Chapter 132
Chapter 132
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 132
Chapter Title: Tower-Climbing Fox God VTuber
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"The 【Babel Fragment】 we've secured must possess special powers as well... We must uncover the truth of the Tower and harness that power fully for humanity and justice."
"Yes, we'll mobilize the researchers and continue the analysis."
Bubbling—
The executives of the "Guardians" engaged in a serious conversation while gazing at the 【Babel Fragment】 floating in a test tube filled with preservative solution.
The Tower was truly an unknown entity.
It could alter the course of history itself and even lightly defy fate.
If it so desired, it could manipulate human destiny at will.
Such an absolute and omnipotent being—what the world would call a god.
And this world had no need for gods. Especially not ones whose intentions and thoughts were unknowable.
Whether it was driving the Tower out of the world or subjugating it to become rulers themselves...
It was something that had always happened throughout human history.
Just like discovering the New World and conquering it. Humanity—meaning themselves right now—pioneered unknown territories and claimed them as their own.
"So, how is the plan we've devised progressing?"
"We're investing in corporations to hold a VTuber concert in America and lure the Fox God to her death—it's underway. If necessary, we're also considering kidnapping famous VTubers as hostages."
"Opportunity strikes only once."
If they didn't inflict a fatal wound the moment the opponent let their guard down and finish them off right there, there would be no next chance.
A wounded beast was the most terrifying, and nothing was as troublesome as a predator that had recognized its enemy and gone on alert.
The Guardians had already grasped just how overwhelmingly strong she was to the point of nausea.
That existence was like Superman from a distant universe... Aside from her obsession with otaku VTuber culture, she had no weaknesses. To kill such a being, the sacrifice of those VTubers was absolutely essential.
For the peace of the land of the free, of America, of Earth—their lives would go down in history as sacred sacrifices, their names etched on memorials as victims of the vile Fox God who deceived and mocked humanity.
"What about kidnapping China's reserve 【Emperor】? Is it going smoothly?"
"Yes, we can use her as a hostage, or..."
"Controlling her mind and turning her into a puppet is another option. Anyway, she's said to be the Fox God's most cherished descendant. Asians have always been an irritating bunch, from back then to now. After Japs, those Chinks... They've always been the problem."
The rather aged middle-aged executive spat out blatant racial hatred with a click of his tongue. He didn't forget to instruct his subordinate researcher to either shatter her mind outright or break her down into something disposable without needing obedience training.
They were utterly consumed by boundless arrogance and pride...
And.
In truth, I am not a 【Babel Fragment】.
My name is the 【Conqueror's Mark】, the item Man-Eater obtained while conquering the 100th floor of the Tower... The Fox God cleared it at 200 times the difficulty from the start. As a fitting reward, she obtained the 【Babel Fragment】, which grants impossible wishes—at least for now.
Didn't Wakamo Inarizushi explicitly say she was the first to obtain it? Assuming Man-Eater has the same thing is the problem in itself, isn't it...?
Climber strength might favor Man-Eater, but the scale of achievements is on another level...
Assuming Man-Eater even made a wish is the issue to begin with. Do they think the Tower grants everything just because you climb it...?
But the 【Conqueror's Mark】, unable to speak, inwardly grumbled that it was an item exchanged at the climber shop.
And while the 『Guardians』 plotted their utterly nefarious scheme—Wakamo Inarizushi was completely oblivious.
Not understanding the mental strain on the boss of the Six Freaks, she had dumped the Babel Fragment on him and was now reveling carefree.
For some reason, instead of heading to Wakamo's 1st floor, everyone was gathered outside playing. They even talked about staying at Wakamo Corporation in Incheon.
It was puzzling why they weren't going to the VTuber concert or the collab cafe... but it was joyful time spent together by the whole group.
Everyone was happily laughing and chatting along with whatever Wakamo wanted.
『Breaking news again. Cult leaders proclaiming themselves as idols are suddenly turning into black ash and dying one after another. Including overseas, footage has captured a cult bishop in Japan claiming the Fox God idol is fake, muttering something incomprehensible like 'the 7th' while screaming to be spared before turning to ash.』
"Whoa, that's brutal~"
Oh my, oh my... What kind of chilling mystery murder spree is this~?
Politely covering her lips with her hand and brushing her hair behind her ear, Wakamo laughed it off, wondering if the cultists had offended the Tower and received divine punishment, but said it was none of their business so no need to worry.
To have the guts to brush off such news as irrelevant... Olga Romanova glanced at Wakamo while passing by a VTuber collab goods cafe without a second thought.
She inwardly felt moved, thinking: Our president loves VTubers, but she values time with her staff even more...
And sharp-eyed readers would have noticed by now.
Wakamo was the kind of immature kid who'd flop on the street if it meant buying goods.
'Actually, I am not Wakamo.'
After conquering the 100-floor Tower in Kyoto, Wakamo had become utterly lazy and slothful to an extreme degree.
After attending the festival concert, she turned into a total bear, begging the [Inari Fox God] to stand in for her at the American VTuber concert, pleading desperately. And at this point, this idiot hadn't given her access to [Wakamo 1st Floor].
Suddenly unable to return home, she racked her brains to buy as much time as possible until Wakamo came back, planning to fulfill the request to the best of her ability.
The [Inari Fox God], scheming to spread rumors during a stream substitute—like how Wakamo loves being thrown onto a silk-sheeted bed, hugged fiercely, and kissed, or that she's a proactive bad-boy type soul in a ponytail woman's body—was inwardly cursing that a being of her stature had to stoop to such low-quality acting.
With nowhere to vent her bubbling rage, the [Inari Fox God] resolved to patiently wait for a chance to get revenge on Wakamo someday, while observing Aoi Asuka, who was on the same level as herself.
At first, she hoped this one was plotting mutiny against Wakamo too, but realizing she was just a brainless VTuber with no thoughts... how heartbreaking.
Still, she had to win her over somehow, so the [Inari Fox God] kept acting like Wakamo while racking her brains.
Slender and elegant—like a herbaceous peony when seated, a tree peony when standing, a lily in motion... She behaved like a splendid adult and proper idol.
That's right.
Unfortunately, Inari Fox God knew nothing—not even a speck—about how Wakamo usually lived.
If she did, wouldn't she want to die even more?
"Come on, everyone! Let's hit the zoo, the amusement park!! Karaoke too—let's have a blast!!"
Manager Won Da-hye clapped and led the group.
Olga Romanova pointed at a cute bear mascot over there, but Won Da-hye scolded her, asking if bears mattered right now.
Usually, she'd reveal her creepy desire by asking Olga why she couldn't transform into a bear instead of a dragon... but a manager is a manager. She's so serious when we're all together, Olga thought, inwardly moved.
However, readers know.
This woman was someone broken by overwork, climbing mountains transformed into a bear on her days off.
'Actually, I am not Manager Won Da-hye.'
Unicorn Agent had been grabbed by the collar over news of new bear monsters popping up in America, threatened by her boss to crossdress and impersonate the manager on orders.
She did owe quite a few debts... but the preparedness, bringing in a special makeup artist with silicone fake breasts and a wig, gave her chills.
As long as the crossdressing wasn't discovered, it was fine. Unicorn Agent threw herself into the mission, playing her part to the fullest.
Still? Thinking back, playing with beauties isn't a loss? She decided to think positively.
"Sadako, no drinks?"
"Huh? Nah, nah... We're all hanging out together. Drinking alone would be rude, right?"
"Right!"
The usual alcohol addict Sadako, who'd rummage Olga's fridge for vodka even seeking her out... Even she prioritized comrades at gatherings like this—truly an adult, everyone thought, deeply moved inwardly.
Honestly, Olga had expected Sadako to detour to a convenience store on the way, chugging canned beer or soju bottles.
Not nagging about when they'd hit a bar the whole way? Olga was genuinely touched, seeing her as a reliable senior.
But—those in the know are aware.
Sadako was the type who breathed alcohol, seeking drinks with "not my problem if we're not working?"
She who'd reached unity with liquor like water unless driving—not drinking even from a paper pack?
Then it probably wasn't Sadako, but something wearing her face.
'Actually, I am not Sadako.'
Sadako had lost her reason at news of a heavy drinking contest in America, eyes rolling back. Especially with tons of new liquors made using Tower resources—it was enough to turn her into a screeching monkey.
But she couldn't go openly, so she secretly set up a substitute and planned to sneak off.
Thus, a shapeshifter—self-proclaimed Legendary Class Ninja from Japan—was disguised as Sadako.
A bit too buff, taller than the original, bigger chest, broader shoulders—but no one noticed, apparently no one paid Sadako any attention usually.
Olga just muttered, "Maybe Olga Romanova's the only tall one? She's 20 after all..."
Yeah, even if Sadako was immature, would she go mad for booze and use a sub? On stream they seemed close, but probably awkwardly distant, the ninja guessed.
Otherwise, such sloppy disguise wouldn't fool anyone...!!
Yeah, absurd as it sounds, if everyone here wasn't who they claimed, they might not notice.
"By the way, Adelheid's full of energy today?"
"We're all going out to play! Exciting, right?"
"Totally~"
Olga smiled, seeing Adelheid's usually suicidal gloom replaced by sparkling eyes and a beaming smile— she must really love group outings. Usually, she kept distance, rushing meals to make art, rarely leaving home...
Adelheid, who'd subtly envied her Legendary Class performance, now brimmed with energy like someone cured of mental illness.
And by now, everyone's caught on.
'Actually, I am not Adelheid von Bismarck.'
The [Illusionist] she'd incidentally befriended at a Legendary Class gathering was now substitute-acting for Adelheid, even paid. They were fellow Six Freaks members, and he envied the reaper getting hired at Wakamo Corp with 90+100 floor rewards.
He aimed to befriend Adelheid, build connections, escape hated Germany, and get hired at Wakamo Corp—grand ambitions fueling his enthusiasm.
He acted Adelheid full-throttle, noting what Wakamo liked and what affiliate VTubers enjoyed to score points later.
For reference, Adelheid had exploded with desire at news of an artists' exhibition in America, flying off to see it.
She'd rambled insanely about mental breakdown if asking permission, "not caught = not crime, it's art," set up the sub, and boarded the flight.
The Illusionist thought: What a free spirit.
"You Ying, why are you lagging behind?"
"Uh... um... shy, sis... hehe..."
"Really~ Calling me auntie usually, but sis now? Come here."
So cute. Usually glaring viper-like, spitting "you're old, auntie," "granny, don't get chummy with our president"—wounding her... but they'd conquered the 100-floor Tower together.
Finally opening up fully. Yes, Olga knew You Ying's past well enough to empathize!!
VTuber junior, but life-sister? Olga's heart ached warmly, taking her hand and leading.
And You Ying, fidgeting anxiously, glancing around.
'Actually, I am not You Ying.'
Couldn't even spar before pathetic defeat... but my identity is Germany's Doppelganger...
Legendary Class in a secret government even the German government doesn't know. Investigates and observes Legendaries including artists... Ostensibly Guardians-affiliated. Actually, Europe's ace against uncontrollable America.
Secret Federal European government to check Guardians.
But must pretend cooperation.
With 2nd-gen Legendary emergence and America's 『Legendary Class Project』 success raising plan viability, this high-risk op must stay hidden. Dangerously so.
Can't enter [Wakamo 1st Floor], so fake You Ying exposure was instant... but heaven helped? Lucky.
Copies stats and skills, but even trained agents can't perfectly mimic. Lifetime faceless agent like me got this Legendary for that reason... Scary... Terrifying...
If super-danger Wakamo Inarizushi suddenly pierced her identity and attacked... Unthinkable.
If failed, prepped evidence to frame America fully.
Germany ditched the threatening artist growth, Asia Alliance rising—needed checks, but provoking no-win foe to ruin? No thanks.
Precarious tightrope.
And performing life-risk on that wire... agent's duty!!
'If caught, dead... For now, call Olga sis, get close, build intimacy...'
Olga pinching cheeks of arm-linking, goofy-smiling You Ying—adorable.
──So where did real You Ying vanish to, when swapped...?
Survival expert like her would've been wary since Doppelganger targeted her.
Only possible while sleeping, swapped without waking.
※※※
"Special Ket Team... aka Special Climber Tactical Team. US military's top secret, America's finest special forces..."
"...Got a lot to say. How'd you pop out of my closet?"
"Age 26! Proud grad of New Hampshire prep and Dartmouth! Elite!! True identity: sole superpowered new human!!"
"No, how'd you get in, you little black bastard. Want a bullet?"
"Recent worry: VTubing means no workouts or outings, missing potlucks, dinner parties, block parties—feels out of trend, elite turning nerd."
"Read my love fortune too? So why're you here, 『Oracle』? I'm not even Six Freaks."
America had especially many Legendaries.
Among non-Six Freaks espers, she was one of few natural-born.
In a way, truly special self-chosen rarity.
She remembered Oracle from Legendary festival.
More like: criminal black guy, one extra besides architect—cop-like instincts logged him.
Even so, underwear-stomping in a solo woman's closet... Aiba irritably asked again why really here.
She'd heard even sub-class [Oracle]—prophet-like wizards peeking futures—increasing.
Guessed originator Oracle's wondrous powers.
"Believe in fate, Neo?"
"No."
"Why?"
"Can't control my own life."
Elite life shattered instantly to periodic VTubing or quiet assassination anytime fate—believe that? Aiba furrowed brows, why ask what you know.
"I get it. Here's why I'm here. Came knowing something, can't explain what. But felt it. Felt it lifelong. World wrong somehow. Head-splitting madness. Led by that feeling. Get it?"
"Matrix lines? Now I see you called me Neo, you punk!!"
Not here to mock VTuber fate— what skit is this? Aiba ground teeth, tempted to teleport him with powers, but patiently listened. Oracle here for convincing reason.
"Last chance. Ends irreversible. Blue pill, story ends. Wake to routine, believe what you want. Red pill, stay in wonderland. I'll show how deep rabbit hole goes. Remember: only truth."
"Let's hear it."
"America falls!! You're sole hope!!"
"Fuck...."
Crazier than thought—Aiba clutched head.
Oracle: Sees only what he sees, hard explain, but crystal ball showed horrific future.
"Fox God burns America to ashes!! Oooh... See reasonless monster rampaging in rage!!"
Wanted dismiss as lunatic ravings, but... she'd seen Wakamo's inner horrific monster.
Even US military top brass wary of Wakamo, plotting disposal—Aiba heard as special agent.
...Op launched, failed, America burns— that the story?
Aiba shuddered imagining Wakamo's monster massacring.
"...Only I can stop it... right?"
"Yes. But lose everything built so far. Bluntly: destined wreck America's top-secret facility."
"...Fuck!"
Wanted refuse, but ignore US gov, they scheme, Wakamo monstrizes.
No choice. Entwined with Wakamo, her life downhill since.
Thus, cling to Wakamo Corp lifeline only future.
Dazzling elite days... honored special agent days... farewell...
"Morpheus, tell me where to go."
"One more motivator: choosing this fate, salary 5x up."
"Love fortune?"
"Flow toward flower boy rivaling BTS...!"
"Should've led with that!!!"
Aiba grabbed body armor, drew pistol.
Resignation letter bonus.
......
...
How'd this happen.
Trapped in all-white space, You Ying blinked, assessing situation.
Kidnapped, apparently.
But how...?
Not Wakamo 1st Floor, safe in [My Worlds]—how breach?
Sniff sniff.
Surrounding scent... not Korea.
Similar to... America visit before.
US gov scheme...? Recalled Ying Wei's warning.
Heard 2nd-gen Legendaries emerged—using them?
Six Freaks no intent angering boss yet.
Loose org: enemies, wary—messy.
Hard grasp other places see Wakamo-Six Freaks so close.
Reaper said boss Wakamo fan—what more needed?
Endlessly speculating, You Ying felt shackles on arms, collar on neck.
Bomber collar for imprisoning climbers, [Skill Seal] cuffs.
Stripped to bare stats.
Plus spinal injections weakening stats—she knew.
Prepared tolerance for that.
Thorough prep never hurts.
Opened mouth, extracted ever-pinned lockpick.
Dunno how kidnapped...
'Time 1:30... Quick-find electronics, call Asuka, escape.'
Checked wall clock, calculated elapsed.
Whatever org, smash utterly—You Ying glared ferociously.
...Actually, I am not the clock.
Actually a thermo-hygrometer.
Current temp 24°C, humidity 40%.
Not 1:30, but prison comfy environment—undeniable.
Click—
You Ying unlocked cuffs in 15 secs with pin, shook wrists lightly.
Sadly, unlike Wakamo averse to killing, she wasn't.
Especially, in a way, her personality worst.