Chapter 240
Chapter 240
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 240
Chapter Title: How to Survive as the Second Son of a Magical Noble Family
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[Dear new and old humanity of all nations, welcome to Berlin.]
The strategy room.
The Emperor's dignified voice, amplified by a loudspeaker spell to cleanly overpower the cheers, echoed through the bunker. Yet inside the bunker, where people listened, a suffocating silence prevailed.
From the radio artifact, the roar of the crowd began to pour in like a waterfall. To me, though, the ticking of the analog clock's second hand moving notch by notch rang louder. Or perhaps it wasn't the clock—it felt more like my own heartbeat.
'5.'
[Our Empire is delighted to take a leap that will go down in history alongside our great allies in this great city of Berlin. This first international Pentathlon is the fruit of the sweat and effort of 56 nations.]
'10.'
[This international event will best showcase how humanity has progressed and advanced. The humanity living in the present now lives in a better future. Today is more advanced than yesterday, and tomorrow holds more hope than today. Humanity has always triumphed, and this place where you stand, this Pentathlon, symbolizes that victory.]
'...19, 20.'
The Emperor closed his mouth, smiled, and lightly turned his head to slowly survey the audience from 56 nations.
'21.'
The second hand's gear clicked forward one notch.
The ticking grated on my nerves. The moment I became aware of it, another second had already passed.
'...23.'
Soon, the Emperor gazed firmly at the mana-powered camera broadcasting him, his initial confident smile intact, and spoke with emphasis.
'24.'
[God is with us.]
'25.'
[May God's blessing be upon you!]
Boom—
Small fireworks exploded at the arena's height inside, followed by massive ones soaring toward the night sky.
Cheers crashed down again like being submerged in water, accompanied by orchestral music evoking a triumphal march filtering through the artifact.
Beep—
30.
Nothing happened.
The commander glanced down at the pocket watch in his hand.
A short performance before the opening ceremony's main event continued.
Even as the second hand reached one minute from the start, no issues arose at the opening ceremony.
The commander lifted his gaze from the watch and looked at us—me, the doctor, and the Minister of Magic.
"Well, congratulations."
"……."
"We've successfully passed the first hurdle."
The commander's voice was flat, showing no sign of joy.
"This was just the first step among hundreds of hurdles. We must maintain this level of vigilance for the next five hours as the opening proceeds."
He spoke with added weight, as if confirming the facts for us.
"We can't stop here. You know why. They might have contingency plans in case of failure. Or they could lose their reason and act recklessly once the first plan fails."
The doctor then spoke with a regretful expression.
"If we could have deciphered the code, we would have known exactly when their terror plot was set to unfold. If we'd waited for them then and caught them, we could have conserved more of our strength than now. Even if we fully cracked all eleven characters now, there's no time left to decode it…."
I disagreed.
From the moment they openly handed us the code, we shouldn't have thought of decoding it to stop their crime.
That would have been falling for their trick.
Besides, I'd already solved it. From the instant I received Elias's message, I'd analyzed the eleven letters, the three-word combination.
That code wasn't foreshadowing this mana lamp terror—it wasn't even signaling the timing. It was just a phrase whose intent I still couldn't fully grasp.
In the end, knowing the code wouldn't have helped with this mana lamp incident at all.
The commander nodded.
"Exactly. This isn't the time to decode even if we know it. Even if the Empire's top codebreakers from the Prussian Kingdom Army's decryption unit took the job, it'd take at least two days."
The commander gripped a long rod and pointed at the map on the table.
"Excellency Ascanien's 'feint' plan had a tremendous effect in holding off the enemy's decisions. Today, a total of 1,614 related mages were mobilized for cooling spells, with 754 from outside Brandenburg. Without the event, the terrorists would have grown suspicious seeing 754 mages pass through Brandenburg checkpoints. Even without checkpoints, they'd have seen warp-induced coordinate mana overload as no small matter."
Essentially, we'd scraped together everyone in the nation who could use ice magic. This number was impossible with innate abilities alone; we'd brought in teachers from magic academies everywhere—experts in advanced spells like freezing and manipulating natural elements.
The commander continued.
"Now, we have work to do."
Yes. It was time to remove the phosphine.
We'd kept temperatures from rising near the ignition points, but we couldn't keep the interiors cold forever.
With the enemy neutralized, it was time to extinguish the spark of danger.
The Minister of Magic looked at us and said,
"Now that the phosphine explosion plot is off the table, breaking the glass to spread runaway chemicals is impossible. So we can methodically, right in front of the culprits, purify the pipes and remove the phosphine—they have no counter."
The minister smiled as he spoke.
"Alright, now we'll proceed with the blackout in stages. Of course, after establishing sufficient defenses and terror prevention measures, we'll set the order of locations to purge gas from the pipes and move."
"Yes."
"Now let's decide that order."
* * *
[I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. And I will send down showers upon them; there will be showers of blessing.]
One hour after the opening.
The doctor's energetic voice came through the artifact.
It was the notification that we'd successfully removed all the phosphine.
Ezekiel 34:26. This was the final code of the day. Meaning complete closure, it signaled no more codes needed—but this one was more symbolic for the ad-hoc committee members.
In the main stadium—the opening venue—lights often dimmed for program effects. The committee requested five minutes of blackout time, and the organizers agreed, performing with mana lights only.
After handling the main stadium, things went smoothly. Unlike before the cooling spells when we had to remove phosphine from all spaces at once, the committee spent an hour sequentially suctioning air from every lamp pipe on the grounds, applying purification spells. They even finished reinstalling horizontal barriers inside ceilings to prevent recurrence.
But it wasn't time to relax yet.
Not until it was completely over.
With the doctor's help, I left the committee. The crown prince had tasked me only with the mana lamp terror; I couldn't stay longer. The ministry acknowledged my contributions officially, but despite the results, I was still just a rookie 101st batch mage.
Remaining terror prevention was up to them. I'd done my part.
'I hope they block it well.'
I hoped the imperial government seized this chance at least this once. This peace we'd carved out—whatever else the enemy planned, thoroughly stopping it was their job.
I stood quietly at the staff passage warp point, gazing outside, then checked the time.
One more hour, then back in. Until then, the entire 101st batch had free time.
Now I'd be assigned to Eschet's original facility inspections and checkpoints.
But I couldn't rely solely on the government; vigilance couldn't slack. I'd check one last time for any suspicious plans here.
'Before that.'
Ten minutes rest.
Descending the stairs to the basement, I loosened my neck muscles and took deep breaths.
"Three days, huh."
The moment I entered the sublevel one of the main stadium for the staff lounge, an unexpected voice rang out.
It was Leo.
"Good work."
Leo said with a faint smile.
I scanned around and cast a soundproof spell.
"You knew?"
About my brief committee stint at the end. From his tone, he knew what I'd done there too.
"I was informed. See? Everything's gone smoothly so far."
"You mean the opening? No."
"Really?"
Did he have time to watch? I'd been glued to maps in the committee, only briefly stepping out before returning repeatedly. No chance to properly view the opening.
Leo smiled, uncrossed his arms, and extended a hand.
"Guess we watch now. Let's go."
* * *
The outside atmosphere felt different from pre-opening, when we'd watched from the museum front for duty.
Beyond the venue, faces watching the splendid ceremony from afar were all smiles. Small mana lamps strung along bare winter tree branches on the streets evoked 21st-century Christmas.
Maybe not much had changed since earlier. Unlike pre-opening, I had no heavy official duty now, and with the first crisis passed an hour in, the world I saw might just feel more vibrant.
Still, my nerves focused on air and ground mana checks, though better than before when millions hung on my hands.
"Nice day. Great day."
A stranger old human handed flowers to me and Leo and left. So many along the path held similar bouquets—who knew how many they'd distributed.
These must be the 'summer flowers' Elias mentioned. Thick, bright orange blooms odd for winter, like from the tropics.
I silently infused mana into my flower. Blew too hard—when the mana faded, it wilted slightly. I felt Leo's baffled stare.
"What's that? Better safe than sorry."
"No one's said anything yet, Lucas."
"Take an imperial paper~"
I took the newspaper thrust by a vendor.
The front page blazed with vivid color coverage of the Pentathlon opening. It had a sound filter.
Of course, no need—the scenes played on huge screens dotting the grounds, mana glowing.
I folded the paper and asked,
"Where we headed?"
"Observation deck. Kids are there."
One deck at the venue's end.
Off-limits to general spectators due to terror risks; only registered staff like me and Leo.
I nodded, ending the talk, but now Leo spoke.
"Rest well at the hospital?"
"Yeah. Read all the books you sent."
"What? For real?"
"Yeah."
Not that I lounged—I planned and decoded first. But Leo seemed satisfied, thinking I'd lazed as intended.
We paused briefly for the play by the Spree River, passed the museum park still bustling. My bouquet had grown enough for a proper bunch.
"Your achievement."
The sudden remark from beside me. Leo watched kids picnicking across the river, gazing at the sky.
I got why he said that. I cast soundproof and replied casually.
"Could see it that way, somewhat. But you know, I only suggested freezing buildings and a fire show."
"Hahaha!"
Leo laughed heartily, unusually.
In his palace tone, low:
"Simplify anything, and it sounds mundane."
"……."
"The minister told you low-cost, high-efficiency— you get it. Countermeasures needn't be complex. If too convoluted no one understands, it's a high-cost time-sink itself. With an hour and a half left? Right?"
"True."
"Before calling you, the committee obsessed over this mana lamp case—close to right. But without your two suggestions?"
Leo looked at me.
"Think we'd handle it fast and safe? If their plan went smoothly, why call you? For high school observation?"
"……."
"His Highness called because they requested an expert. To the committee, millions of citizens here, all nobles including me—you, the strategist, were needed."
"Yeah. But why bring it up now?"
"You act like you just strolled the neighborhood. Not saying boast, but…"
Leo chuckled softly at my tone, smiling faintly.
"Their smiles? You drew them out. Take some pride."
I saw why.
Encouragement, but as royalty too.
In places where humility isn't supreme virtue, nobles and royals needn't hide or downplay feats.
Not bragging obnoxiously, but natural attitude from mindset.
Maybe because I'm Bavarian affiliated—precisely Nikolaus, but anyway.
I nodded vaguely.
"Got it."
"Lucas."
Leo called my name abruptly. I nodded for more; he said plainly but earnestly.
"After opening, to Bavaria."
"Why Bavaria? We go all the time."
Leo just smiled, no answer.
His silent smirks lately mimicked Heike or Cheringen.
I smacked Leo's back lightly and climbed the deck stairs.
* * *
At the deck, as Leo said, friends waited.
Just our team here.
Sadly, Narke stuck with French team; other four present.
"Lucas, hi~ Three days."
Cheringen spotted me first, waving smiling. Elias whipped around.
"Oh!"
Elias had a blue flower in his ear.
His usual messy hair neatly tucked under a hat, but new dress code violation surprised me. Looking half-mad, I nodded at the flower.
"What're you doing?"
"Some kid gave it. Jealous? Kids love me."
"Sure. Anyway, read your letter."
Elias stared silently.
I smiled, replying to his letter.
"Of course I'm in. Whatever you bring, I'm in."
Elias smirked.
"Ah~ Reliable! If I go wild, Luca cleans up."
"That's Leo."
"What?"
I waved off Leo following behind, sending him away. Luckily, Ullrike engaged him.
"Glad you're joining my plan. Honestly, wanna spill all three days' schemes now, but…"
Elias slung arm over my shoulder, gazing down at the full Pentathlon grounds from the rail.
"First, enjoy. Peace you made."
"Similar to someone else. But not time to relax yet."
"True. Won't till end. Wanna buy a clock, fast-forward to tomorrow."
Elias unusually serious, then whispered.
"But you handled it—if they screw up now… Those terrorists, not weed either. Palace or gov should block themselves now. If not…"
Elias shook head vigorously, face stern.
"My take: our esteemed…"
Thinking he'd say behead Emperor or crown prince, I smacked his mouth. Elias backed off.
"Yeah, details after opening, at dorms. Oh, Julia proposed to us earlier."
"What."
"Post-opening, get leave, trip! How 'bout Baden-Baden?"
"……."
Trip good, but Baden-Baden bad memories. Plus Freiburg archdiocese covers Baden?
"Change venue only."
"Haha, you too, huh."
"Yeah, kinda."
"Then venue change, we're going?! Any days?"
"Yeah."
Elias grinned mischievously, dashed to Cheringen.
Then Heike, who'd stared piercingly, popped up.
"Lucas."
"Yeah, Heike."
"Where were you? Searched all day."
"Really? Sorry…"
Heike's bluntness aside—normal—, friends except Leo and Elias-via-Leo didn't know my doings.
"Had other business. Why search?"
"Post-opening, kids wanna trip."
"Yeah."
"Before, photo with me and team? That studio before."
"Not bad. You go often for pics."
"Yeah. Five times this week."
Huh?
I masked surprise, smiled.
"You changed a doorframe there…"
"I refurnished whole place."
"Haha, right."
"For real. First year."
Doubting what I heard, I asked precisely.
"Uh, so Heike. You literally refurnished? Metaphor?"
"Bought directly. Asked good furniture maker, paid by covering cost. Second year on, cash."
"……."
No wonder unrecognizable shabby studio had pricey wood furniture. He'd bankrolled it all.
"Anyway, sure. Didn't expect you first. Surprising."
"Not really?"
"No way. Keep being open."
Heike smiled faintly, nodded, looked down.
Holy power rain fell from sky again. Part two nearing; prep time. Heike reached for the light.
"Relieved no incidents at opening. Gave me unusual courage."
He hadn't said, but tense too. Phosphine matches plenty reason—targeted me, but in his name originally.
I nodded, leaned on rail beside him.
Couldn't drop guard, wouldn't—but atmosphere comfortable.
* * *
[All clear.]
Midnight into February 25.
No issues at venue yet.
Then alert for team rotations via artifact.
Next major program: international friendly tournament Heike mentioned.
Prelim alert rung; we'd all returned to stadium.
Elias and I stood at a staff passage side, magicking fallen imperial papers into corridor bins. Filters everywhere doubled noise.
Program not started—why noisy?
'Imperial paper interviewing.'
"Wanna interview too."
Elias quipped picking paper.
I nodded, checked floor papers for anomalies, pulled safe ones with mana.
Paper filter played new athlete interview.
[First Pentathlon post last imperial champs—three years! Fans ecstatic. Long prep, passion rumors. Before tournament mindset, your resolve?]
[Cool.]
'Huh?'
Odd reply.
I chuckled, eyed real-time foreign subtitles.
Asked resolve—'cool'?
Off-topic; tense. Paper face sour.
Mentally cheered, moved to filter.
[Really cool. Worked insane for this day.]
'…?'
Paused removing filter.
Athlete near tears. Smile or cry? Others confused too—audience beyond wall hushed.
Elias sensed odd, froze reading paper.
Reporter flustered, tried smoothing.
[Uh, burdened pre-match athlete too much. We'll stop…]
[Sorry.]
[Pardon? No…]
[Can't. Can't do it. No.]
He shook head crying.
Pulled gun from pocket, pressed temple.
Screen shook. Before blackout, gunshot.