[{"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-149":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},1334945,1778,"Chapter 149","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-149",149,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 149: The Game of Kings (3)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m going to make potions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was what Oscar declared in the conference room, just one day before the competition began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reaction was mostly positive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Potions, huh… Not a bad idea. In a survival game, they could be a powerful weapon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm, if you’re going to make potions, you’ll need ingredients, so your base will be set up near the forest, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The best places to find herbs in the arena were undoubtedly the forest and the mountains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Between the two, the forest—being on level ground—was the easier option for gathering materials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Oscar shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, we’re going to the mountains.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh? The mountains? Why?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maxim couldn't figure out why the mountains would be better than the forest, no matter how he thought about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Searching for herbs in the mountains will take a lot more energy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are two reasons.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar held up two fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The first reason is safety. If we set up our base on high ground, we’ll have a clear view of approaching enemies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There aren’t many magic towers left, so I doubt any of them would bother climbing up to attack us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We can’t assume that our only enemies will be mages.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He continued, pointing at the three-dimensional map on the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you look at the map, the best location is undoubtedly the city. But that also means the competition for it will be fierce.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In games like this, balance between regions is crucial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If a place has intense competition, it must offer some kind of merit in return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, apart from being centrally located, the city didn’t seem to offer any clear advantages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, in a survival game, being at the center could be a major disadvantage—making them a prime target for everyone else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you were the one designing this arena, Elder, what kind of advantage would you give the city?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maxim rested his chin on his hand, thinking for a moment, then let out a small exclamation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, could it be monsters?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That seems like the most likely answer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is a survival game. If there were no threats aside from other mages, the game would drag on too long.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, the game must have mechanisms in place to keep up the pace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the most likely mechanism was ‘monsters.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The mountains, plains, and forests are all areas where monsters could appear at any time. As the game progresses, mages will naturally start gathering toward the city.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was inevitable that the monsters would become stronger over time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Fran tilted his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm, then shouldn’t we also secure a base in the city instead of worrying about herbs? The ones who take over the city won’t give up their positions easily later on.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That won’t be possible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If my guess is right, the city will be taken by the Yellow Tower, the Red Tower, and the Blue Tower.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…All three of them? Would they really choose such an inefficient strategy?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s actually quite reasonable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasha, who had been listening, nodded in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Because for them, simply surviving and winning isn’t enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Winning was obviously important for the Yellow, Red, and Blue Towers, but what mattered even more was how they won.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If they win in a shameful or unimpressive way, they’ll be ridiculed. They need to win in a way that matches their reputation—with overwhelming dominance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, it wasn’t just a matter of wanting to—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This competition wasn’t just being watched by their senior mages,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>but also by the elders and the tower masters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That means the most valuable location in this arena…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar tapped the central city with a stick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They’ll want to claim the city from the start. They won’t want to look weak by moving to the outskirts for an easier start.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the level 4 mages wanted a safer route,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>those above them wouldn’t allow it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For them, the image and pride of their towers were of utmost importance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm, I see. Since we’re in the underdog position, we should take full advantage of that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly. No one will criticize us for setting up in the northern mountains.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood. If the first reason for choosing the mountains is safety, then what’s the second reason?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Securing labor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maxim and the others frowned at the contradiction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Logically, gathering herbs in the forest would require far less effort than in the mountains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait, not labor reduction, but securing labor?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, securing labor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar picked up the pieces representing the Black Tower and the Blood Tower and looked at the map.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Black and Blood Towers probably have confidence in their combat skills, but they aren’t strong enough to challenge the Four Great Towers from the start. They’ll likely choose a cautious approach, carefully observing the situation. And to prepare for any unexpected threats, they’ll settle in the plains—where they have the best visibility.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He placed the Black and Blood Tower pieces on the western and eastern plains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, he picked up two more pieces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Green Tower will definitely head for the forest. That’s where they can maximize their natural abilities.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After placing the Green Tower piece in the southern forest, Oscar twirled the piece representing the Violet Tower with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now, the city belongs to the three great towers, and the east, west, and south are all occupied. So where does that leave the Violet Tower?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…If the towers move as you predict, the only place left is the north.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bingo.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar placed the Violet Tower’s piece in the mountains, right next to the White Tower’s piece.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We’ll let them move in first, then follow them afterward.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What if they see us as a threat and start a fight?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They won’t. Not after yesterday’s match.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though the Four Great Towers had fallen from glory, they were still perceived as strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That perception was something they could use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We’ll make them provide us with labor. In exchange, we’ll give them a portion of the potions we make.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…And if they refuse?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They can’t refuse.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mages of the Violet Tower were weak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Based on what they had shown over the past few days, they were clearly the weakest group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the White Tower extended a friendly hand, but the Violet Tower responded with hostility instead…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would only ensure their downfall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright. Then, what do you plan to do after making all the potions?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We'll wait.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Wait? Wait for what, exactly?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that question, Oscar smiled silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back in the arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finding a sufficiently open clearing in the mountains, Oscar decisively gave his orders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bolden, Jeremy, Fran. The three of you set up a palisade around the perimeter. If it's about five meters high, most monsters won't be able to jump over it. The important thing is that it must be finished before sundown.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Veronica and Damian, patrol the area and set up alarm magic. Be extremely careful not to miss even the slightest movement.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Killian, head up to that peak and establish a simple outpost to keep watch over the surroundings.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The rest of you, let's build some temporary huts.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simple yet detailed instructions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orders that made it clear what each person needed to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then, Oscar waited for the tower's mages to bring back the herbs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four hours later, Iris appeared, still on guard, leading the mages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We gathered every herb we could find.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good job. And one more thing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What? This wasn't part of the deal!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I knew it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tower mages immediately took combat stances, their faces showing they knew they had been tricked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar let out a short laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come on, I haven't even said anything yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You just said you want us to do one more thing!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah, but at least hear me out first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar crouched down and checked the sack of herbs before speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As early as tonight, monsters might start attacking.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mages didn't seem too surprised—they had already anticipated the possibility of monsters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If they appear, do not engage.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What? Are you telling us to just sit there and die—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let me finish. We'll handle the monsters. Just don't use magic.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iris furrowed her brow and stared at him, trying to read his intentions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar met her gaze and explained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tonight, this area will be the most closely watched location by all the magic towers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This mountain region was the only area, aside from the city, where two magic towers coexisted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Oscar, this was a perfect opportunity to create confusion among their enemies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to spread the idea that you might have already been eliminated.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...So you want us to just sit back and reap the benefits?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you don't like it, there's nothing I can do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iris thought for a moment, calculating the risks, then slowly nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s not a bad proposal for us. But if the monsters aren’t handled quickly and we judge that our mages are in danger, we’ll act on our own.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After checking all the herbs, Oscar slung the sack over his shoulder and waved his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As promised, I'll have five potions ready by morning.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it. We came all the way here just to eat canned soup.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Be grateful. If we were stuck in a forest or mountain, we'd be eating mushrooms.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And if we were in the plains, we'd have to hunt rabbits or something.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Red Tower had secured the tallest building in the city as their base for the day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their day had been flawless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had won the power struggle against the Yellow and Blue Towers, secured this stronghold, and even sorted out all their meals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On top of that, their daily task was trivial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Isn't today's task way too easy? All we have to do is run with someone else or stretch together.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's only the first day. If it was too hard from the start, that would be a problem too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...The real problem is that the task requires group participation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At those words, the mages all turned their attention to the one who had spoken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leo Brult, a Level 4 mage of the Red Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was the first among last year's academy graduates to reach Level 4.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite being the youngest in the group, he was their undisputed leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one could match his skills or his background.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As the competition continues, some of our allies will die. Eventually, there will come a time when we can’t complete our daily task. That means we might have to cooperate with other towers to earn points.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, I see.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So you're saying we might need to form alliances… I hadn't thought about that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the mages, lost in thought, turned to Leo and asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way, why do you keep looking toward the mountains?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's someone there who caught my attention.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leo Brult recalled the mage he had met months ago when he visited the White Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oscar Crucian. Why did he go to the mountains?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who knows? Maybe he went after the Violet Tower. I saw him chasing them earlier.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Focusing his mana into his eyes, Leo stared toward the mountains and muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We'll find out soon enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",1904,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.789Z",1,"novelbin.me","ad5198316b147b76425fdcbbe87f06caa692b355bfb60dc2b04af047aaf1003f","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-150","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-148",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]