“Huhah… It’s melting… I can’t understand how 【Tower Lord】 can be so different…”
The [Mediator] grumbled as they soaked lazily in the hot springs at the Russian Tower.
As soon as they arrived, they were welcomed with a special discount VVIP card, showing how different their attitude was.
“Special treatment might seem unfair─but that’s how the world works.”
It wasn’t unusual for a [Tower] to bribe a [Mediator] to gain their favor.
Since each tower had its own personality and characteristics depending on the land it was situated, it was rather curious that they only now started giving bribes.
“Still, the more I think about it, the more absurd it is.”
The [Mediator] wasn’t particularly interested in the personal affairs of the climbers.
As someone who maintains balance, they imposed rules on themselves to avoid crossing any lines.
The [American Tower] was always on guard, but the [Vatican Tower] was truly unexpected.
Being an elite that purely devoted itself to its duties as a tower by creating companions, saints, and champions.
In any case, due to such incidents, they gathered information on Wakamou Inarizushi through the [Korean Tower].
The South Korean government had already erased records deliberately, and the Korean Tower had filled in [Wakamou Inarizushi] in the section for the real name of the climber.
It seemed like they wouldn’t be afflicted by any curses, knowing their true name was only known to the individual themselves.
Among all this, the standout issue was the Idol (VTuber).
The Korean Tower had insisted on creating something unprecedented and ended up producing an unmatched piece of garbage.
I mean… still…. with regards to job balance or some semblance of fairness, from the [Mediator’s] perspective, this class was excessively subpar.
Even a [Maid] had a skill like [Knife Throwing], but this Idol didn’t even have that.
How is the combat style about overwhelming mana output at the cost of lifespan, pressing down on opponents?
The [Mediator] steadied their dizzy mind and continued reading on Wakamou’s information, noting their history of brawling down 12 gangsters alone and even beating up school bullies during their student days, as well as rebellious seniors in the army, and groaned at the formidable record.
It was debatable whether to call them a natural-born fighter or more beast than human.
“The VTuber red pill is taboo. Not a word, even at the cost of life.”
They decided to bury it for good, for fear of triggering some rage switch transforming into a super Idol God Wakamou.
“Can’t believe it even when I think about it again.”
They weren’t of a special lineage, nor an alien, nor someone who had returned from the distant future or reincarnated from another world.
Due to the incident caused by the 【Vatican Tower】, they thought the [Korean Tower] might have brought an Idol or something sealed from somewhere, but they turned out to be an ordinary civilian before becoming a climber!!
Who would believe it if they said they were a common otaku enjoying hobbies healthily, living without any interest in towers or climbing stuff?
The [Mediator] had looked into it with suspicion that the Korean Tower might have hidden or stolen something.
Yes, the Korean Tower lacks the intelligence to manipulate or hide anything.
It was too simple-minded, grinning foolishly as it handed over whatever was asked of it.
It was a tower without stats, just like its climber having no stats……
Shouldn’t it invest some of its [Cost]?
“Anyway, I’ll have some free time….. Might as well pay back the borrowed money from the Russian Tower and earn some tower coins?”
The structure of a tower always favors latecomers.
Pioneers barely have ways to earn tower coins and end up sighing.
Despite the many tower coins given to [Mediator] by the [Korean Tower] to relieve stress, it felt excessive for [Mediator] to use alone.
Even with a VVIP discount, they were practically swimming in money.
“……But, it feels like I’m forgetting something? Hmm….”
Indulging in drinks and delicious food, the mediator let it slip from their mind.
…..
…
“So, what does it take to enhance the performance of a 【Legendary Class】?”
[Korean Tower says we need a lot more Cost!]
“Right, we need to earn money now!!”
“[Um, should I be included in this?]”
The Russian Tower Lord blinked insecurely between Inari Fox Deity and Wakamou.
As soon as the [Mediator] announced a visit to the Russian Tower, Wakamou immediately ordered the tower lord to give the mediator a VVIP discount ticket.
Thanks to this, she was experiencing a loss and was even complaining in real time about the continuous loss.
But Wakamou persuaded her with a devilish smile, promising a “turnaround victory.”
Even though the tower lord had many complaints, they didn’t feel confident in defeating Wakamou, so they sat and listened.
“Now, looking at recent updates, [Towers that ignore restrictions and allow entry] have been added. These are mostly places with small countries or low populations. In another case, other towers may not have climbers due to several reasons─So these towers find themselves in astonishingly similar situations. Does anyone know the answer?”
“Are those countries poor?”
“That’s also a good guess, but no. Nyangbyeok! Do you have another answer?”
“[Uh─ are there no climbers?]”
“Exactly!! Goodness, Nyangsik! Your perfectly awesome answer just ripped apart my shirt!”
Was there a need to tear his top? The Russian Tower lord gritted her teeth.
Inari Fox Deity frowned, telling him to move his tank away.
“So, why are there no climbers? That’s because the tower cannot create climbers due to its environment!! They need outside climbers!! Creating climbers requires Cost!! So we end up in this vicious cycle!”
[Korean Tower is astonished by intelligence!]
“To think Wakamou knows tower economy so well, even though he’s not a tower lord.”
Inari Fox Deity, attending the discussion as a delegate of the Japanese Tower, was genuinely curious about how Wakamou, not being a tower lord, knew all these things.
Both a climber and at the same time the bottom of the hierarchy.
But as a pro at training, 【Idol】, Wakamou proposed a mega 【Project】 on a whiteboard.
“Creating ingenious plans is what being a VTuber is all about!!! Listen well! Fun plans = More viewers = More income!! Every problem in the world can be resolved by inserting VTuber!! The invincible all-purpose miracle theory!!”
The first step was for [Korean Tower] to lend the insanely abundant [Cost] they had to other towers.
In return for lending, it was the [Korean Tower’s] job to secure entry rights to the tower for [East Asia Alliance] climbers.
Here, Wakamou firmly stated that Costs shouldn’t just be lent without conditions.
“The more climbers a tower has, the higher the interest; fewer climbers mean lower interest for loans.”
[Korean Tower worries it might suffer losses.]
“True, they might just not borrow.”
“Hence, we tell them the opening promotion involves an interest discount. Weak towers would be lent at no interest!! By rapidly creating climbers and earning back Costs, they’ll repay!! Of course, caution must be exercised to prevent climbers from leaking to other places, but that part should be considered by the borrowing tower.”
Failing to repay was structurally impossible for towers! In the event of bankruptcy due to accumulated interest, Wakamou would whisper to make it a subordinate of the Japanese Tower.
“Heheh… Master! What should I do?!”
Inari Fox Deity, flashing a sinister smile, was told to wait, as haste makes waste.
“Just making them believe they would suffer a loss if they delay borrowing is enough. And once they borrow and start creating many climbers and earning Costs, they’ll wonder if they could borrow a little more. Here’s where the Russian Tower comes in.”
“[Me?]”
“You hire climbers eager to earn tower coins to sell goods. Charge them higher prices, including transportation. It’ll attract more climbers to buy directly.”
“[Uh…I suppose.]”
“Here, as climbers’ visits increase, we begin 【Tower Coin】 loans.”
If a tower borrowed [Costs] from the Korean Tower, the climbers would borrow [Tower Coins] from the Korean Tower.
This insane strategy was possible only because the Korean Tower recklessly accumulated resources and rarely spent them.
“Adjust the interest rates based on how much climbing was done. Climbers who’ve climbed more have lower interest rates. Why? Because pioneers have a tough structure to earn 【Tower Coins】 owing to high difficulty, even if the tower is cleared and reset. You see, there’re many upper-tier climbers doing different jobs to earn tower coins instead of climbing, leading to parked climbing levels.”
[Korean Tower makes a startled realization from the graph!]
“[Oh─ that’s right? Given the difficulty of climbing, they’re supplying tower coins through other means.]”
“There are many climbers who wish to create 【Partners】. They said additional features could be added with sufficient Costs, right?”
Before other tower representatives, Wakamou told the Russian Tower lord to borrow [Costs].
Although the tower lord was perplexed to borrow Costs even without interest since they were already at a loss, it highlighted how abundant Costs were for the Korean Tower. Once someone begins and starts earning money through commerce, others would be inclined to join.
“Make it [Golems] for a robotic vibe. Also, sell [Mounts] separately. Remember how we lacked mobility against angels last time? As tower mechanisms increase, they’ll need these, right? Use borrowed Costs to create those.”
“[And repaying it…?]”
“Set up a store in the Russian Tower’s structure for 【Tower Coin】 loans. Here’s the crucial part─ and the most important aspect is.”
──[Adult Mode] unlock should not be purchasable with loaned tower coins.
At that one statement out of Wakamou’s mouth, the Russian Tower lord was flabbergasted.
Regardless of gender─ many tailored their partners for such purposes(?), was he tricking people to borrow tower coins for it?!
Wakamou was unabashed, suggesting they simply write in the contract that specific items can’t be purchased with loaned tower coins.
Adding that nobody bothers to read contracts carefully these days, he smirked like a devil.
“Unfairness!! After climbing so hard to be left behind…!! Such individuals… need rewards, tower lord…. Lending them without interest is how you earn their climbs. Our East Asia Alliance Towers must be beloved entities. Especially, to earn money!!”
He didn’t forget to mention placing 【Fragment of Babel】 on the non-purchasable list.
Show a lengthy list if anyone asks was his additional advice.
“It’s insane you can even gamble with tower coins at a casino!? Unreal…! Why do they even do that…? A foolish act leading to ruin… gambling!!”
Yet ultimately, climbers need 【Tower Coins】.
Upon reaching this point, once climbers earn the right to climb towers in other countries, they check the towers’ information and venture.
At this juncture, Wakamou said there is now a need to train climbers to Inari Fox Deity.
“Going forward, construct towers ranging from 30 to 50 floors in Japan. As you know, 100-floor towers are too daunting. On the other hand, shorter floors have minimal burdens, and when one tower is conquered, they move to climb another.”
Of course, the difficulty increases equally, but with Wakamou continuing to generate more climbers, towers became numerous which was advantageous.
Whether it’s to climb towers quickly, stalls due to tower height, or because companions are necessary for climbing── 【Tower Coins】 are bound to find individuals for whatever reason.
“And here we rip off climbers climbing the tower with Costs, and then gouge tower coins off climbers ascending the tower…!!”
Truly villainous….!!
The Russian Tower lord slightly wet himself..!!
It was a structure that inflated money with more money. Wakamou devilishly laughed, stating the world always operates like this.
In hindsight, he recalled the Korean Tower was a former stockbroker, but refrained from mentioning it.
I remembered that he was a guy, but I didn’t bother to mention it.
“We should be givers. A king never fights a losing battle. Master of the Russian Tower… you still have a long way to go. You need to make the Towers and Climbers extend their hands themselves!”
By offering costs to the Towers and creating Climbers, even those Climbers that Wakamou created gain entry rights and visit to climb the Towers.
Where would they spend the Tower Coins they earn? The Russian Tower is the most famous and the largest.
They even planned to borrow [Cost] from the Korean Tower for a massive expansion, so they had no competition to speak of.
If the [Tower Coin Loan] feature gets unlocked at that point, how many Climbers would swarm in?
Upper Climbers would gain a way to earn Tower Coins in one go, and lower Climbers would have options to climb advantageously from the start.
Now, in Japan, new Towers with 30-50 floors would appear, allowing them to climb with ease.
Climbing up, if someone reaches the top first and clears it, they just switch to another Tower when the entry restriction lifts.
The increase in difficulty is dictated by floors, but the strategy of clearing Towers plays a bigger role, making this approach more convenient.
“We provide the Towers with a chance to grow and offer an opportunity to resolve inequality for the Climbers. We don’t force them to borrow. It’s enough to sit elegantly. The Korean Tower knows well, doesn’t it?”
Could there be any Tower as desperate as the Korean Tower?
Wakamou whispered, “Look at yourself.” Remember the thrill and relief of choosing oneself as a Climber.
Just give a slight push to create Climbers for other Towers, and maybe a Climber like Wakamou could emerge.
Surviving a torturous ordeal and the ensuing reversal of fortune—how sweet would that be?
The Korean Tower knew that feeling well and grinned, showing its gums.
Wakamou showed her how much could be earned by borrowing costs for the Towers and Tower Coins for Climbers while minimizing their interest, and the Russian Tower master chuckled.
No—she was relieved, her eyes glazed with rapture, certain she’d made the best choice as the leading player.
The Japanese Tower laughed, excited by imagining how to feed on Towers that couldn’t repay their debts.
“[The Vatican Tower is really pathetic. Earning more from raising one good Climber than enduring for 11 years. Truly insane!!]”
“But what about the China Tower?”
“Who cares?”
“Not wrong…”
And so began the Cost & Tower Coin Loan business.
At first, the Towers’ reactions were lukewarm, questioning its existence, but seeing the Russian Tower borrow a lot of Cost to expand commercially as a money-making opportunity during an opening day event convinced several Towers to borrow and raise Climbers.
The Korean Tower, promoting itself with the slogan [You too might get a Climber like Wakamou Inarizushi], presented contracts with an innocent smile. ──They weren’t intending to kill all the Towers, and the interest rates weren’t particularly high.
Ultimately, the benefit went to the Korean Tower regardless.
To Wakamou’s Believers, a notification popped up that they gained free entry to Towers in other countries, and though they were puzzled, they were pleased and visited.
“Screeee!!! Unlock the breeding!!!”
“Finally got a Partner!!”
“Are you really selling Spectral Horses? Can’t resist that.”
“Wow, turning a Golem into a robot form is insane”
“Ugh… It was hard to earn Tower Coins, but this opportunity…”
On the other hand, the Tower Coin loans were met with lots of noise, but the Climbers who bought Partners first were mostly latecomers.
The forerunners were just grateful they could even buy Partners.
Even though they grumbled if it was fair or not…everything else was purchasable, so the complaints didn’t last long.
Meanwhile, the Russian Tower master officially nurtured the Tower to create places for mining minerals or hunting Monsters, building a system to earn Tower Coins.
Climbers worked diligently to repay the borrowed Tower Coins against their conscience, producing [Cost] in the process, causing the corners of the Russian Tower master’s mouth to nearly reach her ears.
And─ among them, some Climbers boldly entered casinos to gamble.
Those who hit the jackpot cheered, and Climbers flocked like moths to a flame following their example.
“They’re falling apart, falling apart indeed, why on earth do it? Foolishly leading to ruin… gambling!”
Watching the pitiful Climbers while sipping wine, Wakamou shook his head in pity.
He thought about earning Tower Coins through diligent climbing like himself, not resorting to gambling…
The loans were instead intended to foster the growth of Climbers, and Wakamou had carefully considered this. Lower Climbers cleared the Towers quickly and repaid, and upper Climbers could repay without overexerting themselves.
It was designed to vent the frustration of not giving the forerunners 【Tower Coins】, which Wakamou too had experienced, and didn’t want to inflict on his Believers.
In considering difficult climbs, he also asked the Russian Tower master to increase ways to earn [Tower Coins].
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“But what happens to Climbers who default and declare bankruptcy?”
The Japanese Tower insisted they’d handle it well after consulting with the Russian Tower master.
Well, it’d be taken care of somehow, Wakamou brushed it off.
…
Mind clearing and realizing…
I am in hell………..!
A bottom unknown beneath the ground……….
I found myself in a forced labor facility, home to the dead………!
A subterranean workhouse where Climbers fell bankrupt after borrowing too many Tower Coins.
Climbers there became unfortunate souls forced to do all sorts of odd jobs.
From categorizing [Items] to processing simple materials, engaged in basic manual labor so the [Russian Tower] managed Items more swiftly and conveniently.
Some Climbers lamented they’d never expected to do warehouse jobs even after becoming Climbers.
Regular Climbers could earn Tower Coins working at 1st-floor part-timers or in several extra facilities like Wakamou Land.
At least they faced no coercion and enjoyed the freedom to do what they wanted.
This was the underground workhouse conceived by the Japanese Tower.
Besides the forced-arrival bankrupt Climbers, it was also a place for those voluntarily choosing to work.
Of course, they were treated very differently─ but at least, everyone was compensated equally, which in a way, could be deemed equitable.
Within the forced labor environment where interest thankfully froze during work, “slave” Climbers couldn’t even go out.
Amid this, [Tower Climbing] was possible, so during breaks after work, some Climbers dedicated themselves to training for quick repayment and release.
In a sense, it was closer to a rehab center discouraging gambling activities.
Equipped with three meals a day, hot springs, and a luxury training room, the most lavish workhouse even had a convenience store.
Although it sold all manner of goods… they could only be purchased with 【Tower Coins】, which was a fatal flaw!!
An unexpected trap awaited those Climbers who resisted temptation, diligently labored, and climbed Towers to earn their way out.
And the Mediator working there took off her safety helmet, cracking a cold beer.
“Ah! Toil and drink, this is good~”
The [Mediator] being provided with a luxurious personal room as VVIP─ even enjoyed free access to all convenience store products!!
As she indulged in snacks alone, her ostentation brought tears to the Climbers’ eyes as they grudgingly utilized the convenience store.
Why does she enjoy free goods?
She had borrowed a massive amount of Tower Coins from the Korean Tower!!
It was interest-free, so there was no hurry in repaying, but she was a Mediator working to repay it.
The luxurious personal room offered for her was in the underground workhouse.
Yes, the fact was she wasn’t even laboring there.
She became a means of inciting “slaves” to spend Tower Coins!!
Incidentally, putting in the convenience store was a suggestion from the [Korean Tower].
That Tower found a Climber of its own.
…..
So sending the [Mediator] to the underground workhouse (?) Wakamou and the Korean Tower were pondering.
“Korean Tower, I had a great idea.”
[What might it be this time, Wakamou?]
“There’s no Mediator to stop us here─ let’s snag the Legendary Class.”
Accordingly, I don’t advance my career.
Wakamou was scheming once again.
He was keen on promoting a TCG shop recently, so he decided to create a class involving [cards].
It’d be a combat type using [Mana] as a resource, summoning like a Summoner through cards.
The key here was that once used, the card would disappear.
Additionally, specific items would be introduced, like packs storing used cards or systems where accumulating cards raised stats.
[Where do they inquire about acquiring cards once used?]
“You buy card packs with Tower Coins”
The very definition of a devilish statement…!!
Even the Korean Tower shivered with chills…!!
“Moreover, just pirate the card themes from the plentiful card games worldwide, they’ll do.”
[The Korean Tower asks if that’s appropriate]
“Who else is there to protest anyway?
Truly, who?
There’s only oneself in the Legendary Class, so who are you arguing with?
Arbitrary justice and the overwhelming force to uphold it—true conviction one proves.
Whether it’s power or authority, having the influence is what it takes to enforce your justice.
If it irks you, come challenge me, human.
Wakamou Inarizushi, always ready for a duel (real fight).
Nonetheless, the class possesses excellent performance.
It just demands expenditure in Tower Coins.
It usually costs a lot to build a deck, doesn’t it?
And for you, the Korean Tower offers Tower Coin loans!!
“Hold a card game tournament and promote the winning person.”
[The Korean Tower agrees it’s a hysterically amusing idea.]
“Propose they purchase synergy maintenance items with Tower Coins.”
[They laugh, acknowledging it as a brilliant idea.]
“We could distribute skills and card packs upon climbing towers.”
[They pledge to structure it informatively retaining 70% of the rewards.]
“Using store packs, provide common and legendary packs separately. Award legend-bound UR as rare. Will people earn assiduously climbing Towers for income? Other civilians get to collect cards, isn’t that superbly lucky─☆”
[They remark how varied the card themes seem, smelling money]
Laughing merrily, Wakamou and the Korean Tower prepared the class.
Cards can also be purchased for others, though classified as UR!!
The oversight here involved VTuber cards, and Wakamou never said he wouldn’t buy them.
…..
“Feels like I forgot something…”
The Mediator pondered, rubbing her chin, while pickaxing ores.
Yet, no matter how much she pondered, nothing occurred to her, so she just returned to her work.
Anticipating delectable treats after her exhaustion, she worked tirelessly.
Immersed in the alcohol coursing through her body was bliss…!!
“The Russian Tower’s truly delightful~”
With delicious food, fine drinks, and many places to play, it was indeed delightful.
She leisurely pondered earning funds to buy a Partner and transportation~
The [Mediator] ostentatiously drank refreshing liquor in front of the “slaves.”
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