[{"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-233":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},1334679,1778,"Chapter 233","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-233",233,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 233: White Night Festival (1)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the subspace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar looked around at the group he had grown quite attached to over the past two weeks and asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Edna, the Tower Master, and I are planning to head to the capital for the White Night Festival. What about you two?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm, not sure.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaya and Oran looked at each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After exchanging a brief glance, they each spoke in turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s part ways here. No matter how we look at it, the capital's probably not a good idea for us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As you know, little bro, we’re heinous criminals.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, if the two of them showed up in the capital, the city guards—and even the knights—would likely be deployed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would certainly sour the festive atmosphere of the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s understandable. Then is there anywhere you’d like to go? I can open a portal for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tsk. You really can’t get this kind of ability just anywhere… Seriously, kid, you sure you don’t wanna join?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Join? What are you talking about?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasha frowned and asked, and Oran gave an awkward chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"K-Kidding, of course.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I hope so. Oscar, don’t tell me those two tried to recruit you while I was out cold in my inner world?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind Sasha, Oran’s eyes darted left and right like a metronome, his expression practically pleading for Oscar to say no.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Guess an 8th-level mage really does command a different kind of presence.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar let out a chuckle and shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, they didn’t.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Good. That’s a relief.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, Sasha still looked slightly displeased as she turned to the two of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment’s thought, she slowly opened her mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was a short journey, but thank you all for your hard work. And thanks for looking out for me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps he hadn’t expected Sasha to express her gratitude, as Oran looked a little flustered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaya, of course, just smiled and gave Sasha a warm hug.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even if it was brief, we were comrades.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, and also…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking back and forth between Oran and Kaya, Sasha murmured softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I apologize for judging you with prejudice at first. You were both actually pretty decent companions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, she didn’t forget to leave them with a warning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That doesn’t mean you’re allowed to try recruiting Oscar again. So be careful.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can’t we just share a good thing with him…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, you may not!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, alright, no need to yell.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaya, wearing an amused smile, lowered her sunglasses and started preparing to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After saying goodbye to Edna, she walked up to Oscar and held out her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…What’s this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Grip test.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Contrary to her words, there wasn’t any strength behind the handshake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You must really be from a forest tribe or something. Normal folks call this a handshake.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Call it whatever you want. Either way, I really owe you one this time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A favor, huh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you really think about it, he was the one in debt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thanks to those two, he’d managed to recover both Edna and the White Tower’s data safely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"……\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first, he hadn’t thought much of them, labeling them as mere criminals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after two weeks of working closely together, his thoughts had changed—just like Sasha’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling a sudden pang of guilt, Oscar hesitantly spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kaya. About the payment we agreed on…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, I didn’t forget. It was 30 million bells for the two of us, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, I don’t think you need to pay us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a brief moment, Kaya’s gaze shifted to Edna.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But only briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She let out a small chuckle and shook her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A deal’s a deal. Don’t feel bad. It’s not like we came away empty-handed either. You don’t often find places in modern society where a 7th-level mage can gain this kind of combat experience.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"……\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’d said it so clearly, he couldn’t exactly refuse anymore without making things awkward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar finally gave a reluctant nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you insist, then alright.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then could you give me your personal ID number?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, sure.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had one he’d received from Chief Walker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pulling out a communicator from the subspace, they exchanged numbers, and she gave him a playful wink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I ever need help, I’ll reach out.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…As long as it’s not for something too shady.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drawing a line—no calls for blatantly illegal stuff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaya chuckled and looked toward Sasha, then whispered quietly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey. What’s your deal with Sasha?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…What kind of academy kid question is that all of a sudden?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, you’re saying you two are nothing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes. She’s the Tower Master. I’m a mage affiliated with the tower. Nothing more, nothing less.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmmm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through the amber-tinted lenses of her sunglasses, her eyes sparkled like pebbles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She clearly had more questions, but held them back—for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…What? What’s with that look?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nothing. Just… if you say so. But you know what?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lowering her voice, she leaned in and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You only slipped once. And I caught it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hehe. You better take care of her, yeah?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving behind those cryptic words, she turned and waved with one hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, and about the portal—send us to Felix, please~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Felix? Got it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A city in the southeastern region.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the portal opened, Kaya stepped through first, followed by Oran, who waved as he went.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kid, we’re off! See you around!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And just like that, the portal closed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What had been five people was suddenly down to three, and the hollow feeling of the journey ending finally settled in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master, at least we accomplished all of our goals.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasha’s polite tone had returned, as a little bonus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edna approached and asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A goal for the journey? Was there such a thing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. It was to rescue you and recover the White Tower's data.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……I’m sorry again. For not keeping the promise on time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“N-no, I didn’t mean it to make you apologize.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah. It’s okay. It wasn’t your fault to begin with.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar comforted her, then suddenly wore a serious expression and cast a message spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—We’ve finally caught our breath, so let me ask… that lightning strike… was it what I think it was?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Edna’s memories, she had seen that single bolt of lightning bring down the dragon’s massive body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar’s eyes darkened as he recalled that blinding flash that had pierced the sky in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—I can't say for certain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was rare to see Edna hesitate to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She always based her words on data and records—her assertions were usually full of confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—But I’d recommend not ruling out the possibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no point in hiding it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar was wondering if the one who cast that lightning bolt was the Yellow Tower Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, Sasha blinked as she realized the two were talking via message magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s nothing. Just an old story.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, yes. You must have a lot to talk about between you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without a word, Oscar gently patted Sasha’s head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt sorry, but he had no intention of telling her about this yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Who knows how Sasha would react if she found out.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, Sasha was sharp and composed, but when it came to matters like this, she could be just as hot-headed as Gilly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though she’d reached the 8th level, she was still too early to stand against the Yellow Tower Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Um, Master. Does it take long to open the portal to the capital?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not long. Just a few minutes. Why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, no reason.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No reason?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar stared at Sasha silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She only said meaningless things like that in one specific case.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Usually when her mind is a little tangled or her heart is unsettled… ah.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it be because she saw Lloyd?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Oscar started weaving the threads of space to create the portal, he asked casually,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, how was it, seeing Lloyd after so long?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……What do you mean, how was it? That guy didn’t even notice I was there at first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her lips were sticking out in a full pout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She seemed almost offended he hadn’t asked sooner—she began chewing out Lloyd as if grinding his bones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s exactly the same. Still has that expressionless face like he’s impossible to read.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still, he took your side. He even skipped the inspection.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha, took my side? More like he just didn’t want to be bothered. Wait a second—Master, whose side are you on?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s no “side.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Oscar, not wanting to get caught in the crossfire, quickly replied:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course, I’m always on our Sasha’s side.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right? If he wasn’t always cooped up on the front lines and actually showed up at official gatherings, I’d be fuming every time I saw him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar kept nodding and playing along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, Sasha still hadn’t forgiven Lloyd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘……But that guy.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d seen Sasha up close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s no way he hadn’t realized she’d reached the 8th level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fact that he didn’t show any reaction must mean he already knew before they met.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘In other words, he hid his emotions.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he upset that Sasha reached the 8th level before him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, there was no jealousy or resentment in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People often said Lloyd’s expression never changed, but Oscar knew better—there were always subtle differences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I had to say… it looked like excitement.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t sure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did Lloyd look so excited when he saw Sasha had reached the 8th level?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially when they now belonged to rival towers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Well, no need to rush.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The White Tower was already prepared to rise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the Midnight Festival ended and they returned home, they could start figuring things out—one step at a time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small city, Felix — a certain hotel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior, let’s wash up in our rooms first and meet at the restaurant for dinner.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sure. Wash properly. You stink.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……You’re one to talk, senior.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not going?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“G-going now. I’m going.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grumbling, Oran entered his room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching him go, Kaya entered hers and sank into the sofa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haa…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was exhausted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This journey had been taxing even for her, a 7th-level martial arts master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’d nearly lost her life more than once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘……Still, I have to do what needs to be done.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She picked up her communicator and dialed a familiar number, speaking in a weary voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boss, it’s me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—You returned safely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah. You’re not disappointed, are you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Of course not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint chuckle preceded the real topic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—The result?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Success. Transfer the payment to those two.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Are the ones who went with you safe?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They're probably in better shape than I am. Must be youth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaya muttered with a sigh and stretched out her legs as she continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A new star has risen on the continent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—How splendid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even at the mention of a new 8th-level archmage, the voice on the other end remained unmoved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the beginning, his interest had been elsewhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—After traveling with him, what do you think?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You mean Oscar. Hmm…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The past two weeks flashed through her mind—everything he had shown her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His dazzling talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaya recalled it all and finally spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Honestly? He looks the most promising of anyone I’ve ever seen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Is that so? Then it must be quite frustrating for you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……Can’t be helped. Anyway, I’ll keep an eye on him for now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—I’ll pass along any new information from my side as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Got it. Thanks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Click.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The call ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She sank deeper into the sofa and closed her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was nothing she could do now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it turned out to be true, she would simply do what had to be done.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……I wonder if Killian will be a little sad.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murmuring softly, Kaya thought of her younger brother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",1971,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.789Z",1,"novelbin.me","8837cfb4a9d1f99f9f841a30689348f09e17e9b7c59c7d04fcabd1a78abc8ccc","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-234","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-232",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]