LIGHTNOVELSTORY “I have a lot to say, but I’ve done something reckless. Isn’t revealing one’s identity the worst for a VTuber?”
“If there are no fans, there are no VTubers. I was even prepared to die for my fans!! That’s what a VTuber is!!”
In truth, if Wakamou has no fans, he perishes. Even just one fan spreading good stories is advantageous!!
However, Manager Wanda Haye completely misunderstood this.
His ideal as a VTuber is exceedingly high. It was at a level where he couldn’t comprehend the emotions…
At one time, he might have been an idol, not a human but a Fox Deity, so cherishing believers would be natural.
Manager Wanda Haye pondered what it was like during the time she was worshiped. Perhaps she informed people of impending rain, aided in battles against foreign enemies, started fires, or hunted to feed the tribe(?).
Thus, she felt reassured in this sudden situation.
Because she fought a strong enemy while in a weakened state to protect her believers, even in a situation where her identity might be revealed.
“Is this the extent of a climber from the lowest layer?”
As someone who consistently watched the broadcasts, she believed it when Wakamou said his divine powers and spells had vanished.
Thus, convinced that he fought with pure physical strength, she let out a hollow laugh as she vividly remembered the image of the [Wooden Guardian].
She thought it mimicked an unbearably strong enemy as if it were some incomprehensible power, unable to fathom that such a thing could be possible. Despite recognizing that the entity wasn’t real, she felt an overwhelming presence as if a true knight had appeared.
For a moment, she felt a tremendous release of [Mana].
Even as a conqueror of the tower, she could not estimate how much mana it was because the numbers were so overwhelming…. There was no doubt about Wakamou’s strength.
And at the same time, she sincerely hoped that his love for people wasn’t just an act.
From watching the broadcasts for a long time, she always thought he was a bit peculiar!
Look at how he lovingly lifts a girl in a cute rabbit hood, like giving her an airplane ride and then tenderly bringing her to her mother’s arms. Surely, in those days, a child would be as precious as the future of the tribe(?), and even now, she might be a promising prospect who could become a VTuber because she liked them so much.
“I’ll take the entire menu.”
While entrusting the cleanup of the surroundings, such as Drake’s, to the other agents and welcoming the remaining people in as the collaboration point opened and started serving guests, she did not have a choice about those who fled.
Logically thinking, it was strange to be running a business in such a situation rather than evacuating.
However, the manager of the Incheon Animiner Shop exchanged glances silently with Manager Wanda Haye. It was a move to get Wakamou involved on a national scale from the very beginning by moving up the collaboration schedule, so what would happen if they canceled events here and failed?
She just hoped that the monster wouldn’t wreak havoc inside the store.
“Customer, would you like to check out?”
Crash.
“One coaster, postcard, sticker, hologram ticket, lenticular fan, masking tape, SD key holder, clear file, memo pad, trading polaroid, acrylic colored paper, transportation card sticker, trading can badge, squishy cushion, acrylic stand, A2 tapestry, photo mug, full-print hoodie, multi-cleaner, cloak blanket, desk mat, acrylic glitter stand, tumbler, full-print T-shirt, eco bag, portable battery, acrylic frame, wireless charging stand, noren, magnet sheet, round mouse pad, eco bag for each VTuber type, and special bonuses for goods purchase.”
“Ah, yes… about that… and food…?”
“The whole menu.”
“Pardon?”
“All of it, please.”
Cold sweat trickled down the staff’s cheek, wondering if they misheard the order, diligently scanning barcodes. Buying all of these would easily go over 2 million won… With over eight types, she wanted to ask if he was serious about purchasing them all, but Wakamou wasn’t satisfied yet.
“Apart from the bonuses, is there a purchase limit on any other figures?”
“Yes… One per person.”
“Then I’ll buy one too. I entered with this number, was I possibly selected?”
“Congratulations! You are a selected winner! Please wait a moment!”
“Wow, I envy you.”
Wakamou thought buying specials was too much, so he was just planning to buy a regular figure.
He asked for all of the 1 type displayed in the showcase. Who would’ve thought someone who came with him would be a special winner!
She looked at her enviously, and she slyly nudged the box the staff brought toward Wakamou.
“I only entered because I wanted to meet Wakamou. I have a lot to discuss… Would you mind taking it as a fan gift, including the receipt?”
“Can I suck on your toes?”
“Stop that.”
The fox tail swayed wildly, showing just how pleased she was. A customer standing behind her accidentally got tangled in and brushed by the fox tail, but instead of displeasure, he had a happy expression, while the one behind cast a jealous gaze at the back of Wakamou’s head.
Though a massive pile of items amassed, Wakamou carefully moved them to her seat, ensuring they wouldn’t be crushed.
“It even regenerates mana when I eat it.”
Snapping pictures of the dishes as soon as they were served, she admired their beauty, offered a prayer of thanks while looking at the imprinted VTuber characters, and enjoyed a happy meal.
Being able to eat all this was already a joy, but the fact that it filled her mana? This was too generous!!
Not having a stomach in existence brought up the question of where it all went, but she didn’t care and swallowed it all. With every bite, she felt a surge of restored mana, feeling as if the love of the VTubers wrapped around her, she was simply happy.
The displeasure she felt earlier from the attack seemed to wash away…!!
In addition, the [『Figma NO.777! Virtual Live 5th Festival Commemoration! Paradise’s Guerilla ☆ Explosive ☆ Bunny ☆ Peko Yamaragu!』 Animinus Shop Korea Region Limited [Quantity Limited & Autographed]] figure, which she had practically given up on, was not just enough but also the 【Collaboration Memorable Special Skill! Domain Expansion Backroom Kidnapping Pro Charisma White Fox Limited 1/7 Statue】 was in her hands.
Is this the weight of happiness…?
I’m sooo happy!!!!
While Wakamou smiled blissfully as she ate, Manager Wanda Haye, sitting beside her sipping a drink, felt it was about time to get to the main point and opened her mouth to speak.
“First of all, as you might see, I’m Head of the Surveillance Team at the Climber Association. Here’s my business card.”
“Mm…”
“Just to note, I entered the collaboration café just to meet you, Wakamou. I was in line since dawn.”
“Camping out is a bit much…”
“But wasn’t it you, Wakamou, who said to arrive a day early if you want to buy goods?”
“Well, yes… According to the ID, I know who you are. You’re the one who was so happy, saying you’ve earned a lot listening to my stock and coin tips, aren’t you?”
“Do you remember?”
“I remember all the 200 usual viewers’ IDs on my broadcasts. These days there are way too many, so I can’t remember them all.”
Wanda was taken aback by Wakamou’s words. He remembers all that…? Well, remembering each believer and calling them by name and caring for them is a god’s natural duty.
Of course, she’s not a real god, but just an idol being worshiped. Being revered like a god means there would have been many things to mind.
“Aren’t you providing stock or coin tips anymore? With no divine powers now, it feels too much like leaking heavenly secrets.”
“It’s fine. It’s the problem of those who missed the opportunity. I’ve earned so much I could retire immediately.”
With 20 billion, there’s no joke; she could quit her job right away and do nothing. However, she became a climber because she respected the Association President. It was merely coincidental that during her spare time she watched some broadcasts and came across Wakamou.
Perhaps all this is a matter of fate? She felt a mysterious pull of destiny.
Actually, it was just that she watched so many stock-related broadcasts that it popped up in her algorithm.
But isn’t it better if they don’t know such truth-destroying delusions between each other?
“We are already aware of Wakamou’s special situation on our side. We’ve secured the footage from nearby CCTVs. We’re planning to assist with measures to hide the red pill if videos get uploaded to YouTube. Since you are a climber.”
“Aren’t you hoping for something beyond that? Like the ‘Complete Strategy Layer’?”
“Right. It wasn’t my intent to hide it from you, Lord. I was also surprised when my favorite went on to debut as a VTuber. Watching turned out to be more fun than anticipated, especially [Dark Ring].”
“Ahem…”
Blushing, Wakamou chuckled, saying even not being able to play games could be a talent. In her arms was the limited edition figure Wanda Haye claimed, cherished and closely held. It was clear she had garnered enough favor. After all, she is a VTuber who cherishes her believers… no, fans.
Anyone observing the tender tone of her voice speaking to a longtime fan before her VTuber debut would understand, wouldn’t they?
“In any case, the ‘Complete Strategy Layer’ can be accessed by civilians as well as climbers. It could aptly be described as a ‘common layer.’ Right now, although it’s the lowest layer, starting with securing [Oil Slime], [Soul Bunny], [Angry Boar], and [Peril Deer] are classified as food materials, while [Killer Ankole Watusi] can be used to make armor materials. Besides, monsters in the upper layers have their useful elements──land itself has considerable value.”
Even though it’s the lowest layer, the land includes safe cultivation grounds without monster attacks, timber resources, coal, iron ore, and even stones─ Manager Wanda Haye kindly explained each resource to Wakamou.
“In copyright terms, it would be correct to call it a ‘layer lease license.’ As you know, the transfer of ownership is impossible. You could say, holding the right to authorize development and lease land is overwhelmingly advantageous. If you could grant this authority to our government…no, our association, there’d be benefits including income tax, resident tax, insurance, and pension reductions─”
“It’s difficult to forcibly take the land. It feels like leasing the right of land use to the state, right? I don’t need that much in terms of profit-sharing. At most, 2%?”
“Humm… the ownership of the strategy layer lies with Wakamou. While I’d appreciate any concessions, wouldn’t that be a significant loss for you?”
“1% is from VTuber merchandise sales income, and the other 1% is like collecting a salary for when I need a manager for future broadcasts.”
“Understood. Would it be okay if I became your manager in that case?”
“Is that alright? What about your association work?”
“All of that included, you’re a promising prospect. We’ll issue you a new ID card for Wakamou, and you can think of us managing the VTuber broadcasts for you, ensuring convenience for Wakamou’s future activities.”
Saying it was like a contract, she revealed it was part of her plan and showed the contract. Only the profit part was left blank─ though she said there were no intentions of deceiving Wakamou, encouraging a thorough review and openness to amendments at any time.
Saying he had no intention of deceiving Wakamou, he told him to carefully review the contract and provide any feedback, as it could be amended anytime.
However, Wakamou briefly hesitated before happily signing it.
“I’ll set the duration to match the term of the current Association President. I remember the manager saying in chat that our president was a good person.”
“Oh…uh, just how much do you know about the Association President?”
“The guy with the beard?”
Well, it’s difficult to have much interest unless you’re a climber. Manager Wanda Haye sighed in relief, feeling grateful that he didn’t harbor any ill will.
“Regarding management of the broadcast channel, support for creating image resources like thumbnails, and consulting on content, please feel free to contact us anytime, Mr. Wakamou. Is it okay to announce this on the fan cafe?”
“Isn’t it better to let them know I have a manager?”
“Then we should start with the rules. There’s a lot to do.”
“Um… would there be provisions for mana potions as well?”
“That’s not difficult. I look forward to working with you. As your residence is likely a secret. How about we meet at Incheon Tower?”
“Sounds good.”
With a handshake, the contract was smoothly sealed!
There seemed to be no major issues with her story or the contract, upon reviewing several times.
It didn’t appear as if she had any intent to deceive. His genuine gesture of taking less money was moving.
Moreover, Wakamou, who didn’t particularly need money due to his ability to live with only mana and had no expenses, was content to receive moderately. He wouldn’t get sick either!
Political matters were left to the association, as having the Climber Association backing was reassuring, with no use for the ‘Complete Strategy Layer’ anyway.
Red pill leakage worries decreased with this!!
‘Maybe the believers might be surprised if they find out?’
At any rate, Wakamou enjoyed the collaboration menu and headed to a suitable alley to gather his items and open a portal back home.
He received and drank a few mana potions from Manager Wanda Haye, considering he’d recover a bit.
[Abilities]
Mana: 44,571
“This is bad….”
What should I do? While being immersed in such worries—Wakamou naturally glanced at the construction site visible in his view.
Seems like I have no choice but to go through with it….
※※※
[Posted by: Anonymous]
[Title: Almost died going to collab cafe].
Heard the event moved earlier so jobless me ran straight to it.
Of course, the line was super long, some people had been standing since dawn.
But then, I saw someone asserting themselves like crazy.
Could tell it was huge from a distance, the scale was on another level.
And the proportions were insane. Just crossing the arms, and oh my.
Turns out it was our Leader!! No red pill photos though mystically.
Was in awe at seeing in person that they’re even more beautiful.
[Photo of Drake looking from afar]
Can you see? Filmed Jurassic World live, damn.
Thought I’d die a meaningless death without even dating.
Then, our Leader decisively thrashed it with a Triegard Cross Technique.
Later, saw the news interview, and it turns out a Fighter from a guild said it’s genuine Cross Technique.
The real traditional martial arts, thought lost since the Cultural Revolution, still thrive in South Korea.
[Photo of massive Tree Guardian]
Visible level of aura.
Of course, humanity would win against cold-blooded animals.
-Shouldn’t Cross Technique be invisible?
-Oh! The Leader’s skills were profound enough to be visible!!
-Even if the red pill is exposed, the Fox Deity cherishing its believers made me cry.
-This is the ancient strength humanity lost…!
-Even a hopeless otaku jobless virgin can have worth…I’ll love you!
-No way dude lol
-If you’re hopeless, will you embrace me? Urgent.
-VTuber fan….
-We lost both magic and divine power, but we have believers! That’s reason enough to risk our lives!
-Feeling like truly living in a different era.
-In Leader’s era, wasn’t it like generals fighting on horseback with weapons?
-No wonder their voice sounded like a man’s; truly a great man.
-Who cares about that when Leader took the raffle ticket and limited edition figurine?
-Super jealous, damn, even without any supernatural power!!! I wanted it!!
-If our Leader is happy, isn’t that all that matters?
-Saved our lives, at least let them have that….
-Was standing behind Leader, their tail fur was super fluffy. Smelled fragrant….
-Die
-Die
-What’s Joo-dtak doing, not banning this bastard!!!
-Why do only you get rewarded? Why do only you get rewarded? Why do only you get rewarded?
-Oh, this bloke’s going dark.
[Posted by: Anonymous]
[Title: This needs to be seen as a video].
All the videos are down now.
Tree Guardian appeared around the Leader taking stance.
Then an ear-splitting sound and that giant Drake got pushed back.
Immediately after, a crash as it got stamped by the forelimbs, and it croaked.
-The Drake that lived at the tower met a boss and died upon entering the field.
-Cross Technique reflects what’s stronger than human…Thus Fox Deity took the form of a strong being!!
-Recognizing the painful defeat illustrates the strength of the [Tree Guardian].
-Really huge in reality. I was a bit freaked out.
-But why were the videos taken down? All the posts are gone too?
-Because they were red pill exposure stuff.
-Did you see cafe notice? Got expelled for posting on the cafe, but I missed the notice.
-Believer, did you post Leader’s red pill in the cafe?
-I’ll know you’ve been taken if you disappear oo
-What’s the deal anyway?
-The Manager who runs the Leader fan cafe is the Deputy Head of the climbing association monitoring team oo There’s confirmation.
-Why the heck is a government agent the cafe manager lol
[Posted by: ReptilianConspiracy]
[Title: So what you’re saying when you summarize Leader is this]
Massively into VTuber broadcasts, giving information that makes money with supernatural power through cuts.
Already had earned 20 billion from the beginning <—(Don’t call them a bastard oo be careful).
So, they knew Fox Deity’s true identity.
Honestly, would you invest recklessly? Invested because you knew.
So, it means the government side knew about our Leader and kept it hidden.
Then, once they became a climber suddenly, they hurriedly got approached to be a broadcast manager.
An officer working and meeting the Leader in person, receiving the tail fur experience?
Crazy envious, damn…..
Anyway, don’t upload red pill videos recklessly.
A pal of mine uploaded it and got taken away by guys in black suits.
-Normally, it’d be a pamphlet at the end but feels super real this time.
-How is a manager the climbing association head lol
-Save me!! Save me!! My cat did it!!
-According to the notice, asking about stocks or cryptocurrencies is prohibited. Since there’s nothing like financial collapse exposed oo
-Why do all stocks and coins end when they become famous?? Why do I always miss opportunities?
-That’s why Leader says you’re a dumb creature.
-Ah! Our believer’s intelligence is no more than a monkey’s!!
-Even a monkey brat is okay if I could just hug into a big chest once…
-Because of Leader, only crazy perverts remain in the gallery….
-Then, could the gallery admin be a government agent too?
-Gasp.
-Gasp.
-Gasp.
-Guess it’s an official getting paid!! Do your job, admin!!
“All domestic videos have been taken down and reporters have been warned, but how should we handle the ones being uploaded to overseas sites using proxy servers?”
“Let it be. It’s hard to see unless you specifically look for it. It won’t hurt to leak a little. I’m glad the agreement seems well established, Ms. Wanda Haye.”
“Yes. Then, Association President, would you review the plan of temporarily operating in the form of leasing layers to guilds near Incheon Tower? A government official is handling the terrorism resolution.”
“Opportunities shall be given to the young legislators. I observed her efforts well. An idol stepping up for believers…Idols can’t exist without fan interest…. Sacrificing for others is often called noble. Witnessing it firsthand even makes an old man like me proud.”
But the same mistake should not happen again.
The Association President, hands clasped behind his back, issued that warning.
Though they managed to thwart the ‘Six Legged Beast’s’ terror, hiding Wakamou Inarizushi’s identity failed. From the start, concealing her while broadcasting was difficult, but now, her existence would not be just known domestically, but worldwide.
Hunters might come, seeking her for being genuinely non-human.
The president, still calling her a monster, might make misguided decisions out of fear.
Despite how the world changes, betrayal always remains.
“The days where the public was swayed by agitprop are long gone. Manager Wanda Haye. Donate part of the revenue from the ‘Complete Strategy Layer’ under her name. There’s nothing easier than money to capture people’s hearts, you know. Messy, complex politics─leave those affairs to the old raccoon who’s well-versed in such matters.”
A term contract to continue only until his term ends.
It almost implicitly indicated that she discreetly informed him she would support his assuming absolute power.
To be chosen and supported by an entity who could once have been called a god.
“The times when I resented God feel laughable. Such a cute deity has come by. Even an old man like me might seem like a child to her?”
“You still look quite young.”
“Sweet talker.”
Staring at the scaled Incheon Tower, perhaps this was the second most surprising event since the tower appeared—the debut of an idol.
Even the elderly were thrilled with anticipation over what miraculous events she might cause.
“─I can’t blame people for yearning for her broadcast.”
“Today, perhaps, she might take a break from broadcasting.”
“Of course.”
[Level 10] is no walk in the park indeed.
After battling the [Drake], would she open a broadcast? It would be nice not to overdo it and take a day off.
Ding-dong―♪
“Oh.”
But an alert rang from Manager Wanda Haye’s smartphone.
“Broadcast is up?”
“Why not lower the screen?”