[{"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-31":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},1334792,1778,"Chapter 31","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-31",31,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Clara]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 31: Magic Power Plant (1)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pouring steaming coffee into a cup, Oscar gazed at the night view of Sirin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Not bad.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been four weeks since Fran secluded himself in the closed wing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The world had entered November, transitioning fully into winter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow was due any day now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While people were busy preparing for the season, Oscar's life could only be described as perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ever since waking up in the small body of Oscar, he had been enjoying the most peaceful days he had ever known.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘With continuous training, my stamina has significantly improved, and potions and supplements are selling like hotcakes. My students are keeping up with the curriculum.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the airship development, there was little he could do until Elder Schwein completed the battery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything was running smoothly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And if nothing major happens, I should soon reach Level 3.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The existing circuits were settling well enough for him to consider installing new ones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Everything’s just perfect.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he admired the breathtaking night view with a contented smile…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whirrrrr.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, not only the lights in his room but the entire city of Sirin plunged into darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A complete blackout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Oscar, used to such situations, calmly sipped his coffee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment, as expected, light returned to the buildings and streets of the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the bulb attached to his ceiling flickered a few times before glowing brightly again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This has been happening a lot lately.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar silently looked up at the bulb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Power outages had become increasingly common in both the Magic Tower and the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Could we be running low on magic stones?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Magic stones were a type of energy source—stones imbued with magical energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the advent of the age of grand magical engineering, the consumption of magic stones had significantly increased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The city needed to remain lit, and countless appliances and facilities required magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘In the past, maybe we couldn’t afford magic stones, but not anymore.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although vaccine sales had plummeted, the potion and supplement sales were climbing steadily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The White Tower also used Sirius Trading Company’s distribution network, so there were no delays in magic stone supplies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Besides, Sirin has its own magic power plant.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, the city could sustain itself for a while without purchasing additional magic stones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the frequent disruptions in power suggested there was a reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Oscar had a suspicion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Compared to the past, the city’s overall magic consumption has skyrocketed.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Streetlights lined the streets, and every home had at least a few magical lamps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Refrigerators, in particular, were notorious energy guzzlers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Not to mention, Sirin’s recovering economy has led to a surge in travelers…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps the power plant was struggling to meet the growing demand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ve been having far too many power outages lately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the first thing Deputy Tower Master Hamel said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar nodded in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“True. At least once every two days, it seems.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly. That’s why I think it’s time to clean the power plant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...You mean slimes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slimes were monsters with a natural tendency to gather where magical energy was abundant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although weak enough for a Level 1 mage to handle, in large numbers, they could damage facilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. Due to a lack of manpower, the area around the power plant has likely become overrun with slimes. Clearing them out should stabilize the power supply.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That doesn’t sound too difficult. When do we leave?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tomorrow morning at 9. Meet Veronica at the tower entrance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Veronica Fricks?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sending a Level 4 mage like her for a simple cleanup seemed excessive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘She’s probably being sent as a safeguard, just in case.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While unlikely anything would happen during a slime cleanup, caution never hurt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next morning, a carriage awaited at the tower entrance, along with Veronica.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar greeted her with a casual wave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good morning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dark circles under her eyes, she barely glanced at him before speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Before we leave, let me warn you. This isn’t a classroom.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course not. We’re heading to the power plant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, I mean… I’m in charge of this mission. While you may know a bit more about magic theory, I have far more field experience.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Actually, I have far more of that too.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Oscar got her point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, you’re saying not to play teacher outside the classroom?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Got it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar shrugged and climbed into the carriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had no intention of acting as a leader on this trivial errand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica followed, sitting across from him, donning an eye mask, and crossing her arms—a clear signal not to disturb her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But I can’t let this chance slip by.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The small Oscar had repeatedly described her as a mage with “extraordinary talent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now was the perfect time to find out why.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ahem.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar broke the ice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You look exhausted. Didn’t sleep at all last night?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I look it, shut up. I need to rest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Someone with your field experience wouldn’t be nervous over something like this… So, was it a good novel?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Do I look like a child?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica growled softly as Oscar smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mage’s sleeplessness was usually caused by one thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So… Stuck on something magical? Want some help?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I told you. This isn’t a classroom.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fair enough. Just thought it was a shame to leave an open path untouched.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her ears twitched at that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, Veronica had been feeling increasingly stuck lately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s all because of that irritating guy’s lecture…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason was none other than the burning, powerful gust she had witnessed during one of the lessons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I need to master that kind of magic.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But no matter how much she tried, her own magic lacked that intensity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s why she had been training tirelessly, unable to sleep at night lately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'…If you think about it, the reason I haven’t been sleeping is all because of him.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So asking about the meaning of what he just said wasn’t seeking instruction but a rightful reward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica slid her eye patch up slightly, sending him a sullen glare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Clara]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That thing you said earlier about going far around or whatever—what does it mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar struggled to hold back his laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt like a stray cat, who used to run away at the slightest approach, was cautiously inching closer first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waved the treat enthusiastically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If your magic has been blocked recently, it must be because of the nature of mana we discussed in the last lesson. Am I right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Yeah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica nodded lightly and continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I want wind that’s intense and scorching like Elder Maxim’s, but no matter how much I practice, I can’t seem to imbue the wind with that kind of nature.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s only natural. That kind of wind doesn’t suit you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“....Doesn’t suit me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her brows furrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re saying that because you don’t know me. I’ve always wanted and used that kind of intense wind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sometimes, others’ perspectives are more accurate. For example, what kind of wind do you think I handle?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Arrogant and annoying wind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At her words, Oscar chuckled heartily and shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wrong. Sorry, but my wind is famous for being incredibly warm and cozy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Famous, my foot. I’ve never heard anyone say that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, maybe not now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But back in the day, he used to hear it so often it became tiresome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Veronica, do you think you’re good at reading people?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Better than most people my age.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re not. From what I’ve observed, you tend to see only what you want to see in others.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...What are you, a psychologist? Stop with the nonsense and get to the point about magic.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before her mood soured further, Oscar gave her a clear answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The nature of mana isn’t about finding what you want. It’s about discovering what’s most true to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Most true to me…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After that, Veronica fell into deep thought and didn’t speak again until the carriage arrived at their destination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ve arrived, mages”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The carriage stopped after a seven-hour journey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at Veronica’s heavy expression, Oscar asked cautiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still stuck on it? Want me to help?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Buzz off.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At her cold reaction, Oscar gave a satisfied look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she had asked for help, he would have been disappointed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mages are solitary by nature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s a profession where relying solely on others’ teachings will never lead to greatness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'To truly master magic, one must think, experiment, fail, and succeed on their own.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seemingly more frustrated than when she got into the carriage, Veronica stuffed her hands in her pockets and spoke casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s just finish the job. I’ll think about it more after we’re done.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they approached the power plant, they found slimes swarming the area, particularly near the iron fence surrounding the exterior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh, no wonder the mana keeps cutting out if the power plant is in this state.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The slimes, which typically prefer dark and damp places, were wandering even in the blazing sunlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a faint sigh, Veronica waved her hand as if shooing flies away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Wind Press.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom! Crunch!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compressed air flattened dozens of slimes like dough in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Witnessing the sight, Oscar let out a soft whistle of admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Wow… impressive.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now he understood why young Oscar held her in high regard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'A speed-mage casting at hyper-speed. Quite the combination.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wind Press was an intermediate-level spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even a level-five mage would need at least seven seconds of concentration to complete it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That she cast it so quickly was thanks to the blessed talent of hyper-speed incantation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'She could be trained as a spell shooter like Majiro.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Majiro Wilson.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his previous life, he was a mage known as the “Strategic Genius” of the White Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His rapid-fire spell bombardments were so overwhelming that even high-ranking demons couldn’t approach him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were a few personal concerns he had, but for now, he decided to keep observing her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Veronica turned toward him with a scowl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, am I the only one working here? Are you on vacation or something?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Fine, I’ll take the right side.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It took the two of them a full hour to deal with the sheer number of slimes underfoot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After circling the power plant’s exterior, Veronica muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At least they’re mostly clustered near the entrance. The exterior cleanup should be enough. Let’s head inside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they entered the power plant, dim red lights lined the hallway walls at regular intervals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, the slimes were crawling all over the corridors as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They clung not only to the floor but also to the walls and ceiling, making it feel like stepping into a whale’s insides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh, disgusting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wearing a grimace, Veronica swiftly cleared the path forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, suddenly, Oscar knelt on one knee and stared intently at a slime crawling toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching him, Veronica asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you doing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Something seems off.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Off? What’s off?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Slimes don’t usually move around this much. Once they’ve consumed enough mana, they usually find a dark, damp spot to sleep for days on end.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar looked up and asked her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You said earlier that the slimes were mostly gathered near the entrance, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…That’s what I said. Why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Look at the path they’re taking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The slimes filling the hallway were all moving without exception—toward the entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar stared into the darkness beyond the corridor and murmured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re all heading for the entrance, as if they’re trying to get as far away from something as possible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What nonsense. Slimes don’t have intelligence. They just live however they feel like.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Precisely because they lack intelligence, they’re even more driven by instinct. And the strongest instinct of all is the instinct for survival.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…So what? Are you saying there’s some terrifying monster beyond that hallway?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s what we’re about to find out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rising to his feet, Oscar said,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s pick up the pace.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……Don’t order me around outside the classroom.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though she grumbled, Veronica sped up as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Clara]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",2016,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.509Z",1,"novelbin.me","7e2685458d9a920719c397446c0823087784aa2eef0311bb2262a840325e814e","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-32","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-30",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]