[{"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-160":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},1334856,1778,"Chapter 160","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-160",160,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 160: Saint Hill (3)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group decided to retrace their steps exactly to escort Paul out of the temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? Wait a second. Which way did we come from?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you an idiot? There’s only one path anyway—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica, who was chastising Fran, trailed off mid-sentence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A thick fog had settled behind them, making it impossible to tell which direction they had come from.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the—? When did all this fog roll in?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Does this mean we’re trapped too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing their conversation, Paul realized something was wrong and spoke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This temple is built like a labyrinth, so it’s difficult to find your way even when there’s no fog. There was even a vagrant who tried to explore the temple and had to be rescued after three days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep in thought, Oscar looked at Paul and asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You have two choices. One, you stay here and wait until we finish our business inside. And the other…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I-I’ll take the second option! I’d rather die than stay here alone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paul’s desperate voice made Oscar nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So be it. But I can’t guarantee your safety.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve already accepted that. No matter what happens, it’s better than being left here alone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Understanding his sentiment, Oscar turned to the group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Everyone, brace yourselves. This is no longer a simple exploration or investigation. If the master of this temple has trapped us here, they are our enemy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Got it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, they reorganized their formation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fran and I will take the lead. Paul stays in the center. Killian and Veronica will cover the rear.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? I’m in the lead?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran blinked in confusion, trying to figure out the reason, then his face turned pale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar lightly patted his shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You hardly die even if you trigger a trap or get ambushed. That makes you the best choice for the front.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, he would have complained, but this time, he simply took his position next to Oscar, his expression full of fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He must have realized how serious the situation was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He’s grown.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to when they first met, not only had his skills improved, but his mindset had also matured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling pleased, Oscar glanced toward the back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Paul, the journalist, huh?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, he didn’t trust him completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though they had no choice but to bring him along, Paul was still someone they encountered inside the temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The wind confirmed that he was telling the truth, but…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, that wasn’t a foolproof way to distinguish lies from truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, staying cautious wouldn’t hurt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Killian exchanged a glance with him and gave a small nod, Oscar nodded back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Good. Killian will keep an eye on Paul.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, time to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After walking for a while toward the path where the fog hadn’t settled, they arrived in front of a massive temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar observed the grand walls adorned with sacred carvings and asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Paul, do you know what this building is?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can tell just by looking at the entrance. This is the main temple. As far as I know, all members of the Salvation Church reside here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That meant the leader of the church was likely inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Creak—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they pushed open the door and stepped inside, the frustratingly thick fog finally disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wow, I can finally breathe now that I can see properly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Having your vision restricted is more uncomfortable than you think.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the temple, there were numerous statues and paintings related to the Salvation Church.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, since the entire temple was dimly lit by scattered candles, the overall atmosphere was dark and eerie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they examined the surroundings, they sensed movement ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, a man carrying a lamp emerged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His face carried an expression of serene kindness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brothers and sisters, welcome to the temple of the Salvation Church.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...And you are?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am a priest who guides those who arrive at this temple.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your name?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man smiled warmly at the question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I do not have a name, as I am not bound by worldly rules. Only by shedding the shackles of the secular world can one attain salvation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t going to be easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nodding slightly, Oscar continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright. Then tell me, why did you trap us here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Trap you? I don’t understand what you mean.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cut the nonsense.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica scowled and interjected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You let us into the temple on purpose and used the fog to block our way out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh dear, there seems to have been a misunderstanding.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The priest wore a concerned expression as he explained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For the past two months, our church has been observing a religious event called ‘Branus.’ During this period, we refrain from using civilized devices, completely cut off communication with the outside world, and only focus on sustenance and purification. It is a time for purging the impurities from our bodies. Since you arrived during this sacred time, our brothers and sisters naturally assumed you were one of us. But I see now that you are outsiders.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Branus, huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So they had been living off nothing but basic sustenance, relying only on candlelight and lamps for months?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar shook his head in disbelief and asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In that case, now that it’s clear we entered by mistake, can you let us out?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course. However, that is not something I can decide on my own. You will have to wait in the reception room until a high priest arrives. But before that…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The priest’s gaze turned toward Paul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why are you with them, Paul?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, well…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Paul hesitate, Oscar answered for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He helped us when we got lost outside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, I see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The priest nodded in understanding and then turned around, leading them elsewhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once inside the reception room, the priest bowed politely before leaving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oscar, what do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran asked, staring at the door the priest had disappeared through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you really think this was all just a misunderstanding, and they’ll let us out?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who knows…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trailing off, he glanced at Paul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you think, Mr. Paul?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have heard of the concept of Branus before. However, I don’t quite understand how that relates to people being taken away… To be honest, it’s hard to believe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They said they were purifying corrupt things during this period. Maybe it has something to do with that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After pondering for a moment, Paul slowly nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In reality, most people, including myself, weren’t particularly interested in the doctrines of the Salvation Church. I came here for coverage, but most people were just looking for a place to stay and food to eat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then maybe they took those people to make them stronger believers? Some kind of indoctrination?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indoctrination... It wasn’t impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, cults and brainwashing had always gone hand in hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, with a sudden click, the parlor door opened, and a new figure entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even at a glance, the man was dressed in far more luxurious priestly robes than the priest they had seen earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, so it’s true. When I received the report, I nearly fainted from shock.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The priest, smiling affably, adjusted his glasses and made eye contact with each of them in turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes landed on Fran, and his smile deepened with satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Such a rare handsome man you are.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, uh, really? Thank you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Caught off guard by the unexpected compliment, Fran awkwardly scratched the back of his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, in an attempt to break the awkward atmosphere, he spoke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anyway, we can leave, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course. If you wish, I will guide you outside immediately. However, since you’ve come all this way, why not take a tour of our church?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…….\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his words, the four of them turned to look at Oscar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally assuming the role of decision-maker, he hesitated briefly before asking:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why are you suddenly making that suggestion?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our church values the teaching of cherishing connections. Since you happened to visit us during the Branus period, you are a precious connection to us. Besides, wouldn’t it be unfortunate to part ways so soon with Mr. Paul, who has been of help to you while you were lost?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paul, startled by the high priest’s words, responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Part ways? Why? Can’t I leave with them?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, I didn’t explain that part. You see, our church's Branus period is also a time when we test the faith of those we have provided for. Unfortunately, Mr. Paul, you cannot leave just yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So they wanted payment for the food and shelter they had provided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar glanced at Paul, who was shifting uneasily like a nervous dog, then asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So once this test of faith is over, he’ll be allowed to leave?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course. It won’t take long, just a few hours at most.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Then let’s get it over with quickly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he stood up, the high priest smiled pleasantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very well, I will take you to the Examiner.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The examination room was unlike the others—it was bright and completely white.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paul was led inside alone, while the others watched through a glass window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The high priest, who had guided them, spoke with pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"From the inside, this glass appears to be a normal wall. Only from here can you see inside.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Interesting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It will take some time, so please enjoy some refreshments while you observe quietly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Oscar nodded, his eyes remained fixed on Paul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a while, another priest entered the room and began questioning him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you had to give up everything to be saved, would you even surrender your life?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even if the world condemned your beliefs, would you still follow the word of God?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If it was God’s will, would you believe it justifiable to sacrifice innocent lives?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paul's answers to all three questions were a firm \"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As similar questions and answers continued, Fran suddenly frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ugh, my stomach... Where’s the restroom?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go outside and head left down the hall.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll be right back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he left the room, Oscar spoke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Killian.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Guess I need to go too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just in case, he sent Killian along, which gave him a bit more peace of mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching everything unfold, the high priest smiled warmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother, you have excellent leadership.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m just overly cautious. Apologies if that offends you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not at all. I completely understand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he casually shrugged, the door suddenly burst open, and several priests rushed in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The targets have been secured.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh? Well done.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slowly rising from his seat, the high priest removed his glasses and carefully placed them into a case before speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since there are no other special-type mages among them, dispose of them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Veronica tensed and spoke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey, Oscar. Did I just hear the word dispose?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have ears too. And eyes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar sighed lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My bad feelings are never wrong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, magic surged through his circuits, forming a blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The heads of three charging priests were severed in the blink of an eye, blood decorating the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",1850,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.789Z",1,"novelbin.me","1d859a65de9d5b03316f569779f94d2687a32e8fa1d8e249a40b151dc9e9600c","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-161","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-159",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]