[{"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-70":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},1334966,1778,"Chapter 70","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-70",70,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>w\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 70: The White Anvil Tribe (4)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>King Gordin momentarily doubted his ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A word had come from the lips of this young human—so sharp and blue-eyed—that it was impossible to ignore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Sergeant Gordin?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could wonder how the other person knew that term, vivid memories from that time began to flood his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been that long since he last heard those words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Yes, that’s right.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before being addressed as His Majesty the King, he had been known as a prince or even a sergeant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They say memories sweeten over time, and the recollections of fighting on the battlefield alongside the great hero, Oscar Sage, resurfaced vividly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gordin, momentarily submerged in nostalgia, quickly composed himself and asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How does a young human know that title?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm. If the White Tower preserved wartime records, you could have read them, or perhaps a connection with… hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Gordin answered seriously, he belatedly realized that the other’s tone had changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noticing this, his expression immediately darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Such insolence—utterly audacious. Have you forgotten who stands before you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Forgotten? No. Couldn’t forget, even if I wanted to. How could I?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar chuckled faintly, shrugging his shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you know how much time I invested in shaping you into a capable commander?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……What nonsense are you speaking now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you truly not know, or are you pretending not to?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar’s magic filled the courtroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a soft, warm energy that stirred nostalgia simply by being present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Gordin recognized that achingly familiar magic, his gaze turned cold—unfathomably so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……Are you a pawn of the demon clans? No, there’s no need to ask such questions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could find out for himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rising from his seat, he gripped the gavel tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had encountered countless demons pretending to be his superior and benefactor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason for such impersonations was simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Because it’s effective.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the first instance since the war had ended, but during the conflict, there had been countless such encounters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Merely imitating Oscar’s face and magic yielded significant gains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And so, we made a rule among ourselves.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The courtroom atmosphere grew oppressive, the air thick with Gordin’s fury and murderous intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If I’m ever unsure whether the person before me is truly Oscar Sage…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Show hostility first.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the person were indeed the real Oscar Sage, they would prove their identity with a passphrase.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s start by bringing you to your knees!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gordin leapt forward, aiming to strike the figure before him squarely on the head with his gavel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as he did, Oscar moved his lips with a determined expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I were to kneel here…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gordin’s gavel froze inches above Oscar’s head, trembling slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Glaring at the human before him, Gordin spoke in a shaking voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……Even if my heart were pierced by thousands of spears and swords?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar smiled warmly and replied playfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’d still have to look up at me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a passphrase crafted purely to tease Gordin about his stature as a dwarf.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every time they exchanged this passphrase, Gordin would huff and puff in fiery indignation, insisting that while he might be short, he’d still be taller than someone kneeling before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And whenever I suggested we measure, he’d always find some excuse to avoid it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, however, Gordin didn’t get angry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he slowly withdrew his gavel and looked at Oscar with a dazed expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……Am I dreaming right now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why? Did you wish on a star for me to appear in your dreams?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, seeing how much I want to punch your mouth shut… it seems like it really is you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a small whoosh, Oscar moved to a seat and gestured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We have a lot to talk about.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Oscar first awakened in his current, smaller body, he faced a significant dilemma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Should I reveal my identity to anyone? And if so, to whom?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a question he couldn’t resolve, no matter how many times he deliberated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even for those he thought he knew well, the standard remained strict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘For instance, I haven’t revealed myself to Maxim, either.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he hadn’t yet met his disciples or the emperor, he doubted he would easily disclose his identity to them either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One can see ten fathoms into water, but not even one into another’s heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Too much time has passed.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Twenty years—a span more than sufficient to alter a person’s character and values.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, Oscar made a decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Fine. If I am to reveal my identity to anyone…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At most, there were only two people he would consider.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One was Edna Sol Laplace, and the other was Gordin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wow, you trusted me that much?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gordin seemed genuinely moved, but Oscar doused the sentiment with cold water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you talking about? Don’t flatter yourself. I didn’t trust you—I trusted the Primordial Flame.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarves revered and worshipped the Primordial Flame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And for good reason—it was the flame that created and sent them into this world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The flame that purges all evil in the world.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason dwarves eternally maintained the appearance of children was related to this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Primordial Flame despised those who lost their innocence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Not that there’s any reason their outward appearance needed to match…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what could one do if their creator willed it so?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For this reason, there was no such thing as a bad dwarf.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t just a metaphor; it was a literal impossibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If a dwarf ever allied with evil or became corrupted, they would burn to death on the spot.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder there’s a saying: \"You might not trust your parents or children, but you can always trust a dwarf.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But I never imagined I’d be tricked by dwarves in a contract scam.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A-a contract scam? That’s absurd!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gordin flinched and hastily defended himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I didn’t know about the exclusive contract between you all, but even if I had, it wouldn’t have changed my decision.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because protecting the dwarves is the king’s top priority?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly. That’s what the Primordial Flame desires as well. After all, it was humans who were at fault first, wasn’t it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ahem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearing his throat, Gordin quickly changed the subject.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s a lot I want to ask, but first... how exactly did you come back to life?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar replied irresponsibly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Looking at me like that won’t help. I really don’t know. Besides, it’s not so much that I came back to life; it’s more accurate to say I was possessed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Possessed, you say… Someone must’ve meddled with your soul.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Probably. When I opened my eyes, twenty years had passed. You’re somewhat aware of the current state of the White Tower, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard that all the disciples left, save for one. And that its prestige isn’t what it used to be.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s right. I was busy sorting things out right after I woke up. I think I’ve only just started getting things back in shape, and now I’m beginning to move forward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>w\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned his gaze toward Gordin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I met the Nightmare Baron recently.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gordin’s eyes widened in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A-are you serious?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course. But… the information about him was strictly controlled. That made me even more curious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar’s eyes darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tell me what the demons have been up to over the past twenty years.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Information about them couldn’t be found in newspapers or books, as though they had been erased from history, much like the dragons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Gordin nodded gravely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s true. The imperial family has been controlling information. Demons are a very sensitive topic for humanity. It’s crucial to create an atmosphere where people forget about their existence as quickly as possible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What about the information you know?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…The most recent I have is from four years ago, when they encountered the Imperial Army near the Red Mountains.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four years ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oscar murmured with a glimmer in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It didn’t end well, did it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, surprisingly, they just observed the Imperial Army from a distance and then retreated.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Demons, who loved fighting and despised humans, avoided a battle?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gordin’s voice deepened as he read Oscar’s reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s why the concern is growing. The Imperial Family is even suggesting reforming the World Alliance using that incident as a pretext.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The World Alliance included not just humans, but dwarves, elves, and faeries as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From past research, Oscar knew it had been disbanded after the war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s definitely unsettling. Their behavior is different from the demons we used to know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’ve started to change. It might even be called evolution. What’s important is that such radical changes usually….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Have a reason.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most common reason?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A change in leadership.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As you’ve probably guessed, it’s possible they have a second leader now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…A second leader.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first leader who unified the demons was the worst kind of enemy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only was he capable and strong, but also cunning and ruthless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If so, the revival of the Night of the Magic might be tied to this.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the demons were truly rising again, the Empire would also feel the need to reorganize its forces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frowning deeply, Oscar spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Have you ever heard of a group called the Black Fingers?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You mean those demon worshipers?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. Be wary of them. If the demons have really changed, the biggest change will be their approach.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the previous war, they trusted their power and confronted humanity head-on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They lost everything, including their leader, in a devastating defeat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They must’ve realized that no matter how strong you are, you have to move more cautiously.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…That’s a terrifying thought.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Understanding the implication, Gordin swallowed hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The idea that demons might be using the Black Fingers to work in secret was chilling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If that’s true, humanity, softened by twenty years of peace, may not be ready to handle it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s the future we’ve longed for, but it’s still concerning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What will you do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What else can I do? Start with what I can do now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strengthen the White Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prepare for the day the demons rise again and launch another war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Speaking of which, I need your help.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You mean… the White Anvil Clan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s right. I want to borrow the strength of the dwarves to restore and strengthen the White Tower quickly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After some hesitation, Gordin reluctantly nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Personally, I don’t like dealing with humans, but if it’s you, I’ll make an exception.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thanks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Between us, there’s no need for thanks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“True, especially since I helped raise the sheltered prince from La Forge into the man you are today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Quiet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gordin’s face flushed red, and he stood up before more embarrassing stories could be brought up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Dwarven Kingdom will also maximize external activities to gather information on the demons and the Black Fingers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m counting on you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I’ll summon the clan leaders now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, just to be clear….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This conversation will remain buried, even in my grave.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s exactly what Oscar expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled softly at his old comrade, who had now become the ruler of a nation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>w\u003C\u002Fp>",1865,"2026-06-05T20:00:10.789Z",1,"novelbin.me","a08d610dc4369a502854f255ed6ca51fd43f6d154c5bf492cdafa81ec1dde9d5","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-71","the-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-chapter-69",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-problematic-child-of-the-magic-tower-cover.jpg"]