[{"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-306":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},1334702,1778,"Chapter 306","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-306",306,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 306: Forest of Spirits (3)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The front gate of the White Magic Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man looked up at the pristine white tower with eyes full of tangled emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There had been a time, long ago, when he had called this place home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Days so happy that merely recalling them made his mood lighten—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>days that now felt far too precious for someone like him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He checked the time on the old, worn leather watch around his wrist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he didn’t want to be late for his appointment, he should go in soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, his feet refused to move, as though glued to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt as though a voice deep in his chest was shouting that he had no right to step inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you know him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I might be mistaken, but…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few mages near the entrance whispered as they noticed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a faint sigh, the man began walking before any of them could approach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he entered the first-floor lobby, he flinched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere was almost identical to the one in his memories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Groups of mages chatting quietly among themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That refined liveliness—noisy at a glance, yet orderly—had not existed when he left the tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘No… it’s even older than that.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was closer to the atmosphere of the White Tower’s golden age—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>back when he was still alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was why the man was genuinely surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew the White Tower had shown remarkable progress over the past year,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>sending out clear signs of revival across many fronts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though his body was far away, his heart had always remained with the tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But still…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the White Tower regained its prosperity, even if talented mages gathered once more,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>he had believed that this atmosphere—the one from his memories—would never return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Was that belief wrong too?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The feeling was strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This atmosphere, which he thought he would never experience again, felt painfully nostalgic—and deeply welcome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, there was also a faint sense of regret, as though something that had once been only his memory\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>was now being shared by everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm? Chester?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the voice from the side, the man turned his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several familiar faces were lined up there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What nonsense. Why would that guy be here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Look closely! That’s Chester, no matter how you see it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now that you mention it… it does look like him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maxim, Fidelina, and Schwein.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his former comrades, the man—Chester—hesitated over what expression to make.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha ha ha!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maxim rushed over and pulled him into a tight embrace with his massive frame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To think I’d see you at the tower again! How long has it been? Four years?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…You haven’t changed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I prefer to think of it as consistency.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After stepping back, Maxim looked the same as ever—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>so much so that Chester could still see the face of the teenage boy he once knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had been the youngest together here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a long bond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good to see you, Fidelina. Schwein too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, seeing you like this… it’s honestly nice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Would’ve been better if we’d met more often.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were the ones who had leaned on each other during the White Tower’s darkest days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though more than ten years had passed, they felt as familiar as if they’d met yesterday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fidelina narrowed her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re not here for money—you were sending us fees instead of taking activity pay. So what wind blew you back?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Tower Master summoned me. It sounded urgent. Do you know anything about it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Urgent?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She tilted her head, confused. Maxim and Schwein looked equally clueless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No idea.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Could be something external rather than internal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If it’s an outside matter, it makes sense they’d call Chester instead of us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For over ten years, Chester had handled the White Tower’s external affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it couldn’t be solved inside, he was the obvious choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After checking the time, Chester spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I should go. It’s about time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Drinks afterward?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Another time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maxim nodded quietly, then suddenly spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The White Tower’s changed a lot, hasn’t it? Or maybe it’s returned to what it once was.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Yeah. Honestly, I was surprised.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s thanks to everyone working together. Your efforts were a big part of that too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chester knew what he was trying to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You can come back now. You’ve done more than enough. No one would object.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chester didn’t answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He simply patted Maxim’s shoulder a couple of times, as if to thank him for the words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“See you around.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maxim watched Chester’s retreating back with complicated emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fidelina, also watching him, crossed her arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s stubborn as ever, huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Yeah. An idiot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you think he wants to come back?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He probably does.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Schwein muttered softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But only after he forgives himself. And no one knows when that’ll be.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, who knows?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fidelina shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Miracles have been happening around this tower lately. Would it really be strange if he suddenly returned as an Elder tomorrow?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…That’d be fun to see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A future where the four of them served as Elders together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maxim sincerely prayed for that day to come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, you’re here. Please, sit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Sasha greet him with a bright smile, Chester failed to hide his discomfort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Please speak formally.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh come on, between us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…That kind of talk is forbidden. Others might misunderstand. Maintaining the tower’s hierarchy is essential.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But everyone already knows! That you used to carry me on your shoulders, comfort me when I cried, and play tag with me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…That left him with nothing to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Memories surfaced, and a small smile escaped Chester’s lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Those were good times.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he got tired of playing with his disciples, he would call Chester or Maxim to take over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remembered watching them play from afar while holding meetings with Vice Tower Master Marlon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh! You smiled!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasha beamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“See? You look so much better when you smile. You used to be so cheerful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I’ll try.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chester quickly composed himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You mentioned something important in your letter. What is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wow, straight to business?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You said it was urgent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well… I wanted to introduce someone to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was urgent?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Did she drag me back here just to pressure me into taking an Elder seat?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt a little underhanded—but since his answer wouldn’t change, it didn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Sasha called toward the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come in!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a light knock, a familiar-looking man entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chester’s eyes widened slightly as he turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve heard the news, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…It’s been a while, Chester.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Lloyd—wearing an uncharacteristically awkward expression, his gaze drifting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior, come sit here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m fine standing—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sit. Here. Now!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under Sasha’s glare, Lloyd sighed and complied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the scene felt strangely touching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He’s the same as ever.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lloyd had always been like this with his siblings—especially with the youngest, Sasha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A strict-looking brother who couldn’t resist her at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He grew up just as I remember.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chester turned his head before his eyes could sting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he’d heard Lloyd became the Red Tower Lord’s disciple and left, he’d been shocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a time, he had truly resented him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>believing Lloyd shared blame for Gilliot’s disappearance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Time really has passed.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, instead of resentment, warm memories surfaced first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s good to see you, Lloyd.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve heard about you. Level 8—that’s an incredible achievement. Congratulations, even if it’s late.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you. Though I’m not sure I deserve congratulations.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No one needs qualifications to receive congratulations. Only sincerity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chester finally understood why Sasha had arranged this meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You don’t know why my brother had to leave the White Tower, do you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Why he had to leave?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Lloyd tried to stop her, Sasha waved him off and explained everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing it all, Chester nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So that’s how it was.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief pause, he patted Lloyd’s shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve had a hard time out there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lloyd’s eyes widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those words, coming from someone who had walked the same harsh outside world, struck deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chester smiled faintly and turned to Sasha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Tower Master, for arranging this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Again with the formalities. And also—no?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…No?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The person I wanted to introduce wasn’t Lloyd.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait—oh no, it’s been so long! What if they’re still waiting outside?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flustered, Sasha hurried to the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“P-please come in!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chester frowned slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Sasha—now Tower Master—to treat someone with that much deference…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Just who is it?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he turned toward the door—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A remarkably young man entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That face…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t recognize him personally, yet he knew instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flawless, porcelain-like skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The present and future of the White Tower, endlessly praised by the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…The noble young master.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But still—was he really someone who made Sasha this nervous?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh—sorry to keep you waiting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why was Lloyd acting like this too?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arms crossed, Chester stared sharply at the White Tower’s golden prodigy, as if dissecting him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, the young man—who had been staring right back—slowly opened his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tsk tsk. What a foolish fellow you are.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a kind of greeting Chester had never imagined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",1538,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.790Z",1,"novelbin.me","0e034055493426ad239e66f567d827bc9546e67d0ad59becb0d0694eaf270516","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-307","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-305",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]