Summoned with an SSS-Rank Portal Skill

William didn't have much to tell Tholfnir. Despite knowing the spies had planned something at the academy, he remained unaware of their specific goal or identities.

The two walked through the academy and went straight to Tholfnir's office. Tholfnir used his magic to further seal the room, adding an extra layer of security to the existing magical formations.

"So," Tholfnir said, settling into his office chair. "Tell me what happened."

"The students who recruited me for their mission were actually spies!" William exclaimed.

"Wait, what?"

Tholfnir frowned. This wasn't what he had expected. Spies? In Snowpeak Academy? He couldn't fathom their motives.

"Yes, I know, crazy, right?" William said. "They used a teleportation device and sent me to the Shadowlands. I managed to find the device again and return to a mountain near the academy."

"And what did they want with you? If you're telling the truth, the real students might be missing!" Tholfnir said, realizing the gravity of the situation.

"They wanted me gone so you would search for me. With you away from the academy, they planned to do something here. I don't know what, but they didn't want you around," William explained.

It was the most logical explanation he could come up with, considering everything that had happened.

Tholfnir fell into deep thought. "This isn't the first time something like this has happened," he said. "In fact, spies have been trying to infiltrate this place for ages, but no one knows why."

"What do you mean? Aren't they trying to steal books or artifacts?" William asked.

He assumed Snowpeak Academy would be a prime target for thieves, with its valuable books and artifacts. But apparently, that wasn't the case.

"Yes and no. We do have some valuable books, but most have multiple copies. We're not the only academy with a library. There are countless libraries throughout the world."

But a nagging doubt lingered in William's mind.

"Headmaster," he said, "why would they need you out of the academy? You constantly leave for meetings and other urgent matters. They could have done something without kidnapping me!"

William stared at Tholfnir, awaiting an answer. The old headmaster was lost in thought.

"Are you sure they wanted to kidnap you just to get me out of here?" Tholfnir asked.

"Sure is a strong word, but yes, I believe so. The kidnappers said I wasn't special, just a pawn in their plan."

Tholfnir sighed. "I don't have an answer for that, but I'll investigate further. I'm glad you're back and safe. I should have forbidden you to go."

William shook his head. "Don't blame yourself, Headmaster. It wasn't your fault. Let me know if you find the answer to my question. I want to know more about these people."

He left Tholfnir's office.

Tholfnir waited a moment before casting a spell, vanishing from his office and reappearing inside a secret chamber within the academy grounds.

A cloaked figure sat on a throne-like chair. The figure was grotesque, with a massive mana stone connected to its body, pulsing with life.

"So, how did it go?" the cloaked figure asked.

Tholfnir saluted. "The kid didn't realize I'm not the real Tholfnir. Everything is proceeding according to plan."

"Good. You were right about Tholfnir," the cloaked figure said. "He left to search for the boy, falling right into our trap."

Tholfnir laughed. "He did? How did you subdue that beast of a mage?"

"Preparation is key. Tholfnir is sealed and being transported to one of our islands," the figure said. "But can you maintain the disguise? Our operation will take time."

"Yes, of course."

"Good."

The mysterious figure vanished, along with the throne and the pulsating mana stone. The image had been projected from elsewhere.

The imposter Tholfnir left the secret chamber and returned to his office.

William walked through the academy and encountered Professor James, who approached him with a warm greeting.

"William, you're back! Tholfnir searched for you but couldn't find you. I'm glad you're safe," James said.

This struck William as odd. Tholfnir hadn't mentioned searching for him.

'Maybe he just looked around the academy and didn't find me...' he thought.

It was strange, but William trusted that Tholfnir wasn't lying.

"Yes, I'm safe and sound. How's your recovery coming along?" William asked.

James still bore some injuries from their encounter in the elven ruins. "Things are progressing well. I'm back to teaching, and we're preparing to explore the ancient ruins further. I also wanted to speak with you about something."

They went to the library for a private conversation. Though not as secluded as William's meeting with Tholfnir, the library was mostly empty.

"I need a research assistant," Professor James began. "Not just to study the artifacts we found in the ruins, but to..." He leaned closer to William. "...learn more about the people who killed the students."

"But didn't the academy higher-ups say they would handle this?" William whispered back. "I don't think we should investigate on our own."

Professor James sighed. "I don't know if they'll find anything or are even trying. But I also know it's dangerous to pursue this, so you can assist me with other things for now."

James wouldn't intentionally endanger a student, especially after what happened in the ruins.

"What's in it for me?" William asked. "You know I have a lot on my plate with my studies."

Life at Snowpeak Academy was demanding. William needed a good reason to take on more.

"I can pay you and offer private combat lessons," Professor James suggested.

William didn't hesitate. "Deal."

He wasn't interested in the money, but the combat lessons were a valuable opportunity to grow stronger.

"Great," James said. "But private lessons are forbidden, so we must be careful not to get caught. Don't expect these lessons to start immediately."

"No problem," William said, "but can we talk about it tomorrow? I need to rest."

"Of course."

William left the library and returned to his dorm. Tholfnir had informed the professors that William would have three days to recover.

Back in his room, William noticed his SSS skill had recharged. He activated it, opening a portal to Aethel's ancient past.

It was morning, and Jinra was already urging him to return to their journey.

"We can't afford to lose time," Jinra said. "The academy is still far away."

William got up, then realized something was different. The timer that usually indicated his remaining time in the past—typically 24 to 48 hours—now displayed a much longer duration.

He calculated that he would have to remain in the past for three months.

'Three months? Why the sudden change?' William wondered.
Continue reading at empire

He tried to recall any significant events from the past few days but couldn't think of anything that might explain it.

'It seems I'll be here for a while...' William thought.

Not that it was a bad thing. William was excited to have more time to explore the past, especially with the prospect of visiting a past version of Snowpeak Academy—at least, he believed that's where they were headed.

"I'm ready," William said.

They mounted their horses and resumed their journey toward the academy.

William still had a long way to reach the academy, but he believed time would fly past him in the following days.