Summoned with an SSS-Rank Portal Skill

The king's invitation to a private dinner that evening was an unexpected honor. It wasn't a grand banquet with numerous guests, but an intimate gathering. William, James, Gwyneth, and the alchemist were the only ones invited. This exclusivity fueled gossip throughout the palace.

"Those two young men arrived today and are already invited to a private dinner? What's happening?" a kitchen worker whispered.

The chef smacked the man with a wooden spoon. "Enough of that. Focus on preparing the best meal possible. These individuals must be influential; otherwise, the king wouldn't invite them."

The kitchen staff ceased their whispers and dedicated themselves to creating a culinary masterpiece.

William and James received fine attire from the king.

"These are new clothes purchased today from one of the finest shops in the kingdom," a lady explained to William. "Allow me to assist you in changing."

William, unaccustomed to such service, politely declined. "Thank you for your kindness, but I can change myself."

"Of course, sir," the lady bowed and left.

The clothes were of exquisite quality: a shirt, pants, a belt, and a long, fur-lined coat.

"This fur is so soft and warm, perfect for this winter weather," William murmured, stroking the luxurious material.

He recognized the fur as belonging to rare creatures, its quality undeniable.

After changing, he made his way to the private dining room near the king's chambers. Professor James, also dressed in the fine clothes provided, joined him.

"Your clothes look better than mine," James grumbled, eyeing William with envy. "Not fair."

William rolled his eyes. "Just accept it."

As they traversed the palace halls, they encountered guards stationed near the entrance to the royal family's private chambers. The guards, recognizing James and William, granted them entry.

William scanned the area for the dining room, and that's when he saw the prince, causing a commotion.

"A private dinner without me? Is he mad?" the prince yelled at a guard.

"I'm merely following orders, sir," the guard stated. "You are not invited."

The prince, enraged, was on the verge of striking the guard but refrained, knowing the guard was his father's appointee. His anger intensified when he saw James and William approach. His expression was murderous.

"You two?" he seethed, clenching his fists. "Don't tell me you're part of this private dinner? I thought it was just my father and Gwyneth, but this is an outrage!"

William was growing weary of the prince's behavior but held his tongue. He lacked the authority to defy a prince, but Professor James was a different story. He fixed the prince with a stern glare. "Step aside and let us pass."

The prince was about to retort when James seized him by the neck and lifted him off the ground.

An aura of fire erupted around James, raising the temperature dramatically. The guard, drawn by the heat, approached cautiously. He nearly burned himself attempting to place a hand on James's shoulder, stammering, "My apologies, Professor James. I'll ensure this never happens again."

James was not someone to be trifled with. He would never disrespect the king, but the prince was not as untouchable as he believed.

James tossed the prince aside and strode towards the private dining room where the king, Gwyneth, and the alchemist awaited. William followed close behind.

The king greeted them warmly. "Welcome. I apologize for my son's outburst outside. He's always been... difficult."

James smiled graciously. "It's no trouble, your Majesty. It was nothing."

"Good, good," the king chuckled. "Now, allow me to introduce the alchemist I mentioned."

The alchemist rose from his chair and extended a hand. "I am Fabian Castelos."

James's eyes widened in recognition. "The Fabian Castelos? The one who created over a hundred potions?"

Fabian laughed. "Indeed. And you are the mage who created the Fire Mantra, one of the few to achieve a rank S spell."

"You know of me?" James asked, surprised. "That's not common knowledge."

"Of course. Anyone with a respectable understanding of magic knows your name."

William was stunned. James was even more impressive than he'd realized.

'James created a rank S spell? Incredible! And this Fabian has created over a hundred unique potions? What am I doing here?' he thought, feeling a pang of inadequacy.

Based purely on achievements, William was outmatched by everyone in the room. However, he was a summoned hero, a distinction that surpassed any other accomplishment.

"And this is?" Fabian inquired, gesturing towards William.

James introduced him. "This is my research assistant and a student at Snowpeak Academy."

Fabian nodded approvingly. "A very talented young man, I presume? Enrolling in that academy is no easy feat, and serving as your assistant is even more challenging."

"Indeed, he is," James confirmed.

They took their seats at the dining table, and soon, the kitchen staff arrived with a procession of plates laden with food, drinks, and desserts.

William's mouth watered. 'This looks delicious.'

After arranging the feast, the staff departed, leaving only the king, Gwyneth, James, William, and Fabian in the room.

"Here is the list of ingredients," the king said, handing a paper to James. "You may be familiar with some of them."

James scanned the list, his expression shifting into one of disbelief. The ingredients were exceptionally rare, explaining why the king couldn't simply purchase them.

"Mermaid's Tear, blessed water by a priest of the Ninth Order, a fire blossom flower, and... a dragon scale" James read aloud, incredulous. "Are you serious?"

William could indeed imagine the rarity of the ingredients based on their names alone. The mention of a dragon scale brought to mind Amber, the dragon he had encountered in the Shadowlands.

'I won't reveal her location,' William decided.

King Memphis offered a weary smile. "Yes, I know it sounds absurd, but I was hoping you might have some knowledge of where to find these ingredients. It's difficult for me to gather information discreetly. This must remain confidential."

To their surprise, James knew where to find some of the ingredients. "I saw a fire blossom flower on the volcano where I found my salamander. We can retrieve it from there."

"Mermaid's Tear can be found in the sea. I know a few people who have encountered mermaids before. But the other two, I have no idea."

William listened intently, then asked James, "I understand that finding a dragon scale is challenging, but what about the blessed water? Shouldn't that be easier to obtain? That would leave us with only one unknown ingredient."

James shook his head. "The blessed water is even harder to find. To obtain a dragon scale, we can follow rumors of dragon sightings. But the Ninth Order is extinct. They were last active around five thousand years ago. How can we possibly acquire that?"

Memphis nodded. "I understand. Our plan is to gather the other ingredients first, leaving the blessed water for last. I can endure for another year before my condition deteriorates significantly."

Fabian offered reassurance. "I can prepare a temporary antidote for the king, granting him a year of reasonable health before his illness worsens. This gives us approximately two years to gather all the ingredients."

Two years seemed like ample time. William wondered if he and James would spend the entire period searching for these rare components.

"We can prioritize the flower and the Mermaid's Tear," James suggested. "The volcano where the flower grows is on an island, so we can obtain both ingredients during the same journey. We can then deliver them here for safekeeping and focus on the remaining items. I believe we can acquire those three ingredients in under five months. However, the blessed water remains problematic."

Everyone agreed to focus on acquiring a portion of the ingredients first, then pursue the others.

Gwyneth looked relieved. "Thank you, all of you," she expressed. "I feel more confident in obtaining the ingredients with your help. I was so scared before..."

Memphis pulled his daughter into an embrace. "It will be alright."

William raised a question. "Your Majesty, if I may inquire, what caused your affliction? Seeing how rare the ingredients are for the cure, I can only imagine..."

James looked at the king, sharing the same curiosity.

"A curse," Memphis revealed. "You know we possess many treasures, some passed down through generations. One of them carried a dormant curse, and unfortunately, I was the one to trigger it..."

"When did you trigger it?" William pressed. "Was it long ago?"

"Approximately eight months ago, I believe. I can't recall precisely," Memphis admitted.

William frowned. That coincided with the time he and his classmates had been summoned to this world. Could there be a connection, or was it merely a coincidence?

They finished their dinner, discussing the details of their plan. Memphis assured them that he had already sent a letter to Tholfnir and that they shouldn't worry.

However, William couldn't shake Altair's words.

'Is Tholfnir truly who he seems?' he pondered.

Despite his burning curiosity, that question would have to wait. The following day, he would embark on a seafaring adventure with James and a crew provided by the king.

It was time to gather the first ingredients for the antidote.