Chapter 196
Chapter 196
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 196
Chapter Title: Tower-Climbing Fox God VTuber
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[The Climber has acquired the 【Qualification of Ascension】.]
[The [Mana] you possess is transforming into 【Ether】!]
"Hah?"
An unexpected alert window appeared to Wakamo, who had been waiting for her reward after conquering the 60th floor.
What the hell is that? Along with the question, she began to feel her strength draining from her body.
"『Status Window』"
[Status Window]
[Climber: Wakamo Inarizushi]
[Occupation: VTuber]
[Age: 1,001 years old]
[Dedicated Manager (Shaman): Olga Romanova]
[Stats]
【Ether】: 54 (Converting)
Mana: 2,999,946
(It is restricted by 【Qualification of Ascension】)
"...Open info window for Qualification of Ascension."
[【Qualification of Ascension】]
The authority granted when a climber ascending the tower meets the qualifications.
You gain the authority to use Ether.
-Mana does not recover naturally.
-Possessed mana is naturally converted to Ether.
-Information cannot be shared with those who do not have the qualification.
The moment she saw it, she was startled and tried artificially producing mana by growing plants inside her body.
Her mana began to fill up without issue, but the ceiling of three million still remained.
It just steadily converted mana to Ether as if there was no ceiling at all.
'What the hell is this?'
It was information that no climber had ever mentioned before.
She tried to tell Iosif, who had approached after seeing the last line, but the words wouldn't come out.
She roughly understood the principle and grasped that skills could not recover mana.
The way Wakamo produced mana was by attaching an additional external layer.
It wasn't much different from drinking a mana potion.
Now, it was like the external layer was parasitizing by sucking up mana from Wakamo.
It didn't give the reward she wanted, just shoved this incomprehensible qualification at her, and even mentioned "Ascender."
If mana didn't recover even while climbing the tower, she would need to be a bit more cautious in future fights.
She tried to use the Ether she had obtained, but she couldn't grasp how to use it at all.
She couldn't feel anything, so she had no sense of it whatsoever.
'Wow, if I hadn't mastered creating mana while fighting Mujon, I would've been on a time limit again.'
She almost had to carry mana potions for the rest of her life!!
'...No, what the hell is this? Fuck.'
Was it just her imagination that the 60th floor boss seemed to be laughing from the sky, saying "Suffer a bit up there~"?
After conquering a floor, she should get a new skill and look forward to the next floor, but instead, only new problems were piling up for Wakamo.
While normal climbers get stronger as they climb the tower, it felt like only shackles were increasing for Wakamo, but that was probably just her imagination?
※※※
[Poster: Recommendation Bug Babatmo]
[Title: Aska's live stage was insane, massive recs lololol]
Our Ultron, who got branded by viewers for not being able to make originals because she's an AI.
(GIF of Aska dancing and singing on stage)
Just drop a new original song, right? Throw hearts for the fans, right?
Capture people's hearts as a 21st-century partner prototype?
The era has come to the great partner age.....
Boss Wakamo... I won't worship you, just GOAT....
-Goat isn't devil worship?
Seeing the partner the boss made, she's definitely the devil leader lol
Marius failed to seal the soul stone, so the boss came out?
Marius you fucking bastard... I seriously hunted for him....
Nooo, you old farts
-Expressionless heart was crazy lololol
Watched internet stuff, then rushed over when I heard about the performance.
Fuck, I don't watch climbing streams, what happened?
You didn't watch the climbing live? Why not?
I hate VTuber streams;; Just want to suck dopamine from clips.
Dude with backbone, fuck lololol
-How do you nail a performance in front of 100k monsters lololol
[Poster: Strong Woman Emperor]
[Title: Generational gap clearly divided in this GIF]
(GIF of Ichigo saying "Give me back my friend, you bitch")
(GIF of Power Loader appearing with the opening door)
Old farts talking to each other in chat is hilarious lolol
But if this gets commercialized, can anyone really ride it?
(GIF of Wakamo's summoned robot fighting the black Imugi)
Oh wait, it already exists lololololol
You who clicked this! Wanna watch the new Pilot anime?
-So smooth with the promo, insane lololol
-No, can I post membership stream GIF??
Yeah, it's promo so should be fine?
-Power Loader is the root!!!
-Why not Dreadnought~
-If we tweak and improve it a bit more, it might change?
-At 60th floor level usability, the performance must be insane.
-Alchemists found passed out from excitement lol
[Poster: Make Me Worship the Idol]
[Title: Boss weakened after the tower stole her power]
(GIF of opponent accelerating time and decelerating time while moving)
You can see it too, even we can't see the speed.
Conversely, the boss's movements are noticeably slower.
The [Idol] casts a skill deploying a domain where time flows differently inside.
(GIF of them clashing and exchanging blows while facing off)
It's not just acceleration; it's using more time.
It's a completely different system from plain high speed movement.
But the boss fights without caring about the delay at all.
The Idol even questions if she's ever fought before.
Sickle combat style is common in games and anime, but it's different in reality.
(GIF of the Idol wielding time-stop authority)
Against a guy who stops time, she foresees it and kicks it back.
Important point: Even after getting the new skill and going full power, she didn't tell viewers she regained her strength.
-Looked like she knew the Idol from Mesopotamia days?
-Don't know who the Mediator is, but if she looks young...
-The boss was old back then too?
-She precisely says single digits, hilarious.
Rounding up, that's roughly 4,000 years ago!!!
Our boss really lied about her age a lot.
No no, "Wakamo Inarizushi" is 1,000 years old in the setting.
-If my speed is 1 min slower, just move 1 min faster.
-If opponent stops time, pre-input before they stop it.
lolololololololol
fuck lolololololol
Look at the opponent's dumbfounded face too.
The noisy internet world today as well.
To promote Aska's stage, fans buzzed around everywhere, and Aska edited and uploaded the full video to her Nyoutube channel since it was all her original songs.
However, after just one [Evolution], Aska was so drained like she squeezed out all her power and couldn't move, so Wakamo uploaded it after asking her opinion.
Aska's signature 24-hour stream kept going somehow, and fans curious about her concert swarmed in.
While Aska kindly answered pouring questions and skipped what she didn't know during the stream.
More than the reward from the 60th floor, people immersed in Aska's electrifying stage performance gathered in clusters, pondering the live stage.
Time was plentiful.
No wonder, the Korean tower was currently inaccessible.
According to a letter from someone claiming to be the Mediator's agent in [Six Realms Chat], the Korean tower violated the 【Unfair Difficulty】 rule, so punishment was coming.
In other words, they pulled out a [100% impossible clear difficulty] on climbers who entered the floor.
The past 【Black Tower】 was like 【Solitude】──a way to make strong Ascenders through survival of the fittest, winner takes all, survival of the fittest, etc.
Solitude is a type of curse from the East.
Usually, fill a jar with venomous insects or animals, seal the lid.
Leave them until hunger makes them eat each other, leaving one survivor, then use that final venom-enhanced bug for curses.
Used for assassinations too..., this is more wuxia territory?
More modernly, it's 【Battle Royale】.
Including the history written there, among Ascenders, those who reached [God].
So the king who became god kicked away the ladder, and after that, people lived a long time without towers.
Gods, heroes, superhumans in history are originals of the 【Special Bloodlines】 faintly remaining today──probably ancient climbers.
Abilities don't disappear just because the tower vanished.
In fact, climbers' powers didn't vanish when towers collapsed or nations fell.
"Ah, my head hurts."
The [East Asia Alliance] seemed to run smoothly centered on Wakamo Inarizushi, but politics was a total mess.
From corporate disputes to lingering anti-Japanese, anti-Chinese sentiments, cultural differences causing bickering between nations, China and Korea pressuring Japan over Yasukuni Shrine.
Japan's current Prime Minister, the Inari Fox God, had reasons to grumble every day.
But Wakamo only handled VTuber and climber matters, clearly drawing the line without intervening.
Presidents, prime ministers, and chairmen knew, so they told assemblymen it's taboo to involve Wakamo, keeping it quiet.
──Even in chat, managers block people daily; just seeing the list and comments gave Wakamo vertigo.
Even Superman has haters. No perfect invincible superhuman in this world.
Anyway, a bit off-topic.
The Russian tower is so popular, no communication restrictions between climbers, plus 【Babel's Language】 benefits, so climbers are immigrating with families.
Jackson is setting up residential areas in Manchuria, right?
Refugees to accept or not, expand the alliance or not, all burdensome talk for a mere VTuber.
She called a meeting to ask about 【Ether】, but since they were complete allies, it derailed into serious politics and national affairs, so she threw in Tactical Ichigo Emperor and slipped out.
A good country to live in.
At least, compared to the past era the 60th floor [Idol] mentioned with its country and king, it's a much better time.
A peaceful world where you can get hooked on VTubers, laugh, enjoy, and be happy.
......She just gained the conviction that it could crumble for 【one person】 alone.
"...You took quite a while. No, I should say amazingly fast."
The US Association President and Korean Association President both had the 【same qualification】.
As 100% non-combat classes, they had mountains of fully cleared floors, and only after pulling out past impossible 100% clear difficulties did Wakamo get the qualification.
"One thing is certain. If you can wield 【Ether】, you'll wield power close to a real god (Idol)."
She lived without caring... but.
Among [Six Realms Chat], quite a few Legendary classes overthrew nations and became kings themselves.
Not non-existent for climbers to topple governments and do dictatorships.
Now, with countless climbers ascending the 【Tower】 more easily thanks to Wakamo Inarizushi.
It meant someone would definitely break through and reach the top.
The little girl posing as the Mediator who wished for peace.
And Ascenders killing each other to become gods.
The ladder kick by the one who reached the top and became king and god.
She had all the puzzle pieces... but couldn't fit them since she didn't know the picture.
Wanted to grab the Russian tower lord by the collar and make her spill everything, but she was summoned for Korean tower meetings, too busy.
What really is the Mediator's identity? Why rebuild the tower now?
How does she use that incomprehensible 【authority】?
Her words "a 'power' only I can use" stuck oddly in her mind.
Continuously depleting mana and endlessly rising Ether.
The US President recovered mana with external devices like Wakamo, while the Association President only used potions during fights even at 0 mana.
But neither died at 0 mana.
Really, just the warning that mana hitting 0 suddenly required caution might have made Wakamo worry more.
"...So the structure unfavorable to leaders has a reason."
An unexpected reason for what didn't make sense.
Like protesters facing bigger problems after revolting against injustice.
She wanted to ignore everything and just do VTuber streams, but what if a crazy guy climbs the tower and becomes a weird god?
Too worrying and anxious to focus on VTuber streams.
This is more serious than thought.
"How about a break?"
"A break....?"
"Yeah. How about we all take a week off for a trip or something?"
The vocal trainer teacher made an unexpected suggestion to such Wakamo.
She was steadily improving with practice, but lately felt her skills dropping, almost cried at the painful truth....
Right, has burnout come for me too?
Politics, tower climbing, VTubing, crazy bastards, tower's shocking truths, Six Realms Chat──looking back, plenty of stress buildup.
Thus, the 1st Wakamo Corporation group vacation planning meeting was held.
Almost 2 years since the company started, no group vacation yet? Shocking.
MT is optional, not mandatory, but trying it for fun is needed.
"So, any opinions? I want Japan, but I go often even on holidays, so maybe not."
"Need to make lots of new songs for live concert. Let's go somewhere scenic for inspiration! Switzerland?!"
"Membership training~ Of course America!! Let's go flashy? Like Las Vegas!"
"If we're going, how about England?"
"Anywhere but Germany is fine for me."
Excluding Ichigo, who ran away in shame from puberty black history exposure and stayed with Yung Wei, the 5 gathered members' opinions split neatly.
Wakamo had no intention to intervene, so told the 4 to coordinate and decide.
"We are VTubers. Decide by stream!!!"
Pilot declared, more passionate about VTubing after seeing Aska's live stage.
Yes, they were beings that could be called 【Pro VTubers】.
Though not reaching the true top realm of 【VTuber Idol (Idol)】.
As streamers, shouldn't they do fun topics like this──with viewers!
.....
....
...
-Aigoo, why did our Mami go already.
-Psychic, read the hand!! Read their minds!!
-Tried on Pilot just now, passed out.
-What the hell did you see in her head?
-Definitely screaming about alcohol.
-Adolf and Iosif pointing guns at each other's heads... intense.
The 4 members playing a game called 【Russian Roulette Animals】.
Game uses King, Queen, Jack, Ace rules, rule is to play designated cards.
Guess if bluffing or not: correct, opponent pulls trigger; wrong, you do. Pretty brutal game.
And at start, Mami declared Pilot bluffing with cop intuition, then immediately shot herself in the temple and retired.
Next to coldly lying Mami's corpse, two sweat coldly, looking at one person like a madman.
Impossible to read emotions from her expression.
"A guy who just eats and goes pachinko daily has different guts at the gambling table..."
"No, it's a whole different level of person."
Another group vacation whose timing was unpredictable.
Three fighting for their desired tourist spot during the week-long fun vacation permitted by Wakamo President....
Is this even a fight?
-Adolf, relax your face.
-It's fine, can end in one shot!
-It's not Hitler shooting, so you'll live.
-No, why that face lololol
-I see it, I see....
'Can I win? Don't wanna go near Germany, like Switzerland.'
Just imagining made her uncomfortable, German blood awakening; Lucia was racking her brain.
What cards do they have? Which chamber of the gun ahead has the bullet?
'Need to win public sentiment....'
The serious one was Iosif too.
Last time, during stream, she said ""This is" ultimate?" and viewers raged properly.
At a time to admire and cheer her motivated stage aiming for idol, voices disappointed she said to fight were loud.
But 100k soldiers, enemy Idol, slime lava would swallow floor over time.
Iosif Khan thought Aska's stage was outstanding, enviable to jealousy level brilliance.
But she's a soldier first!! She had situational judgment prioritizing work!!
Honestly, no one there criticized Iosif for saying that.
Rather, Wakamo was mesmerized by Aska's stage too; if she didn't go fight the Idol, total wipe there.
'Win this somehow, then go England, check famous musicians' history, listen songs, visit landmarks, release 3rd album.'
'Really don't wanna go near Germany. But England too....!'
Exchanging silent eye talks during their streams, no words.
Broadcast accident of accidents, but tension so thick viewers held breath.
Each revolver has one bullet, up to 5 trigger pulls max.
And now, Mare Pilot about to pull 4th trigger after 4th, on 5th so practically 50:50!
"Someone who gambles daily, scared of gambling? Weird...? I have strong luck. Luck to meet Captain and climb here...!"
"If it's luck to die at mere 50% odds, you can't be a climber. Right... friends?"
Click─!
-No hesitation pulling.
-No, Captain... come back....
-Who are you, fuck lololol
-She bloomed, some talent!!
-Eyes overflowing with madness and guts.
-Please hesitate a bit when pulling trigger.
Pilot survives 5 pulls, sets down gun with one chance left, smiles.
Then Adolf and Iosif unite with 1st gen bond, desperately continue, but.
Bang─!
"Adolf!!!!"
-Adolf graduates by pistol suicide.
-Call me Lucia.
-Not dead, it's a game.
-No, why lose this.
-Should die in 2 tries?
-Captain, what the hell is your psychological dominance!!
Lucia followed by Khan overwhelmingly submits to Pilot, match ends.
"Planning periodic trips, so don't be too disappointed?"
"Next time without Pilot?"
Wakamo watching from side, her insane luck and overwhelming gambling skills made fair match impossible.
Says she melts money at pachinko daily, why so good at gambling.
Did she get some skill as 60th floor reward?
[Poster: Wakamo Inarizushi]
[Notice: Members taking week-long vacation]
Heading to Switzerland for now.
Don't come looking saying you wanna see.
No fanmeets, don't pretend to know on street.
Members resting, please understand.
Notice posted not just cafe, everywhere.
Our Lucia is very upset.
I took vacation too cuz wanna rest.
Behave yourselves, believers.
-Yep.
-A bit intense.
-Why the pressure in notice...
-Compressed all that spirit?
-Lunatics will ignore anyway?
-Nyoutubers filming vids won't hold back lololol
-Yeah, so Wakamo giving gallery 1-week trial pass.
-Don't wanna go missing, behave.
-Wakamo: "Oh~ bringing out old personality?" What then.
lololololololololololol
-Gotta die, yeah....
.....
....
...
Thus decided Switzerland trip!!
Tall mountains! Beautiful natural scenery!
Including managers, everyone finally together, forgetting streams to rest!
Wakamo resolved not to watch VTuber streams this day, to spend with all.
Just issued "forced command" to Inari Fox God to handle recordings and left.
Considered she might slack, didn't wanna ask much, but....
Recalled Korean President said he'd help Association President requests, so asked them for stream recordings!!
Plus, for ifs, asked US President who promised one favor for Italy incident.
To avoid missing streams, told all hired [Six Realms Chat] Legendary classes too.
Asked ~20 acquaintances to record, no misses...!!
"Ah..., blue sky... amazing scenery... Staring screens daily for VTuber bad for body. Need outdoor activity like this."
"So camping? Fishing ok too?"
"All memories anyway."
"Show me the partner you made, Yu Ying."
"Artist doesn't boast art to artist."
"Huuuuh... air so good!"
Sadako with fishing rod walks behind Wakamo, Manager Wanda Hye following.
Adelheid asking Yu Ying to show Wakamo she made, Olga first time Switzerland, eyes wandering in wonder, nonstop exclamations at stunning views.
"Intense."
And psychic Aiba, upon arriving Switzerland, instinctively felt ominous as newbie superhuman.
[Astrologer (Oracle)] busy with Six Realms call, Robert busy recording VTuber per Wakamo request.
This Switzerland trip... no problems in Aiba's mind!
"Nothing'll happen... Should do a reading?"
Pulls dedicated item [Trump Cards], while all chatter how to play, Aiba spreads cards on table for divination.
Even psychic has no such skills, Oracle taught, has item, just studied.
Rare [Trump Card Divination], lays cards, picks 2 randomly, flips.
Heart 3 and Spade 2.
Heart 3 signifies misfortune.
Spade 2 symbolizes death.
"Let's head to the rented mountain cabin first since we're all on the mountain. Reserved in advance."
"13th Friday today..., home by 20th."
"That black cat too cute."
"Yeah, Yu Ying!"
"Ah, broke mirror with horn. Uh..., how much?"
Aiba pulls smartphone, messages Oracle to pick up call.
Felt the 7-day fun vacation wouldn't go smoothly!!