[{"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-22":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},1334776,1778,"Chapter 22","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-22",22,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Clara]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 22: The Star Instructor, Oscar (1)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The secluded training chamber of the White Tower, once a dungeon used to imprison criminals centuries ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entrance was so dark it felt like ghosts of the dead prisoners might leap out at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...So.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran, wearing a deeply troubled expression, spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s the entrance, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And you’re saying I have to go in there?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, Fran, who had recently advanced to Level 4, was sentenced to a grueling 30 days of closed-door training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, as he stood before the ominous entrance, he couldn’t help but wonder how things had come to this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait, doesn’t this seem weird? Usually, people do closed-door training either because they volunteer or because they’ve done something wrong and are being punished. I’m neither!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But the Deputy Tower Master personally ordered it. It shows how much they believe in your potential.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Is that so?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar lied effortlessly, not even bothering to wet his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Fran found out it was Oscar who had secretly requested the training, he’d likely refuse outright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Think positively. Now that you’ve hit Level 4, you needed some time to organize your newfound insights, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well... yeah, but... Ah, whatever. Fine, I’ll go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Safe travels.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar waved him off enthusiastically as Fran begrudgingly stepped into the training chamber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time they met again, Fran would likely be a formidable Level 4 mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He’ll thank me later for this,’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar thought with a smile as he left the basement and headed straight to the Deputy Tower Master’s office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard you called for me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, I have a favor to ask. Did Fran go in smoothly?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He made a fuss about not wanting to, but he went in.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Deputy Tower Master laughed heartily, as if picturing the scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a good chuckle, he sipped his tea and continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s some good news this morning. We received a letter from the Sirius Trading Company. They’ve offered us free access to their distribution network.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...They’re offering it for free?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sirius Trading Company, the continent’s top trading firm, boasted the best logistics network.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even paying a hefty sum for access would’ve been well worth it, yet they were offering it for free.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Oscar wasn’t naive enough to believe in pure altruism.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘They’ve calculated the benefits. Sharing their network doesn’t cost them much, but the value will be immeasurable if the White Tower revives as we hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short, Sirius had nothing to lose from this investment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Their intentions are obvious, but I don’t mind.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was like gaining wings with plans to enter the potion market soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mutually beneficial arrangement, indeed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s certainly great news. Is your request related to this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, no.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Deputy Tower Master shook his head, smiling warmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oscar, would you be interested in taking on a teaching role?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Teaching?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar blinked at the unexpected proposal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing his confusion, the Deputy Tower Master elaborated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This isn’t a sudden decision. I’ve considered it for a long time—ever since I read your academy thesis, The Application and Advanced Study of Basic Magic.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was one of young Oscar’s many papers and the foundation for his later work, A Reinterpretation of Basic Magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“However, understanding something and teaching it effectively are entirely different skills, so I held off on the idea until now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar let out a soft exclamation as realization dawned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So that’s why...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly. Recently, you’ve proven yourself not only as a capable mage but also as an exceptional leader.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Deputy Tower Master referred to Oscar’s efforts in convincing the senior mages to collaborate on potion development and mentoring Fran to Level 4.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You understand the importance of basic magic better than anyone, and you’ve shown both empathy and leadership. If someone like you were to teach a class on basic magic, it would greatly enhance the skills of our mages. What do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I could do it, but...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar tilted his head in puzzlement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It doesn’t add up. Shouldn’t they want me to focus solely on the potion division for now?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a Tower leader, maximizing this golden opportunity in the potion market should be the priority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The Deputy Tower Master isn’t one to make foolish decisions. So, why this sudden teaching proposal?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar concluded that there was more to the story.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is there a specific reason why the White Tower’s mages need to grow stronger?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Ha. Sometimes being too perceptive is troublesome.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Deputy Tower Master chuckled, clearly impressed, before asking,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oscar, have you heard of the Night of the Magic?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, I have.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Night of the Magic was a gathering of mages from all the Towers, intended to promote skill development and camaraderie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Centuries ago, the emperor who initiated it had hoped to strengthen bonds between the Towers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That was never going to work.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, the event devolved into fierce rivalries, leading to its cancellation after only a few years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But if it’s being brought up now...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar’s eyes sparkled with realization.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Could it be that His Majesty intends to revive the Night of the Magic?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Correct. It hasn’t been officially announced yet, but details will be made public once the new year begins.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At last, the pieces clicked into place, and Oscar understood why the teaching offer had been made.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see. Now it makes sense why you want me to take on this role.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I hope my concerns prove unwarranted, but I can’t help being wary of the Black Tower.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Black Tower, a rising force with remarkable achievements in recent years, was eager to claim a spot among the Four Great Towers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘To them, we’re a thorn in their side.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the White Tower, which had languished at the bottom for over a decade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, it still clings to its position as one of the Four Great Towers, resting solely on past glory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It must be infuriating for them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They'll likely come at the tower head-on when the Night of the Magic begins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’ll want to prove they’re better than the White Tower and take away the title of one of the Four Great Towers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘So, you want to improve the foundational skills of our mages.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the person chosen for that task was none other than himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally grasping the full picture, Oscar didn’t hesitate for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll do it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason he accepted the offer was simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he’d rather die than watch the White Tower lose to the likes of the Black Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Clara]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, a notice appeared on the bulletin board of the White Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Special Lecture Announcement]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>- Eligibility: mages of the White Tower\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>- Lecture Topic: Reinterpreting Basic Magic\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>- Time: Mondays and Thursdays, 09:00–15:00\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>- Location: Main Building, 36th Floor, Lecture Hall 4\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gathered mages murmured among themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A special lecture at this time? That’s unusual.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Reinterpreting basic magic? Sounds like something for the Level 3 rookies.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, the Tower’s finances have improved lately. Maybe they’re finally focusing on nurturing the next generation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If that’s the case, they might’ve invited some renowned instructor from outside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most who enter the Tower after graduating from the Academy are Level 3.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It made sense to invest in them since their growth would strengthen the Tower’s foundation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, mid-level mages of Level 4 or higher quickly lost interest after reading the notice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If it’s about basic magic, it doesn’t seem like something for me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Agreed. Why would a Level 4 need to relearn basic magic?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m already swamped brewing potions and running errands. Who’s got time for lectures?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can’t they invest in us mid-level mages too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Level 3 mages cautiously moved in as they left the bulletin board.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their reactions were different—these were people desperate to break through the wall of Level 4.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Reinterpreting basic magic… Does that mean they’ll teach us magic we can use right now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Probably. The White Tower’s basic magic has always been weak, so this is good timing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whatever it is, it’ll be better than training alone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, days passed, with the junior mages harboring high expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The 36th floor of the Tower was often called the Campus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an entire floor designed like an academy, complete with a main and annex building, a training field, and even a decent walking path—not as grand as the 10th floor, but still impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This floor, without windows, used artificial sunlight, moonlight, and starlight on the ceiling to distinguish day from night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, a lecture was to be held in Lecture Hall 4 of the main building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A peculiar lecture with a 100% attendance rate of Level 3 mages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wow, all familiar faces. I thought some of you had died.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mages, you know? Always busy with personal research or training.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still, more people showed up than I expected.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I counted 32. Every junior mage in the White Tower, except for one, is here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing that only one was absent, everyone naturally thought of the same person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar Crucian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That proud genius hadn’t even shown his face here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why lump him with us? He’s still just a Level 2.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Calling him a senior feels wrong. Why care if that insufferable guy shows up or not?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard his personality’s softened lately, though.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You believe that nonsense? Enough gossip. Let’s guess who the lecturer might be.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They say the Deputy Tower Master invited them personally. Could it be true?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Probably. The Tower made a fortune recently selling that flu remedy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mages, who rarely interacted, now chatted freely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though no one said it aloud, they all shared the same frustration, stuck at the barrier of Level 4.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In such circumstances, a special lecture felt like a much-needed rain after a drought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Honestly, am I the only one excited this is happening in the main hall?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Probably everyone here is. This hall used to host seminars even the royal family attended.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Then, maybe the lecturer is someone truly impressive?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the excited mages whispered fervently, a mocking voice rang out from the topmost seat of the lecture hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Look at you all, getting worked up over nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A boy with golden hair and a stature small enough to make you doubt his age sneered down at them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If they were serious about investing in us, they wouldn’t be offering a lecture on Reinterpreting Basic Magic. They’d be teaching something like Understanding Mana Control or Design and Application of Mana Circuits, like the other Great Towers do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Isn’t that going too far?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right? Talk like that, and people might think you’re from another Tower.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can’t you read the room on a good day like this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Tch.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Damian, shaking his head, prepared to deliver another (in his mind) cutting remark—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough chit-chat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flat, emotionless voice silenced the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t just a figure of speech.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rustling wind outside the windows, the sound of pens being readied, and even the slight scraping of chairs—all noise ceased as if cut away by scissors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"......?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"......!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an eerie, almost mystical experience, as if someone had surgically removed their sense of hearing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that absolute silence, only one voice resonated clearly in their ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nice to meet you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man ascended the platform, his steps calm and unhurried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll be your lecturer for Reinterpreting Basic Magic.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He scanned the room with a brief glance before finishing his introduction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m Oscar Crucian.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Clara]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",1926,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.509Z",1,"novelbin.me","87b8d4bd9b0cc550802428f9287a425e910a0dc2dc1b679a62b0d9ec921a0613","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-259","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-258",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]