[{"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-203":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},1334649,1778,"Chapter 203","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-203",203,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 203: Blade and Thread (2)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man hesitated for a split second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...Should I withdraw the thread?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he didn’t retract the Shadowless Thread now, that kid might actually die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This thread wasn’t just invisible—it boasted unparalleled cutting power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To charge in like that without realizing it...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘How the hell did he reach that level with such poor awareness?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frustrated to the point of irritation, he finally decided to withdraw the thread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only was the kid someone his senior cared deeply about, but facing his talent firsthand, the man had to admit he found it quite appealing too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the kid’s speed with that Jet Booster was simply too fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Wait, how did he get that far already?! I don’t have time...!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe he’d taken too long to decide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that speed, the kid’s legs would be completely severed—was there a shrine nearby?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as that thought passed through his mind—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the taut, tensioned threads snapped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The once-straight Shadowless Thread thread fluttered through the air in soft curves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man’s eyes widened at the sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...He cut it? He cut my Shadowless Thread?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And by a mere Level 6 mage, no less?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His brain couldn’t keep up with the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if his mind had been paralyzed—his thoughts crawled sluggishly forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘How?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure, the moment he’d decided to retract the thread, he had withdrawn the mana infused into it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Shadowless Thread wasn’t just some sewing thread from a local shop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even without mana, its sheer durability could deflect most sword aura with ease—an absolute treasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Even without magic, he managed to cut Shadowless Thread.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The answer to how such a thing was possible stood right before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That kid—already far away from him now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...No.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After cutting Shadowless Thread, he could no longer be called just a kid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unaware of it himself, the man's lips curled ever so slightly in amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he was that eager to show off, then let him try escaping the clearing and proving his worth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man reinfused mana into the thread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Shadowless Thread now gleamed with a sharpness and durability far beyond before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar’s brow twitched slightly at the change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘So, he was holding back earlier.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It made sense—his first impression of the thread had been far more threatening than how easily it had snapped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, having come this far, he had no intention of backing down now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Wind Cutter.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A blade of wind formed—so perfect, Damian would’ve drooled at the sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He layered High-Speed Rotation and Vibration on top.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, he stacked Jet Booster to push the spin to its absolute limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar swung it toward the threads barring his path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRACKCRACKCRACK!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the wind blade clashed with the thread, sparks flew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...So this is Shadowless Thread infused with mana.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wouldn’t cut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar looked at his Wind Cutter, its edge already dulled, and withdrew his mana.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mocking voice drifted from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Told you—it won’t work.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar didn’t even glance at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eyes fixed on the thread, he spoke quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wind Cutter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph. Not too bright, are you? You just saw that it didn’t work...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring the man, Oscar closed his eyes and formed another spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, it wasn’t High-Speed Rotation, Vibration, or even Jet Booster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>── Space\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most harmonious attribute of the White Tower: Wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, the antithesis of that element seeped into the Wind Cutter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The once-pure blade turned a deep violet, echoing the vastness of the cosmos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the result of two years secluded in a subspace, training to completion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A power symbolizing the new path he’d chosen in this life—different from his past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...I lived a rather indecisive life.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had believed it was natural for the strong to bear more burdens, to sacrifice more for others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t realized, at the time, that his choices placed undue hardship on the people he cared about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe that lingering regret was what led to the question he asked himself at the end of his past life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What if I had lived a selfish life, one where I only cared for my own people?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, he didn’t deny the path he’d taken back then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had value—and someone had to walk it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Then and now, the truth remains: I will always be selfish.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even now, he might feel guilt or regret over his past choices—but never remorse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he returned to that moment, staring down at the Fortress, being forced to choose—he would kill the Demon Emperor all over again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would make the same choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...But this time, I want a different outcome.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The new power he’d gained for that purpose was Space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mysterious attribute granted only to a chosen few.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was certain—if he wielded this power, he could create the future he longed for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even without sleep, without dreams, every time he closed his eyes he saw the same vision:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killing the Demon Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Supporting his wounded allies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Returning to the White Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His disciples pouting, asking why he was so late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marlon, the Deputy-Tower Master, smiling kindly and saying, “You’ve done well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This magic was the final piece—the dream he never completed in his previous life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The power that would ensure he’d never lose his loved ones again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slowly, Oscar opened his eyes and his lips parted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Void Cutter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A blade that slices through entire domains by painting the attribute of space over the canvas of wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the moment of its completion, a vast ocean of mana began to ebb away like the tide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It may look simple, but I have to constantly anchor space to the phase surface of the wind.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Space is fundamentally different from flame, lightning, water, or wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s a property that doesn’t exist in this world to begin with.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forcing something like that into existence and layering it over matter—of course it consumes immense mana.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But still.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s a spell worth that price.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar looked ahead at the line blocking his path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shadowless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if some grim and dark thread with no shadow at all was calling out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Challenging him—to see whether this new blade could wound it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man watching the scene unconsciously swallowed hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The aura radiating from that 6th-level mage far exceeded his expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I thought he was just another promising youth with a bright future and plenty of potential…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, he had no choice but to admit it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That one is different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More than a hundred flattering words, it was that violet blade before him that proved it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was unlike Shadowless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade, tinged with light brighter than moonlight, was proclaiming its existence to the entire world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its radiant glow was so dazzling it almost stole his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What he felt from it surpassed the realm of mere magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The manifestation of the mind.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something even most Masters can’t pull off—yet this 6th-level brat had done it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man gave a dry laugh before shutting his mouth again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt it instinctively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That each second passing now was a moment of great enlightenment for Oscar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’m not thrilled about being some greenhorn’s training instructor… but I guess there’s no choice.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ting!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shadowless trembled lightly, provoking its opponent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In response, Oscar moved the spatial blade with nothing but a glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither fast nor slow—an utterly calm pace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But where the blade passed, no sound, wind, or even mana remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A perfect severing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his threads cut so effortlessly, the man involuntarily clenched his fists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Narrowing his eyes, he recalled the moment just before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Shadowless wasn’t merely cut.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thread doesn’t lose length no matter where you slice it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the threads severed by that violet blade were clearly shorter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That could only mean one thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The part of the thread that touched the blade was completely erased.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Literal annihilation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man shook his head, half in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘No way thread alone can stop that thing…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, Oscar walked forward with the ease of someone out for a stroll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The violet blade at his side casually erased the obstructing threads, as if annoyed by them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vooooom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every time the blade neared, the threads that spread like cobwebs across the clearing trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if they felt fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s no point in continuing this test any longer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Concluding, the man extended his hand and retrieved all the threads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As his feet touched the ground, Oscar slowly turned his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dazed look in his eyes cleared, as if breaking free from a trance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you find any new insight?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Thanks to you. I’m grateful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t mention it. I got to witness something impressive too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be clear, he hadn’t yet reached 7th level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was safe to say he had broken through the middle of 6th level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man glanced at Oscar and muttered bluntly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your growth rate isn’t normal. You’re probably much farther along than you think. You realize that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve been getting a sense of it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Tch, geniuses are always so annoying. Not that I’m not a genius myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shaking his head, he continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not just saying this. Really think about what it means.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Remember—everyone falls down. And if you trip while running as fast as you do, it’s going to hurt a hell of a lot more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar knew exactly what he meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He himself used to say those words to younger comrades who seemed on a dangerous path in his past life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, that didn’t mean he planned to slow down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll keep running, but I’ll be careful not to trip.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…So you still refuse to say you’ll slow down, huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I refuse with every fiber of my being.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh, so stubborn. Fine, whatever. It’s late—go back to your room.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I haven’t heard the results of the test yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What do you think it means when a grown man tells you to go to your room at this hour? Your departure isn’t far off—go manage your condition.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the man’s gruff tone, a smile formed on Oscar’s lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Puppeteer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t thank me… and what’s with the ‘Puppeteer’? Should I start calling you ‘Noble’ too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Irritated, he squinted one eye and waved dismissively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oran Quil. That’s my name. Use that from now on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I’ll see you in three days, Mr. Oran.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Oscar bowed lightly and left the clearing, Oran grumbled under his breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can’t he just talk normally? So stiff, that kid.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clicking his tongue, he glanced around at the ravaged clearing, then clapped his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his gesture, hundreds of threads moved like living creatures, reattaching fallen trees to their stumps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the place that had been a battlefield returned to a peaceful forest, full of the scent of grass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’d fix it anyway if I just left it be…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Remembering the scolding he got for cutting down trees, Oran shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked in the direction Oscar had vanished and muttered quietly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Well, at least one of those trees was worth saving.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",1849,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.789Z",1,"novelbin.me","d595e86f15f95eaa6b8462f4f1e0d60ecbb129f2dddcebfbb322a0cfde6e34c8","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-204","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-202",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]