[{"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-269":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},1334798,1778,"Chapter 269","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-269",269,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tap, tap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone shook his body, and in a flash-his eyes snapped open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh? Hey, you're awake... hiiiik!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the blink of an eye, their positions were reversed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The red-eyed Killian pinned the other's arm to the bed, scanning the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'A bed? Did I pass out? When? How much time has passed? Where are the others?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least one thing was fortunate: the place wasn't dark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A bright ceiling lamp illuminated the room, and thanks to that, he could see Veronica and Fran unconscious on hospital beds. \"Ow, ow!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mage beneath him cried out as her arm bent painfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killian growled low, threatening to snap it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who are you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"W-wait! We're not enemies. You're with Kiri from the White Tower, right? We're Black Tower mages too, part of the search party. Phonetic code: hotel!\" The hotel party-the group that went missing before theirs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killian glanced at her comrades lying nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three of them lay on hospital beds, wrapped in blood-soaked bandages, clearly injured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned his head toward Veronica and Fran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither bore wounds, bandages, nor restraints.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this woman were an enemy, she would never have left them free.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see. My apologies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killian released her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Muttering about how it almost broke, the mage rubbed her arm and got to her feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It hurts, but fine, I get it. You must've been startled.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Some explanation is needed. Is this a hospital room?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That, I don't know. I fainted when we fell, and woke up here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fell?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The elevator crash. Didn't your party crash down too?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had narrowly avoided it, warned just in time by Oscar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killian shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We avoided the crash. I was trying to break through the spatial barrier, but lost consciousness. When I woke up, I was here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You dodged it? Amazing. No wonder you're unhurt.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She glanced at her battered comrades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As you can see, we weren't so lucky.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then why are you fine?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I had a protective artifact... hey, why are you speaking so informally? How old are you? I'm twenty-four.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killian answered vaguely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am also twenty-%$# years old. Anyway, have you searched the room?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes. No windows, just a door over there, but it won't open. I considered blasting it with magic, but thought my comrades' recovery came first, so I didn't try. But really, how old did you say you were?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This isn't the time for idle chatter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killian dismissed her and went to Veronica and Fran, tapping them awake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ugh, what?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Did I fall asleep?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They quickly got up and listened to the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait-where's Oscar? Why isn't he here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You mean Oscar Crucian? He never came here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He was with us. Only the three of us got pulled here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Maybe because he's Level 6.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Right. They said mostly mid-level mages were abducted.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar was technically a Level 6 mid-mage, but his strength rivaled Level 7.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps even the master of this place hesitated to take him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is bad. We have two choices.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica held up two fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One: stay put and wait for Oscar to rescue us. Two: break down that door and hunt this place's master. Which sounds better?\" \"Obviously the second.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need to think.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They answered before the question even ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Black Tower mage was startled by their certainty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"W-wait, aren't you being reckless? Who knows what's out there? You could die!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We're not being reckless.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By now Oscar's panicking because we disappeared. Worst case, he could be trapped somewhere worse, alone. Sitting here waiting would be stupid.\" \"Besides, we're his comrades, not burdens to be protected.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He's right. If we're just waiting for rescue, we're nothing but dead weight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their resolve was unshakable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Black Tower mage looked briefly flustered, then smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well... the Black Tower values comrades too, but your bonds seem even stronger. Almost enviable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ahem.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They looked away awkwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Veronica spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One more thing: what about the injured here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll protect them. They're my comrades.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica shook her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Too dangerous alone. One of us should stay too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Same here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Then rock-paper-scissors?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She raised her fist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Loser stays. Rock, paper, scissors!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two fists, one scissors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran cheered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes! Fist for the win!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, looks like it's decided.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killian stared at his scissors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My scissors can even break rocks. Want to test? Give me your fist.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No way, you brute. You'd crush my hand for real.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not me either. My fist would shatter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring him, Veronica and Fran blew the door apart with wind magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"See you later.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Guard the room.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killian sighed in resignation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Be careful.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the ward, Veronica gulped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had boldly volunteered, unwilling to seem like baggage—but the hallway radiated a sinister aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Want to swap with Killian before it's too late?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you kidding? Don't treat me like I'm scared.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....Shouting doesn't count as courage. Maybe let go of my arm first?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her grip trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I-I thought it was the wall...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She released him, then eyed the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This place really looks like a hospital, doesn't it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah. Creepy though.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empty hospital beds lined the corridor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Guess we'll have to check the rooms one by one.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No choice. At least it's not pitch-dark here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dim ceiling lamps flickered but held on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their room was at the end of the hall, leaving only one direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They opened doors as they passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All empty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not even signs of anyone lying there.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With no windows anywhere, the place felt suffocating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, they reached the reception desk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind the desk, a nurse sat in uniform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'What is that?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Not human...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its face was smooth as an egg, without eyes, nose, or mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Living creature?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Doll?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mannequin?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Attack?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Observe?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica nudged Fran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'You go.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Why me?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'So I can cover you. I'm a fast-chant mage, remember.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'...Damn it.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swallowing hard, Fran stepped forward-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Creak!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The nurse turned its head toward them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though eyeless, its gaze was undeniable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Patients! You mustn't leave your rooms without permission!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice didn't come from its face but reverberated through the space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, the door behind the desk burst open-identical nurses rushed out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Seize the patients! Their treatment isn't finished!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You mustn't behave this way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You need to wait for surgery with the Director.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"His skill is exceptional. Please, return to your rooms.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Holding syringes and scalpels, they leapt over the desk toward the pair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Waaah!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Startled by their speed, Fran screamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Over Craft]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of magic circles fused before Veronica.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Wild Edge.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blades of wind roared past Fran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nurses' heads flew cleanly off and rolled across the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huff... huff...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran stared at the fallen mannequins, breath ragged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their neck stumps bled no blood, just smooth as broken dolls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You okay? Not hurt?\" \"Y-yeah.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thanked her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thanks for saving me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course. That was the plan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She frowned at the fallen mannequins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Creepy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At least we learned something. There's an operating room here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surely the \"Director\" was the master of this space-an amateur spatial manipulator, according to Oscar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran checked the wall's floor guide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We're on the 1st floor. The operating room's... 4th floor. Not too high.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They raced up the stairs, reaching the 4th floor quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the end of the hall, a steel door marked \"Operating Room.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Let's go in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Determined, Fran pushed it open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sharp stench of medicine filled their noses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm. So if I cut this thread, this place disappears.... noted.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snip, snip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surgeon, stitching a patient, slowly turned his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment their eyes met, both froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon his brow, above the surgical mask, gleamed a small horn- the unmistakable mark of a demon.\u003C\u002Fp>",1302,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.789Z",1,"novelbin.me","8b97b4f9573079884ba3b2d96b22108a1a7d3c560741e190d37628860cba3316","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-270","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-268",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]