“Mom, wake up!!!”
“Try screaming more desperately!! Should I pinch you?!”
“Stab her with a knife!!”
“No, that’s a bit…”
Mei, lying upside down and fully out of it, didn’t respond even to Liu Ying’s shouting.
Sadako suggested that maybe Mei would hear if Liu Ying yelled with more urgency and handed her a dagger, sincerely pleading to stab Mei in the belly, but Sadako flatly refused.
Being stuck on the other side of a transparent barrier, unable to do anything but watch the desperate fight, was driving them both insane.
Meanwhile, Asuka was yelling that all her figures were getting wrecked and having their heads snapped off due to the battle’s aftermath.
Nevertheless, the collapsed Mei, along with the unconscious Wakamou, showed no reaction.
Had she ever fainted while fighting? No!! The sight of Wakamou, who had always endured any ordeal firmly, completely incapacitated and passed out, was a big shock to the believers.
It wasn’t simply a blackout.
“She’s not breathing!!”
“She doesn’t breathe anyway.”
“Oh.”
Xiao Liang tried shaking Mei vigorously, but her head flopped lifelessly, showing no sign of movement.
“[My Taishin Pyeon deals a significant mental blow. She won’t be able to get up until she overcomes her inner demons.]”
-Wow, damn, what a ridiculously overpowered skill.
-You bastard! Using a cowardly weapon like that…!!
-He may be the one to beat up women, just like Jiang Taigong.
-Knew it from watching Fengshen Yanyi!!
-I can just imagine how they’d have marital spats.
-Didn’t try to make her his by making her pass out, did he?
-Ugh.
-What a piece of trash!!
Jiang Taigong’s reputation was steadily plummeting.
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It seemed ineffective against insensate objects without a psyche, but it would undoubtedly work against a Climber.
‘Too strong for being climactic—is he in some sort of deal with the South Korea Tower?’
Of course, compared to the Inari Deity who fought buffed to 200% at Kyoto Tower, it was weaker and more manageable.
At that time, since Wakamou couldn’t win, didn’t they drink a 100,000 Tower Coin potion and fight together with comrades as an Idol?
Thus, the Inari Deity was gauging the strength of Jiang Taigong’s abilities as the champion of the tower.
Given Wakamou conquered the tower and ascended, it was natural for the difficulty to increase, but for the 98th floor, it was excessively strong.
Moreover, what about the treasure and items he possessed?
“Maybe they’re thinking of raising the difficulty for greater rewards, or they’ve invested all the costs of the untraveled layers considering he ascended midway?”
Without expressing it verbally, she continued to ponder in her mind.
The tower’s design intent was purely for the growth of Climbers.
Since Wakamou started ascending the China Tower from the upper layers via Xiao Liang, the cost didn’t vanish even if treated as having climbed the lower layers.
They allowed access to start from the 95th floor as a victory reward, but China Tower contemplated reigning in Wakamou’s rampage.
While they hoped for the climbers’ growth, one climber disrupting the balance was not favorable.
There was a need for restraint to allow lower participants to follow to some extent, which was also a reason for the increasing difficulty.
A robust trial descends upon a strong Climber.
‘It might be safe to say that we indeed lost this time.’
Completely unresponsive, unconscious Mei Xiao Long Bao.
Wakamou and Jiang Yeoul too would be suddenly fainted, unable to move.
“Seimei!!”
“Yes, Inari Deity.”
Summoning [Summoned Creature Seimei] with a snap of a finger, the Inari Deity deliberately spoke for the viewers to hear.
“Take care of Mom.”
“Got it.”
Fox ears pricked up high on top of black hair.
Dressed in a garb known to be worn by onmyoji, he rushed over and plopped down beside Mei, pulling out a charm to set up a barrier.
-Mom?
-The hair color is similar, after all.
-Wow! Two handsome guys!
-Mother has two, so you must be pleased.
-Japanese historians are all wrong!!
-Ignorant historians don’t know there’s a lily….
-Can women have kids with each other?
-In myth, anything is possible!!! There are no impossibilities!!
-Oh… oh… okay… sure…
The Inari Deity was talking nonsense that would trouble Wakamou if she woke up.
Determined to stop her from VTubing to the point where it was off-limits, she didn’t refrain from her shady antics even in a rush.
Of course, the historians watching the stream shed hot tears.
In the meantime, some viewers were suspicious whether it was all just an act or a scam.
Unless the truth is revealed, there’s no way to know, and even if Wakamou declares now that the Fox Deity is just a VTuber act and she’s an ordinary person, no one would believe it.
“Mother, I will protect you!”
Inari Deity made Seimei say carefully chosen lines while controlling him masterfully, which made Asuka click her tongue at the wickedness.
How humans, just like towers, had such dark hearts…. It’s exceedingly sly.
But since towers learn from humans, ultimately, humans are the issue!
Seeing Mei, who suddenly became an officially acknowledged mother— a married woman— Yu Ying hastily shouted, “Take care, Brother!!” causing the family line to get messed up.
At this rate, even the Association President of Japanese Shamans might end up calling Yu Ying older sister considering the entanglement!
“[I don’t mind you both coming at once.]”
“──Well, isn’t it you who’s uneasy from lack of confidence? By the looks of it… you did talk your way out with sweet words? You’re like someone whose only asset is your mouth.”
“[I think I’m closer than you, though.]”
Rivals of that caliber.
He received it from South Korea Tower.
They likely whispered to create a stage befitting Wakamou’s trials for her growth.
Since Wakamou’s stream was being watched not only by Climbers or ordinary people but also by [Mediators].
Thus, there was a high possibility that South Korea Tower gladly gave the OK sign for 【Jiang Taigong】’s existence.
And it was also to belittle those saying isn’t South Korea closer to China than Japan.
“[Ahh!! Being loved too much is also troublesome, don’t you think?]”
“I’m the first one, so you should just die here.”
“[Is there a need to argue over which side’s more attractive, really?]”
Wakamou, receiving an overwhelming amount of love from South Korea Tower, had to endure more dreadful difficulty instead.
If there was a Climber of the same tier as Wakamou, they’d be at least 3x stronger than Wakamou in numerical terms.
『Idol』 only receives 30% of the rewards at most, with tremendous restrictions coming along, making it the worst and weakest class ever.
Hence, it attracts more focus and affection.
[China Tower], respecting Wakamou’s love for VTubing, the meaning slated within it, and the belief within, prepared the trial on the [98th floor] appropriately.
On the other hand, despite Japan’s colossal loss, reaping neither any significant loot nor advantage, and even after reducing [Tower’s Lion] to a minion, seeing them trying to seize the reins was scornful.
Knowing the truth, the side to show favor was evident.
──And to the audience, the fierce and suspicious [Climber] skirmish amongst the towers looked only like a love quarrel over Wakamou.
“When the battle’s over, Asuka needs to collect reaction images!! Furthermore!!”
“If a lot of Jiang Taigong reaction images come up, share them!!”
“Oh, Sadako!!”
Asuka, knowing a fair share of the truth, was already thinking of benefiting, and Sadako also remarked about how handsome folks are nice, only to get kicked in the shin by Liu Ying.
“I’ve always thought that someday we’d fight for the Fox Deity.”
Maybe suspecting that the call would happen someday, she opened the [Pocket Space], took out and drank a potion, then reached her hand into the air and shouted.
“Answer the call! 【Ten Treasures of the Mythical God, Yatsuka Sword】”
A streak of lightning flashed, revealing the divine blade.
Known as [Yatsuka-no-Tsurugi].
Clutching two divine swords, she loosened her stance and naturally assumed a posture.
“I shall provide an opportunity for insight, the swordsmanship without any form (劍藝)…. Niten Ichi-ryū…!!”
“[Don’t use such strong terms]”
Hurling the mudras, the Inari Deity fell to the ground while desperately embedding the sword to withstand it when the Taishin Pyeon in Jiang Taigong’s hand flipped upside down.
“[You look weak, after all]”
Zipping across the folded space using a teleportation technique while grasping and stretching the space through [Shape-shifting], Jiang Taigong swiftly whirled, closing the distance.
Inari Deity, who split the flying landscape with her sword, ran as if the sky was leveled ground and swung the divine sword toward Jiang Taigong.
Even while flipping upside down, she paid no heed, responding fiercely toward her, raising a thorny spear from the ground, responding to Jiang Taigong.
If she gets hit even once by the Taishin Pyeon, even the Inari Deity couldn’t bear it, so she pressed on with all her might.
Inari Deity’s fierce sword strike aimed to disrupt him from properly wielding the Taishin Pyeon.
Even though her intent was transparent, Jiang Taigong’s divine swordplay made it impossible to invade easily, retreating with a slide.
“Fire away! Pour like rain!!”
At the Inari Deity’s behest, arrows poured down like rain from above.
Gracefully casting an air barrier to bounce away the rain of arrows and further send it back to the Inari Deity, Jiang Taigong gathered elements in his hand, casting [Magic].
“Mana Drain!!”
Absorbing it, using it as fuel, she crossed her arms and swung her swords mightily.
With her powerful strike, Jiang Taigong’s sleeves tore open, sword marks spreading over his arm, blood spurted, and the flying blood drops were hastily dodged by the Inari Deity.
“[Knowing beforehand makes it less fun, doesn’t it?!]”
As the airborne blooddrops began to link with each other, spreading and growing like ocean corals, transforming whatever they touched into blood—it was just about dodged by hastily cutting off a part of her hair.
If a person had ears, they would’ve been torn right off!
“[Houtian Eight Trigrams!!]”
Centered beneath Jiang Taigong, the eight trigrams spread out in a circular formation.
“Niten Ichi-ryū─!”
Sensing the withdrawal and lowering her stance, Inari Deity put both divine swords back in their scabbards and shut her eyes.
A halo appeared behind her head, her entire body emanating mana in auric form.
Gripping the hilt tightly, the sword scabbards trembled violently, giving off a ghastly wail-like sound.
However, the opponent, naturally, given the [Idol] class, was in some aspects the worst match possible.
“[Taking the will of the Original Celestial Lord of Mount Kunlun, this Kang Ja’ah shall deify you!]”
With Jiang Taigong’s declaration, the light of the eight trigrams flew towards the Inari Deity.
Yet, she slowly started to feel it putting on the brakes—sparks flew as the scenery around her warped.
The first to shoot was the Inari Deity.
“Divine Wind Certain Kill (神風必殺)!!”
Transforming into a streak of light, casting off her shadow as she launched at Jiang Taigong, slashing him.
Inari Deity’s deadly move exploded, cutting two crossly intersecting lethal marks into Tai Gongwang’s chest, spurting blood.
However, with both legs entwined, the eight trigrams’ sealing effects reciprocated, resulting in the reverse summoning of Seimei and Inari’s envoy, as they vanished.
“[You should have aimed for the neck!]”
The blazing mark inscribed on the Taishin Pyeon.
At the moment of trying to cut his throat, she intercepted the divine sword, leaving his life intact.
“[Qiandao, Kundo. Yin-yang retroversion and reversed transmission]”
Absorbing the [Eight Trigrams] into the Taishin Pyeon.
Continuing with rapid incantation, mana surged.
Utilizing [Nature Shape-shifting], [Form Morphing], [Fusion Assimilation], and [Double Shape-shifting] with the mana existing within Wakamou’s domain, and from the mana released by the Inari Deity.
“[Loom of Adversity]”
Amongst those present, only Sadako, being from the same class, could fathom and understand its lofty nature.
Even the prodigy herself was at a point of despair, unable to even mimic the marvelous [Magic] Jiang Taigong was wielding.
“[Elemental Shape-shifting Magic: Astral Void]”
Light and dark elemental forces converged and intermingled, forming a colossal yin-yang shape.
When it finally began to turn and whirled, it became an abyss consuming everything in its path.
As it began to spin and fly, it became nothingness that devoured everything.
The Inari Deity tried to dodge as a sphere the size of a boulder flew towards it, but there was no way to avoid an impact that swallowed even light.
There wasn’t even a sound.
“…..Damn it….”
A hand gripping a hilt falls limp.
The Inari Deity, with half its upper body torn away, groaned.
Even though, as an [Idol], it didn’t die, the damage was too great for it to move.
Once a lion of the Tower, now reduced to a servant of the Climber in such disgrace.
“[……]”
It should have won, but Jiang Taigong’s expression was inexplicably stiff.
The Inari Deity realized that gaze wasn’t directed at itself.
It’s looking further away.
──Behind me?
…..
…
“Black-and-white VTuber! The judgements are ongoing with representatives of 1st generation VTubers in South Korea, including Wakamou and Kang Gongjiju!”
Murmur─
Nervous perspiration trickled down Wakamou’s face at the thought of being judged in front of all the VTubers gathered in South Korea.
Facing judgment from the top VTuber CEOs of South Korea after creating and leading a corporation, no wonder there was tension.
Everyone, including the otherworldly idols and Stellamis, the VTubers clipped by Wakamou were all present.
“A coincidence when standing in the corner, a connection when auditioned, this moment is destined.”
VTubers who delivered memorable lines were consecutively accepted.
“It’s me, Mare Pirate.”
“It’s possible to fail. If I do, I’ll just refrain from climbing for a year.”
“Grandma and animal memes, the most joyous mischief.”
There were also VTubers from Wakamou Corporation present.
Mare Pirate impressed with her musical skills and unique and entertaining broadcasts, gaining immediate acceptance and recognition, followed by Hajime Ichigo and Aoi Asuka passing as well.
“The composition is extremely tight, it’s entertaining.”
Lucia was also acknowledged, bringing Wakamou to smile ear to ear as if this was the happiest moment in life. How joyful it is to have one’s created VTubers recognized by the public…!
“This VTuber couldn’t broadcast evenly. Unfortunately.”
Despite Joseph Khan also sadly being eliminated─ not everyone could succeed. Wakamou felt a sense of relief at not being the only one eliminated.
“Are you ready?”
Chairman Kang Gongjiju’s fist darkens as it’s raised.
This is the boldness said to be usable only by the heads of South Korea’s VTuber industry…?!
A devastating punch landed directly on Wakamou’s stomach, and he fell to his knees, unable to withstand the chairman’s strike.
The VTuber wall is indeed high…!!
The depth of experience is unparalleled…!
Lying collapsed on the floor─ feeling some incongruity but unaware of it, Wakamou despaired as a pathetic loser.
Beyond being at the very bottom of the VTuber food chain pyramid, he wanted to become the giant Atlas, lifting the VTuber industry.
Ensuring striving VTubers could broadcast longer…!! Ensuring no interruptions in broadcasting due to visa or tax issues in Japan…!!
Using the power and authority gained─ for the things he loves and cherishes….!!
Maintaining world peace for the existence of VTuber broadcasts….!!
Despite all the pain, agony, and hardship, to lift the world (VTubers)……
──He wanted to be such an Atlas…!!
“Master… get up….”
A cry echoing from an unbelievably distant darkness….
The sorrowful cries of the figures… the goods wrecked at the Idol’s shrine awaken Wakamou’s consciousness.
“Get up, Wakamou! You can’t become a disgrace to domestic VTubers!!”
“You must get up…!! You have to see the Stellamis concert before you go…!!”
“Lildancon Season 2 is coming…!!”
“4th and 5th albums are coming, too…!! The figures are coming out, so you have to fund them!!”
Trembling eyes. Yet, he couldn’t rise─ the power of Taishin Pyeon was absolute to the point Wakamou’s will couldn’t break it.
Maybe he could awaken with a bit more time, but was there such luxury left?
Ding ding─♬
[King of Climber 2002].
Suddenly, Wakamou sat in front of the TV, picked up the console, and pressed the buttons.
Choosing a character, facing an opponent character.
‘Come to think of it, I started Taekwondo because I liked fighting games.’
Absentmindedly, Wakamou began manipulating the console.
『By will, the controller’s buttons are pressed.』
『And the character moves.』
….
…
Cases where Wakamou Inarizushi completely loses consciousness are counted on one hand.
Even then, he’d soon regain consciousness and rise, an occurrence of complete fainting like this had never existed.
Thus─ no one could have expected such a spectacle to occur.
“Honored ancestor?”
Mei Xiao Long Bao stood.
Rising on her own two feet, she focused on Jiang Taigong.
However, only the whites were present in her eyes. No pupils were visible.
In a state where consciousness was lost, Wakamou was moving.
『The Idol Body』 was, ultimately, moved solely by [Wakamou’s will].
“Here it comes!”
Bang─!!
Faster than blinking.
Moving as if folding space, much like Jiang Taigong demonstrated.
─Yet in reality, it was simply reaching accelerated flight by stomping hard on the ground with [Stepping Art].
Mei’s hand swinging around to deflect Taishin Pyeon Jiang Taigong swung without looking, striking the chest with an elbow, and lifting Jiang Taigong’s chin with her palm while her foot stomped hard on Jiang Taigong’s foot.
A flowing combination like water.
The speed was so exceptional that, aside from Xiao Liang, none could follow with their eyes.
With a twist of her waist, flipping her body over, Mei’s Iron Mountain Fist struck Jiang Taigong’s chest and sent him flying.
In the instant of being blown away, grabbing a hold on his hand and braking to drag him closer, Mei’s kick knocked Jiang Taigong’s back, making him tumble wretchedly to the ground.
“What’s going on?! How is this happening?!”
“She is truly knocked out, right?”
Drooling, his head barely held upright, looking incontestably out of sanity.
‘[Triple Brain Contention] it is’
The Inari Deity guessed at how it moved through circumstantial reasoning.
Controlling and operating 『The Idol Body』 relied on [Wakamou’s will].
Always controlling everything and moving with will, utilizing [Skill]s ceaselessly and leveraging every available means to repeatedly confront formidable foes.
Unwavering in the face of obstacles, surpassing limits, and battling trials without fear, even risking death.
The endless struggle attests a talent knowing no bounds, evocative of a war god.
Now, what is fighting is pure Wakamou’s subconscious.
It had transcended merely consciously activating every action and Skill.
‘A person fighting while knocked out? Is it humanly possible?’
Even the Inari Deity watching was beside itself with disbelief though it understood.
Jiang Taigong rose, swinging Taishin Pyeon, but Mei exhibited ghostly movements exceeding Jiang Taigong’s perceptual range, infiltrating like a mirage.
Feeling fear-inducing incomprehensible movements.
Purely fighting to kill, to crush the enemy, striving to close the distance within striking range, Wakamou’s experience played out fully on autopilot.
Leaping.
Jumping to punch downward, defended by Taishin Pyeon, but the punch passed through Taishin Pyeon and struck Jiang Taigong’s face.
Struggling against an invincible fraudulent move staggering Jiang Taigong.
Tak─Tadak.
And Wakamou in subconscious gameplay inputting [Command] through the joystick.
As soon as Mei landed right in front of Jiang Taigong, setting her stance, her Fierce Fist lodged directly in his abdomen.
[Mei Xiao Long Bao’s Wing Chun unbalances Jiang Taigong!]
“[Can’t be─?!]”
Always.
There were no statistics.
No knowledge of how to use Skills.
Even understanding Skill usage, there were no stats.
──Yet, the body experiences, remembers sensations, and comprehends.
“Penetrating strike!”
Xiao Liang admired, realizing Mei infused mana from her hands into her opponent’s body through [Mana Manipulation].
Staggering in horror, Jiang Taigong was given no respite as Mei’s toe furiously drove into Jiang Taigong’s instep.
[Mei Xiao Long Bao’s [Ground Slam] causes [Jiang Taigong] to stiffen!!]
Bang! Bang!! Bang!!!
Unmerciful quadruple strike ensued as Jiang Taigong helplessly staggered backward, his entire body revealing massive gaps.
Mei’s entire body emitted light as it coursed through her arms and legs.
Kneeing forward, jumping, closing the distance, clashing with Jiang Taigong.
Fwoosh──!!
Quick.
Too quick.
Receiving side appeared to be using a cloning technique, amplifying in number, as Mei’s onslaught thundered on like a storm.
“Asuka! Explain this!!”
“Using [Idol’s Light], it seems it channels light in hands and feet to deliver strikes…”
By applying [Idol’s Light] to her fists and feet, projecting in a “straight line” a summation of physical power through light.
Using that light like a puppet, moving the limbs of the Idol Body.
It became possible to execute rapid-fire attacks beyond zero-to-one hundred acceleration.
──In theory, that is.
Whether Asuka explained or Inari Deity understood, knowing the mechanism doesn’t mean replication is possible.
Of course not! Controlling limbs at such velocity beyond machinery, how would one possibly do so?
“Brace yourself!!”
Words uttered even when unconscious as Mei’s upward kick sent Jiang Taigong soaring.
In a bid to assist, Sabulsang rushed in but Mei’s body scattered in tandem with the collision.
As a result, Sabulsang tripped and ended up in a heap while Mei soared after Jiang Taigong.
“[Mana Manipulation]…!!”
Asuka swallowed, witnessing a disbelievable spectacle.
『The Idol Body』 was 100% mana. Use of [Mana Manipulation] allowed some degree of transformation.
But completely disassembling and reconfiguring the body to evade attacks like that….!!
“【Heavenly Ascending Phoenix Kick】!!”
Exhibiting Taekwondo’s somersault kick, Mei rose with the Idol’s Scorch, soaring like a phoenix, cleaving Jiang Taigong.
Swiftly breaking through the heavens, she unleashed a skyward aerial assault, causing wounds from the cuts inflicted by the Inari Deity to re-bleed as Jiang Taigong bled profusely.
Then Mei, suspended in the air, two legs seized the inverted Jiang Taigong’s head, squeezing it firmly.
Twirl─
Spinning it rotates.
Initially vertical, then horizontally.
Rotating too quickly, air was suctioned in.
Then, utilizing the centrifugal force of rotation, Mei launched Jiang Taigong toward the ground.
Just as collision with the ground occurred, Jiang Taigong softened the earth with [Shape-shifting] to absorb the impact.
“57.8 million power─!!!”
The weight of [Faith] was loaded onto the tip of a foot, descending like a meteor.
“【Meteor Kick】!!”
The earth erupted.
The intense shock was sufficient to cause everything to collapse and quiver.
At the center of this meteor’s descent, the entity’s blood spewed high into the sky.
Rock that jutted to meet clouds burst with a thunderous crash as it plummeted back to the earth.
Standing with his back turned over the humiliatingly defeated Jiang Taigong was an entity.
“I’ll not forgive evil!!”
Even miming a gesture to retie a nonexistent Taekwondo belt, Mei stood like a mountain.
“…..Advancing towards that, I won’t get hit, right….?”
Though triumphantly victorious, Xiao Liang anxiously queried the Inari Deity.
What maniac would still fight even in a state of unconsciousness?
Moreover, being stronger in an unknowing state rather than consciously was monstrous.
‘….Isn’t this counterproductive?’
Stuff added with the intent of restraint ironically opened a new horizon, didn’t it?
The Inari Deity resigned, deciding to gather mana in a seated meditation posture.
Broadcasting on-air unconsciously, Mei Xiao Long Bao’s awakening didn’t occur until long after.
It marked another day when an undefeated legend was etched into history.
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