The Mage’s Nemesis Has Reincarnated - Chapter 55

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Natural Enemy of Mages Has Been Reincarnated – Episode 55
A sudden Quest appeared.
A Quest that succeeds the moment I leave the McLafflin Family, according to Father’s words.
It was truly simple.
The reward was sweet as well.
‘They’re offering 2,000 proficiency as a reward? I can’t possibly refuse this.’
Typically, reaching 1-Star requires 100 proficiency, then 300 for the next tier, and 1,000 after that.
In other words, receiving 2,000 as a reward means I could jump from 1-Star all the way to 4-Star in one leap.
I absolutely must accept it to accumulate proficiency for the 5th-tier skill I recently learned.
And I’ll need to leave the family anyway to build proficiency going forward.
‘I feel sorry for Russell, but I have no choice but to accept.’
Originally, I’d planned to renounce my position as successor and hand over the family headship, but that’s no longer possible.
How could I refuse when the Quest is urging me to leave the family?
Having made his decision, Zeke silently accepted the Quest.
Meanwhile, Gerard misunderstands as he watches his two sons standing in silence.
“You both seem quite shocked. Well, it’s only natural to be startled by such a sudden demand to leave the family. But there are reasons for all of this. Shall we sit down and discuss the details?”
“Yes…”
Zeke and Russell sat down with bewildered expressions.
“The existing method of selecting a successor involved subjugating monsters or achieving certain accomplishments—a system that favored those with higher Circles. Because of this, the family head was practically decided before the trial even began.”
It was true that a higher Circle made becoming family head easier.
Peter, the eldest, was favored as successor for this very reason.
The existing trial method left no room for the other brothers to compete.
“This system led to the unfortunate incident where assassins were hired to kill brothers—an outcome that should never have occurred. Without that method, there was virtually no way for them to become successor. Regardless, it’s something that should never happen.”
Gerard sighed as he recalled the incident with Alex and continued.
“Therefore, I concluded that the successor trial needed to be fundamentally restructured. I believed everyone deserved a fair opportunity.”
“Is this the result? Leaving the family for two years…?”
Gerard nodded at Russell’s words.
“Yes. What you both lack is experience of the world. You’ve reached an age where you should be independent, so leave the shelter of the family and travel the world to build your reputation.”
“Build our reputation…?”
“When exactly two years have passed and you return, I will appoint whoever has built the greatest renown as my successor. This is the new method for the successor trial.”
It was certainly fairer than the previous system.
Regardless of Circle, one person could idle away two years while another could strive—such was the nature of it.
Of course, having a higher Circle does provide an advantage in building renown.
But that alone won’t win the trial.
The true purpose of this test was to evaluate various qualities—self-reliance, resourcefulness, survival instinct, and more.
“What do you think? About this revised trial method?”
“I think it’s fair.”
“So do I.”
As Russell and Zeke answered in turn, Gerard’s face broke into a satisfied smile.
He had been worried they might resist inwardly.
Moreover, both sons displayed the will to become the family head.
“Seeing that you both answered affirmatively, I take it you’re both willing to participate in the trial?”
“Yes.”
“Yes.”
The responses came almost simultaneously.
Russell glanced sideways at me.
It was a far cry from what we’d discussed outside the door.
“Very well. I’ve confirmed your intentions. The trial begins today, so return to your quarters and prepare to depart.”
“Ah….”
“Yes.”
Though sudden, Russell and I left the room without protest.
Click—
“Hey, Zeke.”
The moment we stepped out, Russell grabbed me.
“What’s going on? That’s not what you said earlier. Didn’t you say you were giving up your candidacy?”
He’d said he’d relinquish the successor position, but the moment we entered, he’d flipped his words like turning over his palm.
One could reasonably feel toyed with in such a situation.
That’s why I needed to clarify myself here.
‘But I can’t tell him it’s because of the Quest.’
So what reason would work?
After a fleeting moment of deliberation, I put on an apologetic expression.
“I’m sorry, brother. My mind has changed.”
“…Just like that?”
“Standing before Father, I couldn’t bring myself to say I’d give up. Only then did I realize the truth—I do have ambition for the position of family head.”
“So… you’re saying you’ll compete with me for the family head position?”
I nodded silently.
Even though I harbored no such ambition whatsoever.
‘I have to pretend to be ambitious. If I stoke his competitive spirit, Russell won’t grow complacent over these two years.’
If I assured him I’d hand over the family head position, Russell might spend two years indulging himself without restraint.
He might even neglect his efforts and walk the path of his own decline.
‘Forgive me, brother. This is all for your sake, so don’t be upset.’
But contrary to my concerns, Russell showed no sign of displeasure.
Rather, he wore an awkward smile.
“I was happy thinking I’d become family head so easily… but of all people, you’re bidding to compete. This is troublesome.”
Russell, who had been whining, seemed to gather his resolve and changed his expression.
Then he suddenly extended his hand.
“But I can’t give up either. Let’s have a fair competition, brother.”
I gazed at his hand for a moment, then smiled and clasped it.
“Yes, brother.”

* * *
News of the newly revised successor’s trial spread with remarkable speed.
Christina was the first to hear the news and came rushing over.
“Darling! Is that really true? You’re truly going to cast Russell out of the family?”
“It’s not casting him out—it’s sending him forth to prove himself. To test his qualifications as a successor.”
“That’s the same thing!”
Despite Christina’s frantic outburst, Gerard remained unmoved.
He understood.
He understood the heart of a wife who must part with her only hope, her son, for two years.
“Don’t be so distressed. It’s not just Russell leaving—Zeke is departing as well.”
“Zeke is none of my concern! How could you possibly send our Russell away like this?”
“Russell is twenty years old now. He’s long past the age when he should have become independent.”
“But…!”
“Consider Peter. That boy had to leave home at twelve for his magical studies. You sent him off willingly then—why do you object now when it comes to Russell?”
“That’s… that’s completely different! Magical training isn’t something everyone can pursue, and it’s an opportunity to broaden one’s magical horizons!”
“And what became of that opportunity? Didn’t he walk a crooked path instead of broadening his horizons?”
“…”
“Of course, I cannot blame you alone. I too consented to sending Peter to the Magic Tower. I simply didn’t know it would be such a perilous place…”
“Are you planning to send Russell to a perilous place as well?”
“Perilous? You speak of Russell as though he were a three-year-old child. Isn’t it time he stepped beyond the confines of the family’s protection?”
“…”
Christina found no words to counter him, yet her worry remained unbearable.
“I… I want to go with Russell. Please let me accompany him.”
“Absolutely not. Russell must go alone. Those are the rules of the successor’s trial. No member of the family may aid him.”
“That makes no sense! I’m telling you to let me go with him!”
Christina threw a tantrum, but Gerard remained immovable.
Instead, his stern gaze offered a single alternative.
“If you insist, there is one way.”
“What is it?”
“Abandon the successor’s trial. Then all problems are solved. Will you do that?”
“…”
Christina fell silent like one struck dumb, her lips sealed shut.
For now, she had no choice but to let her only son depart.

* * *
There was one more person who had to send their son away.
Zeke’s mother, Daina.
Yet unlike Christina, she did not cling to her son.
Instead, she asked with a note of bewilderment.
“Zeke. Are you truly set on taking the successor’s trial?”
“Yes.”
“I thought you had no interest in becoming a successor?”
“At first I didn’t, but as time passed, I found myself growing interested.”
“I see. If that is truly your wish, then I suppose there’s nothing to be done about it.”
Her voice carried an unmistakable note of reluctance.
After all, the thought of being separated from her only son for two years filled her with worry and dread.
Even at sixteen, Zeke remained nothing but a child in Daina’s eyes.
And Zeke was not unaware of these feelings.
‘I’m sorry, Mother. I must leave for the Quest. For the proficiency of my Fifth Awakening skill, if nothing else.’
I glanced to one corner of my vision.
There, the information of the Fifth Awakening skill I had just acquired today floated before me.
[Fifth Awakening Skill: Magic Replication]
-Achievement: ★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (1-Star)
-Type: Active
-Proficiency: 0/100
-Effect: Randomly acquire one magic spell from those learned by your opponent. The acquired magic can be used permanently. You must approach closely to replicate, and cannot use this skill on targets who have not learned magic.
-Cooldown: None
-Special Notes: Using Magic Replication increases proficiency. Only one magic spell can be replicated per target. There is no limit to the number of magic spells that can be replicated. Upon achieving 9-Star achievement, the Sixth Awakening skill will unlock.
Fifth Awakening Skill: Magic Replication.
True to its name, it was a skill that allowed me to replicate one of an opponent’s magic spells, and once replicated, I could use it permanently—a tremendous advantage.
For someone like me who could only use magic after an opponent had already cast theirs, this skill was like rain in a drought.
But the drawbacks were equally clear.
‘The replication happens randomly from the target’s available spells. It only works on mages. And I can only replicate one spell per person. Those are the real limitations.’
Of course, the fact that there was no limit to the number of replications more than compensated for all these drawbacks.
It meant I could potentially learn hundreds, even thousands of spells.
Though for that, I would need to encounter hundreds of mages.
‘That’s why I have to venture out. I need to meet as many mages as possible.’
Whether to raise my proficiency or to learn more spells, I had no choice but to leave.
There was no point in remaining in my room practicing magic absorption with Carbollearos any longer.
‘Let’s go. Time to meet more mages.’
I began packing my belongings with purpose.

* * *
The time had come.
Zeke and Russell, their preparations complete, stood before the Duke’s Mansion.
“Are you ready?”
“Yes.”
“Go forth and do well.”
Gerard had much he wished to say, yet he kept his words brief.
Should he reveal even a hint of reluctance, the resolve he had so carefully steeled might waver.
For the sake of his departing sons, he had to remain steadfast.
Meanwhile, the two women beside him already had tears glistening in their eyes at the thought of sending their sons away.
Anticipating the hardships they would endure for two years, the tears would not cease.
Yet their children proved far more resilient than expected.
“Mother, please don’t cry. I’ll return safely.”
“I’ll come back as a stronger son, so please don’t worry too much.”
“Sniff… Yes.”
“Stay healthy… and return well.”
“Yes! Then, we’re off!”
“I’ll return with a name made for myself!”
With spirited words, Zeke and Russell set forth on their journey.
Leaving behind the farewells of all who had gathered.
“….”
“….”
The two walked in silence along the Forest Path.
Without a carriage, carrying only a single travel bag, they walked on and on.
With each step, the Duke’s Mansion receded further, and so too did their family.
“Elder brother.”
“Hmm?”
“Let’s part ways here.”
Zeke spoke these words as the Crossroads came into view ahead.
His eyes held not a trace of fear.
Just moments before, Russell had been consumed with worry about how he would survive.
Yet seeing his younger brother’s composed demeanor, Russell felt oddly ashamed of his own anxiety.
His pride as the elder brother had been wounded.
Russell reclaimed the confidence he had lost.
“Yes. Let’s part ways here.”
“Yes, brother. I’ll see you again in two years.”
Zeke turned without hesitation and moved forward.
Russell too released any lingering attachment.
This was no ordinary trial—it was the successor’s test.
One could never become the family head with a wavering heart.
“Good luck out there, Zeke!”
Russell vanished into the Forest Path with those final words.
Turning back, I watched my older brother disappear, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of my mouth.
Then, barely audible, I murmured in return.
“Same to you, brother.”
The succession trial for both of us had begun.

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