Chapter 170
Chapter 170
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 170
Chapter Title: Taishang Laojun's Trial
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"Even at the 1992 Bucharest concert in Romania where thousands fainted, there were no deaths."
"Olga."
"What kind of blessing attaches to dancing that makes the enemy drop dead from a heart attack?! What will posterity think of Michael Jackson!!"
"Olga Romanova."
"Dancing to One Piece songs makes your body stretch like rubber, dancing to VTuber songs makes mana spring forth.... Why does a [skill] like that even exist...?!"
"Honestly, 【Zmyth】's performance is kinda meh, right?"
"Yes."
Finally, she's speaking her true feelings.... Wakamo—no, Kang Yeo-ul gazed wistfully at Olga, who was groaning with one wing clipped.
Well, that could happen.
Honestly, Wakamo hadn't expected the [Idol's Dance Ban] skill effect to be this powerful either. And he only learned from Olga that there were no deaths at Michael Jackson's concert.
Moreover, Michael Jackson had made thousands faint just by standing there without even dancing.
He'd watched the full performance video on the official Nutyube channel, and the fact that no one died seemed even more fortunate.
"The exact principle is like the intimidation emitted by a predator. It's similar to what a 【Man-Eater】 does, but amplified through a [blessing]."
In fact, with a Man-Eater, they say even staring at an ordinary person can kill them from a heart attack.
Kang Yeo-ul worried that might be even scarier.
Isn't that more normal instead? What kind of skill is that weak?
"With a cheat skill like that, climbing from now on should be a breeze."
Aiba said this after everything was over, lighting a cigarette and putting it in her mouth.
During skill activation, it's hard to use any other skills besides mana manipulation, and songs have to be chosen carefully.
Plus, the blessing affected allies too from what he'd seen earlier, making it a dangerous skill with no distinction between friend and foe.
It could be used as a buff, but who in this world besides Wakamo could recover mana just from listening to [VTuber Music]?
Olga Romanova might have potential, but she probably couldn't match Wakamo's fanatic level.
"Is that so?"
Honestly, good skill performance is pleasant, but there are classes like 【Man-Eater】 that are just innately strong.
It would've been nice if Wakamo had something like that, instead of constant "Idol has limits! Idol's body has limits! No rewards for you anyway!"
Maybe it's better to call this "normalization" at last?
'With this, maybe the other [skills] perform well too?'
Hopeful Wakamo held expectations for the performance of other skills made by the Korean Tower.
And the Korean Tower was undergoing revisions, spitting out skills it had created while its arms and legs were torn off by allied towers like a dog.
In a way, normalization was in progress.
The allied towers, viewing the skills that an [Idol] could acquire as a rightful [ally] privilege, were stunned beyond belief.
Even spaghetti code would be cleaner than this, right?
Even if you brought a monkey and made it bang on a keyboard, it would do better work than this.
The Korean Tower had been neglected in near-ruin for 10 years without proper [growth], but they hadn't expected it to be this pathetic.
Skills like [Flames of the Idol] copied and pasted from [Idols (combat classes)] that [towers] kept as [lions]—fine, whatever.
That could be understood since it consumed a significant amount of [mana] and carried commensurate risk.
But what about absurd things like [VTuber Assets] or [VTuber Model]?
At that point, they concluded these were independently created by the [Korean Tower] since the initial class creation with everyone together.
By the time the [Mediator] claimed ignorance, the allied towers realized this class couldn't even pass class certification—it was failing grade.
In this flow, they were blocked by the question: What the hell is this thing?
Balance patches could be applied to the next Idol after Wakamo Inarizushi died.
But the problem was that it had actually died once and revived.
Faced with the dilemma of whether this guy even dies, the allied towers gave up thinking while looking at the idiotically grinning Korean Tower.
.....
...
"By the way, there was no [treasure] after all, huh?"
Robert said this while watching the climbers collecting and investigating the corpses of remaining [humans], not monsters.
From the bisected [Black Tower] in the distance, the visible scenery was like one swept by disaster.
Well, since it was done by something akin to a natural disaster, it wasn't entirely wrong.
"Just do it and it'll work out somehow! Life is lived with pelican thinking! 'Just try it!'"
"No, doesn't living so recklessly lead to dead ends?"
"It always works out somehow."
"What is our president...?"
The culprit behind this mess had no thoughts at all.
This was just everyday life for her.
Wakamo, living a VTuber life of doing things first and thinking later, was moving deeper with her party.
The [Black Tower] had dragged out tentacles like an octopus to reach the coast, but originally, it was at the island's center.
Conversely, it meant it had moved to the island's outskirts in that brief instant—just about 1 minute.
Good thing Kang Yeo-ul was ridiculously strong; if this [Black Tower] had been on another continent?
It probably would've dodged incoming missiles with ease.
【Announcement to the entire world: Brave climbers have defeated the hidden tower 【Black Tower】.】
【As reward, all 500 participating climbers will receive [Additional Stats], [Tower Coins], and [30-Day Stat Buff].】
【Please continue to work for the tower's safety.】
"Wow!! Tower Coins and additional stats!!!"
"Amazing!! Stats rose tremendously!! A buff from the tower.... Incredible!!"
"This counts as treasure!!"
The [Tower's Voice] suddenly resounding spread beyond the island to the whole world.
Climbers who didn't follow shed tears of regret and envy; those searching for the [Hidden Tower] realized its identity, stopped scouting, and fell into contemplation.
The 500 climbers who mustered courage to scout and got rewards cheered in joy.
Fans of the Idol shouted that Wakamo-sama is the best as expected, and non-fans became fans after falling for the dance.
It was truly a virtuous cycle of growing faith and gaining believers.
[Due to the 【Idol】 class penalty, you cannot receive [Additional Stats] and [Tower Coins].]
Amid this, there was one Idol quietly smiling, accustomed to it all.
It was treatment befitting a class that gave no rewards unless fully clearing a layer even if you climbed.
The 30-day stat increase buff applied, but nothing happened to Wakamo.
"Damn tower bastards!! No matter how much you torture me, I won't say VTubers are trash!!!"
We haven't tortured you at all, specifically.
Kang Yeo-ul, grumbling and charging ahead alone, reached the site where the [Black Tower] had been.
There, traces of countless people living were vividly preserved, just like in Antarctica.
Footprints remained, traces of hands touching things, signs of hunting and eating fish or seagulls scattered about.
──However, from weathered buildings to moss-covered structures, something felt off.
It was their living space, but it seemed like they'd been asleep for ages and only recently awakened to activity.
"What, no records...?"
The meaningful "tower's safety" message, the empty boot prints in Antarctica including....
The [Black Tower] in Antarctica had been a dead tower with functions completely stopped.
Perhaps that was the Korean Tower's future?
That's why the [Mystery Tower] was there—probably the safest region available.
Plus, the [Ningens]... ancient humans living there had been taken by someone.
"Headache."
For Wakamo, whose brain cells didn't function at all unless it involved [VTubers], this was too tough a riddle.
[ זָנָה כָּזָב ]
"Found it."
On a massive stele at the entrance presumed to be the [Black Tower]'s [passage], letters were engraved.
Even just carved into rock, the resentment and grudge emanating made Kang Yeo-ul shiver from afar.
It felt like invisible spirits wrapped around his body, showering curses.
Those following also shuddered in fear upon seeing the letters.
"What does it say...?"
Kang Yeo-ul stared at the letters for a long time, pondering whether to laugh it off as coincidence.
What was written was his own mistake, and simultaneously the last words of the perished—a curse.
"Worshiped the wrong idol."
[שָׁקַע שִׁלֻּמָה]
Lowering his gaze to the sentence engraved below, Wakamo read the text to her companions.
"Thus received punishment, and the nation perished."
[נָתַךְ כּוֹכָב ]
"Because the greatest king cursed us."
The text in ancient Hebrew said as much.
During the era of building the Tower of Babel, what on earth happened?
"Seems they were sealed here for ages... and awakened due to the [tower]'s influence."
Robert pointed to a structure looking like a bed with clear imprints from someone lying there long-term.
The 【Tower Lord】 claimed they were merely fulfilling duties as a tower, and to learn those duties, reach the tower's summit.
The greatest being could wish upon the 【Babel Fragment】.
"And there's this writing on the Black Tower.... Can you read it?"
[גֹּדֶל אָנָה מְצַד ]
"The one who reaches the summit..."
Kang Yeo-ul pondered the final word.
It had multiple meanings.
"Shall become great. Shall be praised.... And"
"And?"
"King."
-Gasp.
-Huff....
-Does reaching the top make you a great king?
-Didn't it say they perished from the king's curse?
-Uh, um....
-Our ancestors lived spectacular lives too.
Revived [humanity] and the [Black Tower] supporting and protecting them.
Versus current humanity (climbers) and the [White Tower] supporting and leading them.
Recalling how towers turned to brilliant light upon [full layer clear], Kang Yeo-ul shook off stray thoughts.
What irony.
Ultimately, for them, the greatest ordeal and massive barrier even now was an [Idol].
.......
.....
Climbers collected fragments of the [Black Tower] for investigation and took the [humans'] corpses.
To forge weapons from them, analyze weaknesses, and prepare countermeasures.
Nations flipped out that such an insanely dangerous thing was near Greece—but the horror didn't end there.
The problem was that all sorts of bizarre rumors might be true.
From underground dwellers beneath nations, to the moon's far side, Antarctica, deep oceans, Atlantis....
Towers emerging turned modern into fantasy, but humans had merely forgotten.
All the exceptional figures in history might have been born with legendary class-like bloodlines.
History departments flipped out once more.
Already excited by Wakamo, professors were overworking grad students; now with Babel Tower mentioned, religious scholars joined the frenzy.
Amid this, with Wakamo reading ancient Hebrew and attending church a bit, people asked how many living saints he'd met.
Professors and scholars booking flights to Korea to demand answers forced Wakamo in Korea to mass-block.
Shamelessly manipulating history while maintaining VTuber concept, but even for thick-skinned Wakamo, he didn't want to touch church history!!!
Already avoiding religion ties by insisting he's not a god and not to worship, but no one listened!!
"Aah—!! Asuka!! Do something!!"
"True faith!! Starts from never losing belief!!"
"Ugh, you're the fanatic first, thinking about it."
Asuka rebelled with mad eyes, saying for Wakamo-sama's [faith], recruit more believers!!!
As [Idol's Lion], devoting to [Idol] is natural!!
24/7 nonstop VTuber streams to gather more [believers]!!
.....No point telling this kid otherwise, so Wakamo half-gave up.
Such posts were appearing too.
[Author: Polydeuces]
[Title: Not a god? Don't worship?]
"One gesture from you births a thousand clips."
"By your will, millions of climbers navigate the void."
"You are omniscient, eternal, immortal!"
"If this isn't a god, what is?!"
"Why say you're not a god?!"
-Wakamo Megacorp stock confirms it's a god!
ㄴMost employee salaries come from stocks!
ㄴWakamoto=God forever!!
-Claims to be just a VTuber, not a god.
-Worshipping doesn't hurt, right? Just do it?
-Made climbers, made country livable, made allies—did it all.
ㄴNormalization is indeed ShinKamo.
-Still, VTuber is.... I don't think so.....
ㄴUgh, gay, understand a bit.
ㄴNot human sacrifice, just watching idol— that hard?
ㄴBut 700 clips a day!!!
ㄴHuh? Just watch them all?
-Everyone's gone mad!!!
Still, Wakamo's dances and [Black Tower] stories were hotter topics, burying it somewhat.
Thought the flashy performance stream would get copyright-struck on Nutyube, but surprisingly overlooked.
Nearly unarchived, but has Wakamo's scale become untouchable for Nutyube now?
"Hmm."
After summiting [China Tower], climb only [Korea Tower] then quit as [climber], Wakamo resolved.
Honestly, no lacks now; after full tower climbs, focus seriously as [VTuber Company] president: comprehensive gaming streams, nurturing VTubers.
Chat asking "No more towers?" already loomed; predicted fans mocking as "has-been" if quitting.
But Wakamo is a VTuber.
"Yeah, I've finally opened my eyes....!!"
Releasing pent-up desires through [dance] happily removed hesitation.
VTubers don't need to climb towers...!!
Asuka was appalled this realization came after smashing 2 towers, submitting 1, nearly smashing another—but it was right.
"So after China Tower and Korea Tower, retire from climbing right after. Focus on VTuber."
"Got a lot to say, can I?"
"Go ahead, Adelheid."
"Then, not burning Germany?"
"From now on, our East Asia Federation discriminates against Germany."
"As expected, our president is the best!"
All problems solved!!
No employee complaints!!
Before entering, Wakamo posted [notice] on cafe and asked Asuka to [text] all subscribers just in case.
──Revenge on tower not properly rewarding me.... Japan Tower innocent(?) but tower anyway.
Russia Tower quick-witted so no revenge, but suck China Tower dry...!!
Ding ding─♪
Right after global notice, ignoring incoming messages, tense Wakamo entered China Tower 100th floor with Xiao Liang.
What awaited Wakamo?
Upon entry, thick fog of mystical energy filled the air.
Walking forward blindly, soon Wakamo realized she was strolling on clouds.
An orchard bursting with fruits reminiscent of the peach grove before Idol's shrine appeared.
Far in the distant haze, the 100th floor's master sat, gaze fixed on Wakamo.
Seeing it, Wakamo thought no way?; Korea Tower sent baffled message too.
[Korea Tower points out it seems to have failed difficulty adjustment.]
[Challenging Sichuan Province Tower 100th floor trial.]
-Climber, shatter walls and overcome hurdles.
-Destroy your rival and seize power!
-Climber, show your martial prowess!
[Platinum Achievement Condition]
-Defeat [[Tower's Lion] Idol Taishang Laojun (太上老君)] (0/1)
"No, hey!!"
One of China's famed heavenly gods, equated to Shakyamuni when Buddhism entered, per Laozi Huahu theory.
The deified Laozi (老子), incarnation of Yuanshi Tianzun, is Taishang Laojun!
Among Idols, a top senior by count!!
Far away like a dot, Wakamo sweated coldly, fearing unknown skills if she didn't close distance fast.
But not 200x difficulty; surely constraints applied.
Pushing top gods like this recklessly—who could clear?
[Taishang Laojun reads climber [Wakamo Inarizushi]'s mind!]
"What...?"
Mind-reading fighter type? Wakamo gulped, tense.
[Taishang Laojun casts [Immortal Art [Life Creation]]!]
Unknown skill activated; Wakamo stared ahead tensely.
What means did China 100th floor prepare to defeat an Idol!!
"[A-]"
"....Huh?"
Before Wakamo, an Atlantis Shark in blue hoodie popped out.
Body turning red, wielding trident; shark-shaped water charged, waves surged to sweep Wakamo.
-lolololol
-No, you coward!!
-Look at boss panicking lololol
-Found out the Idol's weakness!!
-Idol doesn't die even if head/body separated... the weakness is...!!
VirtualMYTH affiliate Atlantis Shark broadcasting virtual live pierced Wakamo's chest with trident.
Wakamo knew it was fake—but the foe was perfectly composed per Wakamo's known [VTuber concepts]!!
Flawless implementation everywhere; Wakamo's camera busied framing photos.
"Arghhh!!!"
"[Gonna hit?]"
Raising fist, but it tilts head cutely mew~; Wakamo punches own face.
Properly deranged Wakamo grinned delightedly even poked by trident.
"[Hey─!]"
From elongating shadow, pink-haired reaper emerges, scything back.
Reading Wakamo's mind to create overwhelming Idols!!
Viewers worried as Wakamo got one-sidedly pummeled, unable to fight.
"Wha...! That detailed?"
Mid-beating, focusing on toes, checks between legs for clothing; admires modeling down to there.
"Wow!! Latest 3D model!! Just like the figure!!"
-Ugh snap out lolol
-Stream exploding fml lololol
-Not laying down to peek panties right?
-Why smiling while stabbed by scythe/trident lolol
-Getting beaten is the reward.
"Please marry me!!"
-Finally lost it lolololol
-Please snap out!!!
-You'll really die, boss!!!
-Aren't you scared of the fox god?!
-Marrying 3 times is insane!!
Thrusting mystery bouquet at reaper; flames erupt.
"[Stop proposing! Mine!!]"
"[WAH!]"
Wakamo thrilled at phoenix and octopus priest appearance.
Eyes hearts, flailing to hug; watching manager facepalms.
"[Hi, friend!]"
Frozen by [Time Stop] in that state.
Time traveler detective draws gun, riddling Wakamo's body.
Savaged mercilessly by 5, rolling around, but smile never leaves Wakamo's lips.
"Urgh... damn.... Can't buy experiences like this anywhere...?!?"
-No!! Tower climbing!!
-Please return to reality!!!!
-Honestly a bit jealous.
-Info) Boss subbed to all visible VTubers.
-Truly unhinged.
"[ha↗️ha↘️ha↗️ha!]"
Direct hit from blue bunny's RPG launch, then frail pirate begs one hit; Wakamo spreads arms guardless, takes sword.
"[Miko Thunder!]"
"Argh...!! Attacks true to initial concept...!!"
Shrine maiden's lightning veers; Wakamo dives into it, tumbling on ground.
"[Inari Kick!]"
Horn—no, fox-eared other fox god VTuber flying kick.
Should do no damage, but Hollywood-level reaction, twisting body to flop.
-No, looks so light but why hit so hard???
-Love packed in....
-This feels like real trolling...
-Analyzing settings while taking hits???
-True madman.
"[Come here you! Head!!]"
"[BONK!]"
"[Kanna Thunder!]"
"[Yubi Yubi!]"
Wakamo surrounded by VTubers, gang-beaten.
Flat on back getting trampled; looked total loser.
Opponents not that strong, but precisely because Wakamo, impossible to win.
"No, ancestor?!"
Xiao Liang swings sword to help; Wakamo bodyguards, taking hits instead.
-How to break charm??
-Best to give up.
-Didn't expect this much joy.
-No, climbing now lololol
"Need to clear this?! Wanna come daily for one reward hit!!! So so happy now!!!"
Blue comet's golden axe embeds in skull, pink princess's cute kick leaks mana, yet Wakamo smiles.
Mana=lifespan state, yet lays flat to maximize area for more hits.
No fighting spirit whatsoever; Wakamo became invited sandbag to VTuber violence party.
"No butt-sitting event?"
-Image shattered lololol
-This is Idol's ant-peeling...?
-Real.... real...
-But insanely jealous fml lololol
-Boss solo enjoying mega collab.
"Snap out, ancestor!! You'll really die!!!"
"Regrettably, getting beaten by VTubers makes me happy!!"
"Yes?"
"Too happy, mood boosting mana recovery... whoaaa.... Wakamo mana tank grown...."
-What?
-Fml, Taishang Laojun's panicked face lololol
-Info: Mana recovery ties to mental state.
-Unprecedented reward heals instead of hurts.....
-Hon... honestly if Oshi hits me it'd be nice....
-More importantly, when pull out Yamada backwards in gut?
-Our Segunyangi dangling on shoulder pat.
-Head big, hanging impaled on horn, our Uniyuni...?
Wakamo with VTubers stabbed all over; genuinely too happy, mana recovery peaking.
Damage irrelevant; overexcitement turns fandom into infinite power, restoring mana gushingly.
Meanwhile, VTuber stream on, unarchived song stream too, clipping the scene.
Trinity lets Wakamo take 30min beating with mana under half.
Pushing forward begging more.
"Want this China 100th eternal....! Me!! Don't wanna clear!!!!"
Xiao Liang disgusted at fully broken gloomy otaku Wakamo.
Expression so seriously genuine, viewers burst laughing.
"Ancestor!! Think!! This is a tower!! And why ignore me!!!"
-lololololololol
-"Think, Wakamo! Think!!"
-Well, Wakamo takes all Xiao Liang's attacks too...
-Non-VTuber Xiao Liang priority actually very low.
-Non-VTuber mortal treatment is....
-Truly most fatal/effective in some way lololol
[Love for VTubers] as means to hobble Wakamo.
Taishang Laojun seemed intent to kill, but Wakamo blissful compensating all past pains; realized mistake, face showed.
"Yes! Yes, this! My fave oshis alive!!"
Hugs VTubers regardless, screams here heaven/paradise/utopia/Eden.
But soon tactic shift? VTubers fade away.
"No, no! Wait!!"
Voice so desperate even viewers ache, Wakamo yells.
"Don't leave me please!!"
Tears streaming, desperate pleas, but VTubers vanish coldly.
Flailing empty air, kneeling wailing wretchedly.
-Ah, ah....
-Boss looks saddest ever.
-Actually shedding tears....
-Just, let her be happy...?
-Taishang Laojun you cruel bastard....!!
-Couldn't win physically, so broke heart!!!
-Truly vicious, tongue out.
Sniffling, clawing ground like dog lost owner; Xiao Liang eyes redden, turns away.
[Taishang Laojun casts [Immortal Art [Life Creation]]!]
All VTuber lights converge into massive form.
Inverted colors Wakamo Inarizushi blue-eyes snaps open before Wakamo──
Kwaaaaaang──!!!!
"I'll kill you, Wakamo Inarizushi──!!!!!"
2 million mana sincere punch vaporizes fake Wakamo traceless.
Loves all other VTubers, even betrayal recalls fondly smiling.
"Forgive any VTuber in world!! But Wakamo!!! Fuck, I won't acknowledge you as VTuber!!!"
-Really seems unhinged?
-Self-loathing peaked.....
-Hitting with most sincerity yet?
-More pissed than at pirate.
-A bit scared now.
-Fine, me too.
Residual twitching to regen; Wakamo's hair reddens, iron fist lands.
"Die! Die!! Die!!! Your existence shames VTubers!!! Croak, you pathetic VTuber!! Stick to clipping!!"
"C-calm down ancestor!! You're a proper VTuber!! My favorite VTuber!!"
"Arghhhh!!!"
-As expected, vital stab from Xiao Liang.
-Succession to throne Chinese lolol
-This timing if Wakamo called top VTuber lolol
-Dies from shame.
-"Saw my grandma VTubing!"
-Arghhhh!!!
-"Grandma's fave VTuber."
-This would really kill.
Shame and mess mix, frothing trembling like mosquito sprayed; Wakamo convulses.
"Can't forgive China Tower!!!!"
-Came! Wakamo ultimate! Blame others!
-Only Russia survived this technique!!
-A lololololol
-lolololololol
-Beats China Tower that didn't learn after one fleecing.
Casts [Summoned Believers] while activating [Job-Exclusive Skill 【Viewer Participation Channel】], opening [My Worlds] portal.
Mana cost scales with climber strength, so strong ones pre-waiting.
Uses [Job-Exclusive Skill 【Receive Tributes】] to recover mana from mixed climber-viewers among 7 million live.
Climbers gather behind mana-recovering Wakamo.
30 million gathered spectacle awes viewers.
9/10 [Fox Spirits], but so what.
"Kids!!! Beat──!!!!"
On Wakamo's command, Korea Climber Association President single-leaps to Taishang Laojun, kicks grabs tosses into fox spirit swarm.
Not hundreds, thousands.
Not millions, but tens of millions baring hostility simultaneously.
"[...Wait─]"
One hit each rotating: 30 million hits—what feeling?
Including Fist King, affiliated climbers swarm, randomly beating Taishang Laojun.
Tries activating [skill], but 30 million prepared one each: bindings, counters, stuns, all skills.
As Wakamo posted, disruption-skilled fox spirits unite, pummeling Taishang Laojun.
"[How far?]"
"[Dunno?]"
Problem: 90% fox spirits standing blankly, but whatever.
[Sichuan Province Tower 100th floor achieves Platinum, opens to all humanity!!]
[Tower Platinum clear increases rewards.]
"[Wow! Rewards OP lololol]"
"[Gives to us too lololol]"
"[For real? lolololol]"
Stationary fox spirits, swept out fighters, all who entered once fought.
Excluding non-climbers, rewards pour before all.
Sichuan 100th tower blacks out, collapses.
Can't even hold Wakamo's [Full Layer Clear], crumbles crashingly.
[China Tower completely annihilates.]
[30 days until reconfiguration.]
Pathetic to heroic death....!!
[All 【Skills】 for 【Idol】 under review; no rewards provided.]
[Exclusive equipment 【Nati】 provided to 【Idol】.]
[Nati]
Rank: Unique.
Restriction: Idol-exclusive item.
Jet-black massive bear.
Korean dokkaebi variant with supernatural powers and mountain-moving strength.
[Grows proportional to Idol's believers.]
[Current total stats: 58.3 million.]
[Dim-witted; use with caution.]
"Ugh, what kinda exclusive item is this garbage!!!"
Jet-black massive bear dumbly grunts kuung.
"Why a bear of all things?"
"Right?"
Manager Won Da-hye looked genuinely puzzled.
What the hell was [Korea Tower] looking at and learning from.