“Busy, busy!!”
“Hmm~ I want to eat pudding~”
“Uh─ so the theory about [Mana]….is this correct?”
In a rare moment of downtime, the Wakamou series gathered to chat.
Mei Xiao Long Bao flitted around energetically, sharing documents while staying busy.
Next, was Jiang Yeoul, gracefully sipping a large zero cola after piling up snacks from the fridge.
Lastly, Wakamou read research materials received from a [Professor] who was excited to start new research after showing something [Sacred].
When you have three bodies, divided vision and thoughts, after months of practice, it becomes as natural as breathing.
Thanks to the distinct characteristics that emerged when creating [Sub-bodies], they looked like entirely different entities to strangers.
Mei, bouncing around and watching missed VTuber Broadcasts, couldn’t calm her excitement.
Jiang Yeoul, having drained the cola, floated the ordered chicken midair with [Object Interaction] to eat.
Wakamou organized thoughts and experiences about [Idol’s Flesh] and its possibilities.
The Wakamou series, gathered at the [Idol’s Shrine] on [Wakamou’s 1st Floor], was busy enjoying their vacation.
This area was restricted, but occasionally someone ignored the ban to sneak in, looking around or taking items as souvenirs.
When shrine photos appeared online, Wakamou held back for a bit, but stealing a figurine and posting it on a market was unforgivable.
Wakamou had truly gotten angry over the damage to a precious figurine, and everyone barely managed to calm him down.
Fame often brought its own troubles.
“Nom nom”
Even without needing to eat, Jiang Yeoul nibbled on dried squid, reading a text about Wakamou’s school days posted by a [Classmate].
They seemed to have been in the same class, but didn’t recall being friends, as Wakamou was famously independent.
He preferred solitude over making friends and getting tangled in their affairs.
‘Even when I tell the truth, no one believes me’
Despite records of enlistment, people were amazed that the Inari Fox Deity disguised as a man to live in human society and join the military.
There was also speculation why he didn’t transform into a woman.
Others pondered why the Inari Fox Deity couldn’t be defeated—perhaps something monumental was hidden.
Jiang Yeoul chuckled while reading an online debate about what might lie between Wakamou’s legs.
“Wow~ This is wild”
Is [Language Babel] next after [Babel’s Shard]? There’s a tale of [Tower of Babel] toppling by Yahweh, mixing all languages.
The tower built to reach the sky, the world’s tallest ever constructed.
──If so, isn’t the Tower of Babel’s legend true?
Anyhow, the influence of [Korean Tower] swelled enough to dominate [Northeast Asia].
Is it [Tower’s Group] now?
The [Japanese Tower] seemed to follow, having already suffered a grand defeat, while the [Russian Tower] was recognizing the [Korean Tower] after beginning anew and defeating an apostle.
Finally, the [China Tower] lost a bet. They called Wakamou Inarizushi “Mei Xiao Long Bao” at the last moment, confirming their defeat.
Differentiating Wakamou was a [Korean Tower] habit.
Thus, China, Japan, Russia, and Korea completely demolished the 【Language Barrier】, allowing even non-climbers to communicate effortlessly.
Though writing familiarity remained a hurdle, Korean VTubers, including Virtual Live, began gaining subscribers globally thanks to comprehension.
Now communication was possible!! Reading wasn’t feasible, but understanding speech was a huge plus.
Wakamou no longer needed to mentally translate after hearing, boosting clip-making speed twentyfold.
Followers began pleading on fan cafes to please stop!! Have mercy!! Restrain yourselves!!
My grand vision of having more VTubers subscribed remains misunderstood by believers…they are soft…
On this leisurely day, Mei indulged in VTuber Broadcasts.
Watching clips, streaming, and celebrating the white fox’s birthday after a long time.
“SUPERNOVA is the best new song!!!”
VTubers all seemed healthier, streaming frequently and doing collabs; true bliss.
Glad to be alive!! It feels like I’m being rewarded for climbing the tower!! Can’t you give me better skills, Korean Tower, you stingy brat?
“A fan should remain on equal ground with the fanbase, no self-identity. Even if I became a famous VTuber, collabs aren’t something I would do, hmmm”
“I like VTubers and strive to keep them healthy, no need to tell anyone. I don’t want to show it off, either”
“VTuber life is crucial, but staying within boundaries as a fan is also vital. Recently, VTubers mentioning me is pressuring me!!”
“What can I say? FOXGod enjoys VTubers, and incomplete broadcasts are restoring”
Jiang Yeoul talked, munching on a skillfully held apple pie.
Mei, not even looking while reading a message from the professor checking up on a sister born as Xiao Liang named Liu Ying, kept responding.
Conversations continued, exchanging dialogue while organizing thoughts simultaneously.
“Hmm, conclusion time. [Idol’s Flesh] is entirely composed of Mana. [Sacred] is Mana’s opposite. Idols can’t become [Gods], proof of that. It’s more like [Duct Tape] than divine.”
“Duct Tape is godly!! Anyway, should I organize [Martial Arts] or some techniques shown by Mujon?”
“If you keep at it, it might develop naturally. I want an iced coffee~”
“Instead of fighting physically all the time, I should try [Spells] or [Magic]. But no progress. Even buying various items with 【Tower Coins】 gives understanding but no use.”
“What can we do if we lack the intelligence? We’re bigger dummies than Sadako.”
“Remember when [Idol’s Flesh] stopped, consciousness remained unchanged, not reverting to the original body? There’s probably no way back.”
“Wow! Total blockade on red pills!”
“Slurp─ If so, is my [Cognition] more important since it can make [Sub-bodies] the [Main body] too?”
“Damn, the [Idol’s Flesh] skill is too lousy. Is it because it’s a 【Non-combat Legendary Class】? Frustrating….”
It’s now so dilapidated that without careful use, the engine could break down, leaving you motionless and fatigued for days. Cracks became frequent. With escalating battles, [Idol’s Flesh] couldn’t keep pace.
Facing【Mujon】confirmed it.
Non-combat classes struggle against combat classes.
Mujon’s vast arsenal of buff skills, doping abilities, weapons, armor, and exclusive skills raised questions about how many tactics he had.
Here, one can create [Climbers], or enhance shrine maidens on an insane scale, but nothing combat-specific, which is why there are no exclusive items.
I meticulously examined [Growth Guides], but only confirmed [Idol’s Flesh] wasn’t upgradable after acquiring [Sub-bodies].
Hoping for a workaround with [Sub-bodies] wasn’t possible, even if they got destroyed. No hope.
Mei Xiao Long Bao, having gone wild and unable to move, stopped Wakamou as well.
“Well, I suppose this is it. I’m not the protagonist from games or novels, breaking limits and growing stronger isn’t realistic, right?”
“To think, even VTuber broadcast skills are at a standstill.”
“At least my singing is getting positive feedback, so that’s nice. If I try harder, maybe we can release an album too?”
“Ah…gone a long way, truly….”
“So whose idea was it to release [Daki Makura] for every type of Wakamou?”
“It’s like a children’s toy set with combining action if you buy all the figures.”
“Jackson has truly become greedy.”
“I heard Adelheid is making them?”
“Uh, um….”
Spurred by extreme loyalty to the boss, they produced numerous high-quality items worshipping idols. T-shirts were understandable, but selling panties felt excessive…without recall of wearing them.
“Some enterprising companies even began selling bread with Wakamou Corporation stickers.”
“At least being allied with China is relief; who knows what illegal goods might emerge otherwise….”
“Fame isn’t all that!! A small VTuber hosted a Wakamou World Cup!! Ahh…!!”
Liu Wei even conducted idol-simulating business(?) and was grandly constructing a shrine; illegal goods creators wouldn’t dare risk their lives meddling more. Meanwhile, Asuka one-upped by mass-producing quirky goods using Japanese skill.
Like [Fox Spirit Series] or [Turtle Ship and Dragon Admiral Series]…. selling cute SD figures in front of King of Authority’s domain was one thing.
Why produce Turtle Ship figures in Japan…Asuka, is this right?
Sadako struggled with people questioning her for possessing Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s items as a Japanese.
Though given a company card to cheer, reflecting, it might have been a way to find drinking excuses.
That’s why I sent Sadako to Manager Wanda Haye. I guess I outsmarted you, Sadako….
“Adelheid and Asuka are wildly mass-producing goods! What are we going to do!!”
“I don’t want a tapestry of myself in my room!! Well, maybe I want cute Fox Spirit Series?”
“1:1 size giant little-Wakamou dolls cost 130,000 won, and people buy them? Don’t they think it’s a waste?”
“Shouldn’t they be sold with blessings? My conscience feels too guilty!!!”
“Speaking of which, 【Broadcast Points】are piling up; shouldn’t I use them…?”
“I need to purchase [Skills] with Faith and additional stats…..”
“Ugh─ this headache! Let’s watch a VTuber Broadcast!!”
“Mikonohana opened! Card Shop Simulator looks fun.”
“Yamada started a fighting game? Our tournament participation shouldn’t be an issue, right?”
“If Pirate wins against Shishipotan-chan making her cry at that, I might snap Asuka’s waist in half.”
“In the end, you can’t beat the VTubers you raised….”
“Inquiries for streamer tournament participation, collab requests, ad orders flood in. Maybe we need more managers?”
Taking a break. For Wakamou, surprisingly, this was relaxation.
The loli-Wakamou model transformed General God and Inari Fox Deity returned from the outing.
Beside, another sub-body, the extended staff, appeared transformed into [Hundred Faces Gold Mask]’s VTuber model, unloading a box of collaborative goods bought outside.
“””””Having 5 bodies, delightful!!”””””
‘Like madmen’
The five crowded around, checking the VTuber goods with mad eyes, each buying at least three of everything, carefully categorizing and untaping the boxes with solidified [Mana] fashioned into a blade.
In a manner showing mastery-level meticulousness, they extracted VTuber goods, adjusting their heads like cameras unnervingly, aligning naturally.
They each checked from unique angles, noting unfinished edges or well-executed features, deciding which parts needed repainting.
It was uncertain if the goods would even be used as intended as five Wakamous meticulously arranged them in the [Idol’s Shrine].
Inari Fox Deity recalled the foolish climber who illegally entered here and stole a figurine to upload to Carrot, a used merchandise site.
What unfounded confidence drove such an act? And needless to say, clever as they bypassed entry penalties to get in…
‘Could this person in fact be the actual idol, just with lost memories? Maybe really akin to Tamamo-no-Mae.’
The sight of five people working without bumping into each other and busily moving their ten eyes to inspect figures was more than just good teamwork.
Now, if it were five people truly in sync, that’d be something, but considering it’s actually one person with five split viewpoints…
Even the Inari Fox Deity could not fathom what kind of scenery Wakamou was living with.
At first, they thought he was using foul means—but thinking normally, wouldn’t engaging Wakamou in [close quarters combat], where most of the Inari Fox Deity’s [spells] didn’t work against him, just result in him becoming a great teacher and nothing more?
‘Do you think you can really learn martial arts just by watching moves?’
The Inari Fox Deity glared suspiciously, wondering if it might actually be something created by the Korean Tower.
“Come on, you’re an adult, aren’t you? Playing with dolls like that? I don’t mind if you do it when no one’s around, but acting like that in front of me—aren’t you embarrassed?”
“I even brought an Inari Fox Deity figurine goods.”
“Who made that?”
“Adelheid.”
“What? Why? Seriously, why? You’re not planning to display it at the Inari Shrine, right?”
“Of course not.”
“Whew.”
“I said I’d put a 1/1 scale bronze Inari Fox Deity statue there.”
“I thought so, so I had Asuka make a 1/1 scale bronze Wakamou statue too.”
“YOU──!!!!”
The Inari Fox Deity ignored the box of goods, stomped on Mei’s back as she lay prone, and arrogantly sat on Jiang Yeoul’s head.
Looking down with crossed legs and a haughty expression, she rubbed her fingers together with a nonchalant look.
“You’ve got the Prime Minister position now. Congrats, you’ve practically taken over Japan.”
“Eh—well… do as you like. I don’t really have any ambitions. Could we maybe do more VTuber collabs?”
“Is that all that’s in your head?”
“””””Yes!!”””””
It’s because that was all they had, so even though the difficulty of Kyoto’s 100-floor tower was supposedly 200 times harder, they climbed it.
Let’s give up trying to understand someone willing to risk their life just to get a front-row live concert ticket.
“For now, I’ve got something to say about the union of towers. The current situation is, to humans, a [Guild]. It’s like a major [Companion]. From being a [Floor Lord] owning [Wakamou 3rd Floor], you’ve now gained the authority to rightfully be called a 【Tower Lord】.”
“Nothing’s really changed though?”
“It’s too soon.”
Though she couldn’t say everything, the Inari Fox Deity admitted that it gradually opened up as climbers grew stronger, but Wakamou’s wild independent rocket pace left other climbers unable to keep up, leading even the [Japanese Tower] to be quite concerned about their surrogate.
“So is the Inari Fox Deity a former Tower Lord too?”
“More like Tower Lord of Kyoto Tower. View it as part of the [Japanese Tower]. Instead, I’m finding out now how ineffective the [Korean Tower] is by giving us no notice of this chaos.”
Normally, if a climber’s ability reached this level, there would be more possibilities, sighed the Inari Fox Deity.
She explained that the current Korean Tower was so overloaded from consuming too much in a short period that its brain had essentially crashed.
“You don’t expect getting credit for climbing up to the 95th floor of Sichuan’s 100-floor tower as a reward, right?”
“With only 5 floors left till 100, isn’t it totally sweet?”
“Wow, two 100-floor towers in a row!”
“Totally worth it.”
“Let’s hurry, clear 5 floors, and then I want to watch VTuber broadcasts.”
“Can I drink cola?”
“Just one person answer!!! No, technically you’re all one person! How is this even possible?!”
“It” “just” “works?”
Seeing them speak in perfect unison, one word at a time, scared the Inari Fox Deity slightly, who moved subtly to sit on a faraway chair.
The eyes watching were no longer those of a human. They were seeing something with a human form.
“Listen carefully. The reward calculation is in progress. You bet 【Babel’s Fragment】, right? [China Tower] couldn’t grant it, so it went bankrupt. Right now, the China Tower is inaccessible, right? The [Korean Tower] should be the one managing things, but they’re too rapidly grown and don’t know anything. It’s like giving a computer to monkeys.”
“Oh, was our Korean Tower rice monkeys?”
“Earning money with Wakamou, of course.”
“Wakamou’s our one trick…”
“Let’s not dwell on it…”
No matter what was said, they just nodded along as if it was all the same.
In this chaotic moment, Wakamou’s numbers even dwindled down to three. Wakamou and Mei were busy focusing on their VTuber broadcasts in the background.
Though wanting to say something, seeing three still listening, Inari Fox Deity controlled her temper and continued.
“Your existence exceeds expectations. That’s why you’re getting extra attention. Isn’t there a fixed limitation called [Idol’s Body] that stands in your way? If 【Babel’s Fragment】 grants wishes, it could have solved that. But it’s not something easily obtainable.”
“How do you obtain it?”
“Why has the number returned to just one?”
“Have to watch the broadcast, right?”
“If someone suggests quitting climbing and solely doing VTubing, you’re not going to give in, are you?”
“If you offer to let me quit VTubing and go back to being a Clipper, might waiver a bit.”
Wrong.
This one was genuinely uninterested in being a climber.
Moreover, despite debuting as a VTuber by chance, dissatisfaction loomed over not liking their ongoing broadcasts.
On the contrary, beyond that, there were no specific desires, no wishes, nor goals. In a sense, couldn’t they be considered modest…? A frugal individual without desires.
Four gathered closely, gossiping over VTuber broadcasts, presented an insanity inducing scene at which she patiently stared at Jiang Yeoul.
“The 【Mystery Tower】 exists to close gaps. Precisely, it is found by those who dare risks. It seeks climbers with strong desires.”
“I’ve been meaning to ask. Recently, though it wasn’t mentioned before, what do Towers even want from humans?”
“To climb.”
“And what do they do once we’ve climbed?”
“─Even as just a conduit, I don’t know everything. Perhaps, once you conquer all towers in Japan, you might find out?”
“Then what happens if I climbed and broke in at the top floor?”
“Just. Don’t.”
Realizing the thought process was hardly different from that of a beast, the Inari Fox Deity broke into a cold sweat.
Moreover, at some point, the four in the back now had popcorn, cola, multiple screens open, readying for their broadcast.
Unsatisfied, they even projected the VTuber broadcast hovering above and shared the view through [Camera Control].
“Ha…anyway…now, you’re such a significant power to the extent that even [Towers] must check you. Thus, to restore balance, other towers will offer more rewards to their climbers. [Guardians] will also strengthen reactively, right? With the Korean and Chinese towers unable to function─[b] 【Mystery Tower】 needs climbing, Wakamou Inarizushi[/b].”
“Eh…No…”
“Can’t you just climb a bit?”
“But the Mystery Tower’s tough.”
“Every tower’s different, you know. So you can relax and ascend!!”
“The [Rewards] were certainly good.”
Reflecting on potential rewards at the Inari Fox Deity’s words, Wakamou pondered.
He obtained the overpowered exclusive item [Glory of the Idol]. Could he gain something similar by climbing another Mystery Tower?
“However, there are those eyeing ownership of the Mystery Tower. What’s that reason?”
“When you gather 100 floors, you receive 【Babel’s Fragment】.”
“──Oh.”
Kicking ladders aside, as much as he didn’t like it… Wakamou indeed had many enemies.
He hadn’t known while watching the festival, but finding out what happened afterward, how shocked he was.
When the US government raided a guardian’s lab, Wakamou saw records of phenomena caused by [Babel’s Fragment].
A thing far surpassing human imagination. If someone were to obtain it and make a wish?
A person can make a wish, sure, but the fact that the criminal [Swordsman] among those gathering it was troubling.
“…..How did they come to know about that?”
“Wakamou, it’s a never-ending story. I already told you? Complicated because of you. When climbing towers, you know information about [Complete Strategy Layer] also emerges, right? It includes things like the location of [Mystery Towers]. And it also explains why they gather them. Due to one overly strong climber, balance is being recalibrated.”
“Ah…”
“And some will challenge aiming for the [Grand Master] position. As if provoking competitive spirit… Towers vary, you know. You like fighting too, don’t you?”
“Huh? I’m against violence.”
“……?”
Inari Fox Deity shot him a skeptical look as if doubting what she had heard.
Watching Jiang Yeoul genuinely insist dislike for violence, she wondered, really? while lost in thought.
Wait, could it be the Korean Tower haphazardly selected climbers fulfilling conditions, their options limited otherwise, resulting in this mess?
No, although desperate, they wouldn’t have picked haphazard talent resulting in chaos, right?
‘Just hope it isn’t like that.’
For losers, anything they say is nothing but disgraceful.
Afterward, an article surfaced stating Greece discovered 【Mystery Tower】 encouraging inter-climber battles through a 【Coliseum】.
“Oh, how barbaric.”
Rumors also spread of [Pirate] leadership now causing damage in Greece through [Six Legged Beasts] looting [Mystery Towers].
“[Currently targeting climbers for 【Mystery Tower】, among Pirate’s comrades are reported [Three Armies Naval Commander], [Oni] including [Demon General-Sungjo] and [Swordsman]. Greece’s [Six Legged Beast] Pentesilea fought but lost, it is said…[Explorer] from Legendary Class too seems to have lost the 【Mystery Tower】].”
“Bravo.”
Not knowing how he did it, the rogue pirate seemed to have the ability to discern climbers owning 【Mystery Tower】.
If not swaggering around proudly, it’s only nature to keep such things hidden.
The notion of roaming in hordes, picking fights was mind-boggling.
“[Ah! A declaration of war received! To [Idol] Wakamou Inarizushi! If you don’t accept the challenge by coming to the Greek Coliseum…..the pirate threatens by challenging and promising to cut off the undersea cable to prevent broadcasts!]”
“In the current satellite era…Does he think cutting undersea cables is trivial. How misunderstanding─”
“[Also threatening to bomb VTuber Live’s headquarters─]”
“Inari, grab the tools. It’s time for some handiwork.”
“Ah, yes.”
I don’t like killing people.
It’s not a belief imposed upon others. Just my personal thought.
Those weaker than me don’t even deserve to die by my hand….
The decision to kill lies only in those stronger than and monsters!
However, exceptions do exist on occasion.
SDVIMVFoanVzY1YwSVhjamMzUkt1Uk1oK0sya3NRU1YxcUQyKzVnbkpjMVY4Ty9MWVBiZmdjVkk3Mzk0WnBBdw
“I’ll string that bastard up on a cross and feed him to the crows.”
“I’ll prepare biological sparrows, hehehe.”
Asuka, arriving unnoticed, rubbed her hands together grinning wickedly.
“Contact Liu Wei and ask him for a nuclear missile.”
“Calm down, Master.”
Seeing Wakamou genuinely enraged, Asuka realized this wasn’t time for jokes and hurriedly interceded.
The Inari Fox Deity, ears flattened, was terrified by the murderous intent emanating.
Honestly terrifying… Truly fearful…!!
“I see no reason not to kill.”
Wakamou brandished a [Shotgun for Oshis].
Yagoo, Amen…please bestow upon me the blessing of the FPS god…!!
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