Chapter 11

Chapter 11

“Young Master. Are you going to the archive?”

“Yes.”

“There is a luncheon with the First Young Master today, so you must come out on time, all right?”

“I will not be late. Do not worry and go inside, Helen.”

Leaving his nanny behind, Zeke placed his hand on the orb.

-Zeke McLaughlin. Confirmed.

RUMBLE.

Today, as always, Zeke clocked in at the magical archive.

Without missing a single day.

It was supposedly to grow closer to mana, but that was only the public excuse.

The true reason was different.

There was no place better than this for training in secret.

-Shall I cast magic for you today as well?

‘Yes. Please, Karbol.’

Zeke took out a mana stone and brought it to the necklace.

It looked almost as though he were feeding it.

The mana stone reacted, emitting light.

-I will not be responsible if you are injured!

‘You have been saying that for three years.’

-Here I go!

Zeke nodded with a smile, but there was nothing in particular for him to do.

All he had to do was read the messages that appeared.

[Magic has been detected.]

[The ‘Magic Absorption’ skill is currently activated.]

[Absorbing the cast spell ‘Paralyze’.]

[The skill’s proficiency has increased by 30.]

[Proficiency until 9-Star Achievement : 299,640/300,000]

[The spell ‘Paralyze’ has been stored in the Dimensional Gap.]

[You can release the spell within the time limit.]

[Remaining Time : 09:59:59]

Seeing his magic absorbed without fail, the dragon clicked his tongue.

-No matter how many times I see it, I cannot understand it. My magic is blocked this easily.

‘This is 3rd-Circle magic, right?’

-Correct.

‘Can you still not use magic of a higher level?’

-With the level of the mana stone you provided just now, 3rd Circle is the limit.

‘Mmm...’

9-Star was not far away.

It was thanks to steadily absorbing magic for the past three years.

However, Zeke’s expression was not especially satisfied.

‘To think I have not awakened the 4th Skill even after three years. It is taking far too long.’

Because it was a skill that absorbed magic, its proficiency rose more slowly than before.

‘If I could absorb a 9th-Circle spell like Mental Collapse, it would rise faster...’

Through experience, he knew that the higher the Circle of the magic he absorbed, the higher the proficiency increase.

However, he could not absorb 9th-Circle magic.

The magic Karbol could use depended on the quality of the mana stone.

‘As expected, is there a limit to the mana stones I receive from Father?’

The books here also contained magical energy, but they alone could not serve as a catalyst.

High-purity, unrefined mana stones were the most optimal.

Because of that, Zeke had asked his father to procure mana stones for him.

As for the pretext, just as he had done until now, he could easily obtain them by using the excuse of awakening his talent.

Of course, this was only because he was in a prestigious magical family. Mana stones were not as easy to obtain as one might think.

The reality was that even as the child of a ducal house, he had no proper way to acquire them personally.

That was why, for the past three years, Zeke had no choice but to ask his father.

‘But it is strange. I have asked him for dozens of mana stones during that time, yet he has not asked the reason even once...’

-Does he not already know without needing to ask? That you need them to awaken your talent.

‘But does it not seem strange that I keep consuming mana stones?’

-That is true.

When magic was activated with a mana stone as the catalyst, a certain amount of magical energy was drained from it.

Once it was all consumed, the mana stone became a useless lump of rock.

Yet every time that happened, Zeke asked his father for more, and his father silently supported him.

For three whole years.

‘You would think he would ask at least once what happened to the mana stone I took before...’

-Do not think too deeply about it. Whatever the reason, is it not a good thing for you? Though even after watching you for three years, I still do not know what in the world you are doing.

‘As I told you before, it is training. Training.’

Even though Karbol had been with him for three years, Zeke could not tell him about the system.

Whether the dragon would believe him was one question, but in truth, explaining it and making him understand would be troublesome.

There was no reason to do so either.

‘Karbol is a dragon. Unlike three years ago, he is cooperating with me, but I must not trust him completely.’

-What language are you muttering in again? Surely you were not speaking ill of me?

‘Come now, there is no way. You are my magic master.’

-Krhm... Master, you say. I did not know you regarded me that way.

It seemed he was rather pleased with the word “master.”

‘He really is simple.’

Through three years of experience, Zeke had completely learned how to handle Karbol.

‘Ten minutes have passed. Cast another spell for me.’

-Very well.

After absorbing the magic again, Zeke opened his status window.

[Name : Zeke McLaughlin]

[Tags : Reincarnator of the Pangaea Continent, The Deccan Kingdom’s Greatest Magical Noble Family, Youngest Son of a Ducal House, Fourth Young Master, Illegitimate Child, Zero Mana Affinity, No Talent for Magic, Hard Worker, Bookworm, 15 Years Old, SS-Rank Hunter, Lower-Level Aura Master]

[Strength : 2,556 / Intelligence : 2,474]

[Agility : 2,570 / Vitality : 2,587]

[Recovery : 2,550 / Resistance : 2,490]

[Aura Energy : 11,010]

[Basic Skills : Interpretation, Translation, Rune Absorption, Aura Manipulation, Aura Infusion, Aura Blade]

[1st Awakening Skill : Mana Absorption (9-Star)]

[2nd Awakening Skill : Master of Mana (9-Star)]

[3rd Awakening Skill : Magic Absorption (8-Star)]

[4th Awakening Skill : ???]

[5th Awakening Skill : ???]

[6th Awakening Skill : ???]

[7th Awakening Skill : ???]

Over the past three years, Zeke had achieved tremendous growth.

In terms of stats, he was now on the same level as an SS-Rank Hunter from his previous life.

For Zeke, who had once been F-Rank, this was growth he could only have dreamed of.

His Aura Energy was the same.

‘As expected, my Aura Energy has surpassed my other stats.’

After steadily accumulating 10 each day, he had reached the level of a Lower-Level Aura Master before he knew it.

Once he became an Aura Master, he also gained basic skills.

[Basic Skill : Aura Infusion]

-Effect : Infuses aura into a weapon and increases its cutting power. Can only be used on bladed weapons.

-Special Notes : Cutting power and destructive power increase according to the Aura Energy stat.

[Basic Skill : Aura Blade]

-Effect : Creates a weapon made of pure aura.

-Special Notes : Its size increases according to the Aura Energy stat, and its cutting power and destructive power increase. The length and width can be adjusted slightly.

These were techniques that any Aura Master naturally learned, but learning them as skills made them much easier to use.

‘The problem is that even after learning them, I have no occasion to use them.’

He had tested their cutting power alone against tools, but he had never once used them on a living being.

His days had been so peaceful that he had no opportunity to do so.

‘I would like to test them on monsters, but... if I did that, my siblings would only laugh at me.’

Since he was maintaining the concept of being an ordinary person who could form neither a Circle nor aura, he could not say he was going out to hunt monsters.

Even though he had actually reached the level of an SS-Rank and an Aura Master, in other people’s eyes, he had to appear as a talentless bookworm.

‘At this point, rather than revealing it awkwardly, it is better to hide it. It could become a hidden card.’

In any case, there was nothing bad about continuing to store up strength as he was doing now.

Was it not enough as long as he could protect his own body?

‘It is better not to create situations where I have to use my strength. Peace is better than war.’

Above all, did he not have a reason to grow stronger?

-Grow your strength in a fantasy world filled with magic and aura.

-Once you possess the power to save humanity, you will be able to return to your original dimension.

Recalling the quest he had received fifteen years ago, Zeke steeled his heart.

‘I must become stronger. Strong enough to overwhelm the Dragon Legion.’

He would definitely achieve his goal and return to the modern world.

‘Karbol, have ten minutes not passed yet?’

-Not yet. Do not pester me.

He wanted to use Magic Absorption frequently, but he had to wait because of the cooldown.

Perhaps that was why he still had not reached 9-Star, even after three years of training.

‘It is almost done now. If I work diligently, I can awaken the 4th Skill within today.’

While he continued building proficiency with Karbol, noon arrived.

“Young Master Zeke! It is time for your meal!”

“I know, Helen. I was coming out anyway.”

After leaving the magical archive, Zeke asked Helen,

“What about Brother Peter? Has he arrived already?”

“The First Young Master has already arrived and is conversing with the Lord Patriarch.”

“Is that so?”

Today was the day his eldest brother, who had gone out for training in the magical arts, returned.

At the same time, it was also the day of the successor trial.

“I should go before I am late.”

Zeke hurriedly moved.

***

“Welcome back, Peter!”

“Have you been well, Father?”

At the sight of his eldest son’s face after so long, Gerard could not hide his joy.

It was only natural.

Born into a prestigious magical family, Peter had been recognized for his exceptional talent since he was a newborn, and he had formed his 1st Circle at the Guidance Ceremony at the age of twelve.

After that, he had been sent to the Magic Tower for eight years to train in the magical arts, so they had spent very little time together.

Naturally, Gerard was glad to see him.

However, Peter, the First Young Master, thought differently from his father.

‘Tch, pretending to be happy to see me. If I had achieved nothing at the Magic Tower, he would probably have treated me coldly.’

Believing that his father welcomed him only because of his talent, Peter had a cold inner self that differed from his outward appearance.

“You must be hungry. Let us move to the dining room first.”

“Yes.”

The two headed to the dining room, and soon sat at the table to talk.

“What level are you at now?”

“I believe I will reach the 6th Circle soon.”

“Is that so? You must have worked hard. Was everything well at the Magic Tower?”

“What could have happened there? If there is any matter of concern, it is in our family, is it not?”

“What do you mean?”

“I am talking about the youngest, Zeke. I hear he still has not awakened his Mana Affinity.”

“Mmm...”

Gerard let out a low hum and deliberately chose not to say much.

‘There is no need to tell him that Zeke has the talent of a Dragonian. He would not believe it anyway. If Zeke truly has talent, he will awaken to magic on his own when the time comes.’

Saying it aloud would only provoke needless backlash or jealousy.

That was why Gerard kept it as his own secret and quietly watched Zeke.

However, Peter interpreted Gerard’s silence as embarrassment.

“Father. I, too, truly cherish and love my younger brother, but perhaps it is time you let him go.”

“Let him go?”

“You cannot keep him in your arms forever, can you? Moreover, society says... No, never mind. Such words would hurt both my younger brother and you.”

“What is being said?”

“Well... I do not know how to bring this up...”

Watching Gerard’s reaction, Peter opened his mouth with an expression that suggested he did not even want to think about it.

“There is even talk that the youngest is not your blood.”

“What?”

Gerard’s eyebrows arched like a bow.

Those words meant that his concubine had committed adultery and given birth to Zeke.

“What wretch is spouting such nonsense?”

“It is a rumor commonly drifting between the lines. I do not know its source either. The problem is that the prestige of our family has fallen so far that people are even slandering my aunt.”

‘Because of that damned youngest.’

Peter swallowed the last words inwardly.

In a prestigious magical family, having no talent for magic was no different from a disability.

In Peter’s eyes, as the one who would become the next family head, such a younger brother could only appear utterly useless.

As did his father, who was shielding that younger brother even now.

“Though Zeke may not have talent, that does not change the fact that he is my blood. Rumors from society can simply be ignored.”

‘Father has completely lost his mind. To think he would protect that half-wit bastard who cannot even form a Circle.’

It was absurd, but Peter did not show it.

Instead, he put on a brazen face and spoke with a smile.

For his true purpose.

“Father, even so, we cannot simply ignore the family’s dignity.”

“Do you have some method in mind?”

“As it happens, I have already spoken to the Magic Tower for my younger brother’s sake.”

“What do you mean by that? Explain in detail.”

The corner of Peter’s mouth rose as he revealed his purpose to Gerard.

***

Clatter, clatter.

Gerard, the Lord Patriarch; Christina, the lawful first wife; Dana, the second wife; and everyone from the First Young Master to the youngest, Zeke.

For the first time in a long while, the family gathered in one place to eat.

However, as if they were playing a game of watching one another, not a single person opened their mouth.

Only the sound of chewing food filled the room.

‘Why is everyone so quiet? And why does Eldest Brother’s gaze look like that?’

Zeke had never once exchanged words with Peter, the First Young Master.

He had seen him a few times in the past, but that had only been in passing.

When Zeke was seven, Peter had already formed his 1st Circle and left for training in the magical arts.

This was their reunion after eight years, but Zeke was not especially pleased.

‘How am I supposed to pretend I am glad to see him when he is glaring like that?’

-Indeed. That human’s eyes are truly fierce. Are you certain he is really your brother?

‘He is my brother, but only a half brother.’

Peter was showing him a friendly smile, but his eyes were not smiling.

This was rather chilling.

-Did you perhaps incur some grudge from that human?

‘There is no way. We are so distant that we have never even had a conversation.’

Perhaps Peter disliked him because he was an illegitimate child.

Or perhaps he despised him because he had no talent.

‘Maybe both?’

At that moment, his aunt Christina broke the silence.

“My eldest, was training at the Magic Tower difficult?”

“There were difficult moments, but it was manageable.”

“How admirable. You have been running forward all this time, so now ease your heart and rest a little. You should also look into a partner for an engagement.”

“An engagement?”

“Elder Brother. What do you think of the daughter of the Deporte Ducal House? They are a prestigious magical family comparable to ours, and rumor has it that she is very beautiful.”

At the talk of an engagement, the Third Young Master Alex cut in with an expression as though he were more excited than anyone else, but...

“This is not your place to intervene.”

“…….”

Under his father’s glare, he had no choice but to shut his mouth.

“More importantly, all of you know what day today is, do you not?”

“Yes, Father.”

“It is the day of the successor trial.”

In ordinary families, the eldest son inherited everything, but the method of a prestigious magical family was different.

Only a son who proved his talent by taking the trial could claim the family.

That was the successor trial.

In that respect, Luna’s expression was indifferent.

After all, she was already engaged to the Second Young Master of House Baldor, another prestigious magical family.

“Candidates, if you have finished eating, let us rise. I will inform each of you about the trial you will take.”

Once the Lord Patriarch moved first, the candidates, beginning with the First Young Master, followed and stood.

Zeke was no exception.

“My son, do your best.”

“Do your best, all of you.”

Leaving behind the encouragement of the two mothers, the young masters followed Gerard and moved to his office.

Click.

Gerard, who had not said a word while they walked, spoke as soon as he closed the office door.

“Before you take the trial, there is something I must tell you. Zeke.”

“Yes?”

At the unexpected call, Zeke looked at his father with a puzzled expression.

“Has there been any improvement in your Mana Affinity?”

At the question, which he ought to have been tired of hearing by now, Zeke shook his head.

“Unfortunately, not yet.”

“Then there seems to be no other way.”

“Pardon?”

“I spoke with Peter, you see...”

Gerard trailed off as though reluctant, then made a shocking statement.

“It would be best for you to leave for training in the magical arts as well.”