[{"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-32":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},1334793,1778,"Chapter 32","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-32",32,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Clara]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 32: Magic Power Plant (2)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the two of them sprinted down the hallway and reached the power room, what greeted them was a massive cocoon emanating a soft green glow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its surface was smooth like silk yet appeared incredibly sturdy, pulsing rhythmically like a beating heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica, staring at it in a trance, murmured under her breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...What is that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s the cocoon of a white Jam, also known as the Heavenly Silkworm—a type of moth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A moth?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She asked, unable to tear her eyes away from the cocoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just to clarify, it’s not hatched yet, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, it’s not so much unhatched as it is in the middle of its metamorphosis.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike ordinary silkworms that feed on mulberry leaves, the White Jam consumes mana.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even now, strands of silk extending from the cocoon were connected to mana cores all over the power plant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It seems we’ve found the reason why the city has been experiencing frequent mana outages lately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright. So, do you have any other useful information?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s one piece of good news and one piece of bad news.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Let’s hear the good news first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The good news is that the Heavenly Silkworm during metamorphosis isn’t particularly dangerous. If we bring Elder Maxim here, this situation could be wrapped up in five seconds flat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? Then why were you trying to scare me... No, why did I freak out? What’s the bad news?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The bad news is, once it completes its transformation, it’ll be starving and will devour all living creatures around it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then we just need to bring the Elder here before that happens. Doesn’t sound all that bad to me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar said, beginning to take off his white robe,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I wasn’t done talking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If the slimes were so desperate to escape, it means the metamorphosis is almost complete.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rip!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, a foreboding sound came from the direction of the cocoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica tensed up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...I just heard something really unsettling. What was that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s the sound of it forcibly tearing through its silk from the inside, looks like it’s losing its mind over the scent of fresh prey.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fresh prey himself, now calmly folding his robe and placing it on the ground, muttered,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Prepare for battle.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rip! Rip! Screech!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cocoon, known for its incredible durability, was shredding like paper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, two pairs of enormous wings unfolded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...What the hell? It’s way too big!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica screamed, then asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But it’s still a silkworm moth, right? That means it can’t fly, right? Silkworm moths can’t fly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar said, casually recalling his knowledge,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Normal silkworm moths can’t fly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then, with an infuriatingly indifferent tone, he added,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But that one? Oh, it flies just fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>KWHOOOOOSH!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, the Heavenly Silkworm burst out of the cocoon, flapping its four massive wings and soaring up to the towering ceiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s run!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica shouted as she watched the scene, but Oscar shook his head, standing firm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? Why not?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If we run, that thing will head for the nearest city to look for food.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it would devour the citizens there indiscriminately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The number of casualties would be impossible to predict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what, they had to prevent it from escaping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah... damn it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Realizing the gravity of the situation, Veronica bit her lip hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, glaring at the Heavenly Silkworm above, she took a few steps forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lucky me, huh? You stay back,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said, as if to shield Oscar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar raised an eyebrow at the unexpected gesture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Impressive.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For an ordinary fourth-level mage, freezing in terror at the sight of a Heavenly Silkworm would have been the normal reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Veronica was different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her sharp, intense eyes showed no trace of fear, only an overflowing determination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smile crept onto Oscar’s lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Look at her. She reminds me of myself when I was young.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As someone who had also been an orphan, he understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The defiance, the deliberate toughness meant to ward off any dismissal or disregard from others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And because he understood, he couldn’t help but feel concerned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘When I was young, I could only see what was right in front of me.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hoping she wouldn’t make the same mistakes he did, he moved his lips and cast a spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『Message』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A streak of mana shot through the corridor they had come down, carrying his voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spell would reach the coachman outside, delivering a request for reinforcements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For now,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica said coldly, having just completed a massive magic circle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s start by bringing it down to our level.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『Wind Press』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compressed air plummeted from the ceiling of the power plant, slamming into the Heavenly Silkworm and pinning it down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>KREEEEEEE!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Completely unprepared for such pressure, the creature couldn’t resist and crashed to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOOOM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica's next spell was already prepared as a cloud of dust rose from the impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『Air Burst』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her sharp eyes locked onto a single point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air around that spot began to compress at a terrifying rate, then released its energy in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOOOM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>KIIIIIIIEEE!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Heavenly Silkworm’s agonized screams echoed throughout the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It writhed in pain, struggling to rise again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? This isn’t as bad as I thought!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica grinned, lifting one corner of her mouth as she dashed forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『Jet Booster』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the spell, her body visibly lightened and her speed drastically increased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a mid-level spell of the White Tower, two tiers above the basic 『Acceleration』 spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Once you’ve got the momentum, you have to finish it in one go.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew nothing about the Heavenly Silkworm, but instinctively, she could feel it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she didn’t deal with it now, right after its metamorphosis, the one in danger would be them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『Gust Hand』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crunch! Crackle!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hands made of wind rose from the ground, forming a staircase-like structure to greet her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Veronica stepped on them one by one, they lifted her into the air, allowing her to ascend toward the Heavenly Silkworm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just as she was about to take off—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar suddenly appeared behind her and yanked her hood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gah! Agh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica, unceremoniously thrown to the ground, blinked in dazed confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once she regained her senses, her expression twisted into a grimace as she spat out a stream of curses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You crazy bastard! What the hell are you—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A strong wind conjured by Oscar swept up invisible dust particles and drove them against one of the walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sizzle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wall, covered in that dust, began melting away almost instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The transparent scales of the Heavenly Silkworm dissolve anything they touch,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar declared as he glanced back at her with a reproachful look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In other words, if I hadn’t stopped you, you’d be dead right now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Realizing the gravity of the situation, Veronica’s pupils trembled violently as if struck by an earthquake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fixing his gaze on the Heavenly Silkworm, Oscar continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I deliberately kept my distance. That creature is intelligent and cunning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Keeeeeeet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Heavenly Silkworm let out a high-pitched screech of frustration, its tone almost regretful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, as if it had never fallen, it effortlessly soared back toward the ceiling, circling high above with no intention of descending again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching its movements, Veronica bit her lip and asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...How did you notice those invisible scales?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I focused my magic into my eyes and observed every particle in the air.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What kind of insane nonsense is that…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Halfway through her incredulous remark, she trailed off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the seriousness on Oscar’s face, she realized he wasn’t joking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Is that really something you can do in the middle of a fight?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s possible. But if you want to do it, you’ll need a lot of training.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re mocking me, saying I don’t have the talent for it, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The opposite, actually.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar shook his head and continued,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m saying you can do it because you have the talent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perceiving the world on a particle level was no easy feat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It required not only exceptional control over magic but also the mental fortitude to avoid succumbing to the overwhelming influx of information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, it was a technique only achievable by those with extraordinary talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But with her… She didn’t falter when facing the Heavenly Silkworm, and her understanding of magic is advanced enough to wield intermediate spells freely at just Level 4.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s more than enough to start knocking on that door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Screech!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, the Heavenly Silkworm, having fully healed its wounds, let out an enraged cry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its wings began to glow with a resplendent light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it! Get down!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar lunged forward, shielding Veronica with his body as he cast a wind shield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A green beam fired from the Heavenly Silkworm’s wings engulfed the two of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Guh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Clara]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wind shield deflected the beam in all directions, scattering its destructive force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time the violent attack subsided, Oscar was drenched in sweat and covered in dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This isn’t good.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blocking just one attack had drained 70% of his mana.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only silver lining was that the Heavenly Silkworm needed about five minutes to recharge before it could fire another beam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘With the magic I have left, I can’t block a second attack.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, he had to settle this within the next five minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rising to his feet, Oscar extended his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Get up. We don’t have much time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Kill me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump! Thump!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica repeatedly smacked her thighs with a face that seemed on the verge of tears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These damn legs… won’t move!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After narrowly escaping death twice in such a short span, her legs had given out from the strain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was, after all, only a 20-year-old mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how much she pretended to be strong in front of others, overcoming the fear of death was another matter entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice trembled as she spoke, biting her lip so hard it bled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll try to hold it off and distract it as much as I can. You go ahead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar silently stared down at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncomfortable with his gaze, Veronica snapped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you staring at? You don’t even like me! So if you don’t want to die with me, then just go already!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar wordlessly read the air around her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The unsteady currents, trembling like a frightened kitten, betrayed her true feelings—so different from her words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’m scared.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her stubbornness reminded him of his younger self.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps that’s why.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s okay.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pat, pat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar gently patted her head, just like his master had once done for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s no need to be afraid. I’m not going to leave you behind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica’s wavering eyes fixated on the hand patting her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s okay?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What a joke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s nothing more than baseless bravado wrapped in arrogance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even she couldn’t imagine defeating that thing, so what could a mere Level 2 Mage possibly accomplish?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though it’s logical, and there’s no room for argument against such reasoning…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did she feel so reassured by that single word—‘fine’?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every time his hand patted her head, it was as if some button inside her was pressed, and she felt like she could cry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Barely managing to knock his hand away, she asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…So, what are you planning to do about it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fight,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if your body can’t muster the strength, you can at least provide magical support, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…You’re seriously going to fight that thing? Even as a Level 2 Mage?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if I weren’t a Level 2 Mage but a mere Level 1, it wouldn’t change anything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was it about him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The deep, indifferent gaze looking down at her seemed sturdier than any stone she had ever seen in her life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, at the same time, it was warm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like the breeze of a spring day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t forget. A mage of the White Tower never abandons their allies.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, a gust of wind passed by, gently stirring her hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had never known such warmth in her life, but if being in her mother’s arms felt anything like this, it might come close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『Haste』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wrapping himself in that wind, Oscar dashed forward in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tat-tat-tat!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Venomous Silkmoth instinctively unleashed a volley of poison-tipped needles at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I told you to run away. I even gave you the chance to leave me behind,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica muttered through clenched teeth as she extended her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So if you complain after this, I swear I’ll kill you myself!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fwoooosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar’s figure gracefully weaved through the storm of needles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Jet Booster, a mid-level haste spell that would normally be used by a Level 5 Mage of the White Tower, was now imbued upon him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This one’s something else.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar shot a surprised glance back at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if the spell fit him as perfectly as a tailored shoe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To bestow such a precisely calibrated spell upon someone else required exceptional control over one’s mana.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Veronica Fricks, you deserve a gold star.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar raced across the power plant with explosive speed and reached the abandoned cocoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From there, he carefully pulled out a single strand of silk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heavenly Silkworm Thread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aside from its beautiful appearance, it was highly prized for its incredible durability, making it very valuable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar imbued the thread with mana and hurled it at the silkmoth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hisssssss\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The silkmoth hissed mockingly at the thread now wrapped around its body, as if to say, What could something like you possibly do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar answered the taunt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Veronica! Pull it down!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he called for assistance, two spells were cast in tandem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『Gust Hand』 and 『Wind Press』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pair of hands rose from the ground, grabbing the thread alongside Oscar, and pulled with all their might.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simultaneously, compressed air pressed down from above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-…!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The silkmoth flapped its wings desperately, trying to resist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it couldn’t withstand the combined force, and it crashed to the ground again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That leaves about 28% of my mana.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar confirmed the location where it had fallen, then reached into his coat as he ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A weighty object rested in his grip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What he pulled out was a sleek black sawed-off shotgun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was no ordinary weapon—it had been modified with three spells: 『Haste』, 『Pierce』, and 『Enhance』, a trophy from the herbalist’s field.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This gun’s engraved name is… Trinity.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that the distance was closed, he could use this monstrous weapon to penetrate the silkmoth’s tough shell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar emerged through the swirling dust in a flash, aiming the barrel at the silkmoth’s head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Screech?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Goodbye.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Click.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without a moment’s hesitation, he pulled the trigger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Guh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The recoil alone was enough to shatter and dislocate his right shoulder, nearly making him drop the gun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wondered how its previous wielder managed to fire it so recklessly, almost wanting to bring them back just to ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the cost was worth it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Screeeeeeeeech!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of holes were blasted into the silkmoth’s torso.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, Oscar clicked his tongue in frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the thing hadn’t twisted its body at the last moment, its head would’ve been blown clean off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, the silkmoth, spewing green fluid from every direction, suddenly shot upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, its wings began to emit a radiant glow once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Its beam attack is already recharged?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were still 3 minutes and 42 seconds left until the cooldown should’ve ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, this was a desperate move on its part.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The glowing wings only managed to emit a faint, narrow beam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-…!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The problem was that this attack wasn’t aimed at Oscar or Veronica.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ceiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing mortal danger, the silkmoth destroyed the power plant’s roof and flew toward the opening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s trying to escape!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar’s lips tightened as alarm bells rang in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that thing left the power plant, the resulting catastrophe would be unimaginable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stared at the silk thread rapidly trailing upward, then grabbed it with his uninjured left hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey! Are you insane? Why are you grabbing that—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veronica’s shocked voice faded into the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A terrifying speed enveloped his entire body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Clara]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",2720,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.509Z",1,"novelbin.me","3bb8a6b66e25ec50c1b9fff59feaac53d7b3e19cf7e4f5155f8c11bae07526ad","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-266","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-31",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]