A hero, lecturing at Snowpeak Magic Academy? The very notion sent a shiver down William's spine. As far as he knew, Elric's teleportation magic had flung him into an entirely different kingdom. What was one of his former comrades doing here? And why?
'Could they be looking for me?' The thought burrowed into his mind like a persistent worm. It wasn't entirely implausible. If that were the case, he was in serious danger.
Even if this hero's presence was merely a coincidence, William couldn't risk being recognized. The shame of his expulsion was a burden he wasn't ready to share.
His initial instinct was to avoid the lecture altogether. But as he hurried through the academy grounds, a stern-faced professor intercepted him.
"William, is it?" the old mage rasped, his eyes peering down at William over the rim of his spectacles.
"Yes," William replied, his anxiety growing. "Is something wrong?"