Summoned with an SSS-Rank Portal Skill

"This artifact is incredible," Professor James said, his eyes fixed on a vase displayed on a table. "It might look ordinary, but it can create an endless supply of water. Isn't that amazing?"

William, assisting Professor James in studying their findings from the elven ruins, was equally astonished when he learned about the artifact's power.

"Are you serious?" William asked. "How does it work?"

"I don't know yet, but what intrigues me most is that it doesn't require mana to function. That's a rare trait among artifacts," James explained.

The artifacts recovered from the ruins were impressive, but James's primary objective for William was to uncover the identities of the students' killers.

"How am I supposed to learn more about them?" William asked. "I can't just leave the academy whenever I want."

"I know," Professor James acknowledged, "but you'll be leaving for the capital soon, remember? For that army conscription. The capital is the best place to seek answers. I want you to seize this opportunity."

James retrieved a small notebook from his room.

"This contains information about my contacts in the capital. Speak to them while you're there."

William accepted the notebook. Professor James couldn't leave the academy, and neither could most students, especially with the war looming. But William had a chance that James didn't.

"I'll do my best," William assured him.

After leaving James's office, William encountered Altair, who wore a serious expression.

"Hey, bro," Altair said, "I think Tholfnir is acting a little strange."

"What do you mean?" William asked.

Altair was a creature of habit, always following the same routine. He woke up at the same time each day and often saw Tholfnir every morning.

He explained that he used to see Tholfnir almost daily in a specific spot in the courtyard. Tholfnir would sit there and watch the sunrise in the early morning hours, admiring the flowers.

But that had changed. Altair hadn't seen Tholfnir there recently.

"That doesn't sound like a big deal," William said, dismissing the observation.

However, Altair's next words gave William pause.

"Didn't you tell me spies impersonated students using magic? What if someone is pretending to be Tholfnir?"

William felt a chill crawl down his spine. The possibility, however remote, sent a shiver of unease through him. He had almost forgotten about the spies. "Did you notice anything else different about him?" he asked, his voice low.

Altair shook his head. "Not really. He seems the same, but...it's just that missing piece of his routine that feels off."

William pondered this new information. Tholfnir, the stoic and predictable Headmaster, altering his routine? It was indeed strange. He decided to keep an eye on Tholfnir, observing him from a distance, trying to detect any inconsistencies in his behavior.

The next few days were a blur of activity. William immersed himself in his studies, trying to push the unsettling thoughts about Tholfnir and the spies to the back of his mind. He spent his free time practicing his swordsmanship, honing his skills for the upcoming conscription. He also discreetly observed Tholfnir whenever possible, but the Headmaster seemed his usual self, conducting his duties with his customary efficiency and aloofness.

One evening, as William was returning to his dormitory after a grueling training session, a messenger owl arrived, carrying a small, sealed letter. It was from Tholfnir, reminding him about their upcoming trip to the capital for the conscription.

"Finally," William muttered to himself. This was his chance to investigate the murders and hopefully find some answers. He had assumed Tholfnir would accompany him, but the letter stated that someone else would be joining him instead.

William's heart sank as he read the name: Professor James.

Why would Tholfnir send Professor James? Wasn't the Headmaster the logical choice to accompany a student to such an important event? A wave of suspicion washed over William. Could Altair be right? Could someone be impersonating Tholfnir?

He needed to talk to Altair immediately. He rushed towards his friend's dormitory, his mind racing with questions and doubts. This new development had just thrown everything into chaos.

He burst into Altair's room, startling his friend who was engrossed in a book about ancient runes. "Altair, you were right! Something's definitely wrong with Tholfnir!"

Altair looked up, his brow furrowed in concern. "What happened? Did you see something?"

William relayed the contents of the letter, emphasizing the unexpected change in travel companions. "It makes no sense for Tholfnir to send Professor James with me. He's the Headmaster, he should be the one to go!"

Altair's eyes widened. "This is strange indeed. But why would someone impersonate Tholfnir? What could they possibly gain from it?"

"I don't know," William admitted, pacing the room. "But I have a bad feeling about this. It's like he wants to stay at the academy for some reason..." He stopped pacing and turned to Altair, his expression serious. "Altair, I need you to be extra vigilant. Keep an eye on Tholfnir, and write down anything, anything at all, that seems out of place. Even the smallest detail could be important."

Altair nodded, his face grim. "I will. But be careful yourself, William. This whole situation seems dangerous."

"I will," William assured him. "And try to be discreet. We don't want to alert whoever this imposter might be."

He left Altair's room, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. The trip to the capital, which had initially seemed like an opportunity to uncover the truth, now felt like a step into the unknown. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was walking into a carefully laid trap, and that he was only beginning to unravel a much larger conspiracy.

William sought out Professor James, who was also surprised about the assignment. He hadn't expected to be chosen. While William felt apprehensive, James was elated.

"This is a fantastic opportunity, William," James exclaimed. "We can work together to gather information about the students' killers."

'Should I tell him about my suspicions?' William wondered.

He decided against sharing his theories with James. What if the professor was involved in the conspiracy?

"Yes, it's great!" William said, feigning enthusiasm. "We should prepare for the trip immediately!"