[{"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-41":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},1334815,1778,"Chapter 41","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-41",41,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Clara]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 41: The Celestial Voice (4)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a clear afternoon in November.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A crowd of 100,000 people gathered at the Baran Dome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is 100,000 a lot? It sounds like a big number, but seeing it in person really makes it feel massive, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Evelyn asked as she looked at the waiting spectators.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One hundred thousand people... Yes, it is,\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had seen gatherings of millions during the wars against the demons, but this felt different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere was tense back then, but now, the crowd's faces were full of excitement and anticipation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he captured this scene in a photo labeled \"Feeling of 100,000,\" it would probably sell well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stop daydreaming and focus!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marin jabbed him in the side as she scrutinised the crowd through her binoculars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Focus on what, exactly?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Someone here wants me dead, remember? We need to spot anyone acting suspicious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar chuckled and shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If there's an assassin, they're probably already inside the dome.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What? That's impossible! The audience hasn’t even started entering yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What kind of assassin would enter by paying for a ticket to kill their target?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Realizing the truth in his words, Marin’s face turned slightly red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then how would they get in?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Through the proper channels,\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar shrugged with a smirk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That doesn’t even make sense with what you just said! Are you teasing me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Top-class assassins can adapt to any situation and play any role with great acting skills. Especially if they have backing, like Ara Sweet. Getting into Baran Dome as a worker would be child's play.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So… does that mean there’s an assassin working among our staff? Good heavens!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, by now, they're probably...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar glanced at his wristwatch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were still two hours until the performance started.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…hiding somewhere after abandoning their post.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey, what’s wrong with spotlight #3? Did they replace the bulb? Check it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Costume team! Line up the replacement outfits in the correct order! Wait, what size is this? It’s a size too big!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A singer shines brilliantly on stage only because of the crew frantically working backstage to support them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Phew, it’s been ages since I’ve been this crazy busy before a performance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, it’s Marin’s first solo concert, and the venue is none other than the Baran Dome.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"True. I thought I had enough experience, but even for me, this is a whole new level.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Staff close to Marin had come to Baran to help with her concert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had been preparing for a month, but on the actual day, all they could see were the things they’d missed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Still, we were short-handed, but the local workers we hired did a surprisingly good job, so we’re on schedule.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Baran is a city of booze and gambling. If you pay enough, skilled hands are everywhere.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, the lighting director approached them urgently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey, have any of you seen the newest member of the lighting team?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The newbie?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know, the well-built guy. He went off to replace a bulb and never came back. We’re short on time!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is he one of the local hires from Baran?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lighting director’s eyes widened at the question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, he is. How did you know?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s typical for local hires here. He’s either drinking or his hands are itching for the casino. Yesterday, another guy vanished from the production team. Probably the same story.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course. That explains it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two workers had disappeared over the last two days without saying a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was common enough in this industry that no one gave it much thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way, I couldn’t help but overhear. What did those two look like?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar Crucian was the only one who took it seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the third floor of Baran Dome, in the men's restroom, a cubicle at the far end had a [Under Repair] sign hanging on the door, firmly locked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"......\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man squatting on the toilet checked his watch, then stood up slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The show should start soon. It’s time to move.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack, snap!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stretched his stiff limbs, his face showing signs of deep irritation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Who would’ve thought I’d be stuck waiting in this dump for an entire day?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for the payout, he could put up with the discomfort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this job went well, he and his brother would receive 5 million bels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was also their ‘last job’ together, and it could be a fond memory later on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘First, I meet up with Dokgo and locate that bodyguard.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were proud assassins from Yan who specialized in poisons and hidden weapons, ranking among the top three in Baran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after researching their target, they knew they needed to team up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killian Lockwood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Known as the 'rising star' from the White Tower, one of the four great towers of magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘His combat style is a mix of physical enhancement and rapid movement.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was arrogant to the core, both in looks and actions, and that irritated them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Disclosing one’s name in their line of work was as good as revealing a weakness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s just a shame for him that he’ll be facing us at the height of his arrogance.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were infamous in Baran, especially for assassinations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rendezvous point was Room 403, a floor above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the man pushed open the cubicle door, he froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\".......\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The target was washing his hands at the sink, his back turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one else was in the restroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the perfect moment to strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his target was a Level 4, just like him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without his brother, a successful attack wasn’t guaranteed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he missed, the outcome could be fatal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reluctantly, he held back his urge to strike and instead followed the plan to regroup with his brother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He casually removed the [Under Repair] sign and started to walk past the sinks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of running water filled the silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The target suddenly murmured,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Having calluses on your fingertips rather than your palms means you handle weapons, doesn’t it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Glancing sideways, the man saw his reflection in the mirror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those red eyes were watching him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you, by chance, an assassin?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\".....!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he been found out?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mind raced. Should he throw a weapon now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had his identity really been exposed?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it had, would it be wiser to just run?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his hesitation, Oscar nodded slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The fact that you're thinking it over confirms it. An assassin.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Splat!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar tossed a bar of soap behind him without looking back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\".......!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instinctively sensing he couldn’t avoid the fight, Woojin made the best choice he could under the circumstances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Instead of taking a hit, I’ll just scatter my own weapons too.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hands flicked open as he firmed up his resolve, scattering hundreds of needles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Clara]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A side note: today, his condition was perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could feel every sensation through his fingertips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This time, there’s no way they’ll dodge it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That certainty arose in him just as—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Ugh?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His right shoulder shattered under the impact of soap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who would’ve guessed that much mana had been compressed into a bar of soap?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But no matter.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Exchanging his opponent’s life for his own shoulder?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a bad trade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lifted one corner of his mouth, awaiting the inevitable scream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘No matter how skilled they are in martial arts, this is not the kind of attack one can avoid. Even if they’re lucky enough to evade a few needles—maybe even dozens—they can’t dodge all hundreds of them.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Guh… Aaaagh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A hundred needles lodged into the opponent's face, and they collapsed, screaming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Twitch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching their body convulse like an aspen tree, it was clear the poison had spread completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an instant kill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah… Hah…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wiping the sweat from his brow, Woojin let out a breath of relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, being a weapon specialist, close combat wasn’t his strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was frustrating, but it was also the reason he often played second fiddle to his younger brother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This opponent must be an inexperienced rookie—lucky me.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tips of his needles were coated in a lethal poison his younger brother Dokgo used.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One prick was fatal enough, but hundreds of needle pricks?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the Pope himself were to arrive, they wouldn’t be able to save him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But I better finish them off just in case. There are people immune to poison out there, after all.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He drew a dagger from his belt with his good left hand and approached the corpse, thrusting with all his might at the neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wouldn’t go in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dagger seemed to hit an invisible wall, stopping just short of piercing their skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This is… wind?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A powerful gust was pushing his dagger back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he realized this, Woojin’s face went pale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No way…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And those needles he thought had lodged into their face?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as that thought occurred, the opponent’s hand suddenly shot up, grabbing his wrist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simultaneously, clatter-clatter!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hundreds of needles that had been fixed in place by the wind dropped to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This… this is impossible…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a level of magical control so precise it sent chills down his spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had even a single needle fallen, or been positioned just a little off, he would have noticed something was amiss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This guy is just a level 4 mage? Ridiculous!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Woojin realized something had gone terribly wrong—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Click.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The barrel of a sawed-off shotgun in the opponent’s opposite hand pointed under his chin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No… don’t.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Woojin’s trembling voice escaped, knowing what was about to happen—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s happening.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His head was blown off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By 8 p.m., the stage lights at the Baran Dome switched off simultaneously, plunging the entire dome into darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The audience held their breath, faces filled with excitement as they waited for someone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud, thud, thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A familiar, intense drumbeat pulsed from the stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s her! It’s Sunny Smile!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I knew this would be the first song.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, I’ve been a fan of Marin since the first time I heard this song.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Marin Maria’s debut track, “Sunny Smile.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The unique, bright, and upbeat melody, along with her beautiful voice, echoed through everyone’s ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Like warm sunlight, your dazzling smile ♪ A magic that brightens the whole world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the young diva took the stage, her stunning live performance electrified the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cheers were deafening, ringing in everyone’s ears and shaking the ground beneath their feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...He’s late.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dokgo, Woojin’s younger brother, glanced impatiently at his wristwatch, feeling the vibrations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His brother hadn’t shown up at the appointed place, despite the agreed-upon time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Nothing’s happened to him… has it?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Imagining the worst, he started to worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, click, clack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He heard footsteps echoing from the hallway, and relief washed over him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Phew…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most people might think all footsteps sound the same, but to a veteran assassin, every person had their own sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no mistaking his brother’s footsteps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What on earth kept you?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he prepared to give his brother a scolding, he realized the footsteps had walked right past the supply closet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That idiot…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d reminded him several times to come to Room 407 on the 4th floor this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Muttering to himself, Dokgo opened the supply closet door and called out irritably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bro! Over here…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice trailed off when he saw the back of a stranger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Freeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The figure imitating his brother’s footsteps halted and slowly turned around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, there you are, hiding?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the red-eyed mage—one of the targets of this mission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Clara]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",1944,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.509Z",1,"novelbin.me","a082839ae5e3b6c6bb15a3cb58440f77cf7ef41cdbe6a3d659927d8efbd5570a","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-279","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-40",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]