Summoned with an SSS-Rank Portal Skill

The System remained silent, leaving William to ponder the cryptic message. He glanced around the library, ensuring he was alone before carefully opening the book and delving into its contents.

It was a chronicle of demonkind, detailing their history and diverse races. Contrary to popular belief, demons weren't inherently evil. They were simply another race, like elves, that once walked the world.

Of course, demons differed from the benevolent image of elves. They were often depicted as barbaric and ruthless. But how much of that was truth, and how much was propaganda? William had only encountered elven ruins, not the elves themselves. And his sole experience with a demon was a hunter driven mad by corrupted energy, not a true demon by birth.

Intrigued, he tucked the book into his backpack, eager to devour its contents in private. 'What else can I find here?' he wondered, scanning the shelves.

Some spells mirrored those he knew from the present, albeit in cruder forms. The manuals were less organized, the techniques less refined. Yet, William sensed valuable insights within these archaic texts. They offered a different perspective, a glimpse into the magical practices of a bygone era.

As he immersed himself in exploration, another student entered the library.

"You're the new student, right?" he said, extending a hand. "Marcel Blackwood. Pleasure to meet you!"

"William," he replied, returning the gesture. "The pleasure is mine. What brings you here?"

Marcel, an affable young man with an easy smile, seemed eager to chat. "Trying to find a new spell to learn. There are so many options here, it can be overwhelming."

"I understand completely," William agreed. "But I'm sure you'll find something worthwhile in this collection."

"Oh, definitely," Marcel said with a laugh. "Coming from a place with practically no books, having this many to choose from is a luxury! I'd rather have this problem than no spells to learn at all."

Marcel's comment piqued William's curiosity. "You said you come from a place with few books?" he inquired, eager to learn more about this world and its inhabitants.

"We had a handful," Marcel explained, "less than ten in the entire village. It's a miracle I learned to read and write. I'm grateful my father hired a tutor."

"And where is this village?" William asked.

"The Shadowlands," Marcel replied. "The name might sound ominous, but it's not that bad. I think it's called that because of all the mountains casting shadows. Don't get any ideas about me practicing dark arts, though!" he added with a grin.

William's mind raced. The Shadowlands, in his time, was a desolate place filled with treacherous forests, towering mountains, a dragon lurking in a cave, and necromancers seeking his life. Could this be the same place?

"I've never heard of the Shadowlands," he said, feigning ignorance. "Are there any cities there?"

"There's one major city," Marcel explained, "but most people live in villages. I grew up in one, but my father was a merchant, so we were better off than most. What about you?"

"Similar story," William replied. "I'm from a small village called Willow Creek. I learned what I know from a reclusive mage who lived nearby."

"That's amazing!" Marcel exclaimed. "No wonder you mastered that spell so quickly. You already had a mentor!"

"He certainly did help me with it," William agreed, a genuine smile gracing his lips. He found himself enjoying Marcel's company, a welcome respite from the unfamiliar surroundings.

They chatted for a few more minutes before Marcel announced his departure. But as he turned to leave, he paused, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I know you're new here, but are you planning on participating in the upcoming mission?"

"Mission?" William echoed, his curiosity piqued.

"You know the academy has another branch, right?" Marcel explained. "It's like a sister academy, with the same principles and goals. They're facing some challenges, being newer than us, and they need students to help build it up. Some might even become tutors there. It's located on one of the islands in an archipelago."

"What? Really?" William exclaimed, surprised. He'd never heard of another Snowpeak Academy, let alone one on an island.

'This can only mean that the project ultimately failed...' he thought, recalling the academy's history. This island endeavor was clearly not recorded in the annals of the present-day Snowpeak Academy.

"It's true," Marcel confirmed. "They're selecting the best students. But the actual test is in six months. If you prove yourself, we could go together! I like the idea of living on an island and becoming a tutor. It certainly beats this freezing weather."

The prospect appealed to William as well. He yearned to explore new places, and six months at Snowpeak Academy would provide ample time to uncover the secrets of this era.

"Thanks for telling me," William said, his enthusiasm growing. "I'll definitely try my best to qualify. It sounds like an incredible opportunity."

"That's awesome!" Marcel beamed. He gave William a final wave. "See you later!"

As Marcel disappeared amongst the bookshelves, William felt a surge of excitement.

The prospect of exploring a new branch of the academy ignited William's adventurous spirit. He left the library, his mind buzzing with possibilities. He briefly considered searching for more spells, but decided to focus on mastering the ones he already possessed – a collection of ice spells and advanced body enhancement techniques acquired before his journey into the past.

Back in his room, William reviewed his status:

Name: William Velmont

Level: 16

Class: None

Attributes:

Strength: 48

Agility: 47

Stamina: 46

Intelligence: 423

Mana: 102

Demonic Energy: 10

Active Bonuses: +40% Learning Speed

His level was impressive, and his attributes were significantly higher than average, thanks to the demonic energy coursing through his veins. But the absence of a class nagged at him. He knew classes typically manifested around level 30, though some rare individuals developed them earlier, around level 20. Continue reading on empire

'Still a long way to go,' he mused.

His room, while lacking the comforts of his previous life, provided adequate shelter from the biting cold. The crackling fireplace offered a welcome warmth, casting dancing shadows across the stone walls.

He settled near the hearth, his attention drawn to the "Icy Weapon" spell tome. This A-rank spell promised to infuse his weapon with ice, amplifying its power and inflicting debilitating effects on his enemies. As a swordsman, this was a must-have in his arsenal.

With the fire warming his body and a steaming cup of tea at his side, William immersed himself in the intricacies of the spell. He practiced the incantations, visualized the flow of mana, and honed his control over the icy energy. He took occasional breaks to replenish his tea and stretch his limbs, but his focus remained unwavering.

As the day waned, the dormitory gradually filled with returning students, their chatter and laughter disrupting the peaceful atmosphere. Recognizing the need for rest, William set aside his practice, content with the progress he'd made.

A knock echoed through the room, pulling William from his thoughts. He opened the door to find Marcel standing sheepishly in the hallway.

"I asked around and found out which room you were in," Marcel admitted, "I was wondering...would you be interested in grabbing some dinner? They serve a free meal in the dining hall."

William chuckled. Some traditions, it seemed, transcended time. "Sure, why not?"

The dining hall bustled with activity as students gathered for the evening meal. Among the crowd, William spotted a familiar face – Professor Lincoln, the man who had escorted them to the academy.

Marcel, who had settled beside William, followed his gaze. "He's one of the most enigmatic professors here," he commented, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Doesn't actually teach any classes, though. I have no idea what he does."

William shared Marcel's curiosity. Was Lincoln involved in constructing the academy's defenses? Or did he serve some other, more clandestine purpose?

Across the hall, William noticed Professor Kurt, his combat instructor, engaged in a lively conversation with a group of students.

The intimate atmosphere of the academy fostered a sense of camaraderie. Unlike the sprawling, competitive environment of his previous school, here, everyone knew each other, creating a more supportive and collaborative learning experience.

William savored the hearty meal, primarily composed of game hunted from the surrounding wilderness. It was a welcome change from the more refined, yet somewhat bland, cuisine of his former academy.

After dinner, William announced his intention to return to the library. Marcel, surprised by his dedication, raised an eyebrow.

"Are you sure? The library at this hour? I don't think anyone else studies this late," Marcel remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"I'd like to get some more reading in," William explained. "The dormitory is a bit too lively for serious study right now. Besides, I need to prepare for that test in six months, right?"

The mention of the test reignited Marcel's enthusiasm. "You're absolutely right! Go for it, William! I know we'll both pass with flying colors!" He clapped William on the back with a grin and headed towards the dormitory.

William, with renewed determination, made his way back to the library. He settled into a quiet corner, the "Icy Weapon" tome open before him. Hours melted away as he immersed himself in the intricacies of the spell. Eventually, fatigue overcame him, and he drifted off to sleep amidst the towering shelves.

He awoke with a start, the silence of the library shattered by a muffled sound echoing from the hallway. Someone was moving about in the darkness.