[{"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-298":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},1334844,1778,"Chapter 298","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-298",298,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 298: Primordial Evil (13)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gr–grrk!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Belpher strained to force out more malice, trying desperately to withstand the flood of light pouring onto him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he could endure—just once—he was certain he could seize the initiative with his endless reservoir of malice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hadn't he secured the advantage 842 years ago in exactly the same way?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But… but why…?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Belpher’s pupils trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every trace of malice that touched the falling radiance melted away like snowflakes dropped onto a warm stove.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt as though his entire body had been stripped bare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was something wholly incompatible with his understanding of the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“L-light grows stronger only when darkness deepens… that is how it has always been.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Light and darkness were supposed to be opposites—forces that consume one another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet his opponent was trampling the very concept itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could not fathom it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Your statement isn’t wrong, but that principle only applies when the two sides possess equal standing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Itaca’s voice made the meaning clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right now, using Oscar Crucian as his vessel, he stood far above Belpher in “rank.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—What I should have done 842 years ago… I can finally do now. Vessel, finish this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Receiving that request, Oscar simply clenched his fist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flood of radiance swirling through the space transformed into tiny particles, drifting according to his will.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“W-what…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Belpher quickly looked around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>White motes of light flowed through the space like a great river—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, more accurately, it was as if the wind itself had turned visible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If that touches me… I die.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His instincts screamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Belpher immediately abandoned the idea of fighting head-on and searched instead for any path to survival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Hostages?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze fell upon the other members of the expedition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he took them hostage—could he survive?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under normal circumstances his body would have rushed forward the moment the thought took shape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, he remained frozen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Belpher knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he charged toward those hostages now, he would certainly die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The divine “wind” flowing around them would grind him to dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, he chose to kneel before his enemy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The expedition members were stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Belpher, a Demon King infamous for cruelty and arrogance, was kneeling to another being.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one back home would believe such a story even if they swore it was true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar looked down at Belpher—who knelt with all his malice drawn back into himself—and asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Belpher drooped his head and answered:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…‘When light shines upon darkness, the darkness comprehends not the glory. And the Lord grieved; yet when the darkness confessed its sin, He rejoiced and forgave. El Sia.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar frowned at the sudden scripture-like recitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aine Fenerbahce explained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s from the Book of Chris, chapter 3, verse 5.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And why is he reciting scripture now…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because it’s amusing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Belpher answered in a voice drained of all strength—like a worn-out office worker beaten down by life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I was once a saint. A good man who wished happiness for others. But with one misplaced choice, I strayed beyond redemption.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A moment ago, as death loomed, I sought to take those humans hostage. Pathetic. Vile. All for the sake of living a little longer. When I realized it… I found myself utterly shameful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar quietly listened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything Belpher said was true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon had indeed scanned the expedition for suitable hostages only moments earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Foolish child. Only now do you understand…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Itaca’s voice carried genuine sorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though they had fought to the death, they had once been comrades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Belpher slowly lifted his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hot tears streamed down his cheeks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kill me. I cannot stand before Him after the sins I’ve committed… But at least… let me die as a human.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Itaca fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar then snapped his fingers lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flash—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The holy “wind” soaring through the air shot upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone shut their eyes at the brilliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll grant your request. But just in case, I’ll cover your eyes for the execution.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…It doesn’t matter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Belpher didn’t even bother to close his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was already blind, his sight burned away by radiance—yet he still gazed upward, as though looking upon a god he could no longer see.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step. Step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He heard Oscar approaching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But nothing appeared in his blind vision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, right before him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Any last words?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…A prayer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Belpher slowly closed his ruined eyes and pressed his hands together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He offered his final prayer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Judge me for my folly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I have lost my way,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>and failed to see the evil within myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet here I kneel and beg—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though I cannot die a saint…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Please remember that I die as a human.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the prayer ended, he lowered his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he raised his head proudly, ready to accept death—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes opened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blindness was gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Now!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar’s face—softened by pity—reflected in his revived gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘You dare.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How dare he look at him like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Oscar could react—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the divine winds drifting like stardust could touch him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Belpher launched a needle of malice, honed to the thinnest, deadliest point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Squelch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It pierced Oscar’s heart without resistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar, seemingly unaware of what had happened, slowly touched his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Belpher burst into manic laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“K-khh… Khaha! KHAAHAHAHA! Such foolish humans and divine power!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Repent?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if he would ever truly repent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had all been an act—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A ploy for a single chance to survive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the gambit had worked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Electric euphoria ran up his spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, ahhh…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He won.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He survived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The 800-year nightmare was over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What could he do with this victory?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How strong could he become now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He trembled with ecstatic liberation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All this joy… I owe to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Oscar had been strong, the fear was great.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he overturned that fear, the thrill was intoxicating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Belpher smiled and looked at his victim—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something was wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with a perfect strike to the heart—no blood?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could process the unease—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ssshhh—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Oscar before him dissolved like mist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And several steps behind, the real Oscar stood, speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What did I tell you? Why would I trust anything you say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Mm…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Itaca groaned sadly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Belpher’s eyes widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you… not die? A mirage? An illusion?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar had doubted even his repentance?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had set a trap for him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All along?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Belpher stammered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“W-Why?！”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Oscar never believed him, why hear his confession at all?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why wait?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar answered plainly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If it were just me, I wouldn’t have listened. I would have killed you the moment you started talking. But…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Itaca wanted desperately to believe Belpher could repent—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>to believe that even one who had fallen so far could still choose redemption.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Oscar indulged the charade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But fundamentally, I don’t trust creatures like you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are many things in the world that can be reformed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But anything whose name begins with “demon” cannot be fixed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if it could, he had no intention of trying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Breaking them is easier and leaves no loose ends.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar raised his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fall. Breath of Frosted Light.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The white divine winds descended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Warm with divinity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold with frost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah… ahhh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Belpher watched the white clouds fall toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two sensations filled his mind—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His final thoughts:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Warm… and cold…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that was all Belpher left behind at the end of his long life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huff…! Huff…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lloyd Schultz awoke in his bed—inside his cabin aboard the airship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Master?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment consciousness returned, the final words he’d heard replayed in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Even if everyone else dies, you and Heavenly Sword must return alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That stubbornly gentle gaze…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The face had changed, but the expression was the same as the one he saw decades ago—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one that haunted his dreams for twenty-one years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Damn it…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had spent twenty-one years grinding himself into strength,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>all because he never wanted to feel that helplessness again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet here he was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unchanged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unable to protect his master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His cracked lips split, bleeding as he bit down in frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lloyd forced himself out of bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘There’s a chance…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was still alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perfectly conscious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That meant—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>maybe—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>just maybe, his master had defeated that thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Yes… if it’s him…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man who had slain even the Great Demon Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Staggering into the corridor, Lloyd made his way to the deck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike when they’d entered the labyrinth, the deck was empty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lonely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He approached the railing—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A presence appeared behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Master?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned quickly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>and saw a familiar face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",1442,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.789Z",1,"novelbin.me","3cc637ce16a21e22df64df63e41980b93f1a3b6506f430bf3ff4f48bef8a737f","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-299","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-297",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]