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Chapter 65

Wakamou was invited to a climbers’ gathering in the United States.

It was the most prestigious event in the United States, where only qualified and famous climbers could be invited to attend.

It was said that the entire city, including a luxury hotel, was built anew for the climbers, suggesting the scale of America.

With vast land and many towers rising and falling, there were an abundance of resources, leading to the development of a city for climbers as part of ongoing land development.

Moreover, they manufactured versatile equipment usable by both climbers and the general public.

There was a popular belief that one should go to America to craft gear usable in the Tower, regardless of their profession.

Hajime Ichigo, who was the Captain, was often ridiculed as being too weak and that it was inevitable because she was a Hawk China, causing stress for Wakamou.

He intended to spend lavishly for Liu Ying when he went there.

He planned to invest in all alchemy materials necessary for Liu Ying’s growth, prepare weapons and armor generously, and since the money earned from the 1st level of Wakamou was substantial, he had no budget concerns even with the rewards from reclaiming Seoul.

Additionally, he wanted to buy a bunch of things like the VTuber collaboration cafe and merchandise in America.

It was overseas travel, after all, so he looked forward to eating a lot of delicious food.

Yet, Wakamou was simultaneously worried.

He was concerned about being criticized for not knowing his place, as a climber from East Asia who has only reached the 35th layer and has no record of conquering a single tower.

Although he was climbing the Complete Strategy Layer, climbers are gauged by the number and layers of conquered towers.

In terms of a climber’s capabilities, Sadako, who was part of the company, was akin to a great senior mentor.

The only reason his strength was highlighted was due to the uniqueness of the “Legendary Class”… He personally thought he had many demerits and fatal weaknesses and didn’t consider himself particularly strong.

“Broadcasting is a problem, too…”

Due to climbers who watched his battle strategy videos, analyzed, and attacked him, many scenes from the broadcast were edited out.

Like escaping restraint with consecutive transformations or sprinting as Sammiho.

And using the advantage of creating two portals with the [My Worlds] Skill to transverse space and fight.

He made it look like the Unicorn Agent was using the ability instead of Wakamou being the primary user.

Although it was already shown that he could summon something like a realm and those who knew knew, it was good to keep some trump cards hidden.

Wakamou was also concerned that perhaps the believers might feel a sense of monotony about this issue.

Despite his diligence in broadcasting, VTuber Broadcast always demands freshness, doesn’t it?

Although he periodically and subtly changed appearances and outfits, he couldn’t help but feel a bit unsatisfied.

Most believers were so captivated by the spot on Wakamou’s chest that they didn’t pay attention to the clothes, a blind spot.

“This physique is useful,”

The overwhelming destructive power that comes from the gigantic physique and weight. The advantage of the body itself being a lethal weapon! To the extent that it’s hard for anyone to call him human when moving!!

But at the same time, the drawback was significant.

The body was simply too large.

Conversely, the small Wakamou was too small, and that was problematic.

“So it’s time to utilize what I’ve been observing and researching.”

The [War God] created as a separate body from the Idol’s flesh wasn’t an inseparable set of swords and armor either.

Of course, that was only on the surface. It didn’t necessarily increase defense, nor was it just an increase in methods.

If anything, it was an advantage that the sword could be restored even if it broke since it was part of the body.

“First… Let’s reduce the body size, make the arms and legs slender… set it in contrast with Wakamou… Aha! Yeah! I’ll do this here like this… How about making fox ears with the hair? Start from the clothes, use everything down to the shadow as a weapon.”

Typing briskly on the keyboard, Wakamou crafted a new model.

This was because he gained a strengthening of a skill alongside another [Skill] as a reward for the 35th layer.

What to hide.

[The Additional Separate Body Creation function will be added to the [Idol’s Body] Skill] and that’s exactly it.

He intended to keep it for use someday, but during shooting the Seoul recapture video he felt quite a few unfair disadvantages against climbers.

Moreover, Little Wakamou had numerous inconveniences when going out. A standard physique was needed.

If just made, it would be bland.

“Kurokami!”

Feeling like creating another Wakamou, Wakamou designed the character diligently, gratefully borrowing the wisdom of Japan’s VTuber [White Fox].

He didn’t forget to make the head a little larger. That’s the charm VTuber characters needed!!

Then he threw away all Wakamou’s martial arts shown thus far… and started studying something new.

However, nothing much changed from what he was doing before.

He was still watching anime and movies to learn.

Because the strength of climbers comes from otaku knowledge!! (No, it doesn’t).

There was still a slot left for both [VTuber Model] and [VTuber Assets].

If he was to grant completely distinct features from Wakamou, wouldn’t it be cool to wield ‘that weapon’?

Even more so since it could be handed over for Pirate or Ichigo to use instead of Wakamou─applause came naturally.

He drafted the concept and rechecked the character design once more.

After confirming once more if the tail and shadow were perfectly integrated… Wakamou gave a name to yet another self of him.

[Fox Immortal Mei Xiao Long Bao].

“Xiaolongbao is indeed delicious.”

Determined to embody the concept correctly, Wakamou headed to the nearest dumpling shop.

※※※

“Shao Hao, Shao Hao. Welcome to Wakamou Inarizushi’s Broadcast, friends.”

-?

-Who are you?

-This is our Leader’s channel!

-What the? Is there a newcomer here?

-Look at those sharp eyes, they seem like they’d masterfully scold us.

-She really looks like a cunning fox.

-What’s up with the reversed eye makeup?

-You have 3 tails?

“Unfortunately, Wakamou left to bash a ticket scalper hiding from a concert and asked me to fill in.”

-That sounds insanely violent.

-Pretty sure that’s exactly what Leader would do.

-(A meme of Wakamou sobbing because they couldn’t purchase tickets)

-If caught, they’d be doomed.

-No law can bind me!!!

-Quickly surrendering is the only means of survival, LOL.

-So seriously, who are you?

“If you’re asking who I am, it’s only correct to answer. [Fox Immortal Mei Xiao Long Bao] is my name.”

Fox Immortals are known to be what foxes become when they attain spiritual enlightenment over thousands of years.

Introducing herself in this manner, she was a girl with three bushy white fox tails welcoming believers who came to watch Wakamou Broadcast.

She was adorned in black boots and a black wrap-around skirt typically worn in offices, with an inflated white blouse,

The decoration around her neck was styled in a Chinese manner, with her fox-like ears crafted by tying her hair up with a headband.

Additionally, the daring design included twin-tails.

Her sharp-eye line and sly smile, topped with a lower eyelid makeup.

She appeared as an average build beautiful girl, yet her presence was distinctly different.

“My existence is… quite a second Wakamou? Sort of like a clone.”

-Ohhh, I get it~

-A fox tail clone, huh?

-But Wakamou has just one tail. Isn’t she higher-ranked?

-I’m guessing they’re just not showing all nine tails?

-It’d be terrifying walking around with nine tails out.

“I’m pleased with the quick understanding. Believers! You see, it can get a tad dull watching Wakamou fight every day, can it not? The freshness diminishes… and that’s why I’m here!”

-One more fresh aspect and I’m gonna freeze to death.

-Who finds the martial feats demonstrated till the 35th layer boring?

-Cried at Leader’s love, always showing something new to viewers.

-Please refrain from suddenly saying “Dalki”….

-Meanwhile eating like a beast LOL

-Surely different from Wakamou’s feel indeed.

-How do they segment personalities?

-It’s split into Wakamou, Asuka, and Mei.

-Who’s responsible for reason among them?

-Aren’t they all just beasts?

“Watching you chat among yourselves instead of my broadcast is fun! Admire my pretty looks; I’ll admire you too.”

-A broadcast resting on zero motivation!

-Do we appear like monkeys to you?!

-Ookiki! Ookikek!

-Still fun to watch though LOL

-Hey~ do modern people live like this these days~

-Now we’ve become a spectacle, should we do something?

-No show is complete without word chain games. Give us a lead!

-Star.

-Star Baby.

-…Mi?

-You’re talking nonsense.

-Get out.

“Kyaahaha! You folks are amusing, huh.”

-I’ll make a joke.

-It feels like a bully laughing because I’m funny.

-It’s the kind gyaru oneesan that’s nice to otaku!!

-Oneesan….?

-Are females watching this broadcast now!!

“Exactly~ Instead of absorbing violent content… maybe a virtual mukbang wouldn’t be bad? Isn’t it acceptable to boldly carry it out?”

-Already gobbled 7 dumplings while talking.

-Must be growing since she doesn’t eat anything, unlike Leader.

-Leader eats raw meat, HAHA….

-Check out those puffed cheeks, want to pinch ’em.

“So now, everyone! Enough of introductions. Shall we start climbing?”

[Currently climbing the 36th floor of Incheon Tower]

-[The difficulty rises with the achievements of Wakamou Inarizushi!]

-[Defeat the [Elite Monster] opponent!]

-[Defeat the [Mana Immune Mighty Scandium Golem]].

[Platinum Achievement Condition]

-Defeat the [Mana Immune Mighty Scandium Golem] without using any [Skills] (0/1)

-Defend against [Mana Immune Mighty Scandium Golem]’s attack (0/1)

-Destroy the weak point [Core] of [Mana Immune Mighty Scandium Golem] (0/1)

-Defeat the [Mana Immune Mighty Scandium Golem] (0/1)

‘Crap,’

The lightweight [Mighyscandium], said to be as light as aluminum and as tough as titanium, emitted increased speed as the massive golem came darting in, claws swiping sharply.

Turning around to smash apart the incoming strike with a roundhouse kick, realizing quickly that this wasn’t right! and stepped back cautiously to maintain distance.

Who keeps casually throwing restrictions not to use [Skills]… it might be convenient for me, but I understood why others couldn’t achieve the Complete Strategy Layer.

SDVIMVFoanVzY1YwSVhjamMzUkt1UldJZnZQemRwemdmYmdPWi9jUUx4M3BEWVg2ekhDNy9peW5BZS9iSW10Uw

She had to showcase something different─ thus Wakamou reached into her tail, drawing out a massive three-section staff, almost the size of her body.

-Three-section staff???

-No use of martial skills?

-Wow! Chinese martial arts!!

The staff made of metal hugged her waist, and two staffs were in hand.

A total of three staffs joined by chains, the professionals’ adept swinging, showing off a proficient stance by Mei.

Utilizing the camera to eliminate blind spots, leveraging exceptional kinetic vision, combined with a mighty physique─ to plainly put, extreme imitation!!

The technique, seeming straightforwardly like a skilled act that just appeared plausible!!

Real climbers would typically emit flashy effects with each swing, but Mei’s three-section staff was just plain.

It appeared so.

An arc was drawn by one of the rotating chains, followed by another rotation by the trailing staff, borne by strong centrifugal force and swung down with force.

With a severe crack, the charging golem’s arm was crushed and buckled under the intense weight from an all-purpose weapon customized to such a high specification even a muscle-built Pirate couldn’t wield!!

Crafted by carving up ore and linking chains to staffs─ it hadn’t received recognition as a [Rare Metal] weapon for climbers.

Hence, Wakamou… rather, Mei wielded it as if it was her own weapon.

Resistant to mana, making all attacks ineffective? Then using more brute measures to pound it is all it took.

Rolling sideways to dodge the hand-swipe swung through the floor, Mei leapt nimbly twisting mid-air, quickly striking the body with the three-section staff, causing the giant golem to stagger backward, reeling.

The golem’s deeply indented chest torn open revealing the interior visible, proudly emitting light from the starkly visible core.

“Seems like there’s no self-repair function, huh, scrap heap?”

She quietly sneered with her already sinister grin, causing believers to send in deranged requests for her to step on or disparage them.

“Oh… Is it too much bother to berate a shut-in… Was that too harsh? Sorry? No, you needn’t apologize. Pigs wouldn’t understand human language, wouldn’t they? ──Is this what you’d like to hear?”

-Yesyesyesyesyes!!!

-Akhapahakierm.

-Completely lunatics, there’s nothing else.
-It’s not there.

-I can’t stand that disdainful look.

-Please do ASMR too!!

-(Excited Fox Cone)

“But I like Believers like Wakamou. I won’t say such harsh things, I just enjoy listening to Otaku talk about anime.”

-What?

-No way?

-There’s no way a kind gal character exists in reality!!

-Please watch Bocchi, Bocchi!!

-Do you also do group anime watching broadcasts?!

“Um── I’ll do it if you recommend a post in the fan cafe. Is that okay?”

-So kind…

-Mei Onee-san after Wakamou Mama…

-He looks fierce but what’s this kindness…

-Just someone who genuinely loves their Believers…

-This is our Idol.

-Other than that, is it okay to fight?!

“It’s oka─y”

I was about to say it’s okay because I half disabled it anyway.

The hand fell off the golem lying down, and the huge muzzle pointed at Mei.

Without time to panic, an enormous number of rocks were fired with a bang bang bang!!

“Triple Killer Move!!”

She strengthened the Idol’s body with Mana and swung the three-section staff in both hands rapidly, blocking the flying trajectory as if she was playing a game like “Beat Saber,” swirling and elegantly deflecting the rocks.

In reality, it wasn’t much different from a swan elegantly floating on the lake while paddling frantically underwater.

In a situation where the field of view was mixed up from watching through both the camera and eye, she instinctively deflected hundreds of flying minerals which scattered everywhere.

“Waaah!”

With a yell, she threw the three-section staff, and the launched staff collided with the core, coming to a halt with a clunk.

Right after that, the second three-section staff hammered the end of the first staff strongly.

Continuing to leap and twist her body, she strongly hit the end of the second staff with the third staff she grabbed with her hand.

Clang Clang Clang─!!

With consecutive metal sounds, the golem’s core shattered, and the huge figure tilted backward, collapsing.

Whoosh Whoosh─!!

Right after confirming it fell, she landed, whirling the three-section staff left and right, folding it with a click before throwing it back to conceal it in the tail, and putting her palms together as Mei Xiao Long Bao joined her hands.

“Good match!”

-A true martial arts master right there.

-Golem, try throwing some more rocks!!

-Seeing this, I think the leader is really a dolt.

-Real LOL, just shoot armor-piercing rounds and pierce it.

-Seems like they’re weaker than Wakamou…?

-Because they’re weak, they wield weapons, logic prevails…..

-True strength is training the body!!

“You can tell, but I’m not as strong as Wakamou, I’m a skill type~”

Winking with a smile, the viewers, excited by the fan service, cheered wildly.

While I had many worries… I’m relieved that people accepted the “another Wakamou” concept well.

[Incheon Tower’s 36th floor unlocks as Platinum condition is achieved for all humanity!!]

[Rewards increase due to Platinum conquest of the Tower]

[Climbers are provided an additional 10 attribute points]

[Please choose one reward]

[Idol’s Thunder]

-You can convert possessed Mana to Lightning.

[Object Interaction]

-Holding objects with Mana consumption.

[Companion Buff]

-Follower recovery speed +50%.

[Model Adjustment]

-Resize the model.

[Projection Settings]

-Adjust the model’s transparency, maximum reaching a ghostly state.

‘Huh…?’

Blinking eyes at the unfamiliar skill [Idol’s Thunder].

Recalling…[Idol’s Lightning Strike] was a technique of shooting a “thunder spear” using Mana.

This was explaining the ability to convert Mana to Lightning.

It raised questions about what’s significantly different….though Lightning is cool, right?

It also seemed apt for giving a different vibe from Wakamou.

‘I have a lot ready so I can milk Mei Xiao Long Bao until the 40th floor!’

Wakamou chuckled, thinking even they were quite cunning.

Maybe because it was a model easy to express emotions, why’s he laughing suspiciously? Viewers questioned in the chat.

As Wakamou had their eyes closed, possibly making it hard to read emotions or expressions, Mei discovered there were such disadvantages.

“No, it’s just the ambition to take over Wakamou’s broadcasts….”

-Asuka and others, why are they so serious about VTuber Broadcasts? LOL

-I want to hear about the scalper being chased by the Leader.

-If there’s a drum floating in the sea, just open it?

-Got rewarded by the Leader, feeling blessed~

Fortunately, it passed smoothly. It’s troublesome to cause misunderstandings.

As she sighed with relief, Believers asked again, why the sigh, which made cold sweat trickle.

This model can’t hide emotions!! Too much craftsmanship on the expression…!!

[Skill [Idol’s Thunder] acquired!]

For the time being, grabbing the skill, she stretched with a long yawn.

“Let’s go then!”

[Ascending Incheon Tower’s 37th floor world]

-[Wakamou Inarizushi] Climber’s achievements raise the difficulty!

-[Elite Monster] Overcome the challenge!

-[Strong-Golem of Plum Blossoms] Subdue!

[Platinum achievement conditions]

-Defeat [Strong-Golem of Plum Blossoms] (0/1)

-Subdue [Strong-Golem of Plum Blossoms] with skill (0/1)

-Do not use ranged attacks against [Strong-Golem of Plum Blossoms] (0/1)

“Huh…?”

The scene swiftly changes.

A beautiful scene where plum trees in full bloom line up, filled with plum blossoms.

Standing on a stone-paved arena, Mei Xiao Long Bao gazed in wonder at the structures reminiscent of cultural properties.

Buildings were built like those seen in a Chinese martial arts film backdrop.

Located so high up that the forest appeared below the clouds on the sheer cliff.

Though heard from Liu Wei that the China Tower offered a lot of sights, including scenery.

If it feels like this, it really feels like being in the world where immortals live.

With beautiful plum blossoms that can’t be seen even in blooming season.

And there stood a corpse clad in blood-stained martial attire with a talisman on its head, clutching a sword.

‘Is it a swordsman?’

Monsters donning sword skills as a class derived from [Fighter] was something even Wakamou had heard.

Not to mention Wakamou also fought other idols, hadn’t they?

But──this case was something never seen.

Gathered red sword energy on the blade.

Then swinging the course, scattered plums sliced through branches and turned into slashing attacks scraping the stone arena.

-Plum Blossom Swordsmanship!

-Hua Shan Swordsmanship!!

-No, but isn’t that seriously a Jiangshi?

-A martial arts master turning into a Jiangshi is a common cliché!!

-No, using a never seen skill LOL

-Where did they learn that!!!

Ascent to the Tower apparently equates to learning such [Skills], openly promoting itself to the viewers.

Viewers, with their romanticism and longing for martial arts novels, eagerly debated how to learn it.

Noticing the attention shift from Mei to the Jiangshi, Wakamou frowned.

The Tower simply employed all sorts of tricks to interfere, thought she as she pulled out a Dao from her tail.

A characteristic Chinese sword known for its broadening blade around the tip.

With the most famous yet common Chinese Dao in hand, Mei cleaved through incoming plums.

Maneuvering in that state, covering herself with Mana to run as she swung the Dao, the Jiangshi’s body bore a fiery bloom and smoke rose from the reddened sword scars.

“Hua Shan’s Plum Blossom Swordsmanship─ It’s nice because it’s pretty, but… everything elegant is good, right, Believers?”

Crackle Crackle──

Blue currents flowing in Mei’s palms.

Spreading over the sword blade, electricity turned into blue thunder, engulfing the Dao like wielding lightning.

“Overpowering force prevails!!!”

Bang!!!

The violent roar of thunder echoed as the Dao clashed with the Jiangshi’s sword.

Rampaging lightning scorched all plum blossoms.

The stone-paved arena was turned over, split, and exploded─ in the struggle of strength between the Dao and the sword, Mei seemed to be pushed back but jumped high grabbing the sword with both hands, and struck down; the Jiangshi’s blade and body were split apart.

Seizing the moment during the mid-leap, Wei Mei didn’t let go, twisting the wrist to pound the Jiangshi’s neck to the ground, slicing through the torso with the Dao.

-The union was insane…

-Truly different levels in battles of masters.

-Wow, don’t know what it is, but it’s just awesome LOL

“Huh…”

Unlike Wakamou, she heaved a sigh of relief, smiling in pure joy, Mei’s delighted smile was adored by Believers who found it cute.

Not a single Believer guessed that both were the same person!!

Being inwardly thrilled by having achieved it, Mei’s satisfaction soon betrayed through visible expressions.

-Why is being happy for winning so cute.

-She’s so obviously asking for praise, it’s all over her face LOL

-Really want to pamper her…

-Mind if I ask if you’re from the Hebei Peng family??

-Plum blossoms flattered Wakamou while Mei controls thunder….

-The awe of a swordsman with a hegemonic force…

-Pedo?

-Not that, you idiot.

[Incheon Tower’s 37th floor unlocks as Platinum condition is achieved for all humanity!!]

[Rewards increase due to Platinum conquest of the Tower]

[Climbers are provided an additional 10 attribute points]

[Artifact Item [Jade Stone Pipa] acquired!]

[Jade Stone Pipa]

Grade: Artifact.

A Pipa made of jade stone.

Enhances skill effects based on user’s performance.

Idol exclusive skill efficacy+30%

Ceremony additional bonus + 30%

Skill impact + 30%

“Whaaa”

The Jade Stone Pipa dropped into her arms unexpectedly, clutching it Mei showed a genuinely disappointed expression.

An expression of pure despair clearly radiating feelings of being let down by the world’s offerings!

-What’s this..it’s trash….

-LOL, her face reveals everything just now LOL

-This guy can’t hide her emotions LOL

-I bet she’d also fail at playing LOL

-Seems gearing up with martial arts to rival Wakamou LOL

“I can play too! Perfect time to play a piece then”

Disappointment only lasted a moment.

Soon showing a smile while settling down, Mei began strumming the Pipa.

‘Once this broadcast is done, I’ll need to watch martial arts videos, practice playing instruments, and work on facial control…’

Always strive, and strive, and strive!!

It seemed today’s reflection time after the broadcast would be long for further making efforts for a better VTuber Broadcast.

Normally she brushed it off with a “I did quite well!”─ but as it was a new character.

As she planned to waste all night refining and practicing how to maintain [Mei Xiao Long Bao]’s character concept.

Busily strumming never stopping, her hands were, though her mind was laden with thoughts.

Anyhow! Successfully broadcasting with a new concept was a success… that’s enough!

=======================================

Today showcases the raw embarrassing art skills of the writer without edits.

Fox Spirit. It’s a mascot that busily runs around looking like this!

[Fox Celestial Spirit Mei Xiao Long Bao].

Unlike Wakamou, it’s a concept of a master of weapons and a Sammiho.

Too complex for AI enhancement, a sad tale..

This Young Lady’s quality might remain as it is in the future.

I will show the drawings made to capture the character concept.

Always grateful to readers!!


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So, I tried using OpenAI's flagship model, and it's expensive as hell—like 10x more than the regular one. So, how's the translation quality? Please share your thoughts: https://cyborg-tl.com/series/the-fox-god-vtuber-climbing-the-tower/

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