[{"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-208":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},1334654,1778,"Chapter 208","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-208",208,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 208: Encounter (1)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A deep silence stretched between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a false peace, one that would surely shatter if someone so much as tapped it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wolf beastkin scanned them with a look that said he couldn’t understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The humans I met before would charge at me like they were ready to kill… but you lot are calm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Receiving no response, he surprisingly let out a faint chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A soft voice flowed from the mouth of the wolf.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, I prefer it this way. If you're scared, let me assure you—there’s no need to be.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I only wish to talk. Not with fakes who worship us like gods, but with real humans like you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of silence, Sasha’s message magic came from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Master, he seems a lot friendlier than we expected, doesn’t he?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Friendly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Oscar heard that, he let out an involuntary snort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, the wolf’s gaze turned to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If it's such a funny story, I’d love to hear it too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, it’s nothing much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar wiped away tears of laughter and calmly spoke to the level-8 powerhouse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s just funny how a beast keeps trying to act like a person. Don’t you think it’s hilarious too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The beast’s eyes stared intently—calm as the sea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph. In a situation like this, that kind of provocation doesn’t seem like the wisest choice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A situation like this? I don’t really get what you mean. Why don’t you spell it out?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, obviously I came here to talk with you…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wolf chuckled despite himself, raising a paw to cover his protruding snout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh dear. It is a little funny, I’ll admit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two smiled at each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasha, having no clue what was going on, just rolled her eyes in confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wolf let out a soft sigh and asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When did you notice?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From the start. You looked so giddy just seeing us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tsk… I must’ve gotten too excited at the thought of smelling blood again after so long.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no longer any attempt to hide the hostility in the beast’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The once calm sea now stirred with waves of killing intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even so, you caught on quickly. Among humans—not livestock—you’re definitely a useful one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Livestock, huh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So that’s what he thought of those who worship them like gods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar didn’t particularly feel like defending them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, demons were always like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even thinking about \"coexistence\" was proof of how naïve they’d been.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hoo, I was planning to toy with you until you sank into despair. But now the thrill’s gone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pity. I was quite enjoying watching you struggle to act like an intellectual.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that so?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baring his fangs in a wide grin, the wolf spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then take that enjoyment with you—on your way to the afterlife.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, meetings between humans and demons always ended like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been the same 21 years ago, and nothing had changed since then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a bit of a grim thought, but Oscar was thankful for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Everything else has changed with time, but these guys are still exactly the same.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was grateful that at least some things hadn’t changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Prepare for combat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar’s message magic rang in the ears of his comrades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first to move was none other than Oran Quill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From behind, a wave of mana swept through the area in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“World Liberation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected from someone trained in the Grey Zone—he seemed to understand demons better than anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He, who had been waiting silently for the right moment, didn’t hesitate and immediately unleashed the spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hooh… This is…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The beast’s gaze, now laced with interest, scanned the surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he realized it, he was standing on a “stage.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four others watched from the audience seats, with moonlight from the night sky acting as the spotlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oran’s eyes glowed blue as he gripped threads of mana with both hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『World Liberation: Puppet Symphony』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, a hundred puppets seated on the stage began taking their positions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each one humanoid in form, resembling mannequins from a high-end tailor’s shop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…An orchestra?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One puppet bent its neck into a violin-playing posture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another gripped a pair of sticks and sat in front of a drum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others held horns, cymbals, oboes, bassoons—each equipped with instruments forming a full symphony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They waited silently, ready.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hoo.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oran slowly rose from the audience, exhaling deeply as he moved his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The motion resembled that of a conductor leading an orchestra.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And with it, a clear tone pierced the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-♬\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The music began with the violins—light and lively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the first melody bloomed, Oran’s fingers began to dance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thousands of threads extended from his ten fingers, intricately connected to each puppet’s joints.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-♪~♬\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, the tempo accelerated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several puppets playing violins abruptly stood up and charged at the wolf beastkin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their bows slashed through the air like swords, and the wolf observed it all with fascination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As expected—faster than anticipated.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without much effort, he dodged the attacks and crushed the puppets’ heads with his large hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crunch! Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tougher than they look.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though a few puppets were lost, the music showed no signs of faltering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step. Step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Puppets seated in the audience descended onto the stage, taking over their fallen comrades’ roles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…So the structure is such that I must eliminate all of them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wolf nodded as he looked at the puppets that filled both the stage and the audience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is a fine time to appreciate the music.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The orchestra’s performance moved toward its grand finale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The song, having completely lost its initial light-heartedness, had grown as grim and heavy as the number of puppets piled up on the stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, one thing it had not lost was its speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huff, huff.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To maintain that, Oran was moving both hands frantically, drenched in sweat as though caught in a downpour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Only about half the puppets remain now. I need to make a decision.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Assessing the situation, Oscar glanced around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To his left sat Kaya Lockwood, arms folded, as though merely enjoying a regular concert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To his right, Sasha sat quietly, composed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meeting her eyes in the air, she asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shall we step in? That wolf demon must be pretty worn out by now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one who answered was Oran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing a row in front of them, he responded while conducting in a dazzling display with both hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t interfere with my stage. Just managing the puppets’ choreography is enough to melt my brain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was unusually blunt for Oran, who usually showed a degree of politeness to Sasha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That spoke to how intensely focused he was on the puppets on stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Logically, he’s right.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar’s expression as he looked down at the stage wasn’t good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hundreds of puppets lay shattered on the stage, forming a small mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet their opponent hadn't even lost his breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The difference is staggering.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Level 7 and Level 8.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some might say it’s just a difference of one number.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for the person experiencing it, it feels like an insurmountable wall—one that might take a lifetime to climb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had the opponent not held back, the battle would’ve ended long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one understood that better than Oran himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The change in the tempo midway through the performance is probably because of that.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oran must have seriously tried to kill that demon at first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But from a certain point, the tempo of the performance changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘From then on, he completely abandoned any control over tempo.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It only got faster—never once did it slow down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That meant he had already accepted and anticipated his defeat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Since then, he’s been buying time—for us.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To make the enemy use up just a bit more stamina and magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To reveal as much of the enemy’s skill and strength as possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knowing this, all three showed somber expressions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Grrgh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sweet and grand music was no more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every puppet—on stage and in the audience—rushed toward the wolf beastkin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They swarmed him, one after another, piling on to keep him pinned down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…So the music has ended.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each time the wolf beastkin moved his body, puppets unable to withstand the force were flung off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the face of that overwhelming power, the puppets were smashed like mere bugs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is this the last of them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crunch!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wolf beastkin crushed the last puppet’s head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the music that had filled the space vanished, perfect silence descended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Or…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze turned to Oran, who stood in the audience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you still have more toys to show me, Maestro?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Haa, haa.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Panting and drenched in sweat, Oran bit down on his lip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar placed a hand on his shoulder and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t push yourself. This is enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it, that guy’s insanely strong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Oran muttered in frustration, the curtain finally fell on the brilliant stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the stage, shrouded in curtains, cleanly vanished, the dreary red forest path reappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wolf beastkin, hands behind his back, asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, who’s going to entertain me next? Or will you all come at once this time?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s no other way but a joint attack. Let’s go together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Kaya rolled her shoulders lightly, Oscar—his face showing newfound resolve—used message magic to communicate with the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—We have no chance if we fight him head-on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if Oran Quill was the weakest among the level 7s,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He used World Liberation to fight that wolf beastkin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But the opponent didn’t even lose his breath.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So even if Kaya and Sasha also unleashed their World Liberation, with Oscar’s help on top, could they really win?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The odds were slim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At best, an 8% chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—So what are you suggesting? Do you have an alternative?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaya glanced at him and asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar looked at each of the three in turn and moved his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—I swear on this spot: I will return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Wait, are you saying you’re leaving now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaya narrowed her eyes and shot him a threatening glare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar didn’t avert his gaze and answered,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Yes. There’s no time to explain. And I doubt that beast has much patience either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He raised his index finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Ten minutes. Just buy me ten minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—What are you even planning to do in that time…?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Got it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the skeptical Kaya, Sasha nodded firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she looked at him with steady eyes, unshaken by doubt or fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like she had done 21 years ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Because that’s the best choice for all of us, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A soft breeze brushed against their cheeks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wind gathered around Sasha’s petite frame,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then it howled like a storm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—The ten minutes Oscar asked for—I’ll buy them, even if it costs me my life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The calm gaze of Sasha, the White Tower Master, locked onto the beastkin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—So don’t worry. Go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",1839,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.789Z",1,"novelbin.me","1c71a2bf3b63a3ea81d8ff2cdcaef960a9e9e10bc3d3cf6ffabec1f4f53641d4","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-209","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-207",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]