[{"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-150":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},1334946,1778,"Chapter 150","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-150",150,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 150: The Game of Kings (4)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As night fell, the already cold air grew even colder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, there was no place in any direction—north, south, east, or west—where a campfire was lit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one wanted to advertise their base to other magic towers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, cold was something that could be overcome to some extent with magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, this is how the first day ends, huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the western plains, two mages from the Black Tower, who had been patrolling their base, started a conversation as night set in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The first day has already been chaotic. It’s only going to get harder from here, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm… Honestly, if this is what the first day is like, I’d say that’s a given.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, they had to scurry around just to secure three meals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thankfully, there were rabbits and chickens wandering across the plains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If not for that, they would have had to go hungry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m already worried about food for tomorrow. We might have to check out the city.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You think it’s different over there?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anywhere has to be better than here—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rustle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A strange noise interrupted their conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both mages instinctively gathered their mana, their senses sharpening as they scanned their surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the vast, open plains revealed nothing unusual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did we mishear?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…No. I heard it too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There had definitely been a heavy sound—something stepping on the frozen grass of the plains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, nothing was visible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That contradiction made the two furrow their brows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Kruaaagh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive shadow lunged from behind, tackling one of the mages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aaargh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"M-Melson! Dark Wave!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A black sphere shot out, striking the creature that had attacked the mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As blood splattered, the beast fled, leaving the fallen mage gasping for breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hah… Hah… Thanks. But what the hell was that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…A Shadow Wolf.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling how the creature had instantly merged into the shadows upon being hit by magic, the mage quickly spoke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s head back to base. Looks like we won’t be getting any sleep tonight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom! Boom! Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throughout the long night, mages across different regions fought fiercely against monsters trying to hunt them down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, there was one place untouched by the chaos—the central city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tch, the mana I sense is pretty intense.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course. Those things are Shadow Wolves, aren’t they?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They’re trickier than they look if you run into them in the wrong place.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, whatever. It’s not like we have to deal with them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mages of the Red Tower, who had already set up their base in a building, watched the spectacle with a sense of superiority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While others struggled, they could sit back and observe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not that they were just enjoying the misfortune of others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Hmm. Seems like the Black Tower guys are handling things better than the Blood Tower.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They took down the wolf pack in an instant. At least they won’t have to worry about food tomorrow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Blood Tower isn’t struggling too much either.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were analyzing the strength of the mages in combat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This information was invaluable—something money couldn’t buy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One thing’s clear: even if the Black Tower is rising in power, they’re still no match for us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That much is obvious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was their objective assessment after watching the battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that level, not only were they inferior to the Red Tower, but they wouldn’t stand a chance against any of the Four Great Magic Towers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, except maybe the White Tower…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Speaking of which, I am curious about those guys.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their gazes naturally turned north.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But beyond the dense trees covering the mountain, they could see nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All they knew was that the flow of mana from that direction was faint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that alone told them enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s way too quiet, isn’t it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mountain occupied by two magic towers, with forty mages supposedly present, shouldn’t be this silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they were defending against monster attacks, magic should be flaring up all over the place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, it was eerily still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Violet Tower might already be out of the game. Don’t you think so, Leo?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the question, Leo Brult slowly closed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mana in the mountains followed a singular pattern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, only one tower was using magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘There’s no way the White Tower lost to the Violet Tower…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leo nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Violet Tower is as good as eliminated.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t sure how many had died, but losing just five members meant disqualification.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if that happened on the first day, the gap in points would already be massive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I figured this might happen when the White Tower went after them…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he hadn’t expected them to act before the second sunrise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"……\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leo did the calculations in his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All towers—except the White and Violet—should currently have 80 points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since no one had interfered with them, they had simply completed their daily tasks and secured food.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But the White Tower’s score will be different.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killing another mage awarded 3 points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how many they had taken down, the White Tower had undoubtedly gained a significant lead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Which means we can’t afford to sit back and relax.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Red Tower had formed a three-way alliance with the Yellow and Blue Towers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fundamental goal of that alliance was simple:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To ensure that all three of them placed first, second, and third.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But if things continue like this, one of us might end up in fourth place.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the reason was the White Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had seized too much of an early advantage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taptap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Leo tapped his arm, deep in thought, he made his decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘For now, we observe.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the White Tower had eliminated all the Violet Tower mages and secured 60 points, it wouldn’t change things just yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Even if they miraculously take first place, as long as our Red Tower stays in the top three, we’ll still win by a single point.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And as long as they placed within the top three, they would secure the final victory with just a one-point lead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought of it made all the previous worries feel foolish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as natural as breathing for the Red Tower to be in that ranking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Leo, the situation has changed a bit. What should we do starting tomorrow?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nothing has changed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shook his head and firmly addressed the mages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We stick to the original plan. Just observe the situation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, three of the Four Great Towers had joined forces on this side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what variable arose, as long as the three worked together to push through, nothing else mattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Here's the promised potion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was early morning, with the dawn dew still fresh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meeting with the mages of the Violet Tower, Oscar handed over five potion bottles carved from stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling the weight of them, Iris asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How effective are they?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since I had to make them hastily in the wild...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iris hadn't placed much hope in them and simply nodded, prompting Oscar to continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They allow for quick regeneration—enough for simple hemostasis and wound closure.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Hemostasis and wound closure?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If it couldn’t even do that, it wouldn’t be called a potion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Iris examined the unexpectedly potent potions, she suddenly extended one toward Oscar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Understanding her intent immediately, Oscar smirked and asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You want a live demonstration?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aren’t we at that level of trust?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I thought we were on the same boat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Until yesterday, we just happened to have the same destination. Today is a new day.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At her sharp response, Oscar shrugged and accepted the potion bottle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rolling up his sleeve to expose bare skin, he used Wind Cutter to slice his own arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood began to flow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar drank half of the potion and poured the rest over the wound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chiiiiik!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bubbles surged and sizzled over the injury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, the wound was gone as if it had never been there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mmm, it works pretty well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course it does. Who do you think made it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After proving the potion’s effectiveness, Oscar spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You slept well last night, didn’t you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Well, we didn’t really do anything.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iris’ words were entirely truthful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Violet Tower had done absolutely nothing during last night’s monster wave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the White Tower had hunted all the monsters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you’d like, we could keep doing that for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…….\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iris narrowed her eyes at the unexpected offer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such one-sided generosity always came with a reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you want from us?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Same as yesterday. Just bring us the potion ingredients. In return, we’ll compensate you accordingly and keep you safe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Why go that far?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iris couldn’t understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Based on their performance last night, the White Tower was undeniably powerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they wanted, they could eliminate the Violet Tower with ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s simple. The White Tower has to win.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And what does that have to do with helping us...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We can’t just win by doing well ourselves. We have to push the Red Tower and Yellow Tower below fifth place while securing first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, they had an obligation to ensure that the weaker towers, like the Violet Tower, didn’t get eliminated too quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how well the White Tower performed, if the Violet and Green Towers were knocked out early, the Red and Yellow Towers would inevitably place fourth or higher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…So you’re saying you’ll protect us just to keep the other Four Great Towers ranked below us?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sheer arrogance of the statement made Iris click her tongue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wanting to win first place was understandable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Black Tower and Blood Tower had made similar claims before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But protecting someone is harder than winning a fight.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To simultaneously dominate battles and manipulate the overall rankings to their will?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would be impossible without overwhelming strength and absolute confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Considering their performance last night, it didn’t seem entirely unfeasible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More importantly, the Violet Tower had no other options.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If we refuse, we’re out.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The White Tower—especially Oscar Crucian—was no fool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The overwhelming display of power last night had likely been a warning not to entertain foolish thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that realization, the man before her suddenly felt terrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…It’s not a bad deal for us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course. If my plan works, you’ll at least secure fifth place.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because their goal was to push the Three-Color Towers below sixth, seventh, and eighth place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, we just keep collecting potion ingredients like yesterday?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…For now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something about that wording made Iris uneasy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She pressed further, and Oscar gave an unsettling smile before asking a question of his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Violet Tower specializes in illusions and deception, right? You must be skilled at acting too?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At a time when everyone expected the Violet Tower to be the first to fall…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were the best bait lurking within the arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",1823,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.789Z",1,"novelbin.me","dd9f0e3b73c2948d193b96bc11c12d12ab8cb8a3049195c1a36ad8c551100994","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-51","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-149",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]