Summoned with an SSS-Rank Portal Skill
Chapter 283 - 283: Evacuation Plan (1) - Supplies

Everyone took a seat around the large table. The introductions began—William met the queen, the princes, the princesses.

There were so many names being thrown around that he quickly gave up trying to remember them. Instead, he chose to refer to everyone by their titles. It was easier that way.

Then, William shared what was happening outside.

He spoke of how the noble family that had seized control of the island still couldn't breach the palace… and how a greater invasion, from outside, was beginning to unfold.

The king's expression grew tense—anxious, fearful.

"An invasion? That's terrible. The people are already shaken after the attack on the royal family… now this? There's no way we can win like this..."

He didn't sound confident. Not at all.

Judging by William's tone, the invaders were powerful. Defeating them would require a strong, unified Demon Island. But that was far from the current reality. They were fractured. Lost. The island's hierarchy was in chaos. The military lacked proper leadership.

And it wasn't just the king who felt that way—everyone around the table looked grim and defeated. Not a single soul believed they could actually win.

"So we'll just let them take everything?" William asked, his voice sharp. "Let them slaughter the people? Be honest—they're invading for something. Do you have any idea what it is?"

If anyone had the answers, it would be the royal family. They had always been the keepers of the island's deepest secrets.

But even the king looked lost. "I truly don't know… This island is isolated, protected by ancient defenses. Some types of magic don't even work here. And it moves—floating through the ocean, cloaked in invisibility. That's why people can only reach it through portals."

"If there's another secret hidden here… I'm not aware of it. Maybe they simply want to wipe us out because of our bloodline. You know that's happened before—long ago. It's the reason our people fled to this island in the first place."

William knew that story well.

Demons had been hunted for centuries—persecuted, exterminated. And the worst part? History had twisted the truth. The demons had been painted as villains, monsters to be destroyed.

It was a cruel manipulation.

"If they came just to kill us… we still have time to run, don't we? Or is that not possible?" William asked.

If this battle was unwinnable, then retreating might be the only option. William was confident he could face Sarah, one of the summoned heroes—but what if more had come?

What if Master Elric himself was among them?

That would mean certain death. William was strong, but he wasn't ready to face elites who had been given the best training, resources, and magical artifacts.

His path had always been different. He had to earn everything with his own hands, carving his way up through pain and struggle.

"Yes," the king nodded, "we can escape. But we must take everything from this palace with us. They cannot discover the secrets of our people. And they must not follow us."

The idea of fleeing was starting to sound like the best course of action.

But William hesitated. He couldn't shake the feeling that something vital was still hidden on this island. Could they really just leave everything behind?

"This wouldn't be the first time our people fled," the king said solemnly. "But this time… the massacre could be far worse."

"What do you mean?" William asked.

Silence fell around the table.

Then the king spoke, his voice heavy with dread.

"Our only portal capable of taking us far away from here… it can hold around five hundred people. That means most of the island's population… will die."

"What? Are you sure there's no other way?" William asked, his tone rising, frustration and dread mixing in his voice.

The king slowly shook his head. "That portal they're using... it can't be destroyed, sealed, or even blocked by ancient magic. If they've found it, it's over. They'll keep coming—more soldiers, more warriors, more heroes. Our numbers simply can't hold."

He sighed deeply, the weight of his decision visible in his slouched shoulders. "Our people... we've always endured. But now... there's no winning this."

William clenched his fists, the guilt creeping into his chest like a slow poison. He knew this might be his fault. He had come through that portal—and Sarah had likely followed. He kept that truth to himself. Sharing it now would only create unnecessary hatred. This was no time for blame. They had to unite.

"And how are we going to choose who gets to come with us?" he asked.

The demonic island had a population of around six thousand. Only five hundred could escape. That meant thousands were going to die.

"We'll have to take the ones closest to the palace," the king said, voice heavy. "We don't have time to cross the entire island. We gather who we can, take what's left of our sacred items and history… and then we activate the island's destruction."

"The destruction of the island?" William asked, surprised.

"Yes. They can't torture our people and get answers. The best thing is to destroy everything and avoid their suffering. The island will explode," the king said.

William imagined the people who had no idea this was coming… dying in that explosion. It was cruel.

But the alternative was just as cruel. Eventually, everyone would die or be tortured if they chose to resist. Escaping and abandoning the island seemed like the best option — even if it was cruel in its own way.

"Let's start gathering the important things from the palace," the king said. "Then we'll rest and recover. After that, we'll need to fight the soldiers around the palace. That's the only way we'll be able to leave and gather the people."

Their first mission had started. Even though everyone was tired—especially William—they had to move.

Now, with the royal family with them, they could easily navigate the palace thanks to their magical devices. It was easy.

There were no traps, no monsters, and they knew the palace—every inch of it. Also, most of their treasures were already inside the bloodline room.

Weapons, armors, books, scrolls, demon scripts, and important supplies. Almost everything was there.

"There are a few things hidden in the palace that we must get. After that, we'll have to fight the soldiers outside. Do you think we can win? I mean, you're the ones who saw their numbers," the king asked William.

"Yes, we can. With all of you, and my newfound strength, we can win. Easily, I think," he said.

"Good."