How to Survive as the Second Son of a Mage Family - Chapter 99

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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 (99)

“…What are you talking about right now? You’re a new human yourself. Are you turning yourself in?”

Elias muttered with a bloodless face.

Then he bit his lip.

“This isn’t the time for this. Well, there are two choices left. Either we strike those bastards first….”

He showed me the back of the receipt.

“Or we move.”

I glanced toward the entrance.

Fortunately, since we had moved tables earlier to sit, we weren’t in a position where they could see us directly unless they craned their necks.

Elias continued speaking rapidly.

“There must be a code that the guys who use this place have set up. All three places I went to yesterday were using magic circles that warp to secret meeting halls.”

“The problem is we don’t know what magic circle those guys use.”

“Let’s try them one by one right now. It won’t be a complicated drawing.”

When would we have time to do that.

It would also be an easily misunderstood scene.

I can’t be certain this place is really a pro-Pleroma group’s activity location, but getting caught up in complicated matters would be the same either way.

Also, there’s a problem even if we flee.

“Wait. Even if we succeed in fleeing, how will we explain to the owner of this place? If there’s even a bit of suspicion, they’ll report us.”

“….”

“We just registered our identities here. If we flee right after they say they’re checking for new humans, it won’t take long for things to get much bigger.”

“We could say we moved because we were startled, thinking they came to catch Pleroma. This would be problematic in its own way, but setting that aside.”

“Even setting that aside, it’s the same. If you were a Catacombs person, could you be completely reassured by those words?”

“….”

Elias didn’t answer.

Unless the situation worked out well, it was clear he also knew the excuse was weak.

‘Let me think. Don’t focus on ways to flee, but in a different direction.’

There are quite a few questionable things right now, so let me address just the two most puzzling problems.

First, how did the report that ‘new humans are here’ come in.

It’s extremely difficult to identify new humans by appearance. So the most plausible hypothesis is that the informant recognized ‘us’ without being affected by cognitive disruption magic and reported us.

Then there’s the vague loophole that they would have mentioned the names ‘Lucas Ascanien’ or ‘Elias Hohenzollern’ precisely, but just in case, I should let it pass for now.

Second, do the vigilante members know that Magic Department Guy is a noble mage.

Of course they wouldn’t know.

The Catacombs’ rejection of nobility is beyond imagination.

There’s no way they’d let a noble mage operate as a Catacombs vigilante.

‘Got the answer.’

I said to Elias.

“Lift your head. Act normally.”

“What?”

“We’re not the only ones in mortal danger right now.”

Elias, who had narrowed his eyebrows as if asking what I meant, gradually twisted his lips into a smile.

If we didn’t know that Magic Department Guy, Magic Department Guy would casually carry out his duties as a Catacombs vigilante.

‘But we know who that bastard is.’

If he recognizes us, he can’t arrest us openly.

Because if we reveal that ‘this person is also a mage from Imperial 2nd Education Institute,’ it would all be over.

Elias said quietly.

“Good. Then… can I act as I please?”

“What are you asking, when you’ve always done as you pleased.”

“Right, if something goes wrong, there’s also the method of smashing everything and getting out.”

Personally, I don’t think that’s a method at all, but I nodded.

If things go wrong, I plan to rewind time.

Retry Lv. 1

― 【Chapter 5】 Move to my most recent checkpoint

― 2.0 points per use

― 2.0 points until next level

* Points held: 10.0 points

* 0.90 luck points until next point acquisition

‘Good.’

Even though I’ve used retry nearly five times so far, thanks to not pouring points elsewhere, I have plenty left over.

“…Thank you. I’ll check quickly.”

From far away, I could hear the conversation between the owner and the 3rd Year Student.

The customers sitting near the entrance were already going through identity verification.

Then, Elias suddenly stood up from his seat.

The vigilante members’ gazes immediately focused on him.

Even though I knew he would move suddenly, it was honestly a startling scene, but Elias asked innocently.

“What is it? What’s going on?”

“We received a report that new humans have entered here.”

One vigilante member answered casually.

Elias glanced at me briefly. Even without giving a signal, he knew well where something was strange.

‘…Huh.’

They didn’t recognize us.

The cognitive disruption magic was properly in effect.

This means no one thought that ‘Elias Hohenzollern’ or ‘Lucas Ascanien’ would be here.

That means the report didn’t come in naming us two, but really came in pointing out new humans.

‘Who on earth would make such a vague report?’

But now wasn’t the time to think about that.

There was one person whose reaction wasn’t typical.

The Magic Department 3rd Year Student standing in front of the counter stared at Elias without blinking once.

Another vigilante member said to us.

“Since you’re up, could you show us your ID here….”

“No, let’s go.”

He cut off the words.

He had that strange smile I’d seen before, but his tone was cold.

“Excuse me?”

“The verification isn’t finished yet.”

“Do I need to say it twice?”

“….”

The other members exchanged glances with each other, then bowed silently to the citizens and left their positions.

Elias muttered in a bewildered voice.

“…What the hell?”

“….”

He must have some experience under his belt.

Even more puzzling.

How can he, a noble mage, be affiliated with the Catacombs, and not just that, but in the vigilante corps, and on top of that, have other commoner mages under his command.

After that, we met Marian Baum and immediately returned to the surface.

Whether we got clues about Robert Mueller or not, now wasn’t the situation to stay there any longer.

“You’re back? Wait, your face…!”

Narke, who had been reading a book in the room, stood up with a shocked expression.

“That’s how it turned out.”

“Wait, Lucas. What turned out how?!”

It’s interesting to see someone with insight abilities being surprised.

I immediately went to my room and called Leo over.

Leo had the same reaction, but there wasn’t time for lengthy explanations.

By then, both Leo and Narke were looking at us with hardened expressions.

“What’s going on? Why do you look like that?”

“Leo, commoners definitely can’t enter the Department of Magic at the Imperial 2nd Education Institute, right?”

“Won’t you tell me?”

“Later.”

Leo glared at me, then exhaled and answered.

“It’s not against regulations, but it’s practically impossible.”

“Has it ever been possible?”

“As far as I know, not in the last 10 years.”

“Right. But I met a 3rd year student from the Department of Magic in the Catacombs.”

“What?!”

Elias shrugged his shoulders.

“You know that guy we played poker with? That’s him. I even talked to him directly, so I’m certain.”

It was definite.

Since he was also here as part of the Imperial 2nd Education Institute representative team receiving training for the competition, I had met him just a few days ago.

“You mean the Vice-Class Representative of Class 2, 3rd Year? That person is Prussian Nobility. He shouldn’t be in a place like that.”

“But he was there. And in the Vigilante Corps, no less.”

“…”

Leo was at a loss for words.

I spoke to Narke, who was showing a similar reaction to Leo.

“Narke.”

“Yeah?”

“Do you think the people there recognized who Elias was?”

“No, if it was a disguise that could be exposed, I wouldn’t have left it as is. And…”

Narke said carefully.

“Lucas, your face isn’t in a state where you’d be easily recognized either.”

That would be right.

Though I was treated at the Catacombs hospital, I took quite a concentrated beating, so my condition isn’t very good.

Also, my face is much less well-known than Elias’s.

Leo, grabbing the back of his neck, asked with a darkened expression.

“…So, how did you end up encountering the Vigilante Corps?”

“A report came in that there were New Humans in the shop where we were.”

“…!”

“That explanation should be enough. Right now, I called you here to revise our plan.”

“How are you going to revise it? I want to tell you to pull out of here immediately. There’s not just one path, so let’s find another method.”

Leo said seriously.

I understand.

But there are too many entangled problems to just go back like this.

Also, from the moment he recognized Elias, we couldn’t just leave this matter alone.

What if he’s the Emperor’s spy?

Just the fact that Elias entered the Catacombs would be enough means to get rid of Elias.

“It may be hard to accept, but now that it’s come to this, we need to go deeper into the Catacombs.”

“That person isn’t there normally, and he even discovered your identities. Do you know what might happen if you stay there longer?”

He’s right.

But if I had intended to withdraw here, I would have rewound time long ago.

‘This isn’t something that can be avoided.’

If we retreat from the Catacombs like this, both my and Elias’s lives will be in danger, and we won’t be able to stop the Emperor’s plan.

But if we push forward, we don’t know what we might encounter in the Catacombs. Leo’s words are a perfectly normal reaction.

However, when comparing the two, it’s a different story.

Between advancing and retreating, the risk of retreating is greater.

“Unfortunately, this matter can’t be resolved without entering that place.”

I looked at Narke and continued speaking.

“So, Narke, there’s something I want to ask of you.”

“What is it?”

“Let’s enter the Catacombs together.”

I quickly waved my hand to stop Leo, who was frowning.

“If we could go, it would be best for all four of us to go, but one person with a known face like Elias is enough.”

“Hmm, I’d like to go too, but…”

Narke muttered.

“…No, I think there might be a better method.”

“What do you mean?”

“It would be better for Leo to go here. I’ll enter later.”

He seems to have something in mind.

Even if I asked, it would just be intuition, so it’s better to just trust him.

In the first place, even if Narke has better magical power, Leo has higher technical scores.

Whoever I take along, as long as we’re not using mental manipulation magic, there won’t be much difference in combat power.

After thinking for a while, Narke said to us.

“Still, it would be good to change your appearances before going.”

“Well, we’ll have to change them. Though it won’t mean much in front of that person.”

“We need to use a different method. If Leo’s okay with it, I’ll lend you my appearance.”

“What do you mean lend, right now?”

To Leo’s incredulous question, Narke smiled and answered.

“Exactly what I said. It’s not that difficult. At least it’s easier than making someone look older.”

“Is it magic you can learn to do?”

“Of course. The orthodox way requires memorizing a three-page formula from the textbook, which is difficult, but someone like Lucas or me can succeed by overlapping it with mental manipulation magic.”

“He’ll just memorize it.”

“…Hmm, that seems likely.”

Narke narrowed his eyes and nodded.

“So, Leo, should I try transforming into you or Elias as a test?”

“Elias.”

At those words, Narke snapped his fingers.

“…!”

Narke’s hair grew longer and turned white.

No, hair wasn’t the issue right now.

Everything from the shape of his eyelids to his nose bridge and lips changed to look like Elias.

“How is it?”

“…El…”

“Ah, I haven’t tried this since I was young, but it’s fun. Is there anything you’ve always wanted to hear?”

At those words, I suddenly returned to reality.

I looked at Elias… no, Narke, who was smiling confidently, and snorted.

“When the real one is right here next to us, what’s the point of hearing it from someone else’s mouth?”

“Someone else~? That’s hurtful, Luca.”

“…!”

“Anyway… so there is something, right? I’m curious what you might want to hear. Should I try to guess?”

Mimicking that characteristic sharp and languid way of speaking, he really seemed like Elias.

Though he wasn’t this flirtatious before, he’s copying only the most charming parts…

Leo was already furrowing his brow, looking at him the way he looks at Elias.

I let out a hollow laugh and said.

“Nice acting, Narke.”

“Right? It feels fresh being called Luca.”

When Narke flicked his hand, his true appearance returned.

“I can lend you my appearance like this. How about it, Leo. Are you interested in infiltrating the Catacombs with my face?”

“…No, I don’t understand why I can’t operate with my own face. Do I really have to infiltrate with your face?”

“I usually don’t like to make absolute statements, but yes.”

‘Hmm.’

I should ask about this part in more detail.

Leo, who had been squinting with discomfort for a while, sighed and nodded.

“Fine, there’s no problem.”

“Haha, it might be a bit awkward, but thanks.”

Narke smiled gently.

I stared at Narke like that and stroked my chin. Then Elias chuckled mischievously.

“Ah, looks like Luca thought of something else to use.”

“No, it’s not that. I have something to ask, Narke.”

“Mm?”

“You just need to avoid infiltrating the Catacombs, right?”

“That’s right.”

“Then, can you transform into me right now?”

“Right now I’m a bit low on power since I used it earlier, but it’s possible if I drink an elixir. But why… ah.”

Narke smiled as if he quickly caught on to my thoughts.

* * *

“Hmm.”

A cafe outside the dormitory.

Someone approaching the terrace stopped in front of a table.

It was the table where Lucas, or more precisely, Narke in his appearance, was sitting.

Narke, who was sitting with coffee in front of him, only raised his eyes to look at the other person.

“…”

Though it was his first time seeing him, he could tell who he was through his ability.

The 3rd year student from the Department of Magic that Lucas and Elias had mentioned pulled out a chair and sat down.

“You haven’t been attending classes lately.”

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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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