Today, more than two months after he had first begun levitating socks, Noah finally felt ready to complete what he called "Mission: Sock Controller."
He sat in the center of a carefully prepared circle of socks. Ten socks, arranged in a perfect circle, each positioned exactly where it needed to be. Knowing their placement, appearance, and weight was essential to aid his mental visualization.
Closing his eyes, Noah focused on his breathing and reviewed everything he had learned during the last three months of intense training. He felt magical energy flowing through his body, and with clear, determined intent, he began the final test of his training.
With his hands extended forward, he circulated magic through his body, feeling it flow through his arms and hands. He focused on the socks around him, imagining each one floating gently into the air, rising off the ground in response to his will. His concentration was reflected in his face, calm and focused.
Moments later, he sensed movement in the air around him. He didn't need to open his eyes: the socks were beginning to float slowly. A thrill of excitement ran through him, and a triumphant smile spread across his face as he controlled their levitation with increasing ease. The socks orbited him like planets, responding to his commands.
His connection with the socks was clear, and he felt himself improving with every passing moment. It was as if this achievement marked a turning point between power and limitation.
Finally, with a gentle gesture, Noah ended the test. The socks slowly descended to the floor, returning to their original places. He stood up, exhilarated, a new confidence and determination pulsating through his heart and mind.
"I, Noah Gray, am the greatest sock controller in the world!" he shouted, not caring how ridiculous it sounded.
He laughed, playfully making objects around him float, acting like a child discovering something new. For the first time, he could use magic without worry—truly feeling like a wizard. Even if, for now, he could only control objects—something possible in his other world—it was different here. There, performing a simple spell could leave him with a bloody nose; here, he felt free.
In the following days, Noah reached a new level in object control. After mastering socks without visual contact, it was safe to say he had surpassed the ordinary, making general object manipulation much simpler.
Every magical advancement could be common or a higher-level breakthrough. A common advancement improved an existing skill: controlling one sock or ten only meant handling more objects, requiring more focus. A higher-level breakthrough, however, transformed the entire practice: controlling objects without sight made visual control feel as natural as breathing.
It was as if a truth had rooted itself in his mind: I can control objects.
That morning, Noah sat in the kitchen with an open notebook, his quill writing automatically as he spoke. Grinny, the house-elf, prepared a large tray of food.
"A complete wizard, as I now believe I am, must consider three main points in their development: body, mind, and magical power."
He paused, carefully choosing his words.
"The body is the foundation; magical power defines the limits of any wizard. But the mind… the mind is the most important aspect of magic."
Grabbing his food, he returned to his room and sat by the window, watching the clear blue sky. It was a peaceful morning. He still didn't fully understand the magic of this world, but he could record his own experiences and refine them over time.
While eating, he wrote:
"The body is the foundation that supports the strains of magic. Without strong foundations, everything built on it can collapse. A healthy body is essential.
More magical power means more internal reserves, allowing stronger spells and longer magical battles.
But the mind is crucial: it controls emotion, focus, attention, and will. The more control we have, the better we can channel our feelings into magic."
This analysis came from months of training and observation. Noah was satisfied with his "Wizard's Trinity," a logical foundation to guide him before consulting books, preventing his mind from being limited by rigid rules.
He descended to the lower floor and found his parents talking. Both smiled when they saw him.
"Since when do you eat in your room?" Laura asked, pinching him playfully.
Noah pretended not to hear and said, "I want to ask for something."
Laura forgot her scolding, eyes sparkling. Adam, noticing Laura's deadly glare, stayed quiet.
"What do you need, my baby?" she asked.
"I want some magic books, the simplest ones possible. Things like how to make objects float."
Laura jumped, scooping him up: "Next stop: the library!"
Adam chuckled as he watched his wife and son head to the third floor.
The Gray family library was impressive: thousands of books, old and new, with simple and complex magic. Two floors connected by spiral staircases, tables and chairs for reading.
Laura selected ten thin books. "Here's what you're looking for. Nothing advanced—just ready-made spells and wand gestures."
Noah grabbed the books to leave, but Laura handed him something:
"This is the library key. You can come and go as you like, but stay away from the books protected behind the barrier."
Noah wanted to ask about the protected books, but it wasn't relevant now. He smiled and ran off with his books.
"So, after getting what you want, you just abandon me?" Laura teased, chasing him.
In his room, Noah asked, "Can I do these spells without a wand?"
Laura thought, then answered, "Yes. Neither a wand nor the incantation is necessary, as long as you understand them."
In the hallway, Adam looked at Laura: "No wand or incantation? That's not entirely true."
Laura smiled. "Maybe not for us. I already use magic without incantations, and the wand… well, I've grown used to it."
Adam laughed. "True… he can levitate without a wand… but full spells? That seems too much."
Laura kissed her husband: "Remember what Nick said? Noah is a blank page. Let's keep him free from absolute rules."
Adam grinned: "Tricking my son, huh?" he joked, grabbing Laura's arm and running to the room.