The 【Mystery Tower】, which only exists in Rome and Greece, is a special structure that serves as a complete reward.
In some sense, it might as well be called a tourist attraction.
This place, known as the 【Coliseum】, was a venue where Climbers could freely engage in battles.
They could bet 【Tower Coins】 against each other or engage in special 【Climbs】.
It involved fighting and defeating [Heroic Spirits] that appeared exclusively in the Coliseum.
Climbers might be bewildered, having received rewards only to find a new kind of climbing opportunity.
As long as one wins, they can earn Tower Coins and start from the beginning if they give up anytime.
It was a chance for Climbers to learn [Skills] and grow, and there was even a [Tower Coins Shop] inside the Coliseum, making it an excellent tourist attraction from a country’s perspective.
Climbers from around the world came to the Coliseum, eager to earn Tower Coins and prove their strength through battles.
[Predator] voiced discontent, remarking that Greece, judging from their class or [Sparta], seemed particularly fond of fights.
Even if Climbers killed each other in the Coliseum, they would be reverted to normal after the battle.
There was a hint of the Tower’s will, which didn’t want to reduce the number of Climbers, despite the cruelty.
And there was an [Absolute Rule] for this battle. It must be [Fair and Square].
Of course, it wasn’t that strict.
It didn’t point out capability differences caused by class compatibility or tier disparities.
It merely blocked any tricks before the fight began.
Poisoning, threats that put someone at a disadvantage, or even holding an ‘Hostage’ were all prohibited.
The story felt mind-bending, but the 【Coliseum】 seemed to ensure the fight among Climbers was determined solely by their abilities.
Of course, there were impossible situations as well.
In such cases, the oppressing side was given a corresponding 【Risk】.
Sometimes inadvertently, the Coliseum also became a stage for revenge.
Somehow, all one needed to do was drag their opponent there and fight.
Though, it led to situations so dirty and messy that one might find them hilarious—but the law Climbers must abide by existed.
Greece and Italy decided to endure those parts.
However, they did not anticipate it being used by terrorists in such a manner.
No one resented or criticized [Predator] for losing.
People praised [Predator] for simply walking away with their limbs intact after losing to a mob of Legendary Classes.
The 【Pirate】, notorious and famed in many ways, was sincerely forming a pirate crew and commencing terrorism.
They freely sailed the seas and had even destroyed several warships, including aircraft carriers, showing no disadvantage against the military.
──Hence, this battle raised even more questions.
The Coliseum held battles in the arena. It was possible for spectators to watch.
It wasn’t at sea.
While the internal fight didn’t harm the stands.
It was only as large as a football field.
If the entire pirate crew came out for a group battle, wouldn’t it be annihilated by Wakamou’s area attacks from the get-go?
The fact that “It’s okay to kill your opponent” meant there was no need to moderate one’s power anywhere.
Climbers knew that if Wakamou wielded their power without care for collateral damage, the Tower itself might crumble.
Thus, they were all the more curious about what plans the pirate had as they headed to the Coliseum.
Broadcast reporters were gathering, spectators assembled, and even envoys from the Vatican in Italy gathered to retrieve treasures stolen by [Pirate].
Many eyes were on Wakamou Inarizushi waiting at the center of the arena.
Who was she? Even if one wasn’t a Climber, she was someone everyone knew.
The world’s unquestioned strongest Climber.
She was the unparalleled, undefeated Fox Deity, feared and revered. By her side stood Climbers from Wakamou Corporation [the Greatest Climber Training Organization].
Wakamou had repeatedly edited a Wiki saying it was a [VTuber Company], but it kept getting changed to [Climber Training Company], leaving him unable to contain his sadness.
Even though Asuka corrected it whenever she thought of it, who kept doing it?
Wakamou glanced at Asuka, who cleverly turned her eyes sideways to avoid his gaze.
She looked stupid with a face that seemed devoid of intelligence, but her familiar, boasting an intelligence of 1,500, was her true identity.
Aoi Asuka, hailed as the pinnacle of human-shaped familiars, reigning over networks.
Beside her stood “the next strongest in Japan,” and the next Association President of Japanese Climbers, the [Daughter of the King of Authority].
The only Climber who had completed the third transition, specializing in [Shape-shifting], [Wizard] Oyama Sadako.
Next to Sadako stood Collector Liu Wei, touted by Idols as the admirable descendant of Liu Bei, the Great Virtuous One, and the future [Emperor], Liu Ying.
Then beside her were Wanda Haye, the next Korean Association President, and Xiao Liang, notorious among artificially created Climber training environments lately known to be from China’s [Martial World].
Xiao Liang wasn’t famed, and Wanda Haye’s fame remained in Korea’s bounds.
But even excluding those two, it was a formidable lineup.
Furthermore, six Legendary Classes were watching over the CEO Wakamou from the arena below.
“Grrooowwl…!! Raararargh…!!”
And the seventh!!
“Is that the White Dragon?”
“Weren’t they not wearing glasses?”
Completely sealed off by restraints, exhaling ragged breaths, the 【Second Generation Man-eater】, whom Wakamou hired as a [Mercenary] after paying the US government, was on standby as the savior. As Wakamou said they wouldn’t die, they brought in an outright killing expert.
“Aren’t they insane?”
Knowing the identity of the restrained Climber, [Predator] marveled, genuinely realizing she was a bonkers person, planning with [Sparta] to escape if things went south.
While American agents were on standby in preparation for any potential catastrophe, a mere roar from Man-eater would cause instant death among common spectators in the stands.
“Huff… Huff… Huuuff…!!”
Xiao Liang stood beside the Man-eater, drooling, convulsing like an epileptic, breaking into a cold sweat.
“Can they really grant requests like this?”
“Considering this as eliminating terrorists. All damage caused by the Man-eater is contracted to be compensated by me, Manager.”
「But why am I hearing this just now?」
“……”
“……sigh”
Wondering why they had been hired under such a person, Wanda Haye calmed her heart while observing the consistent bank deposits.
Ultimately… money is the best!
“Did they bring seven matched?! They even hired a mercenary─ frankly, Idol, just admit that you’re scared!! Bringing America’s monster here!! The title of strongest has become laughable!!”
“Wow─”
Even Yu Ying, the straight talker, and the tactless Asuka were merely impressed by the pirate’s audacious remarks.
Honestly, despite having a human-killing expert ally, provocations were still thrown? Isn’t the theory that he gains abilities through taunts likely true?
The pirate was entering the Coliseum with seven comrades.
Inclined to commit group violence in their hearts, but there was always that “if.”
What if this guy had a bomb planted at a VTuber company?
The pirate knew that all disadvantages would vanish once the [Coliseum]’s match began, allowing them to fight without worries, which provoked Wakamou.
Moreover, they provoked them by asking why they were obsessed with something as incompatible as VTubers or otaku fandom.
Desiring to see the pirate’s face, their entourage found other amusement in the pirate who kept smiling amid this madness.
This guyーis truly amazing in some sense!!
“They’ve got seven on their side too.”
Seven, including the pirate.
That was the rule for the duel.
Effort expended to identify who was in their member led to deploying Japan’s [Shapeshifter] and Germany’s [Illusionist], but it was undetectable. It was kept unseen to the point of extremity as if they would never allow it to be exposed.
Fierce enough to avoid using smartphones…!! Sailed across the sea on their ships with effort!!
Some members wore robes, keeping their faces hidden, while others showed theirs.
Already uncovered [Pirate] and [Swordsman] wore their faces proudly.
[Oni] and [Three Armies Naval Commander] also revealed their faces. The class-disclosed [Ballista Chief – Sacred Arrow] held just a bow without disrobing.
Two unknown identities remained.
Members from [Six Legged Beast] were shocked to realize even more existed.
“Let’s battle fair and square, Idol. Your other towers aren’t needed. Let’s contest over the 【Mystery Tower】 alone.”
“──Just that?”
“Having others is pointless since I can’t use them anyway!!”
A strange and ominous flow lingered.
The statue officiating as the referee began to raise its hand.
The [Pirate], devoid of special equipment seemingly—even if hidden in the pockets, would likely be employed right after the match began. Consequently, snapping the neck before it could be used sufficed.
Just what is the confidence stemming from─? Wakamou, internally simmering, wanted to plant a punch in their insipidly grinning face.
“The battle’s rule shall be [the Coliseum Duel including Legendary Class]! Any objections?!”
“None!”
With the pirate eyeing the officiating structure, the moment they declared, the arena quaked, and a curtain unfurled.
It shielded those outside, allowing battles freely within the arena—and concurrently, providing a domain, ensuring death didn’t occur even if one killed.
‘Though I do not know how it ensures a fair fight’
Would there be any transformation similar to the [Fragment of Babel]? Would all pirate subordinates, possibly waiting to detonate a VTuber firm, be forcibly relocated? For now, only putting worries aside was the option. It was a battle where the winner had everything.
“[Skill] Activate!! [Unfair Contract]!!”
“What?”
With the pirate’s abrupt declaration, the duel’s rules began to transform.
[Coliseum Duel “Excluding” Legendary Class]
“You are all from Legendary Class─”
“We are the exception!! Since we are under my [Pirate Crew]’s command!!!”
“What, such an immature rule exists…..”
Before Wakamou could finish the sentence, all [Legendary Class] present in the stadium were banished to a segregated space. Caught in the pitch-black void where only the duel arena was visible, Wakamou, unable to contain the absurdity, kicked the void with all her might, but to no avail.
Was this why they wanted to fight in the [Coliseum]!!
Truly an unimaginable [Skill] appeared, leaving them speechless.
It befitted a swindling pirate, but inversely, doubt lingered whether such a trash skill could be applied to climbing.
Darn it, to have forgotten that all Legendary Classes possessed trashy skills…..How were they to know such a skill existed!!
“Asuka? Why are you here?”
“Seems like it’s because I’m a Familiar.”
Wakamou’s interference was wholly cut off by the Coliseum. As Asuka, brought solely for headcount compensation, was indeed beside Wakamou! Whether it was due to her class being [Idol] or due to Wakamou’s [Skill]? Regardless, the fact that she couldn’t fight remained fatal.
Consequently, only four Climbers remained.
Resulting in an unfavorable 7:4 scenario.
The Wakamou Corporation members were looking around at each other, with expressions indicating “What should we do?” due to the unfavorable state from the get-go.
Even Wakamou’s [Cameras] were banished, leaving no means to offer assistance.
Other Legendary Classes under Wakamou were equally shocked.
How could such a trashy skill exist…!! Some Climbers clenched their eyes shut, shedding tears.
Wakamou felt slightly empathetic, causing their heart to ache.
Yet, four remained. Members of the original generation….!!
“Victory is ours!!!”
The Pirate─Nagato Yukiyoshi declared triumph with certainty.
Remaining members include [Wizard], [Alchemist], [Shifter], and a Swordsman Tree [Fighter] as speculated.
Frankly, it was nerve-wracking. They had to secure a means to acquire, despite having to cross paths with [Idol] necessarily, without dying.
It had been a long time….Earnestly tracing back, tracking─ research what they liked, and even employing threats to somehow summon them to [Coliseum].
Truthfully, even after acquiring it, the [Unfair Contract] lacked compulsory elements, questioning its utility, resulting in days alleviated by alcohol.
It felt rewarding to receive compensation for hardships endured.
The agony when shedding tears over how 【Unfair Contract】 could be a 70th-floor reward now felt like a bad dream.
They might have outright attacked when encountering immediately, so [Bluffing] was employed painstakingly.
Unhesitatingly conducting myriad of terrorism while instilling thoughts like “But what if…?” to hinder hasty actions.
Treasures were seized as [Hostages], strong allies gathered, approaching with 99% victory probability heightened.
The most significant variable was best described as just [Oyama Sadako].
“『Sit』!!!”
As the duel commenced, a robed figure on the pirate side revealed a gentle voice, initiating the vocal move.
Surprised at the utterance spell skill, but only Wanda Haye dropped to the ground, wondering why she sat while glancing at her peers.
Was the skill limited to enforcing upon a single person?
“Seriously, what nonsense─”
“[Summon Jangseung]!! Bestowed is [Form Lock]!! Also [Dispell]!!”
The robe unveiled, revealing an Eastern beauty.
By her command, [Jangseung] rose from the earth, conferring potent [Field Effect] strictly within a football field’s range.
[[Commanding Jangseung]’s effect prevents [Shape-shifting] within range!]
[[Commanding Jangseung]’s effect prevents [Magic Use] within range!]
“Huh?!”
Blatantly targeting Sadako, a grimace was drawn.
Was it an undeniable [Kill the Wizard] skill? However, such efficacy meant a corresponding risk was evident.
Anyone could tell that mere touch would destroy the [Jangseung], nullifying the effect.
Muttering complaints, as Sadako prepared to draw her sword, the [Three Armies Naval Commander] yelled.
“For the revenge of a father forsaken by one’s nation!! And furthermore, I shall defeat you who dares wield the relics of our General Yi Sun-sin!!”
“I honestly hate to say this, but do you know your captain is Japanese?!”
“Comrade!!”
“Ugh, idiot.”
“Oyama Sadako! Your opponent is me, Won Yunwoo!”
The surname ‘Won’ of the Three Armies Naval Commander…?
As soon as she heard the name, Wanda Haye’s expression twisted into that of a demon.
While pondered shameless, the individual was more absurd than anticipations.
Beneath a Japanese captain harping pride about Korea, etc., etc….
“Korea is now being dominated by an evil Japanese God!!!”
“Wow, screw you.”
Seeing an opponent spew mad nonsense grand enough to loathe conversing, Sadako grimaced, shutting her eyes.
With long-standing VTuber experience, she had finally encountered such a lunatic!!
“Don’t call it cowardice?”
As the youth clad in a robe with [Oni] tossed away his hat, revealing his face─
Belonging to the French Legendary Class,
An executioner called [Executioner (Wild Man)].
Renowned for the notorious strong [Skill] possessing instant death upon fulfilling certain conditions for his opponent.
“Ugh─”
Xiao Liang took a step back with unease as their eyes met.
Realizing they were the [Skill target] of that man instinctively.
Lunging the sword forward, Xiao Liang employed a technique for mana intake through breathing, converting it to ki.
‘A perfectly dreadful combination’
Realizing the overwhelmingly unfavorable warfront in an instant, Yu Ying frowned.
Despite being trashy in combat, the [Pirate] sufficiently fulfilled their role.
After forcefully eliminating 3 through a single skill, what was left to say.
While [Swordsman], [Oni], and [Executioner] formed the frontline phalanx.
Whatever [Skill] [Three Armies Naval Commander] employed remained enigmatic, leaving the remaining two problematic.
[Ballista Chief] nocked an arrow on the bowstring, aiming towards them.
The unknown last member appeared to be a supporting class capable of providing [Buffs].
“[Set Sail]!! Push forward!!!”
With the [Pirate] declaring, the floor of the duel arena surged, and a colossal pirate ship emerged.
The pirate ship traversed the earth as if the sea, tilting its body sideways, aiming its cannon muzzles at Sadako’s party.
Utilizing the massive pirate ship as a defensive barrier, transforming it into a towering wall under the captain’s command, the crew fired cannonballs.
“Isn’t it unfair?!”
Seeing the seemingly [Summon] based [Ghost Crew], Sadako drew her sword, sprinting alongside Yu Ying.
While drinking the potion handed to her, boosting vitality to rush onward rapidly; even without her main skills, her stats were there, and she had the skills taught by Wakamou.
‘If Wakamou intended to help, they would have stepped in long ago. There’s no intervention here!’
Having dispelled the energy entangling with mana while seated, Wanda Haye abruptly chased after the group, sprinting.
Victory wasn’t entirely out of reach.
Since they held rewards obtained from the [Kyoto Tower].
“Just a mere ship!!!”
As Xiao Liang leapt sky-high, cleaving the air with his sword emitted a massive blade shockwave seemingly to bisect the ship.
“Hah─ How trivial.”
However, standing with hands behind his back on the deck was the [Swordsman], whose drawn blade not only split the blade shockwave but also severed Xiao Liang’s held sword.
Gazing at the cleanly severed blade, Xiao Liang used ki to patch the deficiency, recoiling the sword, and landed upon the deck faster than anyone.
“I shall execute─!!”
Targeting Xiao Liang precisely, the Executioner darted.
Fending off arrows shot by Ballista Chief presented an opening amidst responding to [Swordsman], forcing a frown upon Xiao Liang.
Promptly, the Executioner’s head detached from the body, launching skywards.
“Fast…!”
The [Oni], unable to keep pace visually, was astounded, watching the black-coated Alchemist perched on the deck’s opposite end.
Shortly, the dispersing crimson plum blossoms shredded through the ghost crew’s bodies, causing them to dissipate supinely—the fierce sword aura having left the pirate ship deck ghostlike.
The medieval plague doctor costume with a bird beak mask and black coat.
Yu Ying, having her hair turned stark white, wearing the [Plague Doctor’s Mask] acquired from the Mystery Tower, glared at the adversaries.
A relic-class item limited to Alchemists.
The effect wearing it grants: Maintains a constant [Buff] status!!
Nonetheless, high risks yield high returns.
The consequent backlash wasn’t her concern.
Deploying [Alchemy – Hyper Adrenaline] skill initiated alongside the battle skyrocketed her abilities: 350 in strength and a staggering 3,500 in agility!!
Boom boom boom─!!
Her heart pounded as if bursting; she found it difficult to even perceive and manage her speed. Yet, determined for a swift end, she dived into the [Swordsman]’s rear with a sword swing. Just in perfect timing, Xiao Liang launched the sword forward for a cooperative attack with her.
Though difficult and overwhelming, with fierce determination to finish quickly, they lunged behind the Swordsman, swinging their sword. In time with Xiao Liang’s forward assault, they launched a joint attack.
Though they spoke, Liu Ying, living alone in a different time zone within the accelerated world, could not understand.
“This is quite fun.”
Yet Xiao Liang could hear it.
The Swordsman’s sword swung harshly, parrying and deflecting the fierce assault from both the front and back attackers.
Liu Ying’s body split into dozens of afterimages on the deck, disappearing and reappearing at high speed, wildly swinging her sword, but the Swordsman, standing unmoved, deflected every blade she threw.
‘Unbelievable…!!’
Even while confronting them, it was an unbelievable sight.
Her Agility stat was 3,500.
Truth be told, she prided herself on being the fastest and strongest among Climbers.
“Don’t you know that the value of stats differs by class, young one?”
Feeling a chilling killing intent, Liu Ying bent backwards to dodge with her momentum, the slash slicing through the air above her.
Simultaneously sliding across the deck to dodge and counterattack, Liu Ying swung her sword. But in no time at all, the Swordsman’s sword found its way back to its sheath, gleaming, moving faster than Liu Ying could perceive as it slashed her waist.
“It didn’t cut?”
“Ugh…!!!”
Although she narrowly avoided being cleaved in half, Liu Ying coughed dark blood, experiencing the pain of her organs shattering. Drinking a potion didn’t speed up recovery due to excessive buff effects.
Thankfully, she survived thanks to the Legendary-grade [Engineer’s Coat], a reward from Kyoto Tower.
Made of a special alloy, bearing the ominous effect of [Indestructible], she wondered about the extent of its efficacy.
But if the Swordsman’s deadly slash left no scratch, it sufficed.
“The level of the Six Legged Beast has fallen so low.”
A shadow loomed over the Swordsman as they disparaged their ally, beheaded by an Alchemist as the battle commenced.
Wanda Haye, transformed into a bear, clasped her hands together and slammed downward, shattering the [Pirate Ship] bombarding with cannonballs.
“[Naval Warfare Domain]!”
And while the Pirate concentrated on the battle, a Navy crewmate cast a skill, causing seawater to swell at their feet instantly.
With no time to be stunned by the battlefield turning into a sea, everyone clung to the capsized Pirate Ship to stay afloat.
The Pirate Ship, seeming to move all along, hit the opposite wall of the battle arena, tilting sharply.
And there stood the [Three Armies Naval Commander], [Pirate], and [Oni], with the Climber providing buffs, all four were distanced from the conflict.
“All troops! Fire the cannons!!”
At the General’s command, the cannons mounted on the panokseon emerging from the sea roared to life.
Alongside that, hwacha, carts loaded with gunpowder, appeared on deck.
A weapon called [Shingijeon], a kind of multi-launch rocket, self-loaded and launched arrows into the sky.
With a finishing touch of a missile immune to defense, it was akin to an anti-warship penetrator.
A massive traditional cannon, [Cheonja Chongtong], fired [Daejanggunjeon], literally evaporating part of the wreck.
“Heheheh.”
Despite the pouring arrow rain, flying cannonballs, and incoming Daejanggunjeon, the Swordsman, wielding nothing but a single sword, deflected or cut through all, embodying the nightmare of the wreck.
“Annihilate the invader!! Shoot, Oni!!”
“Grr…!”
Safely protected, the arrows of the Oni—enhanced by the buff provided by the [Three Armies Naval Commander]—flew with various effects aimed at making concentration against the Swordsman nigh impossible.
──Could we be losing?
“Damn, what a long distance!!!”
Even if the size were comparable to a soccer field, crossing it would take time.
Facing the possibility of confronting four adversaries singlehandedly, Sadako unhesitatingly hurled herself toward the enemy.
“Deploy!!”
“How dare a Japanese unveil that armor before me!!”
Unfurling the [Immortal Armor] and donning it, Sadako deflected incoming arrows with her body, leaped forward, drawing two of the three swords—obtained as rewards from the Korean Tower.
Startled by the white frost clinging to the blade, a Pirate swung a [Cutlass], but Sadako’s [Seimei-style Sorcery] was swifter.
“Underworld Slash!!”
The onryo clung to the cut area, freezing and splitting it.
An utterly mediocre swordsmanship.
Here, they’d even possessed [Martial Arts Illustrated-[Dual Swords] Skill]—and the [Sorcery] wasn’t magic.
“Even using sorcery?”
“Hey! Japan is famous for sorcery!!”
Cynically responding to the woman’s query, Sadako struggled to fend off the Oni’s arrows as the General’s sword struck her shoulder with force.
Yet, up close, she understood—these three were at a lower climbing tier!! She was confident she’d win fighting them simultaneously!!
Thus, the [Oni] pursued tenaciously from behind.
“Graaaaaah!!!”
“Manager? Since when─Ack!!”
Mistaking the sight of a sudden gallant bear for Wanda Haye, Sadako paused her sword swing momentarily, paid dearly with severe injury.
The mystical bear, cloaked in spiritual aura, stood protectively, and struck directly—causing Sadako’s armor scales to shed from her abdomen, blood flowing freely.
“──Summon a bear?”
It couldn’t be a [Summoner]. Racing with realization, Sadako sweat nervously, immediately realizing her opponent held a [Legendary Class].
The woman, having no intention of concealing this, confessed plainly.
“Because I’m [Bear Spirit].”
“What, the fuck?!”
Joining forces with Xiao Liang and Liu Ying against the Swordsman, Wanda Haye swiveled, doubting her ears.
Resulting in a sword slicing her side as the Swordsman capitalized on her distraction, making her scream in agony, gritting her teeth.
Yet she couldn’t help but doubt her ears!! Why would such a class exist, and why did that woman possess it?!
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“Stop holding back and go all out!!”
“『Attack Liu Ying!!』”
At the call of the [Bear Spirit] class, Wanda Haye’s forepaw bashed Liu Ying with full force, knocking her back.
It was as clear as day—a class imposing compulsion limited to [Bears].
If they’d brought [Man-eater] as a trump card, the enemy also held an unimaginable opponent.
In the [Executioner]’s case, they might have anticipated a [Criminal] like [Jackson] would emerge.
Meticulously prepared, the [Pirate] ascended, secure in their victory wager laid atop the gambling table.
Drawing a [Flintlock], coating the cutlass in venom, a grin stretched across his face, walking alongside blood-spouting Sadako.
The Oni and General moved to encircle, and having caught up, the Oni finally stood behind Sadako.
“An Idol occupies the highest pinnacle but is uninterested in climbing the Tower!! The strongest yet simultaneously the worst!! Leaving treasures unclaimed even when the world knows—such is fraud!”
“……”
“…Everything will change from now on!! The Climber market, unchanged for a decade!! Look at the new Towers continuously emerging!!”
For a decade, there hadn’t been such significant changes among [Climbers].
Not until a single Climber, [Wakamou Inarizushi], overturned the world in a mere year.
An undisputed strongest Climber, granted the designation [Grand Master] by the Tower.
Closest to the Tower’s ultimate goal and summit, yet—devoid of one crucial thing.
“Wakamou Inarizushi lacks the ambition to grow beyond her current state!! An enduring heart of constancy (恒心), rather than an aspiring heart of progression (向心), is all she possesses!! If [VTuber] were preferred, she shouldn’t have ignited climbers’ competitive spirit and desire for victory!!”
To others listening, it may have seemed nonsensical babble.
All Climbers harbor the “desire” to ascend and reach higher through the Tower.
It’s an instinct those who aren’t Climbers can never comprehend.
A longing to grow stronger against trials, shared among all Climbers.
Exclusive to none, except Wakamou!!
Even [Jackson] merely complained about his profession and naturally accepted ascending the Tower, while the [Artist] Adelheid also did.
“In this world, it’s always the first that’s remembered. A competition to see who first reaches the summit begins!! The greatest struggle for dominance ever in Climber history!! Even if I’m called cowardly, ultimately, the winner’s justice and memory are unchangeable laws!!”
Sadako parried the pirate’s slash, yet as the pirate sprinkled venom on her wounds and swung his foot, a blade extended from his shoe stabbed her shin. Concurrently, the Oni slammed Sadako’s back with a club, shattering her stance.
“Christopher Columbus discovered a New World but never became its owner. The Idol will meet a similar fate!!”
The [Pirate] planned from the start to win and flee.
Never did they intend a full-scale war with Wakamou.
Simply ascending the Tower sufficed!! There was no reason for Climbers to fight!!
If they secured the Mystery Tower!
So long as they prevailed now, the upper hand belonged to their [Pirate Crew]!
“…If you’d abandon for disadvantage, weakness, could you ever become the strongest. Be strong. When borne of the strongest, shouldn’t you also become the strongest, even born female?”
“Dominance in power, winning, do not belittle it!! [Skill] may be sealed, but the opponent is the next Japanese Association President!! Wear them down slowly!!”
Mariners adhered diligently to the Captain’s orders, maintaining distance while holding a stalemate.
And amidst this, the [Three Armies Naval Commander] drew a bow, drawing wind to form a gale arrow, exerting their utmost strength onto the bowstring. ──Sadako, catching wind immediately, discerned it was a strong skill possessed by [Battle-Oriented Legendary Classes].
But impeded by leg injuries, an arrow through the foot pinned her, unable to progress.
“【Energy Storm Gun】─!!”
As the surging storm rode forth as a fierce shockwave, witnessing this, Sadako cast off her blade, prepared to counter with [National Treasure Summon] and unleash her finishing move, but the pirate and oni intervened to thwart her swordplay.
Encircled with foxfire incinerating her arm, the pirate’s dagger, veiled in toxic venom, embedded within the armor gaps, left Sadako despondent.
“Graaaaah────!!!!”
Then a resounding bear’s lament shattered the air.
……A lament?
Intercepting in place of someone else, the bear met the energy storm head-on, splintering, obliterated, succumbing in a holocaust.
And towering was yet another enormous bear astride the deck, thus.
“『Halt』!”
The [Bear Spirit] commanded, but unlike before, Wanda Haye did not react.
Scarlet streams trickled from her two ears.
Having clawed her ears to deafen herself, Scarlet-bloodshot eyes, Wanda exuded malevolence toward the [Bear Spirit].
“Rooooaaaar──!!!!”
As Wanda Haye’s furious roar, laden with emotion, exploded on the deck, endowing everyone else—excluding pirate and oni—with a tumultuous tumble onto the floor.
“Am I fine to join this?!”
No response returned.
Yet it should be fine.
“What on earth is…”
The Swordsman, rarely at a loss, swallowed as he regarded the armored long-eared individual opposite him.
Bearing two eminent swords against him, boasting unexpected might; each parry made his hand tremble.
Commanding the [Dual Ancient Swords of Arisen Fate], Liu Ying, wielding the artifact’s power, issued a command to [Liu Bei Xuande].
“Kill them!!”
“[Understood!]”
“Is it really okay to speak like that to an ancestor…?!”
Using the sword given by Liu Ying to replace her broken one, Xiao Liang genuinely asked…
Responding with irritation, Liu Ying retorted about performing well and leaving it at that.
Regardless, they were losing. Even with a trump artifact, despite being three against one, a blow to their pride, they were losing!!
“The creak of bones echoes here. Does an [Alchemist], hope to become like [Idol]?”
“Huff huff…..”
Even employing all the [Skills] imparted by Wakamou, not a single scratch on him.
Either stronger than [Mujon] or equivalently top-ten strong, the proficiency of Liu We was immensely astonishing to Liu Ying.
Shing─!!
Liu Bei swung violently with the dual blades, the Swordsman responding equally skillfully with one blade, echoing fiercely as Xiao Liang and Liu Ying resumed their fierce engagement.
Spotting Sadako, distanced far on the opposing sea, noting the Wan Clan’s General beginning to summon the [Navy] now, she exhaled a sigh.
“Even if reinforcements arrive, it’s the end, right?”
“Indeed, it’s the end.”
Facing one with such trivial reasons for disliking her, Sadako spoke.
“Even pretending to play along has its limits, you fools”
As Sadako with efforts intact gazed with a sardonic grin, the pirate turned pallor on beholding the sight.
“Magic…Regenerating with Shape-shifting is….”
Oni, unable to speak, fumbled, visibly jarred.
──The [VTuber Model] Skill was neither magic nor something else.
Witnessing Sadako, seemingly healed, the [Pirate] presumed she couldn’t employ skills but…
Recollecting the prior ambush, failing to comprehend the massive [Skill] suddenly launched despite escaping…
An astute intuition, and perhaps luck, activated for the pirate this instance? Unfortunately…
There was nowhere to escape to this time.
“──My body is made of swords”
With a simple incantation and the Skill from [Kyoto Tower] deployed, its domain encapsulated the ship instantaneously.
Imprisoning everything, it served as a type of [Barrier], simultaneously being a [Shape-shifting].
Only then did the pirate realize… that Wanda Haye destroyed Zhangsu earlier.
“【Reality Marble】
The finishing move accessible by [Variation Wizard Master].
Within the segregated zone, yet another spatial barrier limited the five Climbers.
Crash─!!
Waves crash upon the quiet shoreline.
An ordinary white beach, nothing striking.
Downing a swig from the [Oni’s Gourd], obtained from the Mystery Tower, Sadako eyed the surface with a weary look.
“Listen, Pirate. Certainly! In my view, you nearly had it all won!!”
Hooking the gourd on her belt, as the atmosphere amassed Mana, Sadako retrieved a coat marked Navy and adopted a karate stance.
Her whole body beamed with light, glowing with rising [Tattoos].
“…It’s a [Tattoo of Kamimusuhi], isn’t it…[Shape-shifting Wizard] always needed that type of equipment? Though it has various effects… it can store Mana.”
“…Surely not?”
[Tattoo of Kamimusuhi]
Grade: Mythical.
A symbol of the god who creates all things.
A blessing of a being who possesses the power of production.
Endows primordial energy that creates the universe.
Able to store Mana.
[Stored Mana: 3,000,000]
“”Even the worst is a matter of perspective──!! “Wakamou Inarizushi” is the era’s symbol of peace!!”
Gathering Mana─ a tremendous vortex surged…
Instantaneously transitioning all of reality within the barrier towards a deadly singular blow.
“【Black Swirl】!!”
“[Circe’s Mantle of Magic Reversal (魔反のマント)]!!”
In haste, the pirate unveiled [The Magic Reversal] cloak, clashing with the attack, dispersing it far and wide.
Powerful assaults rampaged indiscriminately through the field.
With allies swept and scattered, only the [Oni] charged with intent to destroy Sadako’s skull, braving the imminent catastrophe in proximity.
Perpetually wavering, the atmosphere vibrated.
Only when the intense oscillations grew close enough to feel throughout like a quaking tremor, did the [Oni] realize why Wanda Haye stood unmoving.
Sadako, in her alternate hand, amassed a radiating [Barrier] while collecting ample Mana, extending her restrained stance before delivering a resounding punch.
“【Impact Shock】──!!”
Snap─!!
The breaking vista…
The distorted scenery…
Explosive shockwaves rupturing─
The seafloor flipped, earthquakes and tremors reversing skies and land summoned everyone from the ocean back onto the [Battlefield].
Ching─!!
During this instance, an intersecting singular slash—
Xiao Liang preserved Liu Ying by bodily taking the Swordsman’s strike, vomiting blood from the blow.
“Gasp…huff…”
“Heh heh…huhuhu…”
Though her entire body ached as if utterly shattered, Liu Ying removed her mask, discharging the [Buff], exhaling heavily.
Standing by her side, Sadako rebuilt a broken hand and laughed, maybe spurred by excessively released adrenaline.
Gnawing and tearing the [Oni], Wanda Haye spat onto the ground possessively, whitening the [Bear Spirit’s] and [Three Armies Naval Commander’s] faces.
Decorously standing unscathed, the [Swordsman] casually shook water from himself.
“Ha…. An item meant for the [Idol] wasted now.”
Discarding a tattered robe, the pirate’s anxiety openly manifested on realizing the 4 against 3 scenario.
Even so.
Victory remained within their grasp.
“Hey, you damned bastard.”
Spitting dark blood onto the ground, Liu Ying’s irritation peaked as she rummaged through her coat.
You’re──fucking dead today.”
Daring to insult her boss? Gritting her teeth, she clamped onto the [Dual Ancient Swords of Arisen Fate] using her finger strength.
Retrieving the [Green Dragon Crescent Blade] obtained from Liu We in another hand…
And grasping the [Spear of Zhang Fei] rewarded from Kyoto Tower in the other.
“Time-out for a second!”
“Shut the hell up!!!”
Bang─!
A bolt of lightning slammed from a clear sky.
Moments later, three hulking figures materialized behind Liu Ying.
Bracing themselves tightly with dazzling armor and legendary fabled weapons, these valiant heroes answered her summon.
Unifying their weapons over Liu Ying’s head, forging intentions akin to vows forged beneath a peach tree!!
“Peach Brothers!! Go!!!”
“……Isn’t she worse than I am?”
Face down, coughing pitifully, Sadako grumbled under her breath, feeling unfairly done.
“I didn’t obtain the Yi Sun-sin set just to keep, did I need it that way…”
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