Not everyone in the world can live their lives hectically all the time.
“Chunbao!!!! So cute!!!! Grrrr…I can’t resist!! Put you in my mouth, wawalala!!”
Living too busily might just break a person, after all.
Chewing on the cheek of a Cute Baby Panda.
While petting it energetically, she mused about not returning to society and just living as a wild bear forever.
Manager Wanda Haye was enjoying her vacation, rolling around with a baby panda, making bear sounds.
And Sadako, who came to see her, was watching along with other zoo-goers, wondering when to approach.
Meanwhile, the sign reading [The giant bear is a keeper, do not feed] somehow became a point of humor.
To anyone, she looked like a mama bear thinking the panda was her cub.
“Manager, it’s about time to return to work.”
“Whew, I suppose there’s no helping it. I enjoyed the broadcast.”
“When on earth…?”
Sadako, perplexed at how she found time to watch a broadcast while playing with the panda, was met with a smile as a response, “Because she’s an Elite.”
What exactly does it mean to be an Elite? She seemed to be enjoying the happiest moments since becoming a Manager.
The bear and her love for it indeed seem to have made her and Wakamou quite alike.
When she shares stories that make little sense, it can tire the listener, but her expressions brim with happiness and passion, pulling one’s ear.
“I can transform into various animals as a Werebeast, but I’m only a deer so far. Could you know why? You’re the only [Shifter] I know, Manager.”
“So it’s advice as a Climber, not a VTuber. ─From what I heard when I got the 『Shifter』 class, the first thing that came to mind.”
“A bear, huh…. That suits you.”
Manager Wanda Haye, of course, initially found it hard to maintain her transformation, reminiscing about the awkward, mediocre level at the start.
[Druids] have different transformation levels, and only required a [Skill]. However, [Shifters] even with a [Skill] demanded significant proficiency.
They freely shifted body parts to handle all sorts of animals─but they weren’t comparable to the Legendary Class [Werebeast].
That class combined the strengths of all transformation types.
Indeed, with intent, some [Shifters] could even turn into things like [Dinosaurs]. Some went a step further to specialize in transforming into Machines.
Each class had its advantages. Publicly known information suggested this, although Climber-wise, only Legendary Class had the “must be so!” notion.
“Initially, I literally touched bears all day. 24/7… Anyway, year-round. Checked the feel with closed eyes, imagined bears hundreds, thousands of times. Just stared, sometimes licked, made sounds, smelled, did nothing but live with bears.”
“……”
“After some time, bears appeared in my dreams every night. At that point, shifting into a bear felt natural. Imagining them became more real and tangible every day; they became like imaginary friends, only to me. And with that, I could transform perfectly.”
“…….”
“It’d be like that for you, Sadako. Anyway, it’s constant climbing day after day.”
“Is that so….”
Simply put, one unconsciously transforms into the most familiar animal. She had a sub-class that had dilute versions of the [Werebeast] strengths and weaknesses, needing consideration of duration, and performance, but Sadako could transform into various animals with enough effort.
“Well, shall we start with a bear?”
“Feels like sexual harassment, kind of…”
“To start, I’ll tell you about 11 types of bears I know and 384 bear-related monsters in the Tower.”
“No, that’s too much. Can you transform into all of that, Manager?”
“I can do more than that. Do you know that when a bear mates with another bear, a stronger bear comes about? For someone like me with skills, bringing up the next generation is as easy as breathing. Wakamou could do it too.”
“That’s scary how convincing it sounds.”
“So, let’s start with bears!!! I’ll teach you as the bear expert!!!”
Is it really okay? Wouldn’t it have been better to learn about Tengu from Asuka?
Sadako, second-guessing, but seeing how firmly she was being held with [Mana], remembered that this Young Lady was the successor to the South Korean Association President.
‘Uh… Could I even beat our Manager in a fight…?’
Thinking she’d get flattened by the raw power and speed of a bear’s muscles and intense wild instincts.
Her father, known as the King of Authority, fought bulls and tigers before becoming a climber, but not bears, right?
Could her fist penetrate the Manager’s thick fur coat…?
“Aiieek!! Save me!! Save me!!”
“Come here!! I’ll show you what it’s like for a polar bear to tear apart a human!! Let’s see the transformation!!”
“This is madness! I need to get out of here! Aaack!”
With no hesitation, Sadako rolled around on the ground trying to escape the Manager, starting her desperate run.
Truly terrified, running for dear life with a pale face, Sadako’s undiscovered superhuman physical abilities kicked into gear.
More than the Tower and [Six Legged Beast], finding a companion who could transform into a bear scared her more.
“You’ll falter soon from the forepaw jab… bring her back!”
“Kuoreong!!”
“Kroong Kroong!!”
With one word from Wanda Haye, the bears charged fiercely in pursuit.
Just because a [Shifter] could transform didn’t mean they could communicate with bears. That was in the [Druid] territory.
Following the commands of Wanda Haye who mysteriously can communicate with bears, a legion of bears charged out.
“Ugh… Because of the Manager’s jab, I’m losing strength….”
“You brought this on by wanting to join the bear club, welcome new baby bear!!”
Sadako fainted with an “Eek…” seeing the Manager pull out a honey jar, saying they’d start enjoying honey while wearing a red octagonal hat.
…..
….
“To… Ancestor… Please… Have mercy… Sister’s… Gonna die….”
Even Xiao Liang, trained from a young age to become the boss of the [Dark Society], couldn’t handle the murderous schedule of 12 academies.
She clung to Liu Ying’s pant leg, crying, to at least let her climb, rather than having tutors pour teachings into her, making her head feel like it would explode.
“You wanna go protest to mom that you can’t endure?”
“Won’t she crack my head open?”
“Not my problem.”
“…….”
Ice-cold…!! Truly merciless….!!
This felt like the vibe from the top executives seen in the [Martial World]….
Instinctively cowed by Liu Ying’s crimson gaze, Xiao Liang trembled.
With the uncanny resemblance she bore to Mei, it was almost pity more than doppelgänger vibes… Yu Ying was having the odd thought this might be vicarious enjoyment on her part.
“But you have to be smart and knowledgeable like a chairman, right?”
“That… Is true… But what about the Emperor?”
“I’m not doing it.”
Would probably die doing it. If her mom’s enthusiasm applies, it’d be like attending 12 academies herself, hoping not to be sent.
Fear even from her keeping health under check, sending Xiao Liang good quality medicine constantly was a terrifying form of care.
Genuinely rooting for her to succeed. Providing everything needed for her studies!!
Even going so far to bring in foreign professors to educate her with an ardent commitment to academic success.
Practically leaving Xiao Liang, once [Mujon’s] disposable [Lackey], on the verge of being transformed into a [Graduate Student] under the tutelage of Professor Sebastian.
“Hahaha, Miss Xiao Liang. If your rest goes too long, the coursework piles up?”
“How is it even possible?! None of the classes utilize physical strength?! How do you stay up all night without wearing out?!”
“By draining life force from graduate students?”
“”……””
“Haha, just kidding!! Because I’m a Climber!!”
Liu Ying and Xiao Liang hugged each other in discomfort, keeping distance from Professor Sebastian.
Recently, with his educational fervor hailed even at the Legendary Class [Six Legged Beast] meetings, discovering a “truly outstanding” student to cultivate triggered some unsettling vibes of excitement from him that felt chilling.
“If it’s too hard, feel free to quit. But the ideology of Boss Wakamou holds that knowledge is required whether in the shadows or light.”
“Uuu…..”
“You struggled just learning the scripts due to a life spent solely in combat… At least mastering the letters is required, isn’t it? Need I mention Wakamou manages four languages: English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean.”
“Hmm.”
“So, on that note, Yu Ying will also join my tutelage starting today. With permission granted, anyway.”
Kuung!
As the Professor’s words concluded, a confinement barrier promptly descended.
As Liu Ying gazed down at Xiao Liang with a betrayed expression, Xiao Liang averted her eyes as if she’d been caught.
“It’s exciting educational time…!! The talent of graduate students lies in both of you!!”
“No, something’s off here!! I hate it!!!”
“Aren’t we bound by ties?! Aren’t we sisters?! Let’s go together!!!”
“An Alchemist must know a lot!! You said you taught yourself, right? I’ve always been curious! If you can beat me in a knowledge battle, I’ll reduce your assignments!”
“Assignments too?!”
“You can even come with an open book. This is Sebastian….. I’ve read over 10,000 papers just to research [Mana]!!”
“What?”
Seriously?
When Sebastian nodded, Liu Ying’s spirit was broken. She tried to put up a fight, but Sebastian pointed out that a vast majority of what she knew was wrong, shattering her mental state. Despite her self-study and hard work, she appeared as nothing more than a chirping chick before a real professor.
Thus, the sisters ended up taking classes with him.
Wakamou had sent Liu Ying there saying it’d help her…..
“Unforgivable…..”
I trusted them….!! I trusted both Liu Wei and Xiao Liang!
“I’ll poison Jackson with laxatives in his cola!!”
Knowing all too well who had built this absurd prison, Liu Ying ground her teeth.
Of course, it didn’t take long before she fainted at the sight of a foundational study book for Alchemists, thick with roughly 1,800 pages.
Learning never ends…. Even Wakamou, with his sleepless body, was always steadily studying.
The belief that if he could study like this, others could at least match him!!
Regrettably, geniuses never understand mediocrities.
Watching the lecture alongside Liu Ying and Xiao Liang, Wakamou might have tilted his head, wondering why these two couldn’t understand something so simple.
….
…
“Yes, yes, Pipkin Mami… I mean Ava here. What’s up?”
“[I heard you made a big splash again, so I decided to call up! Aren’t we from the same neck of the woods!! Congrats on your debut!!]”
“Ahaha…..”
“[You never know with people!]”
Waking up early and showering, Ava wore a face mask with her hair wrapped in a towel, checking the movie tickets she had booked.
Peering at the broadcaster’s schedule etched meticulously on her timetable, Ava let out exasperated sighs.
Despite her previous disdain for games as something only nerds would do, here she was debuting as a VTuber, teetering on the brink of embarrassment if any of her acquaintances found out.
Yet since more people didn’t know, it was fine. Through broadcasting, she earned money…. Truth be told, she wasn’t interested in being an Idol.
She was, however, intrigued by making an album with original songs and earning money from that.
Not to mention, considering Wakamou Corporation is an immense national enterprise, having a line in her resume wouldn’t hurt.
Someday, after retiring, she’d seek a more proper career…. Maybe a model, or even an actor? She pondered, nibbling a stick of Pocky.
The person on the other end was Robert.
While asking Asuka was an option, Ava didn’t really want to converse because of bad memories.
Getting the scoop on America was better done through compatriots than through news outlets, especially with [Shooter], a competent and well-connected authority in the city frequented by Climbers.
Her former colleagues had to adhere to strict confidentiality rules, making it hard to inquire.
In contrast, them trying to subtly extract info regarding Wakamou Inarizushi was peculiarly annoying.
“[How’s the [Guardian]? There are Koreans who fled to America, aren’t there?]”
“[Hmm─lately, it’s more about vigilantes. When Mexico assassinated a CIA officer, the U.S. government, especially the current president, became infuriated realizing that the previous president committed atrocious acts defying morals, and that the military was operating without reporting to the president. Members involved are being taken away.]”
“The second-generation Man-eater? Taken by the government?”
“[Hmm─rumor has it…..she only listens to one person. Since her consent is crucial for Climbing the Tower, you see. Publicly, it’s believed she lost her sanity due to her Class. In reality, she occasionally regains her sanity.]”
“Another conspiracy theory? Share any cool ones with me.”
“[Well, isn’t it said the first Man-eater died in an airstrike and they discovered the transfer conditions to produce more. It seems there’s a terrifying plot to mass-produce Man-eaters as a [Sub Class]! Haha! Though I doubt it’s feasible. If it were, they’d have created a psychic unit like the Young Lady!]”
“Uh….um….”
Even if the government buried it and destroyed the labs, they had certainly existed.
Listening to the call, Ava felt a tinge of discomfort, questioning whether such things might reappear somewhere.
“[Aside from that, there are rumors about Nazi remnants in the polar regions, monsters within the Catacombs beneath France, or that Italy is creating angels. Late-night radio is quite entertaining. By the way, it’s surprising that China’s [Martial Arts World] exists! Life’s truly full of surprises. Maybe Atlantis or the Sky Island could exist too?]”
“Ahaha….they wouldn’t exist….”
“[And what’s bubbling up recently. You know that the Legendary Class sometimes changes your body too, right?]”
“Right?”
“[There’s a myth that Wakamou isn’t an idol freed from a seal but a guy who liked VTubers! Haha! I laughed out loud when I read such ridiculous speculation!]”
“Haha! That’s a bit hilarious! The idea that after living so long honing skills instantly, having braved countless battlefields unfazed by death, an Idol is actually just a simple VTuber-loving man lucky with stocks and cryptocurrencies? It’s a bit too far-fetched.”
“[The post was well-written. It was quite convincing. Saying they were a schoolmate or something, ha!]”
They continued with trivial chats even afterward.
Yeah─ Even though Robert’s conspiracy theories often hit the mark, Ava felt slightly reassured amidst concerns; the notion of Wakamou being a human man transformed into an Idol Class didn’t seem believable by anyone passing by. Secrets told on late-night folklore radio would be checked out leisurely, later.
“These days, the tale about an Idol eating cultists is quite hilarious.”
Why would Wakamou go around devouring cultists.
Claiming a living [Idol] Class seeks sacrifices is an exaggeration you’d find on the internet.
Passing time idly while reading content Robert sent, Ava ventured out to catch a movie.
Her adorable viewers were left… left high and dry today as well.
…..
….
“Uh? Isn’t this character from Blue Archive? Oh! A Blue Archive VTuber!”
-Joseph here.
-Stop it.
-Nooooo!!
-Leniency, Kanzaki!!
-Off to Cheonggyecheon, White Dragon!!
“Huh…? Liu’s… oh, different VTuber.”
Despite a holiday, diligently broadcasting from morning, Joseph engaged in a VTuber guessing quiz.
His current hit rate stood at a mere 2 out of 30 questions!
Both correct answers were due to Virtual Live, as predicting Korean VTubers right was far from her expertise.
“I’m the only streamer today? Well, I gotta put in the effort! Everyone loved the last collaboration!”
-Where did the glasses go?
“That guy is dead. Don’t look for him.”
“Here’s a new pair of glasses. Designed in the White Dragon style!”
As she about to bid a firm farewell to her glasses, Lucia broke into the stream, placing the new glasses on Joseph’s face.
No need to express gratitude for this new set of specs…. Lucia commented offhandedly.
Though Joseph wanted to throw them off, not being able to due to them being a gift from Lucia left Joseph with a complicated expression.
“Adolf brought me new glasses.”
-LOL
-hahaha
-Seems like a kind grandpa~
-Seems like he would say, “I want to see the world burn,” lol.
“With new glasses in hand, what say we energize for another round of VTuber guessing streams!”
Immediately afterward, a VTuber Bracket Video featuring her bias and Wakamou appeared, causing Joseph to flee, ending the stream.
Fleeing once more, viewers jokingly reveled in newfound humor at the spectacle.
Perhaps pushing towards an entertainment specialization, Joseph Khan’s heart raced onward.
Sadly, it couldn’t surpass Asuka’s mania.
Creating bleak prospects regarding her presence.
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