Summoned with an SSS-Rank Portal Skill

It took William nearly two weeks to fully recover from the combined strain of Hero's Limit and the demonic transformation.

He had anticipated a period of weakness, but the extent of his exhaustion surprised him. During this time, he was unable to practice magic, limited to attending classes for the theoretical instruction. Enjoy exclusive adventures from empire

He spent his days conversing with Marcel and immersing himself in non-magical literature, giving his body time to mend.

One afternoon, William and Marcel found themselves in the academy library, discussing the peculiarities of their surroundings.

"Lincoln is such an oddity," Marcel remarked, leaning back in his chair. "I still can't figure him out. While you were recovering, I tried to observe him, but he barely does anything all day. Just eats, reads some letters... that's it."

"Maybe he's just a really dedicated reader?" William suggested, though the explanation felt flimsy even to him. Lincoln's presence at the academy was a puzzle. He didn't teach, he didn't seem involved in research, and yet he held the title of Professor. What was his purpose?

"I guess," Marcel said with a shrug. "But it's still strange, don't you think? He's like a ghost, always lurking in the background."

"He does seem to be constantly watching, observing," William agreed, a sense of unease settling over him. "As if he's waiting for something."

"Waiting for what?" Marcel wondered aloud.

William's mind flashed back to the encounter in the library, Lincoln's late-night wanderings, and his suspicious request for secrecy. "I don't know," he admitted, a shiver crawling down his spine. "But I have a feeling it's not good."

A thoughtful silence fell between them as they contemplated the enigma that was Professor Lincoln. William picked up a book on ancient Aethelian history, idly flipping through its pages.

But his thoughts remained preoccupied with the enigmatic professor and the growing sense that something was amiss at Snowpeak Academy.

A silver lining emerged from the turmoil of the past weeks. Asura had fully recovered, granting William access to a magnificent flying mount. Marcel, upon learning of this development, bombarded William with pleas to experience flight, his enthusiasm bordering on obsession. William, though tempted, knew he couldn't simply abandon the academy. Their aerial adventures would have to wait.

One day, Headmaster Grant summoned William to his office for a private meeting.

"You deserve a reward for your service to the village," Grant declared, his expression a mix of gratitude and admiration. "What would you desire? I have several options at my disposal."

"Options?" William echoed, his curiosity piqued. He hadn't considered requesting a reward, but perhaps Grant had something unique to offer.

"How about a rare spell tome?" Grant suggested. "We possess a unique body enhancement manual here at the academy."

He described the tome, a compilation of various spells woven into a single cohesive technique. Its rank remained undefined, as no one had successfully mastered its intricacies.

"It's an ancient text," Grant admitted. "I know of no one who has successfully learned it, but it's yours if you want it." He rose from his chair. "Wait here. I'll retrieve it for you."

William's interest was piqued. A unique body enhancement tome, potentially more powerful than any he currently possessed? This was a reward worth having. He waited patiently as Grant retrieved the tome from a locked cabinet, its worn leather cover hinting at its age and the secrets it held within.

"Here it is," Grant said, presenting the tome to William. "Handle it with care. It's a powerful artifact."

William carefully took the tome, his fingers tracing the faded inscription on the cover. He could sense the potent energy emanating from within, a chaotic blend of different magical disciplines. It was a challenge he couldn't resist.

"Thank you, Headmaster Grant," William said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "I won't disappoint you."

Grant nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I trust you, William. You have proven yourself to be a capable and resourceful mage. I believe you have the potential to unlock the secrets of this tome."

William returned to his room, eager to delve into the mysteries of his newfound prize. He settled into a comfortable chair, the tome open before him. The script was archaic, the diagrams complex, and the instructions cryptic. It was a daunting challenge, even for someone with William's advanced knowledge and magical aptitude.

He spent hours deciphering the text, his mind working tirelessly to unravel the intricate web of spells and incantations. The tome was a puzzle, a labyrinth of interconnected magical theories and practices. It demanded not just rote memorization, but a deep understanding of the underlying principles.

As he progressed, William realized that the tome wasn't merely a collection of spells; it was a holistic approach to body enhancement, a way to harmonize the different aspects of his physical and magical being. It incorporated elements of strengthening, agility, resilience, and even subtle manipulations of internal energy flows.

He began practicing the techniques, starting with the most basic exercises. The movements were unfamiliar, the mana manipulation challenging, and the results initially underwhelming. But William was persistent, driven by an insatiable curiosity and a desire to master this unique form of magic.

Days turned into weeks, and William's dedication paid off. He gradually gained proficiency in the techniques, his body responding to the subtle manipulations of mana and energy. He felt stronger, more agile, and more resilient. The chaotic energy within the tome began to harmonize, aligning with his own magical signature.

The tome's power was enigmatic, its effects subtle and profound. The System remained silent, offering no notifications of new spells or attribute increases. It was as if the transformation was occurring on a deeper level, beyond the System's current comprehension.

In the meantime, William diligently practiced the invisibility spell, chipping away at its complexities. Mastery seemed an impossible feat, but he managed to achieve a rudimentary understanding, enough to cast a crude version of the spell. He and Marcel could now cloak themselves in invisibility for a brief period.

"One minute?" Marcel questioned, his brow furrowed with concern. "Will that be enough time?"

"That depends on you," William replied with a smirk. "You're the one who knows the location of the secret passage."

"True, true," Marcel conceded. "We can test it tonight. I hear the professors will be... indisposed."

"Indisposed?"

"There's a festival tonight," Marcel explained. "A celebration of some sort. You and I will abstain from the festivities, of course. We need to be at our best for our exploration."

William had been so engrossed in his training that he was unaware of the upcoming event. This was their chance, a window of opportunity to delve into the academy's hidden depths.

As the afternoon progressed, the academy grounds transformed into a festive scene. Students gathered around bonfires, their laughter and singing echoing through the courtyard. William and Marcel, however, remained vigilant, avoiding the merriment and conserving their energy.

Nightfall brought a hush over the academy. The revelers, their spirits dampened by excessive indulgence, stumbled back to their dormitories.

William and Marcel left the dorm, their eyes set on the main building of the academy.

"That's where the passage is," Marcel whispered, "Let's circle around and enter through the back."