The world is truly in a great upheaval period!
It has been 10 years since the appearance of the Tower, now entering the 11th year.
The world was turned upside down by the actions of a single Climber.
──New materials are emerging from different Towers, and special products are being produced from the [Mystery Tower], which became a national asset after the death of the Pirate.
The American Tower boasted to all nations about its vast lands producing new levels, new Monsters, and new materials.
But the [East Asian Alliance] managed to add a huge amount of new items and skills.
The reaction from America was one of such astonishment that some Climbers relocated to the Asian Alliance.
They aimed to climb lower Towers and acquire skills while leaving behind higher-level challenges.
Moreover, the entire nation was rapidly advancing under the influence of an Idol, and some even settled in the Idol’s country, effectively governed by Wakamou Inarizushi, including [Wakamou 1st Floor].
Even Legendary Class members affiliated with the [Six Legged Beast] wandered around, wondering if they could enter without committing grave crimes.
“Eat as much as you want, I’ll buy it for you.”
“Oh, yes!”
Mei Xiao Long Bao, out for a meal with Xiao Liang, announced to her viewers she didn’t know when part two of her stream would start and smeared a blue liquid on her skin.
It was a skin treatment the VTuber promoted, made from a mixture of Slime and Mana concentrate, used to try to heal her nearly-ruined [Idol’s Body].
Luckily, with time passing, it was exhibiting effects so miraculous that it was quickly normalizing her condition.
Maintaining [the best condition] was not explicitly listed in status effects, but…
‘There was no other choice from the beginning.’
Grumbling internally, Mei opened the page on [Idols] from [Know-how for Nurturing Climbers].
Boom!
“Oh…”
“Sorry.”
Spilled food and overflowing broth from the pot created a mess on the table. Apologizing while looking at the thick manual—no, the book of know-how—Mei signaled Xiao Liang to call over a staff member to clean up.
“Server!”
Initially kind and sweet in front of Mei and Liu Ying, now showing her ruthless side by addressing someone as a server.
Seeing their terrified expression as they cleaned vigorously and asked if they should bring new dishes, Xiao Liang ordered them to clear and bring them with a smile, slipping a tip into their pocket.
Xiao Liang was apologetic, legs trembling under the pressure Xiao Liang exuded.
‘──What does this have to do with being a VTuber?’
Sighing at the selected skills.
Her job-exclusive skill 【Unshakable Mind】
– Provides strong resistance to all mental effects.
– Can overcome confusion, provocation, and fainting with mental strength.
【Idol’s Body】 had an effect where the mind remained calm and tranquil.
This seemed specifically tailored to cover Wakamou’s weak points with a “hastily-made skill.” On the contrary, it’s critical for an Idol leading many not to be swayed or dominated by mental attacks.
Why else, in comics or anime, would kings or gods frequently be depicted falling to corruption or hypnosis?
Nonetheless, thanks to it, she also obtained the [Berserk] skill.
This skill is usually acquired under extreme conditions, such as the death of comrades, dreadful incidents, or when reason is swallowed by sheer outrage.
It’s a difficult skill to obtain unless one intentionally pursues it with a dire sworn enemy.
However, [Wizard] and [Summoner] could acquire this skill too. Situations might arise to use it… perhaps Sadako might find it useful…?
Flap flap─
“Did you hear? They say things are moving from Vietnam to China.”
“There are mentions of Kazakhstan and Iran too. What’s with the border closure?”
“Everyone left during the war; maybe life has gotten better?”
“But what’s added to skill composition are said to be roads big and small, as scholars mention? I couldn’t grasp it; it’s too complicated.”
“For us, it’s just about choosing skills suitable for our class.”
Listening to the surroundings, Mei leafed through the guidebook.
Everywhere seemed focused, including the United States.
They said more were thinking of making the move.
Being a Climber isn’t always favorable. Some areas have obligations and tougher problems to handle.
Wasn’t Liu Wei firm about not wanting Climbers from other countries crossing over?
Political issues were not for Wakamou to intervene, yet VTuber fans came over for collaborations, they said.
He even asked to inform about those disguising as them to enter.
Well, that was a story from the past.
Complaints about rising numbers were issued, indicating more will come…
‘Damn it, nothing useful here at all.’
The [Know-how for Nurturing Climbers] for Idols was shockingly useless for Wakamou!!
Understandably, 【Idol】’s role is to nurture and raise Climbers and lead them in parties to climb.
In contrast, Wakamou goes, ‘Huh? What believers? Fight as my fans? Are you saying that to a VTuber right now?’ and climbs.
Even if the [Idol’s Body] screams “!!! I’m not a combat skill!!! Stop using me for fights!!!” yet it’s being pushed to the brink by Wakamou.
In an F1 race, someone appears out of nowhere with an AE86 being mocked, “An 86? Racing with that relic?” Meanwhile, Wakamou wreaks havoc, indifferent to the ridicule.
Even with the racing team (Korean Tower) yelling, “Your engine is on fire!!! You lost three tires!!” progressing with just one tire and ultimately finishing first.
Even if the car’s roof is gone, “A little repair and it’s back in action, right? Without a roof, does it really matter? That’s my honest opinion~”
To such an unconventional Climber, guides explaining “class significance” were pointless.
“What’s the deal with the abundant harvest system? Blooming crops…? Synthesizing new crops? Offering resistance to diseases and managing conflicts without natural disasters…what the hell?”
Countless [Skills] emerged, meant for an Idol, causing Wakamou to feel dizzy from the overwhelming swell of skills.
Remarkably, the Layer 2 rewards seen on the 【List】 were not listed in the guidebook!!
Naturally assuming the hastily-made skill wasn’t exclusively made for Wakamou was a shocking revelation.
Feeling his mental state crumble, Wakamou’s hands trembled from shock.
Should the dedicated item description appear, it reached the point of not wanting to see as fear took hold…!!
“In the meantime, what about the evolution of Idol’s Messenger and a [Spirit] with a Believer’s Form…!!”
New branching routes emerged sneakily again, claiming you could succeed as a [Summoner] too, with an added appendix, causing Wakamou to foam at the mouth.
Rage boiling over; it wasn’t pure anger but rather a cumulative impact of indescribable shock rebounding.
Cracking Mei’s mental state, her color bled out, turning her white.
An interesting trick recently acquired.
With the Korean Tower claiming, “Since you’ve been lamenting about the poor skills, lack of exclusive items, and limited growth, we prepared a bundle just for you~” feelings emerged.
Yet, reality turned the tides, presenting countless new quests, skills, new raids, and expanding stories as updates tested the limits of those long-immersed in the game, taking them to the breaking point.
‘With this, I need to collab soon…!’
Sadako and Liu Ying awaited to collaborate with Wakamou.
It implied they had halted their own climbing progress. Including Lucia!!
“Nom nom… aren’t you eating, ancestor?”
“Yeah, yeah.”
Grabbing the boiling pot one-handed, not even looking, chugging it down as if sipping broth, Xiao Liang respectfully became more attentive.
– Climbing the 98th floor, huh? Huh?
– He wouldn’t contact us if he didn’t arrive already lololol
– I’m too excited to contain myself!
– All sorts of skills have emerged, truly remarkable.
– We’re witnessing the Idol of our era…
– Miss out on the pioneers’ broadcasts to fall behind~
– The Climber Association is in turmoil lolol
Originally, [guidebook] was meant for records in the Climber Association meant for curious Climbers, but now it became a waiting line with drawn numbers.
Mei returned it via portal to the association official, and changed into her yellow training outfit, lightly stretched for the climb.
– Stretch out! Do your exercises!
– Work hard and grow big like our ancestor~
– Growing up to 2M is a bit…
– Hearing a millennium will make it that tall.
– How old are you then!!
– Are you going to show us Super Mei again? I missed it ㅠㅠ
The sight of Mei Xiao Long Bao ablaze in golden brilliance, wrapped in holy flames, seemed to surface with clips in the community.
Naturally, it caused a stir. The claim that Wakamou lost power due to the Tower, seemed consistent with reality, leading to remarks like “Is this the final destination…?” being repeated as admirers were struck with awe.
[Author: Hugh Breath]
[Title: Could even encapsulate divinity?]
Saint: Jehoho!! Only a tiny fraction of Climbers can claim that!
– Whoooooa!?
– Cannot be! Divinity was exclusive for Companions…!
ㄴThat was also thought of with magic….
ㄴYou know who stands before you?
– You are a mere priest! I serve the Idol you revere!! That’s the hierarchy!!
ㄴSimply on a different scale lol
– Oh lol claiming Asians worship Idols lolol
ㄴWakamou also told us to have faith.
ㄴThat’s why we all are subscribed here.
Right, everyone was having an absolute blast.
Unless a Companion was promoted otherwise, relying on healing skills other classes, like [Wizard], had remained or potions, was essential, leading to rising anticipation from followers that Wakamou might eventually promote them into priests using divine skills.
Increasing [Cleric] numbers raised the completeness of party dynamics, advancing with [Bard], further diversified buffs, proving beneficial.
However, divine and Mana interaction was notorious for severe resistance.
Manawould lose out against divine properties for some reason.
Therefore, no matter how much Wakamou might grow, the emergence of a potential open window for similar abilities in Companions seemed unlikely.
──Well, considering climbing a Tower, unpredictable possibilities unfolded.
“….My merchandise sales have risen, what do I do…”
“Merchandise… is it part of otaku culture?”
“Oh, Xiao Liang. Do you know a bit?”
“There is something about otaku business, targeting those whose finances are strangely intact yet utterly smashed financially, it seems?”
Mei felt distanced from Xiao Liang.
Feeling dejected, she nodded two steps apart in acknowledgment, barely capable of feeling sad, gazing sorrowfully into the distance.
– These days, darned MZers…!!
– But, Xiao Liang, aren’t you the young one lolol
– Young folk can’t understand us otaku!!!
– Th…thi… teen… Have you seen Hong Kong films….!!
– Ancestor may be uninitiated, wearing those yellow tights.
– Miss the Dragon greatly….
“…Should we head upward?”
“Not sure what, but sorry…”
[Challenging the Trial of the 98th Floor of the Sichuan Tower]
– Climber, break down walls and overcome trials.
– Vanquish your foe and acquire strength.
– Climber, show us your martial prowess!
[Platinum achievement condition]
– Defeat [Jiang Taigong of the True Person] (0/1)
A peculiar atmosphere befell them.
Standing before her was a young man in attire reminiscent of an immortal.
The black-haired man, with his absent beard, steepled his hands and smirked at Mei, who had come as his challenger.
“Jiang Taigong.”
“Yes? What’s that?”
“[I’d want you to return my fishing rod─but you wouldn’t, since it’s disadvantageous, right?]”
“Isn’t it the side that couldn’t manage it to blame?”
Thinking if climbing the China Tower would eventually lead to meeting him, his playful grin triggered an irritating sensation.
Exposing the 20 years of cultivated otaku traits, Wakamou felt a strong aversion to alpha males, deeming him closer to a popular guy… but strongly akin to trash.
Consider; wasn’t he a man once awaited by his wife all those years, only to abandon her upon success?
“You can’t pick up spilled water, can you?”
“[Haha─! Indeed that’s right!! Given the times, I’d like the change in view from treating me like trash…weren’t you eager to meet? Figured you’d make your way here?]”
“I won’t deny it.”
─From his manner of speech, it was evident [Korean Tower] meddled.
Should they appreciate the Korean Tower’s meticulous attention to maintaining the VTuber’s theme or not?
Honestly, the thought of meeting Jiang Taigong didn’t lack intrigue climbing China Tower.
Not that she envisioned a dandy young man resembling a Casanova sweeping women with mere glances.
“Woo….”
Xiao Liang turned completely red, wearing an adorable expression akin to a maiden encountering her first love, while the chat room buzzed with sobbing.
-I
-Rock
-I’m
-Rock
-Damn, just looking at his mug boils my blood.
-That’s insanity…those lashes!!
-This part is undoubtedly eligible for a good-looking man.
-Is this a couple’s argument scene?
-Tempted by a fox, maybe?
-Bet the Inari Fox Deity watching this would be pissed lolol
-Inari: Where are those promoting this?
-???
-???????
-Oh, suddenly I’ve grown scared.
-Just terrifying…
-But this has no ties to Jiang Taigong, right? …. Right?
Flowing sleeves revealed Jiang Taigong’s hand as he spread his arms and began ascending.
With the wish for an encounter fulfilled upon finally reaching this level, wasn’t it time to fight as Climbers?
“[At last you’ve made it here as a Climber!! Wakamou Inarizushi! Yes, the Jiang Taigong you wanted to see so much is me!!]”
“Come unscathed!! Shave a beard on!!”
“[You say this while preferring young appearances!!]”
It wasn’t so much about pointing out that it wasn’t Wakamou but Mei’s arrival.
It signified the young man should appear handsomely on the broadcast.
The [Messenger] fabricated by the Tower wielded the tassels on its waist, creating gusts of wind before making the initial strike on Mei.
Simply countering with the Idol’s storm, the invisible winds collided, their clash releasing shockwaves causing Xiao Liang’s legs to buckle and collapse.
“Ah… my head feels strange…”
One of the tassels emitted a pink glow. It was evidently exerting an effect of [Enchantment].
Given the scenario of Xiao Liang attacking Mei under enchantment was undesirable, Mei activated [My Worlds], throwing her to a safe location while extending the [Expanding Rod] to attack the floating Jiang Taigong.
The [Lengthening Staff] was extended significantly to attack the floating Jiang Taigong.
Swinging fiercely, the staff moved with speed and flair as if it had no weight, yet Jiang Taigong remained still without blocking.
An invisible force surrounded him, absorbing all the attacks.
The soft, non-solid sensation was like tapping a balloon filled with air.
Crack─!!
Accelerating with [Idol’s Thunder], Mei launched a camera to gain footing and quickly closed the distance to Jiang Taigong.
Displaying a level of sincerity beyond anything shown before, Mei flew above Jiang Taigong and stomped with all her might.
Thud.
It did not connect.
-Inari: Break his nose!!
-Calm down.
-Can’t Manager block it…?
-Otherwise, Manager dies, yeah….
-Understand, his wife.
-Isn’t he angry about the friend’s neck breaker?
-Inari: Beat him like he beat me!!
-Suddenly Wakamou became trash.
-Violence leads to leaders, LOL.
-You’re the first Climber to hit me like this!!
-Is it masochism….
Even using [Burden of Faith] to pass through with [Idol’s Form], it was as if [Mana] blocked the way. Yet pressing Jiang Taigong down to the ground with the invisible space was possible.
Just before touching the ground, Mei’s face was reflected.
In an instant, Mei, baffled by the reflection on the blue prairie, plunged into water at the sound of a splash.
In the water, charging bubbles, Mei spun the staff to deflect an incoming bolt of lightning.
The battle was turning lukewarm.
Unable to sink in the water, Mei surged out with all her force, and then the ground, no, the sea began rising vertically.
Transforming into a colossal water giant, a descending fist turned into a massive rock, collapsing akin to a landslide.
“Stretch─!!!”
Using [Model Adjust] to enlarge the staff, the tip dug into the ground fiercely, clashing with the gigantic stone fist.
In the gap, Jiang Taigong flew up from the rocky giant’s body, stepping through the air coyly like a flying fish.
Running as if folding space, and with a mirage’s blink, Jiang Taigong reached Mei in an instant.
His attempt to grab Mei’s wrist was lightly parried, and her sharp-edged hand striking rapidly was caught by Jiang Taigong, halting her attack.
‘Quick!’
It was the first time since the Inari Deity that someone managed to halt Mei at such a close range right before contact.
“[Many long for reunion; wouldn’t more conversation be better?]”
“I don’t care for men who abandon women.”
“[How about those who don’t understand others’ hearts?]”
The vexing words prompted Mei to power up her trapped hand and strike, but her vision spun as she was swept away by a rapid current.
It was an illusion.
The feeling of being swept was just a misconception stirred by Jiang Taigong handling Mei’s wrist, creating a vivid mirage with such presence that it seemed real.
Freely flying like a white heron, Jiang Taigong danced with Mei, who spun like dancing in his grip.
Had they reached the top of the tower?
No, that wasn’t correct.
Suddenly the air turned into a wall.
Cracking the scenery and pressing against Mei as if it had crumpled.
“[How about this?]”
Jiang Taigong lightly pinned Mei, who was embedded in the air, feeling the downward pull of gravity.
Though the giant stone golem was fused with the ground, both Mei and the [Lengthening Staff] were plummeting as if gravity had flipped.
Mei managed to halt her fall by thrusting the staff into the ground using [Object Interaction] as the flat land turned into a cliff.
As soon as she stopped, Jiang Taigong stood atop the staff delivering successive strikes to Mei’s body with flash-like speed.
“Urgh….!!”
Bruises prominently marked the spots where she was kicked.
Despite facing ruthless attacks that avoided the face, Mei furrowed her brow fiercely, a grin spreading as she stood atop the staff.
“Did you beat your wife like this too?”
“[Don’t say things that cause misunderstandings!]”
Balancing atop a mere foothold on the staff, Jiang Taigong and Mei exchanged hands without using their feet.
Their clash was a rapid mixture of deflecting hands, pushing wrists, and chopping motions to break flow.
Jiang Taigong, wielding flowing fists like a master swordsman, twisted Mei’s poor aim from her nimble knife-hand strike.
Defying the hundreds of exchanges between masters, no cloth tore, as their intricate hand movements only met hands and wrists in milliseconds.
Even Mei, employing swordplay to swing eight arms, found no gap in Jiang Taigong’s robust defensive circles in thin air.
A struggle so fierce, people watching couldn’t ascertain who was dominating — a bloody duel on a staff swayed by the wind.
Wobble─!
Finally, the staff shot upward.
Not— more accurately, gravity returned to normal.
As Jiang Taigong slid back, Mei pursued him, racing across rising and swaying ground like a plain.
“[Idol’s Light]!!”
Clenched into a fist, Mei threw multiple punches, compressing light inside with her might.
Jiang Taigong gathered the flying light orb under his sleeve, wrapping it in motion to return it.
Instantly Mei vanished, leaving Jiang’s eyes in brief confusion.
Grabbing Taigong’s legs was Mei’s hand, reaching from the staff to tug down hard and thrust a kick at his jaw.
Caught trying to grab the foot, Mei pried open his fingers with her toes, pulling his guard open and lunging a blow at his face.
[Idol’s Thunder] shot between her legs.
Briefly grinning from landing a clean hit using the technique of transforming one’s body into mana for extended reach, Mei’s smile faded.
Wiping away blood, Jiang Taigong retaliated by transforming Mei’s leg into [Sacred], exploding with force.
No space for surprise at the abrupt shifts—
Jiang Taigong aimed at Mei navely groveling in midair, left to wonder where the roles had switched.
“[[Elemental Transformation: Gold(金)]]”
Poof─!!!
The remnants of Taigong’s mana transformed into minerals, budding from the kicked spot all over Mei’s body.
Recognizing the half-integration of her body, roots of minerals digging in, she promptly yanked away the [Idol’s Ore]-tainted parts as another [Spell] barreled toward her.
“[[Elemental Transformation: Flame(炎)]]!!”
Boom!!!!
If one didn’t know, one might think a sun had risen in the tier’s center.
The expanding orb consumed itself, swelling in size.
Half-charred, Mei rolled with the remaining limbs’ momentum, reaching the ground.
“[[Forced Mutation]!!]”
Flapping her sleeves, she laid her hands upon the earth, sprouting enormous roots to whirl into a vegetal tide to crush Mei.
Countering with [Idol’s Blaze], she froze the growth inward with [Idol’s Freeze], yet Jiang Taigong was not out of her sight.
The surging element arose from her conjured ice to soar skyward.
“[[Elemental Transformation: Ice]]”
Formed a large element in Jiang Taigong’s hands.
-Oh, Oh no.
-Inari: Block it!!!
-Pirate: Chief!! Unleash flames NOW!!!
-No, damn, not that, right?
-[Shape-shifting] use?! A [Wizard]?!
-No, Taoists mastering nature is like Wizardry indeed…!
“Oraaa──!!”
Compressing mana into a [Mana Core] in her palm by generation, carrying it with [Idol’s Flame], she launched it in a cascade of explosions, blooming fireworks.
She was blocked.
-Pirate: Seems like..upper skill of mine affecting terrain to create an airshiel Seriously.
-Why didn’t you tell the chief?
-Pirate: How was I supposed to know?!
Here it comes.
“[[Elemental Transformation: Flame]]”
Fire clashed with ice.
Compared with Sadako’s, the power, output, and scale were embarrassingly vast.
The immense explosion froze the entire tier with viewers’ screens iced over.
It ignited— flames spread which froze what they touched.
“[Uh─?!]”
In the frosty mist of the blast center, a colossal hand emerged, gripping even Jiang Taigong and elongating to reach the ceiling.
Using maximum [Model Adjust], Mei swelled, exceeding what the ice-bound structure could keep pace with, her gigantic form like a looming giant punching from afar with Jiang Taigong in her fist.
The titan moved in awe, but there was a fine line that traced Mei’s upper body and right eye.
“[Didn’t you also boast sword skills, Wakamou Inarizushi?]”
The ornament gripped in his hand shimmered, the blade of light glowing vividly.
Undoing [Model Adjust] reverted Mei to her size, trying to reattach the cut parts─
[Parts severed by [Jiang Taigong’s Charm] do not regenerate!]
Her fingers severed, rendering one hand unusable, with her other shoulder unsteadied, and Mei could only watch as her independent arm drifted away amid cries.
Oh? Ooooh?
Momentarily locking eyes with a climber battling a monster, Mei’s distraction allowed Jiang Taigong to press down upon her.
Japanese climbers frozen in terror on a white snowfield fighting a demon.
Kicked aside, Mei’s spectacular trajectory dashed over the heads of a party of Chinese climbers engaged in combat.
Fluttering from each tier with flung kicks among climbers of different nations: Russia, battling monsters, as Mei skidded down the ceiling of a musty abandoned factory.
Though the Russian climbers paused to gander, they couldn’t assist.
By then, Jiang Taigong’s comet-like descent was already upon her.
“[….what is that?]”
A Fox Spirit from [Wakamou 3rd Floor] inquired.
Insects scattered, birds fled, and the Fox Spirits were puzzled.
SDVIMVFoanVzY1YwSVhjamMzUkt1Uk1oK0sya3NRU1YxcUQyKzVnbkpjM1FQSlJDSE9jazBuUWFqSjcvZC85Yg
With the camera following behind, the Fox Spirits gathered in the square were baffled, spotting Mei plummeting above them.
But her descent spared them.
Crashing through the [Idol’s Shrine] of [Wakamou 2nd Floor], she tumbled over a praying path while kicking down walls.
“Eek?!”
“What, what is it?”
Shields appeared to protect and isolate startled onlookers from Mei.
Unable to assist, spectators behind an invisible curtain beheld Jiang Taigong emerge confidently from the collapsing Idol’s Shrine.
“[Isn’t this your common tactic?]”
Following his teasing remark, Jiang Taigong vanished rapidly, snatching Mei by the nape from behind.
Thump─!!
Mei smashed against the wall of [Wakamou 1st Floor]’s Idol’s Shrine.
And with the impact directing down from above.
Left alone on a vast open grassy field, Mei sprawled in ruins.
“Ancestor…?!”
From Japan, China, traveling to different towers, tier by tier, to the Korean Tower.
“[Seems you’re mistaken─let me clarify]”
A cheeky intruder, having penetrated to “Wakamou Inarizushi’s realm,” leisurely spoke with hands clasped behind his back.
“[You think you’re the challenger?]”
“Damn alpha male!”
Utilized multiple times in battle, never explicitly claimed as a safe zone.
The boss monster stepping into [My Worlds] made Mei frown.
Opening the portal revealed a view of [Wakamou 1st Floor], not the 98th.
As Jiang Taigong, a [Shape-shifting Wizard], gathered dark whirlwinds atop his hand.
“[No entry to 99th floor, Wakamou Inarizushi. Created many enemies]”
Mei Xiaolongbao’s clone vanished, a re-summoned Mei slumping to reclaim her yellow tracksuit in pieces.
Newly assembled [Idol’s Body] brandishing her sword firmly.
Joining her was Xiao Liang, Liu Ying, and not Sadako—but Ichigo and Mare Pirate, charging to aid, only to be halted by yet another invisible barrier.
Viewing with concern, Mei emulated Wakamou, fueled by determination.
“If blocked by a GOD, even a god may be felled.”
How many skills might be acquired ahead?
Perhaps no more than a few to count.
Yet, it was enough.
Seeking to earn 【VTuber Skills】, Wakamou scales the Tower!!
“You’re the damn head Alpha Male, and I’ll behead you!!!”
“[Let see who gets cut down!!]”
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