Chapter 182
Chapter 182
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 182
Chapter Title: The Emperor's Legion
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Thud, thud, thud, thud──
The sound of horse hooves echoed far and wide.
Far in the distance, an enormous army charged across the plains toward Italy.
At their forefront stood Yung Wei, hoisting high the alliance's banner.
"For the Emperor!!! Hear me, world!! The heirs of Liu Bang have returned!!!"
The man, whose age seemed forgotten in his excitement, bellowed with a desperate wail.
His cry carried such profound resentment that it felt like he might cough up blood.
"Osga calls to me!!!"
"Ichigo! Ichigo! Ichigo!!"
"My glorious subscriber badge finally sees the light!!!"
Responding to Wakamo's call for believers, masses of the faithful surged forward, accompanied by spirit bodies made of dazzling light.
"Look at that light!! Ichigo has summoned reinforcements!!!"
Climbers dashed ahead, leading spirit bodies clad in distinctly Asian armor.
Behind them trailed a legion so vast it defied counting, trampling demons and monsters spreading across all of Italy, passing straight through buildings.
Arrows launched skyward fell like rain, piercing angels while sparing citizens and other climbers before striking the ground.
Ichigo, wearing the 【Emperor's Crown】—shaped like a laurel wreath—atop her head, let out a heavy breath.
The weight of the crown, the dignity and pressure of the Emperor class.
And the intuition of the hardships awaiting her on the thorny path of a 【Non-Combat Legendary Class】.
She was a girl who had lost her parents to the Tower's emergence, wandered as an orphan for long years, struggling merely to survive—and now she had claimed the throne of Emperor.
She had felt her harsh life rewarded simply by meeting Wakamo Inarizushi.
She had received far more than enough—love, happiness overflowing the vessel of her heart.
Thus, she hated anything that stole that happiness, saddened her loved ones, or tormented her comrades.
She only wished for a life a bit kinder to others, so the girl pressed the crown firmly onto her head.
This power was what she had seized after advancing through trials with countless encounters, leaping over despair and ruin time and again.
The very symbol born from her bond with Wakamo.
"Switching to this class means I'll lose all my Alchemist powers. But I have no regrets..."
All her equipment and skills would vanish entirely.
A faint regret might linger, but there was no hesitation.
Draping the [Golden-Red Dragon Robe] over her shoulders, she faced the enemy with the dignified poise of an Emperor.
The red robe embroidered with a golden dragon began emitting a fierce glow, responding to Ichigo's will.
Her [Agility] stat plummeted by a whopping -500%, rendering running impossible—but what Emperor would scamper about undignified?
In her raised hand, the 【True · Imperial Jade Seal】 took form.
"Status window."
Her stats were completely reset.
Whether auto-allocated or skewed, the imbalance drew a wry smile from Ichigo.
The days of pursuing speed above all and wielding martial arts seemed gone forever.
[Climber: Yoo Ying]
[Class: 【Emperor】]
[Age: 18]
[Stats]
Vitality: 100
Mana: 100
Strength: 5
Agility: 5(-25)
Health: 10
Intelligence: 10(+60)
Wisdom: 10
Charm: 480(+1060)
The staggering Charm stat jumped out immediately.
No wonder—it was a [Mythic] grade item she now held.
【True · Imperial Jade Seal】
Grade: Mythic
Restriction: [Emperor]
Crafted from the legendary He Shi Bi jade.
Inscribed with the words [Long Live the Reign, Ever Prosperous].
The genuine article lost during the Tang Dynasty.
Those who wield this relic.
May rightly claim the title of sovereign.
Command +100%.
Intelligence +60
Charm +100
Combined with the [Charm +200%] from the [Golden-Red Dragon Robe], her Charm easily surpassed 1,000.
With a total Charm of 1,540—the Jade Seal's item effect summoned troops numbering five times that: 7,700 soldiers marching into Italy.
Plus, it could summon 30 generals—though their names were unknown, the resplendent armored riders on horseback were unmistakably commanders.
"Answer the [Emperor's Call]!!!"
Casting the Seal's skill once more sent notifications to all her subscribers.
Responding to the summons, climbers previously barred from entering Italy began appearing one by one.
Without thought of returning home, they flocked to the Emperor's glory, arraying behind Ichigo.
An aura spread from Ichigo at the center.
Merely being near granted stat buffs to allies.
"Our little sis is a queen now... Big sis is thrilled!"
Xiao Liang's triad members arrived and took positions beside her.
Yung Wei followed with Wakamo's summoned believers, assembling an army exceeding 10,000 in Italy.
"Just give the order!!"
Ichigo, burdened by Yung Wei's blazing gaze—fully armored in a way rarely seen, promising Champion heads—turned to Mare Pilot. His standout Joseon two-layered armor and three swords at his waist were impossible to miss.
"Ichigo's become the Eternal King, huh."
"—You sure that's okay..?"
"If it's good, it's fine, right? Ichigo, paying wages to all these folks summoned means bankruptcy."
"No choice."
"Everyone! I'll pay after it's over! Post proof!!"
Not climbing floors meant no rewards for participants.
As queen, she was obligated to pay her soldiers(?), so Ichigo sighed deeply at Pilot's words.
Asuka shouted for the message to pass back, stirring the climbers.
"Whoa! Live raid!"
"IRL collab is sweet!"
"What'll you do with the cash? I'm donating."
"Buy merch then donate?"
"Can't hold back. Straight to donations."
"Humans, save your money. Don't waste it."
"What does Asuka know!"
"Sob sob, poor Asuka who couldn't save her merch.... Gotta donate..."
"Condolence money, give generously."
"Aah...."
"She's gonna 'graduate'..."
VTubers and their fandoms alike—upon payday, they'd dump it all into donations. Gripping weapons, they awaited the queen's command.
All were climbers. Tower-scalers. Those hungering for strength. Monster-slayers.
They raged at the Tower's unforgivable tyranny, empathized with the slaughtered angels and forsaken saintess, knew righteous fury.
Humanity's touching compassion gathered in one place—but climbers recognizing Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei fixated more on the 30 generals.
"[In all heaven and earth, nothing is more precious than people. Broaden your heart to achieve great deeds, my heir!!]"
"....Who are you?"
"[Last Chancellor of Han, first King of Wei. Many call me Cao Cao beneath the heavens!]"
"What?"
"Damn, Ichigo!! No wonder you like married women so much! I knew it!!"
"I'm the 63rd descendant of Liu Bei, though?!"
"[.......I came at my heir's call?]"
"Cao x Liu or Liu x Cao?"
"Asuka, shut it."
Don't stir up the fujoshis with that crazy talk.
Ichigo wouldn't become some horrific BL product.
Yung Wei was shocked at being Cao Cao's descendant...but after 63 generations, blood mixes, so he accepted it.
Xiao Liang was so stunned her boss was Liu Bei and Cao Cao's heir reborn as modern Emperor that she grew deferential.
Ichigo's fandom friends just laughed at the juicy drama. Even in hellish chaos, their mirth was heartening.
"[Fate is truly ironic!! Even now, the heroes of the realm are but we four: you lords and I, Cao Cao!]"
"[What now, brothers? Beat 'em down?]"
"[Zhang Fei, stand down. Our brother bears an extraordinary fate, but his heir surpasses even that.]"
"[Haha! No need to debate whom this upholder of benevolence resembles. Heaven knows, man knows—what more to say!]"
"Must be nice having so many ancestors."
"Aw, Pilot!!"
"What to do with this insane bloodline. A mortal like me can't compete. They'll kick me off for not being Legendary."
"Wanna——bail?"
"Let's."
The two girls communed with glances alone.
Let the snarling Liu Bei and Cao Cao spirits bicker—'twas ancient history, done and dusted.
At the Emperor's solemn raised hand, they gripped weapons, awaiting orders as if nothing happened.
"Immortal souls, awaken!! All forces!! Charge!!!"
"""Ooooraaah!!!"""
"Follow me!!!"
Yung Wei charged ahead, clad in [Xiang Yu's Armor], hurling [Zeus's Lightning] skyward at the Champion.
Unfazed by interception, he slammed down [Rustam's Mace] with full force, colliding—then rammed the Champion with his horse, shoving it back.
【Legendary Class】, buffed by the golden Tower aura within the 【Companion】 domain, laden with blessings.
"Cao Cao, Xiahou Dun!! Zhang Liao vanguard, Xiahou Yuan too!!"
"We got Huang Zhong, Zhao Yun, Ma Chao?"
"No Ma Su? Wanna ask why he climbed a mountain!!"
"Wei-Shu alliance for real? Chest swelling with pride."
"Time to make our presence known, White Dragon Squad!! Raise the banner!!!"
"Glasses Squad and Ioseph Squad over there?!"
"Aw, no unity."
Superior numbers. No matter how strong, climbers were ultimately human.
No ordinary foes could withstand historic generals and top-rank climbers.
"I-Inconceivable...!!"
"The front lines are buckling!!"
The Paladin barely parried Liu Bei and Cao Cao's swords—only for Xiahou Dun and Guan Yu to charge in swinging.
Even alone they'd overwhelm; on horseback? The Champion toppled without matching their coordination, groaning.
Climbers swarmed, binding limbs, yanking with full force. Over a thousand unleashing [Skills]—no resistance held.
Undaunted by pouring rain and thunderclouds, the army cleaved every monster in path.
Climbers instinctively distinguished monsters—no hesitation.
[Oracle]'s skill draped auroras across the sky, beams toppling angels for ground forces.
"Can't calm down!! Charging with legendary heroes!!"
[Divine Archer Cavalry] Isudere Khan whooped, arrowing a demon lunging at civilians.
Trailing her galloping horse, Tcheng Hieu overtook by speed alone—his punch exploding over 20 demon heads like watermelons.
"Fight, don't yap!"
"I know, comrade!! Knights, follow me!!"
Holy Knight Alexander Doherty raised his holy sword high, its radiant light incinerating demons as it slashed the city.
Ruthless strikes passed through buildings, cleaving only monsters—amid wizard chants, spells activated.
Infinite magical chains ensnared civilians unable to evacuate, dragging them to safety: Timothy M. Davis.
"To think the Tower could enable this... Astonishing."
Awed by [Vatican Tower]'s atrocity, he turned to the idol battling fiercely.
No mere climber—transcendent prowess.
At that level, could fell a Man-Eater head-on?
"Shall I lend a hand—ᚨᚴᚨᛋᚨ ...ᛗᛖᛏᛖᛟ─ "Fall"!!"
Magic circle in hand, hyper-speed incantation.
Overlapping dozens of sentences—top-tier skill, pinnacle magic from the world's strongest wizard.
A massive black hole sucked in the thunderhead clouds blotting the sky.
Beyond it, cosmic vistas—then a star drawn by Earth's gravity.
"【Meteor Strike】!!"
"[[Idol's Fierce Slash]]!!"
"Huh?"
The Tower Lord's light slash from his hand cleaved the falling meteor in two.
"[[Spirit Slicer]]!!"
Undeterred, he formed a light sword in hand and charged.
Wakamo, witnessing an [Idol]'s [Attack Skill] live for the first time, was dumbfounded.
"[Don't dodge!! [Auriel's Halo], [Savior's Sword], [Angel's Legion], [Raphael's Holy Soul]!!]"
Moreover, those skills confirmed him an [Idol]—most [Idol]-related attacks.
While others couldn't glimpse them, he spammed freely—Wakamo, a bit miffed, dodged casually.
"[This can't... This can't happen!!! Impossible!!!]"
Bearing the Seraph's all-consuming halo on his back, he swung the Seraph's sword that felled even Satan.
Endless healing skills mended his wounds, summoning angelic legions like Wakamo's believers.
Paladins and clerics worshiping gods devoured by the Tower mingled among them.
Over 11 years, how many climbers slain? Skies brimmed with angels.
Aerial angels dove to annihilate the charging army—but the American Chairman's black hole pulverized them.
Sucked in like vacuums, shredded like blenders—legions swept away.
Surviving angels outside range or shielded descended—only for [Holy Knight]'s slash to rift space, bisecting them into plummeting corpses.
As expected—they'd planned to bind them in the [Colosseum].
Barriers sealed Italy and Vatican, blocking entry.
──All ruined by one damned [Saintess]?
No, known yet ignored.
With 【Apostle】 power transcending [Idol], invincible confidence.
But reality: Overwhelmed by mere [Idol], not even true Apostle.
A hollow fake shell!!
"[Calculated values briefly surpassed that [Mediator]'s strength...!! Even I...!!]"
Unlike other Towers, it knew [Past Records], Vatican depths' slumbering history—11 years prepared.
Divine Throne's vacancy, duty, responsibility—pure faith for the weak: 【Pope】 gradually corrupted by Tower's wondrous authority.
Every [Cost] from Italy's Towers and Vatican core expended.
Even weakened Apostle? No matter.
Absorbed faith via 【Companions】, climbers' life force upon death.
Claimed [Idol] class, evolved to 【Apostle】 body.
Evolved Legendary via nonexistent exploit, using [History and Records] to seize a 『Climber』's flesh.
As 【Tower Lord】 embodying humanity's feats in Vatican/Italy—nothing impossible.
No skill unattainable; Apostle's might as 【Idol】 superior needed no explanation.
Vatican Tower core eternally sustained buffs.
Yet!!!
Battle flow overwhelmingly Wakamo's dominion!!
"Nice kitchen knife."
Wakamo snatched the flying holy sword barehanded, snapped the blade with palm heel—her kick smashed the Tower Lord's face.
Toenailed his nose, yanked; other toes stabbed throat, wrenched head—dodged his light beam effortlessly.
Yes, stats overwhelmingly Tower Lord's—even shameful to compare.
Losing due to inexperience relative to knowledge/power.
—But.
Dodged the Tower Lord's blinding [Judgment Stroke] casually.
Speed beyond sight or prediction.
—Why?
Skin sensed the brute-force attack before brain commanded—body reacted.
Hitherto, consciously puppeteered her ghostly form.
Fought Korea Tower's [Dalgui] manipulating multiples—victory.
Clashed U.S. Tower foes with martial arts.
Japan Tower trials: death-straddling deathmatch with Inari Fox God.
China Tower: unforeseen powerhouses, unexpected battles.
Beyond Towers, fought myriad class climbers, learned anew.
Countless life-death experiences; undaunted by odds, unyielding foes—never retreat, like unvanquished.
One Hand No Retreat.
Once thrust, advance unyielding, fight and fight.
Even against near-gods.
Current Wakamo: No issue!!
Living flesh moving limitlessly per will!!
"[Climber vs. climber fights are meaningless..!! Only Tower-climbing holds purpose!!]"
"So for you alone, every Italian must die?"
"[For greater justice...!! Don't ascribe meaning to fleeting lives!! For loftier heavens!! Noble sacrifice to reach the summit!!]"
Ancient Towers' nature.
To them, humans infinite, meaningless.
This Tower before her: Abandoning duty, seeking Climber as Tower Lord.
"[Blind to meaning, purpose—fulfilling duty meaningless? I saw 【Truth】!! Climbers' and Towers' reasons!! Why none qualify for 【Idol】!!]"
Wakamo deflected accelerating barrage, overflowing.
Seizing openings to strike—but Tower Lord showed no fatigue, endless recovery.
Truly immortal deity incarnate.
"Jesus said bullshit, you mangy dog!! Idol worship forbidden!!!"
Full-force flying kick barrage.
Seized fists, sealed—throat-snapping kick momentum.
Prolonged fight's end—Tower Lord grinned, seizing advantage.
"Gahk...!"
Without warning, light swords pierced Wakamo's body.
No precursor, process—result alone.
Spinal agony searing; Wakamo clenched teeth, stifling scream, fisted tight.
"This—for your merch-smashing!!!"
Thud—!
"[Ultimately, mere climber—your glory fleeting...!!]"
Tower Lord casually caught the punch—counter barrage hammered Wakamo.
Blinding flashes, light-form combos—Wakamo guarded.
Another light sword incoming—blocked by mineral-hardened body.
"[【Heaven's Time】!!]"
Clash shockwave: Tower Lord cast [Idol] skill.
His Tower Lord authority and Apostle divinity engulfed Vatican, inverting colors.
Time-stopping godlike power.
American Chairman moved via space magic in frozen time—but one gesture sent him vomiting blood, collapsing.
"[This—true [Idol] power. Closest to god! Humans ascending Towers shed flesh!! Crude shell you—fake for spawning climbers—never reach true might!!]"
Light gathered in raised hands—Tower's [Mythic] item manifested.
Tower Lord self-rewarded, gripped Idol-exclusive gear.
Tower Lord swung 【Sword of Execution】 at Wakamo's neck, oblivious to stopped time.
"[Die, Wakamo Inarizushi!!]"
Twitch.
Pre-swing: Wakamo's arm moved.
"[Wha...?!]"
Tower Lord flinched in terror.
Wakamo evolved via same-class reason.... Surely not? No!
Even so, design limits.
Different [Idol]—!!
Sword swung—Wakamo's upthrust arm smashed chin pre-impact.
"[Gaaahk!!! Lie!! Impossible!! Time stopped—how?!]"
"Once hit, you learn. Underestimated Idol.... otaku history's long buildup!!"
Pa—!
Divine line linking Wakamo-Tower Lord entered his sight.
[Projection Control] hid it—now entangled thickly.
Tower Lord's moves puppeteered Wakamo's arms!!
Close-quarters cling to ensnare this...!!
"[Urk...!!]"
Skill recast attempt: Internal blaze-explosion.
Something inside.
"Know what repels divinity most...?"
Tower Lord's innards: Frenzied [Mana] vs. [Divinity].
Mutual backlash—vomiting, staggering.
Shoved in mouth mid-fight...!!
"Only descending trials—you know? Climber grit: Defying despair, desperately battling to win...."
"[Wakamo Inarizushi...!!]"
"—Full power deploy!!! Smash you in 3 mins, 【Tower Lord】!!!!"
Faith dwindling.
Exchanging [Bonus Stats], life-on-line sprint.
Subscribers' mana max-output cycled through body: amplify, emit.
"Same [Idol] class maybe!! But unlike your facade—I differ: Training! Tenacity! Ideals! Resolve!"
[Idol's Flame], [Idol's Tidal Wave], [Idol's Storm], [Idol's Thunder], [Idol's Freeze], [Idol's Earth], [Idol's Metal], [Idol's Light].
Fire, water, wind, lightning, ice, earth, metal, light—
8 elements erupted tail-like from Wakamo's back.
Finale: Pure [Mana] essence.
9 tails adorned, flaming hair golden beyond red—banishing darkness in radiance.
White-faced golden fur of legend descended—Asuka gawked upward.
"Despise lives as cheap, utter 'god'—defeated then!! Tell Yama: White-Faced Golden Fur sent ya!!!"
Rage-fueled strike pulverized held divine sword, crushed arm.
Volcano-erupting Idol fury hammered guarding arm—earthquake collapse, body buckling.
"This—for pitiful believers you exploited."
More enraged than lost VTuber merch, Wakamo's eyes blazed.
"And this!!! For those you killed, scum──!!!"
Piercing blow + shockwave: Supersonic Tower Lord cannonballed into Vatican Tower.
Partial climber-body control forfeit? Tower hummed, blasting Wakamo relentlessly.
"Lived through!! Knife fights to worst news!! Depressing bullshit!! Humidifier-forgotten idiot tales!! Petty joys fill best days!!"
Italy Towers shattered-like murder blow sliced body—ignored, Wakamo charged.
"Cold society frenzy—nothing more cliché!! VTuber-mystery whimsy, freely pursuing passions, respected peaceful world I crave!! Cry in sorrow, laugh in joy, life's hope, pleasures, healing warmth, shared memories!!"
"[Cough...cough...ga...uh..I...dol...]"
"If we're both Idols, I'll prove different!! Even world-altering power—Idols (VTubers) inspire, empower, vitalize!! No blinding sparkle for outdated eat-or-be-eaten peddlers!! World with my dreamed Idols (VTubers)—no room for relics like you!!"
Lifetime merch, videos lost—memories endure, shared in laughter, sympathy, understanding: enough.
Repeatedly said.
Fans more precious to Idols (VTubers).
Thus, enraged Wakamo couldn't accept Idol preaching human/greater-good sacrifices.
Any class fine—
But never Idol.
Star illuminating dark, exists in peaceful leisure, dreams/challenges as joyful memories only.
"[By Tower Lord authority!! Forbid all climber [Skills]!!]"
Clang──!!!
Vatican Tower chains impaled Wakamo.
"[[Idol's Hierarchy]]!! Your stats drop to mine!!!"
Halo above Tower Lord's head: Light ring choked neck, stats slashed.
Yet Wakamo pressed on.
"No stats, no skills in fights anyway, retard!!"
9 tails coiled body—Wakamo spun.
Fierce top-like whirl: Massive drill.
9 elements swirled in rotation, scattering golden starlight.
Radiant core—star (Idol)-shining Idol launched.
"【Idol's Roundhouse】!!"
Ultimate finisher, strike!!
Tower Lord's reflex shield shattered—piercing blow severed waist.
Light faded; Vatican Tower buckled, collapsed powerless.
Tower exposing ancient history truths, treating humans as sacrifices, greed/ambition: crumbled.
Tower Lord's flesh aged rapidly, screaming despair.
Meeting Pope's gaze: Relief.
Wakamo knew that look.
Elder with Man-Eater-similar eyes closed, falling—gently caught, cradled.
Life dominated by Tower mimicking god.
Recalling Saintess's anguished cry, Wakamo said nothing.
Clouds parting, light poured.
Heaven's light bathed Idol holding Pope's corpse consolingly.
Blinding sun ignored.
"Done...?"
"Who said that?"
"Oracle."
Rumble──
Not over.
Broken Vatican Tower quaked.
But Wakamo's faith depleted.
[Idol's True Form] reverted to [Idol's Body].
American Chairman critically wounded? Supported by Holy Knight.
"《Aaaah!!! I curse you, Wakamo Inarizushi!!! As ancient men cursed!!!》"
Tower's curse echoed as message.
Then meteor shower from skies.
All stared vacantly upward.
Kwaaa──!!!
Sky-crossing streak.
"There! Sky!"
"Star!"
"Plane!"
"No!!"
Shattered plane fragment gripped, pristine white dragon cleaved skies.
"Grraaaarrr!!!!"
Iosif Khan vented grief/rage—breath vaporized meteors.
Perfect timing reveal: Rescued barrier-crash fallers en route.
Applause for overhead sweeping dragon fury.
Adolf diorama-evacuating civilians, battling Mami—waved smiling.
White dragon clung to ruined Italy Tower, roaring worldward in sorrow.
Stream-ending pinnacle finale.
"Round 2 100% success."
"Who said?"
"Oracle."
Ichigo/Pilot hands-pocketed, silent watch.
Asuka words aplenty—but first, wrote will since merch lost.
──In conclusion!!
Wakamo forgave: VTubers > merch.
Such mercy.... Near Buddha!