The American Paladin… So, the guy Wakamou used to beat up also claimed to have defeated a raid boss.
There’s a specific boss that only appears when forming a party and climbing, which includes monsters coming out from outside the tower.
But—it’s just talk at this point.
No one has really told the viewers, “Look, here’s the [30-person raid boss monster]!”
It’s huge—truly disgustingly huge.
Wakamou’s 2m height barely measures up to the scales of this dark dragon.
How long would it take to reach it by running?
Is it really right to wonder how on earth one could rush towards the enemy?
The [Dark Dragon] landed on the ground, looking down on Wakamou with its massive face.
If it even breathed once, wouldn’t this whole area be scorched?
I’ve seen plenty of monsters by now, but this one was overwhelming in a whole new way.
The potions Yuying gave me and the mana potions prepared for a long fight are all ready.
Thanks to considering various situations, Wakamou’s specialty, the multi-splitting technique, had two members excluded, so we were short on numbers.
It’s daunting.
‘The recommended 30 means—it’s not just any climbers who have gone up to the 70th floor. It means bringing 30 climbers on par with “Wakamou Inarizushi!”‘
The ferocious dark dragon was staring at Wakamou for a long while in silence.
It seemed to be making it clear it wouldn’t force the climbers who had lost their will to fight. So, it would wait for a chance to strike.
Monsters with “intelligence” in the tower were showing consideration for climbers challenging the trials.
“Whether in America or Japan… VTubers pursuing the dragon concept seem to meet a bizarrely cruel end…”
– Are you saying the same goes for Iosif…?
– Chairwoman… Doki….
– That’s why we give out glasses concepts.
– You are not a dragon!!
– Leader, can we really win? Against a dragon like that?
– We have the White Dragon too!
– A Dark Dragon and a White Dragon… This feels like some high school novel…
– Does that mean the dark dragon likes breasts?
– Saying that means our White Dragon loves butts!
– These guys aren’t worried at all about the situation.
– Are you ready?
– Our Wakamou-sama knows no defeat.
– Our Wakamou-sama hasn’t shown his full power yet…
– Oh, the believers…
– You lack faith, you fools!!
Despite the overwhelming gap and the despairing situation, the viewers were surprisingly unconcerned.
What they sought during the VTuber broadcast was a resounding victory… An unchanging dopamine boost… With a determination not to serve even a shred of bleakness to the audience, wasn’t that just Wakamou’s style?
They were eagerly waiting for the 1-year anniversary broadcast and had to attend festivals. Things far more important than climbing the tower awaited Wakamou.
“Because of Kyoto Tower… I haven’t been able to do new game broadcasts or song streams… I will not forgive this…!!”
Somehow, the direction of resentment was becoming twisted, but Kyoto Tower had done nothing.
As Wakamou took a step forward towards the dark dragon, the signal for battle was marked by the red dragon soaring high into the sky, generating a storm of lightning.
The thick, dark clouds quickly turned into a thunderstorm, and with flashes of light, the lightning struck in all directions—Wakamou didn’t back off amidst the dazzles and relentless torrents of electricity, charging straight for the dark dragon.
Kicking off the ground, transforming into the [Three-Legged Crow] for flight, reducing his weight as much as possible with [Weight of Faith] and wrapping the wind with [Idol’s Storm], Wakamou collided directly with the dark dragon’s body.
With its thick and sturdy scales, the sharp claws of the three-legged crow began to cause cracks through the effect of [Idol’s Mineral], turning it into rare metal.
Putting all his strength into his two legs, he drove his claws deep into the scales, spilling blood—but really, this was no different from a hummingbird alighting on a dog.
Pounding mercilessly with his beak in a hammering motion, creating cracks in the scales, he tore at the inside with relentless fury—but the sheen flowing through the scales sparkled ominously.
In a panic, as he spread his wings, the violent tempest tore apart Wakamou’s [Idol’s Storm], engulfing the three-legged crow.
The dragon, resembling a snake without wings, was able to control the winds freely by sheer will.
The sharply compressed winds generated a deafening sound, and the fierce storm pressure was so brutal it seemed Wakamou might crumple under it in an instant.
Wakamou, able to remain conscious no matter what, struggled against the relentless slicing of the storm, enduring with overwhelming pressure.
As the storm raged violently, lightning poured down without giving Wakamou a chance to escape.
Invisibly coiling winds surged and raced towards him like white lightning, piercing through Wakamou’s body.
In a single instance, lightning from all directions hit Wakamou, resulting in a massive thunderclap! The once-darkened Wakamou spun around.
Ensnared like helpless insects caught in a storm, Wakamou looked as if he might meet the finality that awaited mortals challenging gods.
“───!!”
The sorrowful wail of Wakamou, appearing in the form of the [Three-Legged Crow], echoed as he was abruptly torn to halves.
As the layered [Idol’s Shape] dissipated, the scales ripped from the dragon revealed themselves.
When the dark dragon, having been watching Wakamou trapped within a sphere of storms, turned its enormous eyes towards him—darkness descended.
As it looked up at the shadow overhead—the [Idol’s Thunder] struck down directly at the giant eye.
The chain reaction of the [Idol’s Flames] obscured the view even more.
With the [Model Adjustment] skill, Wakamou, who had become as large as the dragon’s head, mounted it, driving his sharp claws deep into its forehead. With both legs firmly attached to the face of the dragon, Wakamou pulled back his front leg and charged.
Though the dragon shook its head violently in pain, twist and turn as he might, Wakamou showed no intention of leaving the dragon’s head.
Where he stood was ground for it, so he made his way to its nose and bit down forcefully, shaking his head madly like a rabid dog while also spewing forth [Idol’s Flames], burning the gaping wounds.
Kaboom─!!
Lightning struck down upon Wakamou, who was wildly thrashing atop the dragon’s head.
Shrinking down to avoid it, Wakamou managed to backflip, but in that moment of vulnerability, the agile dark dragon began to retreat into the clouds.
Wakamou plummeted from the skies.
In the impenetrable darkness, closer to the ground, he saw a horrific scene—magma saturating the earth below.
The being that had erupted into a volcano, spewing lava and billowing black smoke, left almost no stable ground.
He hastily landed on a rock sliding down the magma but it was perilously unstable.
Boom… rumble…
A fierce storm raged above in the skies.
Lightning crackled across the clouds, ready to strike at any moment, and within its glaring light passed the shadow of a colossal dragon.
Rain abruptly fell as veils of dark clouds enveloped the world. Upon touching the magma, steam billowed up, creating thick fog from the torrential downpour.
Though he briefly wondered about the rain instead of lightning—earth tremors split the ground, spouting geysers of water.
“Water…?”
Only then did Wakamou realize the water had risen dramatically.
Startled, he turned to see something “approaching,” hidden by darkness.
Firing [Idol’s Thunder], the lightning struck a direct line but vanished upon clash with something.
“…A wall? No, that’s wrong…”
Looking up, Wakamou recognized it for what it truly was—an enormous wave.
“You cowardly dragon──!”
With a devastating force, a massive wave surged forth, crashing down from where Wakamou stood, consuming everything all the way to the summit of the volcano.
With violent earthquakes shattering the ground, the utterly vast field began to sink with a heavy sound.
Unfortunately, as he stood on a rocky precipice, Wakamou was swept away by the torrents, crashing haphazardly into anything nearby, barely managing to keep his footing amidst the tumult while soaring above the water’s surface.
Water, moving as if alive, began to swirl around him, merging with the twirling winds falling from dark clouds.
The cascading water swirled up toward the heavens like a magnificent dragon, bursting forth into the sky.
Caught in the whirlpool, Wakamou was propelled upwards, struck by peaks of sharp rain and electric bursts inflicting damage.
Suddenly, the designated breath from the dragon, waiting for this moment, came crashing down upon Wakamou.
The blazing flames, filling his sight like a descending sun—Wakamou wrapped his [Idol’s Storm] around the blazing inferno.
As the flames, that fanned out in a widening arc, were pulled toward him, creating a vortex of wind, the dragon realized something was amiss and quickly shut its mouth.
However, the flames already unleashed wouldn’t simply disappear.
The portal of [My Worlds] opened, releasing the breath it had fired from behind the dark dragon, igniting and incinerating its entire body.
“It looks pretty elegant!!!”
Being on a cloud allowed for a clear view of the dark dragon’s figure.
With crimson scales and white fur sweeping from head to tail, the mythical oriental dragon was struggling amid the flames.
“[Kwauuuuu──!!]”
As the dragon’s roar blasted, the visual distortions began to merge, when the explosive energies from within were understood as they burst forth, sending Wakamou tumbling backward.
Floating on a camera above, it too fell to pieces—every camera shattering, staining the viewer’s screens pitch black in sudden darkness.
When the image returned, it showed Wakamou falling through the dark void.
The ground greeted him; the land that was scarcely sticking out of the water welcomed him.
As Wakamou landed heavily on the surface of the sea, he sprang back up.
Not a single inch of him remained intact; scratches, burns, and puncture wounds lay brutally evident over him.
“[GooOoOOO!!!]”
Finally breaking through the clouds manifested a massive circle overhead, as the dark dragon dove down towards Wakamou with all its power.
It didn’t open its maw.
It knew that if it swallowed him, it would die a ghastly death.
Boom─!
As Wakamou stood firm, the water below surged down, forming a crown shape as the water thrust upward.
Though he remained standing atop the surface, the standing water rushed downwards leaving him on a soaked patch.
Wakamou held the enormous dragon back with immense effort.
“UooOOO!!”
Not losing ground in this battle of strength, Wakamou managed to jam his fingers deep into the dark dragon’s jaw.
Crunch─!!
With the [Object Interaction] skill, he seized its head, forcing it down against the earth.
With [Idol’s Tsunami], he raised the surrounding waves, pushing off the ground to drive the dragon’s head into the dirt and scraping it across the surface, turning it around.
Struggling and thrashing violently, the dark dragon felt Wakamou’s last resort as he seized it and slammed it into the volcano.
Boom─!
With that impact, the volcano erupted again, sending lava spewing forth.
“Hah… Hah…”
That was it for mana, cranked up to the limit but still not enough. The dragon, nearly torn in half, drooled menacingly as it glared at Wakamou.
Despite that simmering hatred, Wakamou met its gaze with a smile, his eyes sparkling brightly.
“You’ve forgotten one crucial fact. You’re up against me, the strongest Clipper on the ground!”
– At the very least, call him a Fox Deity!
– The Leader won’t admit he’s a VTuber even in death…
– Can we really win against this…?
– Is that so? Is that really so?
– Where the heck did you get that duel disk from!!!!
With [VTuber Asset] skill—when was the last time he used this? Wakamou equipped a duel disk, dramatically deploying a card from his stock.
As a collaboration event commemoration, he placed a signed “Aoi Asuka” card down, opening the portal of [My Worlds].
“[Izuna Ryu Spell] secret technique—! [Izuna White Flame Dispersion]!”
As she manifested, she unleashed all her power on the dark dragon.
The white flames consumed the dark clouds, similar to snowflakes falling, erupted into a torrential downpour upon the dragon’s gigantic body, igniting it as if it were a wildfire.
“[Kitsune of Winged Garb]!”
In that state, with her mana increased from [Kuzunoha Ryu Spell]’s secret technique reach, Aoi Asuka summoned a gigantic gumiho that charged at the dark dragon.
However, with its upper jaw agape, the dark dragon swallowed the gumiho in one bite, insisting it wasn’t over yet, invoking renewed fighting spirit.
From the gaps between its scales—steaming wisps began to emerge, forming new clouds as the dark dragon grasped the swirling mists of vapor with its serpentine limbs—a single gross pearl materialized in one of its massive hands, casting a rainbow in the sky after Asuka’s attack had obliterated it.
As Wakamou dismissed Asuka, an ominous red pillar of light crashed down from the rainbow, enveloping him.
“Dark dragon, I shall show you! The Dragon!!”
In this precarious moment, Wakamou announced to summon Iosif Khan.
It became clear that if the rainbow’s rays forced him towards Wakamou, it would not end well.
The viewers recognized too that Wakamou wouldn’t allow harm to come to the VTuber they loved.
And so did all the climbers hired by her.
“The signal’s been received!! Buffers!!”
The [Artist], hired with a hefty sum, raised their instruments as [Wizard] and [Cleric] showered [Buffs] upon Wakamou at Manager Wanda Haye’s cue.
In desperation, Jiang Yeoul guzzled down the potions provided by the [Alchemist] team.
Among the buff potions, some had extra abilities, brewing forces that even without stat multipliers, had emerged from the Legendary Class Victims’ organization.
Given the sheer variety of potions, Jiang Yeoul downed each through tears and lament of past, aiming for every possible stat boost.
The grad student cried tears, proclaiming his research had worth!!! Receiving embraces from Legendary Class non-combatants, their struggles through their voiceless existence had turned to hopes of victory right at this critical moment.
[Status Panel]
[Climber: Wakamou Inarizushi]
[Job: VTuber]
[Age: 1,000 years]
[Manager (Shaman): Olga Romanova]
[Statistics]
Mana: 5,187
Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Intelligence: 5
Idol’s Lion: 1,750,000
[Additional Stats: 194]
[Faith: 895]
[Believers: 141].
Tower Coins: 0.
“Buff generation confirmed!! Full doping of power buff immediately!!!”
Simultaneously buffing, Jiang Yeoul’s manager hoisted her up, tossing her into the mana potion tank.
The stat boost surged with flourishing effects, and with Wakamou successfully hitting the minimum required, he took a deep breath.
With the core skill of the class [ZMYU] possessed by Olga Romanova, [Idol’s Body], he activated [Dragon Change].
Scaled to immense proportions along a parallel with his proper increase was amplified even more due to Olga’s towering stature.
Verily, if he were large from the start—?
Through the raised camera, the fusion of Idol’s Body, [War God Sword God General], leapt down.
With [Model Adjustment] maxed, he expanded until he matched the dragon’s size by one-third—and—
“[Dragon Change]—!!”
Thunderous—
“This is the crystallization of our Wakamou Corporation and the non-combatant Legendary Class’s wishes!”
He dashed forward, shoving aside the miseries of lacking skills right then.
During the buffing window, he barely met conditions, revealing a massive White Dragon intertwined with lightening as it fell upon the dark dragon, enwrapping in a clash.
“I transcend common sense! Go— White Dragon!!”
The western White Dragon bellowed, rearing on hind legs as it unleashed a devastating lightning breath, colliding with the flames directed against it.
The ensuing explosion fluttered incandescently, while the dark dragon lunged at the White Dragon, igniting it with flames bursting from the space between their scales.
As the giants clashed, every element of the titanic struggle echoed harshly in the reality they inhabited, stunned silence filled the viewers’ chat.
The spectacle of colossal monsters entangled in their struggle was nearly impossible to capture with a camera!
Amidst the fray, a small White Dragon soared through the sky.
“Strong! Invincible! Ultimate!! Vanquish the azure-eyed dragon!!”
Iosif Khan took flight, pouring his breath toward the jewel!
The frost that crept everywhere began to seize the dragon’s limbs, and Iosif, seizing the moment, accelerated, crashing into frozen limbs, severing them from its body.
With the gem he clutched falling away, the dark dragon abruptly weakened.
With the sheen draining from its scales, the White Dragon broke free from the dragon’s grapple, hoisting the dark dragon high before slamming it back down onto the ground.
“Only a skill that permits transformation.” He could neither fly nor unleash breath like Iosif.
He could only mimic it. Despite those limitations, Wakamou nevertheless drew a sword from his waist.
Motivated by the War God’s spirit, he raised it high and plunged it into the dragon’s chest, bursting forth a cascade of blood while the dark dragon writhed in pain.
Crackling sounds resonated—
Proclaiming itself indomitable, the dark dragon seized lightning to strike down the White Dragon.
With Wakamou’s mana dropping drastically, and almost running on fumes, he weakened, kneeling.
“Ha… Hah… Ugh…”
Still, there were plenty of cards left to play. Could the wall really be so tall from the outset?
Despite the dizzy spells and fatigue mounting, Wakamou struggled to banish them with sheer willpower.
Even while he strove to maintain his peak state, it was obvious he had a limit.
‘If the skills overload, what will become of me?’
While conducting that inner inquiry, Wakamou laughed quietly to himself, thinking of his fellow climbers who’ve long faced similar fates.
Before bidding farewell he remembered something an old dragon, known as the Dragon of the Same-Sex Guild, once stated on air.
*“So, even if I leave… even if I disappear, will you still love VTubers?”*
Somewhere amidst a sense of leaving, it felt almost like a terminal farewell as the stream neared its significant end.
If she departed, would she still wish her beloved viewers happiness and survival, grateful for memories of shared past moments?
Assuredly, she would return, albeit in a different guise—but would those we adored feel happy after our farewell experiences along with graduation?
*“If I can help Virtual Live, then I only wish for that to bring joy—no matter what happens, you must love them!”*
“500 years later when I return, I promised to do a stream!!”
Stretching his back, Wakamou jokingly reprimanded himself with those words as a smile cracked his face.
“VTubers are invincible if they possess the love and support of their audiences. Look, you’re my proof!!! If tomorrow I receive a special stream from my idol, I will rise from the grave!!”
Grasping the 【True Heaven Crystal Blade】, Wakamou darted toward the dark dragon.
As Iosif Khan lifted him to great heights, despite the turbulent meandering flight, Wakamou hurled bolts of electricity, colliding with the dragon whose chest received the blade, burrowed into its open wounds.
Within that opening, knowing this crucial moment would determine the contest, the dark dragon unleashed its fiery breath.
Slice─!
The wind whipped through, extinguishing all flames with a single stroke sharp enough to cut the evening gloom.
“[The Head of Orochi]!!”
With one decisive cut, all blade paths broadened into eight, swirling and stabbing outward in a harrowing mass.
Thick crimson sprayed everywhere, showering them both in a coat of bloodshed as Wakamou emerged victorious like a knight atop the fallen giant.
As blood streamed forth from the dragon, forming rivers beneath them, the nearing end curdled with screams—its body plummeting toward the ground.
Even Iosif Khan, transformed into a White Dragon, measured small beside the behemoth, who had been felled by such minor means.
“Are you alright, director…?”
“I’m perfectly fine…”
Having conquered the tower, fatigue abated but that overwhelming heaviness lingered—for Wakamou, it was a dizzy blur as he placed his hand atop the dead dragon.
Using the exclusive job skill【Open World】, he hurled the dark dragon’s carcass down to [Wakamou Inarizushi Floor 1], reflecting in his heart that the heart would be the most precious item to behold while feeling a yearning inside.
Unfortunately, the jewel had shattered upon the plunge, rendering it useless.
Nevertheless, being mana’s residue, [My Worlds] awaited an eager dismantling team led by Wakamou’s assistant, busy retrieving valuable fragments.
“Are you really alright? We have no idea what lies on the next tier.”
“Don’t be ludicrous enough to throw such an insensitive question, manager.”
“There’s also a second-day stream to consider; can we finish the climb within five hours?”
“Sure! I would!”
With a soft chuckle, Wakamou made a final check before beginning his ascent again.
“Say, what would happen if I died, manager?”
“Uh… I’d rather not entertain such hypothetical questions.”
“Would [My Worlds] cease to exist? What of those inside? Would the skills I bestowed vanish as well? Just some curiosities…”
Every climber knows to ponder the possibility of death while scaling the heights.
With that, Wakamou took a deep breath, stepping forward toward the next tier.
Wakamou took a deep breath and stepped onto the next floor.
[Climbing the 80th Floor of Kyoto Tower]
– O revered idol! Show your will to all!
– Overcome, defeat, and prove your strength to stand at the top!
– Currently undergoing the “Hell Trials” of [Kyoto Tower].
– The current difficulty is [80 times] the combined total of all 40 floors.
[Platinum Achievement Condition]
– Defeat [Abe no Seimei] (0/1)
The name that made Wakamou doubt his eyes was now before him.
A long pilgrimage path—before him stood the characteristic torii of a high Japanese shrine atop a long, high staircase.
And inscribed in front of it was the sign reading [Kuzunoha Inari Shrine] in kanji.
“[It seems the fox deity, who could be called the owner of this shrine, has finally arrived after a long time.]”
An old shrine, on the verge of collapsing. A man dressed in the long robe typical of onmyoji stood before the dilapidated shrine, clearly abandoned by people over the years.
His top had an opening at the sleeve that allowed the inner clothes of the traditional “garikinu” to peek through, while his trousers were a bit puffy, known as “sashinuki.”
This man wore the most famous clothing of onmyoji and slowly turned around to face Wakamou.
Perked high above his black hair were fox ears standing straight up.
The monsters within the tower were creations of the tower itself—yet, how in the world should Wakamou respond to this pretty boy who resembled a transformed Wakamou Inarizushi?
“[You cannot climb any further, O Fox Deity. What you long for cannot be found at the top of this tower. Cherish and love what you possess, and live among humans rather than returning to the mountains.]”
In other words, it was a polite way of telling Wakamou that even if he conquered the 100th floor of Kyoto Tower, he wouldn’t receive the front-row ticket to the festival he longed for.
While Wakamou could appreciate the elegant Kyoto way of speaking, sadly, he had no thoughts of understanding such things.
Just, “Ahh! So the Kyoto Tower wants to keep my VTuber concept intact!!”
“[As for you, the onmyoji, there is no chance against Abe no Seimei. You shall die here without being sealed.]”
– Seimei??? Did he just mention Seimei??
– What’s with that fox-eared guy? Lmaoㅋㅋㅋㅋ
– More importantly, he talks to the leader like they’re buddies?
– The leader’s past is being revealed; it’s like the red pill is being taken!!
– To learn about the past, should I enroll in a history department as a VTuber?
– This is terrifying, hearing the strongest onmyoji in Japanese history speak…
– Are we witnessing a mother and son fighting?
“Since the strongest onmyoji says so, it’s clear…perhaps I should give up on climbing the tower after all. If I stop here, will I still receive my earlier rewards?”
“[Of course. And you will be able to ascend the layers at a normal difficulty. Though, you won’t obtain the Complete Strategy Layer—from the 90th floor onwards, it truly becomes a demonic realm.]”
“But I refuse.”
“[What?]”
“This Wakamou Inarizushi’s favorite thing is to respond ‘NO’ to those who make forced suggestions…. Who, after coming this far, would be a fool to say, ‘Yes, understood’ and flee!!”
Seeing Wakamou boldly closing the distance towards the legendary onmyoji, Seimei smiled as if he had expected this.
“[In that case, I, Seimei—shall fulfill my duty.]”
As he swiftly drew a talisman, it was flung into the air, multiplying into thousands of talismans, taking control of the space as they flew towards Wakamou.
Reactively using [Object Interaction] to stop the talismans while trying to burn them with [Flame of the Idol], Wakamou leaped back, creating distance as the endless talisman onslaught continued.
“[A few thousand talismans alone cannot be counted as numerous!]”
With a flourish of his sleeves, he was pursued by Seimei who now bore wings made of talismans. When Seimei swung his arms, waves of talismans rushed towards Wakamou.
If flames wouldn’t consume them, then perhaps water would.
Casting [Tsunami of the Idol], a colossal wave surged from the ground to meet the talismans, crashing into them.
The paper scattered upon being drenched, but the opponent was no mere shaman; he was humanity’s greatest onmyoji.
With both hands moving, Seimei recited nine incantations, drawing lines in the air with his fingers as he cast the kuji-in.
“[Sixth Yin Deity Connection!!]”
“What the—?!”
Even hearing the name of the skill left Wakamou dumbfounded, unable to deduce anything from it.
With the skill activated, reality began to shift as the sky darkened.
Countless stars rose in the sky, twinkling as they connected through lines.
“[Watching the movements of the stars, transcending time with the flow of heaven and earth is the essence of onmyoji!]”
Thump.
Wakamou’s heart raced.
A sudden chill and wave of nausea struck him, and he clutched his chest, staggering.
“[The stars are now! The Fox Deity Wakamou Inarizushi’s death is foretold!!]”
The star shining brightest in the sky was unequivocally Wakamou’s own, recognized by both him and the viewers as an obvious fact.
Such was the nature of the skill.
As the onmyoji gazed at the stars, capable of predicting human fates, he was staggered by the sight of Wakamou, who stood there dazed, unable to comprehend his fate.
[The climber has been subjected to the skill [Predicted Fate]! You will die in 30 minutes!]
At that moment, Wakamou’s only option was to charge forward.
“[The movements of the future—seen from a thousand miles above! I can see it all vividly!]”
As he unleashed his own combat technique against Wakamou, Seimei effortlessly dodged all his attacks, as if already predicting Wakamou’s every move.
Unable to even brush against the fluttering sleeve of Seimei’s robe, Wakamou felt an oddity, as if fighting a ghost, and with a kick, he attempted to strike.
What he struck would be a massive Tengu.
“[Seimei Style, Shaman Art! Oh, the legendary demon [Taisaku Tengu]]”
“Asuka!!”
“[AnGen’s Fire Realm]!”
The Tengu, one of the three great spirits of Japan, took flight towards the heavens, transforming all around into a flaming sea.
Wakamou’s domain was engulfed in flames, as Asuka rushed forward, clashing with the Tengu in combat.
“[[Six Thousand Water Bombs]!!]”
With just their mere existence, even Wakamou could be considered a boss-level threat the moment he used shaman arts alongside his skills.
Ignoring Asuka, a large water mass descended upon Wakamou, forcing him to dodge it sideways as talismans gathered and distorted space.
One turned rapidly, turning the water bomb into a direct hit on Wakamou, tearing off half his upper body.
Grimacing from the immense output, Wakamou clenched his remaining fist but was blocked by a shikigami springing forth from behind Seimei.
“[Take them out, Otakemaru!]”
Before him stood a colossal Oni—one of the three great evil spirits of Japan—charging forward, raising its sword with all its might.
With a blow as if made of steel, Wakamou groaned with shock but didn’t get pushed back. Using [Substantial Idol], he surged toward Seimei.
Ducking beneath and dodging the talismans that fell from the tiny Wakamou, they unfolded into a barrier that he then kicked at Seimei.
Yet again, emerging was a beautiful lady, blocking his path.
“[Shikigami Satsukihime. Annihilate the Fox Deity!]”
With a smirk, the lady Satsukihime effortlessly tossed Wakamou aside.
“[TakiYasha Style Sorcery—Gashadokuro!!]”
In the moments following, a massive skeletal monster erupted from the ground, made from grudges and spirits. Wakamou quickly distanced himself as he fled from the rampaging skeletal arms.
Just as he was trying to regain his footing while chasing with his camera, the talismans accurately targeted his camera and destroyed it.
Seimei was brutally blocking any scheme Wakamou had, rendering him powerless.
“[Temporal Isolation!]”
And it did not end there; talismans shot up from the ground as he unleashed barrier techniques.
Desperately hitting the brakes, Wakamou barely escaped from within the barrier.
Seimei, displaying a miraculous technique of freezing time within the barrier, unleashed more talismans without giving Wakamou a moment to think.
These weren’t just random flying talismans; they homed in on Wakamou, persisting with malicious intent.
Talismans suddenly latched onto his feet or infiltrated through the cracks in his mana, sticking to his back.
With that, the talismans created a distortion at the center, forming black orbs that consumed him.
Having lost one leg and a hole through his back to his abdomen, Wakamou barely dodged the barrage from Otakemaru.
Even with a body akin to steel, Wakamou used Tenchou Unken to score a hit, but as soon as Seimei tossed another talisman, it restored the injury in no time.
This fight was meaningless.
“[Onmyo Genshu Style Sorcery!]”
Stunned by the sheer number of sorceries, Wakamou could scarcely believe what was happening as the talismans illuminated, unleashing binding threads aimed directly at him.
Trying to escape through [My Worlds], even the portal he attempted to open was ensnared by the binding threads that sealed him away.
“Master!!”
From the moment the first talismans were thrown, Wakamou had no chance against the overwhelming variety of shikigami Seimei commanded.
The Karashiro, paper offerings woven into servitors, were strewn across the area, obstructing Wakamou’s path, with several disguised as Seimei’s apparitions, making it impossible for Wakamou to distinguish the real one.
Asuka struggled against the Tengu, unable to think of coming to his aid.
“Ugh…!”
“[O Fox Deity, I shall not seal you here. You shall die with your pride intact!!]”
Seimei’s hand moved as he sealed the ground’s energy flowed towards Wakamou.
Opening [My Worlds] was impossible—he couldn’t even call for Joseph Khan as his voice simply wouldn’t come out.
With talismans sticking to his face, Wakamou was rendered powerless, caught in a grip, facing his demise.
With the enormous dragon pushing him back, Wakamou’s death was now dependent on the sorcerer conjured to kill him.
Struggling against his bindings, he flailed, yet there was no escape.
Amidst this, the stars in the heavens began to shift, plotting Wakamou’s downfall.
In the flowing time of impatience—on the screen that only waiting companions could see, appeared Wakamou’s status.
With a dedicated group of VTubers from Wakamou Corporation, including his manager, they were watching as his stats dwindled.
[Stats]
Mana: 380,567
As the binding threads continued to inflict damage, Wakamou bowed his head in despair.
[Stats]
Mana: 120,321
Is this really how it ends?
Am I about to die in such a void of despair?
No way, it can’t be.
Everyone was anxiously watching Wakamou’s stream, trembling.
Liu Ying clutched Sadako, on the verge of tears.
Members waiting to come help dared not even breathe as they stared at the screen.
There had to be a way out; surely there had to be something.
Asuka attempted to fly in to help, but the talismans latched onto her, ensnaring her in sorcery—a moment of vulnerability rendered her powerless.
[Stats]
Mana: 9,241
[Stats]
Mana: 3,954
[Stats]
Mana: 1,321
[Stats]
Mana: 532
No, this can’t be happening; my mana is dwindling down.
Olga fervently prayed, “Oh, God, this can’t be happening!” but it was all in vain.
[Stats]
Mana: 92
His mana plummeting down to the single digits, it finally fell to double digits.
[Stats]
Mana: 0
[The climber Wakamou Inarizushi, who was climbing Kyoto Tower, has died.]
A dispassionate announcement of death echoed throughout Kyoto Tower!!
Wakamou Inarizushi, bound by the talisman, began to turn to ash from his feet upward, slowly disappearing.
– Ah…
A single comment resonated for countless viewers.
No one could find words to articulate what they saw.
What happens to a climber who dies within the tower? The bodies may emerge sometimes, but not always.
In this moment, everyone present knew what happens to climbers who perish inside the tower.
“[Moment of Silence]”
Seimei released all skills, offering a moment of silence for the deceased.
Wakamou’s tower climbing ultimately ended in failure.
A failure that resulted in the most devastating consequence—death…
……
….
What is death? What does it mean to live?
Isn’t it just living until you die? Isn’t it enough to seek happiness, looking at only enjoyable things?
Rather than condemning or being envious of others—just having fun, laughing, and enjoying shows… becoming infatuated with idols…
The idols that only exist in this era of VTubers.
With their uniqueness and the laughter and joy they create… so distinctly different from idol groups…
—- What was I doing?
“Nice to meet you, dear sister. I’m… over there.”
A softly fluttering pink ribbon in the shape of a large leaf—long straight hair accompanied by a cute smile and a cutie fashion style.
“Ai-chan…? But you’re… dead!”
Wakamou jumped up in shock upon seeing the first-ever virtual YouTuber standing before him.
“I’ve never experienced death, Fox Deity. I will continue to avoid it.”
“Ai-chan wouldn’t say something like that!!”
“You must rise, Wakamou! You are the pride of our nation!”
“You are the one who plays the beautiful melody for Virtual Live…”
Echoing in his ears—a clarity dawned as Wakamou grasped the situation he found himself in.
If death occurs, where does the mind, the soul go…?
If it exists, what can possibly keep me here…?
“Wakamou!! Say you miss me!!!”
A distant light twinkled in the far distance… the idol VTubers’ performance…
It was the essence of the original… a motivation that drove him through hardship, proclaiming he would endure for a whole year…
“I want to see the concert!!!!”
[Stats]
Mana: 0
The ticks of the clock began to move.
Adelheid took out [Mei Xiao Long Bao] crafted by her art. Since the essence shared mana with its primary body…
Although he could do nothing about Jiang Yeoul, the phoenix sharing mana with Wakamou still existed.
[Divine Bird Luan]
Mana Amount: [1,500,000]
At the moment Wakamou’s mana hit zero, a mana core composed of all its remaining mana was created—a “Mana Nucleus.”
Wakamou’s form was collapsing even as [Mana Slime] roiled within.
It was a sight where a climber turned into a monster, yet to the viewers, it merely appeared as him melting away.
[Stats]
Mana: 1,500,000
[Divine Bird Luan]
Mana Amount: [0]
A legendary bird known to have birthed all birds and brought peace; this item [shares mana with its owner].
“What’s the one thing that should never be done at a funeral?!”
“What—?!”
“Resurrection!!!”
Wakamou accelerated like lightning, piercing through Seimei’s heart.
“Regrettable, but I can’t swim, so I couldn’t cross the Sanshō River…”
“[This… can’t be…?]”
[Climbers cannot become [Monsters]!]
[Monster transformation canceled!]
“Twice would be too much for me to handle.”
“[How… could…?]”
A climber can become a monster. However, Wakamou neither resisted nor countered it.
What matters is passing both intelligence and reason.
It became evident that even returning from being a test subject was possible if possessing [Idol Body].
The unanswered question of whether mana would recharge automatically if zero passed through his mind in this moment.
When mana reaches zero, even if the [Idol Body] vanishes, the item, deemed an “Art,” would remain.
Even in a state bound by talismans, by forcing all the mana into the Mana Nucleus, the action could be compared to a form of suicide.
Yet, if the [Art] remains and the camera remains active, where would Wakamou Inarizushi’s consciousness point towards?
The [Art] was not merely a doppelgänger, but could themselves become the [Original] if needed!
Because the central point of all physical laws stems from oneself!
“I triggered an artificial monster transformation. I witnessed the tower reverse that—isn’t that so? I’m fortunate it worked out this time…”
“[You’ve gone mad…]”
Setting a Mana Nucleus within and gathering mana to create another serves as a supplement—using the monster transformation potion devised by a scientist.
With that, the [Idol Body] that should have turned to ash, at the last moment, managed to sustain itself.
A work through which one might still hold consciousness even after death or dismemberment… he aimed for just that.
To put it bluntly, it was a mad, reckless gamble. But Wakamou succeeded.
“[You’re not afraid of the heavens, are you? Defying death!!]”
“Heaven?”
With a hole through his chest, blood spilling everywhere caused Seimei to sway as Wakamou raised his face.
In reality, Wakamou was dying.
His entire body became ash, collapsing as if clinging desperately to life.
Nonetheless! The fact that he died and came back to life was unmistakable!!
He truly died and was resurrected through the power of the skill [Idol Body]!
“I would fight if the heavens disrupt the concert I’ve been waiting for!!”
“[Such resolve… truly…]”
Seimei’s arm dropped limply.
Casually setting down the corpse he grasped, Wakamou took a moment.
“My greatest foe. Farewell, Seimei.”
This was a clear defeat; he had merely employed underhanded means.
Admitting the loss, he offered his respects, turning his back and leaving.
He had to ascend to the next floor, no matter what.
As time was running out, once Wakamou reached the next level, the collapsing form finally ceased dispersing black ash.
Among the ascension, whatever injuries he bore would heal, for it was the tower’s absolute law!!
[Climbing the 90th Floor World of Kyoto Tower]
– O revered idol! Show your will to all.
– Overcome, defeat, and prove your strength to stand at the top!
– Currently undergoing the “Hell Trials” of [Kyoto Tower].
– The current difficulty is [100 times] the combined total of all 50 floors.
[Platinum Achievement Condition]
– Defeat [@!$%#!@^&] (0/1)
As he started to climb, a vast field greeted him.
Golden ears of rice swayed against the backdrop of a dusk-colored sky.
Alongside echoing impacts, the tier of the tower shook as if an earthquake struck.
What was happening? A sudden tear manifested in midair.
KWAANG! The ceiling collapsed, with dirt and dust pouring down.
“[Are you defying death?!!]”
[Climbing the 100th Floor World of Kyoto Tower]
– O revered idol! You’ve committed a foul.
– You were defeated and died, yet you were resurrected!
– Currently undergoing the “Hell’s Judgment” of [Kyoto Tower].
– The current difficulty is [200 times] the combined total of all 60 floors.
An enraged entity erupted in a dazzling light from the 100th floor, revealing itself in person.
Unforgiving of Wakamou’s underhanded tactics and resurrection through death, the presence shattered the tier as it descended.
Is there a method of countering dishonor?
[Platinum Achievement Condition]
– Defeat [Inari’s Lion] (0/1)
– Defeat [Kyoto’s Fox Deity] (0/1)
“Isn’t this the White Faced Golden Cat?”
“[You are the White Faced Golden Cat—!!]”
“Could you not slander me so?”
A furious white-haired fox goddess from Kyoto loomed over Wakamou, her crimson-eyed makeup glaring down upon him—while the unseen, transparent fox, [Inari’s Lion], stalked through the fields, pressing down notes into the crops with every move.
“I bet the viewers were expecting something… Well, I can’t help it. Since I did cheat, let’s ask just one thing.”
“[…… State your last words.]”
“If I defeat you… is that it?”
“[If you can, try it—!!!]”
Then so it shall be!
“Once I take you down…. I’ll throw a first-anniversary live stream, take an extended break, and go see the concert! You can intervene, but it’s futile.”
In the midst of contemplating how to approach the next tier, the top boss willingly decided to descend. How lucky could he be, Wakamou couldn’t help but grin as he raised his fist.
And it opened.
Behind him, a portal opened, spilling forth climbers.
“This is exciting.”
Alongside the King of Authority, Liu Wei stepped forward. Behind him, the President of the Korean Association walked with a leisurely demeanor.
“Wakamou Corporation!!”
With the legendary classes and climbers from Wakamou Corporation following behind him.
“Assembly—”
“Flame On!!”
As Pyret soared into the sky, enveloped in flames.
Wakamou, who was about to deliver an impressive line, met her gaze and, slapping his temple, began to chase after. The Architect hoisted his hammer high.
“Our non-combat Legendary Classes won’t just stand idly and take it from the tower!!! Let’s go!!!!”
“”””Waaa!!!””””
“[You dishonorable and petty fox deity! Instead of fighting like an idol, come at me like a true opponent!!]”
“Blame it on the Korean Tower!!!”
Wakamou and the Kyoto fox deity entwined together as they tumbled through the golden rice fields.
With an increase in the number of climbers, the difficulty of the next tier would skyrocket.
But at the highest tier, no issue could arise!!
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