Before teleporting to the academy, specifically to the chairman's office, Alex needed to ensure it was empty.
The risks were too high to act blindly. If the chairman or anyone else was present, it would spell certain death, not to mention the possibility of them hiding the [Vial of Undead Blood] beyond his reach.
To avoid that, Alex sought help from the most reliable source he could think of.
"Arceus," Alex called, approaching the mage who was engrossed in some arcane task. "Can you detect if someone's on the other side of a spatial portal?"
Arceus paused, turning his piercing gaze toward Alex. "I can," he replied evenly, though his tone hinted at annoyance. "But it takes considerable magic."
"Could you do it for me this once?" Alex asked hopefully.
"No." The reply was curt, and Arceus immediately returned to his work, ignoring Alex as if the conversation had never happened.
Alex sighed. "Guess it's up to me, as usual."
Summoning the [World Map], he stared at the shimmering interface that materialized before him.
The familiar dot labeled [Chairman's Office] beckoned him to click, but Alex held back. He knew better than to act impulsively.
Hesitating no longer, Alex tapped the dot.
A notification rang out immediately.
And the moment he did, a notification sounded.
[You have reached Tier 5!]
[Your World Map has sensed your distress and thus has gained a new ability.]
Alex raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Well, that's convenient."
The notification continued:
[New Perk Unlocked: Spatial Detection.]
[You can now channel the power of the spatial spaces to detect presences or spells in the targeted location.]
He blinked, surprised. "It even detects spells? That's... actually impressive."
This new ability was a game-changer.
Not only could he confirm if someone was present, but he could also avoid traps or ambushes.
Even if someone figured out the limitations of his teleportation, restricted to specific map points, it would no longer be easy to ensnare him.
Focusing his mind, Alex activated the new feature, channeling mana into the [Chairman's Office] dot.
His senses extended through the void, scanning the target location for any signs of life or magical interference.
After a tense moment, the results came back clear—there was no one there.
But...
[36 "Magic Seals", 12 "Alarm Spells" and 1 Spatial Portal detected.]
"Damn," he muttered, a smirk forming on his lips, "though that won't matter much."
With a confident tap, Alex triggered the teleportation.
The academy chairman's office shimmered into view as Alex materialized within its opulent confines.
The snake-like guardian's claws swiped through empty air as Alex vanished, leaving behind only their collective rage.
...
Alex reappeared in the safety of the [Fox Tribe Village].
Arceus had told him to not come back until fully mastering the [Volcanic Lance] skill, and he felt like he would be instantly be found in any city because of the many hatred sect followers hiding.
The inside of the village, protected by the barrier from enemies, was the only safe place.
The familiar surroundings were a stark contrast to the tense confrontation he had just escaped.
Without hesitation, Alex made his way to Alera's home.
He had two priorities: ensuring the village was safe and checking on Arcelia, the silver-haired princess afflicted by the [Soul Curse].
The moment he stepped inside, Alera and Lilith greeted him warmly, enveloping him in tight hugs.
Their relief at seeing him safe was evident.
"You're back!" Alera exclaimed, her fox ears twitching with excitement. But her expression turned serious as she led him to Arcelia's room.
The princess lay still on the bed, her pale complexion and shallow breathing a grim reminder of the curse's effects.
"We've been trying to keep her stable," Alera explained softly. "But it's hard."
Alex frowned. "And any other problems?"
Alera hesitated, then sighed. "Three more orcs showed up recently. I handled it."
"You what?" Alex's head snapped toward her. "Why didn't you call me?"
"You seemed busy," she said, a bittersweet smile on her lips.
Alex couldn't deny it.
Between the academy, the vial, and the Hatred Sect, he'd had his hands full.
But still, the thought of Alera and the others facing danger without him made his blood boil.
"We've been training," Alera added quickly, sensing his frustration. "With my help, the villagers took them down."
Alex nodded, though his expression remained serious. "Good. But next time, call me. No exceptions."
"I will," she promised, blushing slightly under his intense gaze.
As they stepped outside, Alera hesitated.
Her cheeks flushed red as she stammered, "If you ever need help... with, um, your curse, just let me know."
Alex chuckled, his usual grin returning. "Don't worry, I've been dealing with it and resisting it more as of recently."
Flustered, Alera quickly excused herself, retreating to her home.
Alex watched her go, shaking his head in amusement.
With the village secure for now, Alex turned his attention back to his growing list of problems.
The Hatred Sect wouldn't forget this encounter, and Dominic had seen his face.
Participating in the [Golden Star Academy Entrance Examination] was now out of the question, it would be walking into a trap.
He needed a new plan. And fast.