A hero, lecturing at Snowpeak Magic Academy? The very notion sent a shiver down William’s spine. As far as he knew, Elric’s teleportation magic had flung him into an entirely different kingdom. What was one of his former comrades doing here? And why?

‘Could they be looking for me?’ The thought burrowed into his mind like a persistent worm. It wasn’t entirely implausible. If that were the case, he was in serious danger.

Even if this hero’s presence was merely a coincidence, William couldn’t risk being recognized. The shame of his expulsion was a burden he wasn’t ready to share.

His initial instinct was to avoid the lecture altogether. But as he hurried through the academy grounds, a stern-faced professor intercepted him.

“William, is it?” the old mage rasped, his eyes peering down at William over the rim of his spectacles.

“Yes,” William replied, his anxiety growing. “Is something wrong?”

“Though you’re not yet officially a student,” the professor declared, “attendance at this morning’s lecture is mandatory for all. It’s of vital importance, young man. Do not miss it, or face the consequences.”

“Okay,” William mumbled, his stomach churning. Consequences? What kind of consequences? He needed to find a way to camouflage himself, become invisible. Even amidst a sea of faces, he was certain his former classmate would recognize him.

There was only one person he could think of who might be able to help: Headmaster Tholfnir. With a renewed sense of urgency, William set off to find the elusive mage.

Tholfnir’s chambers were located within the academy’s main building, but he wasn’t known for his consistency in keeping office hours. Rumors swirled about his frequent travels, whispers of a secret hideaway known only to a select few. Still, William clung to the hope that the impending lecture would have drawn him back to the academy.

A stoic guard barred his path as he approached Tholfnir’s door.

“State your business,” the guard demanded, his voice devoid of any warmth.

“I need to speak with Headmaster Tholfnir,” William replied, trying to project an air of confidence he didn’t feel.

The guard scoffed. “Not even enrolled students can meet with him on a whim. And you think you can? There are professors and staff members more suited to address your concerns. Headmaster Tholfnir is a busy man.”

William knew the guard wasn’t wrong, but he had to try.

Suddenly, as if conjured from thin air, Tholfnir appeared beside them. He placed a calming hand on the guard’s shoulder. “It’s alright,” he said, his voice a low rumble. “Let him pass.” He turned to William, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. “Come, William. Let’s talk in my office.”

William followed, his heart pounding with a mixture of relief and trepidation. He cast a glance back at the bewildered guard, who stood frozen in disbelief. How had he, a mere prospective student, gained such easy access to the headmaster? He didn’t have the answer, but he wasn’t about to question his good fortune.

Tholfnir’s office was a testament to his personality: meticulously organized, with towering bookshelves lining the walls and a massive window offering a panoramic view of the academy courtyard. William settled into a plush chair facing the headmaster’s imposing oak desk.

“So, William,” Tholfnir began, a warm smile gracing his features. “How can I be of assistance?”

William’s mind raced. What could he possibly say? Confessing his true identity as a fallen hero was out of the question. He needed a plausible excuse to avoid the lecture or, at the very least, to attend incognito.

“Do you know how long this summoned hero will be at the academy?” William asked, feigning casual curiosity.

Tholfnir’s brow furrowed slightly. “Just today. He’s passing through and offered to share some insights with the students. Why do you ask?”

“I was wondering if there might be a way for me to…skip the lecture?” William ventured. “I could use the extra time to focus on my training. As you know, the spell I’ve chosen is quite challenging.”

Tholfnir shook his head gently. “While I understand your dedication, William, the lecture will be brief. It might even prove beneficial to your studies.”

William pressed on, desperation edging into his voice. “But I’m at a critical juncture in my training. If I must attend, could you perhaps provide me with a secluded spot to watch? A place where I can maintain my focus? I just completed the first 50 runes of Magic Mind, and I need to capitalize on this momentum.” Read latest stories on empire

It was a flimsy excuse, but William was grasping at straws. He hoped that demonstrating his progress might sway the headmaster.

And it worked. Tholfnir’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What did you say? You’ve already mastered 50 runes? Is this true, young man?”

Instead of answering, William summoned the runes, letting them swirl around him in a mesmerizing display of blue light. Tholfnir, stunned, sank back into his chair.

“T-this is incredible,” he stammered, his voice laced with awe.

Tholfnir stroked his beard, a thoughtful expression settling on his face. “Very well,” he declared. “I can arrange for a secluded space where you can observe the lecture without interruption. But are you certain you can multitask effectively? Simultaneously meditating and absorbing information is a difficult skill to master.”

William, however, had a secret weapon. The first set of Magic Mind runes, unbeknownst to Tholfnir, granted him exceptional clarity during meditation. “Yes, Headmaster,” he replied confidently. “I’m sure I can manage.”

“Excellent,” Tholfnir said, a hint of pride in his voice. “I’m impressed by your dedication, William. Now, let’s head to the lecture hall, shall we?”

William followed, curiosity piqued. Where exactly would he be observing from? Tholfnir led him not to the crowded hall, but to the academy’s top floor—an area typically off-limits to students. The ceiling had been enchanted to provide an open-air view of the entire grounds, including the stage where the lecture was to take place.

“Will I be watching from here?” William asked, surprised.

“Of course not,” Tholfnir chuckled. “You wouldn’t be able to hear a thing from this distance. Observe and learn, young one.”

With a practiced flourish, Tholfnir conjured a series of runes in the air. A shimmering, translucent sphere materialized before them, growing rapidly until it dwarfed both of them. With a snap of his fingers, the sphere opened, revealing a passageway into its depths.

William gasped. The interior was astonishing—a spacious, luxuriously furnished room, far grander than anything he could have imagined. Even more remarkable was the sphere’s one-way transparency. He could see the outside world with perfect clarity, yet from the outside, the sphere remained opaque.

“We’ll be watching from here,” Tholfnir announced, gesturing towards a plush sofa. “Refreshments are available should you require them.”

With a subtle gesture, Tholfnir guided the magical sphere through the walls of the academy, bypassing crowded corridors and bustling classrooms, arriving finally at the grand hall where the lecture was to commence.

“Won’t they notice us floating in here?” William asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

Tholfnir chuckled. “Only if I allow it,” he replied, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “I’ll simply adjust the sphere’s size and opacity, rendering it practically invisible to the casual observer.”

The sheer versatility of the spell was astounding. William stared at Tholfnir with newfound respect. ‘He truly is the strongest mage in the kingdom,’ William thought, a flicker of ambition igniting within him. ‘Will I ever reach such heights?’

The lecture hall was packed. Students and exam-takers alike crammed into every available space, their anticipation palpable. As the appointed time drew near, the crowd hushed, their attention drawn to the elevated platform at the center of the hall.

And then, he appeared.

The summoned hero.

William’s breath caught in his throat. It was him. A face etched in memory, a classmate from his former life on Earth. But here, in this world, he was a beacon of power, a symbol of hope. A stark contrast to William, the summoned hero who no one knew about.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep