Chapter 190
Chapter 190
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 190
Chapter Title: Mommy's Hungry
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"Mommy's hungry."
"Out of 21 years of living, I've heard every crazy thing under the sun, seriously."
Wakamo Corporation wasn't just some climber company.
They even had professional dance trainers hired to teach dancing and vocal practice, providing real idol-level training.
Climbers had plenty of stamina, but there were limits.
Even Sadako, trained to death in the dojo since childhood, was sweating buckets during dances that demanded extreme flexibility.
But since it was Sadako, she endured. Asuka was slumped in the corner like a broken doll, mumbling nonsense with her soul drained.
Come to think of it, did this girl even have a mom?
"What kind of being is a mom?"
VTubing—back when it was streaming—was about showing yourself to others.
It was a job that harshly judged talent, so failure rates were high, and dealing with masses of people brought all sorts of stress and hardships.
Wakamo Corporation was a mega-corp with lawyers on staff, and Asuka ruled the internet like a tyrant, so no major issues arose.
Anyway, a job that was easy to get into but high-risk was best done with family permission and support.
Asuka had seen people quit VTubing due to parental opposition, so she wondered.
"I'm not close with my mom. I don't even visit her now. Grew up with Dad since childhood, no mom around, so I don't know."
"No wonder you seem like you live without a mom."
"Without a dad too, I'd have aimed for AV."
"With those tits? Have you no shame?"
"Anyway, the only one here with a mom is Aiba."
Both their heads turned sideways at once.
Olga was still doing push-ups tirelessly, thanks to her military background. Yu Ying had melted into a puddle. Adelheit looked like she might stop breathing.
Passing them by, Aiba was out by the open window smoking, gazing at the Wakamo first-floor scene with eyes weary from society's burdens.
"You damn hood rat, dumbass Marine. Jealous you got a mom? Tough luck, remarry then."
"Buy booze on your way back, Yankee cop."
Everyone knew her schedule: training done, heading out to live that insider life.
Seemed like harsh words flying, but that's what close friends could say.
Climbing was life-risking, so trust in comrades who had your back was thicker than words could describe.
*Please let it be that way,* Mei thought, listening in.
"Hey, punk, sis'll grab some killer booze that'll knock you on your ass, so let's get sloppy drunk tonight."
"As expected of an adult who only streams and clubs. Bring it, bartender."
"Give me a drink, bartender~"
Dropping a tiny Western meme in a melting voice made Aiba burst out laughing.
Mei just hoped the three would meet up and drink moderately.
Last time with absinthe and Captain Q, Olga ended up in the hospital—a bad trauma.
"But why's Aiba suddenly talking like a black guy from the hood?"
"No one to hang with, so probably picked it up from Jackson, fellow American. Anyway, Asuka, day off—what's the plan?"
"Circling communities, dropping some spicy pics."
"Awesome."
"Say 'Holcas is here' and post Wakamo-owner pics to inject hope, then drop real Holcas to troll."
"Cybersnet should've learned from her."
Mei had given up, but sighed realizing it was beyond repair.
*Our Asuka learned bad stuff from viewers, so stop...*
But if learning everything online led to this, wasn't it actually decent?
Anyway, she asked what to wear for community outings, got dressed up properly.
"I'm hungry."
Recharging was crucial for climbing.
Asuka, who roamed the net and watched other VTubers for consistent streaming, saw it as especially vital.
Yeah, self-care time.
Anyone could VTuber if they wanted... in the red ocean of VTubing, steady effort was key to survival.
VTuber characters allowed free beauty tweaks, great for shining talent over looks.
Of course, some stunning enough for acting or idol work did it too.
Hiding your face had perks, but streamers and VTubers got stress from weirdos anyway.
Today too, after banishing internet scum—viewers too embarrassing to call human, with intelligence making you doubt their humanity—she headed out for a stroll.
"Is this the collab cafe...?"
Animinus Shops always opened [VTuber Collab Cafes], a dream for Koreans.
"Everything on the menu, please."
"Pardon? For the random merch?"
"Nope, just gonna eat it all."
"Ah."
A cafe drawing big appetites, folks regretting not using talent for sumo.
A lone elegant peacock sat poised amid them, naturally drawing eyes.
Of course, one brave soul yelled "Unban my internet!!" but got dragged out by managers.
"Can badges, acrylic stands—merch is always great. Male VTubers have unique perks, so collect 'em..."
This collab featured 2 female and 2 male VTubers.
VTuber corps grew with the times, scouting indie streamers for proper debuts—big corp pushing collabs hard.
Male and female VTuber chars side-by-side in a collab cafe? Rare sight.
"Algraity and moonlight orange ade, lemon green tea ade and cherry ade. Plus hotteok ice cream, moon slice brownie, chocolate cake, and pudding."
"Ooh..."
Visuals on point.
Character pic decorations on food? Perfect.
Wakamo-owner too busy these days, so she had to enjoy solo.
"Ome rice and bulgogi bibimbap."
Bulgogi bibimbap! Unexpected collab dish... frozen beef?
Shoved it in. Mmm—not bad, fitting for collab cafe fare.
VTubers suggesting meant unpredictable food—Asuka loved facing the unknown.
"Shoot, gonna be late."
Stuffing her face and grabbing merch, Asuka left the cafe.
Next stop: secret underground VTuber club, run on total secrecy.
Big building with a merch black market—even Wakamo Corporation members clueless.
Yeah, even Wakamo Inarizushi didn't know.
'Cause Asuka built it, never told a soul, kept it classified.
Wakamo merch and fanarts everywhere, guests in fox masks hiding identities, fanning hard.
Idol worship banned, but faith vital—so Asuka secretly managed believers.
"No minors allowed...!!"
Familiar voice? Nah, imagination.
Asuka never ID'd guests—manners.
From Wakamo member cosplayers to folks displaying custom 【Partners】 chatting.
The conscientious avoided exact Wakamo copies, but one kid got hero treatment.
"Don't know 'em, but 100% perv."
Male? Flying kick. Female voice? Let it slide.
Insane quality—like made side-by-side.
Buying cosplay outfits, group photos—wholesome scene made Asuka smile.
[Our owner is lazy]
[Our owner is sweet]
[Why does owner call my horse-bottom hot?]
[Owner! Walkies! Hugs! Love!]
[I wish owner would drop dead, for real]
Well, 【Partners】' opinions ignored—unavoidable.
Lacked Asuka-level intellect or talk ability—but conversed fine among themselves.
Inaudible to climbers; Partners held meetups, swapped talk and info.
[Having a good owner is skill]
[[[[Oh, really]]]]
Asuka gave senior advice as invitee, then light-footed exit.
Must-visit on days off.
Faking fandom? Nah.
"Kyukaku... I'm hungry."
Wakamo first floor to Japan.
Ample time, yakiniku spot with tons of stores caught her eye.
But definitely, Virtual Live collab stole it...
"Noefure set, please."
"Yes."
Prime yakiniku... meat scent everywhere. Got unlimited drinks first—key for greasy eats.
Server skewers sticker packs on meat.
Ate tons at that "Star's Gem!" comet collab, bought merch galore.
This place served massive meat—loved it.
"Woooah~~~!! I'm a human firepower generator...!"
Happy person = this. Heaven?
Gonna buy both tapestries before leaving.
Cheeks stuffed with grilled meat, mind blank, chugging drinks.
*'Gotta tell juniors to do more collabs.'*
Wanted variety, more collabs.
Lucky her junior(?) was Japan PM—ask, and it'd happen.
Didn't forget Seven-Eleven collab merch.
PET bottle with char art—poked skirt hole, pressure-gushed water into mouth.
Viewers said it's how to drink, so Asuka copied.
"Feels like drinking piss, but whatever."
Everywhere she looked: VTubers... Wakamo-owner conquered Japan.
Sub PM seat, boomed VTuber biz.
World conquest possible if wanted—but who greedy with just VTubers?
"Maybe I should just VTuber. Gave up on making owner quit."
Met fancy cafe Inari fox god spewed nonsense on sight. Fox thing?
Heard she spouts madness, Asuka shook head seriously.
"Wanna VTuber? Join Virtual Live. Mega-corps rule."
PM VTuber? Massive subs incoming.
Agro guaranteed, at least.
"VTubers don't show faces!! Unrelated to looks!! Need talent to captivate!! Underestimate VTuber world, you'll get wrecked, Inari fox god!! Don't mock others' skills!!"
"Wow, first time raging like this. Owner's the weirdo?"
"From clips to managing VTubers, own streams, company & believers—Wakamo-owner's superhuman."
"Nah, that's not human, just a skin-wearing something."
"We call that skin-wearing VTuber."
Actress/idol level pretty? Those jobs ain't easy... nothing easy in world.
VTubing: communication core. Talking to monitor—risk isolation.
Health issues, mental fatigue, burdens—no success guarantee...
"Well, owner pushes hard-working VTubers, so Inari fox god acting cute might work."
"Better bite tongue and die."
*I'm ex-Japan top!! Got pride!!* she yelled, but loser now—Asuka's junior.
Her making Asuka... mom? No thanks.
"Anyway, the stuff?"
"Prepped it. Say I gathered it later?"
"Asuka's momless too, got conscience."
"Why say that to me?"
Even got merch from Japan PM.
Secret reprints commissioned from corps via PM seat.
Insane crime...!!
Trampling fans' saved-up love for limited merch with cash—evil...!!
Asuka ready to sacrifice Inari fox god if busted.
Learned tail-cutting key from owner.
Korea top same—learning from Wakamo right?
"Too crowded."
"No choice!!"
Kyoto collab merch shopping overloaded hands—summoned [Sorcery] familiar to carry.
King of Fists welcomed her, cleared path.
Visited periodically to manage companion [Idol's Shrine], train ex-shamans.
Today too: tips, brief [Skill] lecture.
Bonus: set up online courses 'cause constant visits annoying—watch yourselves.
[Unni! Unni!]
[Mommy? Mommy?]
[Storage! Storage!]
[Pet pet love!!]
"Aww, so cute. Worshippers bringing proper offerings?"
[Pudding?]
[Candy?]
[Chocolate with needle!]
[Snacks!]
"King of Fists, someone gave chocolate with needle?"
"Beat 'em down."
Always some ill-intentioned. Asuka petted clinging aegyo fox spirits.
Unlike Wakamo third-floor ones controlled by believers—fresher, cuter, purer.
Those fluffy-failed, unkempt.
Asuka handed [VTuber Merch] to fox spirits as always.
Shrinking on contact, they ferried to Idol's Shrine storage.
While transporting, Asuka listened.
Worshippers plentiful, dojo students kind, pet often—happy tales.
King of Fists cradled spirits like scarf, blissful smile.
Students each hugging one for animal therapy.
Harsh training healed by cute fox spirits...
Women joining for shaman path brightened faces vs. all-male days.
No more musty guy smell...
[Miss mommy!]
[No shrine visit?]
[Companion! Upgrade!]
"Hmm... eldest sis tough. Owner busy. Will deliver these."
Received consumables from [Idol's Shrine], bid fox spirits farewell.
Forgot pre-bought convenience store snacks as goodbye.
Worshippers floor-bound, camera-snapping spirits hugging treats.
"Many making fox spirits as 【Partners】—bright future."
Partners don't age/retire—perfect post-climb companion.
Some life-partners, but Asuka unbothered.
Cool enough to share her three sizes for copycat believers.
Not herself, separate entity—why care.
"...I'm hungry."
Alright, find a spot.
VTuber = yakiniku, shabu-shabu maybe.
Blended sandwich drinks too, but niche.
Prowling for collabs.
Lucky—nearby.
Virtual Live card shop detour found ramen collab.
Entrance display: grand lion of Russian Orthodox church.
"Menya Botan, huh..."
Loved ramen, finally collab shop... owner busy, tease with pic.
Entered: VTuber stream on TV—impressive.
Ordered, waited—tonkotsu ramen with steam-trapped char stamp arrived.
Gonna collect all random poster cards—eat ramen till desired pull.
"I'm Seoul's black panther now...!"
Merch galore... belly warm, wallet too.
Earned cash for VTuber merch... work's reward?
Bought merch bag for merch... philosophical.
"Solo lives soon back-to-back. What we do?"
VTuber > climbing.
Stage dance, song style.
Pondering viewers, light steps.
"Grab her!"
"Pounce!!"
Seedy alley: [Guardians] swarmed.
[Log] ambush targeting weak close-combat shaman Asuka.
But drew dual blades, overwhelmed them.
Unbelievable gap beyond expectations—[Guardians] fell stunned.
Monitored whole net, many targeted her—knew their plans too.
Day-off stroll baited this.
Waiting ninjas, Japan climbers cleaned up.
"How... wasn't she a shaman...?"
Guardian spat blood, asked. Asuka no secrets—straight answer.
"I'm strong as [Idol]'s lion protector. That's why I have stats Idol lacks."
"...I see."
Wakamo didn't normal Idol route anyway.
Asuka: VTuber support Idol's Lion.
Strong 'cause Wakamo big early invest.
Fed earnings steadily, slow growth.
Not huge, but tower-free growth key.
"Just [Sorcery], but could do [Shooter] to [Fighter], [Wizard], even [Alchemist] if wanted."
But didn't. No Wakamo order.
Always just follows orders.
Home, Asuka stored shrine items casually.
Garden: Sadako, Aiba with Jackson, Sebastian—BBQ party.
Mei's grilling back looked pathetic—probably not imagination.
"Greetings, lowly lifeforms."
-Asuka regular stream welcome lololol
-"Main body" here?
-24/7 stream means sub notifs mandatory trap lololol
-Wandered Japan today? Word's out.
-Raid collab cafes again, Asuka...
-Where you stash all that merch?
"Fox den."
-Wake up! You're tengu!
-Crows collect shiny too lololol
-VTuber merch never shown to owner.
-Wakamo's guts burning today too.
-Wakamo rushed home thinking merch—superchat lololol
-Know Wakamo captain waiting?
"Knew, so didn't bring."
-Asuka knows best.
-How'd she turn delinquent?
-Mostly our fault.
-Grew up good, blue troll...
-This just female Ryu... mumble.
-[Emperor] and [Idol] similar classes?
-Saw yesterday's fight, feel bad for Ichigo.
-Give her back!!!
"Hmm, Ichigo's speed unmatched, sharp fast swordplay specialty. Plus shooter instinct shots, alchemist golems/potions—items aside, Emperor edges class perks."
-Why?
-Dragon robe drops agility to 0 lololol
-Just stand and glass cannon?
-Dunno voice training.
"First, [Emperor] upper-compatible [Idol], covers weaknesses. Diverse good trees, exclusive items beat all legendaries. Idol grows climber itself—can't steal/recall abilities, crime issue. Then Asuka nets 'em, gallery or third floor."
-Wakamo 3F (no exit)
-Adelheit gallery (no exit)
-Either horrific lololol
-At least Wakamo 3F thinks.
-Gallery thinks too.
-Lololololololol
-New climber toured here post-jobchange fml lololol
-Crime thoughts gone ㄹㅇ.
-Survive? Cut net, desert island...
-Or other country maybe.
-Fled to India, Kang Yeoul chased with lightsaber?
-Cancel.
-Fucking scary lololol
"Yes, so Emperor has [Soldier Summon]. Jade seal or 【Partners】 as [Emperor's Soldiers], class-change/invest for personal legion. Train strong. Webnovels like that? Necro upper-comp."
-Wow, knows Shadow Monarch!
-Lit.er.al.ly.
-Sub training led by Emperor?
-No rebellion, pure loyalty structure?
-Emperor immobile, so long-term vision...
"Plus, Emperor spawned farmer, fisher, maid, breeder classes. Job diversity—Emperor cares for people."
-Way better than thought.
-Idol just blessings... direct aid?
-Party with soldiers not just partners?
-Admit... upper comp!
-But how Asuka know?
BAM—!!
"Huff... huff... wait, Asuka! How do you know that?!"
"Ichigo, why the fox mask?"
"Oh, just a gift!!"
"Whew, thought you hit secret club."
Ichigo burst in, surprise dropkick.
Unscheduled stream guest—chat cheered, but Ichigo just ask and bounce.
"Heard from China top at peach tree picnic—day Ichigo tried [Emperor] jobchange."
"No way, over a year ago!! Why not tell?!"
"Didn't ask."
"You bitch!"
CRASH—!
Ichigo's rage flying kick sent Asuka smashing window to sky.
Daily routine—Wakamo ignored.
"Wait, bought merch in Japan!! Where?!"
*Make friends happy, I'll troll...*
Asuka pro VTuber... ready elite shrine maiden for comrades.
Humidifier dry-run still undetected.
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AI Ichigo made by editing fairy.
Author's art? Next life to catch up...