Chapter 145
Chapter 145
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 145
Chapter Title: I Like This Country, But Not Its People
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"I like this country, but I don't like its citizens."
".....Yes."
The assault targeting Sadako in Japan.
The goal was to seize the "item" in her possession and hold her hostage to claim ownership of the 【Mystery Tower】.
That much was fine. As long as they knew it was a major issue serious enough for the [Six Freaks] to organize and mobilize fully, with even the Sword Saint getting involved.
The Fist King had laughed heartily, saying there was no need to worry about guys who ganged up 1:4 on his daughter and still fled in defeat.
But among the assailants, they discovered 【Second-Gen】, who possessed the legendary class 『Supreme Naval Commander』.
They had gathered some intelligence on legendary classes that should be in Korea.
It was just that this one had never once appeared in Korea.
It was the rank held by Admiral Yi Sun-sin, the most honorable hero who fought to defend Joseon.
An investigation into the personal details of this "Korean" who held a job befitting the supreme commander of the navy was quickly concluded.
"I still remember that day vividly. The climbers who grew weary of a nation that rejected them and left. I could understand their feelings. But—"
Many had abandoned Korea and left.
Among them were those who changed their minds and returned due to the desperate struggles of the Korean Association President.
In the end, out of love for their homeland... many climbers came back, deciding to believe one more time in the president's unyielding spirit and his demeanor as a hero upholding the nation.
And as the man called the Iron Man took hold of politics as former president, Korea began to stabilize through precarious tightrope walking.
"Why fight for a doomed country anyway?"
Even phrased as mildly as possible, Russian, Chinese, and even American climbers—those who saw him traveling for aid, fighting monsters from collapsed towers—spoke those words to Korean-origin climbers.
The temptations were tolerable: whispers of sweet words inviting them to become like their own kind, since the pay was poor and treatment was bad.
After all, the more heroes were highlighted, the greater the shame and humiliation felt by those who had fled in defeat.
But some went further, disparaging, criticizing, belittling him no matter what. They couldn't stand him acting like he was something special.
Some even hurled insults like "government lapdog" while picking fights.
Amid such contempt, he fought desperately, relentlessly, until he stood in this position, looking down on so much.
"—Many say patriotism is meaningless. .....But isn't it the place where my parents lived and where I've spent half my life?"
That was all, the Association President said with a sad expression, calling it essentially lingering attachment and obsession.
But that lasted only a moment.
Now, Korea's climber numbers were rising sharply, and in just one year, from the most disadvantaged and inferior nation, it had become a pillar of a massive alliance that could stand toe-to-toe with other great powers.
Many called Korea the leader of the alliance, but the Association President knew Wakamo Inarizushi aimed for equality.
Treating no one special, creating a relationship where they stood side by side, cooperating and helping each other.
In a way, it was the most difficult and arduous task.
"I can't even presume to guess what that mindset is like."
The resolve to leave for the sake of those living in the present at any moment, the forgiveness to see betrayal as natural, the pure love for people.
Perhaps all those things had shaped this miraculous form.
In Russia, they were training architects and installing facilities to make effective use of the vast territory.
In China, they erected the [Idol's Glory] item to win the Chairman's favor and nurture the [Emperor].
Japan was soon, but there were clearly sad memories tied to Kyoto. Being a special place, they built the [Idol's Shrine] there.
"Korea has become a great power now. Even nations that were once enemies have forgotten old grudges, forming one alliance to build immense influence."
And yakuza, far-right groups, and Korea-haters who were dissatisfied with that were rebelling, while Korean climbers expelled from Korea and unable to return were drifting toward groups like the [Guardians].
There had been countless chances to return.
They were victims once, but now they were mere cancer causing cracks in the alliance.
Eleven hectic years with no time for revenge fantasies.
Now in a position to mock those they left behind—what joy.
"There are Korean climbers who followed others abroad. And conversely, some may have relatives still in Korea."
".....While working at the Climber Association, you've been steadily sending information to families abroad."
"And the Korean who attacked Sadako this time must be family of a defected climber."
"Haa....."
So at this moment of growing peace, the biggest troublemakers were their own citizens?
Japan was also showing movements, covertly supporting the [Six Freaks] and [Guardians].
However, on this side, the owner of Kyoto's Inari Shrine, the Idol Fox Goddess, had stepped forward as a candidate herself.
An existence with undeniable "legitimacy" and "symbolism."
Moreover, the benefits of her becoming prime minister were overwhelmingly abundant, and assassination was practically impossible with Asuka attached.
Even if they broke through Asuka, the Fox Goddess's strength... thinking of Wakamo Inarizushi, there was no need to worry.
Rather, they should worry if she wouldn't kill too excessively.
"It's fortunate the victims came out unscathed."
"JeHAHAHA!! Amazing, the power of the [skill] the boss gave me!! Damn it, boss!! Giving a precious [skill] like this to me!!!"
Sadako, laughing uproariously, saying a few holes in her body heal with some booze.
She lamented that she hadn't properly used the [skills] and [items] obtained while conquering the Kyoto 100-floor tower.
Climbers grow stronger the higher they climb, so how much stronger would one who received 200x rewards be?
"As long as nothing major happened!! So, where's our boss?"
"She moved the moment she heard about the assault. Tracking the [Guardians]."
"With who?"
"Hm—let's say she went alone."
"Where to....?"
The Association President, staring into the distance, didn't answer Sadako's question.
He merely chided her to prepare for a scolding when Wakamo returned, since she'd deliberately wandered alone hoping to draw them out, all thanks to her own intel.
Sadako broke into a cold sweat, saying she'd surely be forgiven since she contributed the info—but no doubt, she'd be cut off from booze for days.
Due to tower emergences, some Korean climbers abandoned their country and ended up in tangled fates, neither here nor there.
Korean climbers could access [Wakamo Floor 1] and receive all sorts of benefits, earning envy, but those who couldn't were mostly criminals or those who abandoned Korea for abroad.
Ten years since towers appeared, even a 10-year-old boy would now be 20.
Under parental guidance, or learning from someone not even worthy of being called parent.
Or, if consumed by their own misguided beliefs or delusions—what then?
To create the new humanity called 『Climbers』, starting with intentional experiments and all sorts of inhumane acts.
The 『Tower』 always gave equally and infinitely to humans, but humans were the ones always causing problems around such towers.
"So, hiring the 【Second-Gen】 through the government is proceeding smoothly?"
"Yes, of course. Right now, without massive companions like in Italy or Britain. We need to create zones like the 『Martial Realm』 that China's Wu Zun made."
Korea could artificially create climbers. With their overwhelming advantage, every nation was conducting experiments to awaken climbers to avoid being outnumbered.
There were even climber academies—what could one say? As long as it didn't go to extremes.
Germany's two officials were gathering climber aspirants, pitting them against [monsters] to hone [techniques], aiding the [Engineer's] research in producing climbers.
—And with Russia proving humans could turn into [monsters], efforts were underway to step into that unknown realm.
Skills existed where humans fully transformed, like werebeasts, druids, and shifters.
Plus the infinite possibilities shown by climber VTuber Mare Pirate.
[Mana] was truly a miraculous substance.
As scientists, they had to analyze it and interpret it for humanity's benefit.
Clunk.
At that moment, the sound of the door handle turning echoed.
"Hey, at this hour, no scheduled visits—"
"Suddenly, excuse me."
A beautiful black-haired woman in a suit evoking an office lady appeared. Her elegant, aristocratic poise, combined with glasses perched on closed eyes, exuded a mystical aura. Yet—there was an intimidating pressure even ordinary people could sense.
Just facing her made breathing feel constricted....
"I'm the secretary from the Korean Climber Association."
"Eeek...."
The official barely held back from wetting himself. He suppressed the urge to scream and cause chaos through sheer terror.
The superhuman before him could kill the two here faster than they could scream, faster than a blink.
That much.... presence filled the entire room. A bit stronger, and the oxygen might vanish, leading to suffocation.
"I've come to meet Engineer Mayer Hildegaard here."
A secretary from the Korean Climber Association on a business trip—an absurd rank.
Relations between Korea and Germany were extremely strained to begin with. If visiting, word would have come from superiors.
"Y-Yes.... R-Right away.... I'll guide you...."
From ID to passport to facility visitor card—everything was fake.
No intent to deceive; it was obvious at a glance. Yet......
—If a white-faced golden-furred beast crushes a car or grabs and eats someone passing by because it doesn't like them—would you burn with justice and try to stop it?
There's no justice or courage in being torn apart. It's just meaningless bravado.
A dog's death.
It was no different from voluntarily delivering a monster straight to Germany's most important figure.
The guard, barely holding back terror while guiding, led the secretary to the lab entrance.
Whirr—
A forged card that shouldn't register.
The guard opened the door himself, and at the unscheduled visitor, the [Engineer] and her subordinates all stared at the entrance.
Wondering why only the guard stood there awkwardly.
"Hello, Mayer Hildegaard."
A voice came from behind.
No presence detected. Security systems didn't react. Defense turrets prepared for assassins were all smashed.
Silently, and with movements devoid of presence.
Movements far beyond human perception speed.
Faster than machine sensors could detect and react, a warm hand rested on the Engineer's shoulder, long black hair draping over her eyes.
"I'm Wakamo Inarizushi."
"Wha....wha...ho....how...."
How did she get here...?
Already located via Asuka, disguised exterior with [Idol's Form] illusion, passing through terrain with [Idol's True Form].
After that, it was smooth sailing.
Just strongly emitting the recklessly leaking mana made non-climber researchers faint, eyes rolling back.
"Th-this...is an...internatio...nal...incid..."
Terrified, teeth chattering, unable to speak properly, the Engineer wet herself under the pressure of Wakamo's mana.
The hand on her shoulder could dismember her at any moment.
Worse still—she might not kill but stuff her like a trophy.
"Hey, Hildegaard. Why do you think I came?"
"Th-the 【Final Battalion】 in the Arctic...? Or—the dwarves hiding in the French catacombs?! P-Please! I'll tell you everything I know, have mercy...!!"
'.....They really exist..?'
No, Mr. Robert said it was all conspiracy theories.
Why is everything you say turning out true?
"I'm chasing a Korean who fled our country with classified intel. How much do you know?"
"Th-that....."
The Engineer rolled her eyes frantically. Wakamo whispered she'd ship her to the artist via courier if no quick answer, and she began convulsing in terror.
"The Vatican!! T-to Italy...! W-we...some research leaked, so we're checking...."
"Don't."
"Yes."
Lightly patting the Engineer's shoulder, Wakamo stroked her head, saying she'd forgive this once. She didn't particularly like her, and there were plenty of grudges, but she'd provided broadcast material and helped recruit Adolf Lucia.
Lately, Adelheid was getting a taste for human collecting, so getting dragged off might not end well.
"I'll forgive you. In the East, they say even Buddha's face gets hit three times—"
Germany was doing inhumane experiments to artificially create climbers too.
If Adelheid knew, she'd probably yell "Righteous!! War!!" and drag her off to fight.
Climbers were special, but......
'That Martial Realm, huh.'
Even Yung Wei hadn't grasped details, and Asuka knew nothing.
But the [Engineer] knew, so such places weren't one or two.
'Korea really was in dire straits.'
China had the Martial Realm, Japan had onmyoji groups, Russia had human experiments...... all sorts.
Korea's climbers just leaked away, so no such experiments even arose.
What to do with our Korean tower... this fool?
Better stupid and kind... yeah....
※※※
[Martial Venerable] Yao Fang was a selfish human.
At the moment China fell into chaos, he job-changed to legendary class and used that immense power to subjugate many, seize much by force, incite greater chaos—and dragged talented children with aptitude to a place outsiders couldn't easily access, raising them via [skill].
If they became [climbers], success; if not, use as sparring partners or subordinates for growth.
That place, with tower emergences cutting off all external influence including the Chinese government, was an isolated, closed world.
A hell called 【Martial Realm】.
If not special or talented, you don't survive. If not strong, dying is natural.
Losing parents young, sold by parents, parents murdered.
Surviving that inescapable hell by sheer will to live.
Giving up from torment and hardship, losing hope and breaking, discarded for lack of talent despite effort.
Friends dwindling one by one, relying only on each other yet forced to fight endlessly to toughen them.
You must be special; you can't not be.
Not just gut-wrenching or festering.
From childhood, forced to learn through body that only the strong survive, the weak die.
Pursuing [climbers] and [power], serving 【Martial Venerable】 who built followers and subordinates into a massive force—survived on one obsession: revenge.
With Yung Wei's 【New Chinese Government】 birth, Martial Venerable's obsession to seize it began.
Xiao Liang, leading escapees, killed the 【Black Society】 boss and took his place.
Having learned only to wield power, she'd use it for revenge.
Make her existence known to all, instill fear.
Show Martial Venerable, who spat "emperor" and "chairman" casually, the ruler dominating the underworld as his 【special self】, a demon sword forged in malice and hatred.
.......But he died, and the "miracle" his failed comrades and disposed kids always mentioned really existed.
Not illusion—she was special.
Of course, since Martial Venerable scouted her talent, though she resented him for it.
This special? No complaints.
"No VTuber no karate!! Even trash-tier VTuber Mei Shaolongbao can't be beaten by mere mortals—mortals can't beat VTubers!!"
"What even is a VTuber...?"
"Xiao Liang, let me tell you—otaku are weak to sumi-okami. No, otaku are just weak!!"
If Empress called her name and said come~ , Mei would faint from shock right there!!
Wakamo called it VTuber Reality Shock.
When oshi calls your name or reacts, you faint on spot; if the dazzling brilliance of VTubers overwhelms, it could even cause mental shock death.
"If you want to kill me, kill me with VTuber love...!!"
Watching Mei spout complex terms, Xiao Liang respectfully listened, thinking ancestors use hard words.
Cautiously sharing her past, Mei offered a "bus ride" via [portal] and casually entered Xiao Liang's floor!!
Followed by a very simple conquest.
"Hyah—!!"
"Gaaah!!!"
[Invincible Corpses] on floor 73, wielding spears and swords, charged en masse.
Sharp blades and spears swung in perfect unison like a single entity—true masters!
Facing 6 corpses alone, Mei Shaolongbao was an even greater master.
Unfurling the three-section staff from her tail, she whirled it dazzlingly, deflecting incoming spears and parrying swords.
'I can tell—this is Tai Chi Fist.... far beyond Martial Venerable's realm!'
Using spine for centrifugal and reactive force to create circles, then centripetal force to deflect attacks and counter piercing.
'But she's holding back?'
Why fight so casually? Xiao Liang puzzled briefly.
A few forms.
Easy to understand, thus highly refined, sharp, threatening martial arts.
[Acquired skill [Lan Na Cha (Block, Seize, Thrust)]!]
Rotation from arms, legs, waist flows to wrist, extending through three-section staff into a whirlwind of sharp strikes.
Block and push outward: Lan (Block).
Pull spear inward and wrap: Na (Seize).
Then, in the closed gap, lightning counter: Cha (Thrust).
'Tai Chi with Lan Na Cha—!'
Using [Void Spirit Tai Chi Divine Fist] to master [Lan Na Cha], basic spear tech, Mei wielded it.
[Acquired skill [Tai Chi Spear]!]
"Huh? That's not it?"
Drawing perfect circles, wielding three-section staff as one with body against 6 simultaneous attacks, flawlessly deflecting all—then frowning dissatisfied.
"This one here?"
A scene beyond comprehension. Completely different spearplay from before.
Xiao Liang stood dazed, unable to follow despite watching.
Endless changing forms, countless sharp strikes raged.
Feints and real blows interweaving endlessly, fast as wind yet immense momentum—once seizing momentum, the 6 corpses couldn't cope and fell.
"Yang Family Spearplay!"
[Acquired skill [Yang Family Spearplay]!]
"Oh, that's its name?"
Xiao Liang hoped the ancestor was joking. Her own specialness felt insignificant, shrinking.
Match opponent's rhythm, observe forms, comprehend, master.
Corpses used qi not mana—flaw, but close enough.
"Mana's so vague the more you know."
Surrounded by 6, leisurely observing.
'Teacher taught, and [Sage] said just comprehend with them to use [skills]. [Idols] can learn anything—nice.'
Obviously under premise of absolute impossibility.
'Joining companion changes [magic power] to [shamanism] or [divinity], etc. Qi same. —Can it be artificially changed?'
Clang—!
Snatching sword with whirling staff, Mei slashes crossing swords across corpses' necks.
[Acquired skill [Eternal Eight Sword Forms]!]
"Wow, handing them out."
Mei hummed, mastering the corpses' sword skill.
[Conquered Sichuan Tower Floor 73!]
[Not a regular route climber!]
[Next floor difficulty increases!]
[[Idol] class penalty: No rewards granted!]
Korean tower took 70%, Japanese refused cycling by flopping.
China tower gave no extra stats, now no rewards—but Mei didn't care.
"Yeah, I get it now. Climbing the tower isn't the only important thing. Striving to climb, myself! That's what matters most!"
If China tower had a mouth, it'd curse "Bullshit, kid."
Who climbs with accumulating penalties, rising difficulty, no rewards?
Sadly, here she was.
"Abandon greed, climb the tower solely for descendants!"
"Um, Ancestor...th-that... Floor 74 is a 『Full Conquest Floor』. I desperately climbed because the next floor's owner is Martial Venerable.."
"Oh, bonus stage... Oops.... Really? Then up we go. Time to engrave VTuber fear into your body."
What even is a VTuber?
All VTubers wield their karate (specialty).
Among them, the weakest VTuber Wakamo Inarizushi!
Her specialty: copy what pioneers did ahead!!
Don't understand? No need—just watch and imitate, solves most!!
"Days clipping... Time living as VTuber..... Finally awakened.... The ultimate rip-off...."
"Is that good?"
"Means broadcast's free material."
After wrecking China 100-floor tower, next collab is GTA5.
Mei thought so, stepping into Martial Venerable's floor.
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Drew a picture today.
It's a parody illustration.