly interested.
"Yep."
Akira nodded.
"Let me show you."
The moment he finished speaking, he activated Spatial Shift.
Before anyone could react—
He vanished.
"Eh? Where did Guildmaster go?"
"Mr. Akira?"
Confusion spread as they looked around.
And then—
They found him sitting across from Ivsha.
"When did he—?"
Ivsha covered her mouth in shock.
She hadn't sensed his movement at all.
"Spatial magic?" Lucia murmured, eyes widening.
Even as the Pope of the Holy Church, her understanding of spatial magic was limited.
Teleportation itself required specialized artifacts.
And yet, Akira had used it so effortlessly—
"Mm."
Akira smiled.
"And there's one more."
With a thought, a small Spatial Ring—barely ten centimeters wide—formed before him.
Only Ivsha, facing it directly, could see what lay within.
To everyone else, it was just a thin arc of flickering sparks.
"This is…?"
Ivsha's eyes lit up with curiosity.
"…Can I put my hand through it?"
"Sure," Akira said. "But first, think of where you want to go."
The Spatial Ring responded not only to his will—but to others, with his permission.
"I see…"
Ivsha's eyes shimmered.
After a moment of thought, a mysterious smile curved her lips.
"…Alright~"
The instant her intention took form—
A brilliant golden light burst from the ring.
And then—
Something massive began to emerge from within, pushing into their world.
"Oh~"
Ivsha's lips parted in delight.
"Yes, yes~ this is the one~"
Akira: "???"
Lucia: "?"
Tinass: "Haha~"
"…?"
As everyone stood there in stunned confusion—
Ivsha gently extended a finger and poked the radiant holy light, her smile soft and full of affection.
"So adorable~"