Summoned with an SSS-Rank Portal Skill

Jhen believed it would be better for William to start with that book.

"The book you have in your hands, the same one that Kier has, is more advanced. It's better to start with the fundamentals to ensure your future isn't compromised," she said.

Learning magic was a step-by-step process, and people needed to progress through each stage before moving on to the next. William understood that this was the best approach, especially when learning a new type of spell, like he was doing.

The Basic Demonic Manual of Fire was the first volume in a series of books that included the foundational meditation techniques, basic fire spells, and essential body training. Unlike ordinary mages, demons focused on improving their physical bodies as well.

In fact, many mages, who were supposed to have weaker bodies, actually possessed physiques even stronger than those of body-enhancing mages from other continents. This showcased the unique power of demon mages.

The demon mages specialized in body-enhancing magic, which gave them tremendously powerful bodies.

Eager to begin his training, William checked his status after months without a way to train or earn experience points.

Name: William Velmont

Level: 27

Class: None

Attributes:

Strength: 88

Agility: 102

Stamina: 74

Intelligence: 470

Mana: 250

Demonic Energy: 30

Active Bonuses: +40% Learning Speed

William still did not have a class, which he hoped to gain in the demon kingdom.

"How long will it take for me to master this first volume?" he asked.

Jhen provided some encouraging news. "With your pure bloodline, I suspect you'll finish this in about a week, maybe. However, the process will become more challenging after the first volume."

A week meant he could make significant progress. Jhen's optimism stemmed from William's royal heritage. While he might take longer, her confidence in his training was reassuring.

So he began. The first spell he learned was a meditation technique called the Meditation of the Blackest Sun.

"This meditation technique is the first that many demons learn, but it's also the most effective if you can master it. Most people can't master it and thus use other techniques," Jhen explained. "However, every member of the royal family has learned this one. It's the best of the best if you can learn it properly."

William was inspired by this information. He was determined to master that technique. If it was the best according to Jhen, and he aspired to be the best, then pursuing this technique was no question in his mind

The process of learning the meditation technique was straightforward, just as Jhen had said: easy to learn, but hard to master.

When William finally learned the technique and used it for the first time, he immediately felt the difference and understood why it was a valuable spell to acquire. He formed the runes that floated around his body and assumed a meditative position inside the carriage, leaving the window open so that sunlight could pour in and warm him.

This was the core aspect of the technique. With every breath, William could feel the power of the sun entering his body and strengthening him. The runes played an important role in this process; they converted sunlight into demonic essence. It surprised William to realize just how effective this spell was.

"Even the basic spells are incredibly beneficial for me," he thought. "There's no way a person with a demon bloodline can become strong without the right abilities."

It took him only two hours to master the meditation technique, and now he had a genuine method for increasing his demonic essence.

"The demonic essence is essential, as we use it to cast any spell," Jhen explained. "We use the meditation technique to convert other types of energy into it, such as the sunlight you are using or the mana found in the atmosphere."

The demon race, despite its power, had this additional step to utilize their spells. While normal mages could draw directly from their mana, demons had to convert energy first, and it took them longer to replenish it.

William felt grateful to have Jhen by his side, as her extensive knowledge made the learning process easier. Meanwhile, Victoria was also listening intently, knowing that the information would simplify her life once she eventually awakened her own bloodline—which she hoped would happen soon.

[+1 Demonic Energy]

The notification made William smile. The demonic essence—referred to as Demonic Energy by the system—was increasing with his use of the meditation technique.

Days passed quickly. During this time, Jhen led the way toward the location designated by her superiors. They paused occasionally to rest and sleep properly. Eating was also essential. In the afternoons, William meditated, as that was when the sun was at its strongest.

In the mornings and evenings, he practiced other spells. He managed to learn a few Black Fire spells, which would undoubtedly be quite powerful. He finished Volume 1 in just one week, just as Jhen had predicted. However, she was shocked; she hadn't expected him to finish so quickly, even with his royal bloodline. Jhen couldn't comprehend how he could learn the spells so rapidly.

"This guy might become our strongest king in the near future…" she thought.

After two weeks of traveling, they finally reached a larger city, which was significantly bigger than the small villages and random houses they had encountered on their journey. Although it was a larger city, it was still smaller than the first city William visited, and the population was lower as well. Unlike the previous town, where vendors filled the streets and a lively atmosphere prevailed, this town resembled a ghost town.

"I have a friend here," Jhen said as they stopped the carriage at the stables. "She might have a few flying mounts for us, which will speed up our journey."

William was so focused on his training that he wasn't particularly concerned about reaching their destination as quickly as possible. His only motivation was the king back on the continent and Professor James, but he felt so far away now on this remote island that he had lost hope.

"I don't think I'll return anytime soon," he thought.

Something else was bothering him: he could not use his SSS portal skill inside the demon kingdom. Why was that? Additionally, he had seen a notification previously indicating that something had changed in his skill, which made him anxious.

Essentially, he was trapped on that island in the present, unable to access the past. He tried not to dwell on it too much.

"Is this friend of yours someone we can trust?" William asked. "You're not planning to reveal my bloodline to her, right?"

"Yes and no. Your bloodline is a secret we're keeping from everyone, and just because she's my friend doesn't mean I'm going to tell her. This is bigger than our friendship."

Jhen was keeping her word, and William appreciated that.

After arriving in town and stopping their carriage at the stables, Jhen went to look for her friend. This friend was also part of the military but operated more like a spy than someone fighting on the front lines.

As they walked through the city, the silence and the cold night made it feel like a ghost town. There was even a thick fog in the air, and the few people they encountered on the streets were wrapped in long cloaks and robes, hurrying along as if they were eager to leave the streets behind.

The desolate atmosphere was due to what Jhen had mentioned: bandits, beasts, and shady activities occurring in the area. They were getting closer to where Jhen would be stationed, and the towns were no longer lively as they used to.

The house where Jhen's friend lived was quite remote, located on the edge of town, and didn't stand out. It was an ordinary stone house, with no decorations near the door. One might not even realize there was a house there at all. Jhen knocked a few times.

It took a while for her friend to answer, as anyone would feel nervous about someone knocking on their door in the middle of the night. Eventually, her friend did open the door. The woman standing there was a tall blonde with tanned skin and a beautiful figure. She had a unique charm about her.

"Jhen," she said, gesturing for her friend to come inside, "come in! It's been so long since I've seen you."

Jhen stepped inside, followed by William and Victoria, and they closed the door behind them.

The interior of the house was luxurious, featuring a marble floor, stylish furniture, a fireplace, and more. It was strikingly different from the ordinary exterior that didn't look grand at all.

"Your house looks amazing," Jhen said, "and you look great too."

They hugged, and William and Victoria settled onto the couch, enjoying the warmth of the fireplace. Meanwhile, Jhen and her friend Teresa caught up on gossip, knowing they would have to wait a while before the conversation turned back to their group.