Chapter 166
Chapter 166
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 166
Chapter Title: Russian Tower's Grand Opening
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Vroooom—!
An enormous number of climbers had already heard the news and were flooding into Russia.
Factory districts sprawled everywhere, from livestock barns to vast fields, cities for living, and even roads.
The industrial zone that Jackson, the "Architect," had built purely to make money was, in a way, worthy of admiration.
Would all these factory owners be divided among conglomerates or nations? The sight of people from all nationalities working together without discrimination even felt peaceful.
Jackson must have called them, because there were an unusually high number of Black people in Russia.
When asked, they said they had immigrated from Africa... They explained that even if they got resources from the tower there, it was just food or water, with no way to process them.
To a better place to live, and one without racial discrimination.
Wakamo felt like a big brother figure.
*I just told them not to discriminate, to get along, and that I'd personally beat anyone who engaged in racial discrimination.*
*Did putting mana and divinity into my fist, making a red aura flare up, make it sound like a threat?*
It was right then that she recalled a line from some comic villain: "The world is ruled by fear."
"She's here! She's here!"
"Can't we take pictures?"
"They say she's protected by the Red Pill?"
"I don't know what that means, but I get the gist."
"Even if we take them, Asuka would steal our souls anyway. If you value your life, better not risk it."
The reporters were buzzing. In this day and age, writing articles with just words was pretty ridiculous.
Wakamo told her entourage to step back, then gave permission for photos.
Flashes erupted from all directions.
—Everyone respected and revered me, but they also seemed afraid, which stung a bit.
And it made sense. The Inari Fox God's statements as Japan's Prime Minister were all the rage lately.
"Back in the old days, I'd have killed every last one who opposed me. I'd curse them to vomit blood and die in agony. But since our Fox God loves humans too much and told me not to, I won't. That said, if you keep defying the Fox God and heavenly punishment falls from the sky, that's on you, right?"
No, what the hell are you trying to turn me into?
The Inari Fox God wanted to behead the bald-headed fools and hang their heads up, but was holding back for Wakamo's sake.
The people mattered more than any politicians—new ones could always be elected. She told them to boost the birth rate instead; they were going under because there was no one to farm(?).
Some called her outdated, unfit for the Reiwa era beyond Heisei, but many said people from the Showa era would understand, so there was nothing for it.
And lately, no one cared about politics anyway—the politicians could do whatever as long as prices went down, and approval ratings rose.
I don't get it—politics... Is the Inari Fox God good at it...?
"You have a special relationship with the tower—is that true?"
"It's said that Wakamo-sama pushed for these changes in the Russian tower!"
"When will you conquer the Korean 100th floor tower?"
"Ugh..."
"When's the next VTuber collab stream?"
"Oh, check the schedule for that."
Questions poured in on Wakamo, who stood holding scissors in front of the ribbon Jackson had set up at the tower entrance.
There was a limit to making someone uncomfortable... With so many waiting, she quickly snipped the ribbon.
"But why is Jackson doing this?"
"Oh, I got a quest."
"Work is best left to the experts, after all."
"We're so glad we follow Wakamo-sama!"
"More importantly, Jackson, what's with those homeless folks over there?"
Excited climbers entering the tower, and reporters who could enter too, buzzing with excitement and following them in.
A few pitiful-looking people gathered in a cluster, watching them enviously with desperate eyes fixed on Wakamo.
"They're second-gen Legendary Class folks who came to see Wakamo-sama."
"So what about those homeless ones?"
*What's the difference between them and homeless people?*
Jackson tilted his head at Wakamo's question, agreeing, "Yeah?"
"The boss of the [Six Freaks] tanked their Legendary Class reputation through broadcasts as pirates... So the only place that might hire them is with Wakamo-sama."
"No, I'm not some job placement service. How many are there? I'm not some god! I'm just a mere VTuber!!"
Wakamo, beyond bewildered and utterly dumbfounded, looked at the second-gen lab rats... no, beggars, with a sad kitten-like expression.
"Master."
"Yeah, bark, Asuka."
"You can make it rain, stop earthquakes, halt tsunamis, grow crops, right? And you can heal the sick by turning them into climbers."
"But you can't revive the dead!"
"Ah, I forgot about that..."
Asuka, momentarily forgetting that all Legendary Classes were either walking corpses or lunatics, fell silent.
Harsh words poured from Wakamo's mouth, but the second-gen unemployed couldn't retort and just wore sad faces.
Even the hired Legendary Classes with her couldn't argue and sobered up.
Then the [Reaper] cautiously spoke up.
"They say Legendary Classes are 30% lunatics, 30% madmen, 20% geniuses, and 10% flukes."
He still sighed about how the [Pirate] haunted his nightmares. No one was easier to read than Legendary Classes.
You just had to look at the class.
Of course, some were hard to peg, but weren't [Pirate], [Outlaw], and [Brat] obvious?
"I'm in that 10%."
"Bullshit..."
"Asuka?"
"Uh, suddenly I felt a divine possession..."
The remaining 10% were born into it?
Anyway, the folks gathered here were [Farmer], [Fisherman], [Gatherer], [Gambler], [Breeder], [Maid], and the like.
Yeah, the first five made sense, but what about the maid in patched-up, sewn clothes?
"I'm a [Chronicler]..."
"...No good classes available?"
"I'm a [Dragon Knight]!"
"Oh, how'd you end up with that?"
"Uh, well... During a basement renovation, I accidentally found a dragon egg...? But I couldn't hatch it..."
More importantly, why was there a dragon egg in the basement...? If that precious egg she was cradling broke, what would happen to her class?
"Uh, anyway. No good jobs?"
"Folks like [Dracula] or [Winged Hussar] have different circumstances..."
Right, no reason to come here if the job was good.
Meanwhile, the [Reaper] shook his head, saying it was a pitiful phase of arrogance where they thought they were special.
The first-gen folks, who'd suffered too much, empathized and clicked their tongues.
More than that, could you really climb the tower with classes like these? The doubt lingered. The maid claimed she had [Dishwashing] skill and was good at housework, which brought tears. Why that skill...? The watching [Professor] turned away, unable to bear the sadness.
*More importantly...*
A [Dragon Egg] in the basement, or the modern world's only [Superhuman].
Before [Dracula], there were [Oni] or [Witch] classes, right? Was [Alien] actually an alien...? Or alien-blooded...?
Like ancient civilizations, this world might have been pretty fantastical even before the towers.
"[Illusionist], sorry for calling you to Russia just to send you back. Take these folks to the Climber Association on Wakamo's first floor..."
"I'll do my best!"
The German [Illusionist] said he had to work hard to impress the President and led the poor underclass(?) away.
She didn't forget to grant entry permissions.
"I have no idea what experiments the tower wants to run."
Watching [Climbers] ascend, the [Legendary Class] felt like second-gen ones were even weirder.
In the past, only truly special people met the conditions; now it felt lax...?
To normal people, wasn't it like walking a minefield blindfolded?
"Soon we'll see [Janitors] too."
"They exist."
"Damn it."
Wasn't this too reckless? First-gen had [Angels] and such.
She wanted to go confront whoever the Six Freaks' boss thought she was.
Why hadn't she gotten an invite...?
Because she was a non-existent Legendary Class, not on the list? That felt kinda sad.
"Hiya."
She told the members who entered first to roam freely, then she and Asuka belatedly entered the Russian tower's first floor.
The tower's interior, proudly standing in Red Square, boasted an immense space.
Buildings everywhere sold all sorts of goods: [Materials] to [Minerals], [Potions], consumables like bullets and throwing daggers.
All unmanned stores, so climbers handled checkout. Curious, Wakamo picked up an item, and a message popped up with the price and "Purchase?"
It kindly let her check quantities, packaged into a box that dropped from thin air.
"They really went all out."
The first floor was a commercial district.
There were restaurants too. Would anyone use 【Tower Coins】 for food? But normal people were working there.
"Hm, the tower hires civilians. Salary in Tower Coins, apparently."
"Uh... Can you exchange them?"
"Seems so?"
Now she noticed many items could be bought with outside world money, not just Tower Coins.
Not just Russian—Japanese, Chinese, Korean goods and shops in separate zones.
The East Asian Federation, after all. It made sense, but... the first floor was Seoul-sized.
Orchards, fields, fisheries, livestock areas—for tower-exclusive crops and animals absent outside.
Oil Slimes, Horn Bunnies, Angry Boars, Feral Deer—common ones too.
Monsters from other towers roamed about. Unlike worries, they obediently followed the hired farmers.
Wakamo entered the central door to the second floor.
What greeted her was a massive attraction.
An amusement park packed with rides everywhere. Roads for mini-karts zooming around, workers—not quite human, more human-like somethings.
No such monsters in Russia, so probably from Japan or China. Wakamo was shocked, and other climbers were dumbfounded too.
Pools, large hot springs, saunas—every resort amenity.
Some things buyable with Tower Coins, and riding all rides gave special items—a fun event.
A circus tent too, with a Legendary Class [Clown] hired, partnered with [Mime Master]; posters urged visits.
"This is perfect, Asuka."
"If I end up unemployed, I'll live at the zoo."
"You? Sure."
—Up to the second floor, it was downright ordinary.
A massive tourist spot; Russia was dead serious about making money.
With that thought, she stepped toward the third floor.
From here, only 【Climbers】 allowed—a warning sign.
Non-climbers like reporters or civilians were blocked.
Seeing that, Wakamo wondered where they sold VTuber merch.
After coming this far, instead of marveling at the tower's grandeur and mystery, all she could think was buying VTuber stuff.
[Entering the top floor.]
"...Asuka, didn't I tell you to press floor 3 on the elevator?"
"I'm innocent, really."
"It's a door to begin with—where's the elevator?" Asuka wailed in grievance.
Wakamo scratched her head in exasperation and entered, greeted by a vast audience chamber and throne.
And behind it, a massive 【Babel Fragment】 floating, catching her eye immediately.
She almost tossed the one in her pocket but held back with restraint.
[【Babel Fragment】 1 million Tower Coins]
Seeing the price tag, she thought the Russian tower was insane, various thoughts swirling.
*'That pirate bastard... Stop your mystery tower bullshit and just hold back a bit.'*
Selling this in a shop would draw all the villains, letting the fiery hillbilly die as a pirate—what a pathetic end.
"You're saying that, but your hand's honest."
"Gonna post this to the gallery today. Can't resist the humiliation bait."
"Ahahahaha, Asuka already posted it. Too late?"
"Copied yours and it hit best."
"Fuck!!"
"《...I invited you, but there's zero seriousness!》"
The amplified voice boomed like a megaphone; Wakamo turned to see a woman in a tight black suit on the throne. Latex-like sheen highlighting her figure.
But the dragon horns on her head and tail from her hips were more striking.
The 【Russian Tower Lord】 in a black brimmed hat rose from the throne, smiling warmly in greeting.
"《Welcome, Idol! I'm the 【Tower Lord】 ruling all of Russia! Feel honored. You're the first climber to meet a Tower Lord.》"
"Auntie, where do they sell VTuber merch?"
"《Ah, come on.》"
"Can I go home?"
Hooked by VTuber merch only to feel scammed, Wakamo's motivation plummeted, ears drooping in clear disappointment as she replied curtly to the Tower Lord.
Even meeting Russia's ruler should've warranted some awe, but she felt more baffled than wronged and barely held her dignity.
"《No need for the tower's trials since you defeated my apostle. I called to discuss future dealings.》"
"Ugh, can't argue since I'm not just a VTuber but agency president too. So, what?"
Genuinely uninterested but hearing her out, Wakamo plopped on the floor, lay sideways, and started a VTuber stream.
Her attitude screamed zero intent to listen; the Tower Lord's eyes twitched, but she continued.
She even wheeled in a whiteboard for explanation, marker in hand, drawing.
【Climber】 → 【National Tower】
[Climber climbs tower, provides [Cost]]
【National Tower】 → 【Climber】
[Rewards climber who climbed with [Cost]]
"《As you see, that's the standard tower structure.》"
Climbers grow stronger climbing; towers earn more Cost with more climbers, evolving accordingly.
At 100 floors, massive Cost affects the whole tower.
She added that [Cost] creates 【Legendary Classes】 and trains 【Climbers】.
[Tower Coins] were currency for climbers but earned via [Cost], the Tower Lord explained.
"《And here's ours!》"
【Wakamo Inarizushi】 → 【National Tower】
[Class restriction: receives only 30% rewards. Tower gets 70% Cost profit]
【National Tower】 → 【Wakamo Inarizushi】
[Don't get excited against her, just give minimal rewards—no loss]
"Hey."
"《Whoa, calm down. I have no confidence I'd win if you rampage here.》"
"You're the Tower Lord."
"《Tower reset makes me weakest form.》"
Such a thing existed...? Wakamo was dumbfounded but held back, lest a poke kill her.
The Tower Lord continued, touting a revolutionary operation.
【Wakamo Inarizushi】 → 【Climber】
[Uses collected [Cost] to train [Climber]]
[Tower spends no Cost on generating climbers]
[Utilizes the 70% reward Cost effectively]
"《Our [East Asian Federation]'s Korean tower has over 10x the [Cost] of Russia, China, Japan combined—rich enough for extras. And there's big profit in this.》"
If Wakamo made climbers, the other four towers wouldn't need to, freeing Cost for [Materials], [Skills], [Items]—improving reward quality and solidity.
To widen the gap, [Russian Tower] ditched unpopular climbers, boldly building a new tower form.
Sweeping [Tower Coins] from foreign climbers, not just East Asia.
Use earned [Cost] to make goods for export, rake in money, lure climbers to East Asia voluntarily.
*'If I die, this ends, right? '*
Like stocks or coins, perfect for mass bankruptcy if Wakamo(?) corp delisted.
Knowing that, [Chinese Tower] and [Japanese Tower] watched moderately; [Russian Tower] floored it regardless.
"So, what's on the third floor?"
"《Hehe, I'll show you. Let's get along from now on.》"
Earlier dignity gone—who was top dog was obvious—the Russian Tower Lord became extremely deferential.
Posture low to the point of servility, watching for offense; it was pitiful.
Reaching the third floor with her, a 【Magic City】 incomparable to 1-2F greeted Wakamo.
Clean, thanks to Jackson's design, but casinos galore, booze-shaped skyscrapers, racetracks, arenas.
"《Korean tower designed from here!!》"
"Told you by the look, duh."
Entering the casino, climbers were already mad—wailing, laughing, screaming.
"Uwaaaan!!"
Seeing Yu Ying sobbing at a slot machine, "This can't be!", Wakamo facepalmed.
Why? [Legendary] to [Mythic] items buyable with [Casino Coins] from gambling.
Not Tower Coins but separate currency—the whiff of predatory gacha made Wakamo frown.
Random Item Kits packaged too darkened her vision.
"《Wanna try? It's fair, with pity system.》"
"Nah, no interest. Not VTuber figures."
Leaving casino for booze building: all sorts of alcohol and potions sold.
Sadako chugging from an oak barrel, stacks piled beside her.
"《Mostly sells Tower Coin shop potions.》"
Wakamo had [My Worlds], so no issue, but for them, Tower Coin shops were rare pitstops.
Climbers seriously picking potions with "buy now or never" faces; she felt sorry and passed by.
Climbing was tough; needing to climb for Tower Coins was fatal.
As the Association President once said—top runners had few ways to earn Tower Coins.
Climb for coins, but for those maxed, huge loss.
Murmurs—
"Anyway, a racetrack...? What kind?"
"《Human races by climbers, dragon races with dinos, and Uma Musume?》"
"...Wait, what was the last one?"
"《Uma Musume, they say. Climbers?》"
Checking with Asuka: dinosaur-like dragons clashing fiercely while racing.
Climbers screamed at the unique dino races; some joined, betting even on themselves.
Next out: half-centaurs.
Horse lower body but human-like two legs. Reverse-jointed?
"《Half-yo from Japanese tower airlift. Korean tower goes nuts for cute girls racing.》"
"Ha. Ridiculous. Someone might think VTubers succeed by skinning ota money with cute shells."
"《They sell character merch too!》"
"World's gone mad—people buy this? They sing? Albums? What'd Korean tower learn from?"
"...Can I say bullshit?"
"Asuka, what's with you today?"
More than that, Wakamo noted climbers rushing to pamper monsters post-race.
That [Breeder] Legendary Class... No way?
Most Asians earlier—no...? They didn't reclass to work here...?
Please no.
"Those climbers—what are they?"
"《Partners. Korean tower proposed new idea with Idol and Apostle: 【Partner】.》"
Explanation: One per climber, buy a 【Partner】 to climb together.
More like 『Tower Helper』?
Exclusive to Russian tower boast didn't sit right with Wakamo.
"What if they get badly hurt or die?"
"《Buy new if dead. Injured? Bring back alive for 【Tower Coins】 treatment.》"
"Waa..."
"《Idol's VVIP—free.》"
"No issue then!"
"Asuka's fucked."
Asuka, knowing Wakamo's climbs' brutality—kept off frontlines from worry—faced this bolt from blue.
Of course, Wakamo wouldn't send agency VTubers to frontlines anyway.
Still, tower monster/familiar vibe; "buy new" hurt.
"《Abilities, skill learning also cost 【Tower Coins】!》"
Wakamo shuddered at the insane sales tactics.
But not the end; Tower Lord guided her.
Climbers ordered at bizarre monster NPCs.
"《Japan: yokai line, China: jiangshi, Russia: dragons/vampires, Korea: standard beastkin.》"
"Custom looks cost extra?"
"《Yes.》"
Pitiful sight of them desperately crafting.
"Made ara-ara zombie jiangshi!!"
"Like Miocha...? Did good...?"
"Hubby here?! Speak up!!"
On second look: VTuber lookalikes for 【Partners】. *I wanted that too...!!*
Gave away [Idol's Apostle] recklessly; others enjoyed her dream.
They poured hard-earned 【Tower Coins】 into Partners; [Summoners] with familiars spent on skills/stats.
Watching silently, Wakamo wondered.
"But like Asuka, can they communicate?"
"《Yes? Basic gestures only, no speech. Monsters have intelligence limits—downgraded tamed humanoid monsters.》"
Tower Lord said heavy investment allowed growth, smiling.
"Then, like, sexual stuff...?"
"《Feel lust for monsters?》"
"Asuka."
On command, Asuka showed Tower Lord internet's deep dark web.
Human endless perversions crushed her belief; she covered eyes, pained: "Shouldn't have seen."
"《No wonder Korean tower said unlock mating with Tower Coins. Big plan!》"
"Seriously, Korea prepped this cute girl sales tactic...? What'd they learn, tsk tsk..."
"..."
Asuka glared daggers at Wakamo's back, averting eyes when turned.
Anyway, would they skip dating for Partners? Birth rates tank?
"《Know why ancient myths record non-human races?》"
"Not really interested."
Wakamo pondered if humanity self-doomed.
"《Anyway, Korean tower's VTuber shop...》"
"Let's see what they sell!!"
Fuming, Wakamo kicked open the door to check Korea's prep.
"《So what is a VTuber?》"
"Uh... Sometimes paid to lend voice... Dance, drink, sing... People call it sex."
"《????》"
Russian Tower Lord's face screamed more confusion at Asuka's explanation.
But if her ride-or-die coin said good, thumbs up.
Wakamo vanished into the shop forever.
Emerging enchanted, arms full, blissful face.
"What'd you buy?"
"Oh, this hexagonal water heals throat, eye stickers protect vision, bracelet relieves fatigue and restores energy, earrings guard wearer from ambushes! Cosplay VTubers get stalked!! Bought tons!! This power stone boosts internet signal—great gift for overseas VTubers! This pyramid gives pyramid power including luck to all agency members..."
Proudly listing hundreds of items.
Dirt cheap; obvious trash for climbers.
Fine for civilians. Explained slowly: vital for VTubers.
Eye/throat health, fatigue recovery, stalker defense.
Problem: hundreds bought. Asuka guessed one per known VTuber.
"So, total cost?"
"Only 50k Tower Coins. Profitable?"
Asuka facepalmed.
Forgot her bitching about 10k for cheapskates.
"《That's the biz. Idol just making [Climbers] nets huge profit.》"
"Surprisingly not telling me to stop climbing?"
"《Limit soon? Impressive you reached this far... But class-born limits block.》"
Wakamo nodded at Tower Lord's words, already suspecting.
Association President said you'd eventually hit a wall climbing.
"...Lots to ask, but you won't tell important stuff."
A 【Tower Lord】 knows much.
Tower's purpose, climbers' 【Summit】 goal.
Wakamo nearest summit yet, but Tower Lord said impossible.
[Idol's Body] peak nearing limit; no denial.
Not aiming for summit anyway!
Pondering Wakamo, Tower Lord spoke first.
"《Towers existed in Babel era too. Collapsed from ladder-jumping. Seen historical figures in towers?》"
"...Yes."
"《Far future, your records might appear as history.》"
【Tower Lord】 mused post-said: no one conquers then.
"《Between us is ultimately 【Mediator】. We don't know our purpose. Just duty left.》"
"...Huh?"
"《11 years ago, the one who woke us this era: [Six Freaks]' chief. Also 【Mediator】? Ask her for truth.》"
—Well, doubtful she'd tell you.
As Tower Lord said, Wakamo, never invited to [Six Freaks], wryly smiled.
Thanks for info; left with purchases.
Met Jackson en route, agonizing over buying 【Partner】 as tank.
"By the way, Wakamo-sama. As expected of Idol—top-notch nation-running skills. Uniting East Asia for innovation?"
"Ah—that... I just set foundations, advance civ, then get booted since no need to worship Idol. Don't know after."
"Ah..."
Truth: clueless, dumped on presidents/chairs/PMs.
Answered per VTuber concept, but passing reporter heard, posted article.
That day, fan cafe flooded with believers' "Sorry Wakamo" sobs and "My horny dog Partner" proofs mixed.
Communities swarmed; fan cafe or Sodom/Gomorrah?
"Legendary Class innate limits..."
Wakamo felt it, but hearing direct felt odd.
This feeling... what was it...?
—Displeasure?
My world's most beloved VTuber (Idol) has limits...?
I'd reach and accept soon...?
*'Have to break it...'*
Love for VTubers limitless... VTubers have no limits...!!
Even towers can't arbitrarily set...!
Even if god, I'll deny...!!
"If there's a strongest job reaching summit, it's VTuber only...!!"
...To reiterate.
Legendary Classes are all insane.
Like suicidal Pirate or charging Predator.