Gravity Mage with Level-Up System Chapter 2 Part One: Carey Family

Sand Rock Country's Star Field State - Red Water Province

Within the Carey family residence, the story's central figure lies in deep slumber, as his mother, Lila Carey, grows frustrated with her troublesome offspring. She approached the entrance and rapped on it. "Will he even rouse himself at this hour?" she wondered inwardly.

"Knock," "Knock," "Knock,"

Vincent Carey, the novel's protagonist, caught the sound of the knocks. Yet, he chose not to budge from his spot.

Noticing her son's complete silence, she made her way back to the kitchen with a huff.

As she prepared the meal, sounds of steps echoed down from the upper floor.

"Mom, I'm in a hurry," "I'll skip breakfast today." Vincent Carey's elder brother, Brian Carey, offered with a grin.

"What?" "No chance, son," Lila Carey, the mother, voiced her disapproval immediately.

"I know it's the opening ceremony for first-year students today. But filling your belly with some food won't hurt." She gestured for her eldest to take a seat and eat.

After catching the displeased edge in his mother's voice, Brian chose to drop the argument. He pulled up a chair and began eating without complaint.

Brian Carey possessed a sturdy frame, suggesting his role as an Earth Mage. At eighteen years old now, he drew an odd glance from his mother. His brown hair and eyes mirrored hers exactly.

A warm smile brightened her weathered features upon seeing her dutiful boy.

Lila Carey, the mother, served as a healing Mage. This forty-five-year-old lady had fair skin, along with brown hair and eyes. Slightly weak and plump, she carried a calm demeanor overall.

Brad Carey, her spouse and the boys' father, practiced as a healing mage too. Their paths crossed back in their college days.

With modest talents and advancing years, their progress as level 4 limiters in healing magic had stalled. Post-graduation, they wed and entered the healthcare sector.

Brian Carey arrived first, with Vincent Carey following two years after. The family of four eventually rooted themselves in Red Water Province. Now, almost two decades on, their firstborn headed to Violet Heart Mage College, filling Lila Carey with quiet pride.

Still, she took simple joy in observing her son savor his meal.

Spotting his mother's watchful eyes, Brian asked, "Mom, what's up with Dad?" "Don't say he's pulling another night shift."

Lila Carey paused briefly at her son's words. She grasped the true motive: covering their boy's college tuition. Through relentless day-and-night labor, they'd scraped together funds, yet it fell short. Especially after Violet Heart College hiked fees last semester. More earnings were needed this year to settle the debts.

Even so, she resolved to keep it from Brian. "This boy's got a strong will." "He won't take it well." She reflected silently.

Yet her thoughts turned heavier toward Vincent. All of them were mages, if not of elite status.

They remained mages nonetheless, enjoying a respectable life compared to ordinary folk.

Though mage society brimmed with rivalry, she refused to let her youngest end up as a mere human. Human realms proved even fiercer in competition. Mediocrity wasn't an option there. Without it, supporting a family turned into mere fantasy.

"Mom," Brian called softly, seeing her expression sour.

His voice pulled her from her daze. "I'm concerned about Vincent," she admitted, meeting her son's gaze. "He's already wasted one opportunity. Should he falter at this final chance, I dread what lies ahead for him."

Catching his mother's worry over his brother, Brian sighed before replying, "Mom," "don't worry. He'll tap into his mage powers next round." "And even if he doesn't, I hear there are ways to force-awaken talent artificially," he added.

Lila eyed her son intently and warned, "Young man, your expression has shifted noticeably." "Stay away from those shady types. I couldn't care less if Vincent doesn't succeed. I only want him safe and sound. Better an ordinary human than a lab rat."

Brian lowered his gaze upon hearing this. Unlike his mother, he held a different view on scientists. Progress in space exploration demanded their efforts. A yearning look crossed his face as he pictured the stars.

Still, he got her aversion. No breakthrough came without setbacks. Testing on living subjects—humans and beasts alike—formed part of the norm. Yet experimenting on people without consent stood forbidden by law.

Shaking off the thoughts, he wrapped up his food. Moments later, Brian stood and declared, "Alright, Mom." "Time's running short." With that, Brian exited the home, heading toward the train station. A straight-line service ran directly to Violet Heart Mage College in the neighboring province.

Meanwhile, mother Lila Carey rose from her place and moved toward Vincent's room. Reaching the door, she pounded on it once more.

"Vincent, school's starting soon."

"Knock," "Knock,"

"Vincent, school's starting soon." "I can't linger here forever. Work calls me back. I left breakfast ready for you. Eat it fresh in the morning before heading out." Lila Carey shared her frets in an anxious voice.

Practicing as a healing mage proved a blessing, or else her constant stresses might wreck her well-being.

With a heavy sigh, she retreated to her chamber to change. Her husband and she shared employment at the same facility—a mid-tier hospital for mage professionals. He handled nights, while days fell to her.