“Jinra,” William asked, his curiosity piqued, “are you, by any chance, an enchanter?” He recalled Professor Sebastian’s mention of a master enchanter named Jinra and couldn’t help but wonder if it was more than just a coincidence.

Jinra, his eyebrows raised in surprise, chuckled. “Indeed I am,” he admitted, “though I wouldn’t consider myself a master. How did you know?”

William, ever quick with an explanation, gestured vaguely towards the bags strapped to their horses. “I noticed some of the items you packed,” he said, hoping his excuse sounded plausible. “They seemed…enchantment-related.”

“Keen eyes, young man,” Jinra said, a hint of pride in his voice. “But be warned, our journey will be arduous. The academy is in a remote location, and you must be prepared for the challenges that await.”

William, familiar with the harsh climate of Snowpeak Mountain, was intrigued. “What do you mean?” he asked.

“The academy is still under construction,” Jinra explained, “and there are no settlements nearby. I hear students must rely on their own skills for survival, hunting for food and braving the elements.”

William’s excitement grew. This ancient version of Snowpeak Academy sounded like a true test of his abilities. He was eager to experience this primitive, untamed version of the institution he knew so well.

The journey stretched on, the monotonous rhythm of their horses’ hooves lulling William into a meditative state. With his Magic Mind spell enhancing his focus, he found a deep tranquility within himself, his mind expanding, his mana reserves replenishing.

He missed the thrill of battle, the surge of leveling up after defeating a powerful foe, but he knew that patience and preparation were essential for the challenges ahead.

Just as William was contemplating the need for some monster-slaying action, a band of kobolds emerged from the thick underbrush, their beady eyes glinting with malice.

“I’ll conceal my power for now,” Jinra said, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “This is a good opportunity for you to gain some experience. But if things get hairy, I’ll step in.”

William grinned, his pulse quickening. He couldn’t resist the chance to test his skills against these primitive creatures. Travel in this era was far more perilous than in his own time, where roads were well-maintained and patrolled. Here, danger lurked around every bend.

He leaped from his horse, drawing his steel sword. The demonic blade remained wrapped, a secret he wasn’t ready to reveal to Jinra. The kobolds brandished crude weapons, their guttural battle cries echoing through the forest. William, unfazed by their attempts at intimidation, activated his spells.

“Iron Skin! Enhanced Strength! Swiftfoot!”

His body surged with power, his muscles coiling beneath his skin, his senses sharpening.

The kobolds, sensing the sudden surge of power emanating from William, hesitated. Fear flickered in their beady eyes, but it was too late to flee. They were committed to the attack.

William, his movements a blur, became a whirlwind of steel and fury. He weaved through their clumsy attacks, his sword finding its mark with deadly precision.

Three kobolds fell, their crude weapons clattering to the ground, their lifeblood staining the snow crimson.

The remaining kobold, armed with a bow, loosed a desperate arrow. William, his reflexes honed by countless hours of training, deflected it with ease. He closed the distance in a blink, his sword rising and falling in a swift arc.

The kobold’s cry was cut short, its lifeless body slumping against a snow-laden tree.

[+800 EXP]

[+800 EXP]

[+800 EXP]

[+800 EXP]

The accumulated experience points brought William closer to his next level, a satisfying reward for his efforts.

“Impressive moves,” Jinra commented, watching as William cleaned his blade. “Our training has clearly paid off.”

Their journey continued, the road ahead fraught with peril. Goblins, wolves, and even massive bears emerged from the shadows, their hunger for blood evident. William faced each encounter with a mix of skill and ferocity, his sword a blur of motion, his spells amplifying his strength and agility. He suffered a few wounds, including a deep gash from a bear’s claws, but he refused Jinra’s offer of healing potions.

“I want to test my natural healing abilities,” he explained, flexing his arm gingerly.

“As you wish,” Jinra replied, a hint of pride in his voice. “But allow me to clean that wound, at least.”

They made camp beside a crystalline stream, the setting sun casting long shadows across the snow-covered landscape. Jinra carefully cleansed the wound, the cool water and the sting of alcohol a stark contrast to the warmth of the campfire. William winced, but the pain was manageable. His body, honed by rigorous training, was resilient, his recovery swift.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, William’s time in the past came to an end. He vanished from Jinra’s side, reappearing in his dormitory room at Snowpeak Academy. The transition was seamless, the flow of time frozen in both realities, his secret ability leaving no trace.

The academy was unusually quiet. Classes had resumed, but the recent tragedy and the looming threat of war had cast a pall over the students’ enthusiasm. Many longed for the end of the term, eager to return home and seek solace with their families.

William, however, remained focused on his training. He understood that in these uncertain times, strength was their greatest defense. He sought refuge in the library, its towering shelves and countless volumes a welcome distraction from the somber atmosphere.

He sought new spells to master, his ambition pushing him towards more advanced magic. While his current repertoire of body-enhancing spells served him well, he yearned for greater power, for the edge that would ensure his survival in the battles to come.

The librarian, a bespectacled man with a perpetually worried expression, approached William with a hesitant apology.

“I…I apologize for doubting your ability to master the Magic Mind spell,” he stammered, his cheeks flushing. “I never imagined…well, you’re quite the prodigy.”

William smiled, his earlier annoyance forgotten. “It’s alright,” he reassured the librarian. “You were just looking out for me. Speaking of which, could you perhaps offer some assistance? I’m looking for some B-rank body enhancement spells.” Stay tuned for updates on empire

The librarian, eager to make amends, readily agreed. “Of course, William! I know just the tomes you need. Follow me.”

He led William through the labyrinthine shelves, pointing out several promising volumes. Other students, witnessing this preferential treatment, couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. The librarian was notoriously unhelpful, yet here he was, practically fawning over William.

“That William,” one student muttered to his companion, “he’s certainly the golden boy around here, isn’t he?”

“Indeed,” the other replied with a sneer. “And to think, he’s not even a noble. Just some peasant who got lucky. This academy is going to the dogs.”

William, oblivious to their jealous whispers, eagerly collected the recommended tomes, his mind already buzzing with the possibilities of his enhanced magical arsenal.

As the librarian guided William through the labyrinthine shelves, his eyes were drawn to a secluded section, cordoned off by a velvet rope and a sign that declared, “Restricted Access: Authorized Personnel Only.”

“What kind of books are in there?” William asked, curiosity piqued.

The librarian followed William’s gaze, a nervous chuckle escaping his lips. “Ah, that’s where we keep the…more sensitive materials,” he explained, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Tomes that wouldn’t be suitable for the average student. Quite a bit of it is related to…demons. Nothing you need to worry about, of course.”

William’s interest intensified. He had to get into that restricted section. He pressed the librarian for more information, learning that access required becoming a certified researcher of ancient civilizations.

“Demons are remnants of an ancient civilization, long vanished,” the librarian explained. “Their ruins are scattered across the world, rare and often dangerous. Becoming a researcher is a lengthy process, requiring years of study, rigorous examinations, and proven expertise. Even with Headmaster Tholfnir’s favor, you’d still have to follow the standard procedures.”

Despite the daunting requirements, a new ambition took root within William. He would become a researcher, unlock the secrets of that restricted section, and delve into the mysteries of the demonic civilization. He would uncover the truth about his sword, his heritage, and the destiny that seemed to be intertwined with these ancient powers.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep