[{"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-166":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},1334862,1778,"Chapter 166","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-166",166,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 166: Saint Hill (9)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pulse stabilized! Heartbeat is becoming regular.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Body temperature is rising to a normal level. The dangerous condition has been avoided.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Skin color has improved… and more importantly, their eyes look less frightening now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Listening to the flood of reports, Walker remained silent for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The potion’s effect was outstanding, especially considering it had been created in just three days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thanks to it, over a hundred victims had been transferred to a temporary medical facility for treatment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s a relief.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar, who had been verifying the results alongside him, muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though he had made this potion once before, the time constraints had been tight this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How did you determine the necessary ingredients?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well… after making enough potions, you start to get a feel for it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Have you treated a similar case before?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Walker’s sharp question, Oscar responded without even blinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As if. Where would I even find people infected by demonic energy to treat?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Haa.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walker let out a deep sigh, prompting Oscar to look at him curiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why the sigh? The victims have been successfully treated.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s just… something about it. Aren’t you exhausted? You didn’t sleep at all for three days while making the potion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m fine. I’m not the type to enjoy sleeping much anyway.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Is that a joke?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s the truth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walker frowned slightly as he stared at Oscar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the look of someone observing a strange individual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But there’s nothing I can do about it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Kiri had given him a protective talisman, it was meant to be used only in absolute emergencies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, his inability to sleep remained unchanged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wow, this is incredible!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, a voice from behind made Oscar’s eyes widen in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…They were able to move without triggering my magic detection?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That meant this person was at least a Level 7 expert, specialized in concealing their presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quickly turning around, Oscar saw a man wearing a uniform similar to Walker’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Something about him feels… off.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man’s eyes and mouth were smiling, yet there was an undeniable sense of unease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps it was the strong scent of blood, which even heavy perfume couldn’t mask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Definitely not someone I want to be near.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From past experience, people like this were never compatible with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man scanned the patients lying in the temporary medical facility before turning to Oscar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I heard rumors about a genius alchemist, and it looks like they weren’t exaggerated.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Do you know him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Unfortunately, yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clicking his tongue, Walker stepped in front of Oscar as if to shield him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, in an ice-cold voice, he asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you doing here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come on, Chief. Isn’t this a bit harsh for an old subordinate?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I won’t ask three times. Answer me—why are you here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walker’s immense mana began to flow, signaling that he was ready for battle if necessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the man, still smiling, simply shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You already know, don’t you? People like us don’t have reasons. We just follow orders.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Orders from above?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s right. I happened to be passing through the area when I received an urgent command.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced past Walker’s shoulder at the patients before continuing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Confirm whether Oscar Crucian’s potion can truly cure those infected by demonic energy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"….\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walker’s powerful mana, which had been surging ominously, gradually settled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, Oscar also unconsciously relaxed the tension he had been holding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Well, considering it’s the Imperial Court…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They doubted everything and avoided risks at all costs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s why they had sent yet another person to verify the situation firsthand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, since the victims were all successfully treated, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or so he thought—until he heard a familiar sound from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Schlaaash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar immediately recognized that sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the sound of blood gushing like a fountain when a vital point was pierced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slowly turning around, he saw over a hundred crimson fountains erupting into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air was so thick with the metallic scent of blood that it made his head spin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, Walker’s mana exploded in fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sever Harben!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time, Oscar heard Walker shout in rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive explosion followed as Walker’s sword clashed with black thorns sprouting from the man’s fingertips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still grinning, the man curled his lips even higher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hahaha! It’s been a while, Chief’s sword!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As more thorns erupted from the ground, Walker swiftly retreated, glaring at the man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one called Sever Harben adjusted his disheveled uniform before speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Confirm whether Oscar Crucian’s potion can truly cure those infected by demonic energy. And eliminate every single test subject without exception.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That was my order. Right now, you’re obstructing an official mission.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walker’s grip on his sword trembled violently in anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"An order from the Imperial Court?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know how it is. The Imperial Court despises uncertainty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The treatment was already a success. You saw it with your own eyes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Perhaps. But can you guarantee it with 100% certainty?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sever tilted his head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can you say for sure that they won’t relapse in a year, ten years, or fifty years?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For the safety of the Empire’s citizens, isn’t it best to eliminate any possible risk? The sacrifice of a few for the greater good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walker couldn’t refute him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how successful the results seemed now, no one could predict what might happen decades down the line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know, this is surprising. Of all people, I didn’t expect this from you, Chief. Are you getting sentimental in your old age?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Or… now that you’re following His Majesty’s direct orders, does the darker side of the Imperial Court suddenly seem disgusting and vile to you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sever smirked as he taunted Walker, whose silence only deepened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you don’t like the Imperial decision, feel free to argue as soon as you return. Not that you would, of course.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…….\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walker remained silent again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was an inexplicable loneliness in his slouched figure, sword hanging loosely by his side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar, watching him quietly, finally spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You really have a way of pissing people off.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Are you talking to me right now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sever pointed at himself with an incredulous expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar nodded and, despite facing a Level 7 mage, let out every thought he had.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And if you needed certainty, you should have talked to me first. I could have given the Imperial Court whatever results they wanted.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, well, that could have been an option.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sever nodded, blinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But… why go through all that hassle? Killing everyone would have been much simpler.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What meaning is there in peace and security if it comes at the cost of innocent lives?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hahaha!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sever burst into loud laughter before continuing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Meaning doesn’t matter. Peace and security hold value in themselves.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…….\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar couldn't agree with that, not even for a second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The world he wanted to protect was one where such values and justice still existed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I've always known how the Imperial Court operates, but…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Experiencing it firsthand again made him feel disgusted all over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sever, watching the still-silent Walker, offered his own advice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You've softened, Senior. No, maybe I should say you’ve finally become a little more human?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…….\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But don't change too much. War is coming. What the Empire needs right now is the bloodless, tearless Senior Walker, not the warm-hearted and sentimental Walker Blackion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Get lost.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Walker’s clear dismissal, Sever raised both hands as if he had no intention of arguing further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well then, I'll take my leave. See you both next time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Sever vanished from sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not that Oscar ever wanted to see him again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I never want to see him again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…….\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, they think alike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar glanced at Walker, who seemed strangely gloomy, and asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know him well?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He used to be my direct subordinate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was clearly more to the story, but Walker kept his explanation brief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Back during a mission in the Red Mountains, he was left behind. I didn’t go back to rescue him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because of personal feelings?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course not. Back then, it was the choice that saved the entire team.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So that's why he resents him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or rather… does he actually admire him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He was never normal, but after surviving that, he became even stranger. Almost like…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walker trailed off, but Oscar could already guess what he wanted to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He's trying to imitate the old Walker.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar, having been through countless wars, understood why.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sever must have clung to Walker’s past mindset because it was the only way he could endure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he could justify being abandoned, maybe he could move forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Not that it matters—he’s still an insufferable bastard.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar coldly gazed at the cooling corpses around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had fought so hard to save these people, and yet it had all been for nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘No… maybe not for nothing.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least now the Imperial Court knew that it was possible to reverse someone corrupted by magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No doubt they’d find a way to exploit that knowledge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Take your people back to the White Tower. We'll handle things here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a cigarette in his mouth, Walker spoke, the dark circles under his eyes looking even deeper than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ride back to the White Tower was quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the backseat, Veronica and Killian stared out the window in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They weren’t bickering as usual—they seemed lost in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What's up with them?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blocking out the backseat noise, Oscar asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They just seem to have a lot on their minds. Killian didn’t do anything after getting captured, and Veronica was completely outmatched by that knight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, they were starting to realize their own limitations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That meant good news would likely follow soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Level 5, huh. Not bad progress.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Self-doubt was the first step toward real growth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Realizing their weaknesses would push them forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, and I’ve got a question.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s about Wind Form—when I used it in full-body mode…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar was listening carefully, but he couldn’t help interrupting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait, ‘Wind Form full-body mode’? What the hell kind of name is that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What? It sounds cool.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Forget it. Keep going.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Right, so when I used it, I could see an enemy who had completely erased their presence. Any idea why?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar thought for a moment before answering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s because of your spirit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My spirit? You mean that low-grade one I implanted in my body?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah. Your whole body turned into wind, so in a way, you became a spirit yourself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…That actually makes sense?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It does.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran’s eyes, and probably even his senses, had temporarily merged with the spirit’s perception.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was able to detect things beyond human perception.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That’s… an unexpected development.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe Fran’s potential was even higher than Oscar had predicted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief moment of thought, Oscar glanced at the rearview mirror and muttered,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s going to be quiet for a while when we get back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran, Killian, and Veronica—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of them would be too focused on training to bother him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",1870,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.789Z",1,"novelbin.me","4077594ba6393c42592b929c0461e4657d38011a3609b60b9efdfbdf51300d6d","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-167","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-165",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]