Due to the mass monster wave, all academies sent their teachers and senior students who had reached level five to assist in rebuilding the city's infrastructure. Consequently, schools were closed until the restoration was complete. The city buzzed with the sound of hammers and saws as everyone worked tirelessly to restore what had been lost.
During this unexpected break, Gwen spent her days training her kinesis abilities with her adoptive father, Master Rocco. Despite her best efforts, Gwen's telekinetic power was still unpredictable. She could activate it, but controlling or deactivating it remained a significant challenge. Fortunately, her father, a level eight telekinesis mage, was able to deactivate her magic whenever it spiraled out of control.
However, even after two weeks of rigorous training, Gwen still struggled to command her ability. Her frustration grew with each failed attempt, and even her father couldn't pinpoint the issue. It was perplexing because Gwen was a naturally gifted child. She absorbed knowledge quickly and had an extraordinary memory, except for topics that failed to pique her interest. When it came to magic techniques and illusion spells, she could master them perfectly on the first try. But telekinesis was a glaring exception.
"I don't understand why I can't deactivate it," Gwen muttered one afternoon, visibly frustrated.
Master Rocco studied her intently before proposing an idea. "Hm... maybe we should try a different approach. Gwyneth, get ready."
"Eh?" Gwen gasped as she felt her body lift off the ground. She hadn't activated her magic, which meant her father was using his telekinesis on her.
"Now, try to counter my magic with yours and bring yourself down," he instructed.
"Huh? How am I supposed to do that?" she asked, bewildered.
"The same way you activate your magic. Think about what's happening when you initiate it."
"It just... happens," Gwen admitted, earning a long sigh from her father.
Master Rocco shook his head in exasperation. "Alright, just give it a try. We'll never know unless you do."
Reluctantly, Gwen closed her eyes and focused. But instead of descending, her body shot upward like a rocket until she slammed into the ceiling with a loud thud.
"Ouch!" Gwen cried, rubbing her head.
Master Rocco looked up, baffled. "What are you doing? Why are you rising so fast?"
"I don't know! Do you think I enjoy banging my head on the roof?" Gwen snapped.
Her father waved his hand, gently pulling her back down and dispelling her telekinesis. He sighed heavily, clearly puzzled by her erratic magic. "It seems I might need to visit the White Lily Empire. Maybe I can find some answers there."
Gwen tilted her head, her expression flat as usual. "How confident are you?"
"About ten percent," he admitted sheepishly.
"Then don't bother," Gwen replied. "Wasting time on something so uncertain will only hurt you."
Master Rocco's eyes softened at her words. He smiled warmly. "You're a good girl, Gwen. I understand why your teachers and your brother adore you so much. Even though you claim you can't feel love, you still care about the people around you."
"That's not true," Gwen countered. "I'm just worried I'll have to leave this place if you disappear."
Her father chuckled. "Ah, I see. But Gwen, this house will be yours someday. Everything I have will pass to you when I'm gone. You have nothing to worry about."
For a fleeting moment, Gwen considered asking why he treated her like his biological child. But the words caught in her throat, and she let the matter drop.
Before their conversation could continue, a housekeeper entered the practice area. "Master, the tailor has arrived."
Master Rocco's face lit up. "Perfect. The dresses have been completed. Let's go try them on."
Gwen froze in horror. Not again. She loathed being a mannequin for hours while the tailor measured and adjusted fabrics. The memory of standing stiffly for what felt like an eternity was still fresh in her mind.
Gwen glanced at the back door, contemplating escape. She had no intention of enduring another fitting session.
"Gwyneth, where are you going?" her father called, noticing her hesitation.
"I need some fresh air," she replied innocently.
"If you try on the dresses, I'll give you a day off tomorrow. You can do anything you want," he offered.
Gwen's ears perked up. "Anything?"
"Of course," he confirmed, knowing this was the key to convincing her.
"Fine," she agreed, albeit reluctantly.
The fitting session was as tedious as Gwen had expected. Despite her grumbling, she obediently tried on each dress the tailor brought. She kept her thick glasses on and refused to remove her makeup disguise, much to the frustration of her maid, Molly. Yet, even with her efforts to downplay her appearance, the dresses accentuated her graceful figure, leaving everyone in awe.
Master Rocco, who had never seen Gwen's real face, still thought of her as beautiful. To him, she was his daughter, and no amount of makeup or disguise could change that. Molly, on the other hand, was determined to showcase Gwen's hidden beauty. She scolded the other maids for not recognizing Gwen's potential and vowed to protect her mistress's feelings.
Meanwhile, Gwen was indifferent to their thoughts. She only cared about the promise her father had made. Tomorrow, she would ask him for permission to hunt monsters in a nearby demon town. Her target was a flying pig with a crystal stone embedded in its heart. The stone could be crafted into a magic tool to store elemental spirits.
Given her inability to control her telekinesis, Gwen had devised a plan. By storing the power of high-level elemental spirits in the crystal, she could wield their magic without revealing her identity as a Space Master. The idea was ingenious and practical, a testament to her quick thinking.