[{"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-2":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},1334748,1778,"Chapter 2","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-2",2,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Clara]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 2: The Tragic Genius (1)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A spacious living room with one wall made entirely of glass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through it, the view of the white city of Sirin unfolds in its entirety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I still can’t believe it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar, silently gazing at the nightscape, muttered to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Twenty years have passed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words of the man called Fran were no lie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The view of Sirin spread before him was distinctly different from the one he remembered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s developed so brilliantly, it’s almost blinding.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, the city that once fell into darkness as soon as the sun set was no more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dazzling lights scattered across the city glittered as though stars had been pulled down from the night sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Magic lighting. It used to only exist in places like the magic towers or the royal palace.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, such luxurious magical items were casually installed on the streets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the vehicles, moving without the aid of horses, were astounding no matter how many times he saw them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Streetlights, automobiles, the magical engineering revolution.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murmuring the new words he had learned, Oscar continued to take in the peaceful night of the city for a long while before faintly smiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s a relief.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The city during the age of despair had always been shrouded in gloom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People avoided conversation and bore the eyes of those who had given up on everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, smiling faces were visible everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...It’s truly a relief.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guilt weighing heavily in a corner of his heart felt slightly lighter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though it was for the sake of humanity, he had never forgotten the moment he abandoned this place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If only they could see this, they’d be pleased too.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He missed his subordinates, who had ascended to the heavens first, but at the same time, he felt unworthy of seeing them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lost in complex emotions, Oscar gazed at the city of the night and muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enough admiring.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tap, tap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lightly tapped on the glass wall, and it instantly transformed into a spotless mirror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar stared at the man in the mirror, whose face still felt unfamiliar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Oscar Crucian.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By some twist of fate, the owner of this body shared his name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A scion of a fallen count family, taken in by the White Tower at the age of ten, now twenty years old.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘At least the looks pass.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sharp eyes and pale white skin gave him the appearance of an aristocratic gentleman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His blue eyes, identical to those from his past life, seemed to pair well enough with his black hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But... as a mage, he fails.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To remain at level 1 by this age meant a woeful lack of talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with average ability, he should have reached level 3 by now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Was that why he felt so desperate?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumor had it that he had embezzled research funds to consume an illegal potion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A potion that could multiply one's magical capacity severalfold, but at the risk of death if it failed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Fran said it was sheer luck that he survived after drinking that junk, but…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, this body’s owner likely drank the potion and died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s probably why his soul ended up in this body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The concept seemed similar to possession used by spectral monsters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But there’s no way my soul would have wandered the world for no reason.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone had clearly tampered with his soul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he had no idea who that contemptible person was, finding out could wait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘For now, I need to figure out the White Tower’s current situation and what happened to my disciples.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, among the three disciples he had, two were now being called traitors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What in the world happened during all this time?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a complicated expression, Oscar sat down on the sofa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He intended to sort out his thoughts and examine the condition of his current body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wuuuuuung!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the call of the former Archmage, dormant mana circuits activated, and he was startled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a lot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a mere level 1 mage, the amount of mana was overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, most of it was unrefined, pure mana.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...So all of this came from drinking that cheap illegal potion?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Incredible—he marveled at the modern world’s ingenuity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mouth slightly agape in admiration, Oscar deftly drew up the mana.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Hmm.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the abundance of mana, the state of the circuits was far from satisfactory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mana circuits were supposed to be smooth, like a well-maintained path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, this body’s circuits were a mess, like a sandpit where feet would sink with every step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Well, it would be asking too much to expect anything decent from a talentless level 1 mage.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Oscar was about to take a closer look at the mana circuits—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...What’s this?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing something strange within the circuits, he gathered it to the index finger of his left hand and expelled it like sweat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sizzle!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A single drop of black liquid fell onto the corner of the desk, melting it instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Poison?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And a lethal one at that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by the remaining quantity and time elapsed, it must have been an ingredient in the illegal potion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief moment of contemplation, Oscar slowly nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...I see. I think I understand the situation now.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The illegal potion Oscar Cruciang had consumed couldn’t possibly have been cheap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sheer amount and purity of mana were beyond what could be achieved with ordinary potions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It must have been a high-grade potion, the kind you couldn’t get even by paying extra.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The seller likely used the potion as bait to propose some kind of deal, and Oscar Cruciang couldn’t refuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The problem was that he hadn’t realized the potion was laced with poison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘In short, his cause of death wasn’t a mana explosion—it was poisoning.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, the poison was excessively potent for killing a mere level 1 mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless the body was dissected and thoroughly investigated, it would have gone undetected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Debating how to handle the situation, Oscar slowly rose from his seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Staring at his reflection in the mirror, he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Rest in peace. I’ll repay the debt of borrowing your body with vengeance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if not for that, it was wise to eliminate potential obstacles in advance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar grabbed a vial faintly smelling of herbs and left the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Clara]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walking down the tower’s corridor, Elder Maxim reflected on the events of the morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What a surprise.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar’s Wind Shield had been executed with such precision that even he, a seasoned mage, was momentarily stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he not regained his composure instantly, his wrist might have twisted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The boy has been practicing harder than I thought.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a White Tower elder, he could discern a great deal from just one observation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Wind Shield was a basic spell, it couldn’t reach that level of mastery with mere days of effort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy must have been training tirelessly, likely sacrificing sleep and rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling an unexpected pang of emotion, Maxim halted and gazed out the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Foolish boy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Years ago, when the Vice Tower Master brought in a scrawny child, he had vehemently opposed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t an orphanage, and they couldn’t afford to take on another mouth to feed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his opinion soon changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘A genius.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he witnessed a fragment of the child’s overwhelming talent, hope took root against his will.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This boy would grow into a great mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would breathe new life into the declining White Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the gods were cruel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had given the boy the mind to comprehend all the principles of magic but not the body to wield it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite his extraordinary understanding of magic, his growth lagged behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After investigation, the boy was diagnosed with Mana Deficiency Syndrome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That was the first time I learned how bitterly a person could cry.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps that was why he had felt relieved when the boy declared his intent to transition into a theoretical mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given his unparalleled magical comprehension, he could still achieve greatness in the field of theory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after his transition, his actions were nothing short of disappointing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hasn't produced any results in years despite the research funds we provided, scraping them together from limited resources.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And to top it off, there was that embezzlement scandal... That problem child, always managing to stir up trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A low chuckle came from behind, and Maxim quickly turned around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There stood an elderly man, small enough to barely reach Maxim’s chest, standing with his hands clasped behind his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Deputy Tower Master?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was just looking for you, Elder Maxim. Here you are.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You were looking for me? What for?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I had a feeling you might storm off to confront that boy in a fury.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, about that…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maxim, looking slightly embarrassed, cleared his throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I already gave him an earful this morning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What, already?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clicking his tongue lightly, the Deputy Tower Master spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t be too harsh on him. He’s likely struggling the most with himself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can’t tolerate him indefinitely. Embezzling research funds is unforgivable. That said…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s just avoiding reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s like a naïve child who believes everything will work out if he just takes a miracle potion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But lately, his perspective has changed a bit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Perhaps the first person to give up on him, the one who held the most severe prejudice, was me.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he’s been working harder than anyone else, quietly, where no one can see.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pang of shame struck Maxim as he let out a bitter laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Maybe that rascal Oscar is more mature in some ways than I am.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If that’s true, let’s hope he doesn’t stir up trouble for a while.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha, come on, he has some conscience. He just caused a scene hours ago—he won’t start another one already.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Maxim laughed it off, confident no more trouble was brewing, Oscar stepped into a tavern on the other side of the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Welcome.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon entering the establishment, The Goblin’s Tear, a bartender wiping down a glass, greeted him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar sat down at the counter, glancing around the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This… is a bar?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As you can see. Though we do serve light snacks as well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was unexpected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been following the faint herbal scent lingering on the potion vial, only to end up at a tavern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That means it’s one of two things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Either someone bought illegal potions and came here for a drink, or this place is the transaction site.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The latter was far more likely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was here a few days ago, meeting someone for a deal. Do you remember anything?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m afraid not. We get too many customers every day to recall everyone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It was about a potion. The kind that can exponentially increase magic power if it works, but can kill you if it fails. Nearly killed me, in fact.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Sorry, I wouldn’t know anything about that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bartender shook his head, feigning regret, and continued polishing his glass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching him closely, Oscar casually remarked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Having trouble cleaning that one?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pardon?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That glass. You’ve been wiping the same one since I walked in.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bartender froze for a moment, his hands pausing mid-motion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that, four burly men who had been lingering nearby suddenly surrounded Oscar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, Mage. Stop bothering the poor bartender and have a chat with us instead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why don’t you sit back, have a drink, and spend some money?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who remembers every customer in a place like this? Be reasonable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar glanced at them calmly before speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Am I being threatened right now? I’m a mage from the White Tower.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pfft! A mage? Not all Tower members are the same.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, show some respect! He’s a so-called genius theoretical mage.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, though he’s just a half-baked one who can only use basic spells.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thugs burst into laughter, revealing more than they intended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘So this guy is a theoretical mage.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That explains why he’s still at Level 1.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Theoretical mages prioritize the study and interpretation of magic over practical combat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, we don’t know anything. So unless you’re buying a drink, scram.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lies.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What you just said—it’s a lie.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air holds more information than most people realize.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For instance, the faint vibrations in the air around that man indicated he was lying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wha… How dare you—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tony, don’t.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leader silenced his companion and subtly displayed the sword at his hip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mage, stop being unreasonable and leave. Otherwise, this won’t end well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar rubbed his chin thoughtfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the original owner of this body were here, how would he handle this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The answer came quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who cares?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A grin spread across his face as he looked at the man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you know? Sometimes, when people have a near-death experience, their personality changes drastically.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So if I seem different, blame it on that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he finished speaking— shhk, shhk!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of heavy slicing filled the room as three of the men behind him crumpled to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wha—what?! My leg! My leg is bleeding!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“AAAAH!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their screams of pain and terror filled the tavern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last man, trembling, reached for his sword, only to freeze as a cold sensation touched his neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This… this is…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wind Cutter. One of those basic spells you were mocking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No magic is inherently weak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It all depends on how it’s used and by whom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now, I’ll ask again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar’s sharp gaze pierced the man as he twirled the potion vial in his fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who sold me this crap?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Clara]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",2266,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.509Z",1,"novelbin.me","241d41165d0eaeb239d73c72c21be9e973f2a67d48c5ee6834db34236a674603","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-3","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-1",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]