LIGHTNOVELSTORY “Heh heh, this is quite exhilarating.”
During a live broadcast showcasing the power demonstrated on the 5th floor, the Association President was impressed in more ways than one.
Countless climbers wield flashy, destructive, or terrifying powers granted by the Tower’s [Skills], often making even fellow humans fearful. Overseas, including in the US, there are those who study such climbers’ powers for movies and use them in broadcasts like Wakamou, among others.
People indeed prefer simple and primitive violence.
Casting spells or slashing with a sword might be impressive, but the impact isn’t the same.
In today’s age, how many hero movies, comics, and animations bring imagination and fantasies to visual media? Even now, events like UFC prohibit climbers from participating, and it’s not like nations would maintain arenas where climbers fight for national glory.
From the very start, the Tower maximizes 『Cooperation』 among climbers.
The Tower only desired for humans to conquer it. Haven’t you felt it filtering humanity through the qualification of climbers?
Therefore, climbers’ battles are often due to selfish desires of individuals, companies, or guilds, driven by money.
There were cases of using the Tower’s collapse to eliminate a country by killing foreign climbers, proving that fighting among climbers was pointless.
And unfortunately, this country drove away all its climbers. Would you believe it if I told you there were only ten 1st-generation climbers left? That’s how dire the situation was.
Therefore, the power and rights of climbers in this country are higher than in others, and the punishment for crimes committed by them is severe.
“If it’s an act to deceive viewers, I’d praise it as truly remarkable, but it seems earnest about broadcasting.”
Watching a different broadcast during a live stream; whatever the reason, that Fox Deity seems captivated by human broadcasting. She’s fallen for the VTuber phenomenon, hiding behind virtual characters to express her talent. Though she fumbles, trying to become what she admires, striving to emulate it.
Interestingly, people inevitably love even that.
When she becomes something of note after gaining experience together during rookier days, they’d have memories to cherish together.
“But what I’m worried about is the VTuber concept.”
The critical flaw is that the real person inside the character 『Red Pill』 must remain hidden.
Is it an allusion to the pill taken for awakening to reality in the movie Matrix? I suppose no better metaphor for forcibly seeing reality. If she supports the VTubers, what she shows is nothing but a character to capture viewers. Whether she’s truly a Fox Deity or something else is unknown.
“Either way, we need her cooperation.”
The five floors shining with beautiful silver-light.
With the emergence of the 『Complete Strategy Layer』, companies, including guilds, were desperate to find Wakamou. But the image of the young man who bought the property and his resident ID seemed highly likely to be fake. After all, isn’t she a fox? Changing into someone else’s form would be easy.
In today’s age, getting identities by reusing the IDs of deceased people is no difficult task. Instead, due to the chaos following the Tower’s emergence, a centuries-old Fox Deity could easily blend in among people. Simultaneously, she likely became fascinated with modern phenomena…like VTubers, as it’d be naturally encountered while browsing the internet without stepping out.
“Then there’s yet another issue.”
Most Towers provide unique layers for climbers. Thus, climbers seldom meet each other. Occasionally, climbers 『Cooperate』 in extremely challenging layers.
Would a VTuber, who must hide their identity, not attempt to ascend alone, overextending themselves?
Moreover, being the master of the 『Complete Strategy Layer』, capturing and forcing her to reveal the strategy or killing her and using fresh climbers to seize the 『Complete Strategy Layer』 is an absurd strategy that others might attempt. In reality, it’s foolhardy. How could a rookie climber perform at the level of a Fox Deity?
Realistically, other nations might prefer assassinating such a promising climber.
“I hope the Manager’s persuasion plan goes well. Haha.”
Well─ even if it fails, they could invest money to hold a collaboration event or invite foreign VTubers for a fan meeting.
Compared to other climbers, it was a cost-effective and peaceful way.
“──Hmm?”
[Incheon Tower’s 6th floor achieved Platinum conditions and is now open to all humanity!!]
“Oh, truly diligent. Climbing the Tower daily─”
[Incheon Tower’s 7th floor achieved Platinum conditions and is now open to all humanity!!]
[Incheon Tower’s 8th floor achieved Platinum conditions and is now open to all humanity!!]
“…Huh?”
Ultra-fast strategy accomplished every five minutes. It was only natural to conclude they knew how to obtain the 『Complete Strategy Layer』.
But suddenly climbing the Tower like this? Without broadcasting?
Is something happening…?
“No wonder they’re all urging the Leader to start broadcasting.”
The Association President began to understand their impatient feelings.
Doesn’t it drive people crazy with curiosity?
Is it a silent protest to make them unable to stop watching their broadcast?
※※※
Let’s rewind time a little.
It was right after Wakamou had cleared the 5th floor.
[Climbing Incheon Tower’s 5th floor world]
-Hunt the first dangerous monster [Killer Ankole Watusi] without using attack [Skills]!
[Platinum Condition Achieved]
-Defeat [Killer Ankole Watusi] without using attack skills (1/1)
-Slay [Killer Ankole Watusi] without getting hurt (1/1)
-Don’t flee from [Killer Ankole Watusi] (1/1)
-Pierce the [Killer Ankole Watusi]’s weak point [Forehead] for a one-hit kill (1/1)
[Incheon Tower’s 5th floor achieved Platinum conditions and is now open to all humanity!!]
“Was the cooking broadcast a bit too much?”
Nowadays, people have built tolerance toward gruesome scenes courtesy of the Tower. More weirdos praised the aesthetics of blood sliding from jaws down to the cleavage, calling it art, than ranted about gore being repulsive. Wondering if guys just liked anything with a big chest, Wakamou himself had little room to argue, being part of that populace!
The VTuber character, overflowing with his preferences, had it all!
The era broadcasts videos of monsters eating humans for YouTube channels or to spread awareness during trainings and education. Naturally, people who let down their guards around cute-looking monsters and died cropped up yearly.
Thus the sight of a beautiful woman gnawing on meat appealed to some fetish-having folks, akin to a provocative video.
[Platinum Tower Strategy rewards increased.]
Planning how to edit the recorded scenes, ear tuned to the song of a newbie chick starting an unveil stream, navigating VTuber videos with busy hands, clipping bits, and uploading two extra videos to their channel while waiting for the rewards.
The plan was to acquire an attack skill this time.
She knew viewers liked primitive violence, yet being under the guise of a Fox Deity for RP’s sake, she’d need to display some charming sorcery, wouldn’t she?
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[Acquired Artifact Grade Item [Imperial Jade Seal]!]
Thunk.
“…Eh?”
Picking up the jade seal made of pure jade off the floor, Wakamou inspected it from all angles. Unfortunately, lacking deep historical knowledge, its identity remained a mystery to him.
“Is this one of those occasional tower reward items called artifacts…?”
Occasionally, the Tower rewards climbers with items transformed from significant missing relics of human history.
He expected a chance to choose skills… but the Tower’s rewards were always diverse! With only 5 floors climbed, assuming Wakamou already had basic skills, it gifted an item instead! Of course, having cleared Platinum, it must be perfectly suited for Wakamou, right?
[Imperial Jade Seal]
Rank : Artifact.
Created from the jade He Shibing.
Inscribed with “Long Live the Emperor, Regenerations”.
Authentic piece lost during the Tang Dynasty.
Leadership +50%.
“Shouldn’t have used Tang Soo Do!!”
Viewers joking about the Tang Dynasty led to an actual Tang artifact popping up!! Well, it predates that, but… isn’t this more suited for Three Kingdoms?
Trying to deny reality, Wakamou examined it carefully without causing any scratches. The ornate designs distinctly marked it as a genuine seal. But why +50% Leadership? Did it see his 340,000 subscribers as actual troops?
With an army of that size and holding the seal, perhaps approaching Liu Bei would yield a sworn brotherhood over a cup of wine.
“What do I use this for!!”
Is leadership merely to calm the emphatic chatters in the chatroom? Or perhaps, does it imply followers ignoring an idol are not truly followers? The Tower’s reasoning remains a riddle!
You weren’t given this to calm the unruly viewers, were you? If believers don’t listen to their idols, are they even believers..? I can’t understand the Tower’s thought process!!
“Climbing!”
Reaching the sixth floor, a refreshing sensation sweeps over the body. It was a feeling of lightness, as if he could fly!
[Stats]
Mana: 412,467
The maximum has increased!
This meant that his subscriber count was consistently rising quickly!
But having plenty of mana was never enough. Without acquiring as many natural healing-type skills as possible to recover mana, the seemingly dreamlike life of a [VTuber Broadcast viewer] would never return.
Thinking that the strategy guide for the Tower could be seen through world information was too complacent.
[Currently climbing the 6th floor world of Incheon Tower]
-There are various monsters in the Tower. Overcome the [Skeleton Warrior]!
[Platinum Achievement Conditions]
-Break the sword held by the [Skeleton Warrior] (0/1)
-Defeat the [Skeleton Warrior] without causing any injuries (0/1)
-Break the [Skeleton Warrior]’s defense (0/1)
-Pierce the vital point [Mana Core in the head] of the [Skeleton Warrior] for an instant kill (0/1)
Wakamou realized this dim cave, illuminated only by torchlight on the walls, was an abandoned mine.
And what appeared before Wakamou was a [Skeleton Warrior] holding a rusted sword with missing teeth and a shabby wooden shield. The undead lackey with glowing sinister eyes clacked its jaw and raised its sword as it looked at Wakamou.
Adjusting the angle finely to capture the monster well in the [Video Recording], Wakamou shifted perspectives as if playing a fighting game and took his stance.
When he gestured for it to come, the Skeleton Warrior swung its sword─ which Wakamou caught with his hand, stopping it and twisting his wrist to break it.
How was this possible?
The answer was dynamic vision.
Eye strength honed from watching countless VTuber broadcasts.
Of course, having good eyesight didn’t mean he had fast reaction speed or good reflexes, so he was called a noob for missing shots in FPS games.
But now, Wakamou’s body was excellent enough to cover those weaknesses.
The sword broke in two, and the Skeleton Warrior, who couldn’t feel emotions, raised its shield as it watched Wakamou lift his leg.
Along with the shield, Wakamou kicked the Skeleton Warrior against the ceiling, shattering its skull.
A perfect uppercut, like something drawn in a picture.
The flexibility of a body without bones and muscles─ It was astonishing to see it possible to stretch his leg straight to reach his chest.
Marveling at this mobility, which could only be seen in cartoons, Wakamou lightly stretched his body.
[The 6th floor of Incheon Tower has achieved Platinum Status and will open to all humanity!!]
[Due to the Tower’s Platinum Strategy, rewards have increased]
[[Video Recording] skill now includes [Additional Camera Summon] and [View Sharing] features]
[[My Worlds] skill enhances to [Medium Sized One-Room]]
“….This is subtle..!”
Normally, he would have been given the freedom to allocate stat points, but Wakamou had no other stats besides mana.
The result was additional enhancements to his skills, but in reality, the only enhancement was the [Video Recording].
The enhancement of [My Worlds] seemed only to occur because Wakamou advanced the layer.
Upon checking, it had at least increased to a size where he could lie down.
Tempted as he was to organize the room and place figurines on a proper display stand instead of the floor, he resisted, knowing he could do that later, and headed straight for the next floor.
[Currently climbing the 7th floor world of Incheon Tower]
-You’re not the only one who can use skills. Defeat the [Frog Fighter]!
[Platinum Achievement Conditions]
-Get hit by the [Tongue Bind] of the [Frog Fighter] (0/1)
-Defeat the [Frog Fighter] without causing any injuries (0/1)
-Break the defense of the [Frog Fighter] (0/1)
-Use mana against the [Frog Fighter] (0/1)
The sensation of a wet liquid wetting his ankles. Fortunately, it was just plain water, but some towers are said to drop you straight into the ocean, so swimming was essential for Climbers.
The complacency of hopefully acquiring an [Attack Skill] gradually shifted to a fear that he might not get the opportunity, causing anxiety to show on Wakamou’s face.
“Croak”
The frog warrior stood on two legs, puffing up its belly and croaking loudly. Though it wielded no weapon, its armor was undoubtedly made of metal.
This layer warned Climbers that [Monsters] could use skills and had intelligence.
Right from the conditions, getting hit was a premise, but the part about using [Mana] troubled Wakamou. Usually, using a skill requiring mana would naturally deplete [Mana]… but did Wakamou even have such a skill?
“Ribbit!!”
As the sound of vomiting accompanied the frog’s flying tongue, he extended his arm to receive it.
In an instant, the tongue wrapped around him tightly, pulling Wakamou closer.
Though the fear of being eaten crept in, and beginner Climbers flailed about because of the water pooled at their feet,
It was the Frog Fighter that was terrified upon failing to move standing Wakamou even an inch.
Swinging his arm wide and bending back his waist while putting strength into the tips of his toes, he gritted his teeth tightly.
As the Frog Fighter flew through the air, forcibly pulled, and nearly collided with Wakamou,
His punch swung with all his might struck the armor, crushing and denting, ultimately embedding into the Frog Fighter’s body.
“Whew─”
[The 7th floor of Incheon Tower has achieved Platinum Status and will open to all humanity!!]
And contrary to his fears, the message echoed.
It seemed that Wakamou’s entire body was already considered [Mana].
“That was lucky?”
[Due to the Tower’s Platinum Strategy, rewards have increased]
So now, please─ I hope they finally give a [Skill]. If he climbs like this, the viewers are going to whine.
[You have acquired the Relic-grade item [Golden Fan of National Beauty]!]
A huge fan dropped with a thud.
Honestly, though it’s a relic… shouldn’t it at least be worth some expectation, this time he picked it up with a hopeful heart?
If there are no [Skills], wouldn’t it be fine to use [Weapons]? It wouldn’t be a punch, but he thought slicing the enemy’s neck with a fan could still have a certain charm.
[Golden Fan of National Beauty]
Grade: Relic.
A fan gilded with gold leaf.
It is adorned with colorful patterns.
Charm +50%.
“Seriously”
A useless piece of junk was added to the collection.
Though, at least it’s better than the jade seal… He cooled his overheated head by fanning.
In truth, he wasn’t even overheating. He had gotten too excited and climbed the Tower vigorously, but thinking back, these were not good decisions.
If he rapidly created two more floors in the 『Complete Strategy Layer』, it wouldn’t be much different from saying he knew the strategies.
Since it had come to this, he decided to brazenly conquer the next floor too.
“Even if the difficulty increases, I just want to gain a real [Attack Skill]…!”
Enveloped in dazzling light, he ascended to the 8th layer.
And the world information obscured his view.
[Currently climbing the 8th floor world of Incheon Tower]
-Never let your guard down. The [Corrupted Dwarf Marksman] will kill you.
[Platinum Achievement Conditions]
-Don’t get hit by the [Bullets] of the [Corrupted Dwarf Marksman] (0/1)
-Deflect the [Bullets] of the [Corrupted Dwarf Marksman] (0/1)
-Take no damage from the [Corrupted Dwarf Marksman] (0/1)
A new scent that stung his nostrils reminded him of the gunpowder he played with as a child.
Beyond a translucent window, a chubby dwarf aimed a gun at Wakamou.
With letters floating in his sight blocking his view, Wakamou’s reaction was delayed.
He’s going to die.
Bang─!
The gunshot rang out.
In the moment when time felt as if it had slowed down, Wakamou gasped as he saw the bullet’s trajectory and swung his arm.
Simultaneously, the golden fan’s edge traced an elegant arc, sparks flashed, and the bullet split and scattered.
“Wow, dammit. That was scary!!”
The gilded fan flows with [Mana].
In alarm over the sudden attack, a message appeared before Wakamou.
[You have acquired the skill [Mana Manipulation]].
“If this stops a skill from appearing, I’m coming back to kill you twice, you damn dwarf!!!”
A fierce roaring echo.
In a rage-induced fury, Wakamou threw the folded fan, pinning it precisely into the dwarf’s head.
[The 8th floor of Incheon Tower has achieved Platinum Status and will open to all humanity!!]
A collapsing body.
[Due to the Tower’s Platinum Strategy, rewards have increased]
A flowing silence.
And a figurine bestowed into Wakamou’s hands.
“…..”
[You have acquired the Legendary-grade item [Idol’s Statue]!]
[Idol’s Statue]
Grade: Legendary.
An object for idol worship.
It is modeled in the likeness of VTuber Wakamou Inarizushi.
Placing it in a display case increases all stats.
All Stats +10
“……”
Wakamou has no stats other than Mana.
Approximately accounting for a Legendary item equivalent to 10 subscribers….
The quality was unnecessarily high, as if the Tower, smugly offering it, was saying it would explode in popularity as a gift for believer worship.
Checking even the black underwear, the material was so good the easily breakable sleeves were quite sturdy. The detail of the beauty mark on the chest was accurate and the quality of the eyes’ makeup was excellent. The finish of the hair strands was well done… The craftsmanship was top-notch, possibly priceless.
But, why Wakamou?
“If you were going to give something… can’t you make it our queen… damn it…”
Why was there a tinge of sadness in these flowing tears?
Being an idol was indeed a hard gig!!
The Tower was not at fault. As Wakamou ascended, it was dutifully giving items he might need!
You didn’t choose an attack skill. If you’re annoyed, climb the Tower, the unseen message seemed to imply.
No, this isn’t just a feeling…