How to Survive as the Second Son of a Mage Family - Chapter 129

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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How to Survive as the Second Son of a Magic Family (129)

Thud— Thudthud—

Elias looked up at the sky with his face deeply furrowed.

“We heard the news that your core stability is Special Grade 2, not standard! About the possibility that the test results were wrong….”

“Did you drink blood?!”

Amid the barrage of rude questions, now even rain was starting to fall.

The Empire was always gloomy, but never had such overcast weather felt so hateful as it did today.

‘Did you drink blood?’

Is this something you could hear in the middle of Berlin right now?

He knew what they feared, and what they mistakenly thought they themselves feared.

They’d probably be afraid that Luca would sweep through these streets and slit each throat one by one to drink their blood.

But that fear wasn’t real fear—it was closer to an excuse.

‘If they were truly afraid, they couldn’t act like that right now.’

A young nobleman who had sufficient potential to reign as monarch of a nation—the general public could legally tear him apart under the pretext of ‘safety.’ What sweet fear this was!

The question of whether he had drunk blood and would drink it in the future wore the mask of public safety, but it was base desecration with completely transparent motives.

‘…Even thinking about it logically, it’s obvious. If he had actually drunk blood, would he have quietly let himself be dragged away instead of taking out bastards like you first?’

The attitude they showed toward Luca was perfectly identical to what he had experienced all along.

The faces of pro-Emperor media and various experts who had expressed concern about the country’s future regarding his own attitude overlapped.

Whether it was because Luca was the type to carefully wait for the right timing unlike himself, or because he really wasn’t angry—Elias felt wonder at how even this was so different from himself—he was smiling smoothly as if completely unconscious of any of it.

“Thanks to Hyung.”

Luca’s calm voice seemed tinged with laughter.

Whatever he was thinking, this too seemed like a situation already flowing according to his will. It was the kind of tone Luca always used when he was enjoying himself.

The journalists, perhaps having only dealt with sensible politicians before and now hearing unrefined words from a Pleroma student, were still choosing their words.

Naturally, Luca didn’t wait for that gap and continued with what he had to say.

“The examination I received this time was based on the strict procedures of the Imperial 2nd Education Institute, as always. While I understand having doubts because the results differ from your expectations, you should know that such doubts constitute suspicion about the fairness of the Imperial 2nd Education Institute, which is sponsored by the Imperial Court.”

“But….”

When a journalist’s rebuttal came out, Luca raised his voice to cut off those words.

“Of course, I have no intention of dismissing the fears felt by my fellow citizens as mere suspicion of the Imperial 2nd Education Institute to avoid answering.”

“Mr. Ascanien, this is not a formal interview setting. We’re moving.”

Luca raised his hand low, interrupting the Royal Mage’s words.

“I will not stand by and watch public safety and order shaken by distorted rumors. The reason I responded to the summons despite having done nothing wrong is because I understand and agree with all these circumstances, not because I’ll tolerate insults to Ascanien as well.”

“….”

“I have a duty to resolve my citizens’ legitimate curiosities and clear the disgrace written on Ascanien and my name. So can you give me time?”

Elias found himself smiling without realizing it.

He said he’d just been staying at home, but whenever he saw him, it never seemed that way at all.

Though he ended with a question, a mere Royal Mage had no choice in the matter.

Having mentioned ‘Ascanien’ aloud, they couldn’t create an international incident.

Sure enough, the Royal Mage exchanged glances with his colleagues, then stepped back.

“Please speak.”

“You all know that Hyung has made efforts for my temperament in every way possible. This core examination result of Special Grade 2 is thanks to nothing other than the effort and care Hyung has shown.”

The moment he saw Luca’s gentle smile, laughter burst from Elias.

‘…It’s over.’

He had only just begun speaking, but he could tell immediately.

Adrian Ascanien, having lost the initiative, now had no choice but to move according to Luca’s plan.

“Whatever temperament I was born with, having been educated and raised as a member of Ascanien, I do not sympathize with Pleroma’s ideology. For my beliefs, and to prevent what you all worry about, I devoted myself to treatment with Hyung, and as a result was able to raise my core stability to the top 0.1% level in the Empire. Without anyone else’s mana, using only my own mana.”

And one more thing.

The public was encountering Luca speaking to them for the first time today.

People unanimously said the class system should be abolished, but ironically, they yearned for nobility more than anyone.

For example, the composure to maintain a relaxed smile even in a cornered situation like this.

Whatever one’s personal opinion about social status, to seize power in this society, Luca had to reclaim the lost noble position.

And….

The attitude Luca showed now would have perfectly satisfied the public’s desires.

Even Elias himself, who knew Luca had a gap of over 10 years, found himself thinking that perhaps Luca might have been perfectly educated as a nobleman for 18 years.

“Many of you know that I have a temperament that covets others’ mana, but I clarify that this is currently not true.”

“If it’s not true, how will you prove that?”

“I’ve asked my professor to request a detailed core examination from the Bavaria Magic Medical Center. As soon as the results are announced, I will inform you citizens of the facts. Also, I will do my best to ease your citizens’ anxiety, so if you wish, I will broadcast the examination process.”

‘…Wow, I’m curious how Adrian Ascanien will get out of this.’

Wasn’t this exactly why he had kept him locked up at home so tightly?

He had judged that the person was now too broken to function properly and only now sent him to school as a token gesture.

Since no one knew he would change to become like a different person, Adrian Ascanien would have had the same thoughts.

“Finally, I know there are many concerns about me using magic. Even if I haven’t acquired mana through dishonest means, I had planned not to reveal my magic if it would confuse society. But I cannot stand by and watch Pleroma destroy citizens’ lives as they do now. I promise to use magic to solve the disasters Pleroma has created, solely for the safety of the citizens.”

Luca paused once and looked around at all the journalists.

“Though late, I will do my best for the duties I couldn’t fulfill over the past 18 years as a member of the Empire.”

The students standing around Elias, and all the journalists gathered at the main gate, were quiet. Everyone just watched the situation with blank faces.

With those words, Luca gestured to the Royal Mage.

In Elias’s judgment, the situation was completely, perfectly finished.

Now only Adrian Ascanien’s response remained.

Elias raised the corners of his mouth and moved his steps to find the newspaper stand on campus.

* * *

[Though late, I will do my best for the duties I couldn’t fulfill over the past 18 years as a member of the Empire.]

“….”

“Captain.”

Everyone found it difficult to speak easily.

Adrian Ascanien’s golden hair covered his deeply bowed face. Soon his hair trembled finely.

Seeing this, the members looked at each other with confused eyes.

They had never seen him cry in front of the members. No, they couldn’t be certain due to the hand pressed against his face, but he also seemed to be smiling subtly.

Soon Adrian Ascanien muttered in a choked voice.

“It’s been over 10 years.”

“….”

The members exchanged glances and furrowed their brows.

It had been over 10 years.

Since rumors began circulating that the Captain’s family member was born with Pleroma temperament.

Adrian Ascanien raised his head.

He was smiling with slightly bloodshot eyes.

“My younger brother has grown this much.”

“….”

Everyone in the Empire knew well how much effort Adrian Ascanien had made to extract his younger brother from Pleroma temperament. Now that those efforts had borne fruit, no one could carelessly predict what emotions he would feel.

Now Adrian stopped his soliloquy and began using formal speech as if addressing the members.

“He really grew up well. Don’t you think so?”

“…That’s right. Looking at him now, your younger brother really resembles you, Captain. His future looks promising.”

“Haha, among the new humans these days, where would you find someone who doesn’t resemble family? Still….”

Adrian Ascanien smiled while stroking the Imperial Newspaper with his hand.

The paused video began playing again from the beginning.

“It’s wondrous when he became so similar. He was so different before that I was suspicious, but it seems blood was mixed in after all.”

At his infinitely warm voice and smile, the members’ expressions relaxed a little.

Adrian Ascanien checked his watch and asked.

“We moved to Florence now. Can we summon Imperial Newspaper journalists to this area?”

“Yes, if it’s your word, Captain, anywhere is possible. Shall we schedule an appointment for tomorrow morning?”

“No, let’s call them right now.”

The members looked at Adrian with surprised faces.

“It’s 10 PM, Captain. If you’re going to deploy at dawn, shouldn’t you be resting now? Your younger brother has already handled the situation well…”

“Without my words right now, the Empire’s people will try to tear Luca apart.”

“…”

“So I need to do what my younger brother wants as quickly as possible.”

It’s already too late. Far too late at that.

But if it gets any later, I’ll be the one who gets completely bitten.

Adrian Ascanien smiled without voicing his thoughts.

* * *

[Magic Department Vice Minister Adrian Ascanien: “All of Lucas Ascanien’s claims are true… will prove with objective data”]

“Magic Department Vice Minister Adrian Ascanien showed a humble attitude, saying ‘all results are thanks to Lucas Ascanien’s efforts,’ while also conveying that his younger brother’s ideology is not misguided, so he hopes people will refrain from attacking him under Pleroma’s name… Where the hell did he use humility?”

Elias lay sprawled on my bed, reading the article word by word.

Adrian Ascanien stepped back as expected.

I also moved to find the right balance to keep him within bounds, so now we’re both taking a step back to observe the situation.

“More importantly, do you know everyone outside is only talking about Luca’s magic right now~?”

“Really?”

Of course they would.

Someone from Pleroma who couldn’t use magic suddenly made their core Special Grade 2 and said they’d participate in a test against Pleroma – how could there not be talk?

Just then, Leo brought up the test.

“Let’s see. It’s Saturday dawn right now, right?”

“Yeah.”

“The first round is divided into two parts. Round 1-1 is tomorrow, Sunday, and Round 1-2 is next Friday.”

At those words, Elias just lifted his head and asked.

“Couldn’t they just make the second test Round 2? I guess a total 4-round test was a bit burdensome for their taste?”

“That’s not it – there are no eliminations in the first test of Round 1. In the second test, you voluntarily pair up and move together, and that’s where pass/fail is decided. Since it’s team activity, they want to see the efficiency of joint attacks. Of course…”

Leo closed the booklet and looked at me.

“I don’t need to explain this since the Minister who designed the system himself would know better.”

The first test of Round 1 isn’t a proper test, it’s just an assessment to measure individual abilities.

The real one is the second test.

Since actual activities require at least two people to be deployed, mages who have difficulty with teamwork or whose skills decline in that environment had to be pushed back.

Therefore, the real Round 1 that was implemented in the Kingdom of Bavaria is the pair test, which is our school’s second test.

“They just copied what was already set up.”

“Now it’s not just the Kingdom of Bavaria’s system but the Empire standard. Anyway, that’s settled… The second test with less than a week left is the key. How are you going to form pairs?”

“Huh? Then isn’t today the last chance to drink?”

“Stop drinking, you… How many times a week does a student drink?”

“I only drank three times this week.”

“…”

Leo started cursing with his eyes.

Leo opened his mouth again.

“You just need to decide on a partner and submit it by two days before the test, but the problem is somehow everyone has already formed teams. So Lucas, I wanted to ask who you’re going to team up with.”

“Hmm.”

It’s obvious why everyone has already formed teams.

Then Elias waved his hand and said.

“Luca, team up with me!”

At those words, Narke laughed awkwardly.

“Haha, Lucas doesn’t seem to have any intention of teaming up with any of us.”

“What?!”

That’s correct.

I nodded and continued.

“If I team up with you guys from the start, that would be problematic in its own way. Everyone is already avoiding me, so wouldn’t it be too obvious if you guys, who are top performers in practicals, team up with me when my skills haven’t even been verified?”

“Hmm…”

Elias fell into thought, then clicked his tongue regretfully and nodded.

He seemed convinced.

I asked Leo.

“We can form teams after the 1-1 test ends, right?”

“That’s true. But your test score is at stake. Your partner’s grade becomes your grade, so if you team up with a poor student for no reason, only you’ll suffer.”

“Hey, is Luca at a level to worry about test scores~?”

“You guys can form teams among yourselves and submit the list to the Professor. Don’t worry about me.”

I answered like that and roughly changed the subject.

I watched the three of them chatting enthusiastically about the topic I had changed to, then opened my status window.

[Lucas Rene Ascanien]

Title: Count Nicolaus

Stamina: +3.2 (+0.2) [+6.2]

Mental Power: +2.1 (+0.6)

Magic Power: ?

Skill: +4.5 (+0.1) [+7.5]

Impression: -9.8 (-0.2) [-7] [+8.01587849]

Luck: +3.6 (+0.3)

Traits: Dawn777, Divine Power, Charm (Lv.2), Retry (Lv.1)

The school impression score I checked before the incident was -3 points.

Now it’s…

-7.

It seemed fear played a role in my ability to use magic.

At this point, honestly, it seems necessary to upgrade my traits a bit.

The Charm trait is frequently seen in leaders or those wearing positions of that level.

Adelbert, the Emperor, and Hyung, plus Elias had this trait too. It’s a bit awkward, but Ainsiedel had it as well.

At first, when I only saw the name, I was completely disappointed, but after seeing who had the trait, I started wanting to max it out.

Since I need to fix the impression value for Lucas Ascanien, it wouldn’t be bad to go quickly while using traits along the way.

‘The problem is I don’t have enough points.’

[Charm Lv.2]

— ‘I want to get close!’ Certain target’s favorability increases by 3 points

— ‘If you say so, it must be right.’ Persuasiveness increases by 30%

— 3.0 points until next level

* Available Points: 2.0 points

* 0.40 luck points until next point acquisition

Right now I only get points from luck value, and even that – once I hit 10 points, I don’t know where I’ll get points from.

‘But what kind of game usually includes favorability.’

It’s not that I don’t know, but since I’ve never seen it in the type of games I played, it feels strangely unfamiliar.

Of course, if it exists, it’s beneficial for me.

The more information, the better.

‘First, to raise luck value… I should go train or something.’

Thinking that, the moment I drank the tea I had earlier, white text appeared before my eyes.

〈 Chapter 6. Act righteously and fear no one 〉

[ Proposal 1: +300 favorability within deadline (0/300) (167 hours 59 minutes 59 seconds) ]

* Route 1 — 〈 +15.0 points 〉

* Route 2 — 〈 Proposal 2 〉

“Pfft…!”

“What, what is it, Luca!”

“What’s wrong, why are you like that?”

Is this crazy? It must be crazy.

300 – whose dog’s name is that?

‘…How am I supposed to fill 300 points within a week?!’

But +15 points is pretty decent.

This time, Route 2 isn’t particularly unlucky either, it’s just marked as Proposal 2.

It means this is a game worth playing.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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