[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-how-to-survive-as-the-second-son-of-a-mage-famil":3,"chapter-how-to-survive-as-the-second-son-of-a-mage-famil-how-to-survive-as-the-second-son-of-a-mage-famil-chapter-205":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","How to Survive as the Second Son of a Mage Family",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1474111,1923,"Chapter 205","how-to-survive-as-the-second-son-of-a-mage-famil-chapter-205",205,"\u003Cp>The cheers and applause that erupted with each previous name were absent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faint encouragement came from scattered spots, but most held back, cautious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A tense silence hung in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The perennial favorite for first place, commanding attention for a decade, had been overtaken by a rookie of just five months in magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This stark reality drew the gazes of first- and third-year students to Leo. Some glanced at Elias and Yulia too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second-years had felt Lucas Askanian’s skill bone-deep over the past month, but other departments, years, and First and Third Academy students hadn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They saw Lucas less as a mage and more as a figure with exceptional ability yet still shadowed by Pleroma’s danger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Should I be grateful for this?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That only our second-years know Lucas’s true worth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second-year passers’ spots, still empty. Lucas earned the right to stand there first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He builds theories without being trapped by them. The critical difference from other teammates—his thinking’s value—stems from this subtle trait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Breaking free from a molded mindset is tough. Our Team 1’s failure came from forming theories based on articles before synthesizing victim clues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Elias predicted we’d fixate on the fountain theory and leaned into it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, the school used articles not to find the berserk source but as clues to locate the third victim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, Lucas surpassing me wasn’t a big sting. My touch shaped his magic from start to finish, and just as I revere and trust Nicolaus, I can easily admit his judgment in crises outshines mine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m lacking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I knew it the day I first saw Lucas’s magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My magic saves rather than attacks. I busted my ass to overcome it, but each time, my childhood friend, with mere scraps of learning, effortlessly crossed the grueling path I’d tread. Elias was once both a dear friend and a source of frustration and self-doubt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even reborn, I’d never wield magic as raw as Lucas or Elias. Even dedicating half my life to training, by my thirties—or sooner—they’d fully overtake me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From then on, I’d never touch their heels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But so what?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Joint first again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…No… feels like he got beat…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whispers came from other second-year department seats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leo, feeling rude stares, continued his thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My talent’s limits are clear, unchangeable unless I trade my soul to a demon. The only thing I can do, knowing those limits, is act like I don’t and give my all today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anguish, jealousy, and humiliation are poisons that erode time, trapping me in a swamp of lethargy—the greatest insult I could offer my dreams and resolve. Instead of wallowing, I’ll marvel at their radiant talent and applaud their fierce effort and perseverance that polished raw potential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honoring my resolve with the utmost courtesy is all I’ll choose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, students’ eyes turned to me. The announcer, startled by the silence, looked too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas, scanning the students impassively, met my gaze. Surprise flashed in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From my seat, I locked eyes with him and clapped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elias, staring blankly, snapped to, cast an amplification spell, and clapped frantically, shouting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Woooo! Arghhhh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With 1,500 people here, what the hell?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before I could stop him, applause spread across the second-year seats, then to the first-years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the same cheers and applause from before echoed through the vast First Academy auditorium.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Woooooo—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas, startled, slowly turned to the vast darkness. His blank expression softened into a gentle smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[…Second place.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the applause faded, the announcer spoke slowly. He glanced at his sheet, meeting my eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Leonard Wittelsbach.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Woooooo—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I smiled, standing. Elias playfully grabbed my hand, waving it wildly, then slapped my back hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yulia and Narce smiled at me, so I nodded to my friends and climbed the stage naturally, as always.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Onstage, the sprawling First Academy announcement hall came into view. Unlike the pitch-black seats, the stage was hot and blindingly bright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing, I faced forward, unlike before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No plan to tire Lucas with a handshake like last time. Besides, I didn’t need to declare war that way anymore—a small safety net was in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, familiar magic formed a silencing spell in front of me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Puzzled, I turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas’s impassive gaze met mine. Only those pink eyes held clear amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the unexpected sight, I slowly lowered my gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His outstretched hand was before me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Beating the teacher’s tough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My eyes likely showed surprise. Lucas, deadpan yet clearly satisfied, said,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That was fun.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stared blankly, then smiled with the greatest respect I could muster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Me too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Leo’s radiant smile, I pulled my hand back, dumbfounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This bastard…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I said shake hands, not act like we’re besties! Go advertise we’ve been tight forever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thankfully, Narce, in the front row, snapped his fingers urgently. Cognitive Distortion Magic likely cloaked Leo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The announcer professor, watching us fondly, perhaps confirming no exam grudges lingered, turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Very well. Next…]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the silencing spell up, Leo spoke softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lucas, who’s third, you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third, huh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dunno.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I scanned the first and second rows of second-year exam participants, answering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not Narce.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm, you think so too. Elias, then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Leo finished, the announcer’s voice rang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Third place: Elias Hohenzollern.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Woooo—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?! I’m third~?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elias shot up, waving wildly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yay~ Thanks~! Thought I’d be sixth, didn’t expect third…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Student, quiet down.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yup!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far from quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elias bounced onstage like he had springs, standing beside Leo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Leo! I’m third!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shake my hand too!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elias grabbed Leo’s hand, shaking it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good job~ Your brain-busting schemes nearly fried mine. What do you eat to turn east into south~?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, you worked hard too. Got backstabbed so much I trust nothing now, so face forward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leo cut him off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I chuckled lightly, and Elias waved from beside Leo. Leo thickened the silencing spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Luca! We’ll stick together till graduation. Stoked~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not sure I’ll be here till graduation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After this, I’ll check my survival odds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who do you wanna handle victims with~? We won’t be at school much now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who to work with?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The strongest students possible. If even slightly weaker ones hit the field, who knows what’ll happen? Even veteran mages come back injured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sadly, reality’s messier than Mimesis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Doesn’t matter what we think—it’s mostly set, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leo said, looking down at the students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His amplified, solemn voice carried wide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Fourth place: Narce Farnese.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Exactly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who we’ll work with is already clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I smiled, watching Narce climb up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Relief washed over me knowing strong friends like these would face top-tier berserkers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Onstage, Narce stood by Elias, whispering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha, relied too much on my ability.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fourth out of 100~? Don’t say that~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elias’s playful jab made Narce nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Narce ranking below Elias made sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To me, Team 3’s win was over 80% Elias’s doing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throwing me to the enemy was the worst for me but the best for the team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I briefly wondered if I could think of answers while memorizing coordinates, but there was a catch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Overusing coordinates, Narce could spot a pattern: ‘Team 3’s hiding key info.’ He can read all thoughts, including those between coordinates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, better to lower their guard and bolt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Speaking of, it’s about time.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Fifth place: Yulia Tsheringen.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Loud cheers erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Congrats, Yulia!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like with Leo, big reactions came from Third Academy, first-, and third-years. A glimpse into her life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yulia stood, clapping, with a polite smile. Her gaze met mine, and I mirrored her smile. She high-fived toward me, grinning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Nice.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Satisfying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Need one goody-two-shoes on the team for balance. By that, I mean someone not unhinged like Elias or Leo, less extraordinary…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though I haven’t known Tsheringen long, so I should stay cautious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Could be secretly nuts like Leo.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hope not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Onstage, Tsheringen bowed. Her reddish hair swayed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha, feels surreal. Thrilled to work with you amazing friends till graduation. Let’s do this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Same~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Man~ All my childhood buddies are here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>True, except for Narce and me, they’ve known each other since kids, so team life’s probably exciting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knowing each other well means better field synergy, safer too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the announcer gave other notices, Elias piped up excitedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, guys.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All five of us are Class 2. Crazy, right? Kinda hyped~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I clicked my tongue, whispering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Everything’s crazy… Still can’t forget that fountain water.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just bottled water!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You put leaves in it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sand too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ugh…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why say that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsheringen, who drank it too, looked grossed out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, no wonder the taste… So you flavored it and filtered the grit?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We don’t need to know that, Yulia.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I replied, nauseated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing our faces, Elias, maybe feeling guilty, said seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorry, guys. Can’t undo it, so let’s wash it down with whiskey later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*Hiss…*\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leo shot Elias a look at the nonsense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Focus on the announcement. Last one, sixth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We already know who.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First to sixth may shuffle, but the lineup doesn’t change. Everyone knows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsheringen chimed in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Only one from Class 1. Good thing our team’s got friends close to her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she finished, the announcer, after a dramatic pause, boomed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Sixth place: Ulrike Kleist.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yesss~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Green eyes flashed in the dark as someone shot up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Same vibe as the potion competition. Both Class 1 guys I went with were like that. At least it’s just one this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her Elias-like enthusiasm made Leo sigh deeply, likely dreading team life with her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Honestly, same.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’ll learn exact team dynamics from the school, but I know I’ll be stuck with these people all day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least Yulia and Narce will keep things balanced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Professor! Thought I flunked, scared me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Haha, congratulations.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She casually chatted with a professor she’d just met and climbed onstage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Thought she flunked?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fair enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her second and third rounds weren’t great.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ulrike was Elias’s original team leader in the second round. She nearly tanked the team, failing to control Günter and his friend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Definitely lacks leadership and tactics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But her practical skills were perfect for passing. Heard she took down three students alone in the sewer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strategists are key, but combat mages need fighters like Ulrike. Her over-the-top cheer’s a bit much, but she’ll be a solid asset.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey~ What, you had a silencing spell up? Couldn’t see from there, but you were chatting?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ulrike peeked curiously, and Narce, mid-row, laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha, had Cognitive Distortion Magic on!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder they talked so much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The professor knew and let it slide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raising mages must be tough. One makes infinite beer with magic, others whisper under Cognitive Distortion at announcements…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re all Class 2? Damn, impressive, but I’m lonely. At least Elias was Class 1…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wish we were all Class 2, bummer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ulrike, at Elias’s rare dry tone, smacked her lips, ending it with a silent laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsheringen glanced at them, smiling to ease the mood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha, it’s set, so let’s make it work. Drop the silencing spell. Seventh place up, Team 2’s turn.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, yeah. Curious about Team 2.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Narce grinned, expectant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leo, as if waiting for silence, snapped his fingers, dispelling the magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[…Weak in strategy but excelled in direct combat, swiftly analyzing and subduing opponents.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The brief rationale for ranks one to six wrapped up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[That’s first through sixth.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second-year Team 1 was formed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Applause poured from the seats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Next…]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No ‘that concludes’?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elias whispered playfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That concludes third-year Team 1.’ The professor said it every third-year round.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Forgot, maybe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike Leo’s deadpan reply, Narce’s startled voice came.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Seventh place: Heike Ainsidel.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heike, sitting expressionless, widened her eyes, unprepared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seventh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heike?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her skill’s top-notch, ability stellar. With bonus points, she likely outdid Team 2-4’s similar talents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Considering strong contenders like Auguste, Hildegard, or Josefine, the rank raises slight doubts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But something’s off.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I frowned, replaying the professor’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Introducing seventh right after?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our team’s eyes met, their faces mirroring my confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The professor, checking the cue sheet, looked at the students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[That’s second-year Team 1.]\u003C\u002Fp>",1976,"2026-06-06T03:11:08.304Z",1,"novelbin.me","d956d5a3afce057bbd486167fa64778ee6a2cb060f40425c05036e0771885f49","how-to-survive-as-the-second-son-of-a-mage-famil-chapter-206","how-to-survive-as-the-second-son-of-a-mage-famil-chapter-204",367,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fhow-to-survive-as-the-second-son-of-a-mage-famil-cover.jpg"]