[{"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-316":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},1334712,1778,"Chapter 316","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-316",316,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 316: Companion (5)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though a Spirit King had proposed a contract, Fran couldn’t bring himself to say a single word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he kept glancing nervously around, like a puppy that had just shattered its owner’s favorite porcelain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although she was invisible, he could instinctively tell that Silaphrion was in a very bad mood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—What do you think you’re doing right now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, she spoke in a cold voice she had never used before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignious responded calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—As I said, I wish to form a contract with that human.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—I can’t allow that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—You’re acting as though you have the authority to decide that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—I wouldn’t say I don’t. At the moment, I’m his guardian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She glared at the shameless colleague who had barged into her domain and tried to take Fran away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all the effort she had spent—watering him, giving him sunlight, carefully nurturing him—how dare he try to snatch the fruit at the last moment?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—I’ve asked you several times, haven’t I? To let me meet him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—And I’ve told you just as many times to wait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—I did wait. But my patience wore thin, and I eventually came here myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Do you think the others are just standing around because they’re fools?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Or are you the one who thinks we’re fools? Sticking close to him under the pretense of helping him grow, building a bond, and then trying to secure a contract through that relationship—did you really think we wouldn’t notice?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silaphrion flinched, having been hit right where it hurt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, she replied without showing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—What do you take me for? Once Fran reaches the point where he can properly perceive us, I was obviously going to arrange an introduction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—As if.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—……You’re really picking a fight, aren’t you?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Ah, my apologies in advance. As you can see, my patience is in rather short supply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither Spirit King was willing to yield an inch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Fran nervously fidgeted with his fingers—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt a scorching gaze land on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Human. Speak for yourself. Do you not wish to contract with me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh, well……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frantically thinking, Fran answered honestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not about liking or disliking it. It’s just… too sudden.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Hmm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—See? I told you it was too early.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Silaphrion grew visibly smug, Ignious responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Very well. Since it was a sudden proposal, time to think is only reasonable. Would one hour suffice?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s… a bit too short.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Exactly. Humans take longer than that just to decide on a newspaper subscription.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Tsk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clicking his tongue, Ignious relented.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—I’ll give you one week. That should be sufficient to decide. No longer than that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran felt like arguing any further would turn him into a pile of ashes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded frantically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Y-Yes! One week!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Good. Then we’ll meet again then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But instead of leaving, Ignious’s presence grew even more overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—However, I’ll leave you with a fragment of power to aid your deliberation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Wai—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Silaphrion could stop him,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A scorching, violent force pierced straight through Fran’s body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, the surrounding atmosphere changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘No… it’s not the air.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What changed wasn’t the surroundings—it was his senses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through those altered senses, he could literally see and feel everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran stared at the back of his own hand in awe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond it, he could see mana circuits glowing—mana flowing inefficiently within them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A blazing force surged through his body, seizing control of that mana and restructuring it into a perfectly efficient system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Ah.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instinctively, he knew it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this, the body of the mage Fran Sirius had become complete.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t even imagine whether it was possible to reach a better state than this through effort alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—This is the most basic change you would feel after contracting with me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignious’s voice was calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That calmness made it more convincing—far more than sweet, seductive words ever could.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—I could even guide you down the path of a mage rather than a spirit contractor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran’s breath wavered slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His heart pounded as a strange exhilaration welled up deep inside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s comfortable.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like lying on the finest bed crafted by a master artisan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt as though he could cast any spell at 100% efficiency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that wasn’t just a feeling—it was undoubtedly reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Of course, this is merely a secondary effect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At those words, an overwhelming power boiled up inside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An indescribable fullness surged through his being.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—The Essence of Fire. A power you can wield with nothing but your will.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran felt an intense urge to unleash the power dwelling within him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt as though he could burn the entire world if he wanted to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as that thought began to frighten him, Ignious spoke again, still calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—I promise you this. If you contract with me, whatever choice you make will always become the correct one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A power so absolute it could turn every choice into the right answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the condition Ignious offered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Think carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With those words, the power drained away, and Ignious’s presence vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, an overwhelming exhaustion hit Fran, and he collapsed to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Fran! Are you alright?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……I can’t think straight at all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt as though a god had entered his body—then left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That all-seeing clarity was gone, and his senses returned to normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps that was why the exhaustion felt so severe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after catching his breath for a long while did Fran resume thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘A contract with a Spirit King…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no record in history of a human contracting with a Spirit King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to elven texts, only a handful of elves had ever done so in ancient times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If top-tier spirits are said to rival level 8 power…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then a Spirit King would be at least level 9.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling that brief taste of power, Fran’s hands trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Which means… all I need to do is say one word, and that power will be mine forever?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He imagined what he could do with such power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First of all, the way others looked at him—and treated him—would change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And not just within the White Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The Empire… no, maybe the entire continent, regardless of race.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one would dare antagonize someone like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then another thought surfaced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he became that kind of being, would the inferiority complex he’d buried deep inside finally disappear?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, doubt crept in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he gained that power, could he truly call it his own?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That hesitation came from experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It was the same when I obtained Wind Sovereign.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, it had drawn plenty of attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it wasn’t interest in Fran Sirius—it was interest in a mage who possessed Wind Sovereign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Oscar, no one had ever acknowledged his potential as a person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, in his desperation to break free from that frustration, he’d nearly been consumed by Wind Sovereign itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A contract with a Spirit King would be even more dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘More than anything…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran recalled how it felt when Ignious’s power filled him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was undeniably overwhelming—but it also felt like he was no longer himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or rather, that “Fran” was no longer necessary at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Is this a choice between abandoning myself… or preserving myself?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t something that could be dismissed as mere pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how long he thought, he couldn’t reach an answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I'm going for a walk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—O-Okay, take care!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To clear his head, Fran returned to the floating island.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With no wind at all, it was the quietest place he knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling his mind settle, he hesitated—then cast a spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A familiar breeze gathered in his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just days ago, this wind and mana had felt like extensions of his own body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, something felt off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This isn’t it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After casting various spells for a long while, Fran reached a conclusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……Hah. This is bad. Side effects.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether he wanted it or not, he had glimpsed a realm far too high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And because that sensation remained vivid in his memory, everything else now felt wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘To fix this, there are only two options.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reach that realm on his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or give up early and contract with Ignious while the chance still existed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fear crept in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What if I can never forget that sensation…?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If so, every spell, every manipulation of mana, would feel wrong forever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that realization, certainty settled in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘A contract with a Spirit King is both a blessing… and a curse.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It places you at the summit with ease—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in exchange, Fran Sirius fades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘In two days, I have to give Ignious an answer.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he still hadn’t decided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scales in his heart were perfectly balanced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I want to be strong.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strong enough to protect the people he cares about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strong enough to be acknowledged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he also wanted that strength to be his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That thought made him smile bitterly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Am I being too selfish?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe he was just someone with lofty ideals and no ability to match.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A bitter taste filled his mouth—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cast the spell unconsciously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As usual, he expected that uncomfortable mismatch to surface again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the gentle breeze carried none of that discomfort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fran’s eyes widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he finally created a perfect wind?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But suddenly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without effort?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He calmed himself and examined the spell closely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s the same as always.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Exactly the same wind he had cast minutes ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet now, there was no discomfort at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then what had changed?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not something I did… huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he instinctively looked around, Fran froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spirit he always encountered here was standing right beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘When did it get this close?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until now, it had always vanished whenever he tried to speak to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time, the spirit spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Abnormal residual values removed. State normalization confirmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",1669,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.790Z",1,"novelbin.me","301f41b0dd6e6f546d470f869574ab05128f1583b73a0abc4d75b41a4467ac30","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-317","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-315",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]