Chapter 102
Chapter 102
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 102
Chapter Title: Fox God VTuber Climbing the Tower
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"Excuse me, Boss—are you really okay with this?"
"It's fun, isn't it? With the number of climbers plummeting and the country facing crisis, the Korean Tower produces a class that can create more climbers. I wonder how much it cost them."
"Are you listening to me?"
"It's about the Russian president. The professor's issue with crossing the 'Line,' right?"
"I wouldn't know. The only warning we gave to all the Six Evils was that one thing."
"It's to set an example."
From a spot overlooking the entire city— an entity gazed down at the ceaselessly busy American citizens, toying with a glass of champagne.
The climber affiliated with the Six Evils continued his report to the being who was delighting in wetting the shimmering liquid inside that glass with the distant American Tower.
The boss had enabled countless people to job-change into [Legendary Classes].
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the boss was responsible for eight out of ten Legendary Class job-changes.
No excessive loyalty needed—just live freely following your desires. Climb the Tower, kill people as you please, even become a nation's king if you want.
Orders were more like requests: follow if you feel like it, ignore if you don't. But if you succeed, the rewards are guaranteed, so do as you please.
—However, there was 『one single rule』 that the boss had told every Six Evils climber to absolutely follow.
It was something even Jackson, once a member of the Six Evils, knew, but it was so "obvious" that he could forget to even mention it.
Destroying or collapsing the Tower? Fine. Hunting climbers indiscriminately? Also fine.
There was only one rule to follow.
Just one.
"Is she really an idol? What's her true identity? Her streams are so entertaining I became a fan. —Too bad to kill her, right?"
"If it's outside the Tower, she's killable. Not some unsolvable monster like a man-eater."
"Right~ Even [Mana Burn] has the risk of getting caught in it, but if you turn it into an area without [mana], it'll go poof and vanish, yeah? So, the report?"
"The Russian Tsar. The president's experiment has reached completion. He's artificially collapsing the Tower to unleash monsters, forming an army from climbers and civilians alike to prepare for war. They leaked a few monsters to Asia for testing too."
Even as the climber reported, he looked at the boss with uneasy eyes.
The Russian Tsar was completely ignoring the one rule he uniquely demanded be followed.
Some Six Evils climbers had volunteered to kill him, but the boss decided to watch out of curiosity to see what would happen.
—The president once called Korea's Iron Man. Now dead, but he tirelessly worked to save the current Guild Master. Would the Korean government have ever predicted that coming back as a boomerang like this?
"The Black River in Russia's Chelyabinsk region. Lake Karachay. The Mayak reprocessing plant there. The Techa River where that plant is. They say the Tower there mainly spawns [Radiation Monsters], right? Towers are truly mysterious. Russia's Tower tests climbers with harsh environments fitting the country."
In contrast, Korea's Tower, where heroes emerge in chaotic times, produced "Legendary Classes that didn't exist before."
It treated rewards like they were handing out candy, but it was far from fair—a structure where climbers only lost out.
Risking their lives to climb for a mere thirty percent reward.
Instead of breaking under trials too harsh for other climbers, they unleashed fighting spirit and won—the sight drew involuntary praise for such outstanding heroes.
They thought no one on the level of Korea's Guild Master would emerge again.
"Reality is rotten, yet it appears fresh and red like a premium apple. Right, broadcasters only show smiling faces."
As he downed the champagne, the Tower rising in the center of the conquered American city began to vanish.
"Next up is the 90th floor."
And—as if on cue—the 90th floor Tower rose.
With the new Tower's appearance, many climbers would challenge it, and "because the Tower was conquered," new climbers would emerge somewhere.
"Too bad. We'll be the first to conquer the 100th floor Tower."
"Why is that... a shame?"
"Is there anything more glorious than being first? We're criminals, remember. Go buy a large pizza. If you bring back one with pineapple again, salary cut."
"Yes, got it."
"Damn, it was fun while it lasted. That Fist King couldn't even live up to his age."
Regretting it again, he poured fresh champagne into the empty glass.
After all, a peaceful world where human civilization and culture endure is the best.
The boss, reveling in luxury, savored his drink leisurely.
※※※
"From the Russian government's perspective, they need to limit entry personnel, so including [Wakamo Inarizushi], five Russian government-affiliated climbers. Plus one each from China and Japan, totaling eight for the operation."
"Wow, a secret city! One still exists?"
"Yes, indeed."
A place excluded from bus and train routes, foreign entry forbidden.
A city whose existence is known but shrouded in secrecy, absent from maps, strictly prohibiting outsiders.
Also known as a closed city.
Ozyorsk.
"As you know, this place has Lake Karachay, called the radioactive lake, buried in 2015. The Techa River's radiation levels go without saying. In a way, it's devilishly cursed.
Ozyorsk is also where the Kyshtym disaster occurred—the only Level 6 incident in world history, ranked third after Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear accidents.
The Ozyorsk Tower spawns [Radiation Monsters], so climbers must climb to recover or drink alchemist-made potions to heal [radiation]-damaged bodies. It's one of the highest danger zones.
Same for Chernobyl and Fukushima, so [Radiation Treatment Potions] made with gold as material sell like hotcakes.
Yu Ying can make them too, so Wakamo used gold coins from America to have a few potions made.
"The issue here is Snezhinsk in the same region. It's classified, but it has nuclear facilities too. Before the Tower collapse causes massive monster outbreaks spreading damage to that area, our promise is to help process the boss monster and restore the Tower."
".....Why calculate that eight is enough?"
"Monsters appearing in Russia now ignore Towers, invading and leaving their territories. For some reason.... the boss monster entered the Mayak factory."
"Uh.... It's not operational, right?"
"Regrettably, it's currently operating for civilian nuclear material production and reprocessing spent fuel from commercial reactors. Investigations say everyone there went missing."
Manager Won Da-hye explained the Tower collapsed about a year ago.
Until now, like other Towers, monsters hadn't left their areas, but now they're heading toward other nuclear sites, so they must be contained quickly.
Including potions targeting their weakness [mana] for incoming attacks, and escape means if needed.
She really didn't want to send them, but due to the treaty, she provided all possible support.
Not Mei or Kang Yeo-ul, but specifically Wakamo Inarizushi... it was suspiciously pinpointed.
Once this is over, no more overseas trips—just focus on VTuber streams, maybe a concert in America at most. Wakamo, never one to worry much, headed to Russia without extra concern.
"Nice to meet you."
"We've heard from the Chairman."
Whether due to the Japanese Guild Master and Chairman Yong Wei's consideration, a [Wizard] from Japan and a [Warrior] from China were dispatched.
"Better not trust the Russian government climbers. It might be a ploy to eliminate Wakamo."
"From the start, the current Tsar follows a radical line... backed by the impeachment military faction."
The Chinese climber, having intel from former alliance ties, explained en route to meet the Russians.
The Japanese climber added that Wakamo needn't handle talks—they'd review the operation plan, just focus on self-defense.
So, the current Russian president gripping the reins is apparently a 『climber』 from the Six Evils.
Class unknown.
He blamed internal issues from the Tower collapse on the former president, demoting him, then succeeded in normalizing the Tower under military lead—that's the current president.
Positioning himself as a strong leader overcoming the Tower crisis, he claimed Russia can't "feel safe, develop, or exist" amid "ongoing threats from modern Towers and monsters," training climbers as national soldiers with fitting ranks and treatment.
With Towers reducing real estate demand, for resource-exporting Russia, it's an economic drag for the current generation, making Tower resource acquisition crucial.
Now, nuclear facilities face destruction by monsters, and the collapsed Tower spews radiation-type monsters, with limited entry personnel.
Needing strong climbers' aid, Russia calls in promised support from prior help.... that was the flow.
On the surface, no issues.
"Looking forward to working with you."
The five joined Russian climbers appeared normal. Awkward only because the president is Six Evils-affiliated.
Unless planning war on East Asia, they wouldn't harm Wakamo. At most, restrain and subdue?
"No tampering with gear or potions either."
The Japanese [Wizard] inspected with magic, used scrolls for double-check, then devices for thorough scan before handing Wakamo the bag of Russian-supplied provisions.
Just in case, the Chinese [Warrior] carried all bags.
Better to limit victims to one if undetected issues cause accidents.
....The palpable atmosphere of potential death weighed on Wakamo.
Grateful for their care.... but how did it come to this?
'But no choice.'
VTubers, idols, streamers—jobs possible only in peace.
Hope, dreams, love come from life's happiness. From leisure.
Most fans loving our Ramen Lion are Russian, right?
Even if the president's Six Evils, he might be working for his country.
Better to trust and be fooled than suspect— that's Wakamo's way.
'For peace, rest, happiness of Russian VTuber fans.... I'll risk it all on the boss monster.'
In a sense, Wakamo's resolve differed from other climbers. A feral glint filled her eyes.
So murderous the Russian climbers flinched and turned.
'Hmm....'
All burly Russian climbers, bodies thick as if stuffed with something.
Hard to tell gender under full hazmat suits including gas masks.
But cute doll accessories on guns caught Wakamo's eye.
Penguin dolls unmistakably, but Wakamo's eyes weren't fooled.
'Red-trimmed collar with name, humanoid penguin. Russian male Virtual YouTuber mainly doing T-poses. Emperor penguin with red hood and sunglasses is Pemaro. Symbol of the blacksmith penguin's Virtual Live fandom.'
Wild instinct spotted a VTuber fan among Russians.
One new, one worn.
Likes animals, but likely true oshi is blacksmith penguin for long streams; other just because Russian VTuber.
No official merch yet, so handmade—Wakamo deduced.
Clumsy stitching.... time invested means woman.
'Plus zombie girl bear doll on waist. Sales year 2021. Long-time fan.'
But why carry 35cm dolls?
Closer look: other four Russians had mismatched items too.
Not shaking like hidden bombs.
If pranks via merch, even kind Wakamo would show her true colors—but mental stability?
"Dolls, headphones... not typical for danger zones."
"I have one too."
"Fashion's always key."
"Mine's a Bocchi T-shirt underneath...."
Yeah, what's odd? Everyone carries favorite merch.
Unaware era so open, Wakamo smiled.
"You've heard all government intel? Unknown dangers inside Mayak factory. Drones glitch from high radiation."
"Buried that damned black river in 2015, but factory has 20 billion curies radioactive material. Hazmat won't prevent awful aftereffects."
"Can't magic block it...?"
"No. Japan tested similar—five poor climbers died."
I see... Wakamo immune to radiation cell/organ damage anyway.
Kept secret to avoid more chores if known.
Air prickled nearing factory grounds. Mana backlash? Wakamo raised arm—faintly, mana melted from fingertips.
Body melting.
Radiation melts mana...?
Skill liquifying solid mana? None recalled—likely entirely new.
Known counters researched, so new prep... nah?
"Really monster attacks? Too clean."
Warrior scanned, shield up.
Factory door closed—monsters didn't use it. But if opened, that's weird too.
Entering silent factory, daytime sky blackened.
Like Seoul.
Manager said collapse might be fake, but this confirms real.
But where all monsters?
Saw collapse rubble en route—no monsters nearby.
Shaking off unease, eight stepped into halted factory, no insect chirps.
Soon—clang! Iron door auto-closed.
Startled Wizard rushed—immovable.
"Urk! Don't touch!"
Wizard yanked hand—glove and skin melted gooey.
Poured potion, drank radiation treatment sans mask, swapped glove.
Beep beep beep—beeeeeep—
"What's that?"
"Geiger counter dying."
Vision reddened with anomalies.
Wrong—Wakamo looked up: headlight-emitting humanoid monster crawled wall.
Self-glowing monster spewing obvious radiation; Wakamo grabbed Wizard's neck, leaped.
Clustered, intense beam from center headlights melted ground.
"What monster is that!!"
"No such in Russian Towers! Run, don't argue!!"
"Drones scouted outside!!"
"Activates on climbers!!!"
Warrior and Russian argued.
Likely radiation/heat laser from entrance—furious at unplanned threat.
Camouflaged on terrain? Elongated limbs like giant centipede swung arms threateningly.
Wakamo leg-swept casual swing—squish, her leg wobbled.
Mana-fed [Body Reinforcement] heightened alien feel.
Wakamo like ice in desert.
Melting fast; body crumbled under slightest impact.
Thus, [Rare Metal] all but joints—full leg swing! Boom! Centipede arm bent.
"[Aaaah!! Aaaaaah!!]"
Screaming monster like in pain.
Human-like face glimpse disgusted Wakamo.
"There! Inside!"
Russians fired at presumed boss-entered factory entrance.
Among them, 190cm tall one Wakamo eyed lifted dropped steel beam, smashed headlight monster's skull—superhuman strength.
—Class unidentifiable.
Supported five Russians, but classes classified—no prior intel, judging now.
Similar arms/build—no guess.
"[Giant Metal Wall]!!"
Wizard on Wakamo raised staff—steel wall surged, enclosed entrance.
Instant [Light] on staff for light; yelled enter—Warrior [Charge] smashed locked door.
"Machines off-limits!!"
Warrior yelled at bomb-planting; Russian showed fuse—not detonator, old-school.
Already-lit bomb tossed entrance—boom collapsed it, blocking pursuit.
"Good move. Russians seal own exits?"
"Better die than fail mission."
Female climber's low, depressive voice echoed matter-of-factly.
Then Wakamo recalled frequent Russian experiments.
Monster experiments...?
Earlier human-faced, human-bodied monsters flashed mind.
[Internet Connection] skill barely active—heavy noise/delay.
'Not radiation issue.'
Hope boss skill.
"No bodies."
"Alarm rang on monster attack—evacuated safe zones maybe."
Russian flat. Similar looks—hard distinguish but one woman.
Warrior with Wakamo whispered same concern.
"Heard from our agents.... Russia does human experiments on climbers. For stronger soldiers."
"Really?"
"No hard proof. But builds, hazmats. Too generic weapons for climbers."
All same class possible, but warhammers, guns, knives—light arms.
No shields, yet headphones, dolls, ocarinas on waists—odd.
"Those aren't disguised items."
Wizard deepened mystery.
"Anyway, let's work fast."
Sent [Camera] ahead, tracked boss via map.
Wizard magic lit path risky in pitch black.
Wakamo used VTuber assets for [Light].
No torches—fire bad in radiation site.
Clang...........clang.........
'No lightning or fire here.'
Narrow paths tough for big Wakamo.
No attacks en route to shelter for missing.
Boss intelligent? No rampage traces.
Sarcastic. Boss didn't seem to open door itself.
Clang.......clang........
"Shelter here...?"
Nuke-proof bunker awaited.
Game-only sight; Wakamo admired upward.
"Force it?"
Two Russians forward, manual lever—strength matched build, handle crumpled.
Massive door creaked open.
"Year later, just corpses?"
"Preserved food inside. Fine, right?"
Japanese said disaster prep standard to Chinese query.
But beyond: impenetrable dark.
.....Dark?
"[Light] it."
Wakamo yanked Wizard back as he neared.
Her [Light] ineffective on dark—wrong.
"What!!"
Dark mist-dispersed, wings spread.
All [bugs]; Warrior [Taunt] roared.
Onrush—Wizard [Insecticide Magic].
Poison gas special vs bugs spread, bugs fell.
"One missing?"
"Over there."
On bug-corpse floor, noticed short one.
Wakamo asked; woman pointed buried Russian.
"—Sacrifice expected. Move fast. Recovery on exit."
Grabbed Wakamo's wrist stopping her check.
"These bugs... why clustered entrance? No, ambushed us..."
Wizard examined one—thumbnail bug.
Black shell, "human face" [Human-Faced Worm]—horror, dropped.
"Ugh...."
"Okay?"
"Never seen such...."
"This worse."
Russian entering shelter awed.
Walls/ceiling blood vessel-like human veins everywhere.
Blue/green not red—more grotesque.
Wakamo step oozed thick blood, soiled floor.
Clang....clang.....clang....
"Really okay?"
Wizard, Warrior-supported, asked Wakamo.
No people or proper monsters yet.
Awaiting: "stairs" down.
"Not monster tunnel, man-made basement stairs?"
"Hate horror games—"
Boom!!
Wakamo muttered; bunker door slammed shut.
Clang clang clang—faster, fiercer.
Scraaaaaape!! Whirrrrr—scraaaaaape!!
Not scratching/pounding—drill carving brutally echoed.
"Go down."
Russian ordered flatly.
No choice—one-way.