“Wow~ Isn’t it fun that our members are participating in the song World Cup?”
Joseph Khan was having a World Cup, including covers and original songs.
Pipkin Mami, famous in America, sang songs familiar even to South Koreans, so her list was particularly long.
They were steadily preparing to invest a huge amount of money to hire various singers and artists to create original songs.
She revealed this on her broadcast, making Joseph casually say he was really looking forward to it with a smile.
“So, when will we collab again? I want to do a climbing collab broadcast, but everyone’s so busy.”
-Turn on the TV to watch it LOL
-Looks like a VTuber character, but it’s not the red pill~
-The only ones with a conscience are the first-generation members LOL
-Adelheid’s expression is so scary, is that right?
“Ahem! Mentioning other climbers during my broadcast is forbidden, forbidden. Didn’t I tell you not to messenger pigeon? I’ll eat you!”
-This is a reward after all~
-I’ll sacrifice it to the White Dragon!
-I think it’ll be tender LOL
-Not junk food?
-You’ll die eating it because of the microplastics LOL
“Everyone, take care of your health, okay? Even as a climber, you can’t cure baldness!”
-Even a tower that revives the dead can’t cure baldness.
-Not dead, but no different from death.
-There’s no salvation for bald people LOL
-[Human] hunting starts like this.
“So, then~ Enjoy our fun song broadcast~ Look forward to Joseph Khan’s second original song soon!”
They really prepared a lot—it’s no joke, it’s true.
This time, they set the order so she wouldn’t be overshadowed by things like the “Pirate” or the Mystery Tower and colleagues.
Lucia was seriously contemplating music as art, even though she had joined before her and was still struggling, so it was better to do it quickly.
After all, she was a young genius artist from Germany.
Of course, it was obvious she’d have overwhelming talent compared to Joseph Khan, who as a soldier was only now stepping into music and dreams.
The only comparably easy one was Pipkin Mami, but she had the freedom to sing joyfully with her own color.
She was an idol who knew how to enjoy singing alone in karaoke without worrying about what others thought.
On the other hand, Joseph Khan’s desire to sing well by any means raised the bar.
Watching VTubers he liked, comparing himself to them, and striving made him more conscious of it.
“Also, I heard that Aoi Asuka-senpai has opened a goods shop in the Russian Tower? Wouldn’t it be fun to duel with cards? I prepared mine in advance~”
Adjusting the camera to show his hands, he displayed the deck made with cards he bought in advance, Joseph’s viewers laughed, asking if this was offline.
There was even a cute meme of the White Dragon earnestly dueling with cards uploaded on the cafe.
Joseph diverted the topic, mentioning that the game was also available online.
“Then, then~ Next is the cafe tour!! I’m happy that there’s a lot of my fanart lately, but they all look alike.”
Before seriously starting the game, Joseph Khan warmed up a bit by checking out the cafe.
There were either glasses coming up or a White Dragon appearance, but very little fanart of Joseph Khan himself.
Still, his steady song broadcasts, general game broadcasts, and hardworking physical broadcasts drew more fans.
He was gaining somewhat of a cult-like popularity(?), so among the initial generation, he had the most subscribers.
Yet, why did he seem to have the least presence amongst the initial members?
‘Ah, I want to do a climbing broadcast quickly~’
If he showed the [Skill] he obtained from the 200x 100th-floor reward, the fans would all love it, thinking our White Dragon is the best, right?
As an idol with glamorous performances… as a climber with elegant strength… a super idol combining all those!!
“Ehehe….”
-Our White Dragon is daydreaming again.
-Every time I hear his silly laughter, my heart aches….
-He sings about wanting to do a concert…
-I’m so heartbroken.
-Don’t cry, Aoji Khan…
-Our Genghis Khan is the best.
-Hang in there, Genghis Khan….
-You can become the next Watame!
-You guys, call him by his name LOL
-No-frame glasses Khan…!!
-Shinpachi!!
-Naniwa’s Schumacher!!
-Oh, you pesky brats LOL
The White Dragon broadcast where people gather to tease Joseph Khan or sympathize with him.
She soon pulled herself together, deciding which group collab game to choose for fun with the viewers, continuing the game from the last time.
Fighting games were good, FPS games were fine, but the last-man-standing or cooperative games were usually the most fun.
While opening a room on a first-come-first-served basis and waiting, a donation flew to her.
[Enemy☆Controller sponsored 1,000 won]
-Are you aware, Yo-Yo, that Ichigo has made a membership broadcast available for free today?
“Eh? Really? Did the final chapter of the Seoul Capture come out?”
She knew it hadn’t been fully strategized yet; they must have recorded it before.
Initially, it was the zeroth generation that were to gather and act, so she didn’t mind if they did it without her.
But she had to watch the broadcasts of her peers, so let’s all watch together as she moved the mouse over to Ichigo’s live channel.
“Oops? Pipkin Mami and Asuka-senpai are broadcasting too? Should I ask for a collab……oops?”
-LOL LOL LOL
-LOL LOL
-LOL LOL LOL
-The broadcast title LOL
[Pipkin Mami is broadcasting! [Adventures in the Catacombs with Wakamou Corporation members]]
[Aoi Asuka is broadcasting! [Zeroth and First Generation Joint Membership Broadcast Begins─!!]]
“????”
-Ah, the expression LOL
-Don’t make such a clueless face LOL
-Are you seriously the only one not getting the situation?
Seeing the broadcast titles, Joseph Khan blinked in a dumbfounded manner, watching Asuka, Pipkin Mami, and Hajime Ichigo moving together on the screen.
Her expression was so foolish that the viewers collectively held their stomachs with laughter.
It was a face exclusively unique to those with an intelligence stat of zero, with unnecessarily pure, shining eyes that had a special power to make people split their sides with laughter.
[Hajime Ichigo is broadcasting! [Hajime Ichigo Membership─’Italian Hell On Catacombs’ with All The Zeroth and First Generation Members!!]]
-Hey!! Iobung!! Why didn’t you join the collab!!
-Can’t… Assassin. Kahn won’t come.
-Forget it Asuka, it may be better for him not to come….
-Iosif is probably the weakest among us…!
-Such is life.
-Ah Chadham LOL
-No, really why didn’t you go, Iobung!!
Crash!!
Bam!!
Thud!!
Clatter!!
As the virtual character tilted to one side and stopped moving, the urgent sound of a door being slammed could be heard through the microphone.
Ascending the stairs hurriedly, scurrying around the house, and contacting somewhere via phone, Joseph Khan.
It was understandable that Wakamou, Mare Pirate, and Adolf Lucia, being busy fighting in the arena, weren’t answering.
But Asuka, Mami, and Ichigo???? Why did they go to the Italian catacombs???
Seeing a black person he didn’t know, along with Robert standing in place, made Joseph Khan tremble with frustration.
“Waaahhhhhhhh──!!”
-This is the world’s saddest performance starting.
-The wailing of a dragon is always the loudest.
-Listen world! Joseph Khan is here!!
-Iobung… don’t cry…!!
-Hey!! Kim Bbung!! Watch my broadcast instead!!!
-How about doing some commentary??
-Let’s add some background music.
-Ah, those costs prevented adding White Dragon to the deck.
-Ah LOL That’s it LOL
-It’s a fate destined for scam cards, can’t be helped.
-Dragons are OP smh…
※※※
Catacomb.
Known as the ancient Roman underground catacombs─The most famous is probably “The Catacombs of Paris.”
In Italy, wouldn’t the ghost town Poveglia be more famous?
Though it hosted the Vatican─the Papacy, and Rome exists there.
The camera shows the VTuber’s appearance as it gets off a plane landing at an Italian airport.
With Wakamou absent, Asuka was using her [Internet Connection] and [Camera Manipulation] skills to film.
No one would have imagined she’d use the skills taught to her for such situations, Wakamou wouldn’t either.
“Call me Codename Morpheus.”
“Then I’d prefer Indiana Jones.”
“Shall we go?”
The whispering buzz of onlookers was calmly ignored as Pipkin Mami led the way.
Covered in [VTuber Skin] gear sold by the Russian [Tower Lord] that cast illusions, it was natural to attract attention.
Walking with twin-tails reaching down to the ankles in a cosplay young lady outfit isn’t easily overlooked.
As Asuka hindered others from filming using their cameras, Oracle led the group as their guide.
“I foresaw it in the future, but you know there are regular meetings within the [Six-Legged Beast], right?”
“Yes, I know.”
“There a second-generation Angel and the seventh Saint will attend. While fighting against the giant entity Vatican, the [Six-Legged Beast] was the only choice, but now there’s another one.”
“This won’t drag us into troublesome matters, would it?”
Pipkin Mami adjusted her shades and fastened her seatbelt as she got into the car along with Ichigo asking Oracle.
His foresight had been interrupted by the [Black Tower], but it didn’t change the constant involvement with an [Idol].
Whether for better or worse, it was best to resolve it as something troublesome can happen to the boss.
In addition, hadn’t there been rumors that the Vatican acquired data about monster experiments scientists in Russia researched?
Even if they might get caught in annoying matters, it’s necessary to ascertain it before things escalate.
Having the help of related parties would certainly smooth things out more easily.
As Mami lit a cigarette, she pressed the car’s accelerator and took off.
“How on earth does the Master do this?”
Inserting images in real-time, embedding BGM, and operating the camera to film the departing car.
Even while broadcasting, Asuka additionally explained it was simultaneously a long-take broadcast for membership, inserting videos introducing the cast.
Pipkin Mami burst into laughter as she adjusted her sunglasses, giving an imposing gesture, while Oracle in a flowing black coat displayed his fitting form.
After him, an unusually plump Indiana Jones rolled agilely through ruins in the ensuing scenes.
Beyond mere spectacle, the explosive action portended a hyperbole in the early display of visual aesthetics.
Proceeding with scenes of Aoi Asuka operating a computer and Pipkin Mami showcasing hard-boiled skills whilst driving, a 5-minute sequence of Hajime Ichigo prepping with red glowing eyes in the darkness—donning ballistic vests, masks, and arming herself with weaponry—followed in vivid portrayal.
Finally, the membership broadcast’s title was boldly stamped across the screen in large letters.
『Italian Hell On Catacombs』
Vroom─!!
As the title rolled up, rough car engine sounds accompanied the passing views of the Italian cityscape.
Scenes of daily life in harmony with a tower soaring unnaturally within the cityscape.
Following closely, the camera showcased the grandeur of the Vatican where the Papacy resided, ascending toward the sky.
Then timed precisely, the party’s arrival ensued, stepping out of the vehicle.
“Hey, what are we even being chased by?”
“Could this be a broadcaster’s fate prior to being a VTuber….?”
“Alright, alright, rendezvous point is in this building’s basement. Be cautious of many prying eyes.”
“With Asuka cloaked by shamanism, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
[Mana] is overpowered by [Sacred] qualities─ [Shamanism] possesses notable peculiar interactions.
Explaining this point, [Shamanism], significantly impacting life force, could overwhelm ordinary [Clerics].
Conversely, in Wakamou’s case, even 10,000 shamans attacking couldn’t deal 1 point of damage—a pitiful situation—but let’s move on for now.
Carefully descending into an abandoned building that seemed as if no one would visit it.
As Oracle struggled open a rusty steel door reminiscent of an intentionally fabricated construct, the [Catacomb] revealed itself before them.
Not expecting to directly connect to a catacomb underground, they proceeded without relaxing their guard.
Ultimately, deep within the basement, women awaited them and greeted their arrival.
The women who were there greeted them.
One of them was the 7th generation Saint, renowned in the Vatican, and the being with angel wings and a halo above its head was a 2nd generation Legendary Class and simultaneously the 2nd generation [Angel].
In the cramped room without any space to sit, Ichigo, the leader-like figure, approached and sat on a chair, making eye contact with them.
The angel slightly flinched at her terrifying red eyes, but the Saint recited her lines without a change in expression.
“You must be Hajime Ichigo, the leader of FOX Team, known for being able to assassinate even the Pope of the Vatican.”
The Oracle silently gave a thumbs up from behind, signaling that it was the best.
It was a performance pre-arranged before their arrival.
The Saint, whose emotions were complex at the thought of this serious situation being part of a VTuber Broadcast, was silent for a moment, collecting her thoughts before speaking.
“──Where should I begin? The part about being the 7th generation despite all the Saint’s faces being the same? Or should I talk about the [Angel], akin to you, Pipkin Mami, born as a [Psychic]?”
“We’re professionals. We’re here to fulfill the request regarding the [Idol]. Handle personal matters on your own.”
Ichigo cut off the Saint’s words firmly.
It was clear to anyone that there were shady conspiracies and suspicious activities behind the Vatican.
Pipkin Mami, pondering over the mention of herself and the [Angel], wondered if the Vatican was plotting, just like those [Guardians] did with the 【Sub-Class】.
The [Pucelle (Saint)], who found Ichigo’s professional decisiveness amusing, smiled, saying the root of all these events wasn’t that long ago.
“The Vatican obtained data on Russia’s mad scientist’s 【Monster Transformation Research】. It doesn’t matter if it was through the [Six Legged Beast] or the [Guardian], does it?”
Having acquired it ultimately, the Saint finally gazed at Pipkin Mami.
“Do you know that every Monster has a [Class]? Even a mere slime has the [Slime] class.”
“For reference, that 【Legendary Class】 was killed by the [Guardian], you know.”
“Why does such a class even exist?”
To the bewildered Ichigo, the Saint said it was significant that they could grant [Class] to ordinary people by using the method of transforming into a [Monster].
She simply explained about the plan to artificially create an existence like [Angel] to foster global [Faith].
“In the Vatican’s underground, experiments continued to create [Angel]. In the process, they found a more stable method to promote Climber to 【Sub-Class】, using a blood transfusion method like some organization.”
“Shit.”
With bad memories surging, Pipkin Mami took out a cigarette.
The angel covered in bandages was a class killed by the 1st generation [Guardian].
The Vatican was aware of their existence, and the Climber who held only pure faith was betrayed in the worst way possible.
“To counter the growing power of Idols creating Climbers, the Vatican made God’s army─[Angel]. That plan was going smoothly under the surface, until the appearance of the 【214th Idol】.”
Suddenly one day, with no warning or sign, the Pope was chosen by the 【Tower】.
The announcement of the birth of 【Companion】 in a world in chaos with the appearance of the tower led him to become a 【Legendary Class】.
“The tower is the path to God. A trial bestowed by God. A chance for salvation given by God to humans. ──Too much faith can sometimes be poison. Excessive belief can lead to sanctimoniousness.”
Thus, the Saint laughed, saying the future creation of the “8th generation” was “canceled.”
──Wanting to live longer isn’t greed, is it?
Finding her face beautiful, she chuckled softly and excused herself, lighting a cigarette.
“Sitting at the most sacred seat, opposing [Sacred] more than anyone else. 【Companion】 turning into a pain, on the brink of death. Can’t die so absurdly, searching for a way out, but monsters started crawling out from underground. That’s the task at hand.”
“Hey, Morpheus. This story doesn’t match what we’ve heard, does it?”
As Ichigo reached for the gun on her waist and looked back at him, he, sweating, said that [Prophecy] and [Request] contents can differ.
“His words are true. Normally a matter for the Vatican to handle. Mr. [Oracle] was related to the [Idol], so they hired you, the leader of FOX Team. If the Pope turns to black ash and perishes, they might think of it as divine punishment?”
Understood.
Ichigo nodded, understanding.
“The ancient ones sleeping under Italy are reacting to the [Idol] and rising. The Pope can’t get caught using the Vatican’s underground as a laboratory. He confidently descended to solve matters with his newly acquired [Idol] power but was targeted. Imagine his face then.”
“What’s down there in the basement?”
“That’s for you to find out as the task.”
Smiling brightly, the Saint opened the path leading to the underground, saying it didn’t matter as long as it benefited the [Idol].
She handed over the underground map obtained by sending Paladins, expressing much expectation and asking them to finish as quickly as possible.
The surge of monsters from Italy’s underground began when the current Pope advanced to [Idol].
That what had been dormant was breaking the walls of the catacombs and moving upwards due to the [Idol] was a surprise.
Remembering the story of the Pope fleeing with his tail between his legs, told with amusement by the Saint, Ichigo checked her weapons.
“FOX Team, Operation Commence.”
“OK, leave it to us. We’re pros.”
“Asuka will light the torch.”
“Oooh, such an adventure makes my heart race. Having a guy doesn’t cause problems with the broadcast, does it?”
“””No, it doesn’t.”””
“Whoops.”
……
….
[2025/7/5 Rome Catacomb Underground, Italy]
A green text displayed in the screen corner.
And at the eerie place filled skull-to-wall, four fully armed individuals were looking into the darkness.
Eventually, [Morpheus (Oracle)] materialized in front of them along with a translucent window.
“[Ah, I’ll assist while looking at the map from this side. According to my prophecy, there is something related to the [Idol] in this underground. The awakening of monsters was caused by the Pope’s advance to [Idol]. ──If left alone, the Pope would self-destruct due to the companion nature of the Vatican. Our task is to descend to the bottom while minimizing engagement with underground Paladins. Got it, Neo?]”
“Aye aye, and it’s Pipkin Mami, not Neo. FOX Team’s leader is Ichigo, okay?”
“[─Hehe, I am Veronica, the 7th Saint. I can bestow [God’s Blessing] upon you all at any time. But it’s a bit consuming, so only up to 3 times.]”
“Is there cooldown? Or does it cost a lot of sacred energy?”
“[Casting a skill consumes my [Lifespan].]”
“Oh.”
Ichigo apologized, regretting asking, and pointed her gun forward, advancing.
What kind of Legendary Class allows casting skills at the cost of [Lifespan]?
Does climbing the tower extend lifespan? Or is there 【Some Higher Advancement】 involved?
But unfortunately, there is no “higher class” for a Legendary Class.
It might open up someday, but…
“By the way, if this goes out as a broadcast, won’t it cause trouble for the Saint?”
“Rather than that, wouldn’t the Vatican burning be the first concern?”
“Asuka thinks of this as karma. Trust the Master.”
“Didn’t President Wakamou say worship is prohibited?”
– Ahaha, this is all just “settings,” you know? Haha
– No one getting excited over the membership broadcast, right?
– Isn’t it just fine to watch and enjoy?
– Wow, it’s really an ominous conspiracy.
– If you read even just a year of Nobel Pia web novels, you could anticipate this storyline.
– Yeah, yeah, another Holy Country tale. These guys are the root of all evil.
– LOL
– Whoa, but it’s dark as hell…
Checking on [Friends] in chat responding, Ichigo continued following the memorized map, descending further into the catacomb underground.
So far, numerous Paladins and Clerics have been sent, but none have returned.
Moreover, sneaking in was challenging, as Paladins were originally guarding the pathway monsters were ascending from.
However, for FOX Team, descending through a separate route discovered by [Oracle]’s foreknowledge, it wasn’t a huge issue.
The question of what awaited in the subterranean depths of the catacomb loomed before them as they continued.
Being cautious about what might lurk in the shadows, they kept advancing through the tunnel.
And how far had they descended?
“……Something’s here.”
When Ichigo, sensing something, kicked a stone, a ripple went through the empty void, swallowing the pebble.
Asuka summoned a Fire Fox Witch to attach a camera and sent it ahead for reconnaissance.
“….Seems like the entrance of the tower.”
“What?”
“It doesn’t look like we’re on the regular route.”
“Well, obviously. Isn’t it just another tunnel dug by lost idiots? Mr. Indiana Jones, what do you think?”
“Hmm, since we can escape at any time, why not give it a go?”
With no intention of turning back, the group boldly stepped into the tower’s inner realm.
What unfolded before them was a gigantic 【Labyrinth】.
With torches hanging from every wall and paths so long and complicated it was impossible to predict where they led, it truly appeared as a massive puzzle.
“[This is Morpheus. Watching over from behind the screen. I will determine the shortest path via [Precognition], so please wait.]”
“Hey, are you friends seeing this?”
– Yes, visible.
– Wow, shit. What is this??
– Truly awesome.
– Isn’t it extremely dangerous?
– But is this chat also included in the membership broadcast??
– LOL
– Who knows~?
《Entered the Tower of Ascension》
– Reach the [■■] at the summit.
– There’s no existing record of [■■], making it inaccessible.
– Those who fulfill conditions can “evolve” into [Heroic Spirit].
※ Caution – The tower entered is sealed and in preparation for reactivation.
[Executioner] roams the tower for offerings.
Greater rewards await those who dare.
※ Caution – All traps are activated by 38 offerings.
Offerings─it clearly meant sacrifices, didn’t it?
Does it suggest that 38 climbers who entered this place have died?
Ichigo silently examined the corpse leaning against the maze wall.
Even after countless years, the perfectly preserved corpse was assessed as a [Highest Grade Material] by the [Alchemist]’s eyes.
His whole body composed of Mana resembled the state of the president.
“….Looks like he was pierced by Gazers or something.”
And the hole engraved on his chest resonated the hunting style they were known for.
A monster that ridiculously ignored defenses and pierced through to instakill.
Ichigo, who didn’t expect to encounter Gazers again among Monsters climbers encounter atop the tower, was conflicted in many ways.
“[─Oh, by the way, were they called [Human]? The [Blessing] they used is similar to the buff I provide. Almost invincible.]”
“You could’ve told us earlier.”
Mami sniped at the Saint’s explanation.
With [Lifespan] as the cost, it had to deliver such effects.
Listening to the Saint’s story, the group gazed at the distorted space of the Labyrinth’s interior.
Corpses lay scattered everywhere.
“─The whole place is booby-trapped.”
And being an [Alchemist], Ichigo quickly saw through all the strangeness in the corridor and startled.
She gingerly tossed a grenade from her belt, and the floor opened with a whoosh as stones fell from above, slamming down.
With an explosive boom, rotten corpses’ blood splattered through the gaps and flowed down the hallway.
And with that explosion, footsteps began sounding from all directions.
They were coming.
With screaming cries that seemed to tear the ears, monsters were coming.
“Asuka just remembered something! Should I say it?”
“…..Tell us. What is it?”
“I think I didn’t turn off the gas.”
– Read the chat first, LOL
– Don’t ignore till the end, Asuka!!
– Oh, our dear one.
– Too far to reach.
– Even if you shout into her ear, it probably won’t be heard.
– LOL
“I’m a first-year student too──!!!”
An unfortunate white dragon’s sorrowful cry from watching the broadcast didn’t reach the dungeon.
Joseph Khan, switching off the broadcast, flew off to Italy.
The urgent pursuit forged by the second kicked off.
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