[{"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-4":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},1334750,1778,"Chapter 4","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-4",4,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Clara]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 4: The Tragic Genius (3)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Delivery, delivery... delivery?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Oscar rolled the word around in his mouth, he blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Delivery, as in delivering goods or letters, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, that's correct. The couriers of the White Tower can fly, so their delivery times are fast and their service reliable. They’re officially called Wind Riders…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Gordon sensed something was wrong and quickly shut his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That turned out to be the right choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar’s eyes had grown as cold as ice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Interesting. So you’re trying to stall for time with nonsense? Give it up. Your underlings won’t show up, no matter how much you wait.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? No! That’s not it at all!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A panicked Gordon protested in a voice full of indignation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s written in the documents! Page 13! Fourth line!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flipping to the page, Oscar saw that there was indeed content about a delivery business.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Are you telling me the White Tower’s business is really delivery?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes! I swear it’s true!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar could only laugh incredulously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once, the mages of the White Tower were beings of renown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Masters of the skies, dominating battlefields from above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their free yet fearless nature had earned them comparisons to dragons and eagles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…And now you’re telling me they fly around delivering packages?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It sounded like they’d become nothing more than a bunch of carrier pigeons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did their ancestors develop the 『Flight』 spell for this purpose?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With fiery anger in his eyes, Oscar sharply turned his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pardon?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who’s the bastard who came up with this ridiculous business plan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I believe it was the current Tower Master, Sasha Maestro.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Son of a...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was one of his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking a moment to steady his suddenly ragged breathing, Oscar asked another question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, even though our people are working as... what was it again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wind Riders, sir.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right, Wind Riders. Even with that, you’re saying we can’t match the revenue of other towers? Why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, for starters, the White Tower uses intermediate mages for Wind Riders since they’re better at flying.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Intermediate mages?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not even novices?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was an absurd choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mages at level 4 and above came with significantly higher costs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Even giving them proper assignments would be far more profitable.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As questions swirled in his head, Gordon spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Most importantly, the delivery fee is almost free, so the business has been consistently operating at a loss.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Good grief.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning precious resources into delivery workers wasn’t enough; they weren’t even charging properly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A business is supposed to make money, not drain it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar would’ve gone straight to Sasha to demand an explanation if he could.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What on earth was she thinking with this plan?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Especially since the White Tower’s decline means there aren’t even enough mages to handle a monopoly. The volume alone would be overwhelming.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shifting these intermediate mages to assignments would surely be more lucrative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And ventures like magical engineering or agricultural support sounded like money-makers at first glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, the Red Tower dominated government-led monster exterminations, solidifying its influence at the center of power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Revenue, societal impact, mage hierarchy, political clout…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In every aspect, the White Tower paled in comparison to the other Four Great Towers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they were expelled, they’d have no one to blame but themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frankly, they should’ve been grateful the imperial court tolerated this nonsense for 20 years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Where do I even begin to fix this mess?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And with only seven months left until the White Night Festival, an event commemorating the White Tower’s sacrifices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rebuilding the tower’s prestige in that short time was near impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as countless plans flashed through his mind—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gah... ugh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gordon suddenly began frothing at the mouth and convulsing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first, Oscar thought it was theatrics, but his state clearly signaled imminent shock-induced death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It must be from all the blood he’s lost.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure enough, the floor was drenched in blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar debated whether to save him but eventually opened the ledger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s see… arson, assault, robbery, loan sharking, oh, and even murder-for-hire?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This guy was a walking pile of trash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar jumped out the window without hesitation, seeing no reason to save him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time he landed and dispelled 『Sound Binding』, the room had fallen silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dead men tell no tales.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back in his room, Oscar collapsed onto the couch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh, this body…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few simple spells were enough to make him feel this run-down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He muttered in a voice heavy with fatigue:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wind Archive. ”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The unique magic that had made him the greatest mage in human history.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whooosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fierce wind swirled over his palm but quickly dissipated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…As I thought, using it in this body is still impossible.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then again, even back then, he hadn’t mastered this magic until reaching level 7.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a resigned sigh, Oscar cast a 『Scan』 spell over his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His condition just didn’t feel normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Once the scan’s done, I should know what’s wrong. It’ll take a few minutes, so…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He began reading through the file he’d taken from Gordon’s office: Oscar Crucian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>>[Heir to theCrucian Count family and sole survivor of the mansion fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recognized early for his genius, he became the target of recruitment battles among all the major towers and factions.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar’s expression showed genuine surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the description, this guy sounded like a prodigy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Oscar Crucian he knew had struggled to reach level 1 by the age of 20.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blinking, he read on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>>[He graduated early from the Empire Academy’s 9-year magic course in just 6 years, achieving perfect scores on every exam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His groundbreaking student theses showcased his undeniable brilliance.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait, he really was a genius?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So why was such an exceptional individual still stuck at level 1...?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rustle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His growing confusion was answered on the next page with an unsettling revelation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>>[This makes his situation all the more tragic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If not for being afflicted with Mana Deficiency Syndrome, he would surely have become an era-defining Archmage.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…This guy has Mana Deficiency Syndrome?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar’s face hardened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that were true, even he wouldn’t be able to fix it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how much miraculous medicine he drank, he’d remain stuck at novice level forever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘So that’s why…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar looked at the reflection in the mirror with pity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a 20-year-old, this was an unbearable despair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To understand magic better than anyone else but be unable to use it...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If he couldn’t comprehend it, at least he wouldn’t have suffered so much.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he sighed in sympathy, the Scan results finished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Display results.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he examined the findings, Oscar’s face gradually contorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What the hell is this?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cause of Mana Deficiency Syndrome was straightforward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All humans, even those who weren’t mages or knights, were born with 20 innate magic circuits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when these circuits became tangled, the flow and accumulation of mana were disrupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even a lifetime of training wouldn’t take them beyond level 3.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But... this is different.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it appeared similar to Mana Deficiency Syndrome, the root cause was entirely distinct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘No doubt about it. Someone deliberately tied these circuits.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The circuits in this body weren’t just tangled; they were deliberately knotted, preventing them from functioning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he could untie these knots, the circuits would immediately return to normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar bit his lip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who the hell did this…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a mage, as a senior, as an adult, he was furious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone’s interference had derailed a life brimming with potential, stealing the future from a promising young mage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…….\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pausing briefly to analyze the circuits, Oscar reached a conclusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s possible. Not easy, but possible.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vicious knot binding this person, the resentful shackles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could cut them all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If I untangle these and reach a higher level…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that point, the one responsible for twisting these circuits would surely make a move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clatter!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar rose from his seat and approached the bookshelf.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘According to Fran, this guy lived like a problem child, drowning in alcohol.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what if that image was deliberately constructed?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What if he had feigned idleness because he knew someone had tampered with his circuits and was even targeting his life?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If this guy is truly a genius, he would’ve known long ago that he wasn’t suffering from Mana Deficiency Syndrome.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that’s the case, succumbing to the temptation of illicit elixirs becomes understandable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a situation where he couldn’t discern who to trust or who had tied his circuits, he would’ve had no choice but to try freeing himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It would be great if he had written some sort of journal.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, the bookshelf was lined with dozens of thick notebooks, their covers worn from frequent use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar pulled one out and blinked at the title.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……Reinterpretation of Basic Magic?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rustle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reading the title with a light heart, Oscar froze as he flipped through the pages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Clara]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Wind Cutter has the drawback of a monotonous trajectory. To address this, here are some modifications…]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[The defensive spell Wind Shield is infinitely versatile. When used offensively, the advantages are…]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[The weapon known as a gun is highly suitable for reinterpretation through White Tower magic. Inspired by rotating bullets…]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a grimoire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A book filled with Oscar Crucian’s annotations and interpretations of White Tower’s basic magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were even a few original spells of his creation among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……Impressive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After reading through the entire book, he understood why this person had been called a genius.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No exaggeration—his theoretical insight rivaled Oscar’s own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even just the enhanced Wind Shield described in this book demonstrated that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This is similar to the Wind Shield I use.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A method of forcibly creating openings by twisting the opponent’s attack trajectory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same technique he had used earlier against Bart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This concept and principle were entirely different from traditional shields, which were solely defensive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘On top of that, he’s detailed the most optimal usage in various scenarios.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From a mere glance, it was clear how much effort he had poured into this book.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How much contemplation had gone into the annotations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…….\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of this, it was impossible to dismiss this as a mere book of basic spells.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To some, these spells might be basic, just a fleeting step in their journey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to him, they were everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rustle, rustle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing still, Oscar silently turned the pages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scrawled notes seemed to shout out:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t given up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though he was labeled a defective product, unworthy of being called a proper mage, he had worked harder than anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More than anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He loved magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…….\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar, his eyes involuntarily reddening, eventually reached the final page.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, written in still-drying ink, was a short note.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hoping this book brings even a faint breeze to the White Tower. From a mage facing a great challenge.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that simple sentence, the book ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the lingering sentiment stayed with Oscar for a long while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘A mage facing a great challenge.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This guy had known everything but had endured it alone, unable to share his plight with anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oscar Crucian…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh, young mage who didn’t succumb to the harsh fate placed upon you,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>brave pioneer who walked a lonely path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Closing the book, Oscar muttered softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the name of Oscar Sage, 17th Tower Master of the White Tower.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dream you couldn’t fulfill,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I will achieve in your stead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And those who clipped your wings and locked you in a cage,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I will ensure they pay the price for their sins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morning came.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Oscar hadn’t slept a wink, having spent the night reading through dozens of books.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’m tired, but I’ve managed to review all of Oscar Crucian’s research journals thoroughly.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking back on their contents, he wore a bittersweet expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he were to summarize his thoughts, it would be something like: \"Impressive and remarkable, but ultimately incomplete.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Because almost all the research was left unfinished.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, that was inevitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how talented a painter might be, they couldn’t perfectly depict a landscape they’d never seen before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fact that Oscar Crucian had achieved so much through imagination and conjecture was astonishing in itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But don’t worry.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had perfectly grasped the intent and direction of the research.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All that remained was to complete the numerous unfinished projects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Oscar pondered where to start, an announcement interrupted him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>- Attention, this is a message from the broadcasting room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"……!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Startled, Oscar looked up at the small device mounted on the ceiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice was coming from there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>- Oscar Crucian, please report to Research Lab 4202 immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A communication spell…? How did my magic code get detected so easily?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though he changed his code every minute?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The question, laden with suspicion, received no response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of hesitation, Oscar carefully climbed onto a chair to inspect the ceiling-mounted speaker and finally relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whew, I thought… So this is another piece of magic engineering.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Life had truly become convenient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be able to contact someone unilaterally without knowing their magic code.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Room 4202, was it?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Exiting the room, Oscar headed straight for the magic elevator to ascend to the 42nd floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, he was familiar with elevators from before, so there was no confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knock, knock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come in.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, buried under a mountain of documents, sat Elder Maxim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar restrained himself from greeting him too eagerly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Who would’ve thought the elder I saw in the infirmary was Maxim, my junior.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had learned this while Fran explained things in the infirmary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maxim Visk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A junior who had joined the White Tower a few years after him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hardworking and earnest, he had been a promising talent for the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘To think that kid grew old and became an elder.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remembered how cute it had been when Maxim used to follow him around, calling him \"senior\" and later \"Tower Master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A contented smile spread across Oscar’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Judging by his youthful appearance, he must’ve worked hard.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was among the highest compliments a mage could receive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, as a mage’s mana reservoir grew, their aging slowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maxim, now in his mid to late forties, looked no older than his early thirties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How’s your condition?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without looking up from the papers, Maxim asked indifferently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well… Ah, yes. I’m fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You look it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A document was tossed onto the desk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You injured three people at the bar and killed the boss and enforcer of the Gordon family. Do you have anything to say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, I had my reasons.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar placed a pouch of money and a ledger on the desk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maxim glanced at them and asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are these?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The payment. The fee they received to assassinate me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Did you just say assassination?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maxim’s slightly surprised eyes urged him to explain further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, the elixir was laced with poison. When I confronted them about it, they tried to kill me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After verifying the contents of the pouch and ledger, Maxim nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s indeed mention of a murder contract, and the amounts match.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar had told the complete truth—except for the part about his possession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no room for doubt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, Maxim spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Frequenting bars must’ve earned you some enemies. I’ll close this as self-defense.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you. By the way, may I ask for a favor?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…It’s unusual for you to ask for favors. What is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To Maxim, who looked surprised, Oscar finally voiced the request he had been waiting for the opportunity to make.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I wish to meet the Tower Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Clara]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",2597,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.509Z",1,"novelbin.me","498bbd607df0c6fc046cc655f7ca382ced6e9a801fd896f7cca35feac8a063e4","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-5","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-3",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]