[{"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-92":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},1473998,1923,"Chapter 92","how-to-survive-as-the-second-son-of-a-mage-famil-chapter-92",92,"\u003Cp>The man furrowed his brow, his expression laced with confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I put on a smile and said something I didn’t mean in the slightest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Apologies. I came here to help you, Mr. Beck, but I guess old habits die hard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Habits?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, from interrogating Pleroma operatives.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lie was necessary to establish a sense of camaraderie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, let me add my own thoughts to the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s unlikely my brother explicitly ordered, “Verify if he can use magic.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That perfectionist wouldn’t leave such a clear trail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m concerned about my brother losing control and exposing his condition.” “I worry his constitution might cause a magical outburst.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoever received that letter likely interpreted it through the lens of their own sense of justice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Whoever took my brother’s veiled suggestion must be someone who loathes Pleroma.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This person must have given orders to Jürgen Beck to confirm my magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at Beck’s sharp attire, it’s hard to imagine he got involved in this out of financial desperation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most likely, he’s either aligned with the person who gave the orders or acting under duress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shall we begin?” I asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Imprisoning a student is a crime, Mr. Beck. Regardless of your intentions, you can’t escape that. However...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I clasped my hands and leaned in slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’d like to hear your reasons. Why did you do it? I’ve heard quite a few rumors about that student, after all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What does Lord Nicolaus think of those rumors?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hard to say. I’ve never met him, so I can’t jump to conclusions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If that student really is Pleroma, what would you do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I met his gaze directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The “student” in question, Lucas, was sitting right in front of him as Nicolaus. What would I do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If it were true, I’d consider the potential damage and root it out early. But without definitive proof, isn’t that why nothing’s been done for over a decade?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stared at me for a moment, then glanced around cautiously before speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The rumors are true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Askanian family knows it, too. They all say the same thing. The moment that student uses magic, Askanian is finished.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see. So you wanted to confirm whether he could use magic or not?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the conversation returned to the incident, he clammed up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I chuckled lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, if you’re unwilling to share, that’s fine. Judging from what you just said, your intent was clearly to verify if he could use magic. Did you achieve anything?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You didn’t, did you? From what I heard, the student couldn’t use magic and instead triggered a fire alarm to reveal their location.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That was fake.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Was it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I barely suppressed a laugh. Talking about this while the person in question sat right here—it was almost too much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it was fake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had deliberately chosen a method that someone unable to use magic might employ.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mr. Beck, your claims need evidence. If you want to accuse Lucas Askanian of being Pleroma, you’ll need solid proof.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Evidence? Don’t tell me you think that too, Lord Nicolaus?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This isn’t about what I think. Investigations must follow protocol.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The locked door wasn’t a threat to the student, was it? Especially since he had a way out without using magic....”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beck trailed off, uncertain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that so? If he could use magic, wouldn’t he have just warped out? Setting off the fire alarm seems like a strange choice, especially for someone supposedly so bold. Wouldn’t he have used magic if that was an option?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mr. Beck, this isn’t how you gather evidence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I leaned closer, letting a hint of pity slip into my voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes quivered subtly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“W-What are you saying...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What was the result of your method? Did it yield any clues, or will you simply wait for the next opportunity?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I tapped his hand lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The moment Divine Power is used, your arteries will rupture. Is this really worth the risk?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course it’s worth it! Do you not recall the power he displayed as a child? If he really is Pleroma—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then wouldn’t it have been better to come up with a more effective method? Instead, you put your life on the line for this...and accomplished nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His composure began to crumble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone who took on this task for the greater good wouldn’t react well to being told their life wasn’t valuable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was true—he had achieved nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his resolve shaken, it was time to drive the point home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From what I can see, this didn’t go as planned. Your intentions may have been noble, but the result? A failure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who cast that spell on you? It’s quite sophisticated. If it’s someone I know, perhaps I could offer some help....”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gave me a wary look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you leave this room without a solution, you’ll die. They can’t afford for you to talk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They wouldn’t do that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Many say that, but gambling with your life is unwise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I exhaled and leaned back in my chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll personally prove whether Lucas Askanian is Pleroma or not. Give me a year.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...A year?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Too long? Still better than losing your life over this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glared at me, then muttered reluctantly, “Six months.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine. That should suffice. Seems like you were under strict orders to act quickly. Your superior must be quite impatient.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes widened, and his fists clenched as he stared directly at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I let out a dry chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘As I thought....’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He doesn’t disappoint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even after making a mistake, failing to realize it means he can only repeat the same behavior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Always so overzealous.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He likely believes that replacing the informant with Narce was his decision, convinced I wouldn’t notice his bold moves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, however, blocking someone’s speech with Divine Power suggests he’s learned a little.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Professor Stefan Traut is said to be quite the worrier. Seems the rumors are true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“H-How did you…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beck blinked rapidly, clearly thrown off balance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether it was a lack of adaptability or simply panic taking over, his reaction was revealing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Again, he practically confirmed my words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there’s a slight problem here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding! 〈 Chapter 5. Good Things Take Time (1) 〉\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Proposal 2: Make the optimal choice. (0\u002F1) (0 hours, 9 minutes, 59 seconds)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...This is nostalgic.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been a while since the system presented an “optimal choice.” And the obnoxiously titled Route 2 was as grating as I remembered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From experience, I knew the “optimal choice” only appeared when the matter had significant long-term consequences. Clearly, this situation qualified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That tracks. If my brother realizes his current play is a dead-end, he’ll inevitably try another move.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spy must remain within my grasp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both my brother and Traut need to believe they’re in control. That way, I don’t end up doing double the work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Time to guide things in the right direction.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I needed to lead him toward the outcome I desired, one that conveniently aligned with his own interests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I hear many things from my position,” I said smoothly. “I’m aware of how much effort Professor Traut puts into his work. But…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beck watched me warily, still unable to relax.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s surprising. Did he really order something like this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Given your understanding of Askanian’s inner workings... wasn’t that professor once supported by Askanian? This is starting to make sense now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s... not... Are we really going this far over something like this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His earlier fear of punishment had already shaken him enough to reveal his name—albeit a fake one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, his visibly altered demeanor confirmed that the threat of punishment was the perfect pressure point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Absolutely. While your intentions may be understandable, your actions constitute a crime. Especially since we need to identify the person behind this plan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I tapped the desk lightly as if in thought. Beck bit his lip nervously, unable to hide his unease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He should be unsettled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To agree to be used as a pawn by Traut requires an uncommon level of loyalty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hard to believe, isn’t it? Do you think Askanian is aware of Professor Traut’s independent actions? If this escalates, even Askanian might consider disciplinary measures….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It was me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I stared at him, he quickly averted his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I never said the professor ordered me. I acted based on what I’d heard and planned this myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can you say that with certainty?” I pressed, my tone serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The magic on the lab’s back door was removed by the maintenance team, but the spell on the front door remains intact since the incident was reported. It’s only a matter of time before we trace the magical signature.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I understand. It’s not a lie. The professor has been a great help to me in the past. But if he were suddenly accused, he’d be blindsided. I’d prefer to avoid naming him as a suspect….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I knew Traut wasn’t the type to simply give vague instructions and act cautiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For someone as methodical as him, assigning his student to monitor me seemed sloppy. If it were me, I’d take the time to oversee it directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I nodded and slid a blank sheet of paper across the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In that case, list anyone else who may have provided information or assistance. This investigation will cover everyone, so don’t leave out any names.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beck’s expression darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite his reluctance, I knew he’d gladly fill the page.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This lets him divert attention from Traut.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, Beck stared at the paper for a moment, then looked back at me, a faint glint of triumph in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gestured toward the pen, smiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon enough, Beck began writing names without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He must think I’m off-track.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let him think that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My goal was to uncover everyone involved in my brother’s schemes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His exaggerated reaction to the mention of “professor” had already given me enough to work with.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, I had a list of like-minded individuals aligned with Traut’s ideology.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘They’re likely under my brother’s influence as well.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These names could prove useful in the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After pushing the list toward me, Beck asked with a resolute expression, “You’ll really look into this within six months?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mistake people like him make is assuming their sense of justice is absolute, never doubting it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right now, he’s throwing everything away in pursuit of one question: “Is Lucas Askanian Pleroma or not?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ironically, leaving Lucas alone would do far more to suppress Pleroma than their futile attempts to confirm it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I wasn’t about to lie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gave him a polite, measured smile and replied, “Of course. I give you my word.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding! Congratulations!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Proposal 2: Make the optimal choice.’ Completed!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Route 1 — 〈 Proposal 3 〉’ has been locked in.\u003C\u002Fp>",1791,"2026-06-06T03:11:08.303Z",1,"novelbin.me","816f2b51a1abaf0e493f7c7e5a8132c6f70d76c72c4902161addd61cb3388211","how-to-survive-as-the-second-son-of-a-mage-famil-chapter-93","how-to-survive-as-the-second-son-of-a-mage-famil-chapter-91",367,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fhow-to-survive-as-the-second-son-of-a-mage-famil-cover.jpg"]