Chapter 16
Chapter 16
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 16
Chapter Title: Tower-Climbing Fox God VTuber
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"There's a lot to say, but that was reckless. Isn't revealing your identity the worst thing for a VTuber?"
"Fans are what make a VTuber exist. I was even ready to die for my fans!! That's what being a VTuber is!!"
In reality, without fans, Wakamo would die. Even if just one fan spreads the word about her heroic deed, that's a win!!
But Deputy Manager Won Da-hye completely misunderstood it.
This person's ideals as a VTuber were sky-high. She couldn't grasp the sentiment, but...
She must have once been an idol worshipped as a god, not human but a fox deity, so it was natural for her to cherish her believers.
Deputy Manager Won Da-hye imagined what it must have been like in the days when she was worshipped. Probably announcing when rain would fall, helping fight off foreign enemies, lighting fires, or hunting to feed the tribe members(?).
That's why she actually felt relieved about this sudden situation.
Even in a situation where her identity might be exposed, she didn't back down and confronted a powerful enemy while weakened to protect her believers.
'So this is the level of capability from a bottom-floor climber?'
As someone who consistently watched the streams, she believed it was true that Wakamo had lost her divine powers and couldn't use spells.
So, believing she fought purely with physical strength, she let out a hollow laugh recalling the [Tree Guardian]'s appearance still vividly in her mind.
From her perspective, she thought it was an insanely strong enemy worthy of [Ideogram Fist], and mimicked it. She never imagined it was possible. Even knowing it had no physical form, she felt an overwhelming presence like a real knight had appeared.
For that one moment, she sensed an enormous amount of [mana] being released.
Even she, a tower conqueror in her own right, couldn't estimate how much mana it was—it was that immense... Wakamo's strength was beyond doubt.
And at the same time, she desperately hoped that her genuine love for people wasn't an act.
From the perspective of someone who'd watched the streams for a long time, she always thought there was something off about her!
Look at her kindly lifting a girl in a cute bunny hood high up, giving her an airplane ride, and hugging her like a mother. In that era, children were practically the tribe's future, so they must have been precious... And now, she cherishes her VTuber fans even more, maybe even seeing potential future VTubers in them.
"I'll take everything on the menu."
She asked the other agents to handle cleaning up the drake and securing the perimeter, and while there was nothing to be done about those who fled, the collab spot opened for business and started serving the remaining customers.
Of course, by common sense, it was bizarre to do business instead of evacuating in such a situation.
However, the manager in charge of the Incheon Animinus Shop branch exchanged glances with Deputy Manager Won Da-hye and silently understood each other. From the start, pulling forward the collab schedule was a national-level ploy to draw in Wakamo, so canceling the event here would be a disaster?
They just hoped that monster wouldn't rampage inside the store.
"Customer, shall I ring you up..?"
Kwang!
"Coasters, postcards, stickers, hologram tickets, lenticular fans, masking tape, SD keyholders, clear files, memo pads, trading polaroids, acrylic colored paper, transit card stickers, trading can badges, squishy cushions, acrylic stands, A2 tapestries, photo mugs, full-print hoodie zip-ups, multi-cleaners, cape blankets, thigh pads, acrylic glitter stands, tumblers, full-print T-shirts, eco-bags, portable batteries, acrylic frames, wireless charging stands, noren curtains, magnet sheets, round mouse pads—give me one of every VTuber type for all of these, and the purchase bonuses too."
"Ah, yes... uh... what about... food..?"
"Everything on the menu."
"Pardon?"
"Everything."
Sweat trickled down the employee's cheek. Wondering if she'd misheard the order, she frantically scanned the barcodes. Buying all this would easily exceed 2 million won... with over 8 types, she wanted to ask if they were serious, but Wakamo wasn't done yet.
"Excluding bonuses, are there purchase limits on other figures?"
"Yes... one per person."
"Then I'll take those too. I entered this raffle number—did I win by any chance?"
"You're a bonus winner! Congratulations! Please wait a moment!"
"Wow, jealous."
Wakamo had thought buying the bonuses was impossible, so she planned to just grab regular figures.
She asked for one of every type on display. Who knew the person who came with her would be a bonus winner!
Enviously watching, she slid the box the employee brought toward Wakamo.
"I entered the raffle just to meet Wakamo. We have a lot to talk about... Could I gift this to you as a fan, receipt included?"
"Can I suck on your toes?"
"Cut that out."
Her fox tail wagged wildly, showing just how thrilled she was. The customer standing behind her ended up buried face-first in the fluffy tail by accident, but instead of displeasure, they looked blissful, while the one behind glared jealously at their head.
A massive pile of goods stacked up, but Wakamo carefully moved them to her spot so they wouldn't get crushed.
'Even eating fills up my mana.'
She snapped photos of the food that came out right after ordering, admired their beauty, offered a prayer of thanks to the engraved VTuber characters, and enjoyed a happy mealtime.
Being able to eat all this was blissful enough, but it even restored mana? This is too generous!!
With no stomach to speak of, she wondered where it all went, but ignored it and stuffed it all in. Each bite sent clear waves of mana recovery, like the VTubers' love wrapping around her body—it was pure happiness.
The disgust from the earlier terror washed away completely...!!
On top of that, she got her hands on the practically given-up-on【『Figuma NO.777! Virtual Alive 5th Festival Commemoration! Paradise's Guerrilla☆Explosion☆Bunny☆Pekoyama Ragout!』Animinus Shop Korea Limited [Limited Quantity & Hand-Signed Insert]】figure, and even the【Collab Commemoration Ultimate Move! Territory Deployment Backroom Kidnapping Pro Charisma White Fox Limited 1/7 Statue】.
This is the weight of happiness...?
I'm so, so happy!!!!
Grinning ear-to-ear while eating, Wakamo sat side-by-side with Deputy Manager Won Da-hye, who sipped her drink. Feeling it was time for the main topic, Won opened her mouth.
"First off, as you can see, I'm Won Da-hye, deputy manager of the monitoring team at the Climber Association. Here's my business card."
"Mm..."
"By the way, I entered the collab cafe raffle to meet you, Wakamo. I was lining up since dawn."
"Tent tribe Evan..."
"But you told us to go the day before to buy goods, right Wakamo?"
"That's true.... Seeing your ID, I know who you are. The one who listened hard to my stock and coin tips and was thrilled about making a ton of money?"
"You remember?"
"I remember all 200 IDs of my regular viewers. Nowadays it's grown too huge to memorize them all."
Won Da-hye was taken aback by Wakamo's words. She remembers all of them...? Well, as a god, remembering every believer and calling them by name was par for the course.
Of course, she wasn't a real god—just an worshipped idol. To be treated like one, there must have been a lot to manage.
"You can't share stock or coin info anymore? No divine insight. Plus, too many people now feels like leaking heavenly secrets."
"Ah, no worries. It's those who missed the chance that are the problem. I've made enough to retire right now."
200 billion was more than enough to quit and live carefree. But she admired the Association President, which is why she became a climber. She just happened to discover Wakamo while watching streams in her spare time.
Maybe this was all fate? She felt some inexplicable pull of destiny.
In truth, it was just the algorithm pushing her because she watched too many stock streams.
But some illusions are better left unbroken.
"We at the Association are already aware of your special situation. We've secured the surrounding CCTV footage. If videos go up on Newtube, we'll delete them immediately and take measures to hide the red pill. Since you're a climber, we'll help from our side."
"Anything else you want? Like a 『Fully Conquered Floor』?"
"Right. Not hiding from the god. If anything, I'm flustered since my oshi suddenly debuted as a VTuber. She's got real talent for streaming, and it's fun to watch. Especially [Dark Ring]."
"Ahem..."
Wakamo blushed, chuckling that not being good at games was a talent too. In her arms, she clutched the limited-edition figure Won had won. She'd already won plenty of favor. After all, she was a VTuber who cherished her believers... fans.
Just the gentle tone she used with longtime fans before debuting said it all.
"For now, a 『Fully Conquered Floor』 is accessible even to non-climbers. 『Public Floor』 fits perfectly. Even as the bottom floor, securing [Oil Slimes] is a start, then [Horn Bunnies], [Angry Boars], [Feral Deer] for food materials, and [Killer Ancolle Watushi] for armor. Higher floors' monsters have their uses too—but the real value is in the 【Land】itself."
Even as the bottom floor, land safe from monster attacks for farming, plus wood, coal, iron ore, and even stone—Deputy Manager Won patiently explained the abundant resources to Wakamo one by one.
"Like copyrights, it's called 『Floor Lease Rights』? Ownership transfer is impossible, as you know. It's overwhelming leverage with development permits and land leasing authority. If you grant those rights to our government... no, Association, you'll get benefits like income tax cuts, resident tax, insurance including national pension deductions—"
"Hard to forcibly expropriate the land, right? Like the nation leasing usage rights? You don't need much share of the profits. Say, 2%?"
"Hm... Ownership of the conquered floor is yours, Wakamo. Generous, but... won't you lose out?"
"1% from VTuber goods sales revenue, and 1% to save up like salary since I'll need a manager for future streams."
"Understood. Then, could I take the manager role?"
"That work? What about Association duties?"
"Including all that, because you're a promising talent. We'll issue you a new ID you can use, and handle VTuber streaming conveniences with full management support."
She presented a contract, saying it was like a deal and this was the plan all along. Only the revenue section was blank—but she insisted she wasn't tricking her, urged her to check carefully, and said they could revise anytime with feedback.
Wakamo pondered briefly, then signed readily.
"The term... until the current Association President's tenure. I remember you often said in chat our president is a great guy."
"Ah.... Uh... how much do you know about the Association President..?"
"Bearded old man?"
What? Unless you're a climber, it's hard to pay attention that far. Won Da-hye sighed in relief, stroking her chest— at least she didn't hate him.
"Including stream channels, fan cafe management, thumbnail and image resource creation support, content consulting—we can help with all that, so contact anytime without hesitation, Wakamo. Okay to announce this on the cafe?"
"Better to mention I got a manager...?"
"Then, we need rules first. Lots to do."
"Uh.... By any chance, do you support mana potions too?"
"Not hard at all. Looking forward to working with you. For meetings, since your residence is secret, how about Incheon Tower?"
"Sounds good."
They shook hands, sealing the deal refreshingly!!
Reviewing her words and contract several times, nothing seemed problematic.
No intent to deceive. Moved by taking less money, it was clearly sincere.
Besides, money wasn't a big deal for Wakamo, who didn't need to eat and could live on mana alone. No expenses, no illnesses!!
Politics? Let the Association handle it. With them backing her 『Fully Conquered Floor』 she had no use for anyway, wasn't that solid?
Red pill leak worries minimized!!
'Well, fans might be a bit shocked if they find out?'
Anyway, Wakamo enjoyed the collab menu, slipped into an alley, gathered her stuff, opened a portal, and headed home.
She got a few mana potions from Won Da-hye, thinking it'd help recover a bit.
[Stats]
Magic Power: 44,571
"Oh no...."
What to do? Lost in thought, Wakamo naturally turned to a construction site in her view.
Guess I'll have to dump it there.....
※※※
[Author: Anonymous]
[Title: Went to collab cafe and nearly died]
Heard the event was pulled forward, hyped unemployed ass ran right over.
Line was fucking long, some camped since dawn.
But there's this insanely assertive bitch.
Even from afar, she's huge, perspective on another level.
Proportions insane. Arms crossed, damn.
Turns out it was our boss!! No red pill pics ㅇㅇ.
Came to buy this and damn, real deal's prettier, was admiring.
[Photo of drake looking from afar]
See it? Jurassic World live, fuck.
Ah, never dated and dying so pointlessly...
Our boss beat it down with Ideogram Fist Tree Guard.
Saw guild fighter in news interview say it was real Ideogram Fist.
Real Chinese martial art thought lost to Cultural Revolution alive in Korea.
[Photo of massive Tree Guardian]
Killing intent visible to naked eye.
Cold vs warm-blooded fight, humanity wins obviously.
-Ideogram Fist shouldn't be visible, right?
-Fuck!! Boss's deep inner energy made it show!!
-Red pill out but fox god-sama cried for her believers.
-This is humanity's lost primordial strength..!
-Even worthless otaku NEET scum has value to live... I'll love you!!
ㄴFuck you lololol
ㄴHug NEET to bosom? Urgent.
ㄴBoss's hubby....
-Lost spells and powers but has believers! Plenty reason to risk life!
ㄴReally hits how different eras are.
ㄴBoss's era was generals on horseback in armor with weapons, right?
ㄴNo wonder voice sounded like a real man of valor.
-Fuck that, boss won raffle and took limited figure.
ㄴSo jealous fuck, no powers she says!!! Wanted it!!
ㄴBut if boss happy, that's OK right?
ㄴSaved your life, yield that much....
-I was behind boss, tail fur so fluffy. Fragrant scent....
ㄴDie
ㄴDie
ㄴMod what you doing!! Ban this fuck!!!
ㄴWhy only you get reward? Why only you? Why only you?
ㄴWhoa, this guy's turning yandere.
[Author: Anonymous]
[Title: Gotta see this in video]
All vids down now, can't watch.
Tree Guardian appears around boss posing.
Earsplitting boom, that huge drake flies back.
Then stomps with front paw, squeal and dead....
-Tower drake out in field meets boss and dies instantly.
-Ideogram Fist mimicking something stronger than humans... thus fox god took warrior form!!
ㄴTree Guardian taught bone-crushing defeat to all.
ㄴNah, real thing was fucking huge. I was scared a bit.
-Why vids down? Posts disappearing too?
ㄴBoss red pill, yeah ㅇㅇ.
ㄴWtf, saw cafe notice? Posted in cafe got banned, saw late life over;
ㄴBeliever, you posted boss red pill in cafe?
ㄴIf gone, assume dragged away ㅇㅇ
ㄴWtf happened?
ㄴBoss fan cafe manager is Climber Association monitoring deputy ㅇㅇ proof up.
ㄴWhy fuck gov agent cafe manager lololol
[Author: ReptilianConspiracy]
[Title: So boss summary is this right]
Loves VTuber streams hardcore, clips with divine insight stock/coin tips to make money.
Already made 200bil then manager <- (don't call her that ㅇㅇ careful).
Means knew fox god real identity.
Normal believe that shit and invest? That's why invested.
So gov knew and hid our boss.
Then she becomes climber, scramble contact and becomes stream manager.
Gov job while meeting boss IRL getting tail fur moffu life?
Fucking jealous....
Anyway don't upload red pill vids carelessly.
Buddy did, got dragged by black suits.
-Usually ends with pamphlet but this real af.
-How's manager Climber Association deputy lololol
-Spare me!! Spare me!! My cat did it!!
-Notice bans stock/coin questions. Duh, hide to avoid finance crash ㅇㅇ
ㄴFuck, why stocks/coins always endgame when famous?? Why'd I miss?
ㄴThat's why boss calls you retard.
ㄴAh! Our believers dumber than monkeys!!
ㄴEven monkey baby fine, wanna be hugged in big boobs once...
-Gallery full of crazy pervs cuz boss....
-So our gallery mod gov agent too?
ㄴGasp.
ㄴGasp.
ㄴGasp.
ㄴKnew it, paid gov shill!! Mod!! Work!!
"All domestic uploads are down, warned the press, but what about proxy servers to overseas sites?"
"Let that slide. Hard to find unless looking, need a little leak to not draw attention. Good the agreement went well, Deputy Won."
"Yes. Association President, can you review the plan to temporarily lease the floor to nearby Incheon Tower guilds as land rental? Gov handling terror cleanup."
"Give young politicians chances too. Saw her exploits well. Heh, idol stepping up for believers... Idols hard to exist without fan attention..... Sacrifice for others, all call it noble. Seeing it done warms even my heart."
Can't let it happen again.
The Association President warned, hands behind back.
Blocked [Six Evils]' terror somehow, but failed hiding Wakamo Inarizushi's existence. From the moment she started streaming, hard anyway, but now she'll be known worldwide.
Might draw hunters seeing her as inhuman otherworlder.
President still calling her monster might misjudge.
World changes, but throwing away after use remains.
"Era of mobs swayed by agitators long gone. Deputy Won. Donate part of 『Fully Conquered Floor』 profits in her name. Nothing buys hearts like money. Dirty complicated politics—leave to old fox like me."
Fixed term till his tenure.
Essentially handing him absolute power and indirect support.
Chosen and backed by once-called god.
"Funny now, era resenting gods. Such cute god-sama came. Even old man like me looks young to her?"
"You look plenty young now."
"Flatterer."
Gazing at conquering Incheon Tower, idol's emergence maybe second most shocking since tower's appearance.
Even old man thrilled anticipating her future disruptions.
"—Understand fans crying when she'll stream."
"Probably resting today, no stream?"
"Right."
[10th Floor] no pushover.
Stream right after drake fight? Rest a day good.
Ding~♪
"Huh?"
But alarm rang on Deputy Won's smartphone.
"She started streaming?"
"Wha, don't close the screen."