Chapter 279
Chapter 279
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 279
Chapter Title: How to Survive as the Second Son of a Magical Noble Family (279)
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I shoved Leo aside without thinking and bolted. The door's lock was unfamiliar, and I nearly got caught on it, but luckily I didn't. Elias, who had been waiting outside the room, chased after me.
“Luca?!”
“Block that bastard for me!”
“Huh?!”
“Lucas! Where are you going!”
Where am I going? What does he mean where? If he could talk sense, I'd try reasoning with him, but who tells someone to drink 30ml of blood without explanation? I've made my refusal crystal clear—why can't he get it and stop following? Why is that guy sprinting full speed too?
Just looking at blood makes me sick now. Now that I know my situation, there's no way it doesn't disgust me. And that blood is probably human with a high likelihood, right? Why won't he answer?
Elias chased behind me and turned his head, yelling.
“Leo, what did you say to Luca!”
“Stay out of it!”
“You always tell me to butt out! That's not fair! I wanna go too!”
‘What the hell!'
I could hear Elias whining. This wasn't the time. I couldn't trust Elias either. I drew my wand from my belt and rolled it between my fingers.
Boom—!
I slammed my staff down behind me to brace myself and rolled forward. Red magic and divine power erupted together, causing the floor in front of Leo to buckle upward.
“Whoa!”
“Ah.”
I raced down the stairs almost like I was falling. I couldn't let myself spill into the hallway here or stop. Leo was probably already heading down the opposite stairs. The problem was that my bones were creaking all over from lying down too long. I cursed inwardly as I thought.
'They had warp magic earlier.'
Should I try it? Sure, it'd use a ton of mental power, and going outside in patient clothes wasn't ideal, but if I was heading to the hospital...
Boom—!
“...!”
A plant vine shot from a gap in the ceiling and grabbed my leg.
At the same time, sky-blue magic exploded in front of me. Pain shot through my jaw as it hit the floor. My head rang. Amid it all, plants grew from every direction, wrapping my arms and fingers, stretching endlessly down the hall. Pale green leaves sprouted across my vision. It felt like I'd been dumped in the middle of a botanical garden.
“Lucas.”
Leo approached, catching his breath, and stood in front of me, trying to speak calmly.
“This is my house. Forgot?”
“...Yeah... Fighting in someone else's home turf is pretty hopeless. Thanks for the personal demo.”
It wasn't just home turf—it was literally his house, which showed how out of my mind I was. Thinking that, I quickly scanned my surroundings. Leo knelt on one knee in front of me and said.
“Right? Hope it was a good lesson.”
“Good my ass.”
Boom—!
I ripped the plants off my arms and swung my wand. Leo ducked nimbly, eyes widening, dodging the attack. In that instant, the vines around my legs tightened harder. Leo patted his chest in surprise, raised a barrier in front of himself, and said.
“You're caught anyway—why bother? I'm shocked....”
“Can't help it; I'm pissed.”
“......”
This unique ability is straight-up broken. Realistically, it'd be perfect for science or horticulture, but guys obsessed with combat magic think differently.
I pressed my face against the densely packed plant vines on the floor and closed my eyes. The grassy smell was nice. If only the guy in front of me would head back upstairs.
“Lucas.”
“I already expressed it loud and clear: no. Quit it and go.”
“Yeah, it can't taste good yet.”
“Yet? So you're saying it'll change later?”
My voice sharpened on its own. Leo didn't answer, just shrugged. There was no emotion in his eyes. Was he deliberately trying to erase the disgust? It felt like I was feeling all the revulsion he should be.
“...I don't know what this blood is, but thanks for preparing it anyway. Still, asking someone to drink blood humanely? Nah.”
“No, you have to drink it.”
“......”
Why?
I could guess. But why? I'm fine right now, and like anyone, I don't want to drink blood.
Silence stretched. Leo moved first. I grabbed both his arms as he tried to force the vial to my mouth and pushed back. Leo pushed my hands with equal force.
“No, I said no... you stubborn bastard....”
“Don't resist and just drink...! I drew it for your health. You have to drink it—what am I supposed to do if you don't?”
“It's yours? What do you mean what?! Who asked you to draw it?!”
A hollow laugh burst out. My blood pressure was spiking—I felt like I'd collapse. That last line nearly made everything come up. His Highness the Crown Prince did something thoughtful for once, but drawing blood—and human blood, no less? Blood? Human blood? Leo's blood? Was my brain rewriting it as something else? This was insane. Like hell it'd go down easy.
Leo, arms pinned by me, barely capped the vial and yanked his arms free.
“Fine, I figured talking wouldn't work, so I said drink first, but no dice. I'll explain.”
“What do you take me for?”
Leo ignored me and placed a hand on my back. Right on the core spot—the one that'd kill me instantly in a duel—so my grip tightened on my wand instinctively. Leo glanced at it and said.
“See. You're absorbing my magic right now?”
“......”
“You stopped after waking up. When you're conscious, the absorption doesn't activate. Lucky, but you know what that implies too.”
Footsteps approached then retreated. Elias, probably. As I closed my eyes and exhaled deeply, Leo continued in a sinking voice.
“Next time you absorb someone's magic, it'll be like at the cathedral—after you pass out. Your core's still growing even as its growth phase ends, so it needs fuel.”
“Then I'll just absorb magic directly.”
Not elixir talk. Elixir works differently; it can't replenish magic. He seemed to mean I had to consume others' magic to grow, but elixir is artificial magic that boosts my core to circulate my own magic smoothly. It's enhancing what I already have.
“Without blood, you'll attack people like everyone else. You can't absorb in your natural state due to self-preservation. Hell, absorbing without harm via blood is miraculous. Be grateful we have this method.”
“...Not normal.”
“So what? You've never been normal in my eyes.”
“......”
“Better to supplement proactively as your core's capacity grows than wait for problems. Try adapting until we make a proper drug.”
I let out a weak laugh.
Let's be honest. Just thinking I might seek blood like other Pleromas makes me want to end myself. Those Pleromas I killed with my own hands—now I'm one. I might do the same. Unknowingly crave others' magic, pass out like at mass, maybe even rip throats next time. That's reality.
Try adapting.
No matter how positively I spin it, I can't shake the identity crisis. Can't fully rewind time, have to hide the truth and rely on friends' goodwill. Do they get that I can't erase these thoughts? I know the pun about becoming Ahura Mazda to shatter Thus Spoke Zarathustra's worldview, but humans can't stand alone outside society—without constant effort, my mind bends to norms.
But Leo's pushing blood to prevent the worst. Before that goodwill, I can't argue more.
I want to go back to extra chapters. At least I could forget there. Just focus on info-gathering.
Boom—
I punched the floor, shredding vines with magic, and slumped on the stairs behind.
“...A lot, so it's gross, right? Had to compare to Elias's blood. Small tests showed no difference. ...If you start drinking, you might need more someday, so I tested big. Different magic amounts and types we put in—drink this first and tell me.”
Leo's words faded in my ears.
Something surged before even tasting. Anyone would react like this. Human blood. Not sheep or pig—human. Not from a stranger, but a close friend.
“......”
Is this okay for a person? My vision swam; I couldn't see straight. Hadn't done anything, yet I felt like a murderer.
But delaying won't help. Leo's still persuading.
I snatched the vial from him and poured the blood down my throat.
“...! Urk...!”
Predictably, failure. Blood spilled on the floor. The healing magic inside slid down, but its freshness couldn't mask the disgust. Crucially, my body yanked it in as it hit my throat. The sensation was too alien. I retched until nothing came up. Vision blurred.
“Sorry.”
“......”
“I get you prepared it thoughtfully, but it won't go down.”
Not sure if I spoke clearly. Some alert about points popped up, but no headspace for it. Dribbling blood annoyed me. Hair hung over my face as I bowed; couldn't see Leo's expression.
A calmer voice than expected came.
“It's fine. Hmm, you need time to adjust.”
“Don't wanna adjust.”
“......”
“Sorry, I'm not right in the head. Pretend you didn't hear.”
“No, I get it. Wanting to adjust would be weirder. Your reaction's totally normal.”
I wiped my mouth with my hand. Crimson blood smeared. Even then, healing magic tingled my skin. I could tell how much magic he'd poured in.
“But if you don't adjust, you'll die.”
“......”
“It's not your fault. Just your nature. Or your brother's doing. We'll find a cure since you don't want it... but Mom never saw this negatively. Other magic medics would agree.”
“...Yeah.”
“If Pleromas didn't exist, everyone'd want your power. Even here, ignore norms—anyone'd kill for endless growth without limits. It's a blessing for most.”
I smiled faintly. It felt more like helpless surrender.
The archbishop's words—maybe mine—weren't wrong. Just stay centered. Weapon or downfall, it's my call.
From retry experience, Leo wouldn't rate this power highly. He'd question why I got it. Yet he's consoling me now.
'Right.'
Snap out of it.
Do what it takes. For now. How many friends would draw their blood for you? Even Adrian Ascanien didn't predict this. With Elias and Leo trying harder than me, I can't stay confused forever. Pre-blood shock, I'd been centering myself okay—thanks to that, sorting thoughts was easier. Keep it up. I wiped my face with my sleeve and checked the remaining vial.
“...Thanks. Half left—I'll take it to Berlin.”
Infusing divine power disrupted perception; vial and blood turned elixir-like. No stronger divine mage around to break it.
Leo said.
“Yeah. Lucas, talk to the others before Berlin. We'll go too, but others there—hard to relax.”
“Sure, sounds good.”
“And... next world, what about it? Tell Elias the new trait?”
“......”
He asked thinking I should.
Considering Elias's care, my open situation—yes, tell him. Hiding might hurt more.
“If needed.”
Unaffected Elias—can he accept? No certainty; gotta talk.
“Yeah. Good. Don't tell Narké.”
“Why?”
“Can't give you blood. Pointless.”
Leo beckoned like come on. To take me to Elias. I stood and followed.
Narké's normal. No bad feelings. Providing drinking blood ain't normal.
More pressing: before checkpoint refresh, upgrade Retry.
Retry Lv. 3
― Most recent checkpoint: ‘Theatiner Cathedral Eucharist’
― Manual single-use checkpoint within 6 hours (1/3)
― 2.0 points per use
― 6.0 points to next level
* Held points: 64.0 points
* Luck to next point gain: 0.8 points
64 points.
Mostly unused from prior rewards.
Plenty.
Retry Lv. 4
― Most recent checkpoint: ‘Theatiner Cathedral Eucharist’
― Manual single-use checkpoint within 6 hours (1/6)
― 2.0 points per use
― 8.0 points to next level
* Held points: 58.0 points
* Luck to next point gain: 0.5 points
'Hm.'
6 points for three extra manual slots. Nice if used up, but can't stop. Spent 8 for Lv. 5—no desired feature—then 10 more for Lv. 6.
Ding—!
Retry Lv. 6
― Checkpoints
* 1. ‘Theatiner Cathedral Eucharist’
* 2. ‘―’
― Manual single-use checkpoint within 24 hours (1/6)
― 2.0 points per use
― 12.0 points to next level
* Held points: 40.0 points
* Luck to next point gain: 0.5 points
“...!”
Finally.
Checkpoint slot increased.
‘...Yeah, figured it'd show eventually.’
24 points burned... and already Lv. 6. Can't fully relax till second fills.
“Come in.”
Leo's voice snapped my reverie. I opened the door he pointed to. Elias and Narké stood as I entered.
“Luca!”
Elias grimaced, hand in mouth, checking my face.
“Ugh... failed, huh.”
“If blood, obviously. Gross—wash your hands.”
Elias went to the bathroom without protest, washed, sat beside me. My turn to clean face. Back, he leaned on the sofa, staring intently.
“Luca.”
“What.”
“Even if you said you'd eat dirt as staple food right now, I'd accept it.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. I could get the empire's best dirt.”
Just drank blood, now dirt talk... Nauseous, but sincere—hard to retort. Elias smiled faintly at my face, pointed at Narké.
“Wanna go Italy for Sangue Nachio Dolce? All of us with Narké. Know you won't drink willingly, but maybe helps adapt for 'just in case'.”
I chuckled.
“Didn't think it'd loop back like this.”
“Me neither.”
Elias snapped fingers.
“Ate some day before last—delicious. You'd like, Luca? Personally loved the dark chocolate one.”
I didn't reply. Just smiled; Elias got to the point.
“You're you. This doesn't change the Luca I've known since last year. So, anything I can help with—tell me anytime.”
“Suddenly?”
Elias grinned at me.
“What sudden? You've helped me plenty. Time to pay back.”
“What help?”
“You kidding?! Nikolaus's existence extended my lifespan! Fact. Without you, not sure I'd push my will like this. At least... not now.”
In the novel, Elias ramped up post-adulthood.
I nodded, eyes on floor.
“If I say I didn't collapse at Theatiner Cathedral, but suddenly got a weird trait—could you accept?”
“Suddenly? Hm, sure.”
“Why?”
“You've had rumors; not shocking if true now. Your brother always wants you down.”
I smiled back. Elias grinned, pulled Narké's hand.
“Narké thinks same? Anything to tell Luca—say it!”
“...Glad you woke safely, Lucas.”
Narké looked pale too. Still that inscrutable smile, just softer, wearier. He eyed me, used Insight, said.
“Heard from Leo. ...Sorry, Lucas.”
“Why apologize? Your call was sensible.”
“Am I senseless?!”
Elias latched onto my shoulder. Made me feel my refusal was right. Maybe balance with one normal. Narké smiled mysteriously again.
“Can supply divine power anytime. Visit my room often.”
“Hm, under premise of visiting your room.”
“Of course. Better than nothing—less blood needed.”
“Thanks.”
Anyway, Narké treats me normal. Lucky enough.
Silence; I raised the topic.
“Narké. Who do you think did this?”
“Adrian Ascanien knew. I think.”
Narké shook head.
“My power hits limit here. Sorry.”
“Power?”
Elias's question. Narké same expression.
“Yeah.”
“No need keep apologizing. You seeing me normal is thanks enough.”
“Luca, don't say that~”
“What.”
“Just don't~! Rawr! One more and I'll carry you forever.”
Elias clung louder. I get why. I peeled him off, stood.
“Time to prep. You coming?”
“Yeah. Dunno situation, but can't send alone.”
Narké smiled, stood.
Good. They caught on—checking brother's next plan.
I changed in Elias's room, prepped for Berlin. Leo joined later; mood tensed, but Elias's nonstop chatter during border warp melted it.
“You may go.”
Cleared Prussian border, warped to Imperial Second Academy.
“Wow~ Berlin! Never gets old.”
Elias swung bag. Leo smacked his mouth. Meanwhile, I dropped pre-written Bavarian letter at school post—for brother's address.
Warp mail abroad: post warps to border, then Italy border, then destination—ten times domestic cost. Permits sometimes. Not time to care. Earliest arrival best.
Stashed gear in Elias's room, knocked Ulrike's.
[Yes~ Open. Come in.]
“Hi.”
Cracked door, smiled greeting.
“Wha?! What?!!”
Ulrike, rolling on bed, froze like Leo had—ghost-faced—then jumped up, rushed me.
“You were in Bavaria...! No, the collapse...!”
“All better. Fine.”
Why always this convo.
Ulrike checked my face, dragged me in, sat me.
“Worried you weren't here—glad.”
“Why me?”
“Duh, missed chatting after days. How was it?”
Actually, need intel. Reassure friends too.
“Dude, real scare—Bavaria of all places.... Leo's good at separating work—lucky. Intense treatment there, surprisingly.”
Asked what she did; got this? Still thinks me-Leo on bad terms. Medals in Bavarian king's name—won't end rumors. Compartment time should've helped, but apparently not super close.
“Yulia?”
“In Baden. Eschet new mission likely—not normal, so chatting with Grand Duke.”
“Aw, shame.”
Chatted hour with Ulrike. Heike joined midway. Her reaction same as Ulrike's. To other Eschet friends, incident was accident; school reaction still fine.
‘Letters again.’
Like Nikolaus.
Holding 1st-years' letters via Ulrike/Heike. No dorm here—mail to friends or Eschet committee. Not brother's.
Boom—
“Luca.”
Elias burst Ulrike's door, stiff-faced, called me. That face said it all.
Moved to Elias's room, took letter.
[To my beloved brother]
Arrived. Under two hours.
Scrawled unlike usual. Acting or real?
[God. Confirmed sender Luca so many times. Only papers for news—heard critical this morning, now your letter from Berlin? Felt ten years older. Terror wrecked your health, Luca. Know your goodness drives loyalty to empire and subjects. But ruined health? Pointless. As magic deputy minister prioritizing subjects, not proud saying—but humanly, terrified losing you pointlessly.]
“......”
[Planned intro to magic ministry contacts in Berlin—not priority now. Imperial Central Hospital contacted to handle your health while here; requested core precise exam and supplemental treatment. Coming to school soon fetch you. Know you've tried hard; hope health doesn't hold back. My focus all on your health lately. Hope good results. Write soon.]
Precise exam requested?
Wasn't I at Bavarian National Medical Center? Sure, childhood hospital feels trustworthy...
‘To me, seems wants my core status.’
Scan all you want.
Know how core exams work; conscious, no absorption. Wants blood? Spits it. What then?
Hiding something, probably. Not per his plan.
But... is brother like this? Too simple, transparent next move?
‘...Maybe exam excuse; forge results real plan.’
Bribing docs here easy. But not Bavarian center.
‘What plan.'
Can't be just this. No point thinking alone. Folded letter, headed regiment HQ for Eschet comm artifact. Minutes later, staff handed it.
“Ready.”
“Thanks.”
“Glad safe return. Central Hospital just contacted His Excellency—meant to tell, lucky.”
Hm.
That in brother's letter. Expressionless:
“Contacted?”
“Yes. See you in 30?”
“......”
Soon? 30 minutes soon?
Sent letter to read his play; no reason refuse visit. Pre-rewind, experience max.
Told Narké/Elias truth, headed gate on time. Leo back Bavaria; just duo.
Contacted one; three here. Someone spotted me, smiled greeting.
“Hello, Your Excellency.”
“You who messaged?”
“Yes. Andrea Friedman, Imperial Central Hospital. Requested core precise exam; here personally fetch. These two our core specialists.”
Other mage-docs greeted. Coming personally—modern me baffled. Perks of status. Sneered inwardly.
“Busy, yet here? From brother?”
“Sent by Prince Georg Ascanien.”
“......”
Nodded. Andrea Friedman gestured at Elias beside.
“Beside: Prince Elias von Hohenzollern, Excellency Narké Farnese? You two...?”
“Came with? Why?”
“Exam confidential; can't join.”
“Still going?”
“......”
Elias's tantrum delayed 30 minutes. Reasonable points, but Andrea firm. Confidential true; Elias lost argument.
Held their hands, warped Central Hospital. First spot crowded. Forgery likely records room over here, but psychologically bad vibe.
“Quite crowded.”
“Core exam area always. Many wanting, many rooms. This way first.”
Andrea led left room. Same Bavarian gear. Two nurses adjusted me. Eyed one doc with Andrea.
“Beside uses divine power?”
“Sharp eye. Yes.”
“Common in treatment?”
“Booster, excellent. Shoot magic briefly?”
Did. Red magic spread silver tray. Doc checked artifact numbers, nodded.
“Fine. Now we infuse yours. Gauge damage by reaction—may sting, bear it.”
“Yes.”
Other doc took arm, ungloved, blasted magic into wrist below.
“......”
Swallowed. Others' magic. Unconscious, I'd absorb. Or just unconscious? If Leo's tests wrong, and I suck now...
“No issue again.”
“......”
Exhaled held breath slowly.
Doc smiled amazed, released hand.
“Core excellent—surprising.”
“No need surprise.”
“Average mages don't hit this. As expected, Excellency Ascanien no ordinary. Fresh awake, should recover—yet this healthy....”
Doc chuckled.
Listened, focused on three docs, two nurses, outside noise. Phase over; gather all intel. Waiting chairs murmurs. Outside still packed.
Lowered arm; doc gestured door.
“Now next. Left another room...”
Click—
“...!”
Lights out with switch. Wand hand shifted; shoulder grabbed from behind.
Boom—
Lightning to waist. Can't move. Sensation delayed. Instinct: Old Humanity weapon. Not New. New I'd sense. Arm stabbed something.
Sigh heard.
“This won't do.”