How to Survive as the Second Son of a Mage Family - Chapter 382

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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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“Phew.”

 

I squinted my eyes as I deflected the incoming magic power. I squinted but didn’t close them. The scattering of light that continued with only drastic changes, like dropping white paint into darkness, stung my optic nerves, but if I closed my eyes here, it would be the end.

 

Kwagwang—

 

Right, this wasn’t much different from a camera flash as always. Haven’t I always endured in front of those? I stomped my foot down hard and swung my sword. I couldn’t see my opponent’s form in this dark field. There were too many interfering elements to rely on the sporadic flashes of light…

 

I couldn’t feel it. The vibrations that humans emit, aside from magic power.

 

‘Where are they attacking from.’

 

Blue attacks were coming from all directions. The burden was too great to break through any one spot. Since they were all the same blue magic, one might think it was the work of one person, but blue eyes are a common color, aren’t they?

 

“Isn’t it too much when there are only two of us?”

 

The shout I threw out with laughter was buried in the explosive sound. Mecklenburg, who maintained a constant proper distance from me with his back turned, gritted his teeth and made a groaning sound. At least four, in my opinion even more than that. With spatial magic deployed, the residential area wouldn’t be able to hear our sounds.

 

Chaeng— Seogek—

 

Mecklenburg’s swordsmanship skills were indeed quite decent. He reacted agilely to all the attacking magic power rushing from all directions, deflecting the attacks without allowing a single flaw. Indeed, to rank around 2nd at the Imperial 2nd Education Institute, one would need to be at least that good. I deflected the magic power flying toward my waist from below to the side and raised my head. The moment I turned my body on my heel as an axis, arrow-like magic power flew past before my eyes.

 

Ssaek—

 

When the end of the attack passed by my right temple, I spun the sword hilt half a turn in my hand and changed it to a staff. As the sword blade that was affected by the wind’s grain disappeared, weight settled toward the floor. Mecklenburg shouted loudly.

 

“You tell me to concentrate but you’re watching me?”

 

“Your reaction is slow.”

 

I’m already responding though… I moved my lips and struck down with the staff.

 

Kwaaaaang—!

 

[The multitude of nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against Ariel and her stronghold and distress her, shall be as a dream, a vision of the night.]

 

Stinging light spread and the incantation was buried amid the noise. Mecklenburg put his arm to his face with a shocked expression and strengthened his body barrier. The moment magic power the same color as my pupils devoured the ground and atmosphere and surged outward, the attacks that had been coming from over there were swallowed up and disappeared.

 

Kkaak— Puddeuk—

 

I glanced at the bird that finally appeared in the sky and changed the staff back to a wand. The coordinate permit in one pocket was still safely there. And…

 

Where could they be, where. The moment I tried to run in one direction holding the wand, blue light flared up again. Strangely, that attack veered past the side of my face. Was it due to lack of skill? Or? After swiftly deflecting the stream of magic power rushing toward the side of my pelvis, a little below my waist, I saw light faintly forming in the distance in mid-air and slashed my sword diagonally upward. A sound like fireworks exploding rang out before my eyes. Magic that disrupts depth perception. It was one of the areas where I fell short compared to Leo. Let me think again.

 

Kaang—!

 

I glanced at the somewhat tattered front part of my jacket and kicked away the magic power that was trying to wrap around my ankle again. I could see Mecklenburg pulling his sword close to his body and deflecting the attack that rushed toward his waist from below to above. I could understand up to the ankle. Blocking movement is an excellent choice. But why the waist?

 

‘Even thinking they’re randomly firing attacks, their aiming skills are too poor.’

 

The level of attacks coming after using wide-area magic had dropped somewhat. The reasons would be these: 1. They’re attacking from a greater distance than before. 2. Some of the opponents have definitely been taken out. However, that doesn’t explain why they keep attacking our waists and jackets. I transferred a bit more magic power to the tip of my sword and shouted to Mecklenburg.

 

“The luggage bags we brought. Are they gone?”

 

“They’re destroyed!”

 

“Haha. [Therefore I was grieved with this generation and said.]”

 

Kwaang—! Jjeong—

 

[They do always err in their heart, and they have not known my ways.]

 

A blue sphere that looked like it contained water bulged before my eyes and then shattered into pieces. Accordingly, the barrier corroded and the blue flames I created covered the forest and soared into the sky. I could feel someone far away casting spatial magic between the residential area beyond my reach and this field. Must they also not be discovered by the residential area?

 

I turned around and ran to grab Mecklenburg, who was breathing heavily due to my magic power.

 

“Albert!”

 

“You need to, give warning, before using magic, so I can…! You’re trying to kill me…!”

 

“Good, I’m glad you’re alive. Now hand over the permit.”

 

I grabbed and tore at his clothes, searching the pocket where the permit would be. Mecklenburg’s face turned pale as he grasped the situation.

 

“Hey, wait. Then you’re going to the train station?!”

 

“They want us not to be here. They want us to quickly get lost to Germany.”

 

I pulled out the permit from the inner pocket of his jacket and waved it with a smile.

 

“Hold them off. I trust you.”

 

Kaang—!

 

I crumpled the permit together with the sword hilt and blocked the sword that came rushing in an arc from behind. I blocked a sword, not magic power. Finally. Only after setting this place on fire with magic power did a person reveal themselves. I smiled at the mage wearing a black mask and then lowered my body and ran through between Mecklenburg and the enemy. Facing an ‘actual person’ in a place other than a training ground, Mecklenburg again had a soulless expression.

 

“Wait, me too…!”

 

I ran madly toward the warp point like crazy. We couldn’t go together. If both of us disappeared, I didn’t know what they might do to Ishmailov, and while that might be something worth observing in itself, I wasn’t the type to stand by and watch someone suffer hardship due to my decision. Moreover, if they lost their target and—or judged they had no chance of winning and simply fled—it would result in completely missing information on all fronts. Somehow, whether we subdued them or were unfortunately subdued, we had to face them head-on.

 

In less than a minute, an old marker stone appeared, and I took in the number written on it and struck down with the staff as a walking stick. The forest that had been dyed in darkness and intermittently colored by bright blue light, and the piercing sound of air being torn that had been stabbing at my ears, disappeared in an instant like a dream.

 

Now there was a Roman-style hall with soft light flowing and a huge chandelier. I narrowed my eyes and caught my breath. This huge train station had a coordinate system inspection counter attached to one side. I made my disheveled jacket and hair as neat as possible and quickly ran to stand in front of the counter. The inspector who had been sitting at an angle and saw me running over slowly straightened his body and opened his mouth.

 

“What brings you here?”

 

“…I came to extend my Russian Empire coordinate system permit.”

 

I spoke while firmly suppressing my breath that kept trying to become labored from having just been running wild.

 

The inspector I had seen early in the morning wasn’t there. Naturally, since it was night now, they would have changed shifts. The inspector asked drowsily with sleepy eyes.

 

“The reason?”

 

“I visited Lavrentiev Monastery, and I really liked the faithfulness and solemnity that Orthodox monasteries possess. I want to stay here a bit longer. Here’s a permit written personally by the acting abbot.”

 

There was no longer any need to hide the fact that I had set foot in Lavrentiev Monastery. Since the ‘local mages’ had already attacked us. This was also why I warped directly to the train station without going through other areas. Whatever reason they had for attacking, since our news had already spread faster than expected, there was no need to struggle to hide it and go around the long way or make up lies when there was an easy method.

 

He took the monastery’s letter, briefly skimmed it, and handed it back to me.

 

“Yes… I see. How many days would you need?”

 

“Please give me a generous 2 weeks. The monastery buildings are quite old and we’re trying to repair them. A friend who accompanied me is planning to cover the costs, so I want to at least see construction begin before returning home.”

 

At those words, the inspector raised his eyebrows.

 

“Is that so? You’re doing good work. I feel good meeting a young man who does this for our Russia. Next time you come, if you bring a donation receipt, you’ll be able to pass through more quickly.”

 

This is long. Hurry! Even at this very moment, Mecklenburg must be struggling alone among multiple attack spells. I abruptly thrust forward the permit that was almost crumpled.

 

“I understand. Here’s the coordinate system permit I received this morning—I just need to submit this, right?”

 

“Yes.”

 

The inspector, who had been drinking cold coffee with a tired-looking face, quickly ran his fingers over the permit I handed him and Mecklenburg’s permit, then looked back up at me.

 

“But why didn’t the other person come?”

 

“Ah, that’s…”

 

“Unless there are unavoidable circumstances, you should come together.”

 

Damn. I knew I’d get caught here. There’s no time for this. I gripped the counter and shook my head.

 

“The situation isn’t favorable. It’s correct that there are 35 minutes left until midnight, right?”

 

“Yes. Warping just requires a quick snap of the fingers, so even 5 minutes remaining would be enough.”

 

The inspector raised his eyebrows and tilted his head. He didn’t say anything directly, but it was certain he wasn’t being favorable. At this unfavorable attitude, I took a deep breath.

 

‘Should I say we were attacked?’

 

No. How disappointing. To have such foolish thoughts. Then should I bring Mecklenburg here temporarily? That’s not bad either, but I wonder if the negative possibilities I thought of earlier might really not exist? I widened my eyes and bit my lips, then looked down at the inspector.

 

‘What if I just definitely drop this person directly at that attack scene?’

 

I was briefly satisfied with this idea but quickly came to my senses.

 

‘…Both won’t work. What nonsense is this.’

 

First, dropping him is quite a good idea. But…

 

Our permits would be extended quite smoothly indeed. Germans who set foot on Russian soil today get involved in a fight in less than a day? The idea that because we’re victims, they’ll extend permits for us victims and thoroughly punish those Russians—uncertain but for now—as compensation for harming foreigners is a naive notion. Given that we’re German nobles, the case probably won’t end unreasonably, but at least from Russia’s perspective, foreigners involved in disputes are also eyesores and troublemakers during a time when the international atmosphere is already poor. Strictly speaking by principles, there would be no problem extending our permits, but in real life, in such situations there’s a high risk of everyone being expelled together.

 

If I wanted to be with the Russian Police Station rather than Ishmailov, it would be fine to report it. If I wanted to be sent back to Germany without time to meet Ishmailov and sit in a noble’s estate reading documents about the progress of investigating mage gangs, if I wanted to advertise all our reasons for visiting Russia to the German Police Station, it would be fine to report it.

 

“Actually, he’s sick and can’t come. Right before warping, he was bitten by a poisonous spider while passing through the forest. I need to hurry back and call a doctor.”

 

The inspector made a troubled face, then raised his eyebrows again as if nothing had happened.

 

“Many people say that. I know it’s rude to say, but mostly people who stay illegally say that.”

 

Illegal stay. Though my identity is fake—I reused the fake identity I used when entering Munich-Freising—at least I received approval fair and square, so it has nothing to do with me. I suppressed my impatience and appeased him.

 

“We’re nobles, so what would we gain by doing that?”

 

“From our Empire’s standpoint, there’s no guarantee that you won’t leave one permit as a spare and bring dangerous people from foreign countries. As you know, this isn’t blocked technically but administratively.”

 

“Why didn’t you block it technically? Then what should I do now?”

 

“Well, humans who crawl in through dog holes made in the barbed wire fences built at the border, or humans who secretly send children abroad by putting them in train cargo cars… It’s not much different from such cases. Administrative measures are also sufficient measures, but because of magic, everyone seems to not regard administrative measures as measures? So, unless you bring this Clemens Schmidt directly here…”

 

“No, I’m telling you he’s collapsed after being bitten by a spider. Will you go see for yourself? It’s urgent. Hurry! His leg is swelling.”

 

I put strength in my voice and looked into the counter inspector’s eyes. The inspector, flustered by my question of whether he’d go see for himself, shook his head.

 

“No? I can’t leave my post…”

 

“Are you saying you could come with me? You might also get bitten by a poisonous spider. You’d be surprised if you knew what just happened to me.”

 

“Wait a moment. What I mean is…”

 

“Ah, yes. May I ask you one favor? While we’re at it, please come with me and help support that friend. I didn’t know there would be so many spiders in that forest… Having lived in the city, it was my first time going to such a forest-only place, but are there originally so many spiders in forests? No matter how much I shook them off with magic, I was startled by spiders climbing up my legs. What’s the reason they get inside shoes? I’m already scared to go alone, so I think it would be a great help if you, an honorable Russian, came with me. Since you’re Russian, you’d know the forest geography well and be knowledgeable about poisonous spiders living in Russian forests. Anyway, if you could see his face and issue the permit, and finally tell me where to call a doctor from, that would be perfect. What do you think? If you could just come with me once…”

 

Kwang—

 

“Go.”

 

The inspector smiled soullessly and held out two stamped papers. I clapped my hands at his generosity and shook my head.

 

“You’re a lifesaver. I’ll come back soon with that friend, and bring the donation receipt too.”

 

“Yes, definitely within the deadline, Emil Abel.”

 

“But do I have to deal with the spiders alone?”

 

He didn’t answer and turned away from me. I immediately pulled out a tourist guide from the train station and calculated the distance between the warp point I had been at and nearby points.

 

‘Good.’

 

After counting and exiting the station, I spun my wand between my fingers and transformed it into a staff. Then I roughly stuffed the coordinate book into my jacket and struck the ground forcefully.

 

Kwaang― Chaeng―!

 

The staff immediately became a sword and gleamed with magical power. Taking three large steps forward, I looked at another human before me and smiled.

 

“Perfect location.”

 

I looked at Mecklenburg, who was sitting on the ground in a daze, and stomped my foot on the ground.

 

“Perfect timing too. [He will cast a net upon the wicked―]”

 

Pueong― Kwaaaaang―!

 

[―Fire and brimstone and scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup!]

 

Flames roared and spread before my feet, then clung to the opponent’s body. Like adhesive had been applied, the body touched by flames stuck in place and couldn’t move. I could see the opponent’s eyes widen. Soon the flames devoured his head.

 

“Keuaaaah―!”

 

As the sound disappeared as if muted, I could see Mecklenburg’s pale face contorting. I looked at those who had fallen behind him. Three or four people were unconscious. I raised my right arm to deploy a barrier and pulled Mecklenburg behind me with my other hand.

 

“Get up.”

 

“Why… why only now…”

 

I looked at his bloodless face and smiled.

 

“Ah, now you admit it. You wanted me to protect you, right?”

 

“You…! Watch the front!”

 

I’m already watching. More precisely, I’m sensing it.

 

Kwadeuk― Kkeek―

 

In front of the barrier, between the newly layered barriers, the opponent’s attack got caught making a strange sound. I flicked my wrist holding the sword to break my barrier and leaped toward the opponent, dodging the lightning-fast attack coming at me. The opponent’s metallic wand extended long like a fencing sword, thrusting toward me. I looked into the opponent’s gleaming eyes and asked.

 

“Where?”

 

“…!”

 

Kwaang―!

 

Having dug into the opponent’s left side, I hooked my foot around his ankle and pulled hard. Before I could fall too, I took a running start backward and the moment I landed, Mecklenburg’s green magical power, sharpened into diamond shapes, struck his back countless times.

 

“Keuhuk…!”

 

I thought I heard the sound of a core cracking. Thinking so, I swung my sword toward Mecklenburg’s head as he took my turn. Even though I had launched an attack at him, instead of widening his eyes at me, Mecklenburg changed his sword to a wand and turned around. It was an instant.

 

[O inhabitant of the earth, terror and pit and snare are upon you!]

 

“Aaaaak!”

 

Kwaang―

 

The person who had been behind Mecklenburg was pushed into the air, then rolled on the ground clutching where my sword had passed―his neck. Only screams remained without explosive sounds or impact sounds. Since there were no more attacks, I once again took Mecklenburg’s hand and helped him up.

 

While I was at the train station, he had already taken down three by himself. The people I dealt with made two now. He must have knocked them down by shocking their cores. Whether shattered or cracked, anyway. I looked at the water and blood flowing down his chin and asked.

 

“Did you cry because this hyung wasn’t here?”

 

“Are you crazy?! This is sweat.”

 

“Disgusting.”

 

“What?”

 

Mecklenburg grabbed his neck with an exasperated expression. I took out a handkerchief and loudly wiped his nape that had been scraped by a blade, then gathered my luggage and walked toward the warp point.

 

“What, what? We’re leaving like this?”

 

“Why not? There are no enemies who can move right now.”

 

“Still. Those people weren’t just five.”

 

I lightly tossed the sword I was holding toward the ground into the air, changed it to a staff, and lightly struck the ground. Mecklenburg glanced back then walked without complaint. I looked at his tired face and shrugged my shoulders.

 

“You’re really living up to being second place at the 2nd Education Institute. Just how many did you handle alone while I was gone?”

 

“…”

 

I looked at his pressed-down lip corners and chuckled.

 

‘He’s really pleased.’

 

I shouldn’t say it out loud. Instead, since the current him wasn’t Mecklenburg of the Imperial Mage Association, there was something I needed to ask.

 

“Handling people like this looks difficult. Mentally, I mean. Are you okay?”

 

“…I’m fine. You do it too, so.”

 

“Ah, since I do it, naturally you do too… Who was it that sat in place waiting desperately until I came?”

 

“Who was waiting…!”

 

So noisy. As his voice got louder, I covered his mouth and walked forward.

 

Now only occasional bird sounds and the sound of stepping on fallen leaves could be heard. To be precise, even the small presence created by the staff being dragged.

 

At some point, the magical power connected to the staff wavered. Annoyed, I quickly pulled the arm of Mecklenburg who was walking a step ahead and snapped my fingers.

 

Kwaang―!

 

[You have walled me about so that I cannot escape; you have made my chains heavy.]

 

“Heoik…!”

 

Light flashed. Mecklenburg staggered from the sudden warp then regained his balance. Having finished the spell, I briefly sneered at him.

 

“Now who can’t warp?”

 

“Hey, wait, when that happens…!”

 

“Right.”

 

I looked at the two mages who had fallen, caught by my magical power, and smiled. They were dressed exactly the same as those we had seen earlier.

 

“I knew these bastards would come back.”

 

I had laid a thin magical barrier on the ground. Even if they ran away briefly, they would have to come back to send their colleagues to the hospital as quickly as possible, wouldn’t they?

 

Thud―

 

“Ak!”

 

I stepped on one person’s side and pressed down while asking.

 

“Who are you? Who are you to do such things to us?”

 

“We, we are…”

 

“Yes.”

 

“We are Kaluga’s Vigilante Corps.”

 

Since a very kind answer came to my polite question, I opened my mouth and looked at Mecklenburg. Mecklenburg snickered with a face that said there was no answer. I felt the same way.

 

I chuckled and exhaled.

 

“Well, I’m curious what wrong we’ve done.”

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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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