Summoned with an SSS-Rank Portal Skill-Chapter 327: A New Acolyte

The person who came to see them was one of the many guards working at the mansion. He was posted at the gate to greet arrivals.

"Who are you?" the guard asked.

There was no way he could've known that William and the recruiter were coming. The exact day hadn't been communicated.

"We're here to speak with your Lord," Logan said.

Seeing the guard still silent and staring at them, he added, "We're from a magical school recruiting your Lord's daughter."

The guard smiled. "So that's why you're here. I noticed how excited the Lord seemed these past few days. Alright—you may enter."

William and Logan nodded and went inside. The guard took care of their horses, so that wasn't something they had to worry about.

The place was grand, much like other mansions William had seen—though fewer people worked here.

"This noble prefers silence," Logan explained. "Only a few staff members work here, and only during the afternoon and early evening. That way, the place stays quiet while he sleeps."

"Makes sense," William said. "I'd want peaceful sleep too."

More guards stood at the main entrance. Logan prepared to explain their purpose again, but the noble himself appeared at the door to greet them.

"I saw you two from the window," the noble said. "Come in. You're more than welcome. Would you like anything? Water? Juice? Alcohol? Something to eat?"

The treatment was generous—and they had just arrived.

"Water, please," William said.

The Lord ordered a servant to fetch it, then led them to a private room to talk.

"So is she going with you today? How safe is that place?" the noble asked.

"Very safe," Logan replied. "Recruits stay inside the quarters until they've reached a certain level of power. That way, we can guarantee her safety."

"That's good to hear. Are you sure she has talent?"

"I'm certain. You'll see her again in just three months. She'll be far stronger—I guarantee it."

Even William was surprised by that promise. That level of talent sounded close to his own. Was Zara truly exceptional? Or was Logan exaggerating to please the noble?

There was no way to tell.

"Can we see her?" Logan asked. "And will she be ready to leave tomorrow?"

"Yes, of course. But I don't want you traveling by horse. It's less safe. Your headquarters may be secure—but the road isn't. That's why I've bought you a flying mount. You can keep it in your quarters. Consider it a gift."

Flying mounts were expensive.

William wasn't surprised—he could tame one at will if needed—but Logan was clearly impressed.

"Thank you," he said. "I'll make sure your daughter receives the best treatment at the sect."

The noble smiled. He was clearly using his wealth to secure an advantage for his daughter, hoping she'd be treated better than the 'normal' students.

Would that happen? William couldn't say. It depended on how the necromancy sect handled its disciples.

Soon after, the noble called for his daughter.

She arrived radiating excitement, unable to stop smiling or fidgeting.

She was beautiful. Hair black as obsidian, skin pale as snow. And her eyes—there was something eerie in them. Like she could peer directly into someone's soul.

Her name was Zara.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Zara," Logan said. "We're recruiters from the sect. May I check your talent again?"

"Yes!" she said.

Logan used a tool—a black crystal with red streaks—to test her magical affinity.

He placed it against her body, rested his hand on it, and focused. The process didn't take long.

"She's truly gifted," Logan said.

Her father was delighted. Despite all his wealth and connections, no one in his family had ever been a powerful mage. That was about to change—and elevate their status.

"We'll leave tomorrow using your flying mount. The journey will be quick. Once we arrive, you'll remain in the headquarters until you're strong enough. Are you ready for that kind of rigorous study?"

Necromancy wasn't easy. And the sect itself was underground. Not everyone could handle long stretches without sunlight.

"I'm ready to work hard," Zara said. "I want to become a powerful mage."

Her voice had confidence—and that was enough.

"Good," Logan said. "Tomorrow, we depart."

After the conversation, the noble showed William and Logan to their rooms. Finally, after a long journey, they had a proper bed to sleep in.

But William didn't sleep early.

He wandered the mansion for a while, enjoying the night breeze and silence. It was peaceful there.

And surprisingly—Zara was doing the same. They crossed paths in the courtyard.

They both sat on a bench to talk. Zara was curious about the sect and what it was like.

"I can't say much for now," William said. "But you can expect structure—a place to study and grow powerful. Good teachers, books, a place to sleep, food, and safety. All you have to do is keep studying and working hard."

Zara liked what she heard.

"I see. And how long have you been in the sect?"

William had just joined. That was the funny part. He decided to tell her.

"I recently entered with two of my friends. They're acolytes, like you will be—but I started at a higher position."

"Wow! That's really impressive," Zara said, eyes wide. "How did you do that?"

She thought highly of herself—Logan had said her talent was strong enough to make her powerful. But someone entering at a higher rank? That meant William might be more talented than she was.

"You can say I got lucky," William said with a chuckle. "That's not something for you to worry about."

Zara was curious—but she didn't ask more.

"I'll be with him in the sect," she thought. "I'll learn more later."

No need to push. She didn't want to strain their relationship.

"And why do you want to join the sect?" William asked, staring at the moonlight. "Not everyone chooses to enter."

"Because I've got the talent for it. I'm not good at other types of magic. If I want to become a powerful mage, I have to study—and this is a chance I can't lose."

Necromancy wasn't viewed kindly by most people. But it was the talent Zara had. If she wanted power, she had to use the tools given to her. Ignoring them would only hold her back.

"Are you seeking power for something?" William asked.

"Why do you ask?"

"Because every extraordinary mage sought power for a reason. That desire is what moves you forward. The path to becoming powerful isn't easy. I'm sure you know that."

Zara listened carefully.

"For someone who just entered the sect, you've got good advice."

William chuckled.

"Entering the sect doesn't mean my magical journey just started like yours. Sometimes we discover our talents a little later."

"You do have a point," Zara said. "Anyway, I won't bother you anymore."

She got up from the bench.

"Good night, William."

Zara wanted to sleep. They'd be waking up early the next morning, so staying up too long wasn't a great idea.

"Good night, Zara."

Even after she left, William stayed for a while. He wanted to enjoy the silence before another long journey back to the sect.

At least this time, they had a flying mount—much better than horses. Riding those again would've been a pain.

Eventually, William returned to his room. He didn't have much else to do in the courtyard. He slept well that night—better than all the previous nights.

The next morning, they were up early.

Zara was already awake before Logan or William. That alone showed how excited she was to leave.

The noble woke up to say goodbye to his daughter and hand off the flying mount. He looked… rough.

"Definitely not used to waking up early," William thought.

While Zara hugged her father, William and Logan stepped outside to check the mount.

It was a bird—large, with sleek blueish feathers. Beautiful.

To control it, the noble handed them a special whistle.

They didn't need it right away. The creature wasn't aggressive at all—and that was a relief. Logan secured the saddle to ensure safe travel.

"With this mount, we can reach the sect pretty damn fast," Logan said. "So much better."

"Agreed."

Eventually, Zara came to meet them.

"Let's go then," she said. "I can't wait to see the sect!"

She was practically glowing with excitement.

They mounted the bird one by one and took off. The wind rushed past them as the mount soared upward—smooth and fast.

Once they were safely in the air, with no turning back, William spoke.

"You do know the sect is underground, right? I don't think it'll be the prettiest place you've ever seen."

"What? Really?" Zara asked, surprised. "I mean… it's a necromancy sect, so I guess that makes sense when you think about it."

"You're calmer than I thought you'd be," William said.

Zara kept smiling.

She was here to learn—nothing was going to stand in her way.

The journey back was much better, way faster. Once Zara saw the cemetery from up there, she yelled, "we are here! Finally!"

William was excited to be back too. He wondered how Kali and Geneva were.