[{"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-226":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},1334672,1778,"Chapter 226","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-226",226,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 226: The Way Back (5)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tap tap tap!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar and the other two ran without rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that he had started carrying Edna on his back, their speed had increased dramatically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…But that also means the fatigue is piling up fast.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no time to carefully manage stamina right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Somewhere behind them, the Eye Thief was surely in pursuit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar sent a message spell to Edna on his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>–The one who swallowed the mountain attacked the Eye Thief to help it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>–I believe so too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>–Then let me ask you: has there ever been a record of the disasters of the Red Mountains working together before?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>–Never.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A firm and concise answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar’s frown deepened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If even the observer doesn’t know, then this must be the first time in recorded history.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes narrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This meant they were caught in a historically unprecedented event.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, he didn’t believe this was a coincidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was someone who always insisted that every event had a cause and process behind it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>–Let me rephrase the question. Is there any reason those disasters would suddenly join forces?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>–None.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>–What if they’re after your heart?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>–If that were the case, all the more reason not to work together. Our current party isn’t strong enough to easily defeat even a single disaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their only real combat power was himself and Oran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And they were also burdened with people who needed protection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Then what is this about?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those beings knew that clashing with one another only brought harm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s why they respected each other’s territory and lived on separate peaks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, Edna carefully offered her opinion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>–Oscar. If they were ordered by someone, then it would make sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ordered?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he heard that, one being naturally came to Oscar’s mind—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the only one capable of commanding the terrible disasters of the Red Mountains like subordinates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>–…Don’t tell me… The Red Witch has awakened?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>–If not, then this situation is difficult to explain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>–But I thought she was in a deep sleep?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>–She was, the last time I checked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that “last time” was decades ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Specifically, before the war with the demons had even started.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was precisely because she had fallen into a deep sleep that the demons were able to cross the mountain range so freely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>–…The Red Witch awakening from her long slumber to go after your heart?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>–It’s a strong possibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar unconsciously grimaced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>–If that’s true, then there’s no point in heading to the first peak, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>–Not quite. That place is where the Mad Wind resides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right—Mad Wind wasn’t something you could reason with.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was quite literally a wind gone insane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And its sheer destructive power couldn’t even be compared to that of the Eye Thief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>–As long as we can safely cross to the first peak, they won’t be able to pursue us, even under orders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>–That’s a relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Oscar wasn’t exactly thrilled about facing Mad Wind unprepared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But they had no other choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His instincts as a mage were screaming at him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Eye Thief was closing in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huff… huff…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar’s breath came in ragged gasps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forcing himself to push the pace had cost him his rhythm, but it was worth it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The first peak…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the border of the mountain range came into view, Oran shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, Oscar, panting heavily, spoke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Edna, get down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Edna dismounted, Oran gave him a puzzled look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re almost there. Why make her walk? Want me to carry her if it’s too much?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar replied while looking back at the path they had taken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a reason he had asked Edna to dismount.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Just a little farther.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was coming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Oscar sensed a massive malice closing in, he bit his lower lip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A beat later, Oran and Kaya flinched as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes, now filled with hostility, quickly scanned the rear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, it finally came.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Oran muttered, a pale figure appeared before them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Eye Thief, motionless as it faced them, showed no sign of exertion—no sweat, no fatigue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaya spoke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Would it be possible for all of us to retreat together?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Someone has to stay behind. We need to sever the root of the one who swallowed the mountain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, they’d all die to the rampaging Eye Thief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar’s mind raced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The best choice I can make right now is…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would stay behind, while the still-able Oran led the main group forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Edna around, they should be able to evade the Mad Wind’s fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he was thinking this, Oran came up beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Little brother, is that why you had the dragon dismount? Planning to hold that thing off on your own?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…This is the best option we have.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him, Oran scratched his chin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Doesn't look like your best if you ask me. You seem way too exhausted.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Which is exactly why I shouldn’t be leading the main group. I'd only be a burden.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What the main group needed right now wasn’t a worn-out mage, but someone strong enough to protect the party from danger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Oran was the one who fit that description.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Oran spoke in an uncharacteristically serious tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did you consider my past when making this decision?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar hesitated to answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Oran said \"past,\" he must’ve been referring to the time he encountered the Eye Thief and betrayed his comrades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief moment of deliberation, Oscar slowly parted his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'd be lying if I said I didn't.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heh, yeah. Thanks for being honest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar kept one eye on the Eye Thief and the other on Oran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of that, he noticed right away when Oran quietly began gathering mana.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You might want to cut that mana flow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And what makes you think you know what I’m trying to do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without looking at him, Oscar continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whatever it is, don’t do it. Just turn around and go with the others to the first peak.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you giving me orders right now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes. You promised, remember? In the Red Mountains, you’d follow my commands.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a brief silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Oran let out a half-laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tch. I guess I do vaguely recall making that promise. Always had a good head for details.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good. Then—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So what I’m doing now is insubordination, huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oran Quill.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From behind, Kaya called out in an icy voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oran turned to her casually and shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What the hell are you so unhappy about?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh… a bit of this, a bit of that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He responded lightly, and before anyone could stop him, threads shot out in every direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar instinctively threw up a shield to protect himself and the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But contrary to what he expected, Oran’s threads didn’t attack them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What Oran created with his threads was a massive wall—tightly woven and impenetrable. Nothing could be seen past it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Wait—does that mean the Eye Thief…?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Oscar’s thoughts raced, Oran’s voice came from beyond the wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t worry. I’ve got my eyes locked right on the Eye Thief.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Why are you doing this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar genuinely didn’t understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’d have a better chance of surviving if you came with the main group to the first peak.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know. I'm not an idiot—I get that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then why—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As you know, I once used my comrades as bait to survive that thing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A story he had once confessed before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond the veil of thread, Oran’s silhouette was faintly visible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was betrayed first. The bastard I trusted fell asleep on watch and ditched me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three of them held their breath, listening to Oran’s calm confession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Maybe it was luck or instinct, but I woke up. The moment I saw the Eye Thief right in front of me, I screamed. I called the bastard’s name, but he never answered.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"……\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I spent two full days and nights backing away, unable to sleep. My eyes were so dry and gritty that blinking scraped at my skin. I was so tired my vision blurred, and I kept thinking, ‘Maybe if I just die, this will all end.’ But then I’d feel bitter about dying like that. So I kept backing away. And eventually… I found that bastard who left me. He was crawling away with a broken ankle after fighting some monster.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oran let out a dry laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wanted to live. And I had the excuse that he betrayed me first. So I tied him up with my threads and made him stare at the Eye Thief. That’s when he finally apologized. Begged me to spare him, just once.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…What did you do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I didn’t listen. But… as I turned and ran away, leaving him behind, it felt… off. Like I was the villain somehow. Even though he betrayed me first, running while his screams echoed behind me… it made me feel like the bad guy. I still can’t shake that feeling. Don’t even know why.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"……\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of silence, Oscar finally spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s because you’re kind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re wondering if maybe… just maybe, you should’ve forgiven him and run together. That’s why you feel that way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"……\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some people are simply born that way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The kind who feel their heart pound with guilt even over small lies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar believed Oran was one of those people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…You’re something else, little brother. No one’s ever said that to me before.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m sorry.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar offered the words he felt he owed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I think I misjudged you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Eh, forget it. I’ve always gotten the short end, even when I try to be nice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oran spoke as if reproaching himself, but there was a subtle note of relief in his voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go. I’ll handle this thing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…I’ll cross the mountains as fast as I can and return with reinforcements.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah, yeah. I’m not ready to die yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oran’s broad back, barely visible through the wall of thread, gave a faint shudder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was impossible to tell if he was laughing… or suppressing fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t die.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaya snapped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you die, I might end up stuck with that lunatic 'designer' freak as a teammate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So I’m better than that guy, huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Obviously.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaya snorted, then glanced at Oscar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s go. Before that idiot burns through the last of his energy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Alright.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar bit his lip hard, bowed his head once toward the wall of thread, and led the group away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the sound of their departing footsteps faded, Oran let out a faint chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",1796,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.789Z",1,"novelbin.me","5e80c1d726d3db7a63915947c425f294259f39cd300141baf555bd69d7b59d1f","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-227","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-225",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]