LIGHTNOVELSTORY As always, while finishing the broadcast, Wakamou was considering a future where he would advance as a VTuber.
You can’t keep broadcasting like this forever. With the increase in income through the Complete Strategy Layer, he needed to invest in the VTuber industry while giving money to Liu Ying.
It might be fun to limit the inclusion of VTuber models in games as mods like today.
But it wouldn’t hit home as much as the tower climbing content viewers jokingly called a real-life online VTuber.
To be honest, some might think there’s not much difference between this and the red pill, so why not just be shameless about it?
“But that’s wrong!! That’s not a VTuber!!! Don’t mock all the hardworking creators!!”
Who’s this fool angry at?
Having invested as a VTuber, Wakamou needed to buy all sorts of equipment, but since he was buying it anyway, he wanted to make the Studio itself.
With the Climber Association’s help, hiring wouldn’t be a problem, but in the end, money was needed to acquire the best equipment.
Funds were also required for manpower to rig 3D avatars with motion, facial, and eye tracking.
He needed to get a vive tracker too. Luckily, Wakamou’s arms and legs were slender, so this wasn’t an issue. A studio that included space for motion capture and motion capture cameras was also necessary.
Don’t we have [My Worlds]? It wouldn’t matter if it expanded later, but since Wakamou was providing the power, mana consumption had to be considered.
A generator couldn’t be placed there.
What if, during an exciting 3D live concert, Wakamou runs out of mana and dies, ruining Hajime Ichigo’s performance?
Even in death, he wouldn’t close his eyes.
Anyway, as always? While grumbling about what kind of reward this is after conquering the 13th layer, a message that shouldn’t be heard echoed out.
Since he couldn’t be cooped up in [My Worlds] forever, he thought it might be meaningful, at least, to come out with plans to feed burgers and see what might appear in the 14th layer.
[The Incheon Tower 15th floor achieves Platinum conditions and opens to all humanity!!]
“….What?”
Wakamou perked up his ears, showing an expression of bewilderment. ──Perhaps he hadn’t thought it might be possible for the leading climber to reach the ‘Complete Strategy Layer’ first.
Then what happens to the shares? Wakamou tilted his head.
Not that he was particularly greedy, he hadn’t told Manager Wanda Haye how he viewed it, but he had vaguely mentioned that it could be achieved by maxing it out and striking it down.
“Towers look at the climber’s profession as well. Whatever Wakamou’s profession is, the conditions might vary for each climber.”
In the Legendary Class, Wakamou seemed to be in [Non-Combat Professions], appearing near the bottom. No matter how hard he climbed the tower, his stats increased irrelevant to the tower, eventually reaching a decisive limit… it was a profession that in many ways could be said to have fewer merits than other climbers.
But on the contrary, that’s why the lower layer’s difficulty is nothing but spoon-feeding!
“If you look, the monsters in Incheon Tower reported are typically…when you check the upper floors, they’re classified in such a way, dividing them by type, not all conditions are the same.”
“Really?”
Anyway, Wakamou, recalling that time, figured that any climber who succeeded must have done it.
Many were aiming because they heard that the rewards for the Complete Strategy Layer were more generous, but Manager Wanda Haye had also warned him to look after his health because of international turmoil due to information that achieving it continuously provided new layers.
Indeed, all sorts of things flooded the mailbox, and the manager was handling everything, telling him not to think about opening them.
Nevertheless, he was well-receiving requests from VTubers for his sake.
While watching Liu Ying concentrate on eating a burger with both hands and wiping her mouth with a napkin, his phone rang. Since there was only one person who would call him, he picked up, worried about what the manager wanted.
Over the phone came an astonishing and unexpected story.
“The one who conquered the 15th layer is Chinese?”
※※※
“It seems that Collector has done a good job as planned.”
“……”
“Perhaps you’re questioning my sanity? It might seem like I’m coercing you by holding your life in my hands.”
“No, I’m not.”
“I’m the President.”
Inside the Cheong Wa Dae residence, curtains drawn, the president, holding his breath in the shadows, looked at the young lawmaker who was watching his steps. He was the leader of the nation. Well, he had to be the supreme leader. But what of himself, including the former president?
Wasn’t the Association President, the head of that barbaric climber clan, the one who actually held power?
To the Speaker of the National Assembly and Chief Justice, even among other ministers who weren’t looking at him but watching for the Association President’s eyes.
Having saved a near-destroyed Korea and conquered three towers, he was Korea’s top climber. But now that climbers were starting to increase, the current president only saw him as a thorn, holding power as if he were king.
The young lawmaker thought the old man had lost his senses, wondering why he would engage in such pointless actions…but self-preservation came first, so he dutifully followed orders, lamenting his predicament.
“Except for the Prime Minister, there isn’t even anyone who follows me.”
As he slowly drank the tea placed on the table, he wanted to reconstruct Korea, which lacked the number and influence of climbers compared to other countries, to the best of his ability. Fueled by the ambition to be remembered as a great historic figure, he had become president.
“They are all enchanted by a lunatic fox.”
Watching the video of Fox Deity Wakamou Inarizushi slaughtering goblins mercilessly, the president shuddered with fear. It was unbelievable to think that being said to have lost power recently. Even if it were true, it was a problem.
What if she regained her full strength in the future? If she tried to devour the nation whole?
White-faced Golden Fox-Gumiho─ wasn’t there once a story that she was, in her true identity, Dalki, the femme fatale who had destroyed many nations?
“I’m doing my utmost for the country!!”
Although the Association President vouched for her, he reached out for cooperation from the United States, Japan, Russia, and China. He worked to somehow eliminate this being, which couldn’t even be called climber, for Korea’s future.
Hadn’t this entity even handed more power to the Association President?!
‘Is it just because you didn’t side with them….?’
As the young lawmaker poured out fervent patriotism, his emotions gushing forth in a youthful passion-driven speech, he silently nodded and countered with excellent, great three-beat pretexts while mentally covering his ears.
But really, isn’t he crazy…?
Giving information to a climber treated as a terrorist known as [Six Legged Beast]?
‘He has truly lost his mind…’
The tower occasionally offered unimaginable prizes. From a 100-floor tower overseas, it even provided detailed information on another 100-floor tower. No matter the profession, if one held an item with such information inscribed, the layers would form accordingly.
Also, there were times when a paper listing the strategy would appear─a [15th Floor Incheon Strategy Paper] had once emerged from China.
It was one of the things said to have been displayed by the [Collector].
So─ the climber who conquered the 15th layer now was a follower of the Collector.
‘What president would assist an assassin in coming over….’
A threat targetting Wakamou Inarizushi, an assassin from China, was the alarming notion.
※※※
“The climber’s name is Zhou Yutong. It seems they reset and climbed the Incheon Tower after abandoning climbing another tower.”
The moment you enter a tower and achieve an accomplishment, your name is forcefully revealed, leaving no way to hide it.
In this day and age, identifying nationality by name alone is challenging, but an identity had been secured this time.
“Could it really happen this quickly?”
“There is a fast method, isn’t there? They are among the followers of the [Collector]. They seem to be holding out inside the tower.”
“Is there any way to find them when they come out…?”
To be blunt, the answer would be no. They could only hope to catch them exiting the tower somewhere, searching Invercargill, including CCTV and cooperation requests from guilds. If it were the boundary line of Seoul, it would become an even more complicated issue.
“But ultimately, since tower layers are distinct, doesn’t it not matter?”
“….I hadn’t explained this because it wouldn’t happen….but, once, holders of the ‘Complete Strategy Layer’ accidentally encountered each other while climbing a tower. Isn’t it already strange? The lower-layer victim climbing reported that the tower asked if they wanted to engage in a ‘Layer Theft’ battle.”
“Surely…?”
“It means climbers with a ‘Complete Strategy Layer’ on the same tower can fight for ownership. Although they couldn’t fully know the conditions, since they believed they couldn’t defeat a climber two tiers above them, they transferred the ownership without any major issues. This wouldn’t be the case here.”
An assassin from China is coming to kill Wakamou Inarizushi.
It wasn’t clear if they sought to transfer the Complete Strategy Layer or if there was another objective, as the assassins’ motives remained undisclosed.
[Collector] still maintained their silence, doing nothing, perhaps indicating the prior terrorist act was a distraction to bring the assassin into Incheon.
“……..”
China, of all places.
Listening to Manager Wanda Haye, Wakamou recalled the violence (?) and cyberbullying terror toward VTubers from China.
How many VTubers and companies had suffered damage from China. Even their own domestic VTubers were no exception.
Their sorrow, made a mockery with the mandatory exposure of red pills.
Satisfied with being a VTuber, climbing the tower while broadcasting his life… perhaps this power was given by the tower for me. For VTubers?
“I must protect them….”
If the tower heard this, they’d probably think this guy is a real lunatic, and Manager Wanda Haye might think what a crazy bastard if she understood his true intentions…
Wakamou continually affirms VTubers both now and always.
After climbing towers and broadcasting as a VTuber, he exerts power for VTubers.
Looks like I have to….resort to force.
‘As expected, you don’t seem frightened at all.’
And as much as Manager Wanda Haye misunderstood Wakamou. Even when talking about an assassin who may try to kill him, maintaining such a cold (?) and calm demeanor didn’t surprise her.
The years lived are different!! How many had hunted and targeted the existence known as Wakamou?
Though there were stories of her being Dalki or a White-faced Golden Fox-Gumiho in society, Manager Wanda Haye didn’t believe it.
Even if it’s true…. historically, there’s no proof that those records are indeed facts, is there?
“Will you be going? Our side can provide the necessary support anytime.”
“Then, a VTuber Studio….it requires an enormous sum.”
“….Understood.”
Such composure!! It implies there’s no need to worry about some assassin!!
Reality was just Wakamou, thinking it was the perfect chance considering whatever they needed. Thinking it was probably overly demanding, he’d thrown out the request under the pretense.
“But, is it okay to even broadcast this?”
“Yes? Um….how about we record and edit later…?”
It was agreed through a notice that a live broadcast for believers couldn’t be done.
Announcing that the assassin had arrived on the 15th floor and wouldn’t it be kind of harsh to watch a live broadcast of that?
Believers were speechless at the absurd notice, yet couldn’t help but fall silent at Wakamou’s mental fortitude in using it this way.
This VTuber… isn’t even considering he might die!!
※※※
[The Incheon Tower 14th floor achieves Platinum conditions and opens to all humanity!!]
[Due to Platinum tactics, rewards have increased]
“Whew, that was insanely tough.”
[Status Window]
[Climber: Wakamou Inarizushi]
Wakamou Inarizushi]
[Job: VTuber]
[Age: 1,000 years]
[Stats]
Magic Power: 12,574
[Climbing Incheon Tower, 14th Floor World]
-Watch the difficulties rising with Wakamou Inarizushi’s climber achievements!
-Defeat the [Elite Monster]!
-Defeat the [Ferocious Guillotine Taurus].
[Platinum Achievement Conditions]
-Do not get damaged by [Ferocious Guillotine Taurus] (1/1)
-Destroy the guillotine of [Ferocious Guillotine Taurus] (1/1)
-Defeat [Ferocious Guillotine Taurus] (1/1)
Honestly, it got pretty tense with this creature out of nowhere.
I wanted to save consumables as much as possible, but imagine how much magic energy I spent beating it up.
Plus, fingers and arms were getting chopped off by the guillotine. It was a nightmare.
I had to reconsider using Taekwondo against a monster bigger than me.
Is it the real job limit now? A bit too tough, maybe?
[Skill [Video Shooting] gains [Additional Camera Summon] feature.]
[Skill [Mana Manipulation] gains [Mana Efficiency Increase] feature.]
[Skill [My Worlds] enhances to [Large Full Option Two-room Size].]
[Registrable assets for [VTuber Assets] increase.]
“Mystifying.”
The rewards seem packed to reinforce skills all at once, but no [Attack Skill] was inside. A little worrying, but—wasn’t the opponent unaware of their own weakness? I’d aim to exploit that blind spot.
Assassins coming more frequently, perhaps.
Always staying with Liu Ying, so no kidnap worries. Contacting the Manager whenever heading out for safety and keeping our base moving as per my standard, it wasn’t a problem to hide inside the Tower when needed.
Didn’t see any time limits on Tower clearance conditions.
“Shall we?”
Ascending to the 15th layer, the Tower asked Wakamou if he’d fight for ‘Strata Seizure’ against the ‘Complete Strategy Layer’.
──The 15th layer where an assassin waits, is it.
Honestly speaking, it might be more terrifying than I thought.
But VTubers endure invisible antis and fans in masks causing chaos.
In contrast, merely one assassin trying to kill you!!
No need to weigh the scales!
Compared to a persistent stalker, an assassin you can beat with your own hands is nothing.
“I don’t avoid incoming fights─!!!”
[Climbing Incheon Tower, 15th Floor World]
‘Strata Seizure’ duel occurs between the ‘Complete Strategy Layer’ holders.
Determine victory and defeat without taking each other’s life.
Lose, and your ‘Complete Strategy Layer’ ownership vanishes.
Upon entering the 15th layer, a spear emerges. It seemed visible to the opponent this time.
A climber on a higher floor takes everything from the lower floor!!
It’s a scary top-down penalty purely aiming for ascent.
Yet that’s what battles are. Losers lose everything.
VTubers diligently broadcasting, nurturing dreams, only to face torment from those who simply dislike them, sometimes for no reason, exposing personal affairs, spreading false rumors.
Yet the worst of all is nothing but broadcast terror. Is there anything more distressing to VTubers than cyberbullying?
“Wakamou Inarizushi!! Our master demands the ‘Jade Seal of the State’ you hold!! Surrender it willingly!!”
“Is that your aim? There must be smarter ways. Sticking to such means…isn’t it about stealing what others have achieved?”
“Our master has grand ambitions. Joining our great nation is only natural for this small nation. Doesn’t a long history tell us that? As a long-lived yokai yourself, you should know.”
“What, dreaming of a unification of China?”
“The unification of all under heaven!!”
The assassin Zhou Yitong drew his weapon, hinting words were meaningless now.
“A loyal retainer, startling!!”
Though seeing the drawn sword from his waist, regrettably, even Wakamou couldn’t identify what item it was.
Opponent’s job, perhaps? Wearing light armor, grasping a shield in the other hand, seemed to hint at a [Fighter] lineage. But one had to consider possible deception too.
From helmet to shoes, belt, necklace to rings on fingers.
He was heavily armed, but the only evident fact was he overestimated me.
“[Dance of the Blade]!!”
The ring flashed. When Wakamou deflected the flying blade with a hand chop, it bounced back but clearly came from the ring. What was that classified as? The blades embedded themselves into the floor with a sound, followed by nine other blades shooting at once.
Was all ten rings the same item?
No time to be stunned by obscure choices as floating cameras reflected blades automatically manifesting.
As Wakamou dodged a surprise from behind, the trajectories corrected themselves, shooting at Wakamou.
“[Guaranteed Slash]!”
And once Wakamou made the move as if anticipated, a blade swung from 5M away; its trajectory severed one of Wakamou’s legs with a slice.
The balance tipped without a landing spot.
“Even if poison doesn’t work, ultimately a beast dies if its vitals are hit!”
Assuredly shouted the assassin. As the necklaces emit light, the flying blades intensified in speed, and despite being pinned without a chance to respond, Wakamou tried to rise on one leg.
“[Teleport]─[Cunning Sneak]!”
As soon as a step was taken, a motion defying physics with whizzing approach, the supposedly shield-tipped blades spun, pierced Wakamou’s neck, embedding deeply into half of the face.
And then exploding red blood enough to soak the assassin’s face.
“A snort.”
Due to tower reset, combat power was high as they used various items from the [Collector], changing all skills gained on the tower to interpersonal ones, using artifacts to push and deceive till lethal strike.
“Tastes like pig’s blood.”
Looking down at his creation after suffocating climbers.
Blades embedded diagonally on the face, on the body, and a severed leg there.
Checked head and heart, no need to confirm life or death.
“Don’t care if I left the [Jade Seal of the State].”
Assassin preparing to use a scroll for [Seizure], delighted no one could block the [Collector]’s grand scheme.
Since owning ‘Complete Strategy Layer’ with immense influence in Korea, one awaited higher ranks too, grinned wide.
No more exiting country stealthily, killing climbers, losing life without knowing when.
While chuckling, he noticed something peculiar before tearing the scroll.
His killer instinct keenly tried to alert.
“Can’t agree with your actions. Yet, facing like an assassin with fair fight? Intriguing. Truly confident?”
A slender hand clutched the assassin’s arms.
Moment later, a crunch and breaking sound as hands went limp.
Desperately trying to distance but kicked in the jaw by the severed leg flying from behind caused staggering.
“What…what’s…”
Risen Wakamou casually removed blades embedded in the face.
Soon, the embedded blades dislodged and fell off.
“Pig blood smell does stand out, huh?”
Falling with a thud, dozens of empty sachets from the hole in the stomach.
“…Fake blood?”
Seeing a severed leg reattach perfectly, the assassin grew pale.
But still a pro, used his chest pocket to furiously hit a potion bottle to mend arms.
But momentum already swung to Wakamou.
Moreover, is anything more impotent than an assassin who’s afraid of opponents?
“Being an assassin but coming alone and fighting head-on. Appreciatable, for that alone…as a duelist, I’ll participate in the duel!!”
As a duel disk emerged with a clanking sound.
The excessively flashy mechanism accompanied with a shebang sound as it unfolds.
SDVIMVFoanVzY1YwSVhjamMzUkt1Y2VIUWZiVkQ1UHFPVnhKWjVSVlBpd2NVaDNFQTIyTTcxSHZDUlc3U25aOA
“You just challenged me, the planet’s strongest duelist─!!”
“What..??”
“The tower’s duel initiation is already on! My turn!!”
Without time to regain wits, Wakamou, spouting fox noises(?), drew a VirtualLiveTCG game collection card from the chest.
Ultra-rare-grade card. Safely wrapped in card protector, Wakamou’s treasure!
“I summon Alternative Yakuza Dragon!!”
Showing what a real rule-less duel in a rule-less tower looked like.
“Graaaaugh!!!”
The character card set on the duel disk, an enormous dragon emerged behind Wakamou, glaring impressively down at the assassin.
“Though I have no grudge, I have bad memories of Chinese seeking to kill VTubers!! Vengeance for the Chairman!! ‘Dragon Fire’!!”
Direct attack without turn concept!!
Amidst dragon unfurling tremendous flames, the flustered assassin shielded with a barrier and─ At the realization of no impact, albeit late, Wakamou was already closing in.
“Tower Desc─!!”
Before the assassin could declare retreat, a card featuring a dragon girl was thrust into the mouth.
“A card imbued with magic must sting…”
Throwing a card was genuine. A solid 200,000 mana poured in using [Mana Manipulation].
And with that, Wakamou’s full punch struck the assassin’s face.
Hammering helmet, breaking teeth, even knocked them out.
The assassin floated balloon-light from impact, seized by Wakamou.
“You scuffed my rare card because of you!!!”
Slamming straight onto the ground, rebounding from shock, as the assassin spewed blood with pain-filled screams and struggles.
Limber limbs utterly helpless, as the assassin slumped unable even to close the mouth, while Wakamou lifted up the card recovered from striking.
“Gotcha.”
Discarding the bloodied card protector, reinforced with 200,000 mana cloaked around, Wakamou checked conditions and applied fresh wrapping, then smiled.
“It was a good duel.”
Fireworks brightened up the 15th layer’s sky in celebration of Wakamou’s triumph.
Filming it, Wakamou mused over what’s to edit out or keep.
Maybe a concept of an undying monstrous entity might fit?
With such trivial pondering, took the assassin and exited with [Tower Descend].