It wasn’t too long ago that I was pondering about how things don’t make sense when fantasies grow too big.
Wakamou sighed heavily, secretly hiding an authentic Japanese cultural artifact within himself.
He had practiced storing items like this, but the fact that he could have a sword inside him without feeling the slightest discomfort made him think, “I really am not human, huh?”
King of Authority, Oyama Masahiko, was excited about converting the training ground—or now the shrine site—into a shrine and was observing the Shrine of Idols as if he had received a treasure.
The item, shaped like a miniature of a shrine with gates and all, resembled a finely crafted high-end decoration.
It was a moment when Wakamou’s knowledge, which believed that a Companion usually designated a ‘great building,’ crumbled.
Even the Shaman Association existed, divided by families, and schools like Shintomunryu, Bukjinildoryu, and Kyungshimmyungjiryuu were usually categorized into halls.
Thus, Japan was enjoying another golden age in many ways. More people from abroad were flocking in to learn martial arts.
In Korea, it was present to some extent, but not in large numbers, and in China, the Companion force had practically been eradicated, with the Shaolin Temple being the only thing left. Conversely, aside from the Shaolin Temple, everything else… It was the country’s self-inflicted result.
Let’s finish this story here.
Becoming the head of a Companion meant having the responsibility to manage it.
However, the conditions for joining only required one idol, making Wakamou the only eligible member for a small shrine.
“Only idols can join… That must be powerful. Perhaps if I regain my power, the shrine will grow too…?”
Despite how his appearance might seem, it turns out that the King of Authority enjoys wild imaginations.
I stayed silent because I had no intention of dampening his happy dreams.
This misunderstanding seemed to have grown irreversibly…
Vowing to protect Wakamou, the Fox Deity VTuber, through intense role-playing… Unless discovered, Wakamou decided to live shamelessly until the end.
I wonder if the Tower isn’t just probing to see how long this guy can last?
While holding a serious discussion about whether they should also make offerings at the shrine with his disciples, Wakamou quietly checked the new skill he acquired.
How is the skill named 【Broadcast Points】? Our Tower is more MZ than I thought.
Well, I guess the Incheon Tower is relatively young…? It might be a bit early to be looking at VTubers, though.
Job-specific skill 【Broadcast Points】
–Cast blessings on believers using the accumulated points from broadcasts.
Current Points: 542.
‘I’m not sure if the points are many or few… What kind of blessings can I give to the believers…?’
While reading it thoroughly, I became curious about the mention of opening one’s eyes earlier, so I gently tugged at my eyelid, and it opened. Without a word, I closed it again.
Oh, I can see even with my eyes closed… Is that how it was…?
What kind of a twisted body do I have…? Well, it’s only been two months since, so I guess I’ll find out slowly?
“Always live positively.”
[No blessings available to use]
Otherwise, I might explode from stress and return as an actual great yokai Wakamou.
Hey, damn it, Tower guy.
You gave me a skill as a reward, but make it unusable? What am I supposed to do with that?
In Tower climbing, a skill determines life or death, and now you’re toying with me.
You hand me a blunt blade which only stirs up political issues. I’m anxious enough about the jade seal, and now you give me an authentic Japanese sacred sword. If discovered, Japan would want to confiscate it, even if it means toppling me… What kind of ritual am I supposed to perform with this?
Still, thanks for making it a stylish Japanese sword.
Come to think of it, since it’s a blunt decoration, it’s legally safe. Your meticulous consideration brings tears to my eyes.
Could it be that because my profession is a VTuber, if you gave me a real sword, job restrictions would apply, so you gave me this instead?
“Who am I talking to…”
Sitting and lamenting was pathetic.
How long had I waited while sitting there? With Manager Wanda Haye, two unfamiliar men approached, nodding and greeting me.
Though I was in a sour mood, I greeted back, exercising courtesy. Suddenly, a formidable-looking old lady walked past me and gave a flying kick to a tied-up ninja. As if that wasn’t enough, she grabbed his hair and slapped him, leaving me at a loss for words.
Stunned by sheer audacity, I froze with a dumbfounded expression.
“I’m sorry about this. There are a lot of lunatics, caught in delusions of hunting yokai and such. As you see, this guy is a Legendary Class ninja, but his sense of reality is severely lacking. I’m Watanabe Tomoko, the Association President of the Japan Climber’s Association.”
“It’s alright. Somehow… Isn’t that a cosplay of ‘Dragon Super Ninja’? It’s reliably made.”
I recognized it at a single glance, and the ninja, shocked that I knew it, looked up.
When I said I was a fan, he made a complex, indescribable expression, then hung his head low.
“Comrade…. Sob sob…”
“It is indeed a god-tier game.”
“You deceived me!!!”
The ninja was furious about being tricked after legislators said I was a wicked yokai. But a little thought would have revealed the truth… Is he not too simple-minded?
The Association President, annoyed, gestured to the disciples standing around to drag him away. Apparently, not a rare occurrence, the disciples efficiently followed orders.
As King of Authority sat in the formal seiza pose, Wakamou, sitting cross-legged, pondered whether to adjust his posture when the Association President opened the conversation with an apology first.
“I’ve obtained permission from the government to use the ‘Tower Climbing Rights.’ They must be hoping Wakamou could profit somehow. After all, from appearance alone, you seem to be beloved in Japan. Frankly, being in Japan seems more natural.”
Manager Wanda Haye was glaring at the Association President’s betrayal-inducing actions with a betrayed look, all while others were also sweating over Tower matters, as a man who appeared to be a young officer nervously offered Wakamou an official approval document regarding Tower access.
Passing it along to the manager beside the Association President, she shrugged her shoulders and smirked, lifting her nose in the air.
Politics sure are complicated. Does every minor gesture of mine seem significant to them…?
“Then… Who might this one be?”
“Ahem, I invited them.”
“From the Kyoto Tourism Agency, seeking permission to utilize Wakamou’s shrine within the King of Authority’s grounds for tourism.”
“Well, do you suppose there will be many tourists?”
“The number of disciples will increase as well!!”
With a glance towards the King of Authority, the civil servant barely concealed the fact they sought permission for merely utilitarian tourism purposes.
Where it goes doesn’t bother me. Earning favor could facilitate easy travels between Japan, and becoming close to the King of Authority promised ample benefits. Conversely, Wakamou wondered if he should feel guilty over monetizing a shrine exclusive to himself.
“I don’t mind.”
“In that case, how about distribution of the profits…”
“Oh, no need for money. Just frequently collaborate with VTubers. Honestly, there’s a black fox duo in virtual live that I’d prefer as much as possible.”
“Would… that be enough…?”
“Yes.”
“Understood!! Thank you!!”
Though I worried it might be an outrageous request, the tourism agency actually found more benefit in collaboration, prompting them to watch Wakamou’s cues.
King of Authority appeared deeply moved by the lack of material greed, sending intense gazes that made me slightly uncomfortable.
Thank goodness my greedy, sordid self didn’t rear its ugly head.
If I could frequently witness Beakroom Fox and MIOGOD collaborations, I’d be genuinely happy.
Looking forward to the day of collaboration, every day with dreams and happiness—and maybe a tiny hope for some advantageous benefits, since I was the one proposing collaboration, after all.
I sure made a good wish at the Inari Shrine!!
Wakamou genuinely had no desire to know how others perceived him or misconceived him. Needless to say, he wasn’t going to ask.
Contrary to what I worried, things with the tourism agency unfolded smoothly, as the King of Authority discussed future plans. The legislator was cautious of my gaze, while the Association President wasted no time, asking which tower I preferred as they unfolded a map of Japan to show me.
……Really, a physical map in this day and age instead of a tablet? How analog.
In my heart, I favored somewhere near Tokyo, but I doubted it was feasible.
Given how Japan decided Wakamou was a malicious great yokai from Korea meant to deceive humans, I guessed. It felt wise to hang around in my safe zone, Kyoto, and consider transforming once a new [VTuber Model] appeared for travel.
“Kyoto Tower works fine, considering the proximity to Inari Shrine, doesn’t it?”
“Oh… I see. They mentioned being disappointed there wasn’t a real shrine maiden at the shrine.”
“Well, times these days, it’s reasonable to be gone.”
“But having true martial artists remain in this era, young people these days laugh at climbing Towers, asking if it’s ape-like combat when survival hangs in balance and mock the King of Authority. It’s a real hassle.”
“Maybe because they haven’t taken a hit themselves?”
“Probably! This troublemaker was among them…”
“Performing an ambush but failing while not introducing oneself is a ninja disqualification.”
“You seem experienced! Haha!”
“Seen enough, at least.”
Exchanging words with the Association President, I leisurely sipped some green tea and thought.
From our recent conversation…. It seems our Japanese Association President is thoroughly mistaken.
Everyone—King of Authority, the tied-up ninja, our manager—were all gazing at me with eyes brimming with misunderstanding and admiration.
What I meant was the ninjas from anime and manga. I’m just an ordinary VTuber otaku…??
Yet, I reveal nothing. I’m dedicated to my VTuber RP to the death.
“Speaking of which, professors say the Inari Shrine has Silla roots….”
“Nihon Shoki claims the Hata clan as of Baekje descent too.”
“Could it be you’re the rightful owner of Inari Shrine?”
“No, Wanda. Many think of the Inari Deity as the Fox Deity, but Inari itself is not a fox. The servant Inari commands takes the form of a fox. The white and red fox form is quite popular, isn’t it?”
“But isn’t Wakamou a black and red combo…?”
“The balance of Yin and Yang or something…”
Mumbling.
Why’s this place feel so uncomfortable when I’m just sipping green tea?
I’m just sitting on the floor, gazing at the exterior scenery, do I look like a Fox Deity who reminisces the past moment arriving in Japan? Were the real Inari Deity to be watching, my mind cowers to meet their eyes.
The Tower is painting me as a fraud!!!
On second thoughts, worship even concedes fraud among its terms!! You fiendish idol worship!!
You crazy!! Idol worship is what you’re doing!!
I really can’t stay in Japan anymore.
Last time I was here, some old man picked a fight just because I was wearing a jumper with Korean text, and thugs were hurling insults. Now, even though I’ve made a lot of money and returned confidently, they’re saying I’m a Climber and a VTuber who hunts Monsters.
Isn’t Japan too dangerous…?
“Register at the Kyoto Tower──”
Boom.
I want to go back to South Korea.
I caught the flying door in mid-air, bringing a stop to the rude intruders who began pouring in through the main entrance.
I was about to head to the Tower, so it looked like I was prepared to meet the invaders. Were they already aware from behind…a master indeed…it’s unfortunate to hear such things. Having good hearing is not always a blessing.
But I have to go pick up Liu Ying….just leave me alone.
The Manager should be looking after our VTuber already~
I’ve always wanted to try the breakfast at a top-tier hotel!! I wanted to experience hotel service for once!!
“Why are you defending this evil yokai?! The Japanese Shaman Association will handle this!!”
“How dare you call yourself a climber and proclaim to be a god, when you’re a monster that appeared from the collapse of the Tower!!”
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“Before it beguiles and devours people, we shall eradicate it!!”
Seniors all filled with a sense of justice. Truly admirable that the elders are still so lively.
The clothes worn by Onmyoji…is that what they call Kariginu? It’s the one with the wide sleeves starting with a slit on the upper part, where the clothes worn inside can be seen. It felt like I was on a movie set seeing it in person. It suits you well, gentlemen.
‘Uh…what did the Manager say about Shamans again?’
The [Shaman], known to belong to the derivatives of the Basic Class [Shaman], are said to change their profession by joining [Companion] like the Abo, Tsuchimikado, Kuzunoha, and Gamo families, who revived with the appearance of the Tower, to receive a [Shared Skill]. Essentially…it felt like an everyday Shaman? Though each family provides different variations of [Skills].
A commonality is being specialized for [Repulsion].
Things like Shikigami that automatically intercept following the opponent’s life force, flames that burn using the opponent’s vigor or stamina as fuel, and curses that restrain, bind, and diminish the opponent’s condition.
There’s no end to the topics to discuss, but Wakamou pondered why he let the manager’s explanation go in one ear and out the other.
‘Oh, I was too busy thinking about VTuber collaboration merchandise and completely forgot.’
Why was I so nonchalantly confident even knowing that there were raiders in the early morning?
“The Kuzunoha family Shaman commands! Bite the enemies [Shikigami White Flame Fox]!!”
“Proclamation from revered and sacred gods, forbidden to move in their territory [Binding Spell]!!”
“Curse, cough up blood and collapse…[Sorrowful Grudge]..!”
Whoa…seeing them use [Skills] is thrilling. It’s visually entertaining, to be honest.
Foxes released from burning talismans rush towards me, golden ropes summoned by the Shaman entrap me, and a ghostly presence similar to a phantom passes through my body. It really felt like I was experiencing an Onmyoji scene in real life, and it started to get fun.
…well, it’s true that I learned about clashes among [Climbers] later on.
Apparently, a compatibility system among classes exists too.
In that sense, Wakamou was simply terrible against [Shamans], to the point of being called their killer.
Round and Round─
The [White Flame Fox] spins around aimlessly, trying to locate and attack Wakamou in proximity as the caster targeted him.
The fox, entirely engulfed in white flames, was so beautiful that Wakamou tried to touch it while taking photos, only to be disappointed since it was seemingly intangible like a spirit.
“Why aren’t you attacking?! It’s right in front!!”
Hey, I need to have life energy for it to find and bite me.
Pitiful fox just kept spinning around obeying its master’s command.
Meanwhile, a student murmured, “Is it right to tell Fox Deity to attack a fox…?” making the atmosphere awkward. Seeing it enthusiastically sniffing and searching with its nose down made me pity the fox.
“Wh-How! You’re still moving even though you’re bound by [Binding Spell]?!”
“It’s because my soul’s bound by the gravity of this star.”
Unfortunately, what binds me is the Earth itself. I delivered an anime one-liner I always wanted to say.
It’s literally fixed by the celestial coordinate system like a mana ghost. I’m always in a bound state due to gravity, so binding magic doesn’t affect me. I found out recently too. Anyway, I can’t be affected by binding spells structured this way.
“Then what about evil spirits…? Must be ineffective against a great yokai so heinous! You scoundrel!!”
“I didn’t even say anything. Why are you answering your own questions?”
Indeed, Wakamou always remains in perfect condition.
Naturally!! No debuffs can affect me!!
Moreover, I don’t even have human organs. Today I discovered a shocking truth about my eyes too! I probably don’t even have a brain!!!
Anyway, no worries since [Shamans] don’t induce mana burn. It’s a class that extinguishes the figurative life flame.
As I approached the shamans with composure, their previously imposing demeanor vanished, replaced by eyes filled with terror, as if facing a monster, causing them to retreat.
“Receive the exorcising sword purified to annihilate yokai!!!”
A relatively young shaman had not yet given up, clasping a sword, rushing in with a thrust bold as lightning. I halted its movement with just two fingers.
“Agh”
Clasping the sword between my thumb and forefinger, I overturned the bearer like a balloon, enjoying the amazed face and shaking him lightly until he could endure no longer, falling and rolling on the ground.
“Will you still continue?”
I stuffed my hands in my pockets, addressed the shamans gathered, disregarded them, and attempted to walk past. But one stalwart leader drew a dagger from his sleeve and attempted to stab Wakamou in the back.
Yet, instead of piercing, not even a tear appeared on the clothes, leaving the elder weak-kneed and slumped.
Gently helping him up and dusting him off, Wakamou moved on, unbothered.
“How on earth do I manage these worthless scum?”
“Haha. Truly stripping our guest of rank brought by the King of Authority of his dignity…”
The Association President and King of Authority greeted those Wakamou left behind in his stead.
Urgently attempting to explain themselves, faces turning pale with fear, desperately attempting to convince them to band together to eliminate the menace.
By the time Wakamou reached the bottom of the stairs, one might feel softened by the defeated cries of the weakening elders pounding in agony.
※※※
The Tower perceives Wakamou as an altruistic, considerate, dreamer who idolizes and yearns to be a true [Climber].
If not, there would be no reason for having shown so many [Attack Skills] and not choosing any.
Don’t ask as it simply wants to believe.
The Tower that felt proud providing Wakamou with the best katana available in Japan, certain he will appreciate it greatly. Even if he doesn’t believe it, the descisive attitude of the Japanese Tower was standing firm, waiting for Wakamou’s arrival.
“I should definitely stream ascending the Japanese Tower.”
There was no need to stubbornly ascend the 『Complete Strategy Layer』 either.
Absolutely not swayed by the Association President promising extensive VTuber collaborations and establishing Kyoto as a VTuber holy city just for scaling the Tower further.
Not swayed at all by the tourism board’s employees vowing grander, more gigantic Fox Duo collab, perhaps even a live concert.
This isn’t treason…this is patriotism…!!
‘I’m definitely not driven by personal and mundane desires..! It’s all for the VTubers!!’
It’s just that I love VTubers so much I want to have more of them(?).
[Climbing the 1st Floor of Kyoto Tower World]
-Climber, your martial prowess shall be tested and proved.
[Platinum Achievement Conditions]
-Defeat 5 evil spirits with [Attack Skills] (0/5)
-Face it with a resolve that knows no retreat (0/1)
-Take no damage (0/1)
-Announce the skill name when fighting (0/5)
“You little piece of crap?”
Oh dear, pardon my sudden cursing on our first encounter.
Wasn’t the entrance via climbing pass supposed to recognize me as a first-time entrant in the Tower, but now it’s trying to play a trick on me?!
I have no [Attack Skills], you damn thing. At least tell me to register for a companion beforehand…!!
[You’ve entered with a climbing pass!! [Attack Skills] are granted to the Climber!!]
[Checking the Climber’s achievements. Verified!]
[Choose one skill]
[Ancient Ghost Swordsmanship]
-It employs [Throwing Blade Technique].
[Karate-Kendokai]
-Shatters the enemy with the faith of [Inevitable Kill(必殺)] in karate.
[Kuzunoha Style Shamanism]
-It’s the Shamanism of the Kuzunoha family.
-Specializes in [Shikigami] series.
Finally, the long-awaited [Attack Skill] has arrived.
However, the choice needed to be meticulous. It’d be influenced by the abilities of the Climber.
And I have none….but I can assert that I have humanity’s topmost [Mana]. Hence, the sole option has to be shamanism!
[Acquired Skill [Kuzunoha Style Shamanism]!]
At last, the Fox Deity using shamanism is awakening….!!
Tremble before Kyoto Tower!!
Quiver before the VTuber Fox Deity Wakamou Inarizushi…!
“Heheh…..Since I’m in Japan, let me showcase the true Fox Deity…”
Before going live, Wakamou muttered a long-cherished incantation while leisurely watching the humanoid evil spirits approach.
“[Kuzunoha Style Shamanism]!!”
Beeep─
[Insufficient Intelligence.]
Came crashing down!!!
“What the heck!!!”
Wakamou collapsed onto the floor, wailing.
Howled to the extent the Tower could hear the sorrowful cries.
“Give me back my intelligence──!!!!!”
But I never took it away….the Tower felt wronged.
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