Summoned with an SSS-Rank Portal Skill

The return to the temple was a somber affair. The sight of their fallen classmates, their lifeless bodies scattered amongst the elven artifacts, brought a wave of grief and despair. Professor James knelt beside them, his shoulders slumped, his face etched with sorrow.

"We'll preserve their bodies," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "We'll return for them later."

Martha, her eyes filled with tears, cast a preservation spell, encasing the bodies in a shimmering frost. The carriages, already laden with artifacts, couldn't accommodate the fallen students. It was a grim reminder of the expedition's tragic turn.

The journey back to the academy was a somber procession. Silence filled the carriages, the weight of loss pressing down on their spirits.

William, though not close to those who had perished, couldn't shake the feeling of sadness, the knowledge that their dreams had been cut short, their potential forever unrealized.

He had gained much from the expedition – a powerful gift from a mythical creature, a deeper understanding of the elven civilization – but the cost felt unbearably high.

Upon their return to Snowpeak, the professors were met by Headmaster Tholfnir. He had received their urgent message and stood waiting, his face etched with worry and grief.

"Tell me everything," he commanded, his voice heavy.

James instructed the students to unload the carriages while he and Martha accompanied Tholfnir to his office. William, eager to distract himself from the grim task, joined the other students, their movements mechanical as they carried the elven artifacts into the academy. The weight of the tragedy settled over them.

News of the tragedy spread like wildfire through the academy and the nearby city of Snowpeak Mount. The unexpected loss of young lives cast a pall over the community, their fears about the looming war amplified by the grim reality of death.

Altair, his usual cheerfulness replaced by a somber expression, worked alongside William, unloading the carriages. "I never imagined something like this would happen," he confessed, his voice heavy with sadness. "The expedition seemed so promising..."

"Sometimes," William replied, his gaze distant, "things don't go as planned. And I have a feeling this is just the beginning. Can you sense it too? A darkness hanging over us?"

Altair nodded, his eyes filled with a grim understanding. "Yes," he agreed. "Everyone is on edge, bracing for the war. Dark times are coming, my friend."

The magic academy suspended classes for several days following the tragic incident. The bodies of the fallen students were retrieved from the ruins, and a somber memorial service was held. Grieving families traveled to the academy, their hearts heavy with loss. Some chose to take their loved ones home for burial, while others decided to lay them to rest in the Snowpeak Mount cemetery, believing their children would find solace in being close to the dreams they had pursued.

During this time of mourning, William sought refuge in his studies, immersing himself in books and practicing his spells. He attended the memorial service, paying his respects to the fallen, but the weight of the tragedy lingered.

Four days later, a surge of energy coursed through him, signaling the return of his Chrono Shift ability. He had eagerly awaited its return, the suspension of classes making its availability even more valuable.

"I should visit Jinra and continue my training," he mused, a plan forming in his mind. "In fact, it might be time for our journey to the magic school in the past."

The prospect of enrolling in an ancient elven academy, of learning magic from a different era, filled him with anticipation. He envisioned gaining knowledge and skills that would set him apart from his peers, enhancing his already formidable abilities.

With a newfound sense of purpose, William activated Chrono Shift within the privacy of his room. The familiar portal shimmered into existence, and he stepped through, returning to Jinra's humble abode.

The morning sun cast long shadows across the dew-covered grass as William materialized in the barn. He waited patiently for Jinra to awaken, his mind buzzing with anticipation.

The old mage emerged, his weathered face creased with a welcoming smile. He carried several bulging packs, setting them carefully beside the barn door.

"Good morning, William," Jinra greeted him, his voice warm.

"Good morning, Master," William replied, his curiosity piqued. "What's with the bags?"

Jinra chuckled. "Don't panic, lad, but those are our travel packs. I figured it was time to set off for the magic academy. Ready for a new adventure?"

"Absolutely!" William exclaimed, his excitement bubbling over.

Jinra had spent the previous night packing their provisions, carefully selecting the essentials for their journey. He couldn't carry too much, of course, but he had ensured they wouldn't go hungry.

"We might need to hunt along the way," he explained, securing the last of the bags, "and find lodging in roadside taverns. But that shouldn't be a problem for a seasoned adventurer like you, eh?"

William, who had faced far greater challenges in recent months, merely grinned. "No problem at all," he replied. "But tell me, Master, which magic academy are we heading to?"

He was curious. In this era, civilization was still in its infancy. He had no idea what kind of magical institution Jinra had in mind.

"It's a newly established academy," Jinra explained, "built atop a remote mountain. They seem to be accepting students with minimal requirements, likely because few are willing to endure the harsh conditions."

William's interest piqued. Jinra's description sounded eerily similar to Snowpeak Academy, his current school. Could fate be leading him to the same institution, albeit in a different era?

"Does this place have a name?" William asked.

Jinra shook his head. "Not yet, lad. It's quite new, as I said. But I hear there are some interesting rumors surrounding it. Something about sightings of Snow Elves in the area. Whether those are just tales or the truth, I can't say."

William's suspicions grew stronger. This was undoubtedly Snowpeak Academy, in its nascent form. He wondered if these rumored Snow Elves were the same ones whose ruins he had explored with Professor James. The implications were intriguing, but also concerning.

'Could my presence here disrupt the timeline?' he worried. 'I don't want to inadvertently cause some catastrophic paradox.'

The thought troubled him, but he reasoned that the chances of causing significant damage were slim. He was deep in the past, likely thousands of years before his own time. As a mere student, his influence on the grand scheme of things would be minimal. He pushed aside his anxieties, his excitement for the journey outweighing his fears. Read exclusive adventures at empire

They set off after a hearty breakfast, their horses' hooves kicking up puffs of snow as they left the familiar surroundings of Jinra's home. The old mage beamed with pride, his eyes twinkling.

"You've mastered the Magic Mind spell, William," he said, his voice filled with admiration. "Few your age could accomplish such a feat. In fact, few mages ever manage to learn that spell. I have a feeling you'll thrive at this academy."

"You think so?" William asked, a grin spreading across his face.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Absolutely," Jinra confirmed. "Now, shall we be off?"

They mounted their horses, the crisp mountain air invigorating their spirits. William, a mix of excitement and apprehension bubbling within him, couldn't help but wonder what awaited them at this ancient iteration of Snowpeak Academy.