Summoned with an SSS-Rank Portal Skill

The shock was evident on the faces of all the nobles who witnessed William's powerful punch. They couldn't tell if William was just that strong or if his opponent was simply too weak.

"That scarred guy is a joke," one of the nobles said. "He looks dangerous but isn't. Where are the real fighters?"

Many of them were furious for losing money by betting on the man with scars who had lost the fight after just one punch from William.

Among them, Jonas was the most excited. After being declared the winner, William joined Jonas to watch the rest of the fights.

There was no reason for him to stay downstairs with the other fighters since he wouldn't be fighting again—at least not that day.

"You were incredible," Jonas said, giving William a slap on the shoulder. "I knew you were good, but that was something else."

William, despite disliking Jonas for everything he had done—and especially after seeing those strange bodies in the mansion—decided to play along and be as polite as possible.

"It was nothing. I'm glad you made some money betting on me."

Jonas laughed heartily.

"Oh, I made a lot. A lot of money. If you keep this up, we might even talk about you buying your freedom. But let's discuss that when we get back. For now, we've got more fights to enjoy."

After saying that, he pointed to the chair next to him and said, "Sit down. And grab yourself some wine."

William did as Jonas asked. He sipped the wine slowly, taking small gulps as he watched the fights.

"Am I really allowed to stay here? I thought fighters weren't supposed to watch the matches," William asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"Normally, you wouldn't be," Jonas admitted. "But the organizer already said you're way stronger than the others, so you won't be fighting anymore. They're actually thinking of sending you to the bigger tournaments in the capital."

The situation had completely changed, and William wasn't sure how to feel about it.

He wanted to stay close to Black Pine Manor, as Jonas's mansion was near the forbidden area of the continent—the place where demons had lived long ago.

Kier had tricked him and was heading to that area. In fact, he might already be there. William needed to find a way to escape as soon as possible.

"But when are these tournaments happening?" William asked.

Jonas said something interesting—something that might actually be useful.

"There are a few going on now, but we'll only head out in about two months. I've got some important matters to attend to at the mansion and can't be away for too long."

The first thing that came to William's mind were the mummified bodies of Jonas's family that he had seen in the mansion's underground area.

'Is he talking about that?' William wondered.

"I see. But what about back at the mansion? Will I have to go back to mining, or…?"

William had been receiving better treatment precisely because he had become one of the fighters. Jonas saw him as an opportunity to make more money, so he wanted to keep William in good condition.

But now that William wouldn't be fighting for two months, what would he have to do?

"No, of course not. In fact, I'm thinking of putting you to work on other tasks. Maybe as a guard for a while? Or helping to deal with some beasts that have been appearing near the mansion? I think it's a good way to put your strength to use."

Now that was interesting. William would continue to receive better treatment, and he might even have the chance to get closer to Jonas, which could help him escape in the future.

In any case, they watched the fights, and when it was 03's turn to fight, William's interest grew a bit.

03 wasn't as good as William, obviously, but he wasn't bad either. After a bloody fight with both sides taking hits, 03 managed to come out victorious.

By the end of the match, his nose was bleeding, and his right eye was swollen, but he was okay. Jonas was happy again because he had bet on 03.

"I made another good chunk of money! But he'll need some time to recover, and I'm not sure if it's worth taking him to the tournament in the capital in two months…"

For the tournament, they would need the best fighters, and 03 wasn't exactly top-tier in hand-to-hand combat.

William thought he wouldn't be interested in watching the remaining fights after 03's match, but the final fight of the night surprised him.

One of the fighters was the young man who had spoken those strange words to him earlier in the waiting area.

This young man was simply powerful. The speed at which he rushed toward his opponent was even faster than William's, and a single punch from him sent the other fighter flying across the ring.

Everything happened so quickly, and within seconds, he had won the match.

After his victory, as the organizer raised his hand in celebration, the young man lifted his head and looked directly at William.

'Who is this guy?' William wondered.

The strength that young man had displayed wasn't normal, and the cryptic words he had spoken to William were still echoing in his mind.

However, as much as William wanted to learn more, he didn't get the chance to talk to the young man after the fights ended. Jonas was eager to head home, so they all boarded the flying carriage and left.

Inside the carriage, William tried to pry more information out of Jonas about the young fighter.

"Do you know who he is? He seemed really strong."

"No idea. All I know is that his master lives near the forbidden zone… I don't know how he manages to stay there. From the stories I've heard, it's a dangerous place."

"Forbidden zone?"

"Yeah, a pretty famous one not too far from my mansion. They say humans with extraordinary powers once lived there, but that was a long time ago."

It didn't take a genius to figure out that Jonas was referring to the demons who had once inhabited that area.

When William realized this, he immediately thought back to what the young man had said—that they were the same.

'What exactly did he mean by that? It's too much of a coincidence that he lives near there…'

William tried to dig deeper, but Jonas didn't know much more than that. Besides, everyone was tired and ready to sleep.

After a few hours, they arrived at the mansion, and each went to their respective rooms.

"While you're fresh as a daisy, I'm all banged up… At least the fights are over for now," 03 said.

"Will you have to go back to the mines?"

"Probably, but not for another three days. What about you?"

"From what I understand, no. Jonas said he has other tasks for me."

03 was a little sad that his friend wouldn't be with him during the grueling work, but he was still happy that William wouldn't have to endure the heat and exhaustion of mining mana stones for hours on end.

"I see. Well, see you tomorrow."

"See you."

William went to his room, lay down on the bed, and stared at the ceiling. Stuart was by his side.

"We can't afford to wait too long to get out of here. If you go to the capital for those tournaments, I'm sure you'll have to stay there for a while. That means we have to escape within a month at most!" Experience new tales on My Virtual Library Empire

"I know that, but I'm not sure what to do… Should I try to speed things up with Victoria?"

He had already discussed this with Stuart, so he had a rough idea of the escape plan.

"I think so. It's risky, but it's the best option. Otherwise, we'll be stuck here forever. Think about it—she still has to travel to get the blood and then come here to rescue us. We don't have much time."

"What if I try to escape even with the seal?"

This was an idea that had crossed William's mind after Jonas agreed to assign him other tasks. It would make it easier for him to flee.

"I'm pretty sure that seal also acts as a tracker. So, you wouldn't be able to escape for long…"

"Damn it…"

The next day, William woke up earlier than usual with the intention of starting a conversation with Victoria and trying to help her grow stronger.

The classes had just begun, and Victoria was already feeling left behind compared to the other students. She was in a vulnerable state, susceptible to outside ideas—like William's.

"What do you think about performing a ritual to give you a bit more power? I think it could be good for you," William suggested.

"A ritual? That sounds a bit… dark."

Victoria was in the library, reading some books early in the morning. Asura was perched on the table.

"Well, you know that most powerful mages have to make some sacrifices to grow stronger. It's a normal part of the process. But don't worry, we're not going to kill anyone."

"I'll trust you, Asura. What do you have in mind?"

William was about to take a risk and perform the rituals Asura had taught him before going into hibernation. He needed to make Victoria stronger, no matter the cost.