Summoned with an SSS-Rank Portal Skill

William's eyes snapped open, his heart pounding in his chest. The sharp echo of footsteps sliced through the silence of the library, jolting him awake. 'I fell asleep...' He blinked rapidly, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

He pushed himself to his feet, the footsteps echoing once more, sending a surge of adrenaline through his veins. Who else would be in the academy at this hour? The library was shrouded in darkness, the rest of the building equally still and silent.

Fear prickled his skin. He instinctively ducked behind a bookshelf, the inky blackness concealing him. Peering towards the entrance, he saw a figure emerge from the hallway. A figure cloaked in black, their face obscured by the shadows.

Curiosity battled with caution. It was risky to follow, but William couldn't resist the urge to uncover the mystery. He moved with practiced stealth, keeping close to the walls, his footsteps barely disturbing the quiet.

The figure turned a corner. William followed, his heart pounding in his chest. But when he reached the turn, the hallway was empty. 'Where did they go?'

A hand clamped down on his shoulder, freezing him in place. He whirled around, his breath catching in his throat.

It was Professor Lincoln.

"William? What are you doing here?" Lincoln asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

William's eyes darted to Lincoln's attire. It was different from the black robe he'd seen on the mysterious figure. "I fell asleep while studying," he explained, forcing a casual tone. "I woke up when I heard footsteps."

Lincoln's expression shifted. "Footsteps? It was probably just me. I forgot something in my office and came back to retrieve it."

Doubt gnawed at William. Could it really have been Lincoln? Or was there something more to this encounter? He decided to keep his suspicions to himself. "Makes sense," he replied, feigning understanding. "Well, I should get back to my room."

"Indeed you should," Lincoln said with a smile.

As William turned to leave, Lincoln stopped him. "Hey, William," he said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "could you keep this a secret? Headmaster Grant doesn't like professors wandering the halls at night. I don't want to get in trouble. I'll make it worth your while."

The request, coupled with Lincoln's earlier behavior, amplified William's suspicions. Something wasn't right.

"Sure, no problem," he agreed, his mind racing. He needed to get to the bottom of this.

William returned to his room, the silence of the academy pressing in around him. In this bygone era, Snowpeak lacked the security measures of the future. No guards patrolled the grounds, no protective enchantments shimmered in the darkness. The academy stood alone, a solitary beacon against the vast wilderness.

The dormitory was shrouded in sleep, the students lost in dreams of magical prowess and future triumphs. William slipped into his room, his mind a whirlwind of unanswered questions. Sleep eluded him as he replayed the encounter in the library, analyzing every detail, every word.

The next day dawned, and William found himself with another free day. While his classmates grappled with their newly assigned spells, he dedicated himself to mastering "Icy Weapon." He meticulously practiced the intricate runes, his focus unwavering despite the lingering unease from the previous night.

Jinra, his loyal mentor, remained at the academy, providing a comforting presence. William, trusting his elder implicitly, recounted the mysterious encounter in the library.

Jinra listened patiently, his expression a mix of concern and reassurance. "Worry not, William," he said calmly. "Headmaster Grant is a man of honor and justice. But if you discover more about this mysterious figure, you should inform him. He will know what to do."

"I understand. Thank you for your guidance," William replied, feeling a wave of gratitude for Jinra's unwavering support.

"It was nothing," Jinra said warmly. "Remember, should you become a powerful mage, I can secure you a prestigious position in the army, if that is your desire."

"I appreciate the offer, Jinra," William said, "but I yearn to explore the world, not be confined to a single place. Speaking of which," he continued, his curiosity piqued, "I heard that Snowpeak Academy has a branch on an island, and they're seeking assistance in its development. What are your thoughts?"

"That's news to me," Jinra admitted, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "It could be a valuable experience, but if they're actively recruiting help, it suggests the situation isn't ideal."

"I understand," William replied. "They need people to assist with construction and act as mentors. I have six months to consider it. If I decide to go, I'll send you a letter."

Jinra beamed, pleased that William kept him informed. "Thank you, William. I appreciate you confiding in me." He paused, then added with a chuckle, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe I'll return to my room. Headmaster Grant doesn't take kindly to outsiders like myself wandering the halls."

Jinra departed, leaving William alone in the courtyard. Moments later, Marcel appeared, his face etched with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.

"William," he began, his voice hushed, "I have something important to tell you. Can we speak somewhere more private?"

William, intrigued, readily agreed. He'd only known Marcel for a short time, but the young man's earnest demeanor piqued his curiosity. What secrets could he possibly possess after only a few months at the academy?

They ventured beyond the academy walls, seeking refuge within the dense forest. "Even the dormitories aren't safe," Marcel explained, his eyes darting nervously towards the imposing structure. "They could be listening. I think this is the best place, though it's a bit risky being out here."

The surrounding woods were indeed treacherous, teeming with magical beasts. Venturing outside alone was a gamble, but Marcel's urgency outweighed the danger.

They walked until they reached a flowing river, its icy waters a testament to the harsh climate.

"What is it you wanted to share?" William asked, his anticipation growing.

Marcel scanned their surroundings before revealing his secret. "A few months ago, I discovered some hidden passages within the academy," he whispered. "I haven't explored them extensively, but based on my observations, the professors seem unaware of their existence. Perhaps Grant knows, but there's a chance he doesn't."

"Secret passages?" William echoed, intrigued.

"Exactly! It's like there's an entire hidden academy beneath the one we see," Marcel explained, his voice laced with wonder. "What if this academy was built atop the ruins of another?"

"But wouldn't they have discovered it during construction?" William questioned. It seemed improbable that such a significant structure could remain hidden if they had excavated the area.

"It's very deep," Marcel insisted. "They would have to dig much deeper to find it."

A mischievous grin spread across Marcel's face. "What do you say we explore it together? It shouldn't be too dangerous, right? If there were any threats down there, someone would have discovered them by now."

William wasn't entirely convinced, but the allure of the unknown was too strong to resist. He also pondered the possibility that these secret passages might still exist in the future. Could he return to the present-day Snowpeak Academy and uncover a hidden layer of history beneath his feet? The prospect was thrilling.

"Let's do it," he agreed, his voice firm despite the flutter of apprehension in his stomach.

"But we need to be cautious," Marcel cautioned. "We'll have to go at night. I'm not sure we can leave the academy undetected during the day. That's why I've been hesitant to explore on my own."

"Perhaps we could learn an invisibility spell?" William suggested. "There's no need to rush into this unprepared."

"Good idea," Marcel agreed, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

William's anticipation grew with each passing day. What secrets lay hidden beneath Snowpeak Academy? What mysteries awaited them in the depths of the unknown? He was determined to find out.