Those who hope to become the most honorable climber come forth to the 【Arena】 revealed to the world by the 【Mystery Tower】!!
This is a rare opportunity given by the 【Tower】 itself for climbers to bask in glory.
198【Tower Lords】 from all over the world have each put forth an item… Correction, it’s 197. The 【Korean Tower】 couldn’t provide an item, so they just offered [cost].
From small countries to large nations, the tower exists everywhere as a mysterious construct.
And so, to gain powers beyond the human realm, they climb towards an unknown summit.
It’s about time for the first-ever 【Event】 open to all climbers. The 【Russian Tower】 is always open, so it’s a bit of an exception.
While the 【Greece Tower】 hesitated due to the 【Black Tower】, the 【Italy Tower】 jumped in first, claiming to be the true successors of Rome, hosting a tournament in the Coliseum open to the public.
You could say the Olympics, made obsolete by the climbers, have made a spectacular return, consisting entirely of climbers.
Many broadcasters arrived for filming, interviewing famous climbers.
So many tourists gathered that even the Vatican was humming with delight.
Thanks to the companions, things like the [sacred water], which actually have effects, could be sold, making a profit for the visitors.
Turning water from fountains into sacred water was a legendary scam product conjuring something from nothing, but since it was effective, there was nothing to be done.
“So, how do they fight?”
“They say the league is divided as well. There’s a ranking battle with representatives from each country. But the most popular event must be challenging the strongest, right?”
“Yeah, you could say that.”
The tower organized climbers into 【15 levels】.
The leagues were divided separately as Iron, Bronze, Silver, and Gold.
It seemed they adopted ratings from the world’s most famous game, but nobody seemed to mind such trivial matters. No climber wanted to upset the tower.
Wakamou’s broadcast revealed that the tower not only possessed a persona but also had a controlling figure called the Tower Lord, overseeing entire nations.
Scholars and critics of the tower held debates about what exactly a Tower Lord was, testing humans, but let’s skip over those boring stories.
Wakamou couldn’t care less about anything other than being a VTuber.
Beginners, starters, pros, veterans, and superiors were gathered in the Iron and Bronze Leagues, where climbers who hadn’t conquered any 【Towers】 assembled in large numbers.
The 【2nd Generation Legendary Class】 was also heavily represented, with typical classes looking slightly disheartened.
First-class, special-grade, and masters, climbers who had conquered at least one 【Tower】, were in the Silver and Gold Leagues, having experience, observing rivals calmly, knowing that the most important qualities in a tower are composure and judgment.
Beyond that, grandmasters, champions, and nobility who had conquered a combined total of over 100 floors were categorized.
Climbers who climbed lower towers felt anxious.
As famous climbers gathered nationwide, including the [Six Legged Beast].
In the Platinum League, many climbers felt competitive, thinking “I must be above them,” fueling their fighting spirit.
The final tiers of Royalty, Emperor, and Master were situated in the Diamond League.
Only incredibly famous climbers were present, so it was rare not to recognize their faces.
This was a gathering of seasoned climbers who have conquered a total of 200 levels.
Then, in the arena, they recognized each other and directed their gaze towards the empty throne at the highest peak.
The most honorable and glorious seat given to only one climber.
A position neither to be approached lightly nor achieved easily.
Climbers were raising their ambition for the 【Grand Master】 position.
──Though it didn’t mean rank changed with wins or losses, it was apparently meaningless.
Unless they were artificially created climbers by Wakamou, most climbers have a personality to take on a challenge if there’s even a possibility.
That’s how they’ll climb the tower.
“Wow… It’s here!!”
“No way, riding here on your manager stripped down…!!”
“Maybe it’s just their taste?”
“That makes sense!”
A 2-meter-tall woman appeared riding on Nati, as large as a big vehicle, exuding an imposing presence.
Her demeanor was almost that of a grand general, causing some ordinary folks to shiver at the immense, invisible mana pressure, despite her trying to control it to minimize harm.
Climbers from the magic class acknowledged her strength directly, being awed and intimidated.
Though it seemed her 【Legendary Class】 had unique traits, her majesty was such it seemed on a different level from birth.
“Manager, I hate saying this, but did you have to ride a bear here?”
“Are you criticizing my 【Partner】 for being small?! If only I had more Tower Coins….ugh….!! That’s cheating…getting such overpowered exclusive equipment!!”
If someone said they didn’t need such a thing, Manager Wanda Haye might awaken and tear Wakamou apart. Confident she wouldn’t lose if they fought, but who knows what would happen in a real fight.
“Quite the commotion…”
The arena housed shops from exchanging tokens from conquering towers to outlets offering goods for individual points earned from fighting in the arena.
Wakamou was frustrated by the unpleasant aspect of the tower dividing currency for commerce.
Why can’t a tower use a unified currency?
As he pondered, Wakamou smiled, glancing at information that would elicit sensitive reactions from people.
Indeed─ we are climbers.
Unless you’re an eccentric like Wakamou Inarizushi or lost heart during climbing,──those who would stop ascending and progressing were quite rare.
There should be fitting rewards to make such people fight to the death.
Moreover, if there was a condition where summoned creatures could be revived during the fight and wouldn’t die even while fighting earnestly, it would be even better.
The shop’s sense for fixing equipment for a limited time was commendable too.
Handing over the Celestial Sword for repair, Wakamou looked up at the “ranking board,” where people couldn’t take their eyes off.
When leaving out the 【Legendary Class】, the rankings currently look like this.
1. [Idol] Wakamou Inarizushi – [Over 100 floors]
2. [Man-eater] Amelia Shear Mason – [99 floors]
3. [Holy Swordsman] Alexander Doherty – [72 floors]
4. [Satanist] Elysei Bon – [65 floors]
5. [Werebeast] Ingrid Lontry [61 floors]
6. [Collector] Liu Wei – [60 floors]
7. [Soldier] Hector D. Delagarza [52 floors]
8. [Predator] Penthesilea [48 floors]
9. [Satyr] Parag Bharat [47 floors]
10. [Grim Reaper] Aidan McIlroy [46 floors]
The rankings fluctuated as climbers come and go due to Wakamou eliminating Mujon and Swordsmen smoothly.
In Liu Wei’s case, he seemed unable to climb the tower with so many entrusted requests from Wakamou.
Since he isn’t one to be fixated on rankings, it wouldn’t pose any problem.
“So, does this mean it’s the world ranking?”
Climber Rankings:
1. 【Idol】 Wakamou Inarizushi.
2. [Akasha Wizard] Timothy M (Matteo) Davis.
3. [Slayer] Yoo Kyung-yeon.
4. 【Man-eater】 Amelia Shear Mason.
5. [King of Authority] Oyama Masahiko.
6. 【Holy Swordsman】 Alexander Doherty.
7. [Divine Archer Cavalry] Yoo Suder Khan.
8. [Phantom Punch] Trung Hieu.
9. [BearBearBear] Manager Wanda Haye.
10. [Variation Wizard Master] Oyama Sadako.
How many people do I know on this list?
How many climbers are there worldwide?
Being on this list means being indisputably among the “strongest.”
‘The 2nd spot is that American climbing association president and the 3rd is the president of Korean association.’
I knew the elder was strong, but didn’t expect him above the Man-eater.
Still active at his age and continually climbing was astonishing.
Of course, though he’s struggling with “blockages,” he’s waiting with anticipation for when I’d get there, which is a bit concerning….
‘I don’t even know some names here.’
Seeing more ordinary classes than 【Legendary Class】 in the top ranks indicated an unexpectedly well-balanced climber hierarchy.
‘Besides, I knew my manager was a [Shifter]… but why is that higher-tier job title….’
I had quite a few things to point out, but should I say it suits her as a manager?
“Usually in formal attire but granted permission to use climber equipment. The association president said to show off my skills as a future of Korea.”
“You have it tough, manager.”
“For the record, the president wasn’t just talking to me. He also meant you, Wakamou. Instead of always showing a laid-back attitude, start behaving befitting a [Grand Master]. Wakamou is strong, but you’re underestimated because you always look so gentle during broadcasts.”
“…..Is that so?”
The manager’s words certainly carried weight.
With that in mind, Wakamou retrieved the repaired Celestial Sword, rubbing his chin.
This time, I wasn’t inclined to do any [broadcasting]. Besides, there were plenty of people coming to film, and climbers swarming around filming me.
Honestly, I thought at least one person would disregard manners, approach for an interview, or introduce themselves to establish connections.
“Hey─!! Grand Master!!”
While contemplating the nature of duels, members of [Six Legged Beast] began swarming through the crowd.
Including several new faces.
Among them, facing Wakamou, was a man shifting into werewolf form to meet Wakamou’s height, pointing a finger at him and yelling.
“You!! Stop the inhumane animal trading happening in the Russian tower right now!! As someone from an animal protection organization, I, Ingrid Lontry, will not forgive you!!”
“We didn’t even get to fight last time, right. Let’s see who truly is the strongest!? Remember me, the Holy Swordsman?!”
“Didn’t I tell you I’d hunt you down!! Let’s go at it for real!!”
“I’m Hector from America. As you see, a soldier. I apologize on behalf of the US government for what the guardians did.”
“I am the master of transformations─Hey, don’t interrupt! I’m introducing myself here!”
“Hey Wakamou! Engineer here! Remember me? Hehe….”
Wow─ There are so many people.
The [Predator] Penthesilea was being dragged away by the Sparta third-gen again.
The transformation master couldn’t care less, as Wakamou didn’t even glance his way, and the Engineer was momentarily deliberating whether to deliver “bad news.”
Deeming a surprise gift to have a better effect, Wakamou held his tongue.
He accepted the apology of the [Soldier] who knew the US government was busy with [Guardian] cleanup.
The Holy Swordsman wasn’t clear…..the first encounter with [Werebeast]’s aggressive reaction had Wakamou fold his arms.
Past her stepped Manager Wanda Haye to the forefront.
“Okay, okay, everyone, calm down. Did you all come here to fight Wakamou?”
“I can’t forgive someone who doesn’t care about animals!! What do they think life is?!! How shocked I was hearing about the Russian tower’s atrocities from the Holy Swordsman!! Animals must live in nature!!”
Manager Wanda Haye explained [Werebeast] to be an overly enthusiastic animal lover.
This power to transform into animals should be a clue to how much he loves them.
Watching him expressing his wildness, pounding his chest saying he’d give a beating, Wakamou briefly pondered.
Recalling that VTubers must be good at communication and dialogue emphasized by teacher 158 Aingne.
“Hold on, objection. First of all, I can’t control what the tower operates.”
“You seemed friendly with the Tower Lord in the video, though?”
“And I’m part of a bird protection organization striving to resurrect extinct birds.”
“Hmm… I’m aware of that. But isn’t that biased? Are you afraid to fight me?”
“Lastly, I’m also an endangered species.”
“Oh…?”
Wakamou Inarizushi, an [Idol] unique in this world.
She possessed fox deity-like ears with no human rights! There were only two in existence!
Hearing this, Ingrid, the lifelong conservationist of extinct animals, was wide-eyed.
Before him stood a long-lived species surviving steadfast throughout human history!!
Like there’s a Greenland shark living over 400 years in the sea, on land, there’s Wakamou!!
“This Holy Swordsman bastard!! Telling me to hit an endangered species!? Have you no heart nor soul?!!!”
“Don’t you have any!!!?”
“No, don’t be swayed by such nonsense!!”
“Not just birds, we also protect bears, Werebeast! You’re being deceived! That guy is a treacherous British scoundrel!!”
“Is that so…?”
At the sinister whisper of Wanda Haye, the Werebeast, recalling the accursed Britishness, smacked his forehead.
“You rascal!! From the very country that first made animal protection laws! Satyros scumbag!”
“How could you say such a thing….!”
Apparently on good terms, they began pulling cheeks and playfully bickering.
“Looks like a dog-head.”
“Indeed.”
The Beast Master is said to be holed up in the Russian Tower dedicating life to finding partners, but from the opposite perspective, it’s the scene of animal trade with no proper protection laws.
Wakamou began worrying whether he might abandon a partner if injured badly or if money for treatment were lacking.
Perhaps climbers who use human shields until they can’t anymore will come forth.
“Speaking of which─ Satyros!! Be wary of that guy!! That insane sexual predator will pounce on both men and women…. It was intense when he attacked me saying he’d awaken the ‘feminine side within’ me.”
“Good Lord, damn it!”
Thanking Werebeast for the warning, Wakamou stepped into the arena.
Vtubers tend to attract stalkers. The more famous, the more annoying people pursue!
To a pirate, it seemed merely a life threat(?), but now it’s a threat to purity(?).
“Dealing with issues befitting a Vtuber at last brings me peace. Am I a Vtuber too then? A stalker committing heinous sexual crimes…”
“You do have something to retaliate against purity threats, right?”
“The answer to purity is Sado Seja, don’t you think?”
Our Adolf Lucia, fierce enough to threaten exhibition in the gallery if he didn’t battle, was at the peak of his prime.
Hearing an engineer was coming, he had already booked a flight to get there.
“Adelheid lacks the means to kill, so no worries.”
“Wouldn’t it be better for them to be dead from the opponent’s point of view?”
How many complaints about screams from the gallery and exhibiting troublesome protesters as precaution indicate the extent of disturbance?
“I heard from the wolf. You are the fox god. I am Yoo Suder Khan– an [Archer] from Mongolia.”
A woman appearing unmistakably Mongolian in traditional attire started a conversation.
She explained she came as a “victim” because [Satyros] has his eyes on her.
“As a victim….yourself?”
“No, that rascal is not a mere pervert. My grandmother’s….”
“Wow, damn it.”
“No, not my grandmother. My grandfather.”
“That’s even worse.”
Regardless of who the grandparent is, either way you don’t want to imagine…!!
“That maniac even took away the horse I raised with care…. Our tribe collapsed because of that lunatic!”
“Wakamou sir, he’s much crazier than expected!!”
Targeting her grandfather too…. Cold sweat breaks out at such high-level perversion.
Though my life is hardly ordinary, unique perversion is a bit…. Can’t Aoi Asuka resolve this somehow?
Yoo Suder Khan whimpered saying both stallions and mares from the tribe had been charmed and taken by that maniac.
Recalling the moment seemed to drive her mad with grief making her huff.
“When I tracked down, my beloved horse said: marry this person and leave! They chose a man over the camaraderie built while conquering two towers!! I’ve been NTR-ed!!”
“Perhaps if I may ask, your beloved horse was a mare, right?”
“It was a stallion.”
“That’s a horrifying tale I don’t really want to hear… Is there nothing else?”
“I got a sibling apparently. Just found out recently they’ve birthed a new one! They plan to raise as an artist.”
Suddenly Adelheid brazenly interjected asking if the new story was more appealing, her unfocused gaze making everyone lower their eyes.
“This is a Man-eater….”
“No, she’s an artist.”
“A man-eating girl…..”
“More or less, similar.”
Before knowing it, Adelheid had somehow quickly arrived as well, curious how they could make such a fast journey.
Her blissfully carving an engineer out of an unknown piece of stone had the makings of a psychopath escaping a mental ward.
Seeing our Vtuber smile so brightly made Wakamou inevitably grin too.
The accompanying cold sweat was unavoidable.
Having come to senses later, Yoo Suder Khan explained since the Werebeast was furious after all, they had put a bounty out for someone who vexingly devoured every animal he cultivated, to the extent of seeking a hunter.
As a side note, the hunter was sadly discovered in horrid condition meaning the bounty failed.
“Not a climber but said to have become a man-hunter terrorizing gay bars….”
“Damn it, my ultimate boss climber turns out as a depraved sexual deviant. Where’s the mediator?”
“Werebeast said, mediator ran away too.”
Though Wakamou vowed generally against killing, this time resolved to smash the head at sight.
Anticipated it would not be easy securing the “exclusive gear” microphone for the VTuber Concert in this arena.
Having survived this hidden lunatic’s threats throughout this space….
Considering giving up being a climber immediately brought trials calling upon him, perhaps destined for hardship, am I?
“Well, Satyros is an oddball. As long as you, a woman, aren’t actually a man, there won’t be a problem.”
He must die.
I can’t live under the same heaven as such a pervert…!!
“Seems like you’re busy with Satyros’ tale? America is obliged to protect. That criminal is troublesome in many ways.”
In a long corridor, climbers made way themselves.
The climber reputed for having halted the rampage of the first and second generation Man-eaters—a renowned strongest America climber.
As current American rank 1 climber and President of American Association, a middle-aged man known as [Akasha Wizard] handling spatial magic appeared in a sharp suit.
Having more people willing to help could only be favorable for Wakamou.
Stretching his hand for goodwill, Mana swirled in his palm.
Having recognized the [magic] used, Yoo Suder Khan mumbled about his foul nature while glaring, though he paid no heed.
‘What’s the point in climbers fighting? Learning from non-[Wizard] rivals is redundant. Barely a year into climbing.
So long as no enmity arises.’
Ever-prioritizing America, he clasped hands with Wakamou cautiously.
Then the best Wizard in America employed his spell!
Without him realizing, it analyzed physical data, disease presence, genetic attributes, and even one’s strength thoroughly.
All weaknesses to be perfectly identified in the upcoming arena fight, ensuring the glory of “number 1.”
—Though protecting and safeguarding her was genuinely sincere too.
Only, it persisted as a climber’s urge to battle.
“!!”
Eventually, upon gaining insights from [Magic], the Association President, Timothy, broke into cold sweat.
‘Actual age 1,001?! A…Amazing is that…Her immense mental fortitude is more astonishing!!’
Even surpassing my strength as the top [Wizard].
Concealed yet, the apex encapsulated beyond extremity…!!
‘Tremendously stable and tranquil Mana…this overwhelming presence…mana as if embodied by individuals…!’
“As a fellow climber, I’d like to train together.”
“You’re lucky. Had you aimed for weaknesses, you’d have forfeited your life.”
Where lackluster rivals existed in America, encountering such a being.
Timothy, the Association President, involuntarily grinned, his fighting spirit apparent to engage here and now.
Yet, the overwhelming imposing air exuding from Wakamou turned his face pale, resulting in a ghostly smile bearing witness to thrill.
Instead of getting cold feet, even Yoo Suder Khan grinned showing gums.
Climbers are invariably out of their minds!!
Among them, the combat-focused Legendary Class must be most unhinged!
“My heart races…!! How strong are they…!! I desperately want to fight!!”
Sympathizing with the [Holy Knight] yelling unfazed by surroundings, the King of Authority nodded agreement.
Prodding strength from a climber’s youthful days even to training some degree against himself.
Missing such a great opportunity for a real clash was unthinkable.
“Hehe…unless our adorable daughter comes, all shall be well…!!”
“If I’m your match, and you underestimate, I’ll truly get mad?”
“No dad would hit his daughter!!”
Patting his daughter relentlessly having climbed into top 10, in pride was the father King of Authority.
Sadako complained with affectionate annoyance yet savored the touch.
All while keenly observing the [Legendary Class] wandering busily.
One hopes nothing mayhem ensues.
“What souvenir should I get for Liu Ying?”
Hot air left to worry pitch, Sadako gulped ale, licking foam off her tongue contemplating.
“First of all, let’s have a blood festival with you guys!! If none shows will to fight, I’ll destroy this arena! Morehahahaha!!”
“Our boss seems to be having a good time too.”
─I’m clueless about dad but someone should hold the excitable boss.
Unfamiliar with the intention of such lines yet alarming a Japanese like Sadako….?
……
….
“Say, Asuka, where do you learn to cause constant trouble?”
“Of course, VTuber.”
“Who all?”
“The blue Asuka, referencing hues, is learning from VTubers like Kr0ni, Ko0, Sasa0mo, Ta0, Hau0u, Lu0mi, Ra0yu, all in similar blue hues!!”
“Not that I know all of them, but considering your regular spree, a directional change seems wise. So why Russia?”
Enjoying a rare leisure moment.
Though Asuka’s antics wrecked the first VTuber collab, this in turn made it wild and fun producing many enjoyable moments.
Ultimately broadcasting is all dopamine, isn’t it?
Asuka aids Hajime Ichigo’s healing broadcasts effortlessly normally.
With most climbers flocking over to the world’s top climbing event in Italy right now.
Non-combatant classes are converging toward the Russian Tower.
Yoo Suder Khan marveled at the market scene created by climbers trading goods atop mats outside the tower.
Was that the aim of visiting Russia?
But Asuka dismissed stating otherwise, waving her hand.
“Being famous now, [Trading Card Game]. Thus, TCG creation planned.”
“Ah, I see.”
Asuka explained plans to construct a large card shop within the Russian Tower.
Bringing Yoo Suder Khan to brainstorm the shop’s name and decor, indicating bigger plans with Wakamou, the financial backer Russian tower master.
Yoo Suder Khan was in awe echoing our boss is truly remarkable! Despite Wakamou in the dark on these discussions.
While the towers rattled and confused because of Wakamou, the relaxed Russian Tower seized a chance to leap ahead.
“If selling goods, isn’t it like a doujin shop…? Any renowned company?”
“VTuber Nekoya Mana affiliated Tora no Ana, right?”
“Then how about Inari no Ana (Fox Hole)?”
“So a Fox Hole! Shall we aim broaden it to an Everland-sized place?”
“…I didn’t make a mistake now, did I?”
Because of the climbers’ universal language ability, though puzzled, Yoo Suder Khan watched Asuka with uneasy eyes.
Yet both the Russian tower master and Asuka presented reassuring smiles as if nothing was wrong.
Thumbs-up too, breeding a profound sense of unease.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.
