[{"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-289":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},1334834,1778,"Chapter 289","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-289",289,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 289: The Primordial Evil (4)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang, bang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarven workshop of the White Tower was bustling since morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From all directions came the clanging of hammers, and dwarves shouted orders as they moved about in perfect coordination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey! Check that there’s no problem with the mana core in the engine room!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No leaks at the power conduit joints, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What about the outer armor? Even a hairline crack won’t be tolerated!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regular maintenance of the airship was common enough, but things always became ten times busier before a departure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a time to double- and triple-check everything—to make sure nothing was overlooked or left wanting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who stepped into the workshop, which now resembled a battlefield of craftsmen, could only marvel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whoa, so this is the dwarven workshop…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The rumors were true—dwarves really did build the White Tower’s airship.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Seeing it up close, that presence is something else.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Nosfela, the enormous airship, was suspended in midair, held by hundreds of chains and thick support beams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those seeing its underbelly for the first time were awestruck—and a little uneasy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can something that big really fly?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not going to fall out of the sky, is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the worried stood the Heavenly Sword himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph. Does that thing actually fly properly?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar, as usual, met the old man’s nitpicking with easy confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You saw it during the White Night Festival, didn’t you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A brief fluttering doesn’t count. Even a person can fly for a moment if you throw them hard enough. I’m asking whether long-distance flight is possible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heavenly Sword, please—look at my face.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without warning, Oscar pointed to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well? What do you see?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...For some reason, I feel an overwhelming urge to punch you. Is that what you wanted to hear?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, I was just asking if I look like someone with a death wish.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar quietly took a step back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Unless I’m hoping we’ll all drown together, do you think I’d take this thing out if it couldn’t handle a long flight? I explained the specs thoroughly during the meeting, didn’t I?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve seen countless silver-tongued charlatans in my hundred years.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...You’re not, by any chance, afraid of heights, are you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scared?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That word could provoke anyone, across any nation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure enough, the Heavenly Sword’s eyebrow twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bah! Do I look like some doddering old fool scared of a flying boat?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then muttered while watching his grandson—the Little Sword Lord—admiring the airship from afar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...If I were riding alone, I wouldn’t have bothered asking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wow, could you please spare even one-tenth of that affection you have for your grandson and share it with me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why would I.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no real comeback to that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Oscar continued explaining various features to the Heavenly Sword, the dwarven chief of the White Anvil clan—Hagor—approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oscar. Preparations are complete.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good work, Hagor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If everything was ready, there was no need to delay further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All aboard!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A temporary staircase connected to one of the support beams led upward, and one by one, people began to board the ship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wow, this is nerve-wracking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s much bigger and cleaner than I expected.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Officially, this was the first time outsiders had ever boarded the airship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The Emperor took a ride once, but that was different,’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, they’d gather proper data on passenger conditions—and maybe even conduct a satisfaction survey once the expedition was over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So… how exactly do we leave?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Archbishop Baldwin asked innocently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The 53rd-floor workshop was massive, but it was still enclosed on all sides—there didn’t seem to be any way for such a gigantic ship to get out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There are two methods. Which would you prefer?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s hear them both.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The first is the orthodox way—open the outer wall and fly out. The second might cause a bit of motion sickness… I can teleport the whole thing through spatial magic.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Let’s go with the orthodox one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he said that—Rrrrumble!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire floor quaked as one side of the wall began to open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morning sunlight poured in like grains of sand, and the docking bay slowly moved, carrying the ship outward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ooooh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My heart’s pounding… I feel excited all of a sudden!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thoom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the Nosfela was fully outside the tower, the dwarves began shouting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Power up the engines!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Main mana battery—normal!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Auxiliary mana battery—normal!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ouroboros magic circle—activation complete!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a deep, resonant hum—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vroooom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—the Nosfela gave a mechanical roar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Departure! Unchain her!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chaaaang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chains restraining the airship fell away, and the Nosfela surged skyward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whoa!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh! My ears—my ears feel weird!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“M-my organs! It feels like they’re floating!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarves chuckled as they watched the flustered passengers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They themselves had reacted the same way their first time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But soon enough, as the airship reached cruising altitude and steadied its course—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Wow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone gathered at the deck railing to take in the view.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a sight that would be burned into memory until the day they died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the cloudless sky stretched an endless horizon, and below, people looked like tiny ants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surprisingly, no one spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or rather, none dared to—because no words could capture what they felt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They simply stood silently, gazing down upon the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“El Sia…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Archbishop Baldwin suddenly made the sign of the cross, prompting the priests and paladins to join in a solemn chant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long prayer, the archbishop turned and smiled brightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So this is what it must feel like to see the world from the goddess’s eyes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you like it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s too obvious a question! By the way, when will that ‘airport’ you mentioned be finished? Next time I have to travel to another city, I’ll definitely be taking an airship.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve got a question too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, even the Heavenly Sword joined in—bombarding Oscar with all sorts of questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was exhausted before the flight was over, but still couldn’t help smiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Well, that’s a success.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging from everyone’s reactions, the Nosfela’s maiden expedition was a complete triumph.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I must say, I’m glad I joined this expedition.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over the Black Sea, six hours into flight, Oscar was still being cornered by Archbishop Baldwin’s relentless curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, mercifully, a voice came over the ship’s announcement system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[This airship will be arriving at its destination shortly.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm, already?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baldwin looked genuinely disappointed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can’t wait to retrieve the Holy Sword quickly and get back on board.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...That sounds a bit backwards, doesn’t it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha! Retrieving the sword won’t take long anyway.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then a knight from the Heavenly Sword’s retinue cried out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Land ahead!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At once, everyone rushed to the deck rail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the pitch-black waters stood a lone island.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hooh, that must be it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The island grew larger as they approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At its center was a massive cubic structure—square and cold like a giant stone box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That must be the labyrinth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard it used to be Belpher’s research facility—or laboratory, perhaps.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One thing was clear, that Belpher fellow had zero sense of aesthetics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even a four-year-old could’ve built something with more personality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Excuse me a moment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar approached a dwarf and told him to hold off on landing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then gathered mana.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Scan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mana he released spread instantly across the entire island.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It consumed a fair amount of energy, but the results were satisfactory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whew.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How’s it look—uh, what’s it like?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Asked Lloyd, stepping closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar nodded,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As expected, no signs of life. Usually you’d detect small animals at least… but nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A land of death indeed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Together, they returned to Baldwin and the Heavenly Sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I scanned the island—no lifeforms detected.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm. Better strengthen the divine wards, just in case.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That would be wise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even on the flight over, the church’s divine protection had shielded the ship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without it, the hull would’ve corroded long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vrooom…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The airship slowly descended, crushing dead trees beneath its weight as it landed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stepping onto the ground via rope ladder, Archbishop Baldwin muttered,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm… The aura of death here is overwhelming.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, it’s awful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was unlike demonic mana—this was pure malice and death itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking around, Lloyd spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ll need to split the party—some to guard the ship, the rest to retrieve the sword.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Agreed. Leave only the minimum necessary to defend the ship.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baldwin then left several priests aboard, and the Heavenly Sword assigned six knights as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fifteen or so should be enough to hold the ship. The dwarves are still here too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, that sounds about right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarves were already busy clambering over the ropes, inspecting the hull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar turned to Baldwin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How long can your priests maintain the holy barrier around the ship?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need to worry. Even without me, it’ll hold for about six hours.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Six hours…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That should be more than enough—assuming nothing went wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Relieved, Oscar nodded, and the Heavenly Sword spoke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Knights—take positions!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clack! Clack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The knights formed up in perfect order, surrounding and protecting the priests and mages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baldwin followed suit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Paladins—match formation with the Heavenly Sword’s men.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, sir!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In moments, the formation was complete—priests and mages safely within the ring of steel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Move out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thirty minutes later, the expedition reached the labyrinth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The entrance?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One on each side—four total.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Heavenly Sword frowned thoughtfully, and Baldwin offered a suggestion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is there any need to split forces?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It would be safer to stay together—but if we want to finish within five hours, we’ll need to divide.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had taken thirty minutes to get here, so the return would take another thirty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That left five hours to find and retrieve the Holy Sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they failed, they’d have to retreat—otherwise the ship might corrode, trapping them on the island.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moving dozens of people together would be inefficient, true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baldwin turned to Lloyd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What say you, Mage of Ashes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Divide into four groups. That would be the most efficient.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lloyd Schultz—efficiency incarnate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Oscar shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s too risky. With only twenty or so people, four teams means just five per group.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Split in two. That’s as far as we can safely go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm. Two, then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baldwin nodded slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not bad. Even if neither team finds the sword, we can regroup and check the remaining two entrances. Two round trips should suffice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes—safety first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tch. Safety, in a place where not even an ant lives?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clicking his tongue, the Heavenly Sword made his own decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need to complicate it. Split into two teams for the first two entrances. I’ll take the third, and that brat can take the fourth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed squarely at Lloyd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re an eighth-circle mage—you can handle yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not unreasonable. It’s efficient, too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Lloyd agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I’ll go first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With hands behind his back, the Heavenly Sword strode to one entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An invisible blade cleaved through the doorway, and he disappeared into the darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I’ll take the opposite side.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once Lloyd vanished into his own entrance, Oscar turned to Baldwin with a wry smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Left or right, Archbishop?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm. A fortune-teller said my luck lies to the left this year. I’ll take that one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A priest who believed in fortune-telling?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar couldn’t hide his incredulous look, and Baldwin laughed heartily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ll understand when you’re older. You start believing all sorts of nonsense—divine providence comes in many forms, after all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he led his team into the left entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar glanced around one last time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, let’s move.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, sir.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Including Cheon Ajin and himself, there were ten in his group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leading them, Oscar stepped into the right-hand passage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",1940,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.789Z",1,"novelbin.me","ba0eef3ff8b2cac806926bde334061c613b38c641aaf086b6044ed73b4b62b78","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-290","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-49",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]