Summoned with an SSS-Rank Portal Skill-Chapter 171: Ally, and Return

The guard could have used his magic, but it would take time to cast, and he wouldn’t survive if William decided to slit his throat.

For that reason, the guard stayed still, trying to process the situation.

"I need to ask you a few things. Are you willing to answer in exchange for your life?" William said.

Shaking, the guard replied, "Of course. I’ll tell you anything you want to know."

"Good. Let’s start with Simone. What happened to her?"

When William mentioned Simone, the guard fell silent, as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

"Simone? I don’t know who she is," the guard said.

"Bullshit!" William pressed the dagger harder against the man’s throat. "You and Simone were involved, weren’t you? So tell me, what happened to her? Where is she?"

No one knew about Simone and the guard’s relationship—except Travis. So, when the guard heard William’s words, he was both shocked and terrified.

"H-How do you know this?" he stammered.

"I’m the one asking questions here. Now, are you going to answer or not?"

"Fine, fine. I knew her, and we were involved. But one day, she just disappeared. Jonas said she quit her job, but I don’t think that’s true," the guard admitted.

This was information William already knew. Travis had believed the guard might know more about Simone’s disappearance—or perhaps even be complicit in it. Enjoy new adventures at novelbuddy

"This is useless," William said. "I need more than that."

"I still think she’s inside the mansion!"

The guard had kept this theory to himself because he lacked proof. But now, confronted by William, he had no choice but to share everything.

"Why do you think that?" William asked.

"I watched the exits the day she supposedly quit and left the mansion. She never left. I’m certain of it. And it’s not just her—others who supposedly quit also never left the mansion."

The guard William was interrogating was responsible for monitoring the exits, so he saw everyone who came and went.

Simone had visited him the day she "quit," and he had stayed up all day waiting to see her leave. But she never did.

This had haunted him for a long time, and it was the first time he had shared his suspicions with anyone.

William believed him. It made sense. "I’m actually trying to find out what happened to Simone and the others who went missing. Are you willing to work with me?"

"Absolutely!"

The guard was visibly excited. For the first time, he had someone to help him find the person he loved. The interrogation had gone in a completely different direction than William had expected.

In the end, he had gained a new ally in his quest for answers about the mansion’s dark secrets.

When the guard turned around, he saw William’s face and recognized him.

"So, you’re one of the slaves. I mean, sorry—one of the people who were sold to Jonas…"

Unlike many of Jonas’ employees, the guard wasn’t entirely insensitive.

"That’s right," William said. "So, are we good?"

"Yes, we are. I’ve been asking around, trying to find out more about Simone, but no one would talk to me. It was always the same story. I even searched for places she might be but found nothing."

When the guard said this, William recalled the room he had discovered in the shed—the one filled with flasks containing organs.

Could Simone already be dead? The possibility was there, but William didn’t want to mention it to the guard—or to Travis, her brother.

He needed to be certain first.

"I’m working with someone else on this," William said, "but for now, let’s keep that between us."

"No problem," the guard said. "I’m Agnar."

"William. Or 04, when we’re inside the mansion. You know, I don’t have my name anymore."

Agnar’s expression softened with pity, but he didn’t say a word.

"And what the hell were you drinking?" William asked.

When he had seen Agnar heading into the woods, he’d noticed the strange flask in his hand containing an unknown liquid.

"This? It helps me sleep. My mind hasn’t been in a good place lately," Agnar admitted.

Simone had been the love of his life, but she had vanished without a trace. Agnar’s mental state had deteriorated, and the only reason he was still at the mansion was to find her.

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William realized that Travis and Agnar shared the same goal. Perhaps they could truly work together and make progress. That would be a good outcome.

After their conversation, they returned to the mansion and went to their respective rooms. William felt a sense of excitement—things were finally starting to fall into place for him.

Another week passed, and the project was finally completed. The structure was impressive: a large space with a central ring, surrounded by benches and chairs for the wealthy to sit, watch, and enjoy the fights.

It wasn’t as massive as a coliseum or the mansion itself, but it was solidly built. William and the others had worked tirelessly to complete it in just two weeks.

Once the project was finished, Jonas approached William.

"We’re going to return to the mansion and come back here in a few weeks. They need time to prepare and invite the nobles, among other things."

"So, I’m really going to fight?" William asked.

"Yes, you are. You seem to have the strongest body, and all the fighters will have their mana blocked, just like you. So, you might be my best bet."

Not just William, but 03 would also be fighting! However, the other slaves weren’t included.

Jonas explained the reasoning: William and 03 had strong bodies, while 01 and 02 did not. Additionally, he needed someone to continue working in the mines, so he couldn’t afford to let all of them participate in the fights.

On the way back to the mansion, Jonas treated William well—just as he had when they first met.

Back then, Jonas had been kind to avoid scaring William away. But now? He saw William as a valuable asset for making a profit.

In fact, during the trip back, Jonas informed William that he wouldn’t have to work in the mines anymore.

"You’ll get proper meals, rest, and physical training," Jonas said. "I need you strong so you can bring in money for us."

The improved treatment was a welcome change, but it came with a cost: William would still have to fight, risking injury or even death.

So, while there were benefits, there were also significant downsides.

03 was in the same carriage as William.

"So, we’re going to fight now and stop working in the mines? This might be more exciting than digging for mana stones, but it’s also more dangerous," 03 remarked.

"Yes, you’re right," William agreed.

They didn’t know what to expect, and only time would reveal the answers they sought.

When they arrived back at Black Pine Manor, Travis immediately sought out William. His expression darkened when he saw Agnar.

The first thought that crossed his mind was that William had failed the mission.

"Why is he still alive?" Travis demanded, grabbing William by the collar.

William gripped Travis’s wrist firmly and said, "Relax. It’s even better than we expected."

Hearing William’s calm tone, Travis loosened his grip and let go. "I’m sorry for that."

"It’s okay. Now, can I explain?"

"Sure."

"The guard’s name is Agnar, and he was indeed involved with Simone. They were quite close, and he’s also looking for her. He told me some interesting things…"

William explained Agnar’s belief that Simone never left the mansion and might still be there. He also shared Agnar’s reasoning behind this theory.

Travis was visibly surprised by the information, and it gave him a glimmer of hope.

"So, we have another ally now," Travis said. "Good, good. But did you tell him about me?"

"I mentioned I was working with someone else, but I didn’t reveal it was you—not yet. Let’s first see if he’s truly trustworthy," William replied.

"Good thinking," Travis agreed.

William was gradually gaining more allies: Travis, Agnar, and 03. There was also Victoria, who had Asura with her and would soon become another ally.

Things were looking promising for him. During this time, William hadn’t spoken with Victoria much, as she was still traveling to the academy. But when she finally arrived, it was time for William to reconnect with her.

While resting in his room, William controlled Asura and initiated a conversation with Victoria.

"So, we’re finally here," he said.

They had reached the battle academy after a long journey, and Victoria was thrilled.

"Yes, we are. What do you think of it?" she asked.

"It’s impressive—big and well-protected. I can see why this is considered one of the best academies available."

Now, it was time to help Victoria grow stronger and turn her into a valuable ally for William. Things were looking good for him. The only questions that remained in his mind were: would Victoria live up to it and get powerful with his help? And would he be alright when fighting for Jonas?