“Uh, boss─ are you really okay with this?”
“Isn’t it interesting? The number of Climbers has drastically decreased, causing a national crisis. The Korean Tower created a class that can produce Climbers. I wonder how much that cost.”
“Are you listening to me?”
“It’s about the President of Russia, right? Must be about the Doctor crossing the ‘line’.”
“We don’t know. The only warning given to all the [Six Legged Beast] was just that one thing.”
“It’s a lesson.”
From a place overlooking the city─ a being gazed down, playing with a glass of champagne. It was amused by the busy American citizens and the distant sight of the American Tower, its liquid reflecting the scenery. A Climber belonging to the Six Legged Beast continued reporting to this entity.
The boss enabled countless people to transfer to the [Legendary Class]. Practically speaking, the boss was responsible for transferring “80%” of the Legendary Class.
There is no need for excessive loyalty; live freely according to your desires. Climb the Tower, kill people as much as you want, and becoming a king of a country is also fine. If you want to follow a command that is more like a request, you can ignore it if you dislike it. However, if you accomplish it, the reward will surely be given as you see fit.
── But even the boss spoke to all Climbers of the Six Legged Beast about 『One Rule』 that must always be kept.
That’s something that even Dorrison J Jackson, once a member of the Six Legged Beast, knew, but it was such an “obvious thing” that they even forgot to mention it.
Destroying and collapsing the Tower was of no consequence. It didn’t matter if they hunted Climbers indiscriminately.
There was only one rule to be kept.
Only one.
“Is it really an Idol? What’s its true identity? The broadcast was so entertaining that I became a fan. ──Isn’t it a shame to kill it?”
“Outside the Tower, it’s a manageable level, right? It’s not like a ‘Man-eater’, which is an unmanageable monster.”
“Right~ [Mana Burn] poses a risk, but if we convert the area into a Mana-less zone, it’ll just poof away, won’t it? So how’s the report?”
“Tsar of Russia. The president’s experiment has reached its final stage. They’re planning to artificially cause the collapse of the Tower to unleash Monsters, forming an army of ordinary citizens, including Climbers, to prepare for war. They even tested by releasing a few Monsters into Asia.”
The Climber looked at the boss with anxious eyes even as they continued reporting.
The Tsar of Russia was completely ignoring the one rule the boss had asked to be honored by all Climbers of the Six Legged Beast.
Some Climbers from the Six Legged Beast volunteered to kill him, but the boss found it intriguing and decided to watch what would happen.
─The Iron Man of South Korea, called the former president, struggled tirelessly to save the current Association President before he died. Would the Korean government have ever expected this to come back as a boomerang?
“The Black River of Russia’s Chelyabinsk Oblast, Lake Karachay, the Mayak Reprocessing Plant there, and the Techa River. Most of the [Radioactive Monsters] reportedly come from the Tower there, right? The Tower is indeed mysterious. Russia’s Tower tests Climbers under harsh conditions fitting for its country.”
On the other hand, the Korean Tower saw the emergence of a “nonexistent Legendary Class” in tumultuous times, nurturing heroes.
Although they are treated as if rewards are generously handed out, it was structured so Climbers only faced losses, entirely unfairly.
Climbers risked their lives climbing the Tower, earning only about 30% of the rewards.
The sight of Climbers overcoming intense adversities that others could not handle was awe-inspiring─ a sight worthy of praise as they were, indeed, outstanding heroes.
I didn’t think anyone like the Association President of Korea would appear again.
“Reality is rotten, but the facade is fresh and crimson, like a luxurious apple. Right, as a broadcaster, you should only show your smiling face.”
As champagne was consumed, the tower rising in the heart of an American city began to disappear.
“Next should be the 90th floor.”
And─ as soon as those words ended, a new 90-floor Tower emerged.
Many Climbers will challenge this new Tower, and “since the Tower was captured,” somewhere, new Climbers are being created.
“It’s regrettable. Conquering the 100-floor Tower first will be on our side.”
“Why… is that a regret?”
“There isn’t anything as glorious as being the first, don’t you think? We’re criminals, you see. Go buy a large pizza. If you get another one with pineapple, your pay will be docked.”
“Yes, yessir.”
“Anyway, it was fun. The King of Authority didn’t act his age.”
Although regrettably so, he poured more champagne into the empty glass.
Indeed, the world where the civilization and culture built by humans is maintained in peace is the best.
The boss, who relished luxury, leisurely savored the drink.
※※※
“Because of the Russian government’s stance on dispatching personnel, only [Wakamou Inarizushi] along with five Climbers being in the Russian government, one from China, and one from Japan, totaling eight members will perform the operation.”
“Wow, a secret city! Do such places still exist?”
“Yes, indeed.”
Places not served by bus and train routes and closed to foreigners.
Existing yet shrouded in secrecy, such cities don’t appear on maps and strictly prohibit outsiders.
These are also known as closed cities.
Ozersk.
“Here, we have Lake Karachay, a radioactive lake buried in 2015, as you know. The radiation levels in the Techa River are beyond question. It could be said that this place is jinxed, in a sense.”
Ozersk is a place known for the Kyshtym disaster, the only Incident rated level 6 in world history, ranking behind the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear incidents.
The Ozersk Tower spawns [Radioactive Monsters], requiring Climbers to ascend the Tower for recovery or use potions crafted by Alchemists to heal radiation-affected bodies, thus deeming this as highly dangerous territory.
Likewise with Chernobyl and Fukushima, [Radiation Healing Potions] made using gold materials were in high demand.
Liu Ying could make them too, so with gold coins brought from America by Wakamou, made a few potions.
“The issue lies in Snezhinsk, which is also in this province. Although it’s confidential, there’s also a nuclear facility there. Due to the tower collapse and subsequent monster surge, our agreed role is to eliminate the boss monster to restore the tower before the damage reaches this region.”
“…..Why does the calculation suggest that eight people are enough?”
“The monsters in Russia currently no longer confine themselves to the Towers and are expanding their territories. Strangely enough, it seems the boss monster has entered the Mayak plant.”
“Uh…. Of course, the plant isn’t operational, right?”
“Regrettably, it is operational for civilian nuclear material production and reprocessing commercial reactor nuclear fuel. According to investigations, everyone there has gone missing.”
About a year passed since the tower collapse, Manager Wanda Haye explained.
Unlike other towers, this one remained unaffected by monsters breaking free from territories, but monsters began moving towards other sites with nuclear facilities, necessitating rapid action.
Even though sending aid wasn’t desirable due to the treaty, support was generously provided.
Liu Wei and Jiang Yeoul weren’t called, specifically pinpointing Wakamou Inarizushi… Although it was suspicious.
Once this mission was over, there would be no need to go abroad, so focusing solely on VTuber Broadcasts and barely traveling to the U.S. for concerts was fine. Wakamou, as always unconcerned, headed to Russia.
“Nice to meet you.”
“I heard the story from the Chairman.”
Whether it was thanks to the Japanese Association President and Liu Wei, a [Wizard] from Japan and a [Warrior] from China were dispatched.
“It’s better not to trust Russian Climbers. They may be planning to eliminate Wakamou.”
“Initially, the current Tsar is on the radical path… Meaning he rose to power via military coup against impeached officials.”
The Chinese Climber, possibly holding information as a former ally, continued to explain on their way to meet Russian Climbers.
The Japanese Climber urged Wakamou not to engage in conversation; they assured they’d handle the operation planning and only worry about self-preservation.
Rumors suggest it was a 『Climber』 of the current president, who’s now capturing the political scene of Russia.
Although the class was unknown.
Anyway, this current president succeeded due to restoring Towers under military restructuring policies, blaming the former president, thus rising to power.
Being an image of a strong leader who overcame Tower threats within the country, cultivating Climbers as soldiers and offering them suitable ranks and treatment.
Since the demand for ice-free ports decreases because of Towers, securing resources from Towers had become critical for Russia.
In such circumstances, monster invasions threatened nuclear facilities, and due to the restrictions, aspiring for mighty Climbers’ aiding since Russia had agreed to help previously…. That was the flow of things.
On the surface, everything seemed fine.
“Looking forward to working together.”
The five Russian Climbers who joined seemed normal. Despite the awkwardness of the president’s affiliation with the Six Legged Beast.
Unless they’re planning to fight the entire East Asia bloc, they likely wouldn’t harm Wakamou. Perhaps the worst they’ll do is capture and subdue, if at all.
“There doesn’t seem to be any tampering with devices or potions, for now.”
The [Wizard] from Japan inspected it with spells, used a scroll for another check, and finally confirmed it carefully with mechanical devices before handing the Russian-supplied supply bag to Wakamou.
Just in case, the [Warrior] from China decided to carry all the bags.
If something unforeseen occurred, reducing the number of casualties to one seemed advisable.
…..The atmosphere was so vividly life-threatening that Wakamou felt a heavy heart.
Grateful for the consideration, though─ how did he end up in such a situation?
‘Yet, it must be done.’
VTubers, idols, streamers── exist only in a peaceful world.
Hope, dreams, love derive from life’s happiness, stemming from leisure.
Wasn’t a majority of fans of our Ramen Lion Russian?
Even if the president was associated with the [Six Legged Beast], he might very well be doing his utmost for his country.
Thinking it’s better to trust, even if deceived, was Wakamou’s way of life.
‘For the peace, solace, and happiness of VTuber fans in Russia…. I’ll put my life on the line to defeat the boss monster.’
With such prepared resolve surpassing others in many ways, a fierce aura sparked in Wakamou’s eyes.
So fierce it startled the Russian Climbers to the point they glanced back at Wakamou.
‘Hmm….’
Each Russian climber had such thick builds, one could only wonder what was hidden inside those bodies.
Also, it was difficult to discern gender due to full-body protective gear, including gas masks.
Yet those cute plush keychains on firearms caught Wakamou’s attention.
They appeared to be penguin plushies to anyone, but not to Wakamou.
‘A human-like penguin with a red-bordered collar and nametag, a Russian male virtual YouTuber known for T-position poses. Moreover, an imperial penguin with a red handkerchief and shades, unmistakably relates to FeMal. It’s the trademark plush of a blacksmith penguin’s fan club in Virtual Live.’
Hence, from keen native instincts, Wakamou identified that one of the Russian Climbers was a VTuber fan.
One is new, the other is old.
It’s an affinity towards animals, but likely their true Oshi is the blacksmith penguin, and they favor the other due to being a Russian VTuber.
Moreover, since no merch as their character was out yet, making a handmade one was evident to Wakamou.
Clumsy stitching skill… considering the effort put into it, undoubtedly the fan was female.
‘Additionally, the zombie young lady plushie hung on the belt. Considering the year of goods sales, it is from 2021. They must have been a fan for quite a long time.’
Nevertheless, why would someone carry a plush over 35cm tall?
Closer inspection revealed all four Russian climbers bore items quite unfitting for the task.
Judging by how they moved, it was unlikely explosives were hidden inside the plushies.
If they play tricks with merchandise, even the gentle and kind Wakamou would be ready to reveal what Backman Golden Fur is about── but is psychological comfort needed?
“Such things, whether plushies or headphones… are hardly suitable for hazard zones.”
“I’ve got one, too.”
“Fashion is always important, you know.”
Shun always says he’s important.
“Actually, I’m wearing a Bocchi T-shirt inside…”
Yeah, what’s strange about that? Everyone carries a few pieces of merchandise they like.
Who knew times would become so open, Wakamou’s smile widened on his lips.
“You’ve already heard the information provided by the government, right? No one knows what dangers lurk inside the Mayak factory. Even trying to scout with drones resulted in machine errors due to high radiation levels.”
“In 2015, that damned black river was buried, but inside the factory, there are 20.4 billion Curies of radioactive material. Even with protective gear, the aftereffects would be terrible.”
“Can’t we stop it with magic…?”
“Nope. They tried similar experiments in Japan. Five unfortunate climbers died.”
Is that so… Anyway, Wakamou had no cells or organs to be damaged by radiation.
Wakamou kept it a secret, thinking it would lead to troublesome tasks if revealed.
As they neared the factory’s site, the air started to tingle and prick. As if there was a resistance against mana itself, Wakamou raised his arm, and though faint, the mana was melting away from his fingertips.
His body was melting.
Radiation dissolves mana…?
What skills transform solid mana into liquid? Wakamou couldn’t recall, suggesting it might be something entirely different.
Did they prepare something new, knowing research would be conducted to counter known methods… Surely not?
“Really, were the monsters attacking? It’s too neat.”
The warrior questioned, glancing around while holding a shield.
The closed factory doors indicated that the monsters didn’t use them. If they opened them, that would be just as strange.
As they stepped into the eerily silent factory with no sign of life, the midday sky darkened to black.
It was similar to an event in Seoul.
Manager Wanda Haye suggested that the Russian Tower’s collapse might have been staged, but if it really collapsed, then that would be true.
But where did all the monsters go?
They all saw the debris of the collapsed tower on the way, but there were no monsters to be seen around.
Unable to shake off the lingering unease, the eight climbers stepped into the silent, inoperative factory where not even the sound of insects was heard.
Then—BANG! The metal doors closed on their own.
The startled Wizard ran to open the door but couldn’t budge it.
“Ugh! Don’t touch it!”
The Wizard quickly pulled back his hand, but his glove and the skin of his hand had already turned mushy.
He poured potions for radiation treatment and gulped down more after removing his gas mask, replacing the gloves with new ones.
SDVIMVFoanVzY1YwSVhjamMzUkt1UldJZnZQemRwemdmYmdPWi9jUUx4M3hJclRuSVZoUGRjQUQwNTI1dHE1cw
Beep Beep Beep Beeeeep—
“What’s that sound?”
“That’s the Geiger counter going nuts.”
The sight began to turn red as strange phenomena started to happen.
No, it wasn’t right—when Wakamou looked up, a monster shaped like a person with glowing red headlights was scaling the wall.
There was no need to explain what the self-illuminated monster was emitting, causing Wakamou to grab the Wizard by the back of the neck and run.
They gathered at one spot, and soon, a beam shot out from the center of the headlights, melting the ground on impact.
“What on earth is that monster?!”
“Well, those don’t exist in the Russian Tower! Run while you question!”
“You said you scouted outside the factory with drones!!”
“I guess it’s a monster that reacts when climbers show up!!!”
A Warrior and a Russian Climber began arguing.
Presumably, the monster was using radiation or intense heat to shoot lasers, raising justified anger at the unexpected threat.
Moreover, the monster’s elongated limbs that camouflaged with the surroundings swung menacingly like large stick insects.
As Wakamou struck its lightly swinging limb with his legs, he felt a squishy sensation as his leg trembled.
Infusing mana to [Enhance Physique], the discomfort became more pronounced.
Wakamou was like ice thrown into the desert.
His body was melting at an immense speed, breaking down so quickly even minor impacts couldn’t be withstood.
Thus, by changing all but the joints to [Rare Metal], Wakamou swung his leg with all his might, bending the stick insect monster’s limb with a BOOM!
“[Aaaaah!! Aaaaaaaaah!!]”
And the monster screamed, as if in pain.
Seeing a human face emerge, Wakamou felt displeased.
“There, go in!”
Pointing to the factory entrance where the boss monster seemed to have entered, the Russian climbers showered the monsters with bullets.
Among them, the 190cm tall Climber, whom Wakamou was eyeing, showed incredible strength by lifting a fallen steel frame from the floor and smashing the headlight monster’s head.
── It was impossible to ascertain his class.
They mentioned sending five Russian Climbers for support, but their class was kept confidential, leaving Wakamou to observe and decide.
Their equipment and size were similar, making it hard to guess.
“[Giant Metal Wall]!!”
With the Wizard hanging onto Wakamou performing a spell with raised staff, a steel wall shot up, encasing the factory entrance.
Immediately, casting the [Light] spell on his staff, the Wizard shouted for them to enter, as the Warrior shattered the locked door by [Charging] into it.
“You said the machinery doesn’t work!!”
Observing the action of setting up a bomb, the Warrior vented anger, yet the Russian Climber showed a fuse insisting it’s an outdated device rather than a detonator.
Wakamou flinched at the already ignited bomb thrown into the entrance but, causing a loud explosion, it blocked the monsters’ pursuit by collapsing the entrance.
“Nice move. Is it the Russian way to eliminate your own exit route?”
“Better to die than to fail the mission.”
The voice of the female Climber echoed, low and inexorably dreary, carrying a sentiment of inevitability.
It was only then Wakamou recalled the alleged experiments frequently occurring in Russia.
Were they experimenting on monsters…?
The lingering images of monsters with human faces or human-bodied ones flashed in his mind.
Even the [Internet Connection] skill wasn’t functioning. Or rather, while it did, the interference and delays were significant.
‘This isn’t a radiation issue.’
He preferred to believe it was a skill of the boss monster.
“There’s not a single body.”
“The alarm would have gone off due to a monster attack. They could have evacuated to a safe zone.”
The Russian Climber spoke indifferently. All looked so similar aside from one woman, making it difficult to identify anyone.
Even the Warrior beside Wakamou seemed to feel the same, cautiously leaned in to whisper.
“I heard from our government agent… that Russia conducts human experiments on Climbers. They say it’s to create stronger soldiers.”
“Is that true?”
“There’s no concrete evidence, but… such size, and the protective gear covering their whole body. It’s too common a weapon set for Climbers, don’t you think?”
It couldn’t be ruled out that they might all be of the same class, but the Russian Climbers were lightly armed with a war hammer, guns, and knives.
They had no shields, yet carried things like headphones, dolls, or ocarinas on their waists, which was unusual.
“Those things they carry aren’t disguised items either.”
The Wizard’s further explanation about the mystery only deepened it.
“Well, let’s get to work quickly.”
Sending a [Camera] ahead and following the given map, they tracked the boss monster’s trail.
Depending solely on the Wizard’s magic to illuminate the path in this pitch-black space posed great risk.
Ultimately, Wakamou utilized the VTuber asset to create [Light].
He refrained from lighting a torch, reluctant to use fire in a facility handling radioactive materials.
Clang………..Clang………
‘Looks like I can’t use lightning or fire here either.’
Wakamou’s large build made moving through narrow corridors a struggle.
Though searching for the missing persons within the factory, there was no sign of any monsters.
Possessing considerable intelligence, the boss monster left no traces of rampage.
It was a sarcastic remark. It’s as if the boss monster opened and walked through the factory doors.
Clang…….Clang…….
“Does this place really serve as a refuge…?”
A missile-proof shelter straight out of a game awaited them beyond.
Wakamou marveled at the sight, looking up.
“Need to open it by force?”
Before the Russian Climber even finished saying as much, two Climbers went forward and began manually turning the lever. Their strength seemed enough to even warp the lever grip.
Thus, the gigantic door creaked open with a kıgigi sound.
“After a year in here, we’d find nothing but bodies, right?”
“There’d be preserved food inside the shelter, wouldn’t they? Should be fine.”
In response to the Chinese Climber’s question, the Japanese Climber, accustomed to disasters, assured it’s common to be prepared.
But beyond the opened door, a darkness welcomed them where they couldn’t see an inch ahead.
…..Darkness?
“Lemme shine a light with [Light]”
Seeing the Wizard raise his staff and approach, Wakamou quickly grabbed and threw him back by his nape.
Wakamou was emanating [Light], yet the darkness didn’t retreat, which was illogical.
“What the—!!”
Then, as the darkness dispersed like fog, it began to spread its wings.
The Warrior immediately roared, using [Taunt], sensing that each of them was actually made of [Bugs].
Once they swarmed like monsters, the [Wizard] promptly cast a [Pest Control Spell].
The venomous gas, super-effective against insect-type monsters, spread all around, causing the bugs to fall down.
“Where’s the missing one?”
“There.”
Standing upon the pile of bug corpses, they realized one was missing shortly after.
When Wakamou inquired, the female Climber pointed to the Russian Climber buried under the bugs.
“─We anticipated losses. Let’s hurry up. We can recover them when exiting.”
Wakamou’s wrist was caught by a Russian Climber, halting her as she attempted to inspect.
“Why the hell were these bugs piled up at the entrance? No, they weren’t even piled up, they attacked when opened…”
Meanwhile, the Wizard picked up a bug to examine. A thumb-sized bug.
Upon discovering it had a “human face” like an [Insect-Headed Monster], he freaked out and tossed it aside.
“Ughhh…..”
“Are you alright?”
“I’ve never seen such a monster….”
“This gets even more gruesome.”
A Russian Climber remarked in awe upon entering the shelter.
Human vein-like structures clung all over the walls and ceilings.
The fact that they were not red but blue and green made it more revolting and horrifying.
As soon as Wakamou stepped in, oozing fluids seeped out, staining the floor.
Clang….Clang…..Clang….
“Is this really okay?”
The Wizard asked Wakamou as he was helped in by the Warrior.
Not a single human or even a proper monster had been seen so far.
Instead, what awaited them was a “staircase” leading underground.
“This isn’t a tunnel dug by monsters but a human-made stairway?”
“I’m not a fan of horror games─”
BANG!!
As soon as Wakamou muttered those words, the shelter door they entered slammed shut.
Finally, the sound of clang clang clang accelerated intensely.
KA-GA-GA-GA-KAK!! WEEEEEEE– KA-GA-GA-GA-KAK!!
Savage noises, more from “drilling” and scraping outside, resonated.
“Descend,”
The Russian Climber announced apathetically to the group.
No options existed; it was a one-way journey.
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