Chapter 334
Chapter 334
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 334
Chapter Title: How to Survive as the Second Son of a Magical Noble Family
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“How about we split up—one, two. I have a place I need to stop by for insurance purposes, so stay here, Senior. If anyone comes in, say no one was here, and if they ask for your identity, say you’re a monsignor sent from the Hamburg Archdiocese at the leadership’s request, and give a commoner surname as an alias.”
“…….”
“See you later.”
That’s what I said to Mecklenburg once. I must have. I remember his amber eyes trembling faintly in the hazy darkness. Now, I can no longer instantly tell which fragments of possibilities layered endlessly atop the present are fantasy and which are truth, but the air of that final moment remained vividly in my mind. Why had the emotions and expression of someone I neither liked as a person nor respected etched themselves so deeply into my eyes? Perhaps because we both knew the situation was spiraling toward the worst, always keeping the last possibility among countless ones in mind. He blinked rapidly but nodded to me with as much conviction as he could muster.
I immediately led the monsignor out and picked up a carrier rolling around in the basement corridor. The Freiburg archbishop’s residence had a laboratory for restraint drugs. Such a place surely existed in Pleroma’s dioceses, and I could obtain usable insurance there. Estimated time: about two minutes. I knew even that was too much, but there was no choice. The bishop knew we had come to the Brandenburg Archdiocese yet sent only priests without coming himself. Why hadn’t he come when the wizards we’d gone to great lengths to capture were here? He’d already met the other two. He was too busy dealing with them. My heart began to race faster. Leo and the 91st Class Representative were either facing bishop-level wizards already… or had been captured by them. Thinking that, I ransacked the lab, casting spells indiscriminately.
Just before returning, I checked Mecklenburg’s pocket watch: 1 minute 20 seconds. I’d used too much mana rushing to finish quickly, and now my ears were ringing. It didn’t matter; he’d come back anyway. I had to return to Mecklenburg, buying time in the basement, even a second sooner.
I kept my promise. We met, and with the carrier full of drugs, I warped to the next location. Right, the control room. And that was the end.
Warping to where the monsignor had led, I leaned against the wall, staggering with my staff.
Blood bursting from my face made my head spin. Following the blood pooling at my feet with my gaze, I saw seven dead monsignors far off. I stared blankly before snapping my fingers. In the darkness, a corpse with pale pink cage trim turned black. I approached the fake monsignor and carefully checked his pulse.
“…….”
He was still warm. That was all.
The fatal mistake was Pleroma’s unique ability roaming at that time. If I’d been even a little later, if I’d kept the promise just a bit longer…. Looking down at my one and only comrade, I stood.
When I came to, a nauseating sensation clung to my throat. Fortunately, I’d entered the control room, and the Pleroma inside was dead. Memories from that time were smeared entirely in red. That’s how, in the first timeline, I moved to where the bishops were. Now, only the thought of finding the two remained in my head. I couldn’t recall what state of mind I’d been in there.
In conclusion, I met Leo.
That day, I learned Leo could make such eyes. A blood-soaked figure stared at the floor with slackened gaze. I’d thought of rewinding time to eliminate the exam once we escaped or taking it with the earring on, but such complacent ideas shattered in that moment. I still couldn’t warp, still couldn’t close my eyes against water. Leo would soon be the same. I had to have the artifact. I resolved that. I couldn’t burden Leo with such memories.
‘…After today ends.’
If there was a world where Leo didn’t suffer this, I could give it then. That was right.
From that point, I vaguely knew today would repeat endlessly.
Saving one meant losing another. If Mecklenburg died, I survived; if he lived, I was on the brink. If we all passed safely, time dragged and Leo died. Different deaths followed each time. The Brandenburg Archdiocese buildings were too numerous and vast, enemies from other dioceses poured in, and variables were immense. Discussing with friends, preparing everything, advancing a minute on a successful route—then a Pleroma who hadn’t been there appeared and attacked. Success crumbled at the brink. Everything was the problem. But since none were grand, I couldn’t pinpoint it. Life and death hinged on trivial differences. All unfolded in 30 seconds at most, 1 at least. Like the Pentaron terror, but perhaps more thoroughly, I sought Abraham, met the Pleroma councilor, calculated every possibility. Yet we were two; they hundreds, with overflowing unique abilities. Yes, that was the issue. That’s what differed from Pentaron.
Delay the exam, and the residence was attacked. Eliminate it and protect the residence—same thing days later. Block wizard kidnappings further back, and it happened elsewhere. Keeping Mecklenburg from the exam trapped me alone, unable to shatter the middle realm, unconscious. Same for Leo—exam outsiders vanished too. Tried teaming with Leo twice; impossible. Propose attacking Brandenburg first—immediately hauled to superiors for investigation. Whatever we did, we stayed put. Narke was right. My initial judgment too. I couldn’t change Pleroma’s desires, only the present. Only the present I knew was in my hands. Returning to the flow, over and over—that was all I could do.
Blood scent pierced my nose. Back here again. Now, even which timeline blurred. If not on death’s edge, I could tell; extremes allowed no leeway.
“Senior.”
Mecklenburg’s bloodshot amber eyes turned to me. He scowled. I opened the pocket watch: arriving at 18 minutes meant failure.
Rewind. At the command—barely voiced, if at all—my entire view shifted. I walked toward the Monument of Transmission. Far off, Mecklenburg smiled. Spotting us, he smiled softly, extending a hand in greeting.
“You’re here. Albert Mecklenburg.”
Boom—!
I rolled my heel beside startled Leo. My salute made Mecklenburg’s expression freeze coldly then relax.
This made 47 days knowing Mecklenburg. Always unlucky, deemed rampagers national enemies, overlapped me with his brother, always pretended goodness. And always, learning I was Nikolaus, flushed red and collapsed.
Thus, I stood in this moment. Finally, we reached the bishops’ gathering without dying, in record time. Laughter bubbled.
“We’re all here. So what?”
Mecklenburg’s soulless whisper reached me.
We’d come where we must. The pocket watch I’d taken from him showed 16 minutes since the fall on the Hall of Peace. Around the long table, figures in purple cage-trimmed robes rose. Pleroma bishops, especially from Brandenburg, Hamburg Archdioceses, and Müllitz Diocese. Auxiliary and vice-bishops mixed in. I already knew who they were.
Creak—
I raised both hands, slowly pulled a chair, sat. Then, scanning them, asked.
“Why not come yourselves?”
Why bring us here. I knew, but followed my lines from past timelines. A Pleroma bishop near the head sat, clasping hands.
“This is our first meeting, Lord Ascanien.”
“So it is. Not the time for leisurely greetings, though.”
“Meeting someone of high renown in the Empire is moving. The Pentaron incident impressed deeply.”
“Hahaha….”
I laughed openly in scorn. Knowing who orchestrated Pentaron terror, yet claiming it as Pleroma’s merit overall—ridiculous counter. The bishop smiled at me, then beckoned Mecklenburg behind.
“You must be Lord Mecklenburg. Pleased to meet the future ruler of Mecklenburg-Strelitz Grand Duchy.”
“…….”
“Sit. Our guests standing discomforts us.”
“How kind. Someone might think we came willingly.”
In truth, lightly poisoned by mental manipulation drugs, Brandenburg bishop’s spatial magic shook, links to subordinates cut—he panicked and warped us here….
Anyway, no reason to keep Mecklenburg standing. Staring at Brandenburg bishop at the head, I snapped fingers, yanked a chair with mana. Mecklenburg, on guard, sat silently. The bishop smiled.
“We analyzed Lord Ascanien’s temper as rough. True indeed.”
“Now you know.”
Though I disagree. I swept eyes over bishops around the table. Mecklenburg’s turn.
“What is this?”
Why warp us here after setting a talk-no-fight stage. Bluntly omitting intent, but head bishop understood, grinning, raising brow.
“We avoid needless fights. Wisest is always peace. Most human way, hence hardest.”
Words possible knowing their superiority. We two outnumbered couldn’t win numerically.
“First, thanks to Lord Ascanien, countless monsignors continent-wide are severely hindered. I sense three dead already. In combat, no less.”
“So it seems.”
“We fully understand it as justified defense. Shocked by our poor welcome, you rampaged—our apologies. No blame; we just want negotiation.”
I nodded for him to continue.
“You want Lord Leonard Wittelsbach and Lady Albertina Hohenzollern, correct?”
“Not just them; we all want safe return.”
At my words, bishop nodded, brow raised in understanding, face serene.
“You must wonder why we did this.”
“I know, so no.”
“We earnestly pray for German Empire’s victory. Against threatening French and British, and shamelessly neutral yet ever-ready to back Britain—America.”
“……”
“To that end, know what we need?”
“Technology, I suppose.”
I smiled answering. Knowing their mad acts to check French Pleroma—how could I not? Emanuel Wittelsbach’s rampage, mass wizard disappearances—why? Bishop confirmed rightly.
“Yes. We need technology. Now, Pleroma and non-Pleroma scholars must unite against our people’s trials.”
“So you kidnapped wizards.”
“Better ‘scout’ than impure term. Recruited scholars enjoy life’s peak more than ever. We provide unaffordable homes, unlimited mana, procure anything desired outside. Post-training, we’ll aid willing returns outside.”
“Yet many escape, for such benefits.”
Ignoring, he smiled.
“What we want from Lords Ascanien, Mecklenburg, Wittelsbach, Hohenzollern is similar. Empire’s elite talents—we Pleroma desire too.”
Tapping his head on ‘talents,’ knowing we took strategy exam. Planned crime, naturally. Mecklenburg coldly:
“Must we comply because you want? You value Pleroma highly; we see no merit in your scouting.”
“You’ll gain immortality. Eternal youth, health. Tiresome for commoners, but for ruling families, lifelong profit assured? Anhalt Duchy, Mecklenburg-Strelitz forever yours, stronger as wizards.”
I waved dismissively, cutting the speech.
“I know. Tell us what to do instead.”
“We just ask understanding Pleroma’s sincerity. We seek German glory, peace—that alone.”
“Delusions are illness too.”
Mecklenburg’s lips pursed. Ignoring the stubborn weakling’s reaction, I continued.
“But….”
“But?”
“If we just understand your intent, you’ll release us, grant immortality? Where to sign?”
Bishop shrugged, eyes crinkling softly.
“No need. We must convince you—give us chance to win hearts. You two want the others now? We’ll let you confirm safety.”
“Nice words. But exactly 20 minutes.”
Opening the stolen watch, I cut him. Bishop stared.
“Now, your comrades have likely subdued Leonard Wittelsbach and Albertina Hohenzollern.”
“…….”
“Truthfully, struggling till just before here. My rampage added hardship.”
Mecklenburg’s eyes turned, confusion evident: How do you know?
Confirm safety—sweet trap. They’d gather us, spray drugs. Clasping hands, I went on.
“Now, you’ll dose the two wizards near death, saying anything. Ultimate goal: mental collapse. Then baptize, fully Pleroma-ize.”
Now, then.
Supporting Pleroma dioceses here: two, Müllitz and Hamburg Archdioceses. Adjacent to Brandenburg, highest chance first—correct. They hadn’t fallen instantly, so not solely Brandenburg’s space. This place under Müllitz, Hamburg, or Pleroma leadership—or combined mana.
Excluding leadership, all hypotheses left openings. If I knew entry to Müllitz/Hamburg, recalled prior path—clear. Now, spatial magic links.
From past interrogations, I compiled Pleroma spatial info, passed to Mecklenburg and Richthofen, researched finer spatial links atop special spaces like Pleroma world, beyond old Mecklenburg spells. Signal to deploy….
“…….”
“Right, Senior?”
Turning for agreement, Mecklenburg hardened instantly. Bishop smiled, nodding. Tension spiked. Bishop lightly pushed desk, rose slowly. Flash—light burst. Bishop’s wand slashed up; simultaneously, Mecklenburg thrust hand. Other bishops stomped.
Kwaaaaaang—!!
Vitriol should’ve blackened vision, but it blued like ocean depths, still in light. Choking blue mana exploded everywhere, knife-like mana stabbing via breath—peerless mana gripped me. Instinctual fear ruled, but I knew whose.
“No you don’t~”
Boots unhesitatingly on table. Gale obscured, but unique garb made owner clear. Elias’s white hair whipped green as staff slammed. Hat near decoration, he smirked one corner, ruffled my hair playfully.
“Well done, Luca.”
Perhaps greet Mecklenburg who linked spatial magic. Ears stung. Skull throbbed. Papal and government wizards accompanying fired divine power. Ally tossed mana potion—unidentified green smoke burst. Info dismantling bishop’s one-way block (2 points spent) left below. This, the result.
My destination clear. Grabbing Mecklenburg’s arm, I dashed hall to top floor. They wouldn’t flee unfinished fights. Leaving near-capture fish? Madder. Past timelines here flashed. Then, I hadn’t been like now. I knew post-negotiation room he took me—couldn’t forget half-dead Leo’s spot.
Kwang—
Rounding corner, I stomped floor. Mana surged through door. Good. Safety spatial magics blocking entry view—already shattered wholesale. Gunshot tore ancient lock. Door flung open, I landed back as vitriol lump hit.
Kwagwang—! Kwang—
Light from my staff blocked it. I murmured quietly.
—Enter through the narrow gate.
Two or three fell with dull thuds. Luckily, Müllitz and Hamburg correct. Poisoned by airborne drugs, they staggered at my chant, collapsing.
Steadying breath, I scanned marble-sealed room—no plant gaps. Eyes on chair-bound figure. Mana restraints I’d loathed now on another’s ankle. Faint blood scent from once-drunk blood tickled nose. Slamming staff, I said lowly.
—Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.
Light spread; shallow sleeper twitched shoulder. Pale hair veiled face. Like me, lost hat somewhere. Collar grabbed countless times? Always impeccably dressed, now most disheveled I’d seen. Feeling long day end, everything rewindable dominating mind, I stepped forward. Stopping one step away, I opened.
“Nice to see you.”
“…….”
Head half-low, Leo looked up. In this oft-seen scene, Leo’s eyes—for once—not drug-hazed. Slack pupils gone. Smiling at the sharp light in those blue eyes.
“Hard to see eyes like these.”