[{"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-374":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},1334645,1778,"Chapter 374","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-374",374,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 374: Unidentified Zone (9)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What Spatial Sever targeted for cutting was “space itself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, by ordinary standards, it was a top-tier offensive spell that did not even permit defense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That Spatial Sever… got caught?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pitch-black crack in space that looked as though it could swallow everything around it whole.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From within it, blackened space emerged and roughly seized hold of the thought-form’s Spatial Sever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kgh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought-form hurriedly frowned and tried to pull the Spatial Sever back out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kkiik! Kkiiigigik!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unable to withstand the pressure, the Spatial Sever gradually twisted, letting out sounds like cries of agony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…How brutish.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the thought-form let out a brief groan and his eyes shook—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kiiing!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A clear sound like shattering glass rang through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fragments of the shattered Spatial Sever scattered through empty space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oscar!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no time to even answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he heard that shout, he already understood what he had to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fwoooong!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wind gathered at the tips of his index and middle fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar immediately pointed them at his own temple and completed the spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『Wind Bullet』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paaang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A wind projectile possessing speed and destructive power incomparable to before was fired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But only that far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To state the conclusion first, the bullet could not pierce even skin, let alone a skull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The instant it was fired, it vanished ‘somewhere.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Spatial magic, hm. At the very least, one thing seems certain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought-form let out a heavy sigh and turned his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Staring at the black crack, he continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It seems that one has no intention of letting you leave peacefully.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond the crack where both their gazes rested—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Footsteps echoed out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar, who had even forgotten to swallow, glared at the spot for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The owner of the footsteps leisurely walked out from the crack with an utterly relaxed expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Oscar saw him, his brows twitched involuntarily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ado Vail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He too possessed an appearance identical to the master Oscar remembered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But something was strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Wasn’t he supposed to have fallen into inner demons and become consumed by madness?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was not the slightest disorder in the posture of his hands clasped behind his back, and his white robe was impeccably neat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, from appearance alone, there was absolutely nothing that would make one associate him with madness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So this is a forest. The air is pleasant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man muttered in a gentle voice before turning his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What lies beyond that… yes, the White Tower?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a benevolent smile spread across his lips, he continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s been a while. I’d like to see it once again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he finished speaking, he slowly extended one hand forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that single casual gesture—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One entire side of the forest surrounding the three of them disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond a cleanly carved clearing with perfectly square cut surfaces, the towering White Tower came into view.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hoho, it’s a pleasant sight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar stared at the monster smiling kindly, his eyes trembling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his mind, the thought-form’s words resurfaced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—The original feared that with his own hands, he might destroy everything and kill those precious to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought he understood why now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, he had nearly mistaken him for sane because of his outward appearance, but after facing him even briefly, he could tell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…That bastard is insane.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man who erased an entire forest simply because it obstructed the scenery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a way of thinking impossible to believe belonged to a normal human being.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a brief moment, Oscar had thought communication might be possible, but he had nearly made a fatal mistake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re the same as ever, even after all this time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ado Vail gazed at the White Tower with nostalgic eyes before smiling faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It would be better if it didn’t exist.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The distant White Tower was suddenly cut diagonally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kuruuuung!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It collapsed with a deafening roar, the tremendous tremor reaching all the way to where they stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master was right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he had not separated that inner demon early on, the White Tower would have been destroyed by the founder’s own hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That thing wearing Master’s face turned its head toward them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You are… the coward’s imitation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What a miserable age. To think the day would come when the original would hear words like that from a mere inner demon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought-form replied sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other paid no mind to the hostility and slowly wandered around the clearing with his hands still clasped behind his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without taking his eyes off those movements, the thought-form asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The original surely imprisoned you within the crack of the 44th floor. How did you get here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A new neighbor suddenly appeared, so shouldn’t I at least come offer greetings?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that explanation, Oscar frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, it seemed his subspace had caused this situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s fine.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought-form kept both eyes fixed on the opponent while extending one palm toward Oscar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That thing glanced briefly at the gesture before turning its gaze toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And what is this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“An outsider who got caught in the crack by mistake. Send away those unrelated to this matter, and let the two of us settle things.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……He doesn’t seem unrelated.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sniff, sniff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wrinkling the bridge of his nose slightly, it curled up the corners of its lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can smell it from that brat too. The smell of space.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eyes filled with interest swept over Oscar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You, an imitation, wouldn’t have raised a disciple… which means he’s a disciple left behind by the coward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he still wore the smile of a kindly man, Oscar saw it clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The madness flickering within those eyes directed at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then both of you disappearing together should solve things nicely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Ado Vail stretched out one hand, pitch-black space gathered before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compressed into a small sphere, it began spinning at a speed impossible for the human eye to perceive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is bad, get down!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the thought-form’s urgent shout, Oscar instantly curled his body up like a pill bug.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swaaaaaak!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next moment, the violently rotating sphere split apart into three blades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every tree around them was evenly severed at waist height before collapsing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kuuung! Kung! Kuuung!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cut trees slammed against the ground, their heavy aftershocks rumbling without pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought-form stared at the blades, which still retained enough force to continue spinning as they disappeared beyond the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I truly wanted to send you out of here somehow. I meant it sincerely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know. But since someone showed up to interfere with our beautiful farewell… I suppose this means it comes down to that, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Die, or kill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought-form quietly nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As I said before, his current state is far from normal. His madness has worsened to the point that he cannot use high-level spells, so we do have a chance. However, remember this well—he still possesses a level 9 body and mana.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Certainly, even the previous strike, and the attack that erased the White Tower earlier, had not been Spatial Sever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had simply used an absurd amount of mana to forcibly cut space apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A lunatic feat possible only because he possessed absolute confidence in his overwhelming mana reserves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But if it’s simply mana reserves, I’m not lacking either.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps the thought-form was thinking the same thing, because he looked at Oscar and nodded once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Once battle begins, that one will focus his attacks on me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Message magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought-form’s voice flowed into Oscar’s ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Keeping his eyes fixed on Ado Vail, his lips moved without pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Avoid the attacks appropriately, and when the moment feels right, I will use Absolute Stillness. At that instant, use Spatial Sever and grant him eternal rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—I understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A clean and concise plan without unnecessary details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps this was even better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar had no idea how long it would take him to complete 『Absolute Stillness』 himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the thought-form had already mastered it perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Besides, if we can just eliminate the Ado Vail consumed by madness…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There would no longer be any reason to close the Fourth Crack where the thought-form lived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meaning he could continue asking him questions in the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re nimble. Like little rats.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ado Vail’s pupils gradually shrank, while blackish-red mana continuously poured out around his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At a glance, it might seem intimidating, but it was by no means a good sign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That meant his mana control was leaking apart uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘A level 9 mage who can’t even properly control his mana? Definitely madness.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, that still did not make him an opponent to take lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Die!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a maddened roar, the blue sky glittered in countless places.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Oscar narrowed his eyes at the dazzling lights—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…This lunatic.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His heart sank as he realized every single point of light was spatial magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kgh! Dodge them yourself!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swaaaaaaaaa!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As though a torrential downpour were falling from the heavens, thousands of spatial spells rained down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar hurriedly deployed 『Wind Shield』 above his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Displaying mana control bordering on acrobatics, he deflected the incoming attacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kuh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even if incomplete, these were spells cast by a level 9 mage intent on killing him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shields’ durability instantly collapsed and scattered apart, forcing Oscar to repeatedly create new shields.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the storm passed and the raging attacks finally subsided—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You resemble a turtle.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ado Vail’s calm voice echoed through space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>None of the earlier frenzy remained within it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Which means…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That previous madness had all been an act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The instant alarm bells rang in Oscar’s mind—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ado Vail smiled warmly and gently extended his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the direction that hand pointed toward—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was not the thought-form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Oscar himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kwoaaaaaaaaa!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wind swept through the barren forest where not a single intact tree remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, rather than wind, it would be more accurate to call it a typhoon or a storm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What kind of… absurd wind is this…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar gritted his teeth against the overwhelming suction force dragging his body forward like madness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hurriedly drove his mana-enhanced legs into the earth, but it meant nothing before the storm’s power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could even feel the ground itself being dragged toward the opponent alongside his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kuh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While being pulled in, Oscar hurriedly generated a countercurrent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He too unleashed enormous mana to create a massive typhoon, but…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The output difference between a level 7 and level 9 mage was truly heaven and earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kwoaaaaaaaaa!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Against Ado Vail’s insane storm, Oscar’s wind shattered as futilely as the fluttering of a butterfly’s wings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oscar!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching this, the thought-form’s expression twisted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to the original plan, Ado Vail should have attacked him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But instead, he blatantly ignored the thought-form entirely and began obsessively targeting Oscar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There is no meaning in eliminating an imitation. But this brat… is the true successor left behind by that coward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killing intent glimmered around Ado Vail’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I will destroy everything that coward wished to protect. Even if that includes this world itself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You despicable bastard….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought-form clenched both fists tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, 『Absolute Stillness』 had to be used at the perfect moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even he could not spam such magic freely, meaning one use during battle would be the limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But if I leave things as they are, Oscar will die.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if they killed that man at the cost of Oscar’s life, it would hold no meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That man’s words were correct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar was the true successor who inherited the will and legacy of the person named Ado Vail left behind by the original.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally hardening his resolve, the thought-form ignored the shout behind him and quickly began preparing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He emptied his thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emptied his emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anything emptied could simply be filled again later, so he let everything go without the slightest attachment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the moment when neither body nor mind contained anything at all—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought-form stared at his enemy with transparent eyes and moved his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Absolute Stillness.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire area stopped breathing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sound, air, even the storm tormenting Oscar—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything froze perfectly like a single painting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kuhk! Kuhk!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within that space, there was only one being granted freedom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar, whom the thought-form had designated as an “exception.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Freed from the suffocating suction of the storm, Oscar did not hesitate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This is my one and only chance.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He absolutely could not miss it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pouring in fully half of his total mana, he created no fewer than five Spatial Severs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arrayed across the blue sky like giant stone monuments, they waited only to descend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…That thing is an evil wearing Master’s face.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The feeling left a bitter taste in his mouth, but this was something he absolutely had to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Oscar lightly waved his hand—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The five Spatial Severs slowly descended above Ado Vail’s head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Farewell.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until that very moment, Ado Vail remained frozen, unable to move even a finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet after a desperate struggle—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He barely managed to curl the corners of his lips upward into a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",2197,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.790Z",1,"novelbin.me","134b570db25dac054f3e368103164a65d263242ca52f2cdea40a600fcfa1865e","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-375","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-373",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]