[{"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-151":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},1334847,1778,"Chapter 151","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-151",151,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 151: The Game of Kings (5)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two days had passed since the official alliance with the Violet Magic Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, on the fourth night—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crackle, crackle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More than thirty mages had gathered around a bonfire in the center of the White Tower’s base.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aside from the minimum number of patrols, every mage from both the White and Violet Towers was present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is this really okay?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica pointed at the bonfire with her chin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though they were in the mountains and partially concealed by trees, the winter trees were sparse and frail, meaning their location would be easily visible at night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s fine. I’ve surrounded the fire with magic to block the light from escaping.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…The entire area?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica flinched, but then sighed as she realized who she was talking to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, right. If it’s you, you’d have taken care of it. So, what’s this about? A sudden meeting at this hour, and…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She trailed off as she glanced at the Violet Tower mages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was natural to wonder what was important enough to warrant such an unusual gathering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar’s answer was short and to the point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s too quiet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The city. It’s too quiet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sitting on a cut tree stump with his arms crossed, he nodded toward the direction of the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Red, Yellow, and Blue Towers—those guys establishing a base in the city was expected. Their pride wouldn’t let them give up that spot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The problem was what happened next.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar had been certain that if bloodshed broke out in this competition, it would start in the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, three of the four Great Magic Towers were gathered in one place, each eager to tear the others apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well… if you think about it, that’s not too strange, is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica tilted her head, unconvinced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If it were just two, sure. But there are three Towers in that city. If any of them make a move, they’ll only end up helping the other two. So isn’t it natural that they’re watching their backs and staying put?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Logically, yes. That’s why I took our mages to patrol the city yesterday and today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Understanding their position was essential for navigating this competition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To get straight to the point, I think they’ve allied. No, I’m certain of it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only Veronica but also the Violet Tower mages tensed up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Yellow, Red, and Blue Towers… you’re saying they formed an alliance?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s impossible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What makes you think that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar remained unshaken by the barrage of questions and instead asked calmly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Veronica, if you were in one of those Towers in the city, who would you be most wary of?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Obviously, the other two Towers in the same city. They’re strong, and they’re close by.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly. But surprisingly, they aren’t watching each other at all. Even when gathering supplies or completing daily tasks, they just ignore each other and move on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would be impossible unless they were allied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Actually, there’s something even stranger.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar looked at Iris of the Violet Tower and asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Be honest—can you trust us 100%?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…That’s…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You can’t, right? That’s only natural. The same goes for us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ironically, in battle, the greatest threat isn’t a clear enemy but an ally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most dangerous blade doesn’t come from the front—it comes from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But those guys trust each other completely. They don’t even bother checking each other’s movements or activities.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you trying to say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If they had only just formed an alliance inside the competition, they wouldn’t trust each other that much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was only one possible explanation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Their high-ranking officials must have made a deal before the competition even started.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their interests had aligned, and there had likely been exchanges of benefits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That meant the Level 4 mages had no choice but to follow their Tower’s decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gulp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of people swallowing their anxiety filled the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If that’s true…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iris clenched her fists tightly on her lap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then smaller Towers like ours were assigned our ranks before the competition even started.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Violet and Green Towers were among the weakest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one had expected them to achieve meaningful results in this event.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…But at the very least, the opportunities should be fair.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wasn’t it too unfair to be handed a losing outcome just for being weak?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iris bit her lip, her body trembling with frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar, watching her, suddenly spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Frustrating, isn’t it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you seriously asking that right now…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then let’s pay them back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iris flinched at the chilling, almost refreshing tone of his voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly what I said. They made an alliance, and so did we. There’s nothing stopping us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other side had three of the Great Magic Towers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The White Tower was among them, but it was still known as the weakest of the four.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the Violet Tower’s combat power… was almost embarrassing to mention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you planning? And—just so you know, our Tower isn’t very strong in battle.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar replied as he thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>set down a large wooden box on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We just need to do what we’re good at. You guys gathered plenty of herbs, didn’t you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Wait, don’t tell me that’s all—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Potions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the box were over a hundred potion bottles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As everyone’s attention focused on the box, Oscar continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Starting now, we’ll use these potions to expand our alliance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Expand our alliance?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah. At sunrise, we’ll approach the Black Tower and make them an offer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Black Tower… They are strong in combat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, even compared to the Great Magic Towers, the Black Tower was no pushover.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as Iris imagined them, her expression darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Would they even accept our offer?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ironically, because of their strength, they had little reason to accept an alliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had nothing to lose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They won’t accept it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar replied coolly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in his own judgment, there was no reason for the Black Tower to form an alliance in the current situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most importantly, it was well-known that they despised the White Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But one hand alone can’t fend off ten.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three out of the four great magic towers, all stronger than the Black Tower, had joined forces?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At some point, even the Black Tower would have to swallow their pride and take their side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“An alliance? Stop spouting nonsense and get lost.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed that moment had yet to come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, they were promptly shown the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, Oscar felt grateful they were simply told to leave, considering the sharp mana emanating from all directions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, it can’t be helped. At least take this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shrugging, Oscar handed them a small box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Black Tower’s leader, Blark Heim, frowned at the sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A potion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...A potion?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blark instinctively glanced toward the mountains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, he understood why the White Tower had set up a base there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s winter, so there shouldn’t have been many useful herbs…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, they had already started producing potions?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Were all twenty of them just gathering herbs nonstop?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blark, now holding the box, sent Oscar a skeptical glare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s no way you’d give something like this as a mere gesture of goodwill. Did you poison it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Kids these days are so suspicious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Waving his hand dismissively, Oscar smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, if you’re so uneasy, you don’t have to use it. But I made it myself. I guarantee its effectiveness.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even after Oscar turned and left, the Black Tower’s mages remained on high alert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Coming here alone—he’s got guts. Or maybe he’s just arrogant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Maybe we should’ve just killed him since he won’t come back twice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shaking his head, Blark glanced at his comrades with a hint of regret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Oscar left, several faint traces of magic had disappeared along with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Was I the only one who noticed? He wasn’t alone.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One belonged to the White Tower’s saint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And there were at least two others of similar caliber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had they attacked Oscar, his allies would have retaliated instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I don’t think we would have lost, but…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They would have suffered some damage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that was a critical risk for the Black Tower, which aimed for a top-four position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And then there’s the potion…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blark stared at the potion Oscar had left behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had all been given the same amount of time, yet the White Tower had already developed a unique weapon of their own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was an undeniable loss for the Black Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But we’ll never form an alliance with you.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blark quietly came to that conclusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just a few hours later, a massive blaze erupted in the southern forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thick, black smoke billowed into the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere in the Black Tower’s camp was grim, as if they were at a funeral.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long silence, Blark finally spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What about Barbara?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She’s still recovering. If not for the potion you gave us, she would’ve been eliminated by now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That potion hadn’t come from him—it had come from the White Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Letting out a faint sigh, Blark continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I hope she recovers quickly. But a loss is still a loss. Did you secure the scene?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, thankfully.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Black Tower mage activated a recording taken by his mechanical golem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A holographic projection appeared before them, showing tiny figures moving in the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire forest was ablaze, and the culprits were clearly the Red Tower mages who specialized in fire magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were moving together in a group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, the footage wasn’t over yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alongside the red-robed mages were ones in yellow and blue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the hell?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why are they traveling together?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait… don’t tell me… are they in an alliance?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A tricolor alliance—Yellow Tower, Red Tower, and Blue Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just the thought of it made Blark’s head spin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That footage can only mean one thing. Even if it’s temporary.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no way they’d be allies forever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at least until they eliminated all the other towers, their bond would hold strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just the fact that they had already wiped out the weakest Green Tower proved as much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Blark, shouldn’t we seek out an alliance too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...An alliance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blark pressed his lips together, deep in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar Crucian’s words from earlier that morning lingered in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Did that guy already know they had allied?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he did, why hadn’t he mentioned it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would have made convincing him much easier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Blark quickly realized the answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That bastard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t need to persuade them or coax them into joining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, they were the ones who would be desperate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And to prove it, Oscar had left behind a highly effective potion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sigh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a deep breath, Blark let go of his pride and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gather a team. We’re paying the White Tower a visit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",1824,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.789Z",1,"novelbin.me","64d306383b6ceaef03e82a92ed1dd678d4c4195c27fc8f2b31a069f5d59119ae","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-152","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-300",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]