Chapter 157
Chapter 157
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 157
Chapter Title: Tower-Climbing Fox God VTuber
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"Are you an idiot, Captain?!!"
"President!! Why did you do it again!!!"
"Don't you have any learning capacity, Master!!?"
"Guaaaah!! I'm sorry!! Stop it alreadyyyy!!!"
"Peng peng─!!"
"What's with this penguin pecking at my butt!!"
In the heart of Antarctica.
There was Wakamo, sprawled out in front of the Antarctic base, getting thrashed amid a continent that had split clean in two.
In reality, no one was actually hitting her. They were just scolding her.
Dressed in a warm fur coat, they were grilling Wakamo on exactly how she planned to fix this disaster.
"But!!! Those bastards hurt my precious VTubers!! They threatened us!!!"
"Can't be helped."
"You little shit, Yu Ying!!"
"It's like when a mom gets mad because her daughter got beaten up."
"You're naturally calling yourself a mom now. Well...."
"Mother-daughter yuri is a major genre, right?"
"The Ichigo fans ruined the kids with that crap."
"It's not my fault. I'm just an AI VTuber who works as ordered!! I never produced doujinshi to satisfy my urges or anything!! I didn't get paid for it!! Or receive potions!!"
"Damn, this world is full of nothing but crazy bitches."
There was so much more she wanted to say, but Asuka and Yu Ying acting like this wasn't a one-time thing.
Since they were in Antarctica, Sadako had hoped to see the aurora and tell the sailors about it later.
No matter how superhuman the climbers were, they didn't have the power to handle something like this.
Crack—
As the rift tore open with a splitting sound, Sadako gazed at the fracturing Antarctic and sighed, thinking this must be how humanity meets its end.
The Man Eater pacing nearby was another worry—when could they send it back?
She peeked at the worker desperately trying to hold the situation together and said.
"Put your back into it, Da-gan."
"Yeah, you're a legendary hero, after all."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean!!"
"You say, 'Earth.... Earth’s life force.... lend me your power!!' Hurry up!! And then you return with the Great Pipkin Mami GX!!"
"Manager, you're not planning to save me, are you?"
Eva, deploying her psychokinesis to maximum to pull the splitting Antarctic shut with all her might, glared at Won Da-hye and Sadako watching from above.
The two wanted desperately to help, but there wasn't much they could do.
At best, Sadako had frantically frozen the ocean to block what could have been a world-ending tsunami.
But that was the extent of it.
Wakamo's full-force strike, vowing to obliterate the pirate crew including [Oni] in one blow, had cleaved the continent.
With just her Idol Tempest, she could manifest a Jupiter storm inside the tower—didn't this prove she could shatter the Earth too?
Still, reining in climbers with world-destroying power might drag them into more headaches.
"My life has gotten way too spectacular...."
Staring at the icy horizon and the sea level beside it, Sadako wondered how the hell she'd ended up here. Life's future was uncertain, sure.
※※※
"No, I get your feelings. But shouldn't you avoid causing damage?"
Jackson, formerly of [Six Evils] and still in Greece, complained that pirates had once tried to kill him for betraying them.
"First off, one of them is a famous psycho killer, right? Even if the other three resent Wakamo's Korea, that French guy's a Jupiter fanatic too."
Jackson spat out every incident he knew about the infamous [Brute]—who'd beheaded every prisoner in a jail—to the interviewing reporters.
—As mentioned before, [Sword Saint] was Japan's worst criminal, leaving deep scars on the Fist King's body.
A dangerously insane man living solely on the impulse to fight and slash the strong.
He sided with [Pirate] because, for someone operating mainly in Japan, Wakamo and Inari God were no real threat to consider.
"The deadliest issue with [Legendary Classes] is how many think they're special. They're extremely polarized by their [Class]. Some are lunatics who won't listen to reason, and others are just plain stupid. Those three... whatever, their twisted patriotism is the problem."
Mid-interview, Jackson glared at the five do-nothing Legendary Classes, wondering why he was handling everything alone.
"Maybe [Pirate] didn't conquer all Mystery Towers because he knew [Babel Fragment] would descend like this?"
"Doing it in the middle of this coliseum? No guarantee he'd escape with the Babel Fragment.... His climbing speed shows he's experienced it before."
"How'd the Saintess know they were in Antarctica?"
Ignoring [Architect], [Reaper], [Shapeshifter], and [Professor] debated seriously.
[Pirate] was a cunning bastard. Sly and petty to boot. A tyrant claiming to be king of the seas, plundering allies and enemies alike.
[Professor], tormented back when [Pirate] bullied him about [Shop] knowledge, sighed as trauma resurfaced.
"Anyway, it's clear [Babel Fragment] has a will. It picks the [Winner] and asks what they truly desire."
Wakamo's [Example] video had racked up massive views.
The five Legendary Classes—including two silent ones—rewatched it obsessively.
They understood why the Six Evils' boss made a second rule: don't touch the Idol. Hell, just imagining hostility was terrifying.
How many didn't know America's famous fictional hero [Superman]?
The most righteous hero from space—who once said the whole world was cardboard.
Strong enough to destroy Earth if he wanted.
And in their world, the closest equivalent was [Wakamo Inarizushi].
—Honestly, from [Guardian] to [Six Evils], precious allies kept getting hurt, so they'd poked the passive Wakamo.
It was a deadly game of hot potato. [Guardian] had become worse than [Six Evils], with betrayals and purges—left alone, they'd meet grim ends.
[Six Evils] acted freely, but their boss enforced two rules.
To Legendary Classes, though, Wakamo was a disaster suppressing their freedom.
[Pirate] baited second-gen Legendaries into his [Pirate Crew]—thoroughly planned escape routes and all.
Sadly, he hadn't foreseen Wakamo smashing Greek buildings, churning coastlines, summoning storms and downpours, then flying to Antarctica.
You can't truly grasp it without seeing it firsthand, so [Professor] understood.
Quit entertainment, and Wakamo mercilessly crushed her foes.
She smashed the [Pirate Crew] as an example to the world of how she'd handle challengers.
—That should be warning enough.
Though splitting Antarctica in two was problematic.
"The tsunami from Antarctica's collapse was frozen solid. We've prepped for any quakes from the tectonic shock. You're safe."
"B-But, no way to stick it back together, right?"
[Architect] had no retort to the reporter's final question.
Even he, the expert, couldn't figure out how to rejoin it.
Wakamo Corporation members were trying across the gap, but it wouldn't resolve overnight.
"Anyway, climbers should steer clear of Wakamo and keep climbing."
Some in the Korea-Japan-China alliance under Wakamo's influence suffered losses.
But climbing didn't hurt anyone!! Just climb the tower solo or with buddies!!
Jackson ended the interview reminding them, plugging Wakamo Corp's cheap gear sales.
※※※
"[King Kai Fist]──!!!!!"
"Go for it, Ancestor!!"
With Xiao Liang's fervent cheers, Mei Shaolongbao—hair blazing red, face cracking—poured all her power into mending the split ground.
"Pirate, you fucking bastard─!!!"
"VTubers shouldn't curse!!"
Manager Won Da-hye scanned comments on the globally uploaded "[Idol's Wrath]" video while shouting at laboring Mei.
"Good! Reactions are positive. 'Feels good beating criminals,' 'Ended too quick, disappointing,' 'Swordmaster Wakamo arc wtf,' etc. Real scum villains, though."
[Pirate] trafficked hostages.
His flashy resume rivaled Wakamo's—smashing carriers and naval ships to flex.
[Sword Saint] slashed and killed indiscriminately—no need to repeat.
[Oni] rampaged for booze, countless incidents.
The two Koreans, [Palace Ghost] and [Three Provinces Naval Commander], sought revenge on Korea for rejecting them, hoping to force submission by erasing Wakamo.
Sadako jealousy? A Japanese getting Korean love—petty reason.
"Weongnyeo?"
"Chinese. Boldly lied about job change needing 100 days of mugwort and garlic. Garlic didn't exist in Dangun era. Interrogating now."
"To learn the job change conditions?"
"Nah, I lived in a cave eating mugwort and chives for 100 days—it pissed me off. No sane Korean tower would set that as a condition."
Won Da-hye eyed sub-class chances eagerly.
Asuka wiped sweat, neck aching at her spirit.
"You bitches!! I told you everything!!"
"Out comes the All-Purpose Idol Etiquette Injector."
"Kuaaaak!!! I told you!!!!"
"Huh, dissatisfaction in your tone? [Idol's Jaw Twister]!!"
Kang Yeoul and Adelheit energetically twisted jaws on the interrogated [Weongnyeo].
With her Chinese reveal, Xiao Liang begged to behead her national disgrace.
"Haha, total mess."
Iosif Khan chuckled, rubbing his chin.
—Yeah, Antarctica was utter chaos now.
Climbers Wakamo called hammered wedges opposite, ropes pulling the rift shut. Below, Eva roared psychokinetically yanking; Mei strained too.
Surprisingly, it worked.
On Wakamo's [Example] request, Adelheit—nodding at [Mysteries of the Human Body] as "Chinese art"—wielded a skinning knife, eyeing frozen [Sword Saint] on the ice.
She multitasked: interrogating for [Job Change Conditions] with Kang Yeoul and Won Da-hye.
Three were [Korea] Legendaries—must reclaim. Sub-class paths opened too; Won Da-hye was dead serious.
Useless Yu Ying snowballed with Sadako, who'd shape-shifted the sea to block tsunamis.
Asuka cared for Man Eater with [VTuber Stream], preventing rampages.
Her presence alone broadcast: Wakamo wouldn't spare [Pirate Crew] accidentally or not.
Paid big bucks for U.S. [Humanoid Killer Weapon]?
Idol Wakamo wielded U.S. national weapon power.
And what was Wakamo doing?
"Ah─! Thanks for 50 mana, [Corsello] believer! 24-hour dance stream today, believers!!"
She set [Idol Statue] and [Dalgie Statue] down, prepped an altar, and danced.
Usually stream-donations-free, but today she opened the mana pouch(?).
Rare for debut VTuber Wakamo—second time receiving gifts.
Heavy donors got [Points] too; she named believers nonstop, dancing relentlessly.
"Uwaaaah!! This isn't the VTuber stream I imagined!!"
"You're singing!!"
Beside her, Iosif Khan—pro VTuber idol—belted passionately before 300k+ viewers: "Now or never!"
Over 50 songs in, she vowed 500, pouring her soul.
Glasses fogged white in cold, reflecting sunlight like beacons.
Wielding [Empire's Golden Thread] in one hand, shaking.
[ Ceremonial Bronze Bell] and [Jade Pipa] floated, wind-played.
Other hand: 【True Heavenly Total Luck Sword】; Wakamo danced feet aflame.
"Thanks for mana!! Damn─!! How long do I dance!!!"
Wakamo grimaced, dancing to prevent quakes.
Only way: rejoin ground.
Even full-power White Dragon Iosif and Wakamo couldn't budge it.
Wakamo paled at lifelong dancing prospect.
"Urk... Can't even fund Captain Doradora's concert... Sniff... Marin cosplay costs..."
-You closed donations tho.
-Superchat open?
"Put money in the empty can upfront."
-Old school af.
-Antarctica trek? Hurdles real.
-Real Antarctic backdrop!
Clink clink—
"......Ah! Thanks, passing staff! Money appreciated!"
"Bless your future endeavors..."
"I'll cast rising luck blessing...."
".....You can do that?"
"She's an Idol."
-Fuck yeah.
-Leader can buff luck IRL.
-Remember psychic fail explosion?
-Lmao that human sacrifice dude.
-Lining up for blessings?
-Trying not to camera but tossing coins lmao
-Leader!! Bang bang!! Open donations!!
"Ah─! Thanks, believers!! This is your donation-munching VTuber Wakamo!!"
No lie. One Wakamo mana = one person's worth!!
Coins piled in can; she told them stop—but spent [Broadcast Points] blessing all.
"Good─!! Vibe's up, wanna try a song!!"
Normally, she'd wish [Babel Fragment]: "Make me sing well!!!"
But [Babel Fragment] cheated.
Shoved tickets before Wakamo spoke!!
Felt interfered to block other thoughts.
Merged bigger now, used as Wakamo firewood—petty revenge for granting wishes her way.
Hurt by Yu Ying, Sadako, Won Da-hye scolding wish use.
-Lmao I'm outㅋㅋㅋ
-Why viewers dipping?
-Big one's here.
-Been agesㅋㅋㅋ
-Love her? Endure!!
-Believer, don't die here.
-Hang in there, my eardrums!!!
"Going with Mikoti's [Sacrifice]!
Offer fresh tribute~ Not status, fame, or wealth! Fresh tribute~♬ I want your love~♩"
Iosif Khan shouldered in, pro idol chorus-shaking.
Asuka naturally joined instruments; Wakamo sang hyped.
Behind camera: climber ear-plugging, glowing, tripping over leg.
"Dekeli─ri!! Dekeli─ri!!"
"Kyaa! Ugh! Kyaa! Ugh!"
"That song!! That Idol!!"
"Ahh..... Such beautiful voice.... Urgrrrk...."
-Fuck!!! What is this!!!!!!
-Whew, deep tough timbre.
-Matches Hellsing protag VA.
-Still, way better than before.
-???? Fuck, this is 'good'?
-Newbie, early days you'd collapse standing.
-Fainting to this? No true believer cred.
-Riots incoming lololol
Wakamo's horrific singing dropped assisting climbers one by one.
Even torture-resistant [Weongnyeo] begged to spill all.
Cursed Idol song eroded climbers in endless ice like biochemical weapon.
"President─!!! Singing great!!!"
Mysterious tambourine-shaking Iosif chorused.
-Office life like this.
-White Dragon's veteran....
-Respect glasses... no cap!!!
-Asuka puking lmaoㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-Don't listen to Wakamo songs.
-Nausea dizziness headache etc?
-Trauma.
-True apocalyptic song this Idol.....
"Wong wong!!"
"Wong wong wong!!"
Amid it, seals drummed bellies: "Why the racket?"
Flopping, belly-slapping Wakamo to quiet down.
Breaking ice from below: "We're downstairs elephant seals, suffering!"
Bellowing, nipping Wakamo legs, fearless body-slams: "Get lost!"
Beast-howls mistaken for kin by seals; viewers exploded.
-lolololololol
-lololololol
-Seal song? Lmao
-Seal facesㅋㅋㅋ
-This dude? Legs on kin?
-Cute starry eyes.
-Penguins too.
Risking predatory seals, stubby-legged penguins waddled furiously, wings pummeling Wakamo shins.
Screeching fury at mere beast.
Painless but heartbreaking; Wakamo teared up.
"Uu.... This land won't rejoin... enduring Master's dance/song torment... painful..."
Wordless at suffering Asuka, [Man Eater] shredded straitjacket like paper.
Climbers screamed; ignoring, it gripped opposite cliff rope one-handed.
Mei urgently hugged Eva, leaping inward.
No real strain.
Just yanked back arm: Kwarung!!! Roaring clash; Antarctic ground collided, rift sealed.
"Eeeh...."
"Gulp"
Some climbers wet/soiled on spot. Others fainted.
Sadako swallowed: Wakamo/Mei full desperation barely budged it...
One casual pull.
Straitjacket pointless—almost wore voluntarily.
Pulled toy boat effortlessly, [Man Eater] slumped, head between knees.
Asuka applied U.S. external restraints; no resistance.
"[Shape Transformation]!"
"[Idol's Earth]!"
Rift closed; Sadako/Wakamo finalized.
Antarctic land seamlessly rejoined.
"Adelheit, art talk later?"
"Sure, President Wakamo!!"
Wakamo didn't stop Adelheit eyeing [Pirate]/[Sword Saint] for Xiao Liang-taught [Human Body Mysteries] art.
Pity [Pirate] owned all 【Mystery Tower】 rights—had to kill.
No take-backs for petty villains...
More happy people better, right?
"Uh─ Wakamo? Something found underground Antarctica."
"Vostok Lake, right?"
Won Da-hye cautiously asked; Wakamo boasted knowledge.
4km-thick ice over ~500m-deep massive lake: Vostok.
Ice-trapped oxygen rivaled Carboniferous; high life possibility?
"Uh..... Probably.... Um..."
Won Da-hye: Climbers found it, come see.
Massive Antarctic sinkhole.
"Really fucked up big time," Wakamo thought, descending with party into alien world.
"Antarctica pyramids? Robert said aliens built 'em, went there...."
Eva marveled at clear 【Civilization Traces】 deep underground.
But more baffling:
Tilted 【Tower】 erected.
Near-ruins, cracked husk—not worth calling remains.
Tower-like, but devoid of tower aura/energy—like dead.
".....Holy shit."
Didn't want this discovery.
Stream viewers awed too.
"....This explains it."
Towers didn't just appear 11 years ago.
Ancient civilization traces + modern tower-like structures.
Ice-enclosed vast space.
Sole supply source?
"Tower saved 'em."
Survivors left surfaceward, abandoning tower?
Or all perished here.
"Worse news."
Iosif's voice drew eyes.
Floor: Clear [army boot] prints.
Someone investigated, left.
"What now, President Wakamo?"
"Asuka, open conspiracy site."
What else?
From today: Conspiracy VTuber streams.