The Martial God faced the woman who had made him anticipate this moment ever since the appearance of the Tower.
You may call it a foolish story, but this excitement felt similar to heading to a date to meet his wife for the first time.
It was that kind of story. Only for Japan’s strongest man who conquered the Tower with sheer fists alone.
Others called him foolish, asking why he’d bother. He had been plagued by such trivial questions that kept coming his way. Though he never showed it, they always lingered as wounds in his heart.
In an ever-changing era, he still nurtured dreams, although he felt the passage of time.
His heart pounded as if meeting a star from the special effects shows he had always admired.
─Rewind in time.
Currently known as [King of Authority], Oyama Masahiko.
At the age of 55, he mastered every martial art including karate, earning the title of Japan’s strongest Climber and being called a human weapon.
Before the Tower emerged, he was only called a “master,” but after the Tower appeared, he obsessively and blindly honed his martial arts, building layer upon layer.
He had conquered more than 5 Towers, and the level of the Tower he stumbled upon could have been said to be the 90th level. There was no need to explain his strength.
Of course, those who didn’t know Climbers well or foolish Climbers disparaged that the Tower lowered its difficulty because he climbed it ‘bare-handed.’
It was simple jealousy; he paid it no mind.
Yet still─
“For training in martial arts, I tell my students not to bring a woman into the dojo… but I’ve broken that rule myself…”
The place was wide. The garden was massive and there was no need to mention the number of buildings.
It was as large as the lord’s mansion you might see in a historical Japanese drama.
But it was quiet. The number of trainees was too small compared to the large estate. At most about 40 people… and even among them, there were only a handful that Wakamou saw genuinely training earnestly.
“Did you expect otherwise? Despite the fame of the King of Authority, no one joins the school. The number this year is still zero.”
“…..”
“Haha… Tae Kwon Do dojos in Korea are always popular, they say. But Japan is like this… unless it’s a club… Despite the age of martial worship after the Tower appeared. It’s still a disgrace to see the dojo in such a sorry state.”
Perhaps because it was always meticulously managed, the dojo itself was clean. There wasn’t a single weed or stone in the outdoor training grounds.
The training area where the trainees were seen in passing had mats worn and torn, and equipment clearly showed traces of long use. It was so elaborate and modernly renovated that it seemed all of it might have been done by just one person.
There were too few people.
“Thank you for accepting my rather unreasonable request. Although I’ve heard you’ve gotten weaker, is that okay?”
“On the contrary, I’d appreciate it if I could learn.”
Wakamou answered politely with courtesy, but it seemed the King of Authority still misunderstood, appearing touched by those words, with his eyes slightly moist.
He had offered tea before the fight, wanting to speak, but since Wakamou said he’d listen while standing, he carefully poached his outfit to see if there were any undone parts on his worn and faded martial arts uniform and cautiously spoke.
“When the Tower first appeared. When the world was in chaos. I was rather pleased. This year, I am 55. I’ve been coming to the dojo, following my stern father since I was 5, so it’s been 50 years.”
The emergence of the Tower and the Climber awakening ten years ago. Oyama Masahiko, too, awakened.
He effortlessly demonstrated his honed martial arts against the oncoming monsters. But since the opponents weren’t human, he sometimes collapsed feebly over some magical [Skills] or shamefully fainted.
As it was a real fight, not a spar, he got impaled by spears, had arms cut off by swords, eyes pierced by arrows. Climbing the Tower erased injuries but not the pain or fear.
Yet, he went on, suppressing it all.
“They weren’t there…..”
“What wasn’t?”
“No other Climber in Japan uses only their body as foolishly as I do.”
Indeed─ he was in despair.
With the changes of the era, martial arts to protect oneself were no longer the norm. They remained as traditions, reduced to opening performances or overseas shows. Attracting tourists with experience events, becoming a national representative, or participating in leagues like the UFC for those who couldn’t become Climbers.
From martial arts for fighting (武) to martial arts for performance (舞) as a form of dance.
But it wasn’t bad. It was enough to protect oneself, being called a master of intangible cultural heritage was enough satisfaction.
Not only martial arts but most similar professions were going through such procedures.
Until the Tower appeared.
“Teaching swords, learning spears, practicing archery. Haha… barbaric times have returned. Climbers flood into schools, worshiping martial arts for honor and glory, seeking more wealth. The cycle of their investments is expanding its influence even now.”
Despite such times, martial artists continued to die out. Martial training to protect oneself, close combat techniques when a weapon is lost… because of [Tower Exits], they say it’s unnecessary. Just use [Skills], they say.
“Trying to prove it with a honed body ended up with me being treated like an eccentric.”
In an age where defeating enemies and proving one’s strength by climbing the Tower was the norm, a martial artist who dedicated his life to martial arts struggled to prove it. To Wakamou’s surprise, he felt the seriousness of the situation… VTubers now only spoke of learning karate as children, and that was about it.
Even Tae Kwon Do academies have essentially become places where busy parents leave their kids, haven’t they?
In a shocking era with the appearance of the Tower, where the common sense of human history turned upside down. With all sorts of resources pouring from the Tower, items unknown on Earth, leading to an unprecedented golden era for humanity, Wakamou faced a fading occupation.
On the other hand, VTubers are a new era’s profession, born from a peaceful world, where culture and civilization advance, aren’t they?
“Actually, it’s embarrassing at this age, but I was curious why people are so obsessed. So I watched, VTubers.”
He paused for a moment.
He answered that it made him jealous.
“It was otaku culture for my late-born son to like. I wondered why people get hooked on such things. Even in Japan, it’s a big company. A friend clasped hands with the CEO, wanting to be an idol, and I heard they invested in such an absurd business.”
From planning a business model that became the core of the corporation, even posting videos despite live streaming not having reached its prime yet, it eventually became a trend and the company established its direction─ becoming the pioneers who contributed to creating this field, making live streaming the mainstay.
Beyond that. They didn’t give up until the company became one of Japan’s leading corporations, building a gigantic group by mentoring juniors who surpassed and overtook them in popularity.
“With nothing but dreams, they boldly ram into it. A path not bright but with youthful passion. The president who invested despite knowing the risk, believing in them. It’s enviable, isn’t it? Isn’t the dream realized? If the warriors who left their names behind were idols of the past, then idols of the new era are like that. I thought, my performances might not be as popular.”
Born too late to navigate the seven seas, too early to adventure among the stars. Yet despite the times, there are always those chasing recklessness, pioneering something. Not everyone succeeds, but they never give up, believe, and pursue their dreams resolutely, so they succeed.
Wakamou walked the path paved by such individuals.
“Admired their dedication and became a fan, I guess. It’s embarrassing, but now I know why people like it. That kind of VTuber shows the martial arts I love. ──I wanted to meet.”
Idols of the new era, and martial artists who lived thousands of years ago.
“The red pill is taboo though.”
“I know. That’s why I feel like a stalker, wanting to hide somewhere.”
“But, I understood. Wanting to fulfill a dream… wanting to see the efforts I’ve made shining… even performances that should be shown became odd, eccentric acts. …Listen well. A dream is not something impossible. It’s a determination to achieve what you want. Chasing after that passion after falling in love with it is only natural for humans.”
Not driven by greed to grasp that star, but responding and supporting the passion together. Though calling them idols is lacking, never giving up and always striving to improve, those sparkling stars. Wakamou liked these dream-chasing VTubers.
“What’s wrong with it? People dream. Saying they like what they adore and admire.”
That was enough. That feeling was enough.
Not being able to buy VTuber figures and collaboration products was a sad thing.
But the value isn’t comparable to the joy of having someone honestly say they like falling into the same hobby and conversing.
[VTuber, idol, and the martial artist honing skills── they all are lonely without fans.]
“──Is it okay to discuss this when I broadcast?”
Wakamou spread his arms.
“Don’t worry. I’m aware it’s taboo to reveal VTuber’s identities.”
King of Authority took a stance.
The rules of the sparring were already set. No use of [Skills] related to attacks. As it was a sparring, there would be no fatal areas like targeting pressure points. Yet, Wakamou thought it was rather a good opportunity. Where else could he witness the martial arts that Japan’s greatest had built over 50 years?
“Show everything you’ve built over a lifetime!”
The anticipation for the real martial artist. The King of Authority smiled at that admiration, and immediately a launching kick aimed to strike Wakamou’s eyes. It wasn’t a [Skill]. It was an incredible speed kick made possible purely through genuine training.
Seeing it with his eyes, attempting to dodge and grab the ankle, but the heel struck his nape.
Trying to track the process with his eyes, Wakamou could at most follow an afterimage. While unable to adjust the stats accumulated by conquering the Tower, they both clearly were controlling their power.
Chin, Adam’s apple, clavicle, chest, abdomen─ kicks and punches aimed at the human weak spots showered down in a blink of an eye.
As Wakamou charged with his arms wide, rather than maintaining distance, the King of Authority hurled himself inside, suddenly moving backward.
The footprints left on the floor showed how he moved─ Wakamou blocked the right fist flying from behind without even looking, pushing it away and throwing a punch.
The King of Authority deflected that punch sideways, Wakamou predicted it, and leaping into the air, kicking his face.
Without time for daze, ferocious, continuous strikes poured down with relentless pace as Wakamou kept his eyes open while evading.
“Were you keeping them open all along!!”
If he concentrated on looking, this model seemed to open its eyes.
Surprised by a function(?) he didn’t even realize, Wakamou blocked, diverted, and withstood dozens of increasing arms and legs attacks─ Wakamou only focused on defending and evading, not having the chance to use the Tae Kwon Do he had learned.
Immediately after came the inner leg trip.
But he wasn’t shaken.
As he clung to his back, grabbing his collar, trying to throw him─ Wakamou slightly jumped, entrusting his body. Just before crashing the crown of his head to the ground, Wakamou flipped over, trying to slam the King of Authority instead, but fingers caught his hair, swinging him to the opposite side with just leg power.
Feeling the soaring sensation as he was flung, Wakamou embedded his fingers into the ground.
Even in seemingly impossible situations, Wakamou nonchalantly balanced himself, hanging his body upside down and moving his arms like legs to unleash a flurry of kicks, striking the King of Authority’s chest for the first time, somersaulting like a fox and landed, taking his stance.
Basic Tae Kwon Do posture─ footwork. Followed by a series of kicks.
Amid the sound of the wind being cut, Wakamou showcased dazzling footwork skills, but his opponent was an even greater master.
He seemed impervious as he lunged in, slashing Wakamou’s waist with the edge of his hand, striking his chin with his palm, and kicking his knee, bringing Wakamou to kneel.
Finally, Wakamou’s head was grounded, realizing both his legs and arms were locked by the King of Authority.
With a grown adult male weighing over 100KG mounted on top of him.
Moreover, the balance was broken;─ climbing would be difficult even for a Climber.
But regrettably, his opponent was something ignoring physical laws.
Lifting the entire weight with finger strength alone.
The King of Authority belatedly slipped out from the monstrous upward leap, but Wakamou seized him mid-air.
The King of Authority belatedly escaped from the grip of the same powerful fingers, but Wakamou caught him in midair.
Seven times did he spin, executing a brutish slam into the training ground floor.
Despite having no chance for a breakfall, the King of Authority bounced up using only his waist strength, wearing a joyful smile.
He was impressed.
A martial artist honed over a millennium! The sensation felt when attempting a throw was nothing short of a mountain itself.
What if he hadn’t willingly succumbed to the slam? He was shocked at not being able to escape even after being caught just once.
Moreover, what about the crushing grip strength despite being held with one arm.
The true power of a martial artist comes from the lower body. Not budging even when met with full force, and the ease with which his technique was bested with a smile.
Feeling exhilarated that his opponent wasn’t some kind of monster but a martial artist engaging him equally, the King of Authority burned with a desire to fight more fiercely.
In truth, it was Wakamou’s secret that he was yearning to experience the technique, kneeling and offering no resistance intentionally. Whether hit on the chin, jabbed in the vital points, or struck on his closed eyes, Wakamou didn’t seem to take any damage… The only reason he succumbed to the throw was that he wanted to witness the skills of a master.
And all of this was content.
Tracking all attacks with his eyes and countering even those coming from invisible blind spots. It was actually a trick accomplished using an airborne camera. Still, he had to perform at a somewhat masterful level so as not to disappoint.
Seeing unpredictable events unfold, the King of Authority got even more excited, aiming to unleash all his martial prowess honed over 50 years. Meanwhile, Wakamou was eager to record everything to use for mastering techniques later as well as for content creation.
In short, it was a win-win for both.
“Die, evil yokai──!!”
Then.
A ninja appeared.
A ninja appearing without any warning.
From atop a tree, a figure clad in undeniable ninja attire unsheathed a sword and struck toward Wakamou from behind.
The King of Authority widened his eyes to shout a warning, but:
Wakamou, already aware through his shared field of vision, drastically ducked and kicked backward with full force.
With a Taekwondo scorpion kick, he grasped the sword’s blade with his toes.
To be precise, it wasn’t cut, so it merely got caught on his toes, but it would have appeared impressive to both the master and the stranger.
The ninja, caught in surprise with his sword seized, rolled on the ground and stared at Wakamou with astonished eyes.
‘I expected a visit, but not like this’
Ephemeral manager Wanda Haye had told him about the possible attack on a Japanese Association President, so he predicted it, but.
Never thought it’d be like this!!
Though advised never to go to unpopulated areas alone…had he been camping outside a convenience store at dawn, he might have been lynched by a group.
“Oh ─ no priestesses but there are ninjas here”
“You vile great yokai! The super ninja shall vanquish you!!”
“Oh, just an otaku then”
Disappointed by the absurdity that came out the moment the ninja opened his mouth despite his cool appearance, Wakamou made him angrier. The ninja threw shurikens, which Wakamou caught all with one hand, leaving the ninja dumbfounded. Surely he’d be prepared after being hit by the Chain Devil previously.
Of course, he practiced! It looked awesome!!
“I am the Ninja acknowledged by the Tower!!!”
Watching the suddenly excited and overenthusiastic scene left Wakamou utterly dumbfounded.
“I’m also a Tower-recognized VTuber”
“Are you mocking me!!!”
The ninja, using a [Skill], attempted to rush, but was bent over after an earnest strike from an enraged King of Authority, sending him flying like a soccer ball.
At that, waiting apprentices rushed over, kicking, stomping, and restraining to subdue him.
“Feel grateful for sparing your life. With this measly level, you’d just die faced with such a blow”
Ah, so even when fighting me, your real punches were like this.
Amazing [Body of an Idol]!! I couldn’t feel any pain, so I didn’t know!!!
“Shall we continue then?”
“Hoho…no, let’s stop here”
The King of Authority showed his arm. The arm that had been grasped during the throw was bruised, seemingly broken.
“Formidable grip… Truly, a martial artist honed for a millennium is different….”
Wakamou decided to protect the martial artist’s dream. Santa Claus is real, and so is the Fox Deity. Listening intently to the King of Authority’s story, excited beyond years like a child over something beyond what he had anticipated, the toughness he felt during the spar, the strength of his lower body.
Realistically, had I fought using [Mana], I’d probably be dead in a single blow…
Though he claimed himself a Taekwondo master, the real deal was different.
“Surprising, dodging by reading with eyes rather than reflex or instinct!! And I appreciate holding back. Had this been real, I’d have lost in an instant. I unleashed every technique I’ve learned. But it felt like pounding on a cliff. I guess I still have a long way to go!!”
Yeah… it’s enough to see him happy…
Don’t VTubers usually despair and lose hope when faced with the red pill? Watch their dreams shatter?
Wakamou decided to protect dreams.
Besides, isn’t it strange that the King of Authority’s punch, which actually delivers damage, was harder than a cliff?
‘Only 100,000 mana left…’
How did my mana drop by 400,000 just from a few hits…
※※※
The spar ended just like that.
Though the mood was disrupted by the unexpected ninja intrusion, it was a spar, so there was no need to overdo it, King of Authority concluded. Incidentally, his broken arm healed in just 20 seconds.
Tower conquerors are truly not human….
While sipping tea leisurely, the King of Authority explained the tied-up ninja.
“Our Japan’s『Legendary Class』, no less. Despite appearances, he was recognized as a genuine ninja at a young age. Mie University in Mie Prefecture even has Ninja and Ninjutsu Studies at graduate level. This guy is outstanding but even the Association President says he’s quite eccentric…”
“Is there anything more to worry about?”
“The Shaman Association is also claiming you’re a great yokai resurrected in modern times and intends to exterminate you. Don’t worry, they won’t come this far. If they do, I’ll smash them”
The King of Authority, showcasing mirage-like anger, showed that he would not tolerate any disrespect toward his invited guest. It was the first time seeing the landscape distort just from a person getting angry.
This is good for content production!!
“I heard from the Association President. You wish to use the item you acquired on the Japanese tower…. The government argues you might use it malevolently, the National Tax Agency’s worrying about customs clearance. The Finance Ministry’s in uproar but who cares? Just getting permission to go to and fro is all we need. Politicians are scheming how they might manipulate it, so I hear”
“……”
“Sly, right?”
“I hadn’t thought that far yet….”
“One might tire of Japan, even a country. I heard you went to the Inari Shrine. The Fox Deity…hem hem. You’re a VTuber, aren’t you? Having a sacred place or such would be nice, wouldn’t it? How about having something shrine-like to gain public favor?”
This gentleman knows more about VTuber culture than expected. In one corner of the room, unsuitable where it stood, was a Tapestry of a Regiment Commander. What about the cute regiment commander doll…? He really was a fan.
In both martial arts and VTubing, the more single-minded one is about their profession, the more they grow and develop, or so they say.
The willingness to easily accept and understand unknowns was commendable.
Advice from such a person was definitely worth listening to.
‘Having a Fox Deity shrine might not be such a bad idea…?’
There are VTuber sacred places throughout Japan, and aren’t there some even in Korea?
Wouldn’t it be nice to have one myself?
[Confirmed climber’s request: Approved request]
Ding.
[Would you like to establish the Symbol of Idolhood? 『Companion』establishment becomes possible.]
What kind of alert is this, now? A companion…me?
Besides, was this even doable? Is it just the tower throwing a bone at me, now?
“So, can I build it here?”
A reasonable excuse to travel back and forth to Japan, and perhaps it would bring people to the dojo as a sacred(?) site? In Japan, the Fox Deity enjoys decent popularity. And why not have another with there being an Inari Shrine in Kyoto?
“Fine by me!”
“Alright, let’s construct it here then”
“Yeah?”
Upon the declaration to construct, light gathered, and a [Miniature Shrine] suddenly appeared. The miniature shrine in a belt-sized chest, akin to the size of a small drawer, emerged, leaving the King of Authority wide-eyed, and the tied-up ninja astonished.
Wakamou didn’t expect something like this either.
When he left it casually in the corner of the room, the King of Authority urgently insisted on finding a better place for it, stomping his feet. Therefore, it was placed outdoors where the dojo is visible. The King of Authority insisted that if one is going to build, it should be big, excusing himself briefly to make a call.
Then a clamor loud enough to be heard across Kyoto rang out.
[Climber Wakamou Inarizushi has established a new 『Companion』! The 『Shrine of Idol』 is installed in Kyoto!]
‘Hope this isn’t an alarm across all of Japan’
Please let it not be.
While worrying, the companion information popped up.
[Companion]
[Group: Shrine of Idol]
[A shrine worshiping and venerating idols]
[Joining condition: Idol]
“Wow, garbage!”
I really hate to say it, but where does one even use a companion like this! How is the joining condition ‘Idol’? How can the profession be Idol (VTuber)?
[The tower calculates your rewards, offering you Myth-grade Items as recognition for your achievements!]
[Acquired Myth-grade item [Kusanagi’s Sword]!]
[Kusanagi’s Sword]
Grade: Myth.
The true artifact lost in the Battle of Dan-no-ura.
Reconstructed with all manner of rare metals.
An unsharpened ceremonial sword.
Usable only by an Idol.
Ritual and ceremony success chance increased by 2x.
Charisma +50%
Idol exclusive skill efficacy +50%
Energy of those believing in the Idol +50%
“….utter garbage item!!”
[Acquired profession exclusive skill【Broadcast Points】!]
Profession exclusive skill【Broadcast Points】
– Grants blessing to believers based on accumulated points from broadcasts.
Current points: 542.
“…You son of a…!!!”
Wakamou erupted with expletives.
The tower’s smugness over passing him a Japanese sword he claimed to covet and handing it with apparent enthusiasm over skills related to idols he enjoys was giving him fits.
From the impression of the tower dolefully providing ridiculous cheat skills and items as a recompense of the accumulated reward so far.
“Why are you giving me something like this──!!”
Quivering in disbelief or maybe sheer indignation at such unfathomable rewards…
‘So with Kusanagi Sword drawn, when praying for gacha, the success rate is doubled? Is this a gacha content angle!?’
Even pitifully adept now at VTuber broadcasting, Wakamou’s instincts lined up content ideas.
To note, Wakamou has no charm stat, so no effect there.
The King of Authority, who had stepped out to discuss shrine-related matters momentarily, returned in response to Wakamou’s yell, asking what happened.
But there wasn’t an explanation to offer.
“Nothing happened….”
Swallowing his tears, Wakamou could only manage to say that.
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