[{"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-225":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},1334671,1778,"Chapter 225","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-225",225,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 225: The Way Back (4)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At some point, Oscar had started looking behind him out of habit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noticing this, Edna spoke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you feeling uneasy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…A little. Is it that obvious?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Analyzing your facial expression, you're showing 72% concern and 28% worry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aren’t those the same thing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s a clear difference between the two emotions. Concern is a heavier form of anxiety, while worry is a more immediate and reactive feeling.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar had known Edna for a long time and prided himself on understanding her well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even after time had passed, a person’s core tendencies didn’t change easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He let out a shallow sigh and apologized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorry if I made you feel uneasy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m fine. But if you keep showing that kind of behavior, it could affect the group's morale.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A leader must remain emotionally stable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having forgotten such a basic principle in this extreme situation, Oscar quickly composed his expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thanks for the advice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Think nothing of it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re supposed to say, ‘Don’t mention it.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll remember that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the two conversed, Kaya walked over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oscar, could you watch the monitor for me for a bit?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Kaya, whose eyes had gotten dry, applied potion and closed her eyes for a moment, Oscar took over watching the screen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then let out a small groan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been four hours since they realized the Eye Thief was moving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now its location had changed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I want to see too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edna, hopping slightly from below, prompted Oscar to lower the screen so she could view it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After studying it for a moment, she nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s definitely not our imagination. Its position has moved forward again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar rubbed his chin, thinking aloud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why, though? It’s bothering me that it’s moving—even if only slightly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There are two possible explanations I can offer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s hear them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First, it seems we misunderstood the Eye Thief’s behavior.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She raised two fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The first hypothesis is that the Eye Thief can move even when being watched.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What do you mean by that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This creature enjoys hunting. If that’s the case, it wouldn’t be strange if it created a kind of ‘game’ to let its prey run far before pursuing them, purely for entertainment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s… really disturbing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaya, now back to normal after applying the potion, joined in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If that’s true, it’s downright creepy. What’s the second hypothesis, Edna?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s that we’ve slightly misunderstood the Eye Thief’s trait.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What does that even mean? Either we were wrong or we weren’t.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still staring at the monitor, Edna responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What if the Eye Thief doesn’t stop when it’s being watched—but just slows down significantly?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now that’s an interesting possibility…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar and Kaya both nodded unconsciously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that hypothesis were correct, it would explain everything they’d seen so far—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even how the creature’s trait got misinterpreted in the first place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No one would just stand and stare at that thing if it appeared before them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless they had a death wish, no one would just freeze in front of a monster like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To determine whether it stopped or just slowed down when watched, someone would’ve needed to stare at it for hours.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And even if someone had figured it out…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They probably weren’t in any condition to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So even if they learned the truth, they wouldn’t have been able to share it with anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaya nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Personally, I hope the second hypothesis is true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because if that thing is this slow even when it’s just slowed down, it’s basically the same as being stopped.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She pointed a thumb back toward the path they had come from.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ve moved 7 kilometers in the last four hours. Unless it’s been toying with us, we’re realistically in no danger of being caught.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I agree.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edna nodded, adding weight to the conclusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their reasoning was sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone with common sense would find it convincing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the Eye Thief could move at that speed, there was no way it could catch up to them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, the unsettling feeling in Oscar’s chest wouldn’t go away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What is it?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was he overlooking?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He furrowed his brow and tried to think, but the answer stayed vague and out of reach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, there was only one thing Oscar could do for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…If everyone’s rested, let’s get moving again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had to put as much distance between themselves and the Eye Thief as possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How far are we from the first peak, Oscar?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“About six kilometers, I think.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then we should arrive in about three hours.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a hesitant look, she added,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorry. It’s my fault we’re moving so slowly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar glanced at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He considered offering some comforting words but figured they wouldn’t help much, so he just shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This might work in my favor. Once we’re back at the White Tower, I can collect on everything you owe me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As long as it doesn’t violate the Observer’s regulations, I’ll comply.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From behind them, Kaya joined the conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, Oscar—how can you talk so casually with Edna?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? Is there a problem?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not exactly a problem, but…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaya’s eyes, still fixed on the monitor, narrowed with curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most people instinctively feared dragons when meeting them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even someone as powerful as Oran, a level-7 master, was intimidated by Edna.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He watched her kill demons stronger than himself like they were insects—no wonder he reacts that way.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking back, even the strongest individuals at the White Tower treated Edna with extreme caution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Probably because they instinctively understood how powerful dragons were.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But this guy… even after seeing that strength firsthand, he’s still completely unfazed.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost too indifferent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that she thought about it, this wasn’t the first time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He was the same with Yuribe when they first met.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a situation that would’ve made a typical level-6 mage faint from fear, he not only figured out the one winning move—they actually executed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that in mind, Kaya’s doubts began to fade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Huh. Maybe he’s just got a screw loose…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because otherwise, there was no way to explain someone with zero fear in situations where any normal human would be terrified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t some overwhelming powerhouse either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So thinking of him as someone with a faulty brain was the simplest explanation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling her thoughts settle, Kaya changed the subject.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I guess I can speak casually to Edna too, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edna rejected that idea without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaya looked visibly disappointed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? But I’ve known you longer!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edna’s head turned stiffly, almost creaking, toward Oscar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the moment their eyes met—eyes trembling ever so slightly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Ah.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remembered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How terribly this rule-abiding dragon was at lying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Oscar stepped in to provide a believable excuse on her behalf.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Maybe it’s because I saved her life? Technically, I’d be her benefactor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That is correct.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph, if that’s the reason…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, Oran, who had been silently trailing behind the group, suddenly rushed toward them at a fast pace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, he started speaking rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re severed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Severed? What is?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swallowing nervously, he replied to Kaya’s question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The threads I set up around the campsite as a perimeter. They’re snapping like crazy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? Are monsters approaching the campsite or something?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Threads being broken around the camp was typically a sensitive matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But they were already far away from that place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaya, not understanding what Oran was getting at, simply shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So what? Are you worried about the tent we left behind?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Eye thief.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one who realized the gravity of the situation was Oscar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unconsciously turning his head, he zoomed in on the screen and stared intently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Eye of the Sky only captured visuals, not sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Oscar could almost hear the noise that would be filling the campsite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not due to experience—but from a sense innate to him as a mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>KWA-KWAK-KWAK-KWAK!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the illusion of that deafening sound rang in his ears,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>dozens of massive roots appeared on the screen, overrunning the campsite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Kaya blinked in confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...That’s the One Who Devoured the Mountain, right? Why is it over there?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one had even stepped on its roots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet it was actively moving—in the weakened second peak, no less.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Then what’s its goal?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as that question arose in his mind,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar imagined the one possibility he least wanted to consider.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in that instant, he understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He finally grasped the cause of the lingering unease that had taken root in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Kaya’s startled exclamation, the roots on the screen attacked the Eye Thief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the roots didn’t drag it underground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rather, as if their job was done, they vanished from the screen without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Red Mountain’s calamity is attacking another disaster… But if it’s not trying to absorb power, then why such a half-hearted attack?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Kaya voiced the confusion she couldn't shake,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>a conversation she had with Oran a few days ago flashed through her mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—If what you're saying is true, then couldn’t one person just keep eye contact while the rest kill it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—If it's attacked, it goes into a frenzy state and moves like a mad beast for about ten seconds, even if someone’s staring at it. Its speed doubles too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—…So it’s the kind you must not attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back on the screen, the creature’s image completely disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it! It’s in an immune state! Brother!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Already pursuing it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Oscar’s shout, the screen shook wildly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Eye of the Sky scanned the surroundings, tracking the Eye Thief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Got it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before long, the Eye Thief appeared on the screen—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>racing down the mountain at a truly insane speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching it, Oran muttered,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ten seconds. Just don’t lose it for ten seconds. Then the frenzy will stop, and it’ll halt again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seven seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Six.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar couldn’t help but wonder if ten seconds had always felt this long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, the Eye Thief suddenly looked straight up—right at the Eye of the Sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its massive eye curved upward like a crescent moon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…It smiled?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The uncanny response made Oscar hold his breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The white, wingless, armless monster pulled out its own spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in the next moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>it twisted its waist, and with all its rotational power, hurled the spine like a spear straight at the screen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Must dodge—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as that thought crossed his mind—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRACK!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The broadcast cut off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Eye of the Sky was destroyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the backlash instantly returned to its caster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Khak!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar coughed up a mouthful of blood and dropped to one knee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oscar!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His comrades rushed to support him,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>but Oscar raised a hand to stop them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no time to waste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘An extremely dangerous enemy, location unknown.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they didn’t want to be caught by the Eye Thief,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>not a single second could be spared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…From now on, I’ll carry Edna too. Let’s pick up the pace.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",1844,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.789Z",1,"novelbin.me","9d38467a1d3242bd17776b4d0e17392dd9f57d5b49f891ef261e81f2bf1f4747","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-226","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-224",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]