Summoned with an SSS-Rank Portal Skill

Chapter 50 Magic Academy Exam (8) - Hardest Spell

Most applicants gravitated towards the shelves containing B and C rank spells, their choices driven by practicality and the ticking clock. William, however, craved a challenge. He wasn't interested in simply passing; he wanted to excel, to push his limits and prove his worth. A-rank spells, the domain of seasoned mages, beckoned him.

"What spells are you planning to learn?" Altair asked, his brow furrowed as he scanned the titles.

"Not sure yet," William replied, his eyes gleaming with determination, "but I do know I'm going to master an A-rank spell."

Altair's jaw dropped. "Bro, I know you're talented, maybe even a genius, but are you sure?" he sputtered. "It's not that I doubt your ability, but we only have a month! Time is our enemy."

Altair's concern was valid. Mastering high-ranking spells was a time-consuming endeavor. But William had a secret weapon: his SSS-rank Chrono Shift ability. With its time-bending power, he could accelerate his learning beyond the constraints of a normal month.

"Relax," William said with a confident grin. "Trust me. But I'll also pick up a few B-rank spells, just in case my A-rank plan goes sideways."

Altair, though still apprehensive, seemed reassured. "Alright, alright," he conceded.

The library, despite its vastness, held restricted sections. Only a designated area was accessible to the exam participants, the remaining tomes and grimoires reserved for enrolled students and faculty. Even with this limitation, the sheer volume of available spells was overwhelming.

William's fingers traced the intricate runes detailed in the [Magic Mind] tome. This A-rank spell, notorious for its difficulty, promised to elevate his mental capabilities to extraordinary levels.

A boost of 100 points in Intelligence, coupled with a 40% increase in learning speed and memory retention, was a temptation he couldn't resist. It was the perfect foundation for mastering even more complex magic.

Altair peered over his shoulder, his expression a mix of awe and apprehension. "Bro, that's supposed to be the hardest A-rank spell out there," he cautioned. "Are you absolutely sure you want to attempt it?"

William nodded, his determination unwavering. "It seems like the ideal spell to learn first," he explained, "It will make learning everything else much easier."

"I guess," Altair conceded, a hint of doubt still lingering in his voice. "I was thinking of trying for a flight spell. They look awesome, but I know it's probably beyond my reach."

Just then, Tholfnir materialized beside them, his presence casting a long shadow across the bookshelf. William's heart skipped a beat.

"Young man," Tholfnir began, his voice grave, "there are professors within this academy who have mastered numerous A-rank spells, even S-rank spells, yet this particular one eludes them. Are you certain you wish to pursue this path?" His eyes, filled with a genuine concern, met William's. "You possess a rare talent, one I would be pleased to nurture within these walls. Choose wisely."

Tholfnir's departure left William wrestling with doubt. Professors who commanded S-rank magic couldn't master this spell? How could he, a mere novice, hope to succeed where they had failed? But the potential rewards were too enticing to ignore.

"If you want to risk it," Altair said, his voice firm, "then go for it. I trust you to make the right decision, and I'll support you either way."

"Thanks, bro," William replied, gratitude warming his chest.

He clutched the [Magic Mind] tome, its worn leather cover a promise of untold power. It was the only spell he chose. Enjoy new tales from empire

The librarian, a stern-faced woman with spectacles perched on her nose, gave him a pitying look as he checked out the book.

He received similar reactions from other students and even a few professors, their expressions a mix of concern and disbelief. The spell's notoriety was clearly widespread.

Rumors swirled about its true nature. Some whispered it was an ancient, lost technique, far surpassing the limitations of a mere A-rank spell. William's research confirmed its rarity. Only eight mages in the entire kingdom had managed to master it. Eight. And Tholfnir, the most powerful mage in the land, was one of them.

The weight of the challenge settled upon William's shoulders, a mix of apprehension and exhilaration. He held in his hands a key to unlocking extraordinary potential, a power that had eluded countless others. He would not be deterred. He would master this spell, or die trying.

William's reputation preceded him. Whispers followed him through the halls of the academy, his name echoing in hushed conversations.

"Did you hear about the guy who beat the prince?"

"Yeah, the one who chose that A-rank spell, Magic Mind? Is he insane?"

"He's going to fail for sure. Only eight mages in the entire kingdom have mastered that spell. What's he thinking?"

The prevailing sentiment was one of disbelief and mockery. William, the commoner who had dared to challenge royalty, was now seen as a foolhardy novice, destined to crumble under the weight of his ambition.

Of all the people buzzing with gossip and doubt, only Altair offered a genuine word of encouragement. "I believe in you, William," he said, clapping a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Don't let those naysayers get to you. So what if only eight people have mastered this spell? You can be the ninth and prove them all wrong!"

William, though disheartened by the negativity, felt a surge of gratitude for Altair's unwavering support. "Thanks, Altair," he replied with a grateful smile. "I appreciate that."

"Anytime," Altair said, returning the smile. "If you need anything, just let me know."

William retreated to his room, the weight of the challenge settling upon him. He placed the [Magic Mind] tome inside his backpack and activated Chrono Shift. The familiar portal shimmered into existence, offering an escape from the whispers and doubts. He stepped through, materializing in the quiet solitude of Jinra's barn.

Dawn painted the horizon with streaks of purple and orange as he opened the tome. The complexities of the spell unfolded before him, revealing its unique nature. Unlike most spells, which required activation to trigger their effects, Magic Mind was a constant, its benefits woven into the very fabric of the caster's being. This, William realized, was the source of its difficulty.

He delved deeper into the text, his heart sinking with each page. One hundred and ninety-two runes. One hundred and ninety-two intricate patterns of mana manipulation, each demanding absolute precision. Even S-rank spells contained fewer runes.

'Did someone classify this as A-rank as a joke?' William wondered, his frustration mounting. 'This must be far more advanced!'

The urge to abandon the spell gnawed at him, but he sought Jinra's wisdom before making a decision. As the old mage stirred, William approached, eager for guidance.

"Good morning, young man," Jinra greeted him, his voice raspy with sleep. "Did you rest well?"

"Jinra, I need your help with something," William confessed, his brow furrowed with worry.

Jinra, ever the gracious host, invited him in for breakfast. As they ate, William explained his predicament, revealing the [Magic Mind] tome and detailing its daunting complexities.

Jinra's eyes widened in recognition. "I know this spell," he declared, "but the version I'm familiar with is quite different. This seems...overly complicated, as if someone attempted to recreate it from memory after losing the original."

A wave of hope washed over William. Could Jinra, with his vast knowledge and experience, hold the key to mastering this elusive spell? The possibilities swirled in his mind, fueling his determination. He would conquer this challenge, with Jinra's guidance, and prove those doubters wrong.