[{"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-68":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},1334964,1778,"Chapter 68","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-68",68,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>w\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 68: The White Anvil Tribe (2)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The craftsmanship of dwarves brings wealth, honor, and power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many sought to monopolize their skill, but no faction ever succeeded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Well, if we add the condition ‘temporarily,’ there are exactly three factions that managed it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The imperial family, the Celestial Sword Clan of Yan, and the White Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These three factions maintained close ties with the dwarves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘In particular, our White Tower had frequent exchanges with the northern White Anvil Tribe.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This allowed them to earn the tribe’s trust, leading to several exclusive contracts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To a dwarf, an exclusive contract was a testament of immense trust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It means that during the contract period, they won’t craft anything for anyone else but us.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, even with the White Tower securing a 50-year exclusive contract, not all dwarves worked solely for them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the dwarven kingdom consisted of five tribes:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The northern White Anvil Tribe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eastern Black Hammer Tribe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The southern Blue Salt Tribe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The western Red Sand Tribe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And finally, the central Golden Pillar Tribe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Each tribe has slightly different architectural styles and artistic tendencies.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But none could claim superiority; they were all master artisans blessed with unrivaled skill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them, the White Anvil Tribe’s city was relatively close to Sirin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only a six-hour walk, even if one had to pull a cart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Phew.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sweating profusely as he climbed the mountain, Oscar stood before a massive stone gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it was just a stone gate, its finish was flawless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ahem.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Oscar approached the gate, he sensed an air of hostility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, two figures emerged from behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Dwarven warriors guarding the city gate.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those two were likely the finest warriors of the White Anvil Tribe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raising his empty hands, Oscar slowly turned around and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am not an enemy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph, we’ll decide that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“State your affiliation and identity, human.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They held axes and wore the distinctive helmets of dwarven warriors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Many underestimated them due to their childlike appearance, so they deliberately designed intimidating helmets.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The helmets completely covered their faces, adorned with exaggeratedly twisted beards and hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These helmets were the reason the dwarves’ appearance in fairy tales diverged from reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The glint of their eyes, visible through the hair, was enough to make one’s knees weak at first sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am Oscar Crucian, a mage from the White Tower.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…The White Tower, you say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. I’ve come to meet with the White Anvil Tribe’s chief on an urgent matter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After exchanging glances, the warriors lowered their axes slightly and asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s in the cart behind you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are there other humans hiding in it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Feel free to inspect it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Oscar’s willingness, they warily examined the cart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tapping the jars loaded onto it, they carefully unsealed one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sniff, sniff! This scent… could it be?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Surely not…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s liquor I’ve brought as a gift. I thought you might miss human-made alcohol.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go in! No, we’ll escort you ourselves!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You stay and guard the entrance. I’ll make sure this human doesn’t cause trouble while leading him to the city.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, you stay here and guard!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, the dwarf’s love for alcohol was unmatched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar unloaded one of the jars and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You two can enjoy this after your shift. But don’t touch it while on duty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ehem, ahem.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s all this…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lifting the jar—taller than themselves—they carefully hid it in the bushes and opened the gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enter. We’ll send word ahead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud, thud, thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An ancient magical elevator was revealed as the massive stone gate opened with a heavy rumble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s just as I remember. I once repaired this when it broke down.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would it still function properly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Loading the cart and operating the lever, the elevator slowly descended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, a magnificent underground city was revealed, far more stunning than the black market in Baran City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘They’ve made quite a few changes since my last visit.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With their keen aesthetic sense, dwarves periodically tore down and rebuilt their homes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Oscar stepped off the elevator, a group was waiting for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf at the forefront exuded a craftsman’s spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dressed in traditional work attire, he had bright orange hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Welcome, human. I am Hagor, chief of the White Anvil Tribe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My name is Oscar Crucian, a third-level mage of the White Tower.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Oscar greeted him warmly, a flicker of nostalgia crossed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hagor was the most skilled artisan among the White Anvil dwarves and had once looked much cuter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Hagor hasn’t aged a day in 20 years.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…Or rather, perhaps it’s more accurate to say he hasn’t grown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suppressing his fondness, Oscar listened as Hagor asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What brings a human to our city?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meeting Hagor’s sharp gaze, Oscar crouched to match his eye level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have come as an envoy from the White Tower to request the White Anvil Tribe fulfill the exclusive contract made with us 32 years ago.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Phew. As I’ve explained several times, that is impossible. We cannot defy His Majesty’s orders.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, to clarify, the White Anvil Tribe wishes to honor the contract but cannot due to the Dwarven King’s decree?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s… correct.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Hagor reluctantly nodded, Oscar spoke as if he had been waiting for this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Very well. In that case, I will formally file a lawsuit against His Majesty, the Dwarven King.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Did you just say lawsuit?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. As per protocol, please convene the Underground Court.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Phew.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Realizing he was caught in a headache-inducing situation, Hagor spoke in a conciliatory tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Listen, young mage. I understand your position, but even if you sue His Majesty, nothing will change.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because the one passing judgment is the Dwarven King himself?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…You already know. The accused presides over the case. Do you really believe you can win?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a perfectly reasonable and logical thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, in this world, there is always an unexpected \"variable\" lurking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll handle that part myself, so just convene the court. I'll take full responsibility.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hagor crossed his arms with a grumpy expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And why should I risk His Majesty's wrath to help you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>w\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Didn't you sign an exclusive contract with us?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That contract has been rendered null and void under His Majesty's orders.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course, I'm not asking for help for free.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even though our interaction has been limited, we still hear things. The prestige of the White Tower isn’t what it used to be. What exactly can you offer us?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar pointed to the wagon filled to the brim with liquor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll provide you with alcohol.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Just from the smell, it seems like pretty good stuff.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These are bottles worth tens of thousands of bel each.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But do you think I’d risk His Majesty’s wrath for mere bribes like this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, I thought you might misunderstand, so let me clarify: these are just a courtesy gift. The alcohol I’m offering is far more extraordinary and valuable than these.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No matter how expensive or fine the liquor, it wouldn't be worth angering His Majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar smiled brightly in response to the scoffing, resolute refusal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What if it’s the coldest beer in the world, drunk above the clouds?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Is that supposed to be some kind of metaphor?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, I mean it literally. You know what an airship is, don’t you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hagor had once worked on the Sky Project.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, he understood the concept of an airship better than anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, his eyes narrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course I know. Isn't that the project that failed spectacularly?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, it was. But this time, it’s different.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This time…? Don’t tell me you’re attempting it again?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed. And it’s almost complete. All that’s left is the airship itself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this unexpected revelation, Hagor's pupils trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘An airship…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been his greatest dream at one point, but he had to let it go after tasting bitter failure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, with just the construction of an airship, he could challenge that dream again?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But even if what he says is true…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hagor closed his eyes tightly and shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No. I can’t take such a high-stakes gamble, especially when it puts my clan at risk.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a response befitting a chieftain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To protect his clan’s safety, he was willing to give up a dream he had clung to so fervently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the other dwarves present began looking at him as if he were the odd one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chieftain, are you out of your mind? Why are you even hesitating? He said he’d take full responsibility!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We absolutely must do this. How could we resist drinking beer on an airship?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No living creature has ever drunk alcohol in the sky, has it? If we succeed, we’ll be the first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dwarves, more than any other race, pride themselves on their honor and accomplishments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To miss the chance to set a historic precedent—especially one involving alcohol, which they treasured above all else—was unthinkable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing their unexpected reaction, Hagor clutched his chest in frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ha, you fools. Do you have any idea how hard it is to convene the Underground Court?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, but isn’t the reward sweet enough?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For 20 years, I’ve heard about this so-called magical engineering or whatever. Maybe this is our chance to see the outside world, too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarves' minds were already in the clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar seized the moment for the final blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everyone, have you heard of Heaven’s Staircase?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heaven’s Staircase!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course we’ve heard of it! Isn’t that the wine those Blue Salt Tribe folks brag about every time there’s a royal council meeting?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heaven’s Staircase was an incredibly rare and expensive wine produced only on the southern coast of the Empire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although technically alcoholic, its ingredients made it closer to a magical elixir.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As you know, this wine evaporates within 72 hours of production, so unless you’re at the southern coast, drinking it is impossible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since only three bottles were produced annually, even southern dwarves had rarely tasted more than a few drops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I promise you this: if the airship is completed, you’ll be able to taste Heaven’s Staircase right here in the sky. And why stop there? What if I gathered every renowned liquor on the continent and let you drink them all at once?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Every renowned liquor on the continent…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the clouds?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then, would that include things like Royal Smoker from the west and Heavenly Jade Wine enjoyed by nobles of Yan?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were world-famous liquors with short shelf lives, typically consumed only in their regions of origin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But with an airship, it would be possible to bring them to Sirin for consumption.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course, it’s possible. Why wouldn’t it be?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarves' eyes glazed over, as if intoxicated by the sheer sweetness of his promise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This… this has to happen…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you want out, chieftain, you can leave alone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The airship… It must be built. It absolutely must.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even those boastful Blue Salt or Red Sand tribes won’t dare speak if we tell them we’ve drunk on an airship.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By now, the weapons they had been holding were hanging limply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hagor looked at Oscar with a resigned expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I thought you were just a naive little brat, but you’re a silver-tongued devil. How old are you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Twenty-one.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar looked strangely delighted as he answered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Twenty-one, huh… Good grief.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hagor scratched the back of his head as he stared at the hand Oscar extended toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it, I swore I’d never have anything to do with anyone named Oscar again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why? What’s wrong with my name?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The previous Tower Master of the White Tower had the same name. That bastard worked us to the bone like dogs.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shuddered as he recalled the past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And yet other clans envied us for working with the great Archmage. They didn’t know a damn thing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That must have been tough… But don’t worry. I’m just someone with the same name.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah, I suppose you are.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief hesitation, Hagor finally clasped the outstretched hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine. You’re just a namesake. It’s not your fault.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they shook hands, a meaningful smile crept across Oscar’s lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>w\u003C\u002Fp>",2032,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.789Z",1,"novelbin.me","92ef40309206ded3124045b3886ee436227ab783054ecd9c8539fede26c1e7c6","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-69","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-67",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]