“Squid Rice Bowl!”
Here we have Mr. P, a 21-year-old living in South Korea.
Having subscribed to the [Wakamou Inarizushi Channel], he quickly checks the morning news as soon as he wakes up.
As soon as he enters the news update on a green site, he sees an article titled [Shock! Ancient civilization buried deep in Antarctica discovered…? Explorer fumes, “That’s my job”].
A [Pirate] who went to Antarctica and picked a fight with Wakamou Corporation.
Having been a Climber in the Legendary Class for almost ten years, he admired the strength but couldn’t help but think, “He’s really a trashy pirate,” when he saw him scavenge rewards and run away out of defeat.
He was anything but honorable, and with three of his crew being famous criminals, there were many who cheered in the comments when Wakamou beat them up.
-Hehe..bouncy…
-Can we watch it on mute?
-Smart, Idol.
Even yesterday’s broadcast was a rare dance show these days.
Watching the bouncing chest up and down, left and right, was a day when faith in the Fox Deity increased.
The believers gathered, laughing in chat while thoroughly following the rules.
Then, there was the trip underground brought on by the Man-eater pulling in the Antarctic…
Truly, VTuber Broadcasts feel missed if you don’t catch them, as if you’re missing something important even for a day.
Wakamou’s climbing broadcasts gave Climbers a sense of both the dangers of the Tower and how far the Tower could test them.
One must risk their life for the climb.
The broadcasts showing fights against the Tower’s Monsters were unique to Wakamou and served as educational material.
Thanks to that, people prepared even more thoroughly and carefully, forming parties only when ready to conquer the Tower, and the number of guild memberships increased.
Meanwhile, Mr. P aspired to be a [Climber].
He started watching Wakamou’s VTuber Broadcasts because it was impossible not to hear Wakamou’s name in South Korea, curious about what he really did.
There was even a time when a disaster occurred with channel subscriptions exploding due to Wakamou’s rapid-fire clips, and while initially fumbling with the otaku culture’s abyss-like VTuber scene, he grew to enjoy it.
Other members also frequently appeared, and they held group broadcasts—he’d watch them like modern-day entertainment shows.
“The Idol really is clever.”
Since it’s mainly VTuber-related, while you might see advertisements, it’s hard to catch them on TV due to the condition of having to seat the VTuber character in the chair, despite their fame.
Of course, even in Japan, VTubers appear occasionally, but seeing them less often suggests that they are just meant to be VTubers.
Checking the schedule of Pipkin Mami, who humorously banters with fans, effortlessly spitting out sexual jokes while calling fans her darlings, he confirmed the broadcast times.
He then connected as usual.
The background was [Wakamou 3rd Floor].
Fox Spirits lived there, fighting against the insects that existed in that realm.
Gone was the junkyard-like appearance of the past, replaced with an increasingly city-like complexity due to ongoing construction and renewal, while Mr. P roamed the bustling city.
While it was the world’s first virtual reality game, the realism was so high that it was tough to meet companions without pre-arranged locations.
The critical flaw was the absolute lack of communication means between players, but then, the Climbers faced the same issue, which was understandable.
Everyone thought of this as a training ground created by Wakamou Inarizushi to nurture Climbers.
“[A stag beetle horn spear? With a rhinoceros beetle helmet?]”
“[Wouldn’t running with it snap your neck?]”
“[But with effort, we can gather 10 points this week, let’s go!]”
Mr. P, who had been fighting monstrous insects for five months alongside two comrades he barely knew, joined up.
One was equipped with armor made from a large trident beetle they barely managed to flip over and defeat before.
The peculiar insect with both the jaws of a stag beetle and the horn of a rhinoceros beetle was called [Tank] among the Fox Spirits.
Its shell was so hard that getting hit would send you flying sky-high, and even armored you’d die instantly if bitten.
Then there were its crushing steps, impossible to forget the nine agonizing hours it took to bring it down.
The game’s grueling difficulty made it popular because you could learn [Skills] with the points earned and even become a [Climber].
The genuine life-and-death scenarios! Even Climbers were connecting to train by fighting in an environment relying solely on their abilities.
Even as Climbers, wouldn’t they keep coming back?
Posts frequently suggested buying the gun shooting Skill of a [Shooter] on the Climber communities.
And another carried a bundle of sharp spears.
Ideal for thrusting, useful for trap-setting, and popular for tearing wings when thrown.
“[Let’s go, go!]”
“[I hope we finish today and all pass]”
They didn’t know each other’s gender, name, or nationality, but it was convenient to not care about such things.
Moreover, even though they didn’t understand the principle, the language showed up in chat as Korean, thanks to the Tower’s union? East Asian something…? Korea Tower did something enabling allied nations to all understand each other.
Thanks to that, his parents went off to Japan for a trip, saying they would finally have it easy without a language barrier.
How stunned he was at the news they’d be gone for three months.
“[I’m going to watch Joseph Khan’s broadcast afterward]”
“[I’m heading to Hajime Ichigo]”
As usual, team members conversed centered around their favorite VTubers.
In some sense, having a guaranteed topic made it easy to grow close.
Of course, there were complaints about the clips Wakamou uploaded to the channel, along with discussions questioning if these broadcasts were appropriate for VTubers.
Recently, the focus was more on gaming or music broadcasts, and the climbing broadcasts, for some reason, were delayed.
Well, there has to be a reason, while smashing an ant’s head with a stone axe as they emerged from the bushes.
Carefully sharpening the edge of his stone axe with a whetstone, he moved cautiously, wary of what might emerge from the undergrowth.
There were Fox Spirits riding dodo-like birds for travel or others who moved like professionally trained soldiers.
Identifying foes and allies was easy due to the ID floating above everyone’s heads, which made spotting enemies a breeze.
Far ahead, a Fox Spirit’s ID suddenly vanished with a flash!
“EEEEAAAAAAK!!!!”
The revulsion and fear of bugs. Plus, undeserved vengeance.
Lately, people’s hatred for bugs must be because of the Wakamou 3rd Floor.
A giant locust clinging to a tree, twice the size of a Fox Spirit, opened its jaws and spewed saliva.
The swishing maneuver when it struck was nearly impossible to track even in real life, making the Fox Spirit’s situation a pure nightmare.
“[Ugh!]”
His stone shield received the impact, and Mr. P was sent rolling backward, tumbling.
Swinging a sword made from stag beetle jaws like a saw, and relentlessly stabbing with a spear clutched in both hands.
Targeting the soft areas on its legs or belly was the common strategy to bring creatures down.
Never facing the Monster head-on, cautiously thinking strategically, and seizing the right moment was crucial for victory.
Maybe that’s why this nurturing “training ground” was quite popular.
If left unchecked, the locust would breach the city’s walls, so Fox Spirits from all directions rushed in and helped with all their might.
A Fox Spirit rode up on a small dodo, tossed a rope around the legs, pulling it closer, while trained Fox Spirits wielded sharp metal blades, aiming to sever its weak points.
Every time, he marveled at the vast experience gaps between them.
Despite equal abilities, their movements were on another level.
[You have obtained 1 point]
“[Wow! I finally have 10 points!!]”
“[Yay~ Congrats]”
“[What’s this, aspiring Climber? Good luck then]”
“[If you’re going, the Korean Tower is the easiest!]”
“[Suffer here, it’s easy up to the 10th floor, really. You won’t casually encounter cockroaches slicing through]”
“[Ugh….bad memories]”
Fox Spirits who joined the giant locust raid celebrated with applause at the milestone.
Among them were veteran Climbers who offered various advice.
Even having 10 points didn’t guarantee becoming a Climber, they said.
“[Then, how about meeting after becoming a Climber?]”
“[I want to live in Wakamou 1st Floor. Wouldn’t that be comfortable?]”
“[Let’s do that!]”
P, having shared the hardships for five months with his comrades, promised to meet them and see their faces before embarking on the life of a Climber.
Fox Spirits living here preferred to log out from the city, even at the cost of dying.
Partly because disorienting when logging in, but if you encounter a mantis deep in the forest… uff…
Still haunted by the nightmare of a chatty companion being snatched by a dragonfly and dragged skyward.
“You’re applying for the Climber position, I see. You’ve gathered [10 Points]. You’re aware of the mandatory character training at the Climber’s Association and passing the first exam, right?”
“Ah, yes.”
Gathering 10 points didn’t automatically make you a Climber.
Even those who naturally become Climbers had to attend character training at the Association.
“Since Climbers are superhuman, they face harsher punishments compared to normal. Avoid, or only defend, a conflict if possible. Of course, if the opponent is a Climber, act on your judgment then.”
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The lecture wasn’t particularly hard.
It covered both privileges gained as a Climber and the critical points related to human ethics.
Thanks to Wakamou, the number of Climbers skyrocketed, and among them, there were those who couldn’t even properly be Climbers due to their corrupted character.
“Those becoming Climbers through Wakamou are monitored, just so you’re aware.”
Thus the penalties could be more severe than becoming one naturally, emphasized by the instructor.
Fleeing was impossible, with a risk of forced summons and potential punishment (a punch) by the Fox Deity if they broke the rules.
A video of Wakamou smashing through layers with a punch was playing during the education session.
Prospective Climbers attending the lecture broke into cold sweat. They must have been subscribers to Wakamou; there’s no way they hadn’t seen this.
“Oh, and losing the path to becoming [Legendary Class] is also a consequence.”
─And what the professors called the most critical issue… according to the news.
Originally, living for ages and fulfilling conditions randomly would result in awakening as [Legendary Class].
Yet, because of Wakamou indiscriminately mass-producing [Climbers], the probability of generating a [Legendary Class] in a nation converged to 0%.
Each was an overwhelmingly broken class!
Due to the formidable display by the [Pirate], appreciation for them surged, along with growing fears towards the [Six Legged Beast].
However, because the process wasn’t understood and required waiting for the death of the predecessor to ascend, everyone chose to become Climbers and just conquer the Tower.
Thus, after three weeks of nearly squeaking through the training and reaching the first hurdle, P finally obtained the qualification to enter [Wakamou 1st Floor].
“Did it─!!!!”
Although it was just two years ago that he had studied as a high school student preparing for college entrance exams, the studying wasn’t hard.
“Did it before military service- screw it!!”
Otherwise, the desperation might have been different maybe…
South Korean young men desperately try to become Climbers to avoid military enlistment.
Becoming a Climber would mean fighting at the dangerous frontline, arguably riskier than being a soldier – but that problem lays further away.
As long as Wakamou Inarizushi is around, there’s unlikely to be a conflict like war in East Asia.
Luckily, he avoided the saddest outcome—a failed exam forcing him into military service, only to become a Climber after discharge.
There are tragedies of becoming a Climber just three days before discharge.
“This is Wakamou 1st Floor…”
Guided by the Climber Association, the entrance to [Wakamou 1st Floor] was indeed a world of its own.
It was particularly amazing that through the [East Asia Climber Association] stationed here, you could instantly travel to China, Russia, and Japan. They say this is due to the rising influence of the Korean Tower…
“When purchasing a home here, you can also get a loan. Of course, there’s no interest─”
A dull explanation from what appeared to be a government official followed.
They mentioned that if you get married and have several children, interest waivers and subsidies would be provided.
Thinking that some things never change despite the rapidly evolving world, the Association staff began guiding the prospective climbers.
They showed us the location of the strictly off-limits [Idol’s Shrine], and then led us to the renowned [Adelheid’s Gallery], a famous artist.
Most reactions were questioning why we were headed to an art gallery; however, for those of us who live holed up in the climber community, it was a feeling that ‘Ah, it has finally come.’
The staff, who repeatedly warned against racial discrimination within the mixed group of people from Japan, China, and even Russia, gulped down a calming pill.
“You’ll face plenty of shocks during your climbing life. No matter what you see, you must not run away, scream, or damage any artwork.”
“Um… What happens if we do?”
“You’ll become part of the masterpiece!”
The Russian girl who had asked gulped nervously and lowered her hand.
The Association staff explaining the viewing rules of [Adelheid’s Gallery] also creepily mentioned that there is no Rule 4, and to report it if it starts appearing.
Entering the gallery silently revealed paintings in all genres by Adelheid, once called a genius and pride of Germany.
The gallery was broader than expected, with zones classified; the [Hall of Idols] was particularly the largest area by region.
However, this place served as both a gallery and a [Climbers’ Prison].
Adelheid, being an artist, simultaneously managed the prison as its warden.
Upon entering a zone ironically called the [Garbage Dump], a chill started creeping for some reason. An unsettling instinctual warning…
In the pose of a sculptor, a mannequin dressed like an engineer was hacked to pieces with dozens of chisels embedded in it.
“How can the air be this heavy… Could hell be like such a place…”
One of the prospective climbers muttered.
The guiding staff nonchalantly mentioned it was free to look at the artwork but warned against staring too deeply.
An artwork titled [Outlaw], resembling a mental hospital patient screaming in agony.
Next to it hung a portrait of a man in Native American attire with blank eyes. It felt like a funeral portrait, making one gulp a little.
Something was furiously moving and shaking inside the hall.
“Um…ah…”
There were countless artworks that were hard to find the words to describe.
All around were white paintings hung in a white space, making the walls appear to be all you could see.
Some walls had paintings, with those depicting people facing the masterpiece.
A crying face portrait facing a bear, an Ogre painted amidst the flames yet not burning.
In the upcoming artwork of the elderly■■’s■■■■■■ a few others covered their mouths quivering in fear.
Next up was [Pirate]’s■■■■■■■■■■─
“Are you alright?”
Upon opening his eyes, the blue sky appeared.
Despite having heeded the Association staff’s warning about the mental impact of viewing a [Spirit of an Artist] imbued piece, he never expected it to be this impactful.
He felt the crippling sense of fear profoundly.
Thanking the Russian girl who woke him up, he noticed others sprawled across the field as the Association staff habitually handed out water.
Once they all awoke, the Association staff provided guidance once again.
“If you guys become climbers, you won’t be displayed or taxidermized like that. Because the Legendary Class has to die out entirely before passing on.”
“Phew…”
“You’re just sentenced to death, is all.”
“Damn…”
The intense punishment for overpowered climbers was understandable…!! The Association staff mentioned that if you were a natural climber, you could at least make an escape.
With laughter, he added that since they were under Wakamou-san, they would receive many benefits, but there would be no mercy if they committed any crimes.
“For reference, you don’t necessarily have to climb in South Korea; you can go to another country.”
“Really? Seriously?”
“Indeed. If you find or catch someone who seems related to the Guardians, there are rewards and points involved.”
“Have many people left for that reason?”
“Incredibly many. They pay at least over a hundred million won…”
Hearing the Association staff talk about a trend of people going on adventures in search of walking wallets, P nodded along.
“Ah, but for those living in South Korea, you might get attacked by other Korean climbers abroad. They hold quite a grudge.”
“Ah…..”
“Aside from that, here’s some encouragement: you can buy a house in Wakamou 1st Floor with no interest and enjoy numerous benefits.”
“Thank you…”
Naturally, the thought of living while climbing only the Korean Tower emerged.
Not much time later, I spotted Wakamou Inarizushi approaching from afar.
“Oh~ What game should I stream next? Korean Tower, when is this damn thing opening…I need to watch Nenneko Captain’s broadcast.”
A demeanor utterly unlike that of an idol.
His manner of complaining while casually talking about VTuber matters was indistinguishable from his online presence.
There’s a rumor you can see this eccentric being if you loiter around VTuber collaboration cafes or merchandise stores.
“Welcome!! Congratulations on becoming a climber. You passed the tough exam with flying colors.”
And as soon as he arrived, he transformed back into the venerated idol,
Heartily congratulating the prospective climbers and offering advice on what to expect.
He meticulously handed out beginner climber item sets, shaking hands with everyone.
Those gathered were all Wakamou’s subscribers.
Treating his believers and fans with utmost care, none of the earlier annoyed demeanor lingered.
Perhaps noticing P’s curiosity, Wakamou gave a grin.
“Being a VTuber means understanding the importance of fans. Careless treatment of them? Never.”
“Oh, I see.”
“Though, from my perspective, being the one giving out red pills is a bit ironic.”
“What if people asked why you’re even doing VTubing in the first place?”
“You cheeky thing!”
With a playful yank and a knuckle rub on his head, Wakamou tossed over a [Fox Spirit] plushie as a jest.
[You have acquired the [Tower Access] Skill from the Idol!]
“As a climber, you don’t need to worry about others’ opinions. Ascending the tower is about personal capability.”
Just do your climb, your own way.
After a pat on the shoulder, Wakamou moved onto the next person.
Thus, P finally became a climber. Brimming with anticipation of what his class might be, he made his first [Tower Access].
[Fighter], perhaps? Given his mastery with the axe? Or maybe a [Wizard]…?
[Your class is [Shifter]!]
“Aargh!!”
Agony as his persistent use of the Fox Spirit transformation heavily influenced P, leaving him rolling in exasperation on the ground.
Idol, why!!
“─Nevertheless! [Transform]!!”
Envisioning the mightiest beast, he transformed, startling an oil slime, the first-floor monster, enough to leap away.
[Amazing Shift! First transformation into [Hell Chain Ursus] achieved!]
Every climber bears their own innate talent, even if handpicked by Wakamou.
With a mind-blowing natural aptitude for [Shifting], P annihilated the slime as a fiery hell bear.
“Roar! Rawr!”
Speechless yet delighted, he pounded his chest with his forepaws.
Exhibiting transformations verging on that of a druid, P, exiting the tower, observed the astonished reactions of others who believed a monster had emerged, finding amusement in it.
‘Um…how do I change back?’
Other [Shifters] were in similar predicaments, caught between animal forms. Only P was fully transformed into a beast.
Upon witnessing P’s impressive talent, an Association staffer handed him a business card, suggesting to contact them if interested and mentioned the transformation would revert once [Mana] depleted.
“Ooh…oooh…”
Feeling a puzzling discomfort and fear, P rummaged through the pouch on his belly, pulling out a tiny smartphone.
Admiring how things were coming together, he contacted friends to arrange a meeting.
‘Really, what is this…’
Turning into an oversized bear likely attracted the gazes…but possibly questionable stares were in the mix.
Encountering Wakamou on the way back, P’s transformation drew a perplexing expression from him.
Essentially saying, ‘Why of all things? You picked that…’ was evident.
“Oh! That person from earlier!”
At the rendezvous point, a plaza, the Russian girl from before awaited.
Feeling a gut suspicion, P asked, finding out she was the twin-sword wielding fox spirit who fought fiercely daily.
“I’m a [Fighter], what about you?”
Despite knowing neither name nor gender till now, a strange friendship blossomed.
Could it be, is my life taking an upward turn now?
“I’m a [Shaman]”
Turning around, the voice called as a girl waved her hand.
Asked if there were two, she nods.
“The only guy…?”
“That’s how it is! Congrats, you’ve got a duo at arm’s length!”
Moreover, pleased by the good party combo, they casually linked arms; P flinched slightly.
Why, what’s going on? Are they interested?
Something manga-like is happening to me…?
At last, possibly my life’s──
Screech─!!
A roaring sports car skid sharply around the plaza, braking dramatically before halting in front of them.
“No time to explain, get in!”
“Huh?”
Startled, they climbed in, as an elegant woman in shades barely lowered them to speak.
“You’re a [Shifter], right? The talented one.”
“Ah, yes. Turning into a bear, a talent── wait, no way?”
A community guideline flashed in P’s mind.
9. If you can transform into a bear, flee the first floor and go into hiding for a week. If caught? You’re on your own from then on.
“Welcome to the new member, A-s-s-e-y!!!”
“No, I don’t! No, stop!!!”
“To my gem vault…not really. Welcome to the Bear Manager Club!!”
“Nooooo!!!”
….
……
“This hapless believer departs the world once more…”
Checking in out of concern, Wanda Haye, faster than Asuka in snagging news, took him away.
She had seen the cause of the increasingly prevalent web posts urging [Shifters] encountering a red sports car to abandon hope.
Having Dorrison J Jackson build an inescapable [Zoo], what kind of climbers were they managing now?
Recalling the Unicorn Agent mentioning new recruits consistently joining the monitoring teams, Wakamou shook his head.
[Calculations complete!!]
“Huh? Right now?”
Before Wakamou, who had almost completely forgotten, a notification appeared.
[The Korean and China Towers are again open for climbing.]
[A new feature will be released along with the full conquest of 【Mystery Tower】.]
[The Korean Tower wishes your adventures and climbs to be ongoing for a long time.]
This bastard.
Why are you acting all friendly…
Wakamou began to break out into a cold sweat.
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