LIGHTNOVELSTORY A Peaceful afternoon, when the sun began its slow descent from zenith.
In an instant, the seemingly tranquil street was engulfed in chaos.
Thanks to an effective emergency communication system and regular training, citizens swiftly evacuated to the subway, Climber’s Guild buildings, or the association.
The vague fear that Incheon Tower might collapse one day prompted persistent drills, which saved countless lives amidst a sudden terror.
Firefighters, police, and even soldiers stationed in Incheon were deployed to subdue the rampaging Monsters.
Among them were Climbers ascending the Incheon Tower.
“Is this the work of the [Six Legged Beast], Mr. Association President?”
“Isn’t it obvious?”
Despite their grandiose nomenclature, these Climber terrorists aiming to topple the six inhabited continents were so called.
They bear no unified ideology.
Some awakened just before unjust execution, intent on transforming the nation’s system.
Some claimed they were chosen ones, vowing to eradicate old humanity that couldn’t keep up with the neo-human Climbers.
Some sought to dismantle everything to become rulers through brute strength.
Some simply wanted to indulge their desires, acting on a whim.
Some believed the Towers were divine judgement, hoping to annihilate civilization through their collapse.
Some were so ashamed of their goat-ridden occupation they could no longer endure.
Their goals, dedication, and beliefs were so disparate it was remarkable they didn’t turn on each other.
Thus, the world government speculated there might be a shadowy figure controlling them, but even after 10 years, nonconformists, criminals, and terrorists continued to emerge.
Despite the Towers’ stringent screening, some defied description, possessing twisted personalities and perverted desires.
When the Towers first appeared, there were countless cities destroyed from failed attempts to blow them up. In such places, orphans growing up without parents were sometimes chosen by the Tower. These individuals were absorbed by the [Six Legged Beast], an independent entity.
While they shared connections, they were far from a coherent team—more accurately a band of lunatics.
Moreover, their followers compounded the issue immeasurably. The somewhat relieving factor was that every one of them had their ‘Identity’ fully exposed by the Tower, yet their majority possessed the extreme occupation of ‘Legendary Class,’ making captivity or assassination difficult.
“They don’t seem to be aiming for the Tower’s collapse.”
Calmly observing the situation through the window, the Association President assessed the circumstances.
Being South Korea’s foremost power, he couldn’t act rashly. Moving without comprehending their exact intentions could play right into their hands.
At least, it didn’t seem they were targeting the Tower’s collapse.
With each having various mechanics and traits, the Towers have three primary conditions for collapse.
1. Allow the Tower to remain. Most collapse this way.
2. Destroy the Tower externally. As layers increase, so does durability. Towers like the 100-floor Incheon Tower wouldn’t collapse unless hit with a nuclear missile.
3. Motivate and instigate the Tower’s collapse, being the easiest path.
After conquering the Tower and trading acquired items or equipment, abandoning climbing results in losing all gained abilities.
It was insanity, yet as conquest attempts accumulated, difficulty increased, even for smaller Towers.
That’s why the Association President ceased climbing altogether.
But even when downhill, conquest counts were erased.
Though it wouldn’t retrieve the conquered Towers, their endgame was always the Tower’s ruin.
The strategy was to gear up with the best equipment, swiftly ascend, and intentionally collapse it.
“Has new personnel been added to the Incheon Tower?”
“No, they simply released Monsters. While subduing followers, it appears they’ve navigated from China to Seoul across the sea.”
“That stirs painful memories…”
With numerous Monster spawnings, it seemed the handiwork of that malicious ‘Collector.’ Did it acquire its ‘Legendary Class’ through collecting people too?
Operating in this age, participating in sadistic broadcasts, unabashedly breaching morals seemed the norm.
However, amid the [Six Legged Beast], even factoring greed, it was most revolting, ridiculously vulgar—a figure raging from lust.
“It seems like our objectives might coincide. What do you think? Think Manager Wanda Haye can handle it?”
“Ah, well… we’ve just received reinforcements request. [Drake] is heading towards the operational district.”
“…And you tell me this now?”
“Because the Association President appeared confident with a smile…”
The nation’s future is bleak. The Association President let out a deep sigh.
Why did he oddly miss the days when he could just dive into situations and knock down problems?
“With the next Association President nearby, isn’t some worry unnecessary? Provided unexpected disturbances avoid the foreseen path.”
“The current disturbance resulted in the reinforcement call…”
“You’ll have your pay docked.”
*
Manager Wanda Haye wasn’t fazed by the sudden terror attack.
If it came to someone like Wakamou Inarizushi, it was purely opportunistic.
Particularly with unique traits like the Fox Deity and the audacity to unveil oneself through broadcasting, it would be stranger not to be a target.
Hence, she had to remain alert for the sudden appearance of [Six Legged Beast].
Despite her appearance, she had successfully conquered the 50-floor Tower in Chungju, making a few Monsters manageable without activating [Skills], just using her gun.
Combat experience was at an entirely different level.
While aiding the evacuation of citizens, she eliminated suspected followers in action, stationed agents around the collaboration’s proximity, and received situation reports.
The emergence of a thin-skinned [Drake] on the 22nd tier.
Perhaps in a frenzied state, its bloodshot eyes moved more swiftly than a regular Drake.
She immediately commanded her team to stall for time while she proceeded there.
‘Wakamou Leader maintains the VTuber persona, attempting to avoid exposure in front of a crowd while wearing such a feeble disguise.’
Who would fail to recognize such a giant?
No one approached to speak, respecting the unwritten code of the red-pill VTuber enthusiasts.
Everybody standing in the line came to enjoy a collaboration event.
Additionally, manager Wanda Haye knew particularly well how Leader lauded VTubers.
Desperate to participate in the advancing event schedule, even in a helpless state with no supernatural power nor ability to use magic, she truly dashed out on a whim.
‘Clearly, some information leaked.’
Bringing forward the collaboration’s schedule was a joint endeavor of the Climbing Association and government.
Conducted as a simple company-level event, of course it sped up with national-level backing. An overseas collaboration requiring exclusive items made it feasible, albeit pushy.
On the other hand, discovering that [Six Legged Beast] identified and timed the terrorist act accordingly is troubling.
Targeting none other than [Wakamou Inarizushi].
No matter the prowess, she’s only a 9-tiered Climber at entry level.
Engaging with a 13-tier difference against a [Giant Monster] was suicidal, forecasting an inevitable death.
‘It’s far too blatant! No large Monsters elsewhere!’
Not preparing for such a scenario was a misstep by the Association.
She might not engage in battle due to preserving her VTuber identity publicly, but if she completely retreated due to this ordeal, it would put them in a bind.
If not now, accessing her might be a year off in Japan.
However.
An unforeseen twist more challenging than her dreadful imaginings took place.
“What?!”
Along with a hasty agent’s report, dashing across rooftops, she confronted:
A Drake raging down the road, crumpling cars like soda cans, resembling a prehistoric T-rex reborn in modern times.
And standing defiantly before it, discarding her hat, was none other than the Fox Deity!
*
Countless thoughts flashed through her mind.
A mother clasping her daughter, shrieking in fear. Panicking masses dispersing in urgency.
A misalignment of excessively dense crowds caused tangles, collisions, and toppled bodies, amplifying chaos.
“Stop right there!!!”
A booming voice that pierced ears.
The uproar halted at the commanding shout, drawing attention.
“Believers, you understand how vital the red-pill is to a VTuber, right?”
With an unmistakable glance towards the onlookers, she delivered a smile. Even a few dazed youths nodded in affirmation.
Eager devotees, recognizing Wakamou offered no interruption, maintained respectful distance.
Unable to post photos, they might settle with community threads.
After only 6 days of VTuber broadcasting, already facing a red-pill crisis…but the one eager for collaboration was undeniably herself. And here, there were countless VTuber fans.
Children clutching mom’s hand, perhaps experiencing foreign travel for the first time, deserved joyous memories, not a terrible day.
Even if we lack it, it’s not going to be the worst day ever.
Anyway, they’ll never discover my red pill!!
Sometimes, there’s something more important than appearances. Just like loving the effort and passion of VTubers, focusing on the viewers while streaming as a VTuber—what can I do for the fans as a Climber. Even though I’ve never signed an autograph.
“Today is a good day. The much-awaited dream collab has opened.”
I head out to the streets.
Wondering how long it would take for other Climbers to arrive. People who had been hiding on the roof jumped out and started shooting, but it seemed it hardly affected Drake. The urgency was so evident that you could sense their emotions even from afar.
Are there hardly any Climbers in South Korea? That’s a sad thing indeed.
Thus, it’s up to a Climber VTuber to take action.
“I alone must protect the happiness of VTuber fans….”
Don’t weigh dreams and romance against the realities of gain and loss, Wakamou!!
When a VTuber decides to act, it’s already a done deal!!
※※※
“So, to explain, the situation was quite dire. With the appearance of a [Large Monster], our guild sent me because I was closest.”
A [Fighter] class Climber climbing the 30th floor of Incheon Tower glanced at the disastrously shattered road outside and continued responding to the reporter’s question.
Despite not wielding a heavy weapon and having a high stamina stat, I was the first to arrive and see it for myself.
“As you know… the Tower grants skills according to one’s job. [Fist of Form] or [Fist of Forming]… commonly known as Chinese martial arts. For instance, I can wield the [Fist of the Ape], imitating the agile and nimble movements of a monkey. But that’s all a [Skill]. When used, mana wraps around like this.”
Demonstrating the skill, the [Fighter] kindly explained that the shimmering mana around him signaled the skill activation and recalled the moment.
Standing over 2 meters tall. The fact that this giant was a woman was surprising, but the opponent charging ahead was a [Drake] standing over 4 meters, double the height of the woman.
At a speed of 40KM, the [Drake] charged with its jaws wide open to capture the giant Fox Deity while its tail wagged furiously.
A charge from the [Large Monster] heavy enough to leave distinct footprints on the asphalt road.
“Just because the floor is higher doesn’t mean it’s necessarily stronger. Unless you’re a tank, you don’t block head-on.”
Even if you’re a tank, you don’t block that way.
The biting force of a [Drake] is at least 5,700KG, similar to having six compact cars falling on you.
“Even a tank on the 30th floor would be crushed along with their shield and armor. Logically speaking, that is.”
The [Fighter] glanced back at the road outside, not seeing dinosaur tracks, but pointing to the small footprints etched deeply in the asphalt.
“I mentioned [Skills] earlier. Perhaps it was an illusion. In simpler terms, it might have been a hallucination seen through intimidation… Could you believe it? I might have witnessed what true [Fist of Forming] is.”
In front of those small footprints was
the vivid imprint of something being pushed back, leaving a distinct parallel “11” mark on the road.
“A 7-ton Drake was overpowered in a contest of strength by a 200KG lowest-floor Climber.”
※※※
A worst-case scenario where one might die caught up in a terrorist attack while here for the collab event.
Such a situation unfolded, so shocking that the sheer terror and fear were forgotten.
The Believer witnessed it. Even a Tyrannosaurus from Jurassic World was bewildered.
The intimidation was different, even believing they were done for.
The Osier, who was trying to hide their identity, stepped forward and crouched as if to sprint.
What are they trying to do? No matter how fearless she is, she’s just a lowest-floor Climber. Such recklessness knows limits!!
Yet, going against the Believer’s worries,
the figure of the Fox Deity disappeared as the giant emerged.
A giant of immense size, unimaginable as a human.
Yet, riding on that enormous figure, wielding a shield and an axe-lance larger than a car and wearing golden armor, appeared a cavalryman in front of Drake.
Who wouldn’t be surprised!!
Mana: 434,571 -> 421,983.
The giant form manifested by casting [Form of the Idol].
If I must name it, I’d call it 【Fist of Forming: Wooden Guardian】!!
“Grraaoorr?!?”
The charging Drake suddenly ground to a halt.
It was no wonder; the sudden emergence of the shield-bearing giant triggered instinctive caution, causing it to stop.
Failing to distinguish with its inherent vision that the presence ahead was a mere illusion of mana, the Drake mistakenly perceived it as real.
But this was a beast’s error.
In terms of reacting to a threat, a cavalryman’s charge speeded faster than an animal’s response.
Mana: 421,983 -> 321,980.
Pouring out an absurd amount of 100,000 mana to strengthen the legs with [Mana Manipulation], Wakamou shot forth.
With an ear-splitting explosion akin to a missile launching, leaving a trail of road debris, the horizontal propulsion soared in.
In the fierce charge of the [Wooden Guardian], Drake was pushed back without a chance to respond.
Even as it braced with its legs, the gigantic dinosaur staggered, pushed back by the cavalryman’s thrust.
Though it realized something touched its head when it bowed, there was no time to discern what it was.
“When a dinosaur on two legs fights against a horse balancing on four legs in a similar tier, naturally, the horse pushes harder. But realistically, weighing only 200KG, pushing away a Drake comparable to 7 tons is nearly impossible for a lowest-floor Climber…”
Following the terrorism incident, the video remained undisclosed, but a scientist studying the Tower and Climbers remarked,
“If equipped with rocket-like acceleration, it wouldn’t be impossible.”
The addition of propulsion changes the story.
The weight felt at the moment of impact from the propelled collision wouldn’t significantly differ from the illusion seen by Drake!
Mana: 321,980 -> 241,062.
‘Gaaah…!!’
The charge using 100,000 mana was so effective it could be called rocket propulsion.
Wakamou clenched his teeth as the loss of mana soared past 80,000 after crashing into the 22nd-floor [Large Monster].
Taking damage like this…!! The fierce fatigue was more severe than expected!!
Well, it’s only natural after colliding with a 22nd-floor [Large Monster]!!
Being grateful for always moving in top condition, he swiftly climbed onto its head before Drake regained its senses.
He leaped into the sky, using Drake beneath him as a stepping stone.
Through [Form of the Idol], another sight manifested, lifting the front legs high above the Drake, showcasing the [Wooden Guardian].
“I’m a Taekwondo black belt──!!”
Do you know the strongest blow humans can land?
The legs have three times the strength of the arms based on an average person.
Pouring mana through [Mana Manipulation] into the foot, he aggressively spun, flipping his body. Having a body immune to dizziness permits any extreme actions!!
Centrifugal force was applied to speed, weight concentrated at the foot, and the heel slammed down!!
Mana: 241,062 -> 40,964.
A 200,000 mana kick!
Do you know that the isekai hero of Virtual Live is a Taekwondo master?
“Altair Kick!!”
An ultra-fast spinning kick landed crisply at the center of Drake’s head!!
The head, being raised, was driven straight into the ground.
Boom!!
With a crackling sound of spreading fissures, the asphalt crumbled, buildings tilted, and fire hydrants burst, sending water jets skyward.
At the same time, the part struck by the heel literally caved in, with Drake’s skull shattered as it rolled back its eyes and frothed blood.
It was an unthinkable overkill.
“Hegh… broken anyway.”
With a bitter smile, he plopped down where he stood.
Sitting atop the dinosaur, the Fox Deity waved toward the Believers who had lost their wits.
“…..You went way beyond imagination.”
“Who?”
SDVIMVFoanVzY1YwSVhjamMzUkt1Y2VIUWZiVkQ1UHFPVnhKWjVSVlBpeUZSbHhDSk9BTDFVUHljWDdoVmh6NQ
And surrounding Wakamou were agents in black suits and a woman he hadn’t met before.
She opted to show rather than tell, displaying the screen of Wakamou’s fan cafe.
A manager-level rating.
“Would it suffice to say I am your fan, Wakamou Inarizushi?”
“I had female fans…?”
That’s more surprising than Drake, for heaven’s sake!!