“Crazy.”
Faced with a barren wasteland riddled with landmines, dread loomed large as the shocking truth unraveled, flipping the world upside down.
It hadn’t been long since an incident in Russia involving an Archfiend nearly wiped the country off the map.
In the midst of it all, evidence surfaced regarding the assassination of a Legendary Class Climber along with materials about human experimentation conducted on them.
To top it off, more documents showed up claiming the Climber Wakamou Inarizushi posed a threat to America and could potentially endanger humans, spattering around paranoid conspiracy theories.
Things didn’t stop there—the assassinations were planned, executed, and they even considered sacrificing their citizens for a greater cause, all while kidnapping Climbers.
“The Premier of China, Liu Wei, angrily declared he will never forgive this incident while the governments of Russia and South Korea criticized America for crossing the line.”
Though aware of the Guardians’ darker sides, many allied governments pretended ignorance to evade involvement due to their decentralized organizational structure.
These nations severed ties, abandoning the American Guardians for their own safety and future.
Claiming patriotism, the perpetrators admitted all was their deed, sacrificing themselves for their country despite being discarded.
They genuinely believed they were heroes fighting for humanity’s future.
Though they failed, they proudly said, the remaining benefactors would undoubtedly succeed—even if it’s a crime, they thought, “We aren’t wrong. For America, for the cause… to prevent a ‘Second Man-eater’ incident, we’d gladly die if necessary.”
Their rhetoric was so convincing even Wakamou perked up, thinking, “Oh… really?”
On the flip side, Adelheid snapped, “To hell with these Goebbels-like bastards!!!”
“They shouldn’t be alive; execution is warranted, isn’t it…?”
Sadako also lamented over the overwhelming fatalities, noting most didn’t even choose to become Legendary Class. At least 90% not affiliated with the Six Legged Beast were killed.
Only about two, outside the Six Legged Beast, survive as Legendary Class—the ‘Second Man-eater’ and the ‘Esper’.
The fact that the U.S. planned to deal with the two when no longer needed and conducted experiments was a bitter betrayal for Ava.
“Should’ve figured when they called it a free health checkup!!!”
“How did you not realize?”
“You realize it’s thousands of dollars per checkup, right??? If sick, Americans just buy painkillers from the pharmacy and live in bed!”
“Sorry…”
“Japan has proper health insurance, so you wouldn’t know,” Sadako muttered.
Enticed by no insurance needed and free screenings, Ava unwittingly facilitated the Guardians’ opportunity to conduct human experiments on Espers by regularly visiting hospitals.
Realizing she was a nurtured lab rat left Ava with lips agape, looking like Neo after taking the red pill.
As a Climber, excelling as an Elite Agent, the support the unit received—all due to her value as a test subject—not losing her mind was commendable.
Wondering if her life was always a Truman Show designed by someone, Ava feared developing human mistrust, suspecting how many agents lurked among her acquaintances.
America could certainly be terrifying….
Amid the chaos, the passionate voices, the fiery charisma, even high-ranking military officials from the U.S. backed the Guardians’ executive, inspiring some to burst out in protest.
“Americans are… generally quite ignorant. The Vice President once misspelled ‘potato’, sparking controversy. Public ignorance on world affairs is an issue, but so is public education. It’s different from Asia!”
“Ah, I guess…”
Seeing demonstrations declaring American heroes righteous and Climbers monsters—unbelievable. Oracle, noticing the shock, urged Wakamou not to overreact, who nodded, understanding from watching overseas VTuber broadcasts.
The U.S. President declared ignorance of the military’s unilateral operations and apologized for the shocking event. Contrary to Ava’s fears, the President wasn’t in cahoots!
Yet, independent of the U.S. government, the Guardians claimed, “We’re protecting America!!” making it more chilling.
“Expecting a medal, Ava?”
Luckily, no casualties arose while Ava pursued Liu Ying.
Though the ones in the underground base were fair game, killing unwittingly dutiful police or soldiers could’ve sparked controversy.
Ava’s shaken colleague, bewildered by a sudden criminalization, congratulated her heroism in preventing World War III, patting her shoulder with a thumbs-up.
For Ava, medals and heroism meant little; her disillusionment with America left her longing only for discharge.
“Oracle, will this happen again?”
“It will!! Fox Deity!! Listen… I’m not a prophet. I merely forecast probable futures. The Six Legged Beast will likely act freely still. Enemies might rise against you. Look over there.”
Where Oracle pointed, second-generation Legendary Class Climbers, realizing their circumstances, stood shocked.
“I never wanted to become a criminal. Being special is nice, but there’s a downside. ──Boss has high expectations for you. I hope you safeguard this world. Take care, Neo. Let’s meet in the closet if global threats arise again.”
“…Why the closet?”
“My [Skill]….”
“Ah….”
Oracle, with a sad face, vanished into the crowd without changing his homeless-like attire, not wishing to jump from a maiden’s closet.
The frenetic commotion seemed to resolve swiftly.
Or—maybe the real story merely began then, the world signaling its unraveling.
Dreaming of merely VTubing—being a VTuber meant traversing the hellish path. Stalkers or global destruction may well be part of it. Wakamou sniffled, thinking he’d soothe his heart watching a virtual GTA collab stream later.
“I sense more troublesome affairs ahead”
“Such as?”
“…Challenging the strongest Climber, Grandmaster Wakamou, perhaps”
“Too real, it’s chilling!! Adelheid!!”
And also numerous Six Legged Beast still targeting Wakamou? Climbers might also entangle now—a second generation???? Already so many second-generation Legendary Classes!
Meanwhile, the U.S. perhaps trying to avoid repetition seemed to engage an exchange with people in black suits.
Manager Wanda Haye sternly and earnestly headed to hold the U.S. accountable, envisioning the legal battlefield, flanked by a lawyer.
Having foreseen through sheer effort, Oracle orchestrated residing in America, the group embraced Liu Ying with relief.
Sadako arrived, saying she rushed seeing the news; Adelheid confirmed likewise with a smile, and Wakamou said he dashed like lightning for precious Liu Ying, hoisting her like a doll contentedly.
Her instincts whispered suspicion, but nestled in Wakamou’s embrace, Liu Ying showed a blissfully silly expression, heedless of her surroundings.
Robert, aware of Wakamou’s real reason—the VTuber Concert—pretended ignorance, maintaining the delightful aura.
“That the Legendary Class experiment conspiracy was true…what about Nazi bases on the moon’s far side or the poles, or a subsurface alien world and hidden underwater secrets? Intriguing!”
“Spill the conspiracy theories, now”
“Haha, Ava!! They’re mere humor. Such absurd theories can’t be real, right?”
Grabbing Robert’s collar, shaking him, Ava demanded seriously, while Robert reassured her that these were simply laughable stories, unachievable realities. Adelheid concurred, denying any neo-Nazi remnants or a last battalion.
Yet…as a Legendary Class herself, she fretted about the existence of a ‘Führer’.
And amidst the chatter, Aoi Asuka bounced out of the courthouse.
“Provided some evidence. Your cute Asuka here”
“Hey, knowing about the kidnapping, why not join sooner…? What about pretending to be me…?”
“You see….”
“You see?”
“It was amusing.”
Clack─
Today, finally legitimizing her grudge, pointing a gun from Wakamou’s arms, Liu Ying aimed at Asuka, who whispered against her ear.
“I’ll keep quiet about your yuri novels. Forgive me.”
“We’re comrades, right? No betrayal, right?”
“The plot involving being moved by divine force to bed was lacking. But the unfiltered desires deserve 3 stars.”
“Watch your back at night…..”
“This onewww Quite amusingww”
Trembling….
SDVIMVFoanVzY1YwSVhjamMzUkt1Uk1oK0sya3NRU1YxcUQyKzVnbkpjMHBjQTg3YnNWNzR5a2lyWE1iek9rZw
Liu Ying, blushing like a tomato, trembled, wondering when Asuka had already discovered and enjoyed her secretly penned work. Hilariously taunting, Asuka soon turned robotic, suggesting they return.
Intending to enjoy more in America soon faded.
A glance revealed unease about their stand-ins left behind.
Oblivious Liu Ying might throw a fit if she grasped the truth.
The doppelganger, posing as Liu Ying, had stealthily escaped upon the news flash emerging.
Knowing this, Liu Ying fumed, feeling gutted, but held no ground against Asuka who resolved much of the crisis, despite holding her weakness.
Deciding to forgive Aoi Asuka because of her major contribution.
This damn AI VTuber has no sense of shame, leaving Liu Ying at a loss as to how to torment it.
Meanwhile, as Liu Ying and Aoi Asuka bickered, the three of them quickly turned around to text “Run!” from their smartphones, with a “good job” thrown in as a bonus.
Wakamou awkwardly laughed, suggesting they return through a portal, Sadako suggested buying meat and drinks for the road with a stiff smile, and Adelheid clapped in agreement, liking the idea.
In the midst of it all, Aoi Asuka thoughtfully texted what the substitutes had been doing.
As a side note, she “requested” some money to buy new computer parts, promising to keep their secret.
Finally, after an exhausting day, the group managed to return to South Korea.
At first, it felt like a festival! They reveled in the thrill of committing crimes without being caught, but their excitement quickly faded when they became involved in real crimes.
The looming sense of being entangled in more bothersome matters lingered, and Wakamou secretly prayed for nothing to go wrong during the 1st anniversary broadcast.
“Guys, the barbecue’s ready. Where have you all been?”
Atop the Wakamou Corporation building, the group managed a forced smile, struggling to find words, as they watched Olga innocently grilling meat with a bright smile, clueless about everything.
Their lip corners quivered, and their expressions stiffened, looking like guilty felons forcing a smile, but Olga remained oblivious.
Witnessing this, Liu Ying mumbled about “damn reptiles,” only to get slapped by Adelheid, warning her not to.
In their absence, Mei Xiao Long Bao had been stationed to ensure Olga didn’t wander off, and now she was clapping excitedly, encouraging everyone to join the barbecue party!! Jiang Yeoul and even the Fox Deity, Inari, in her original form, were invited to join the lively party.
And for some reason, unexpected guests like a Ninja and a Unicorn Agent joined, with Wakamou inviting Jackson as well, boosting the joyful atmosphere and announcing the introduction of a new member to Wakamou Corporation with clapping applause to draw attention.
“Presenting! Our newest team member, Ava Harper Eloine!”
“Please take care of me, seniors. By any chance, are there any smokers here…?”
“””””No”””””
“Whew…”
A new workplace, new colleagues, and graduation from the ranks of the elite.
She felt a bit more at ease, seeing how amicable and harmonious everyone seemed and how laid-back the workplace atmosphere was, as she eyed up everyone while lighting a cigarette.
Everyone nodded in understanding, watching her teary-eyed expression, having had quite the rough day.
Jackson also couldn’t help but laugh bitterly, saying America had done it again, as he poured her a drink.
“Hey, what’re you doing?”
“Pardon? Isn’t this an ashtray…?”
Sadako’s eye twitched as she watched Ava extinguish her cigarette in a small dish of white rice.
“Doesn’t an Esper survive even if their neck is snapped?”
“They die. It’s a cultural difference…let’s not joke around, okay?”
“I’m serious.”
While understandable to smoke alone at a barbecue party, extinguishing a cigarette in rice was beyond belief.
She blinked cluelessly, unaware of her mistake, and Adelheid shrugged it off, suggesting it could be an accident—a clash of cultures indeed…
In contrast, Olga restrained herself with her hand, stopping herself from stabbing with a kitchen knife.
After the barbecue party ended, Ava was overjoyed at the size and spaciousness of their future home. But Olga nearly went berserk, transforming into a dragon, at the sight of her jumping into bed with shoes on, dirtying the white sheets.
She almost became the “Bright Dragon” when discovering the cute fluffy slippers she’d gotten for the new recruit were left unused…!!
Adelheid conceded that she wouldn’t climb into bed with her shoes on either.
“Aren’t most Alchemists drug addicts? I thought they’d smoke pot and all.”
“Please, just let me hit her once!!!”
“It’s combat, you can’t beat an Esper, you alcoholic!!”
“I’m not a Pokémon!!”
After having tackled the 100-story tower and seen the festival stage, having become a free spirit, free from the drudgery of “Elite,” Ava had done her share of crimes and was now living as she pleased.
While marijuana is illegal in South Korea, they managed to prevent her from indulging.
Watching Ava hop onto a bed with shoes on made Mei shed bloody tears.
Dislike…this troublemaker…where has my innocent VTuber gone…
Meanwhile, Joseph Khan proudly announced the release of his debut album, catching Mei off guard.
…When did you start preparing…?
Ever since the debut, I said I was preparing…?
Truly a day full of nothing but wounds…
※※※
Legendary Classes are created by the Towers.
There was no need to elaborate on their uniqueness.
For instance, the German Tower, with a preference for technical roles, included Doppelgangers and Illusionists, as well as Artists and Engineers, demanding an unexpectedly complex and intricate gimmick.
Conversely, the Japanese Tower, with its sheer simplicity, produced Swordsmen due to their swordsmanship.
As for the Chinese Tower, it favored the sheer strength and capabilities of pure humans, like the straightforward “Faceless Master” and “Wujun,” pursuing elemental might.
Of course, the Legendary Class from a specific Tower wasn’t necessarily bound to emerge from that country.
The Towers operated based on priority, eventually seeking those meeting the criteria elsewhere if none emerged within the expected timeframe.
Legendary Classes studied human history, adopting a new structure as they ascended the Tower.
The South Korean Tower, amid struggles and deteriorating circumstances, had reached a boiling point, allowing for the creation of a haphazardly constructed “Idol.”
In this context, the “second-generation” Idols, rather than affiliating with VTubers, were being incorporated into “religion,” leading to disastrous outcomes.
However, they exercised extreme common sense.
In South Korea’s desperate bid to establish a minimum standard, Idol=VTuber=Idol emerged.
In a sense, it became “normalized,” gravitating towards plausible idols worthy of worship—a modern cult in existence.
Nonetheless, learning from Korea’s mistakes, the “second-generation” faced significant changes.
Everything from the advancement conditions to the high-risk, high-reward aspects saw alterations.
And by this point, it’s understood we’re only discussing the Eurasian continent.
Which country bears the most storied, intricate history and wields the greatest power? Naturally, America.
What form do their ‘Legendary Classes’ take on that vast land?
Americans possess an inherent pride in their nation.
Among their ranks stands the ‘Man-eater,’ invincible against humans and climbers alike.
From foreseeing distant futures to altering destinies, the ‘Oracle.’
Capable of altering landscapes at will and even toppling Towers, as long as wealth permits, with the ‘Architect.’
Manipulating weather, commanding spirits, and wielding natural disasters, the ‘Rainmaker.’
Crushing opponents with overwhelming force, twisting rules with fearsome weaponry, disregarding resistances, the ‘Outlaw.’
Espers, inherently possessing psychic abilities, form another story. Perhaps, except for her, there will never be anyone like that again.
Even the “second-generation” Phantom Thief merely had to meet certain requirements to abduct targets through formidable skills, although their combat power was pathetic—they learned the swift nature of a climber’s battle, where victory or defeat were determined in an instant.
Scholars hypothesized that the dominance, ability, and capability of a Tower were tied to its country’s population, their global influence, and the number of climbers.
In blunt terms, even with “a click,” it was akin to exhibiting an extraordinarily special climber.
Here, we remember that we never made one, never knew how nor attempted to advance a climber, exploring their minds, addressing requests in real-time while patching bugs—the lamentable state of an Idol became evident.
The “completion” of a class differed.
With abundant resources, they polished and shipped out well-finished classes.
In contrast, without resources, South Korea’s Tower faced a pitiful fate, forced to hastily meet advancement requirements, cobbling together haphazard fixes while ascending—a truly tragic fate.
The nation, requiring more tanks, simply churned out copious numbers—a matter of scale.
Though excessively so, the Man-eater incident led to caution surrounding Legendary Classes, birthing the “Guardian.”
Moreover, faced with the news, the “second-generation” Legendary Classes sensed a growing urgency to unite in recognition of the severity.
In the interim, [Six Legged Beast] focused on expanding Legendary Classes, indifferent to worldly affairs.
──Korea, to this day, still produced not a single Legendary Class.
Not even one from the second-generation! There were none even within potential sight!!!
“Why the heck aren’t they appearing?”
The only Legendary Class in Korea, known as [Idol], Wakamou was reaching his limits.
As for [Mystery Tower], despite claiming existence, it remained undiscovered.
Even rumored to be hidden, what sorcery kept a large Tower concealed? Could it be underwater?
Despite the global search, its location eluded discovery—how is that plausible…?
Pleading it wasn’t located behind the moon or hidden in the far reaches of the poles.
…Anyway, it wasn’t his concern.
He wouldn’t concern himself with it.
He was a VTuber before a climber!!
Accumulated broadcasting points and faith, along with additional stats, were to be lavishly invested into [My Worlds], to stage the most extravagant 1st anniversary concert the world had ever seen.
Smiling broadly to himself, Wakamou scrolled down, ready to push aside the wrestling ring and get such décor in motion.
-[【Mystery Tower】 now available for purchase]
Hesitation.
“…….”
Wakamou brushed it aside and scrolled down again.
Must be… fatigue lately…just focus on the VTuber broadcast…
Scrolling back up.
-[【Mystery Tower】 now available for purchase]
“You gotta be fucking kidding me”
Why the hell are you hiding here…
Get out of my house!!
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