[{"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-20":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},1334773,1778,"Chapter 20","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-20",20,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Clara]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 20: The Ugly Duckling (3)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An ancient existence said to be born from the souls dwelling in nature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nowadays, it's dismissed as mere folklore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such was evident from Fran's immediate reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...A spirit? Isn't that something from old fairy tales?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Spirits are real. The hard part is just believing in them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The primary reason for disbelief?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Humans can't see spirits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a select few humans possess the rare affinity to commune with them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But it's different for elves, the guardians of nature. They are born with the ability to communicate with spirits.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, elves are the only ones known to wield the power of spirits across the entire continent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran cast a slightly uneasy glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This isn't because I'm scared or anything, but... You've done this before, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have. Don't worry, I've even succeeded.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a time when he was invited to the elven kingdom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During his stay, he playfully tried a spirit-summoning ritual taught by a friend—and to his surprise, it worked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was astonished, claiming he was the first human summoner in 118 years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Though, of course, I didn’t actually form a contract.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The power of spirits is undeniably efficient and formidable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But back then, as an Archmage who had already surpassed human limits, it wasn't an enticing option.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I could handle most things on my own without a spirit's help.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar turned his head to look at Fran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But for this guy, it's a different story.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s no Archmage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His lack of control over his immense power, Wind Sovereign, has rendered him unable to use it effectively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he could successfully integrate a spirit into his body, he’d grow stronger in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The wind spirit could regulate Fran’s mana flow for him.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Think of it as an automatic control system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Oscar explained this, Fran looked far from thrilled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So… you’re saying you’re gonna implant a spirit into my body... That’s gonna hurt, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar shot him a cold stare instead of answering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran forced an awkward smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, alright. I’ll endure the pain. But, uh, can anyone just summon a spirit?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not exactly. You need spirit affinity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar shrugged and crossed his arms, taking a step back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In other words, you won’t know until you try. So, give it a shot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran, looking visibly tense, stepped up to the summoning circle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He closed his eyes and began reciting the summoning chant Oscar had taught him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Spirit of the wind, pure avatar of cleansing, who sweeps away the world’s evil and darkness, I, Fran Sirius, a seeker of truth, humbly request to walk alongside your great power. By the ancient pact, I summon thee to appear before me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The silent training room remained undisturbed, except for Oscar's occasional glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hm, seems like it didn’t work. You must have no affinity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I could’ve sworn I felt a breeze just now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That was my sigh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran's face flushed red with embarrassment as he stomped his foot in frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, what now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Move aside.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar gestured for Fran to step back and took his place in front of the summoning circle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huff...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Closing his eyes, memories from the past surfaced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, it wasn’t a barren training room like this but a colossal world tree, surrounded by endless green.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Spirit of the wind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With countless elves watching, all he had said was a single, curt phrase:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come to me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a blinding light erupted from the summoning circle, followed by a fierce windstorm that engulfed the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ugh! What the— I can’t see anything!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran’s voice, faint from the far corner, hinted at his being blown away by the sudden gale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning his gaze back, Oscar saw a towering figure—easily over three meters tall—glaring down at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Hmm, a human...? It has been 27 years since a human last summoned us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Yeah, that was me last time, too.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With arms crossed, Oscar nonchalantly spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to make a contract. Do we need to draft some kind of agreement?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—No such formalities are necessary. What matters is the bond between our hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The massive wind spirit knelt, extending its hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Human, I am Silestin, the highest-level wind spirit. Will you forge a pact of camaraderie with me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh? Nah.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silestin, utterly taken aback, hadn’t expected such an immediate rejection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—W-Why not?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, I forgot to mention.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar casually gestured behind him, where faint groans of pain echoed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t need a spirit. I just wanted you to fuse with that guy over there.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The once-majestic Silestin’s face now bore an expression of pure disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—How dare you?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, Silestin’s fury was justified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The winds surged even more violently, threatening to tear Oscar’s garments apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raising both hands, Oscar calmly tried to placate the spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now, now. Let’s calm down, Elasticin... or was it Silverstin?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—It’s Silestin! And how can I calm down in this situation?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just listen to what I have to say.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—No! I refuse to hear another word!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What kind of supreme spirit is this childish?!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Annoyance flickered across Oscar’s face as his voice turned icy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I’ll give you one last chance to calm down.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Ha! And if I refuse? What can a mere human do to me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Silaphrion of Serenity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the sound of the casually uttered name, the wind stilled, and Silestin’s demeanor became noticeably more cautious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a child summoned before a parent after mischief, he asked meekly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—…Human, how do you know that name?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because I’ve spoken with her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silaphrion of Serenity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The name of the Spirit King who commands the winds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For ordinary people, discovering such a name was nearly impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even knowing it, calling upon her was not something easily permitted—she was a being on the level of a demigod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar continued:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tell her this: the White mage has returned.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—What… do you mean by that…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silestin tried to question further but suddenly trembled as though struck by lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then stared at Oscar with a mix of awe and fear, as if seeing a creature entirely beyond comprehension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Human… Just who are you? For the King to give a direct command…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just tell me if it’s possible or not. If it’s not, I’ll figure out another way. I’m short on time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Ugh…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silestin swallowed a heavy groan and nodded solemnly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—She has granted permission. However, only a lesser spirit will be provided, and even then, it’s not a contract but a mere transfer of essence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’ll do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he wouldn’t be able to form a deeper connection with the spirit for greater power, even this much was more than enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By human standards, a lesser spirit’s power was akin to that of a fourth-level mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was more than sufficient to manage mana in place of Fran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—She also gave this message.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silestin added, his voice suddenly adopting an air of gravitas as if mimicking someone else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Do not forget the ancient covenant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t worry. I’ll keep my promise.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar muttered under his breath, recalling his past life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I didn’t forget—it was just that I couldn’t keep it because I died suddenly.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, he harbored gratitude toward Silaphrion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thanks to her, he had saved countless members of the White Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’ll repay you generously, with interest.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After organizing his thoughts, Oscar gave a firm nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m done here. You have nothing more to say, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Perhaps… would you consider making a contract with me—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not interested.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Understood…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silestin, now visibly downcast, dissolved into the wind and vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, Fran let out a scream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aaaah! O-Oscar! It feels like something’s crawling inside me—it’s so itchy!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stop exaggerating. That’s not a bug; it’s the spirit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lesser spirit was probably merging with Fran’s soul—a process described by spirits as “linking hearts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, spirit affinity made this easy, but since Fran lacked that, it had to be done forcibly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huff… Huff…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the link was complete, Fran collapsed onto the private room’s floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar approached and asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Clara]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How do you feel?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How do I feel? Uh… wait a second.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran jumped up, rolled his shoulders a few times, and even did a couple of quick hops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes sparkled brighter than ever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t know why, but my body feels lighter!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course it does.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forming a bond with a spirit typically purifies the body, removing impurities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Fran’s face lit up with joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is amazing! I feel like my focus has improved too. It used to feel like my head was always in a fog.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brain fog, huh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Brain fog, a phenomenon that impairs concentration and memory, often arises from stress-related conditions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He’s always so carefree; who knew he was under so much stress.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar was curious now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran had already been fairly competent, but how much more could he achieve at full capacity?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright then, shall we begin?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Begin? Begin what?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…What do you think our goal here is?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar pulled a wooden stick from his robes, seemingly from nowhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You need to train your unique magic, Wind Sovereign, and advance to the fourth level.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But as I said, I have trauma associated with that magic…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t worry about that,\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar reassured him with a mischievous smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It activates automatically when your life’s in danger, doesn’t it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were 15 hours left until noon the next day—just enough time to turn this fool into a fourth-level mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The forest behind the White Tower featured an outdoor training ground near its entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Already waiting there, Gran's knight protector, Lazli, cautiously asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master, how much force should I use in today’s duel?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t hold back. Fight with everything you’ve got.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Pardon?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By not using sword aura, I’ve already shown restraint. What more do you expect?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gran shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If that fool fails to impress me, then it’s over. It’ll just prove he’s a loudmouth full of empty boasts.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bowing, Lazli prepared for the coming match.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shortly after, two mages approached from a distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good morning, Deputy Tower Master,\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gran greeted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed, the breeze feels nice today—a great day to be outside,\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Replied the Deputy with a warm smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gran’s eyes sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By being here, may I take it you’ve approved the terms of this arrangement?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After much deliberation, yes, I’ve decided to accept.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Deputy glanced at Oscar briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The developer of the cure was insistent to a fault.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, he refrained from mentioning how Elder Fidelina had protested vehemently, and Elder Maxim was likely still holding her back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood. Then, I won’t ask any further questions. This is the knight who will represent me in today’s duel.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Level 5 Knight, Lazli Morgan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Level 2 Mage, Oscar Crusian.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now, let me explain the rules of the duel.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gran took out two necklaces and began listing the conditions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Each of you will wear one of these necklaces during the duel. The first to seize their opponent’s necklace wins. It’s a simple game.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"......\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A necklace-stealing duel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a rather traditional method.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If no winner is determined within five minutes, we will concede defeat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a considerate gesture, given the difference in skill levels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Deputy-Tower Master glanced at Oscar, as if to ask if this was acceptable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar nodded lightly, his hands clasped behind his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s not drag this out any longer. We can start right away.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you sure you want to fight in that outfit? It doesn’t seem very suitable for combat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar was currently dressed in the flowing robes of the White Tower mages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the robe offered decent flexibility, it was far from the practicality of battle armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, it’s fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar smiled brightly and stepped aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After all, I won’t be the one fighting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"......What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gran Sirius, about to question the statement, suddenly fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind Oscar, a figure approached, wearing the White Tower’s combat attire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gran narrowed his eyes at Oscar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is the meaning of this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You asked me to prove my capabilities. You didn’t specify that I had to fight personally.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar shrugged and gave the approaching figure a pat on the back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This one here will demonstrate my abilities. I’ve been teaching him some tricks since yesterday.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You think you could teach him anything meaningful in less than a day?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gran’s voice sharpened slightly, warning clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you’re sending Fran out expecting me to go easy on him, thinking I’ll take it lightly...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s not it. I’m only sending him out because I genuinely believe he has a high chance of winning.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar cut off his opponent’s words, making a bold declaration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Surely, a Level 4 Mage would stand a better chance than a Level 2 Mage.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"......Level 4? But just yesterday—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He was Level 3, yes. If I aim to turn him into a standout mage within two years, this level of growth is the bare minimum.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"......\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gran fell silent for a moment, then slowly nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It seems I made a fatal error by not specifying that you must fight personally. As a merchant, that’s an unforgivable mistake. Naturally, I’ll bear the consequences.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you for your understanding.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s no need for thanks.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gran seated himself in the spectator area, crossing his legs arrogantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Words from a merchant’s mouth must carry more weight than gold.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then spoke in a loud voice for all to hear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lazli.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, my lord.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do not hold back under any circumstances. Should you disobey, you’ll face severe punishment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The warning seemed trivial, but its impact was significant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran’s body visibly tensed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This isn’t good.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar noticed and approached Fran, swinging his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sudden slap on his back left Fran staring at Oscar in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What was that for?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Relax a bit. Feeling better now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As if a slap could—wait, huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran’s eyes widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His stiff body felt notably lighter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I just eased your tense muscles and magic flow. Think of it as a kind of massage.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where did you even learn that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Learn? It’s just natural talent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Right, my mistake for asking. Fine, you’re amazing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And you’re the talented mage I want to keep by my side. So don’t be afraid.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran looked stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the years they’d been together, Oscar had never spoken so highly of anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe that’s why the confidence he had lost began to return, little by little.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Still... he’s a Level 5 Knight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A formidable opponent, the likes of which Fran had never encountered in his life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing such an adversary, it would be stranger not to be nervous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm. I guess there’s no other choice. Come here for a second.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar whispered a detailed strategy into Fran’s ear for a while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you follow this plan, you’ll definitely win.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The idea of a Level 4 Mage defeating a Level 5 Knight was absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under normal circumstances, Fran would have rejected it outright as impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But today was different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Alright. I’ll give it a try.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran, with a determined expression, stepped onto the arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Clara]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",2511,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.509Z",1,"novelbin.me","a51a21a495a5c746c38030db24d5c868abd509674f8a4941dbcf5b552ae66090","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-21","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-257",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]