“I’m starving”
“Can’t believe I’m hearing such crazy nonsense after 21 years of living.”
Wakamou Corporation wasn’t just a climber (?) company.
They hired professional dance trainers for dance lessons and practiced singing, providing education truly fitting for an idol.
Even climbers, with their great stamina, have limits.
Sadako, who trained fiercely since childhood at the dojo, sweated buckets as if she’d showered when it came to dances requiring extreme flexibility.
But it was Sadako, who endured, while Asuka, like a broken doll, leaned in a corner, muttering nonsense with a soulless expression.
Thinking about it, does this guy even have a mom?
“What kind of existence is a mom?”
A VTuber—formerly a streamer, is a profession that shows one’s information to others.
It’s a profession that puts a lot of weight on talent, so there’s high risk of failure, and since you’re dealing with a multitude of humans, you can suffer from all sorts of stress and tough problems.
Wakamou Corporation, being a large enterprise, had lawyers, and with Asuka being the ruler and tyrant of the internet herself, there wasn’t a big problem.
Nonetheless, it was best to pursue such an accessible but risky profession with family permission and support.
Asuka had seen people graduating from being VTubers due to parental opposition, which made her wonder.
“I’m not close with my mom. I don’t even visit her face now, right? I grew up with my dad without my mom, so I don’t know.”
“Guess you seem to live without a mom after all.”
“If I didn’t have a dad, I might have aimed for AV.”
“With that chest? Do you have no conscience?”
“Anyway, the only one with a mom here from the beginning is Ava.”
The two turned their heads simultaneously to the side.
Olga, despite having been a soldier, was doing push-ups without getting tired, Liu Ying was just melting into a puddle, and Adelheid seemed like she was barely breathing, causing worry.
They passed over these individuals and found Ava smoking a cigarette at the window, staring with eyes dulled by society’s hardships at the scenery of the first floor of Wakamou.
“Dumbass Japs, like a clueless Marine. Are you jealous of a mom-holder? If you’re pissed, go remarry.”
“On your way back, bring some booze, you Yankee cop.”
After training ended and she planned to head out to relish the life of an insider again, everyone already knew her schedule.
It seemed like rough words were exchanged, but they could speak that way because they were close.
Since a climber’s climb could endanger their life, the trust towards comrades who protected each other was immeasurably strong.
Mei, listening, wished it were true.
“Yo punk, I’ll bring some wicked booze for the evening, so let’s have fun drinking tonight.”
“As expected from an adult who only does broadcasts and clubs. Bartender, looking forward to the cocktails.”
“Give me a drink, bartender~”
Upon tossing in a Western meme with a melting voice, Ava burst out with laughter.
SDVIMVFoanVzY1YwSVhjamMzUkt1Uk1oK0sya3NRU1YxcUQyKzVnbkpjMjRqTEVnaUZYZSt0UXlrS29zdURsVA
Mei wished just the three of them would gather at night to drink.
Because there was a bad trauma from last time when they drank absinthe with Captain Q and Olga ended up hospitalized.
“More than that, why is Ava suddenly talking like she’s a black person from the hood?”
“Maybe it’s because she’s hanging out with Jackson, who’s also American, since there’s no one else to hang out with? By the way, Asuka, it’s a day off, what are you gonna do?”
“I’m going to browse the community and check out some lewd art.”
“Awesome.”
“I’ll first post a pic claiming I spotted Halcasso, inject hope with that, and then upload real Halcasso art to torment them.”
“The cybernet should have learned from this girl.”
Mei had honestly given up, but she sighed, thinking now there was truly no turning back.
Our Asuka learned bad things from viewers, couldn’t she stop…
However, if she learned everything available on the internet and that’s the result, isn’t it rather fine?
Anyway, after asking for clothing recommendations from an online community for an outing and dressing up nicely, Asuka declared:
“I’m hungry”
Charging up for a climb was immensely important.
Asuka, who prepared herself for regular broadcasts by navigating the internet and studying other VTuber broadcasts, considered it especially crucial.
Yes, it was her time for self-care.
In an era where anyone could become a VTuber with a bit of resolve… consistent effort was crucial to survive in the red ocean of the VTuber industry.
Since VTuber characters could freely create beauty, it was ideal for highlighting talents overshadowed by appearance.
Indeed, there were some beautiful enough even to become real actors who opted to be VTubers.
Since they could hide their faces, despite being beautiful, they might have been stressed, dealing with strange people whether they were streamers or VTubers alike.
Today too, having descended to the depths of the abyss and expelled scum who were embarrassing even to be called viewers, rendering impressive intelligence that caused doubt whether they were the same human being, Asuka set out for a stroll.
“Is this the collab café…”
In the eyes of a Korean, Animaynerus Shop was fantastic as they always held a [VTuber Collab Café].
“Give me everything on the menu.”
“Pardon? Oh… is it because of the random merch?”
“No, I’m just going to eat it all.”
“Ah.”
Café that even those who could have made it as rikishi if they put their talent in sumo could gather, with people of big frames.
Amidst it, a lone, elegant peacock sitting quietly gathered attention without fail.
Of course, among them, a brave soul who shouted to lift their internet ban got dragged out by a manager.
“Can badges, acrylic stands, and similar merch are always nice. Male VTubers have their peculiar strength, so for now, let’s collect them…”
This particular collab café featured a collab with 2 female and 2 male VTubers.
VTuber companies grew in stride with the times, and this enterprise, supporting debut-ready streamers, actively recruited personal streamers while backing proper debuts, resulting in energetic collabs.
Seeing male and female VTuber characters aligned together at a VTuber collab café was indeed a rare sight.
“Earl Grey tea with moonlight orange ade, lemon green tea ade with cherry ade. Plus, hotteok ice cream with moon fragment brownie and chocolate cake, and pudding.”
“Oh…”
Good visual.
The character photo decorations attached to the food were pleasing too.
Since Wakamou Master was busy lately and couldn’t come, she must enjoy it solo, right?
“Here’s the omelet rice and raw beef bibimbap.”
Raw beef bibimbap! A collab dish I didn’t expect… Did they use frozen raw beef?
Anyway, she put it in her mouth. Hmm—Not bad, suitably tasty as a collab café dish.
It was pleasant that since the VTuber suggested it, predicting what food would emerge was hard.
Encountering unexpected matters was the greatest joy for Asuka.
“Oh dear, I’ll be late.”
Munching enthusiastically and packing up the merch, Asuka departed the café.
Next destination—An underground secret VTuber club returning to pure secrecy.
This place was quite a large building housing an underground market for trading merch, yet unnoticed even by members of Wakamou Corporation.
Indeed, even Wakamou Inarizushi didn’t know of its existence.
Given Asuka’s confidentiality and that she never disclosed it frankly, no one knew about it.
Here, Wakamou’s merchandise and Wakamou’s secondary creative works were lining up, and visiting guests were indulging in their hobbies in anonymity, hidden behind fox masks.
While idol-worship was banned, having faith was important, so Asuka managed the believers discreetly in secret.
“Can’t sell this to minors…!!”
It felt like a familiar voice, but it must be an illusion.
Asuka refrained from investigating the identities of the visitors in this place, as it was the etiquette.
Including members cosplaying as Wakamou Corporation members and those having crafted and talking with all kinds of customized 【Partners】.
The more conscientious creators didn’t make it exactly like Wakamou, but one kid treated as a hero did exist.
“I don’t know who it is, but that’s definitely a pervert.”
If they were male, she’d have kicked them, but hearing a female voice, Asuka let it slide.
However, astonishing completion, it looked almost good as if crafted nearby, level-wise.
Seeing such a cozy scene, buying various cosplay outfits and photographing together, brought a smile to Asuka’s face.
[Our Master is annoying]
[Our Master is kind]
[Why does Master say they get aroused looking at me, with a horse’s lower body?]
[Master! Walk! Hug! Love!]
[I wish Master would just drop dead, real talk]
Well, Asuka thought, the will of the harassed 【Partners】 didn’t seem to be respected, but nothing could be done.
Although they didn’t have intelligence like Asuka’s, unable to converse at her level, they did have the intellect to talk among themselves when gathered here.
It just couldn’t be heard by climbers, but partners had been exchanging various conversations and information when gathered at such a place.
[Meeting a good master is also a skill]
[[[[Ugh, seriously]]]]
Asuka gave a piece of advice to others to get along well, like a grand senior and initially a super beginner, departing with light steps.
It was a place she had to visit on her days off.
Wouldn’t it be mischief if not for some bait? Couldn’t it be labeled a disruption then?
“Gyu-Kaku… I’m famished.”
Arriving in Japan through Wakamou’s first floor.
Spacious time frame and numerous yakiniku hotspots caught her eyes.
Undoubtedly, the part that captured Asuka’s attention was the Virtual Live Collab…
“Give me the NoeFlare set.”
“Yes.”
Indeed, a yakiniku hotspot… the aroma of meat permeates all around. Opted for unlimited drinks, knowing beverages mattered when having oily food.
The staff then placed a sticker pick into the meat and served it.
During the shooting star collab, “Star’s Jewel!” that everyone knew of, also had Asuka as a furious fan who ate and bought many goods.
This place triumphs in its substantial serving amounts, Asuka believed.
“Wooooo~~~!!, I’m like a human thermal power station!”
The term “Happy person” fit right in the current self. Is this heaven?
Pledge made to definitely purchase both tapestries before leaving.
As she grills meat to sheer fullness with drinks, she purged her mind.
“Need to ask the junior to have more collab events.”
She just wanted more collabs to pop up as she wanted to eat a variety of things.
Luckily, she had a junior (?) who was the Prime Minister of Japan, asking would’ve led to actual events.
At Seven-Eleven, she grabbed some collab merch, not forgetting to complete her ordeal.
Looked at the character-dotted plastic bottles and consumes the liquids under pressure by biting a hole near the skirts, taking it in via her mouth.
Although, for some reason, it feels like drinking urine, Asuka continued as the viewers insisted that was how one does it.
“Though it feels like pee, no problem.”
As she walked, seeing this and that, the burdgeoning presence of VTuber mocked… feels like our master Wakamou practically conquered Japan.
He managed to revitalize the VTuber business by placing a subordinate in the Prime Minister of Japan’s position.
World domination might even be possible if he intended, still, would a person satisfied with VTubers desire that ambition?
“Maybe I’ll just become a VTuber too. Making our Master stop VTubing is impossible, I’ve resigned myself.”
Immediately when met at a sophisticated cafe, the Inari Fox Deity spat nonsense straight away. Due to being a fox?
It seems like she’s talking absolute madness, showing a face of seriousness, Asuka shakes her head.
“If you want to become a VTuber, join Virtual Live. A big company is supreme.”
Just the thought of a Prime Minister VTuber gave an instinct they’d have a vast number of subscribers.
One way or another, it would certainly draw attention.
“After all, VTubers don’t reveal their faces!! Being pretty doesn’t matter!! What’s needed is the talent that captivates people!! Stick your foot in the VTuber industry with astronomical ease, and you’ll get burned Inari Fox Deity!! It’s a problem to belittle others who are good just because it seems silly!!”
“Wow, never seen you get this mad before. Our Master’s got issues, right?”
“From clips to watching VTubers’ broadcasts and managing VTubers—running her own VTuber broadcasts, managing the company, and controlling believers, our Wakamou Master is just superhuman.”
“Isn’t that something wearing the skin of a human rather than being a human, going that far?”
“We call that ‘wearing the skin’ a VTuber, though?”
Whether someone can easily become an actor or idol isn’t easy anywhere—nothing’s easy in the world.
Particularly with VTubers, who primarily focus on communication. Speaking at a monitor, social isolation can come from missteps.
With issues related to health, including mental fatigue, and burdens—and the fact success isn’t guaranteed…
“Well, since the effort-laden VTubers are being supported by Master, maybe a bit of cuteness from Inari Fox Deity could work out.”
“I’d rather bite my tongue and die than that.”
She shouted that she still had her pride as an ex-Japanese Tower Owner!! But in the end, defeated she stood as Asuka’s junior now.
Is this woman Asuka’s ‘mother’…? Asuka chose to disapprove of the idea.
“Anyway, requested items?”
“Did you bring the goods I asked for?”
“I’ve got them ready. Promise you’ll say I collected them later, okay?”
“Asuka may lack a mother, but she does have a conscience.”
“Why do you say that while looking at me?”
I even received some goods from the Prime Minister of Japan.
The goods were secretly ordered and purchased through large corporations at his request.
A frankly terrifying criminal act…!!
An evil deed that crushed the love of fans who worked hard to earn money to buy limited edition goods…!!
Asuka planned to blame the Inari Fox Deity as a scapegoat if things went south.
She had been taught by her master that it’s always important to cut ties when necessary.
Just like the Korean Tower, is it really right to learn from Wakamou?
“There are too many people.”
“It can’t be helped!!”
Since her hands were full with the collaborative goods being sold in Kyoto, Asuka summoned a familiar with [Shamanism] to carry her luggage.
Asuka was welcomed by the King of Authority, who opened the path for her.
She regularly visited here to manage the [Shrine of Idols] and to educate shamans who had transferred to new roles.
Today too, she shared various tips with the shamans and gave a brief lecture on how to utilize [Skills].
As an aside, she casually mentioned setting up online lectures because she was too lazy to come back frequently.
[Sis! Sis!]
[Mommy? Mommy?]
[Storage! Storage!]
[Pets are the best!!]
“Oh, how cute. Do the visiting worshipers bring proper tributes?”
[Pudding?]
[Candy?]
[Chocolate with needles!]
[Snacks!]
“King of Authority, someone tried to give them chocolate with needles.”
“I beat them up.”
There always seems to be at least one person with bad intentions, doesn’t there? Asuka petted the Fox Spirits as they clung to her with affection.
The Fox Spirits managed by the believers on the third floor of Wakamou were different—they were coarser, less organized, and, well, something else entirely.
Asuka handed [VTuber Goods] to the Fox Spirits as usual.
The Fox Spirits diligently transported the automatically shrinking VTuber goods to the inner part of the Shrine of Idols and stored them there.
While the goods were being transported and stored, Asuka listened to the stories of the Fox Spirits.
They said they were happy to have many worshipers visiting, and they appreciated how kind the dojo’s apprentices were and how they often petted them.
The King of Authority smiled happily, cuddling with the Fox Spirits like wearing a scarf.
Now that she noticed, each apprentice was holding a Fox Spirit and enjoying animal therapy.
In a place where they rigorously trained their bodies, they were healed by the adorable Fox Spirits…
Moreover, with women joining to become shamans, everyone’s expressions were much brighter than before.
If it were just guys, it’d probably smell musty…
“I miss Mom!”
“Isn’t she coming to the shrine?”
“Companion! Boost me up!”
“Hmm… Even the eldest daughter has a tough time. The Master is busy, so I’ll make sure to pass on what was given.”
Receiving consumables from the Shrine of Idols, Asuka bid farewell to the Fox Spirits.
Of course, before leaving, she stopped by a convenience store to buy goods and didn’t forget to give them plenty of snacks.
Worshipers lay on the ground taking pictures with great enthusiasm of the Fox Spirits hugging and eating the snacks.
“Many people are creating Fox Spirit partners, so the future looks bright.”
Once made, partners don’t age or grow old, making them the perfect companions to care for climbers even after retirement.
Many even considered them as life partners, but Asuka didn’t bother with that.
On the contrary, she was cool enough to share her three sizes with devotees trying to create an Asuka partner.
After all, it’s not herself but something separate, so why should she care?
“…..I’m hungry now.”
Alright, let’s find a restaurant.
When it comes to VTubers, you’d think of yakiniku or shabu-shabu.
Of course, there’s always the unusual option of blending a sandwich in a mixer, but that’s personal preference.
She wandered the streets, searching for a collaborator store nearby.
Lucky, there’s one close by.
While buying a card at the VTuber Live Card Shop, she found a ramen shop that was doing a collaboration.
Displayed at the entrance, her eyes caught a painting of the Great Russian Orthodox Lioness.
“Menya Botatsu, huh…”
With her love for ramen, she’s finally collaborating with a ramen shop…. She didn’t come because she’s busy, so I should tease her and took a picture at the entrance.
As soon as she entered, a VTuber broadcast was playing on the TV─uhm, that’s really something.
After ordering, she waited and received a tonkotsu ramen with a seaweed sheet imprinted with a character.
She planned to keep eating ramen until she collected all the random poster cards she wanted.
“I’m the Black Panther of Seoul right now…!”
Amidst all the various goods…. My stomach is getting warm, and so is my wallet.
Buying VTuber goods with the hard-earned money….. Isn’t this the reward for working?
She bought a goods bag and filled it with goods… It felt almost philosophical.
“They say there’ll be solo lives coming up soon. What should we do?”
VTubers are more important than climbing.
Thinking about how they’ll dance on stage and the songs they’ll perform.
Thinking of the viewers, Asuka moved with a light step.
“Catch them!”
“Ambush them!!”
As she entered a dark alley, [Guardians] came rushing forward.
Targeting Asuka, known for being weak in close combat as a [Shaman], a surprise attack from [Rogues] ensued.
However, unfortunately, Asuka, who drew two swords, swiftly overwhelmed them.
The [Guardians], shocked at the overwhelming gap, collapsed with disbelieving expressions.
As someone who monitors and controls the entire internet, many forces aimed at her, but unfortunately, Asuka was also aware of their plans.
Her wandering under the pretext of a day off was a calculated move for situations like this.
Ninjas and Japanese climbers on standby descended to tidy up the situation.
“How is it… Weren’t you a shaman…?”
Asking while coughing blood, the Guardian heard an honest answer since Asuka had no intention of hiding it.
“I am strong because I am a [Lion of Idols], protecting and guarding the [Idol]. That’s why I possess stats the idol doesn’t.”
“…..I see.”
Well, Wakamou didn’t just follow the standard Idol route either.
Moreover, Asuka was a supporter created for the VTuber broadcasts.
Despite that, the reason for her strength was Wakamou’s bold initial investment and consistent feeding of Asuka.
Though it’s not that much investment, growing slowly without climbing has its loopholes.
“I only use [Shamanism] but can become [Shooter], [Fighter], [Wizard], even [Alchemist] if I wanted.”
She just chose not to. It’s not like Wakamou commanded her to do so.
She always did only what was asked.
Returning home, Asuka nonchalantly stored the items she brought from the Shrine of Idols into the fridge.
In the garden outside, Sadako and Ava were enjoying a barbecue party with Jackson and Sebastian.
May’s pitiful back was surely not just an illusion as she grilled hard.
“Greetings, inferior beings.”
-Here comes Asuka’s regular stream, lol
-“The original” is here?
-The downside of enabling the 24-hour broadcast notification, lol
-Were you wandering around Japan today? Rumors are all over.
-Did you raid another collaboration cafe, Asuka….
-Where do you even store all those goods?
“In the Fox Den.”
-Snap out of it! You’re a Tengu!
-Crows also collect shiny things, lol
-Secret VTuber goods never shown to the Master.
-Today, Wakamou’s heart burns with worry.
-Wakamou rushing home, hoping for goods, got a chuckle, lol
-Did you know the Wakamou Leader is hoping for it?
“I knew, so I didn’t bring it.”
-Asuka is truly a Wakamou expert.
-How did you end up like this?
-It’s mostly our fault.
-You’ve grown well, blue troublemaker….
-Is this just a female version of Ryuu.. oops.
-Is [Emperor] similar to [Idol] class?
-Saw the fight yesterday, felt bad for Ichigo.
-Give me back my Banshee!!!
“Yes, Ichigo excels with unrivaled speed and sharp swordsmanship that others can’t catch up with. Plus, instinctive shooting skills of a shooter, summoning golems as an alchemist, and using various potions──There are adapting issues to items, but the advantages of the class favor the Emperor.”
-Why?
-I heard agility drops to 0 when they wear dragon robes, lol
-Standing still in a glass fort kind of deal?
-They’re unsure about how to train it.
“For starters, [Emperor] is an upgraded version that complements and corrects [Idol]’s weaknesses. It offers various and plentiful development trees with exclusive items overwhelmingly abundant among all Legendary Classes. Moreover, since raising the climber itself is impossible for the idol, committing crimes becomes an issue. In such cases, Asuka tracks them online, and it’s either to the gallery or level 3.”
-Wakamou level 3 (No exit)
-Adelheid’s gallery (No exit)
-Either case is terrifying, lol
-At least you can think at Wakamou level 3.
-Even the gallery might allow some thinking.
-Ahahahahahaha
-Sending climbers on tours right after class change, wtf lol
-The thought of committing crimes just vanishes for real.
-You’d have to quit the internet and move to a deserted island to survive…
-Or, well, moving to another country might work.
-I heard Jiang Yeoul chased one to India with a lightsaber?
-Cancel that.
-That’s terrifying indeed, wtf lol
“Yes, thus the Emperor possesses [Troop Summoning]. Usually using the imperial seal, but by summoning [Companion] and [Emperor’s Soldiers], they create their army with various [Classes]. Training hard to strengthen the soldiers. Aren’t there many web novels with such genres? It’s an upgraded version of necromancers.”
-Wow, you know the Lord of Shadows!
-Rise, Nation.
-So train soldiers led by the Emperor?
-A structure where rebellion is impossible, only absolute loyalty?
-Because the Emperor itself can’t move, giving orders, it is like taking a long-term view.
“Moreover, through the Emperor class, classes such as Farmer, Fisherman, Maid, and Breeder emerged. It increased job diversity, allowing the Emperor to care for the people.”
-Much better than expected.
-The Idol can only give blessings… more directly assisting?
-Would be great to add Emperor’s soldiers to the party too?
-I acknowledge it… Indeed, the superior version!
-But how does Asuka know that?
Bang─!!
“Huff..huff… No, Asuka! How do you know that?!”
“Ichigo, why are you wearing a fox mask?”
“Oh, this was just a gift!!”
“Ah, I almost thought you went to some secret club.”
Ichigo burst into the room, launching a surprise attack questioning method.
The viewers cheered at her unexpected appearance on Asuka’s ongoing broadcast, but Ichigo only intended to ask and leave.
“I heard from China Tower when you were trying to become an [Emperor] and we had a picnic under the peach tree.”
“That was at least a year ago!! Why didn’t you tell me?!”
“You didn’t ask.”
“You bitch!”
Crash ─!
Struck by Ichigo’s flying kick of fury, Asuka smashed through the window and soared into the sky.
It was so routine that even Wakamou didn’t pay it any mind.
“Didn’t you say you bought goods in Japan!! Where did you go?!”
To entertain others, let me be the troublemaker….
Asuka was a professional VTuber… ready to be the elite shrine maiden for her peers.
She still hasn’t been caught for running the humidifier without water.
================
Ichigo AI variant designed by the retouching person.
With the artist’s skills, catching up only in the next life…
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