[Job Exclusive Skill: 【VTuber’s Breath】]
-Increases singing ability significantly.
-Circulates life through breathing.
-Has effects of mental stability, strong recovery, and enhanced concentration.
Wakamou acquired a new skill.
It was a special skill that allowed the recovery of mana just by breathing!!
‘My believers will get chilly.’
Of course, for Wakamou, broadcasting was more important than anything like that.
In Germany, Wakamou was torturing an engineer, while Jiang Yeoul dismissed the summon for Mei to maintain focus.
Editing the fight with Mujon was necessary, but given the need to quickly ascend the tower, there wasn’t much leisure.
‘I have to watch the VTuber broadcast in editing time…!’
Reaching a level beyond no-look clips, Wakamou had arrived at a state where he could infer situations just by listening to the VTuber’s voice, imagining even their expressions in his mind.
“[Whaaa!! Achoo!! Achoo!! Whose is this!? Are you underestimating me?! Why, why is it, Nier….]”
“[Ahaha! You guys!! I said don’t call me Puni Puni!!]”
“[17th-anniversary doesn’t mean I’m 39! Are you all ashamed of the captain?!]”
I see it… in high resolution, oh dear!
Even if I can’t do my own VTuber broadcast, I can’t stand neglecting it.
I left a notice saying I’m urgently climbing [China Tower], so my believers will understand.
Besides, this matter is complicated with [Wulin] or [Dark Society], so I decided to resolve the incident first. Delaying the broadcast might give Mujon time to plot something, and who knows what mess [China Tower] might get me into.
I’m climbing illegally right now, receiving a ton of penalties, yet since I’m not affected, they might choose to empower Mujon to handle the illegal climber.
This is why the aspect of the tower having a consciousness is so troublesome.
“Ancestor, is it alright to climb so fast?”
“I’m contemplating that a lot too, descendant.”
“Right?”
“They’re too weak, breaking before we can even show anything.”
“Pardon?”
The [Jiangshi] appearing from the 75th floor were far from satisfying Wakamou. They showed some martial arts, but having experienced the lofty realms displayed by Mujon, Mei felt no desire to learn.
Easily evading the attack of a so-called something-Jiangshi and breaking its skull with a punch.
I thought [Heroic Spirit] grade would produce some impressive opponents, but all Mei felt was:
‘Why are they so slow?’
It was merely because the [NvWa Shrine] Mei had mastered was incomparably fast.
The superb martial arts did not concern itself with whatever was held in hand, intertwining with [Eight Elements Lightning Sword], a fundamental swordplay, to strike eight times in one slash, rendering Jiangshi with its mere pair of arms helpless.
‘It’s overly exhilarating… I hope I don’t cause a broadcast accident from excitement.’
Overwhelmingly cutting down foes! It’s great, but wouldn’t it be odd ensuring advertising during the broadcast when it ends too quickly?
Lately, with various collab broadcasts and ad streams lined up, patchworking a chimera might be acceptable, but conscience a bit…
“Hold on, may I meditate for a moment?”
“Ah, yes!”
To calm the euphoria, Mei settled on the ground to calm her mind.
It was a long journey─ How many efforts were spent gaining this power?
To become this strong, earnest effort was necessary….. why did I have to?
‘Well, should this be considered a fortuity?’
In all honesty, Wakamou thought his life had gotten unbelievably tangled.
Looking back, he could have lived as a wealthy and retired Clipper uncle, but didn’t he get caught by [Korean Tower] and branded 【Idol】?
If it were genuinely an ordinary [Class], he could have just kept broadcasting.
Moreover, it would hurt Liu Ying if discovered, but the tower hadn’t forcibly entangled him with Liu Ying, dealing with the headache posed by China, meeting Liu Wei, and a more peaceful, leisurely, and ordinary VTuber broadcast life had awaited…
How did it come to be this far…
With his complex emotions, Mei steadied her body and mind with [VTuber’s Breath].
Balancing the [Five Elements] power she now wielded required delicate [Mana Control] and unwavering concentration.
A moment’s lapse, and she would either turn into a tree, burn up, burst like a balloon, or turn to metal instantly.
Perhaps the least problematic aspect would be the part of releasing water from the body.
Operating [Three Brain Interlocks] at full stretch, channeling one person’s share of concentration into this body as she controlled the [Divide].
If the focus drawn to Wakamou is additionally utilized here, it seemed greater feats would be achievable, but issues were growing complicated on the German side too.
‘Why does the Vatican need experimental results of turning people into monsters?’
It felt like the kind of story of religious organizations’ corruption and secret plots frequently depicted in movies or web novels… Mei had heartburn.
‘Let’s focus….’
The need was to better, and naturally wield this power.
Though have constructed a certain theoretical ground, it was still a near-prototype technique completed by clashing with [Mujon] and attaining an understanding of [Qi].
Right now, even a small disturbance in equilibrium would lead to internal chaos.
Like a martial artist who has become a [Mind-Body-Spirit] harmony seeker to avoid [Qi] deviation, the need was to exercise caution.
The current mental concentration operation, was it called [Cloud Work] in martial arts novels?
The principle was simple.
All climbers have [Mana].
Even if unlisted as a stat, it exists.
There, by elevating [Stamina] or [Agility], the climber themselves becomes stronger.
In that manner, the [King of Authority] has little mana but possesses [Qi].
Of course, to one who doesn’t use [Skills], what exists as a feeling that can neither be sensed nor seen would be his mode of existence.
Witnessing how [Mana] transforms into [Spirit Power] or [Divine Power], and various other forms, Wakamou had his own [Spell Skill] knowledge as a foundation, expanded with sensory understanding taught by [Professor] and [Aoi Asuka].
As such, it was novel to exercise [Qi(life force)] practically in combat.
But as it is a non-stat-related concept, using it for [Skills] doesn’t apply.
An ironic tale.
Though Wakamou wields [Skills] employing Qi, it isn’t executed as [Skills] due to lack of stats?
[Wise Man] or [Professor] can use it upon mastery. Even unknown skills, similar understanding permits usage.
A [Skill] is a means to handle it, and simultaneously a proof of competence and possession of it.
While Wakamou executes it in a [Subsequent] manner.
Returning to the start, Wakamou’s [Idol’s Body] was composed entirely of Mana.
Therefore, having learned to feel mana, possessing [Mana Control], now being used unconsciously.
Cultivating plants within the body with [Idol’s Ground] to fill the interior.
Breathing conducted by flowers and leaves substituting lungs, drawing mana from Wakamou’s entire body to absorb and supply life.
Under the skin composed of mana flows life─ controlled via [Mana Core] mastered from transforming into a slime monster.
Controlling the plants with three [Mana Cores] situated in abdomen, chest, and head.
Similar to how a tower monster operates [Qi].
At the exterior a climber, but inside plant-type monster, essentially.
It was a rip-off of packaging if there’d ever been.
Utilizing [Mana Control], [Skills] are maintained in a [State] of being right before activation, allowing mana to channel through the body.
Fire, Water, Wood, Metal, Wind.
The mana elements moving through the plant’s stems like blood allowed the multiplied vitality to enable a much stronger [Qi] discharge.
Maximizing efficiency through all the skills held using the [Mana], creating [Life].
And that life is what generates the [Qi].
──Beyond this, additional possibilities arise.
But even now, controlling the flowers and branches blooming from Mei’s flesh is at a challenging level, and pushing further would lead to predictable chaos.
‘I’ve come a long way indeed.’
The warm energy flowing through her body, coupled with the breathing and pulsating rhythm of the plants, was giving a sensation akin to having a living body.
Still, having a red flower blooming from one eye─even if it doesn’t hurt, isn’t it just a natural eye patch?
In the beginning, Wakamou was overwhelmed and tossed around by the outstanding performance of the [Idol’s Body].
Overcoming that, the lack of [Mana] tormented and distorted his body.
And eventually overcoming the [Mana], they hit the limit of inborn constraints.
Yes, from here on is the realm purely determined by the climber’s capability.
[Attempting the Trial of Sichuan Tower Floor 76]
-Climber, destroy the wall and overcome adversity.
-Destroy your adversary and grasp power!
-Show your martial arts!
※You are climbing partnered with a climber.
If climbing in a regulation-violating manner, the difficulty of the next floor will increase.
[Platinum Achievement Condition]
-[Not achievable through party entry in non-regular method.]
-Overcome [Heroic Spirit]!
-[[Corpse of All Streams’ Ghost] is your opponent!]
[With Demon Fighting Formation, all stats reduced by 50%!]
A ghost clad in an assassin-like martial robe charged forward.
The ghost hid its hand in fluttering sleeves, eyes glinting from within deep-set sockets as bombs were hurled, causing explosions and generating smoke screens.
Simultaneously, the dragon decoration on the wall started emitting poison fog. Even as Xiao Liang was startled and covered her mouth, Mei remained composed.
Anticipating the possible use of [Mana Poison], shuriken concealed within flying knives inside sleeves were hurled forward following the knife’s shadow were hidden dark blades targeted at Mei.
And all these were nullified by Mei summoning the [Idol’s Storm].
Even with a tempest barrier emerging, the apparition aggressively closed the distance, releasing a pouch containing the bone-meltingly toxic Huaguosan.
As the billowing smoke touched Mei’s hair, a sizzling was heard, her hair melting down.
“[Heaven Splitting Blood Water!!]”
After long training, the deadly poison art enveloped by Qi struck towards Mei as a thunderbolt.
Approaching yet falling short, left hand severed by Mei’s hand edge.
Even under the illusion of the three times her hand seemingly struck, the ghost found itself in 18 pieces before hitting the floor.
‘So fast… I couldn’t even see it!’
Implementing [Idol’s Storm] to unleash blades of wind, could anyone withstand that?
On the 77th floor, the [Fighter Yeren] resembling Yetis emerged, massive monkey-like monsters raising large sabres enveloped in lightning to strike down Mei.
They exhibited martial arts Mei recognized for the first time here since arrival, lifting a huge sabre high while clad in natural fur all over their body.
“Aha”
The technique of wielding and wrapping the weapon in lightning was reminiscent of the improvisational concept Mei had imagined during her inception.
Of course, the quality and momentum were on another level entirely. With tyrannical might, Xiao Liang engaged a Yeren fighter as Mei viewed the remaining 19.
“[Chaos Heaven Thunder Blade]!!”
‘Well, I don’t get it.’
Though the swordplay technique was observable, how exactly they implemented that [Thunderous Aura] was lost to her comprehension.
A pity, akin in complexity to [Spells]. Existing profound subtleties prevented its mastery through visual observation alone.
Thus Mei channeled [Idol’s Thunder] through her body. Adding the lightning attribute, a zzzz sound accompanied cracks over arms and body.
Unbothered, she swung her sword, cleaving the sabre, leaving nothing untouched as their threatening posture delved into assault technique filled with thunderous energy within singular arm remaining, charging Mei chaotically.
Waves surged.
[Idol’s Tidal Wave] flooded as the Yeren, soaked, gawked at their submerged ankles─ and gazed into the eyes of the smiling Mei, sensing dread.
“Strike down.”
Boom─!!
[Idol’s Thunder] struck, electrocution seized the stationary Yeren, and Mei enlarged the sword’s blade with mana and decapitated them simultaneously.
“Avavah….”
Having downed merely one, but in the blink of an eye taking out 19 was met with Xiao Liang’s applause towards Mei.
Welcoming Mei on the 78th floor was the [Twenty-Eight Constellation Phantom Sword], commanding extravagance.
“[Demonic warrior violating rules and order! I’ll engage you now!!]”
Quickly drawn sword, demonstrating all manner of transformations, exhibited illusion.
The myriad techniques exceeded dozens, brewed chaos before Mei who leaned heavily on sight.
Skillful deck shuffling, that of an ace gambler handling a deceptive sleight of hand akin to a chance-taker’s skill where deception met capability.
[Skill [Eighty-One Formula Meteor Phantom Sword] acquired!]
“What’s with there being 81 sword formulas.”
“[What…?]”
After nearly an hour of engaging in sword combat, the opponent’s eyes widened as Mei’s stance abruptly altered, her blade unfolding.
Blossoming blades displayed enchanting sword dances, inducing delusional confusion, absorbing concentration.
Eight forms were displayed, each implementing distinct swordsmanship; distinguishing reality among lies proved overwhelming, perceiving everything within vision as engulfed by swords.
Swosh─!
“Weak. [Idol’s Form] would be better.”
If projecting illusions it is, Mei undeniably excelled.
Cutting the neck returning on the phantom wave she had shown, realizing all had been mere illusion, dissecting the [Phantom Sword] member stunned shocked.
“[Fiend!! You’re contravening rules!!]”
Faced on the 79th floor, she met a beautiful snow lady. Bearing the grand title [Thousand-Year Ice Sword of the North Sea], unveiling its glacial aura, wielding ice sword as it charged Mei.
Leaving no footsteps upon the snow’s surface, with each swing trailing a snowy, radiant streak illustrating sword auras.
Hurling clouds of snow, multiplied, soon forming towering blizzard encompassing Mei.
Inciting extreme temperatures, Mei’s body froze, even the internal plants wilting as they hardened.
Ultimately, plants─ adapting rapidly to surrounding conditions was beyond them.
[Raising Seed], relying not on any devoid amenities, was impossible.
If freshly grown plant all perished, the emerging gap necessitated would inevitably inflict fatal damage─ a foretold burden.
Conceding, steadily Mei controlled her body temperature with [Idol’s Flame] as she subtly inspected her two arms.
Clang─!
Transforming her arms to metal. Yet compared to before when fully hardened, progress differed vastly.
Not reaching indestructibility but might repel blades?
Gradually blushing red, the snow surrounding melted as steam commenced rising.
Caught off guard, the Thousand-Year Ice Sword attempted retreat─ Mei rushed unearthing snow surface, impelling her hand to tear the adversary’s body.
[Skill [Blood Hand Demon Art] was acquired!]
“A useful learn, isn’t it.”
With cunning fox-eyed grins, Mei spun the head of the staggering wide-eyed cosmic ice soldier holding her torso tightly.
Bewildered, she glimpsed at her hand, a notion of grasping something loomed.
However, this remained insufficient. Against rivals this trivial, anxiety detected none at all.
The accustomed extreme difficulty, always cornered─ sewn moments of imminent danger inspired sparks!!
──Reaching the 80th floor, Wakamo could not recapture that sensation.
“Tai Chi Sword?”
Adorned in Taoist attire proclaiming Wudang connection were 30 swordsmen forming besiegement patterns, lost amidst veil-like smoke emanating from their swords exchanging Tai Chi Sword styles.
All directions, commanded clear flow revealing technical assessment profound recognized, conjured expressions glum seen.
No surprise that the King of Authority preferred sparring against Wakamo rather than instructing students, comprehensible now.
After all, pupils wielded his techniques, unfamiliar and incomplete techniques foiling them was his impossibility.
The upper skill, comprehending dissect infected techniques encountered when witnessing Mei, dismantling disciples unfamiliar with superior skills, the overwhelming mass paled into insignificance.
“…..Shall I give a try?”
Dreary unimpressive foes solely vexing Mei, who elevated both hands.
Mei raised both her hands.
Mei, who was observing intently, slowly, ever so slowly transformed [Mana] into flames by casting [Idol’s Flame].
Then, using [Mana Manipulation], she unraveled and reversed the process, reconstructing it.
Suddenly, the [Flame] turned into pure white [Ice], exuding a chill.
[You have acquired the skill [Idol’s Freeze]]
“Hahaha!”
The description for [Idol’s Flame] was simple: “Consumes stored mana to produce flames.”
It was a straightforward conversion – and reversing it naturally produced the opposite result.
[Idol’s Freeze]
-Consuming stored mana to freeze.
[You have acquired the skill [Bare-Handed Magic (素手魔功)]]!
White frost coated her arms.
With a mighty clap, the spreading mana stirred up a blizzard, freezing all the mages around her. Being [Life], unlike Jiangshi or undead – especially for martial artists, life was [Breath]. Reflexively inhaling, their lungs froze, turning them into ice statues.
Yet seven remained alive…
“There’s nothing to see for you guys”
Boom──!!!
When Mei unleashed the maximum output of [Idol’s Flame], with a burst of blazing pillars, not even corpses remained, scattered to ash.
Watching this, Xiao Liang stood gaping like a goldfish.
Hoping the ancestor wouldn’t be displeased, she kept silent, maintaining a low profile.
Knowing these learned behaviors originated from childhood trauma, Mei patted her on the head, calling her cute.
Always positivize…!!
Kids are the future of VTubers!!
“I’m 23…”
Xiao Liang tried to deny being a child, but given the age difference, she reluctantly shut her mouth, acknowledging it.
“Wow!! Baldie!!”
Upon reaching the 81st floor and seeing a grand temple, Mei brimmed with excitement. Holding Xiao Liang’s hand, she hurried up to see a monk with a long beard standing there.
A [Heroic Spirit], with the title of [Shaolin Master], immediately used the same [Hundred Step Godfist] technique against Mei as was employed by Mujon.
With the execution of his skill, his entire body began to glow in a golden hue.
Just as if no weapon was necessary, using their indestructible body to kick and punch Mei, brutally and relentlessly.
Although the eight repeated attacks expanded to sixty-four, she repelled the onslaught from every direction with her fists.
In awe, Mei launched a fierce attack at the Shaolin Master, mimicking Mujon’s technique with different martial arts in each hand.
However, not a scratch graced his body. It was Mei’s fingers and hands that shattered.
“I shall send you to the side of Buddha, you wicked evil!”
“OMG! Buddha!!”
As she took a blow straight to her face, her [Mana Core] shattered, and the impact from a blow to her chest destroyed her insides, her [Mana Core] completely crushed. Yet Mei laughed while spewing mana like blood.
A strike truly deserving of admiration, reminiscent of the King of Authority!
“[Why… are you laughing?]”
To any observer, the situation looked overwhelmingly unfavorable to Mei, who was taking one hit after another.
Yet the [Heroic Spirit] couldn’t shake the anxiety, the chill, and the uneasy feeling as he asked.
“Huh? Why? Why laugh?”
Mei tilted her head, questioning back why such an obvious thing was even asked.
“People laugh when they’re happy, right?”
“[Happy…? This struggle?]”
“Of course!”
She knew nothing complicated like profound martial arts, nor did she master inner energy management.
Rebuilding her body by consuming a few seeds into her broken system, Mei relaxed while gathering [Ki].
And for him, appearing as if he was exhausted, she even offered a [Health Potion] that was practically pointless.
Perhaps due to the pride of being a trial of the Climber, he swatted it aside, refusing to take it.
Regardless, it didn’t really matter.
Adopting a distinctly different stance than before, mirroring the Shaolin Master’s, the old man’s face grimaced.
[Skill [Six Harmonies Fist (六合拳)] acquired!]
[Skill [Invisible Palm (隔空掌)] acquired!]
[Skill [Dragon Claw Hand (龍爪手)] acquired!]
[Skill [Crouching Tiger Palm (伏虎掌)] acquired!]
As Mei shifted into Six Harmonies Fist and approached to strike, the wrapping arm moved like a serpent, slashing across the leader’s chest.
As if winding like a spring, the palm struck open air with explosive force, causing the leader’s body to tremble.
Utilizing Six Harmonies Fist, blending dragon mimicry grip technique with the flow of Tai Chi from NvWa Shrine, he couldn’t cope.
Even if the striking fist was blocked, the flowing hand penetrating in like a ravenous beast held deadly sharpness. Thus, when trying to push her away, you can’t sever flowing water.
“Wakamou Style! Tiger Drop!!!”
As she closed in, Mei grabbed the leader’s hand, ensuring he couldn’t escape during the attack, moving in to deliver a headbutt right on his head.
Staggering and spurting blood from his nose, Mei condensed her Qi in the [Crouching Tiger Palm] to strike his chest.
Crack! An unforgivable sound echoed internally as the leader coughed up dark blood, collapsing on his knees.
Thud─
And there lay a potion rolling at his feet.
“Drink it, we must fight more, right?”
While she might not understand martial systems and inner energy fully, she could see techniques.
So she urged him to show more. With a gaze filled with a thirst verging on madness, a hunger for strength, the leader clenched his eyes shut, driving his hand into his heart.
Believing there was no benefit to [China Tower] in continuing the fight.
A decisively extreme conclusion. Without hesitation, ending his own life, leaving Mei astonished.
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For Mei, witnessing a monster admitting defeat and choosing to end itself was a first.
‘I get it….!’
Xiao Liang empathized with the sentiment of the [Shaolin Master] on the 81st floor, having taken his own life.
He thought he was imposing, but it was merely to learn [Martial Arts], accepting blows. Moreover, being viewed as a teaching tool was a humiliation… Thus, opting to preserve any remaining pride in this essentially meaningless struggle.
“Oh─ no weapons, huh”
Both nunchakus and triple-staffs had been broken, and the sword crafted from [Idol’s Mineral] was shattered, so Mei had been resorting to bare-handed combat.
“Should I lend you my sword…?”
“Hmm? Nah, it’s fine”
On the 82nd floor, [Silent Swordsman] emerged, causing Mei frustration.
The [Silent Swordsman Art] thrust was astoundingly fast and particularly bothersome.
Offering no moment to close the distance, Mei dealt with exhaustion as it constantly harassed her.
Moreover, with [Flying Sword Technique], launching swords autonomously through [Remote Sword], it ceaselessly assaulted Mei.
Unfortunately, Mei momentarily distanced herself, and amidst it was swept away by the indiscriminate long-range bombardment of the [Idol] attribute series, leaving only ashes behind…
It was a formidable adversary. It was disappointing she hadn’t learned from it.
Simple as it was, a thrust, why was it so fast, she couldn’t fathom.
Considering the upcoming battle with Mujon, resolution towards a sword seemed necessary, pondering what to employ: the [Combined Beam Sword] from [VTuber Asset], a [Cutter Knife], or even the [VTuber Model] for [Replica], transforming into a blade to swing.
‘…Replica?’
Given that a replica like [Dragon General God] was possible…
“……”
With nothing left to boost, going for anything may be permissible, right?
While unsure, the sudden impulse struck Mei Xiao Long Bao – the envelopment of [Idol’s Physique] did not recur frequently.
Revealing [Replica] was truly akin to receiving a precious drop of water during a drought.
“Tada”
Thus, the [Extending Staff] was devised.
The newly conceived replica was just an extending staff with no limbs attached—unfortunately.
‘If I use [VTuber Model], can it move…?’
Though it was capable of squirming like a worm, the overall sensation was oddly intriguing.
“What’s on 83rd floor?”
“Whatever it is, doesn’t matter, right…?”
Facing Mujon for the second time, with just one layer remaining ahead, they ascended.
As they arrived, a limitless panorama of bamboo stretched before them.
Curiously gazing about, the pair heard countless voices echoing.
“””[Enact the Heavenly Net! ]”””
“Oh─”
Melded within the mana Mei distributed, she detected the presence of the monsters. Indeed, the surroundings revealed over a thousand fighters. Noticing the sight as they launched arrows, hurled projectiles, and wielded flight sword techniques, attacking incessantly.
Bombs were thrown, poison dispersed, nets cast—their sheer intent to overwhelm with numbers was palpable to Mei, who spun the newly crafted replica above once before swinging it grandly.
Nothing beyond prolonged extension was its ability.
Even so, using [Idol’s Mineral], she altered the composition to [Rare Metal], injecting the staff with boundless mana.
Buzzing and vibrating while wrapped in Mana, while wielding with benched potential.
Boom──!!!
By exhibiting [Model Adjustment], she magnified the staff at enormous scale, as it crushed the bamboo forest altogether.
No less, Mei burst into laughter from the spectacularly explosive blow she unleashed herself.
With the [Weight of Faith], it enlarged to titanic proportions, effortlessly swung.
Striking down all like trapping insects, striking the ground firmly, the screams gradually subsided.
Stretched and compressed repeatedly, eradicating the land, befuddling the surroundings.
Bellowing fire, freezing contact points, discharging lightning while writhing erratically.
An ego embedded within itself as an [Ego] weapon, the [Staff] rampaged autonomously, sweeping away all warriors.
For Mei, who saw no value in such battles, she seized the unusual chance to transform the necklace into a bow, striking down the sensed presences with falling suns.
Boom─ Boom─
Amidst the explosions, with each burst of light flaring, the staff’s silhouette appeared, then faded.
And with each moment, the number of foes dwindled gradually…
Though utilizing the wide Tower landscape, some warriors attempted escape.
It was obvious they sought to buy time, but in terms of outcomes, evading the ubiquitous [Cameras] was a futile effort.
Within thirty minutes of the combat’s commencement, the warriors were utterly annihilated.
Scanning the scorched debris, Mei softly tapped Xiao Liang’s shoulder.
“Shall we?”
“…..Yeah, yes…”
[Challenging the Trials of Sichuan Province Tower – 84th Floor]
[Duel between those possessing the [Complete Strategy Layer].]
Life need not be taken to determine victory or defeat.
If you lose, the ownership of your [Complete Strategy Layer] will dissipate.
“….My, you’ve come so quickly, Idol.”
“7 hours, wasn’t it?”
From the 74th floor, traversing ten floors in just seven hours, reaching here, Mei beamed upward at Mujon.
The scenery suggests; it appeared as a remarkable view atop high mountains, seemingly part of some martial sect.
Although the signboard fell, the grand main building and surrounding buildings were visible.
Mei quickly recognized the similarities to the setting when fighting Plum Blossom Swordsman in the past.
“Isn’t it a nostalgic sight? What do you think of returning to Mount Hua Sect?”
“Ah, so it was. Is the boss Plum Blossom Swordsman?”
“A petty skill. I easily tore him apart.”
Perhaps intent on not fleeing.
The thought of slipping past Mei and advancing to conquer the 100th floor first wasn’t dismissed.
Furthermore, the members of the [Dark Society] began revealing themselves, a part of the [Complete Strategy Layer].
All cloaked in identical black martial robes adorned with dragon motifs, martial artists gathered, loyal to Mujon.
“I crafted these 100 masters myself. Do coexist with them─ while I wait.”
“You won’t abandon the floor and sprint to the 100th floor if things turn against you, right?”
Why would they swear loyalty to someone like him. Why does he say nothing more about Xiao Liang.
Mei allowed the saying of choosing and handpicking resonated in her head as she smirked.
Despite being slowly surrounded by masters, with her demeanor unchanged, Mei clapped her hands twice.
A curious act, triggering Mujon, who turned around, looking back at her.
“I’ve awaited this very moment!!”
“….What are you?”
No, she errs.
Currently Idol is not looking at Mujon.
But perceiving something floating in her sight.
[The present Climber is not formally authorized for entry!]
[Even if victorious, tower ownership cannot be granted!]
[You must wager more layers!]
[Do you agree?]
74th floor ownership wasn’t claimed. For what – it would lack fun, right?
“I’ll wager the 54 floors I’ve scaled so far up the Korean Tower”
[You’ve staked 54 flo─]
“And the 10 Complete Strategy Layers from the Kyoto 100-layer Tower I conquered”
[In addition, 10 layers─]
“Wakamou Layer 1! Plus Layers 2 and 3!!”
[──!??!??!]
“I’ll raise you even 【Idol】’s Class, Liu Ying’s [Emperor], and Liu Wei’s [Collector] that you adore!!”
Bets it all.
After all, there’s only one life to lose…
With no concern for what lies ahead, Wakamou Inarizushi embraced the penalty risks of the China Tower by going all-in.
“And 【Fragment of Babel】 on top of that. Quite the cherry, huh?”
[The China Tower──@!$^$$&^@#]
The message from China Tower, intending to intercede saying it’s too much, began short-circuiting and trailing off.
[The Korean Tower agrees with the Climber, wagering all available costs!]
[The mediator acknowledges the wager between Towers, balancing fair value on the scales. The victor shall be rewarded with all ensuing prizes!!]
A giant set of scales emerged over the background, and all Wakamou wagered items poured onto one side, prompting a loud crash and tilting the balance.
[The China Tower writhes!]
As if expecting additions on the vacant side, a moment of silence prevailed, even as [China Tower]’s deliberations prolonged.
Only for this moment, Mei had strived tirelessly to ascend the 10 floors.
Upon witnessing the initial warning, this was the instance she’d long prepared for, Mei’s expression reflecting a fiendish smile akin to [Dalki], turning Mujon’s face ashen.
“─You are evil. An intolerable evil, separating children from parents and parents from children….an enemy of [VTubers]!!”
[The Korean Tower whispers that had it not been Mujon, more viewers might be watching Chinese VTubers now!]
“The malevolence threatening VTubers must be obliterated!! Denial of happiness means rejection of VTuber’s existence!! Dreams, love, effort, passion… To some, it’s life’s meaning, life’s motivation, and opposing that, you’re an evildoer who opposes life!”
『Love VTubers not romantically, cheer them as the best friend』.
With poetic declaration, Mei’s visage bore no doubt, reflecting utter seriousness.
Regardless if the enemy counted a hundred, a thousand, or ten thousand—it doesn’t matter!!
Crushing evil that undermines, denies, and torments VTubers!!
“Glad to meet you!! I am Mei Xiao Long Bao!!”
With a swift swing, she rested the staff on her shoulders, her face morphing like that of a demon before returning as flame flickers.
Beholden to the hundred masters gathered there, announcing herself with greeting posture.
“It’s time for comeuppance!! Yao Fang!!”
Having completed the initiation of martial arts, Mei Xiao Long Bao shouted there was nowhere to flee.
This is a life or death confrontation over VTubers….!!
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