Chapter 200
Chapter 200
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 200
Chapter Title: Fox God VTuber Climbing the Tower
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Wakamo Inarizushi might look invincible to others.
In reality, she was the type who surprisingly struggled with fresh ideas.
In Wakamo's case, she only comes up with ideas by linking them to things she's seen others do or experienced herself.
Compared to a true pro idol (VTuber) who delights fans with all sorts of clever and innovative schemes, it's a paltry talent.
So what if she was good at fighting? She sucked at VTuber streams.
She thought she wouldn't have achieved this level of success without her exclusive content of tower climbing.
Of course, most people would wonder what the hell that means.
──As Wakamo climbed the tower and lived as a climber, she went through a ton of shit.
Starting from gimmicks like [Holy Sites] that popped up out of nowhere with no warning, locking her mana at zero.
To that bastard [Pirate] who cheated by forcibly rewriting the rules with his skill.
Besides that, there was [Nothingness] and all sorts of other crap, but Wakamo was the type who'd been screwed over so many times she couldn't count them on both hands.
That's why, conversely, she could make her opponents feel the same crap she'd been through.
All the world's unfairness is ultimately just life experience.
Turning that experience into music—that's the idol's (idol's) talent, isn't it?
And so it begins!
The beautiful melody born from the most pathetic class…!!
"【Idol's Dance Ban】"
Cheers erupted at those five words.
As expected of Wakamo—!!
If the enemy messes with Authorities, there's only one answer!
Counter with 【Idol Authority】!!
If they cheat, just cheat right back shamelessly!!
※※※
Finally—the puzzle was coming together.
Wakamo's mind grasped that all the mysteries were unraveling.
Why did the [Mediator] bother creating an organization called [Six Freaks]?
And why did that group stubbornly limit membership to only 【Legendary Classes】, excluding other criminals?
The one and only class you can job-change into by fulfilling [Conditions], a job that only one person in the world can have!!
A class with the unique trait of being passed down through [Generations], growing more refined with each successor.
And the true nature of those Legendary Classes was Authorities.
The divine power that [Ascenders] obtain while climbing the [Black Tower].
Once someone claims it, no one else can have the same Authority until they die!!
The Association heads said they could view the conditions for Authorities obtainable from the [List].
Normal 【Classes】 gain qualifications by climbing the tower just like 【Ascenders】 and acquire Authorities by meeting conditions.
But conversely, the singular 【Legendary Class】 built on an Authority itself grants that Authority just by climbing the tower.
It enabled things impossible for other classes because of the Authority's power.
She didn't fully grasp Authorities yet, but from the moment you have one, a mere climber can't oppose it.
Cases like [Satyr], [Man-Eater], and even [Artist]—wielding "incomprehensible powers" from the start—were either because the Authority was overwhelmingly strong or trivially weak, extreme cases.
Man-Eater was too strong, Satyr too worthless—that's how it could be used.
Plus, if Wakamo's guess was right, Authorities warp or devour the user's personality due to their immense power.
Considering the unique traits of Legendary Classes, they were likely infused with the wills of previous users.
She hadn't questioned Adelheid's personality shifting day by day, but if it was influenced?
Olga, who strove to be a VTuber idol, now showing more interest in tower climbing—was that the reason too?
【Legendary Classes】 via Authorities meant the stronger they got, the crazier their minds became.
That explained why [Pirate] pulled insane stunts and [Nothingness] treated lives like dirt.
Damn, there was a reason for all this shit.
'Yu Ying should be fine.'
In cases like 【Emperor】 or Wakamo's 【Idol】, they were likely the 【Inaugurators】.
So no extreme personality twists, probably.
The Mediator knew this truth, had vaguely grasped the conditions through experience, and maybe could even see altered conditions.
'Whatever, who cares!'
Screw job-change conditions?
Climbers face [Conditions] based on [Ascenders] who escaped the Mediator's grasp by summiting the tower.
And if those who claim Authorities can't handle them and get devoured, the world reverts to the era of the [Black Tower].
That's why it's brutally disadvantageous for frontrunners.
Why new things only unlock after fully summiting, making it so frustrating.
Why the Mediator controls and manages Legendary Classes through trickery.
It was all for this reason!!
"Damn, my head's such a mess, it's pissing me off."
Dodging Satyr's attacks, Wakamo scowled.
She understood truths she never wanted to know and dangers looming over the world.
She even got why [Guardians] despised Legendary Classes so much.
Considering they couldn't mention [Qualifications], only true higher-ups knew the truth.
No clue how they knew, though—.
"Otaku fighting power goes up when hot-blooded BGM plays!!!"
Listening to Kang Yeoul's fierce, passionate performance, Wakamo clenched her fist tight and pulled it back hard.
"Ultimate Märchen Yard Pound Punch!!"
※※※
Before the [Archdemon] could be summoned, Mei Shaolongbao evacuated, ready to block it if it happened.
The summoning had suddenly halted, but she couldn't drop her guard.
She'd woken up, barely armed, still in pajamas, and moved out.
Worse, Kang Yeoul, Won Da-hye, and Sadako's side had [Guardians] swarming to snatch the Archdemon.
So Asuka, Yu Ying, and Eva's side likely had dangers emerging too.
'Adelheid's fine, no worries.'
Wakamo wasn't concerned, thanks to her absurd new [Skill].
She couldn't even imagine how to beat Adelheid now.
Rather, Olga—who'd vanished leaving only [Glasses] behind—was more worrying.
She already had zero presence; where was she fighting what right now?
As Wakamo fretted, in a situation no one knew about, Olga Romanova fought the Archdemon alone, in lonely isolation.
More precisely, she was undoing the summoning and fleeing with the seal stone that enabled it.
She'd noticed the mana flow linking to the Archdemon, isolated it, and halted the summon.
The [Archdemon's Will] that mind-controlled the Three Musketeers' hired lodge proxy (Guardian) mocked the fleeing Olga.
"[Hahaha!! Hiding's pointless!! Futile resistance, little dragon!!]"
The [Archdemon], born from countless lives, the thick malice in their souls, and a colossal will.
Among skills a [Satanist] could manifest, this demon was the strongest, leading the proxy into the [Dragon's Lair].
The Archdemon inhaled the humid air filling the space Olga created as [Dragon's Lair].
It seemed to grow stronger just by devouring residual mana traces.
The Archdemon advanced deeper along the path… into the tomb.
"[Damn, not here.]"
…It muttered lowly and turned back the way it came.
Having entered the second of seven tombs, the Archdemon headed to the entrance of the third.
※※※
"Grroooarrr!!"
Won Da-hye, transformed into a bear, swung her arms, smashing a [Human] into the wall.
Sadako turned to mist, dodging unidentified projectiles from an [Ascender], closing in and slamming down a fist of [Steel].
True to executive rank, the climber [Guardian] intervened, kicking Sadako away.
Stunned by the Guardian's greater-than-expected power, Sadako spread her palm and assumed a stance.
Thanks to Kang Yeoul's [Idol's Dance Ban], the Authority itself was nullified, so attacks landed.
But even then, the enemy was so strong they struggled to win.
'Hmph, still, an evil organization, right?'
Sadako grinned wickedly, eager to pummel, while the Guardian broke into cold sweat seeing his shoe warp from mere grazing via [Shape Change].
'Damn, I'm just here to retrieve the [Archdemon], not a combat specialist. Assassination-focused in a frontal fight—worst case.'
As an executive, he wasn't weak.
He'd conquered four towers and obtained [Qualifications].
He'd planned to use his trump Authority if needed, but the enemy blocked Authorities.
'What if the Archdemon summons while we're stalled?'
They were here to retrieve the summoning Archdemon, not handle a rampaging one.
He wanted to let Wakamo Corporation's fleeing members go, but as a [Guardian], they were kill-on-sight targets—disobeying meant his head rolls.
Ironically, the opponents thought the same.
'What if the Archdemon summons while we stall?'
The [Ascender] freely wielded [Magic], refusing easy distance, and the [Guardian] fought better than expected.
Won Da-hye was marking the monstrously strong [Human] to keep him out, and Kang Yeoul was busy buffing.
'I have to do something.'
Underground, one mistimed [Magic] meant mutual burial.
The [Ascender] knew, spamming low-power spells with fast casts.
The [Guardian] stuck close, stalling with pure defense.
The walls were tougher than expected—hard to breach!!
'Damn, no idea what he's thinking!'
Anyone watching would think he was cowering, peeking timidly!!
'Fucking scared shitless, what do I do?'
He was totally freaked.
For humanity, and greater justice, [Guardians] deemed Wakamo Inarizushi the second-biggest threat after the [Mediator].
They'd diligently watched her streams, with analysts researching her weaknesses.
【Korean Tower】's torture sessions provided easy combat data.
Even a training manual: 『Response Protocol for Encountering Wakamo Inarizushi』!!
1. Never engage in close combat.
She reads skills (except extreme cases) on second sight.
Worst case, comprehends and masters on first.
Wields all weapons—fight cautiously.
2. Never use ranged attacks.
No blind spots confirmed in sight.
Possesses 360-degree field of view.
Reacts to space-leaping attacks.
Non-lethal hits are meaningless.
3. Don't recklessly target weaknesses.
Has counters to all mana, including [Mana Burn].
Target allies for hostages.
But triggers berserk rage.
Fails to kill via weakness? Adapts and counters.
4. Deny learning opportunities.
Confirms comprehension of most things on first sight.
Even 【Authorities】 understood after experience.
Too many cards shown risks mastery.
──Plenty more precautions, but basically: if you can't one-shot on encounter, don't engage.
No vitals, teleports freely, survives if clones remain after body-kill, no blind spots via support cameras (max range immeasurable).
No sleep, no fatigue, resists most status effects.
'How the fuck do you beat that monster without Authorities!!'
Just playing music invoked special blessings, sealing the enemy's Authority.
Kang Yeoul diligently blew her flute, legs dancing wildly.
At least she couldn't fight while dancing—small mercy?
The [Guardian] pondered, then resolved: kill her while Authorities are sealed.
She was a half-baked Legendary Class without her Authority!!
His class was elite [Log]!
Third-jobbed precariously against Sadako.
True to [Silent Assassin], he could kill without a sound.
Shifting between shadows, reaching foes in instants—the organization's finest blade!
Truth was, against [Satanist]'s endless [Demons], his skills were the only counter.
Sadako panicked as the Guardian vanished from sight; Won Da-hye recoiled at the total erasure of presence and scent.
Originally, he'd planned a trump Authority strike to pierce vitals and collapse the foe.
But Wakamo was a vitalless mana ghost, and Kang Yeoul a summon—dismiss if needed.
'Stop her skill, Authority them into hostages!!'
No other choice—he boldly struck from Kang Yeoul's shadow, blade aimed at her heart.
But on contact, the blade didn't pierce—instead, it repelled her.
Too light—a phenomenon from [Weight of Faith] making her lighter than feathers, no, ambient air. Kang Yeoul liquefied, sloshing lightly backward.
In 0.001 seconds, the quick-thinking Guardian blackened his blade for follow-up, but Kang Yeoul's kick crushed him.
Like stepping on the ground, she tap-danced dazzlingly over his body and face.
Stuck to the ceiling defying gravity, flute in mouth, she blew hard, raising the pitch.
Fwoooosh—!!
Compressed mana from the recorder became [Idol's Ore] bullets, piercing the Guardian's heart.
"Kuh, guhk...!"
Seizing the slight stagger, ballerina-spinning Kang Yeoul stomped brutally, riddling his kicked body with dozens of holes.
Bullets fired to the rhythm of her fierce, passionate recorder melody pierced him through.
Drip, drip.
Blood leaked from holes across his body.
Realizing his hope of "at least a bit of a fight" was vain, he knelt in despair.
"How the hell... do you beat this...?"
His perfect ambush—flawless even against Legendary Classes—went unseen, dodged, counterattacked.
Not even mid-fight; crushed by an enemy dancing and playing while fighting. Despair overwhelmed.
"...Still, my 【Disintegrate Blade】—collapses all it touches... you won't have it alone!!"
Sadako gasped as a sword stabbed her waist unnoticed; she blackened instantly, crumbling to dust.
The executive screamed not to underestimate the Guardian, but Kang Yeoul's reaction was lukewarm.
"...Your buddy's dead?"
"Nah, our manager's far off, so figured you'd target her..."
As Kang Yeoul finished, dust reformed into sheepish Sadako scratching her head.
"Transformation attacks don't work on me."
"For real?"
"Yeah..."
"Kuhk."
The assassin's ultimate material-collapse strike sadly failed.
If only he could've used Authority!! He wailed tearfully, eyes rolling back, and breathed his last. The remaining [Human] and [Ascender] locked eyes.
"[הֲדַּר לְמוֹ אָבְדָן!!]"
"Glory to death—" With that death cry, the [Human] began emitting light.
Exploding unidentified power—not mana or faith—he charged Kang Yeoul.
The [Ascender] cast far stronger magic than before at Kang Yeoul.
Kang Yeoul tossed her flute, drew her [Jade Pipa], and plucked the strings.
Ignoring incoming wind blades, she dove in.
[【Idol's Dance Ban】 invokes a very special blessing!]
[Consumes 【Broadcast Points】 to greatly increase Luck!]
──Wakamo Inarizushi's secret technique.
『Korean Tower's Bullshit Gimmick Parade』.
[【Idol's Dance Ban】 fixes all climbers' stats in range to match the caster's!!]
Words depend on usage.
If you can "fix," maybe true equality for all?
At skill activation, everyone's stats equalized to Wakamo's.
The [Human]'s hand softly grabbed Kang Yeoul's chest—ploop.
His hoped-for suicide bomb failed. Pervert grab succeeded!
"Humans dying is the true eco-friendly way—!!!"
Kang Yeoul smashed the [Human]'s head with full-force [Jade Pipa] swing.
"Behold, the idol (VTuber)'s true power—fights are boring!! Hear my song!!"
Used recorder and pipa; next, acapella. Clearing her throat.
Confidence boosted by performance, ignoring Won Da-hye's ear-plug screams and Sadako finger-stabbing her eardrums, she sang.
"Short-as-fuck bitch♪, nobody likes you♬"
[【Idol's Dance Ban】 invokes a very special blessing!]
[Consumes 【Broadcast Points】 to greatly increase Luck!]
"When you were born, everyone thought you were just a head. But doc said♪, 'Hold up, this retarded tiny short-headed baby
♪
got a lil' flat ass and puny body attached. Total disgust♬'"
Her vitriolic insults and brutal mockery—befitting long-time internet denizen—surpassed filthy and shocking into merciless horror.
Even pad-lips bowed in shame to her machine-gun barrages!!
[Opponent's mentality completely shattered!]
"[KyaAAAAAHHH──!!]"
The [Ascender] screamed throat-ripping, mind broken, writhing on the floor.
Her superhuman senses couldn't endure the horrific singing; mental collapse hit.
Foaming at the mouth, the collapsed [Ascender] succumbed to Kang Yeoul's cruelty—even Authority couldn't defend.
Won Da-hye manager gawked at the cooling corpse, more gruesome than the hole-riddled Guardian.
"Most horrific thing I've seen yet, Wakamo-nim!!"
"Got better, right?"
"Better makes it worse—!! What now?!"
"Corpse looting."
"Lord have mercy."
Even eardrums destroyed, Sadako paled from the impact.
"Head hurts too much for booze..."
"Even baby bear won't recover your sanity."
"...That bad?"
Skills improved—more horrific!!
※※※
The lost-seeming Archdemon inhaled the third tomb's air.
It... seemed to grow stronger.
Deeper in, it silently turned back, retracing steps.
Surely not here, fuck.
[Guardian]'s death notice came; wondered what happened to the executive after the Archdemon.
No way the Authority-less Idol beats an Archdemon, right?
In the fourth tomb, the directionless fucker wasn't strengthening anymore.
Definitely not here—get the fuck out, it yelled.
"[Minion!! You know what I'm seeking?!]"
"No, Archdemon. Do you really know where it is?"
Exiting to the fifth tomb.
As minion, only foreboding of repeating scenes.
"[GRRAAAAA!!! Where the hell are you hiding!!!]"
Sixth and seventh empty—no soul stone or Olga—the Archdemon wailed mournfully.
Soul stone's mana felt everywhere, yet nowhere visible.
"[No!! Dragon blood can't hide that presence!!]"
But it hadn't given up.
Desperately pursuing, the Archdemon relentlessly tracked Olga Romanova.
[Dragon's Lair] was fake! Real one's elsewhere—it chased members.
Sensing presences, it caught up to minion, Asuka, Eva—and Yu Ying. Eyes gleamed.
The Archdemon—near-source of 【Satanist】's Authority power—transformed minion's appearance to Wakamo.
Close the gap, snatch soul stone—simple.
With 【Allure】 Authority, detection impossible!
"Everyone! Here you are! Where's the rest? Olga not here?"
"She's here."
Asuka answered; fake Wakamo smiled, closing distance.
"Eva, Yu Ying, listen—this way's dangerous, head back to lodge."
"Yeah?"
Even telepathic memory-reader powerless before Authority.
Fully deluded, believing Wakamo, Eva and Asuka followed.
Yu Ying aimed gun at "Wakamo."
"What're you doing, Yu Ying? Who're you pointing at?"
"Boss calls me 'cutie' in private."
"Kh! You two that close...?!!"
"Yep."
Bang—!!
Gunshot echoed; minion's head exploded.
Shifting from Wakamo to lodge owner, Eva and Asuka flinched in shock.
Yu Ying's pure instinct caught it—similar to saintess trap, instant reaction.
Even if real Boss, bullets won't kill!!
[Archdemon's Will] emerged from fallen minion, threatening the group.
"[Sharp instincts!! But I know Olga Romanova's here!!]"
"We'll hand over White Dragon—negotiable?"
"[No loyalty among comrades...? ]"
"Here."
Asuka shoved [Glasses] at Archdemon.
What the—? But sensing Olga Romanova's presence in glasses, it saddened.
Denying reality, it closed eyes, rubbed, checked again.
Still glasses—it howled.
"[It's glasses!!!]"
"Main body, though?"
"[KRAAAAAAA──!!]"
Rage shattered form; Archdemon's Will faded blurry.
Somehow repelled with glasses—Asuka thumbs-upped.
"As expected, our Olga sis is the best."
Olga Romanova's transformation fooled even Yu Ying's instincts.
No one here cared about the glasses hanger's whereabouts.
....
...
.....
"Hehe... If I say I fought the Archdemon, they'll praise me, right? Stealth's my military specialty!!"
In [Dragon's Lair] corner, Olga hid, calming pounding heart, grinning tensely.
She secretly anticipated her big hero moment.
Transform to dragon, fight Archdemon—everyone'll be awed, right?
Hiding in [Second Tomb], awaiting Archdemon and minion.
Bit late—too big domain? She wondered.
Maybe seven was too many?
※※※
"I see. Got the gist of the situation."
Comrades escaping underground.
Wakamo struggling against Satyr.
Archdemon summoning begun; soul stone missing.
Plus, [Witch] shuddered at intruder alert at altar—maybe [Guardian].
Possibly comrades already fighting fleeing group in desperate pinch.
"What if [Silent Blade] comes to assassinate? Die without knowing!! Monster!!"
"Our [Six Freaks] comrades—how many that soundless killer took... Hate to say, might be too late!"
Listening to [Six Freaks] comrades, Adelheid grasped severity.
At least three approached comrades' escape path; comrades split in two teams; Archdemon summoning; soul stone unknown.
One body—who to help?
"Wakamo-nim handles herself fine! Help others first!"
"""Yes!"""
Adelheid naturally led, bursting through door.
A hulking brute appeared before them.
It'd smashed through Yu Ying's (target) room door, locking eyes.
"Uh."
Suddenly—[Man-Eater] appeared.
"Friend Shield!!"
Adelheid took Man-Eater's ambush with demon from her room.
Man-Eater roared, suppressing them.
Terror, fear, impending death—they sobbed silently. Man-Eater grinned grotesquely.
But seeing Adelheid grin more savagely, it clamped mouth shut.
"Beautiful, ecstatic material—ingredients nowhere else!!"
"[…? ]"
"Illuwaaaait!!!"
"[Kraaak!!]"
Adelheid—shredded demon as shield in one hand, carving knife reverse-grip in other—howled, pursuing Man-Eater.
1:4 odds; killer saw survivalist, judged swift escape.
Something off, but chasing target [Yu Ying], Man-Eater fled.
Instinct screamed flee the artist; Man-Eater screamed in terror.
That existence (【Authority】) denies even death's salvation—【Authority】 wailed in fear.
To reiterate.
Authorities only pass to next gen upon holder's death.
"I'll preserve you forever!!!!"
Ah, so scary.