Everyone in Snowpeak Academy was utterly shocked after witnessing William’s display of skill. They were all gathered in the gymnasium, and Tholfnir used the opportunity to warn them about spreading the news.

“Don’t breathe a word of this to anyone outside the school yet,” Tholfnir instructed. “We need to ensure that the fact William knows this spell remains confidential for now. Understood?” Tholfnir was doing his best to keep William safe, trying to avoid any danger that might come his way due to his magical talent and achievement.

He placed his hand on William’s shoulder and whispered, “Don’t worry, kid. If anything happens, I’ll protect you, and I have some powerful friends to help me if I need it.” William felt reassured knowing that someone like Tholfnir was watching his back.

Ordinarily, the academy would hold a welcoming party for the new students, but there were only eight this time, so they didn’t feel it was necessary. Not to mention, every single one of them was thinking about what Kevin had said regarding the war, and none of them could relax because of that.

Altair couldn’t contain his happiness. He was jumping around and smiling like crazy. “You did it, bro! Now I have my friend with me, so the classes won’t be so boring!”

“Don’t get too excited,” William said. “Remember that you’ll have to work hard to keep up with me. I want a strong ally.”

“Oh, you can relax about that. I won’t stop until my power is close to yours.”

William smiled. “It’s nice to hear that, though there’s no way I’m letting you surpass me.”

Eventually, the students and professors left the gymnasium. They had classes to attend. William and the other new students had a day off, meaning they didn’t have classes that day.

“Can I leave the academy, or can you let Gorn come here?” William asked Tholfnir.

“It is up to you to decide,” Tholfnir said. “I would suggest you enjoy the city, as you’ll be staying in the academy for a while, focusing on your studies starting tomorrow.”

“Thank you. I’ll be going out, then,” he said.

William descended the snow-covered slopes, his heart pounding with anticipation. It had been weeks since he last saw Gorn, and he was eager to share the news of his success. The city was blanketed in a thick layer of snow, the winter chill biting at exposed skin. He navigated the snow-laden streets, heading straight for the familiar tavern where Gorn awaited. Discover more stories at empire

He found Gorn nursing a mug of ale, his brow furrowed in thought. The man’s face erupted in a broad smile as he spotted William.

“Lad!” he boomed, rising and pulling William into a bear hug. “How did it go?”

“Better than ever,” William replied, a grin splitting his face. “Sit down, I have news.”

Gorn’s impatience was palpable. “Just spit it out, lad! I know you secured a spot. I didn’t train you for nothing!”

“You’re right,” William said, his smile widening. “I earned one of the eight spots!”

Gorn’s eyebrows shot up. “Eight spots? What happened? But damn it, lad, I knew you could do it!”

William recounted his experience, including the overheard conversation during Kevin’s lecture, sharing the crucial information about the impending war. He explained that as a student, he would be confined to the academy, unable to leave at will. Gorn needed to prepare, to protect his family from the looming threat.

“This is bad…” Gorn muttered, taking a long pull from his mug. “If the neighboring kingdoms are uniting against us, a full-scale war could erupt at any moment. I’m glad you’ll be safe within the academy walls.”

“But what about you? Elara? Maya?” William asked, concern etched on his face.

“I’ll try to get Maya into Snowpeak next year,” Gorn said, his voice firm. “It will take a few years for this war to truly escalate.” He saw the worry in William’s eyes and added, “Relax, lad. We’ll be fine. I’m not about to let my family suffer.”

William knew Gorn meant every word. The man was a force to be reckoned with, a protector who would shield his loved ones at any cost.

“Alright,” William said, nodding. “But you should return to Willow Creek as soon as possible. This is urgent.”

“Agreed,” Gorn said. “But let’s enjoy today. You’ve earned it.”

They spent the day reveling in William’s success, sharing stories, laughter, and good cheer. They even ventured out into the snow, engaging in a playful snowball fight, their laughter echoing through the frosty air. But the following day, the time to part ways arrived.

The farewell was bittersweet. William, unsure when he would see Gorn again, felt tears welling up in his eyes. For the first time since arriving in this world, he cried. Gorn, his gruff exterior melting away, pulled William into a tight embrace.

“Damn it, lad,” he choked out, “I always wanted a son, and you’re the kind of son any father would be proud of.” He released William, wiping a tear from his cheek. “Alright, enough of this blubbering. Go on, now. Make us proud.”

With a final farewell, they parted ways. Gorn left going towards Willow Creek, while William ascended the snow-dusted path back to the academy, eager to embark on his magical education.

The guards at the gate greeted him with unexpected warmth. Their usual formality had been replaced by a friendly deference, their smiles genuine. William, though surprised by the preferential treatment, accepted it with a gracious nod.

“Have a nice day, you two,” he said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“You too, William,” one of the guards replied. “Enjoy your first day of classes.”

Within the academy walls, William’s newfound celebrity status was undeniable. Whispers followed him down the halls, heads turned as he passed. He had become a legend in the making, his name synonymous with talent and ambition. While he appreciated the perks of his reputation, the constant attention was a double-edged sword.

He pushed through the curious stares, heading towards his first class: Combat Magic. The classroom, located on the second floor, buzzed with anticipation. As William entered, all eyes fell upon him. A few empty seats remained, one conveniently beside Altair.

“Over here!” Altair called out, waving him over. “I saved you a spot.”

William settled into the chair, his gaze scanning the room. He had expected a grizzled veteran, scarred and hardened by battle, to lead the class. Instead, a young man with slicked-back hair and a scholarly air stood at the lectern. He wore a long, dark red tunic and round spectacles, his appearance more befitting a researcher than a warrior.

The students, their excitement palpable, chattered amongst themselves, oblivious to the professor’s growing impatience.

“Silence!” the professor boomed, his voice cutting through the din. “Settle down before I lose my patience.”

The students, their youthful exuberance unchecked, continued their chatter, ignoring the professor’s warning.

William, observing the room, noticed that while all eight new students were present, they were joined by a handful of unfamiliar faces.

He initially assumed these were senior students, perhaps auditing the class or participating in some advanced training. But their expressions mirrored his own confusion, their eyes wide with uncertainty.

‘This isn’t going to end well,’ William thought, bracing himself for the inevitable explosion.

The professor, his face reddening with frustration, took a deep breath and raised his hand. A surge of mana crackled around him, and with a flick of his wrist, he unleashed a silencing spell. A wave of energy washed over the room, and the students’ voices abruptly cut off, leaving an eerie silence in its wake.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep