[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower":3,"chapter-the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-134":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","The Problematic Child of the Magic Tower",{"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},1334930,1778,"Chapter 134","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-134",134,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 134: Artificial Island, Ivemir (11)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Green mana poured down like a rainstorm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wind Shield.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica swiftly chanted a defensive spell at high speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tock, tock!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each time the rain-like magic struck the shield, it pierced through effortlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her body stiffened in shock—she hadn't expected her barrier to be broken so easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Get to cover first!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Woosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran grabbed her by the clothes and leaped aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three of them scattered in different directions, barely managing to take cover behind a mechanical structure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tudududuk! Tududududu!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The barrage of mana rained down like thick raindrops, turning the spot where they had just stood into a wasteland.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hiding won’t solve this problem.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mage, speaking in a relaxed tone, remained still with his hands behind his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the only exit connected to the corridor was behind him, making them nothing more than rats trapped in a cage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling the terrifying downpour, Fran whispered softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A high-level mage?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, not quite.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killian, who was hiding behind a large wooden crate, shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If he were a high-tier mage, we wouldn’t have been able to react at all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I agree. But if he tore through my shield like it was paper, he must be at least Level 6.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an abrupt and overwhelming entrance for such a formidable opponent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until now, the strongest mages they had faced were barely at Level 3 or 4.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Has he been hiding his strength all along?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, I think it’s the opposite. That technique is said to take decades to recover from after a single use.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s right. And he said he sacrificed thirteen souls in exchange for our lives.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then it must be a technique that consumes souls to momentarily elevate his abilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...A technique like that usually doesn’t last long, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killian cautiously peeked out, checking if their opponent had moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yet, he’s standing still, acting relaxed. That means it’s not the case this time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it. Does that mean we have no choice but to fight head-on?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The number \"Level 6\" weighed heavily on their minds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They hadn't even reached Level 5 yet—they were still just Level 4 mages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Killian spoke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can’t you destroy him with your whip?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...You think that’s so easy? And besides, I can only use my full power one more time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one knew that better than he did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he gathered all the remaining mana in his body, he could unleash a single, final attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killian glanced around and remarked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is a mana power plant. There must be an energy storage unit somewhere, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Genius?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica and Fran quickly closed their eyes in response to his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, their senses picked up a massive energy source.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...The location is a bit tricky.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s far below us. The storage must be somewhere underwater.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll ask straight—can you do it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killian’s blunt question made Fran groan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh… Even if I reach the mana storage, I’ll need time to absorb the energy, and then…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So can you do it or not?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Impatient, Veronica frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran exhaled and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can. No, even if I can’t, I’ll make it happen. It’s not like we have another choice, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You should’ve just said that from the start.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s the answer I wanted to hear.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killian grinned and clenched his gloved fist tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, our job is to hold him off until you get back, without dying.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Five minutes. I can’t promise more than that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Considering he had to dive underwater and absorb mana, it was a tight deadline.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Muttering the number under his breath several times, Fran nodded seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll be back in five minutes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Done strategizing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Killian and Veronica stepped forward, the mage smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Glancing behind them, he asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I recall there being one more of you…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Splash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of someone diving into the water rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mage's eyes widened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm, I see. So they plan to replenish their depleted mana from the storage below.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that also meant that one-third of the enemy’s forces had just disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grinning, the mage gathered his mana.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you sure you can manage with just two of you? Your friend might return only to find everything already over.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh? Isn’t that a good thing? If we take you down without even needing their help.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...I meant that I’ll kill you before they get back. Did you hit your head or something?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mage scowled and waved his hand, splitting his mana into countless droplets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s see if your confidence matches your skills.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Veronica.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Preparing to activate his Acceleration spell at any moment, Killian spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t hold back. Fire all the magic you want.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As if I was planning to hold back for your sake.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the response he wanted, Killian nodded and charged forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a beast, he rapidly closed the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Hm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mage narrowed his eyes as he observed Killian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tudududu!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, the downpour of magical projectiles failed to even graze his clothes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Why?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rather than shock or panic, curiosity surfaced first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with thirteen minds working together, he couldn't immediately comprehend what was happening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘My mana quantity, power, and speed… All my stats are overwhelmingly superior.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, his magic wasn’t hitting its target?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, as he analyzed further, his eyes slightly widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Ah, I see.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The answer was speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His spell, Piercing Raindrops, was a fast and direct attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killian had understood its characteristics precisely and was activating Acceleration at the perfect moment—right before impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He’s already dodged my magic three times…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which meant he had stacked Acceleration threefold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recognizing this, the mage altered his approach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re quite good at dodging. But what about this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He split the magical droplets into ten separate streams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each set of raindrops now had a different speed, converging unpredictably on Killian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You were reading the speed of my magic and using it against me. But the solution is simple.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By making the pattern too complex to read, dodging became impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s no way you can avoid this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killian instinctively understood it even before calculating—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…But that’s fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, he just had to block instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five silver claws extended from Killian’s fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lowering his stance, he drove them into the ground—then lifted the floor itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...As expected, you can’t break through.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Muttering to himself, Killian examined the floor he had used as a shield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the initial devastation, there were no signs of penetration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In other words, your magic easily pierces mana-based barriers but can’t break through physical defenses.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You have a keen eye.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mage admitted it without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t expected his opponent to figure that out in the midst of such a chaotic battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This one's more troublesome than I thought.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was fortunate to realize it now rather than later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that guy had come right up to him and blocked his magic, his head might have been lopped off then and there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t even think about taking a single step from where you stand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tudududu!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mana concentrated and pounded incessantly against the ground that Kilian had used as his shield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you say so.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kilian replied nonchalantly before beginning to walk forward in a duck walk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slowly, but steadily, he approached his opponent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching this, the mage couldn’t help but frown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Does he really think rain is the only magic I can use?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he began gathering mana to unleash another, more powerful spell—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『Wind Sniping』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the gunshot-like sound reached his ears, a gust of wind grazed his cheek.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been fired by the female mage he had nearly forgotten about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, I missed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ultra-long-range sniping spell, 『Wind Sniping』, was a technique Oscar had taught her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, this spell had an extremely long casting time, making it difficult to use repeatedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if the one casting it was Veronica, the story changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll just shoot again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For her, born with the gift of ultra-fast chanting,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>long casting times were hardly a meaningful obstacle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another shot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, the spell flew straight for his forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mage quickly waved his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A hastily formed shield barely managed to block the spinning projectile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The being before them had fused the souls of thirteen entities into one,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>giving him power equivalent to a 6th-circle mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the shield he conjured had cracked significantly from just one hit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This… isn’t good.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These 4th-circle mages were far from ordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were far superior to any he had encountered over 200 years ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Has magic advanced this much over time?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or was it simply that these individuals were exceptional?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mage fell into momentary contemplation, unable to find an answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had to fend off both the sniper’s attacks and the approaching duck-walking mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Who should I target first?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surprisingly, the answer came quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’ll target the woman.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man couldn't stop him anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he tried to emerge from the ground, he would be riddled with holes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica let out a short gasp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The enemy had ignored Kilian and was charging straight at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘For an artificial intelligence or whatever it is, it adapts well.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or maybe that was precisely why its reactions were so swift?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clicking her tongue lightly, Veronica quickly formed a hand sign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『Twin Embrace』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four Gust Hands rose from the ground, rushing in to crush the enemy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Move.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a mere flick of his mana-infused hand, the mage shattered them all instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Damn. I guess that was too much to hope for.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flicker of distress crossed Veronica’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the mage reached her, he extended his hand without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This game ends now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of raindrops materialized midair, ready to pierce through her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For an instant, she pictured herself being skewered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kwaaaaa!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive surge of mana erupted from behind her, accompanied by a jet of water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fran!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica’s expression brightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I never thought I’d see the day you call my name so happily.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the unexpected welcome, Fran let out a small laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the mana he was gathering was no laughing matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Realizing this, the enemy mage redirected the trajectory of his raindrop lances, aiming for Fran instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『Dance of Steel』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In midair, Fran spun once and lashed out with his whip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sound like tearing air rang out, and the incoming raindrops shattered instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mage, having witnessed the destructive power of that whip in the previous battle, hurriedly conjured a shield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This is the absolute defense—shields from all four Great Magic Towers combined.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three layers of each type, twelve shields in total, guarded him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Based on what he had seen earlier, this should be more than enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But upon seeing this, Fran only smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That won’t be enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he had only witnessed his first attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spun once more, launching a second strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>KAAAANG!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The twelve-layered barrier, crafted by a 6th-circle mage, shattered completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like broken glass, it scattered into countless fragments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could even react—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran spun once more, delivering his final blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swooosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The whip struck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As always, the target turned to smoke and dispersed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No! No! We don’t want to die yet…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A desperate, unfinished scream dissipated into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",1900,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.789Z",1,"novelbin.me","af68bbeb165a921ff759d39e63aeae62b1ac8805f199704cb267cf89dabd4b12","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-135","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-133",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]