[{"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-180":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},1334876,1778,"Chapter 180","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-180",180,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 180: Ghosts (3)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was Oscar's assessment upon seeing his opponent’s movement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And it’s not just a matter of speed.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spear’s trajectory was sharp as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the spear shot toward him, Oscar stood still, not blinking an eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……Hooh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang! Crackle!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only thing stopping the spear’s advance was the shield in front of him, sparking with each impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘As expected.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar’s gaze deepened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn't misjudged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though he had only taken a single blow, he could tell through the spear’s tip—his opponent was a seasoned spearman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But a spear-wielding assassin……?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spears were not typically favored by assassins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For assassinations, portability and concealability were key, making smaller, easily hidden weapons far more practical.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not bad. You’re quite capable for a mere 4th-level mage—quick on the response, too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only thing separating the two men was a thin barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Close enough to hear each other’s breaths, Dirje smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And what about your eyes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pressing the barrier with the spear shaft, Dirje suddenly retreated slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, he began twirling his long spear in a ∞ pattern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Phew… haah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh! Whoooosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first, the movements were slow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gradually, however, the spear accelerated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before long, it moved so fast that it left afterimages, producing a shrill, piercing noise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zzzzzzzzzzz!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The abandoned street was filled with a sound akin to a massive swarm of hornets buzzing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This is……’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Oscar’s eyes widened at the sight of the spear’s trajectory—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compressed wind, hidden within the spear’s path, shot toward him like a dagger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar deftly dodged the two gusts of wind and immediately sent them back at his opponent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“W-what?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Caught off guard by how effortlessly Oscar deflected the ambush, Dirje swung his spear in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang! Bang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He detonated the returning gusts mid-air, then glanced at Oscar’s calm face, his eyes narrowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You recognize this technique? Where the hell did you learn it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm? Why don’t you figure it out yourself?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah, is that so?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dirje’s grin widened with amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing the bloodlust in that twisted smile, Oscar frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, Dirje slipped his hand into his coat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you’re going to be that cheeky, I guess I’ll have to get serious too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From his coat, he pulled out a plain black mask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, he placed it over his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘……Limiting his own field of vision with a mask?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an utterly incomprehensible move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I don’t know the reason, but it doesn’t matter. That guy’s using Nordic spear techniques.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Nordic family was a noble house from the southern continent, renowned for producing elite spearmen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar had faced warriors from their house on the battlefield before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Rhythmic spear movements and deceptive noises to confuse the opponent, followed by sudden bursts of blade-like wind.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the essence of Echo Spear Assault, a Nordic signature technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Incidentally, it was structured in such a way that anyone facing it for the first time was almost guaranteed to suffer a major injury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, who would expect a spearman to suddenly unleash a long-range attack?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘So, that Dirje guy is from the Nordic family?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Nordic techniques were secret arts, passed down only within the family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No outsider could learn them, no matter how hard they tried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I got lucky, but this gives me the advantage.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his previous life, Oscar had sparred against Nordic spearmen multiple times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, even if his opponent didn’t recognize him, Oscar knew Dirje’s techniques inside and out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And if this guy fights the way Nordic spearmen do……’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh! Whooosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his mask on, Dirje began twirling his spear again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the trajectory, Oscar’s eyes glimmered slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘As I thought.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shadow Drop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was one of the Nordic family's most lethal techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A finishing move, intended to swiftly end a battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Martial arts rarely evolve.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like the deep roots of an ancient tree, martial arts techniques remained largely unchanged over time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While they occasionally underwent minor refinements, their core structure remained stable for generations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But magic is different.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Magic could change dramatically—even within a single day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If necessary, a spell could be modified or improved on the spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was part of the beauty of magic as a discipline.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Meanwhile, Neil Brion is still observing from the sidelines.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar shot a glance at where Neil was standing, then drew more mana into himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘At this rate, this Dirje guy might be easier to take down than I expected.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knowing the enemy’s techniques but still falling for them would be foolish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having prepared his trap, Oscar waited patiently for his opponent to step into it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Dirje lunged forward, closing the distance in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar’s eyes glimmered sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The target of Shadow Drop is… the ankle!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The move was named Shadow Drop because severing the opponent’s ankle would cause their shadow to seemingly fall away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Oscar saw Dirje’s stance dip low, aiming for his ankles, he stomped the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Now.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The instant his heel struck the ground, the massive wind blade he had prepared erupted from the stone pavement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dirje was already crouched low, fully committed to the ankle strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s over. He can’t possibly dodge this from that position.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he predicted, the massive wind blade bisected Dirje’s body in one clean stroke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, all that remained was Neil Brion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At merely 5th-level, dealing with him would be far easier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…Or so he thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wow, I wasn’t sure, but it turns out it’s true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden, sharp jolt of dread gripped his heart as a spearhead came flying toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He barely managed to twist his head, avoiding a fatal wound, but a thin line of blood trickled down his cheek where the blade had grazed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You dodged that too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slowly lifting his head, Oscar gazed forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, still standing, was Dirje.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What the hell is this…?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was certain he had seen it with his own eyes—Dirje lowering his stance and his body being cleaved in half by Oscar’s wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, what was this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same man, in the same position, wearing the same black mask, now glaring back at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Phew, I almost died there. I didn’t expect you to know about Nordic spear techniques.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……How are you still alive?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because I never died in the first place.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dirje casually lifted his mask, revealing an entirely different face underneath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you enjoy the illusion I showed you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“An illusion?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah. The owner of this face was once a mage of the Violet Tower.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Dirje lowered the mask again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Oscar pondered the meaning behind his words, he murmured softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……So it’s not just about changing your face.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was clear now—Dirje’s ability allowed him to steal the face and powers of the people he killed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More precisely, by wearing their face, he could use their abilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason for keeping the mask on was obvious: to conceal which face and skillset he was currently using.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Stealing the faces and powers of the dead…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Combining those two details, a realization flashed through Oscar’s mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh, you look like you’ve realized something. What is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just thinking that I might know where you’re from.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not a chance. Stop spouting nonsense and—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bloodveil Clan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The single utterance made Dirje’s body stiffen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately snapped his head toward Neil Brion, growling lowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You bastard! What the hell have you been blabbering about?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Calm down! It wasn’t me, I swear!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t mess with me! Otherwise, how the hell would that brat know about our clan?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They say if you drench yourself in the blood of the fallen, you gain their abilities and memories, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Bloodveil Clan’s method of growth was grotesque and brutal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead of training for decades like others, they honed their skills as assassins, hunting the strong and stealing their experience and powers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was far more effective—faster and more efficient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But that savage and unnatural method of growth made them a threat to the Empire. Soon after they emerged, they were designated as enemies of the state and swiftly eradicated.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar knew that a few survivors had fled to their homeland in the Red Mountain Range.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But to think that the accursed bloodline of that clan still endures…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had only read about the Bloodveil Clan in ancient records—this was his first time seeing one in the flesh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……Just who the hell are you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words were so cold they could cut flesh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dirje was no longer concealing his energy, letting his bloodthirst surge without restraint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Answer me. How does a brat like you know about a clan that vanished over a hundred years ago?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trailing off, Oscar smirked slyly and shrugged his shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who knows? Why don’t you find out for yourself?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……Fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dirje growled lowly and bit into his thumbnail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Extending his hand into the air, the blood from his self-inflicted wound pooled together, forming a massive greatsword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Tch, he’s completely lost it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just mentioning the Bloodveil Clan had shattered Dirje’s composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, that didn’t mean the battle had suddenly swung in Oscar’s favor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If anything, it means he’ll stop holding back.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From now on, Dirje would be using his full strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And on top of that…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar’s thoughts briefly turned to Neil Brion, who had vanished at some point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That slippery snake was likely lurking somewhere nearby, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But I can’t waste my focus on him.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He needed to prioritize Dirje.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Oscar drew in his mana, Dirje’s figure suddenly disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He’s faster… That’s our tower’s—?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dirje was now enveloped in the White Tower’s acceleration magic, 『Haste』, making him at least three times faster than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Somewhere amid the crumbling ruins, Dirje’s voice echoed like a taunt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Give it up. You have no chance of winning. Surrender now, and I’ll grant you a quick, painless death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not worth responding to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar took a deep breath and slowly closed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eerie stillness of the abandoned street filled his ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Closing your eyes? Are you actually giving up?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bizarre standoff stretched out for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Then let me start by taking an arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice whispered from behind him, followed by a sharp pain at his left elbow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that instant, Oscar’s eyes shot open as he completed his spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『Spatial Lock』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dirje’s greatsword, which had just nicked Oscar’s elbow, froze in place, unable to budge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar had anchored the sword’s spatial coordinates with magic, rendering it completely immobile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slowly, Oscar turned around and met Dirje’s startled gaze, locking eyes with his black mask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had deliberately allowed himself to be cut, baiting the opponent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, it was time to strike back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surrounding mana surged toward him, condensing into his legs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What I need right now isn’t a flashy spell…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, he needed something swift, precise, and utterly inescapable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dirje instinctively released his sword and leapt back, sensing the impending attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Oscar was already prepared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar-Style Martial Art, Secret Technique – Chapter 2\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thunderclap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ground trembled as mana surged through his legs, producing a sound like an approaching thunderstorm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",1876,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.789Z",1,"novelbin.me","c52fc5bbcf29166bf0830175bda25be0e6c151f7e223e2803d3806e2dff0e1f5","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-181","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-179",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]