Chapter 37
Chapter 37
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 37
Chapter Title: Echoes of Victory
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"She's really done it..."
Won Da-hye, the manager who had been watching the live stream with bated breath, felt her legs go weak.
The appearance of a golem that nullified mana-based attacks against Wakamo, whose class was presumed to be [Sorcerer], had left even her flustered.
When she requested armor-piercing rounds, what was she thinking—only to punch holes in it, wrap it with wires, hook a grapple, and hurl it away.
'Her nerve is on another level...'
Having lived for a thousand years, she must have crossed countless battlefields. If not, she was simply a combat genius.
'She said she's a taekwondo master, but that's not even the point anymore.'
Snatching a ninja's blade with a scorpion kick.
Defeating Japan's strongest, the Fist King, in pure martial combat.
"Ugh..."
When the sorcerer using [Mana Burn] burst out, she let out a scream uncharacteristic of herself. Even the Association President had watched with a stiff expression.
Wakamo had told her believers that she was in a weakened state.
Chosen as a climber by the Tower, she had her power stripped away instead. Won Da-hye couldn't grasp the true meaning of those words... but she had seen Wakamo's original form: an adorable fox girl.
So even without being a [Sorcerer], that massive form of hers was just a fake constructed using [mana].
A superhuman martial artist in the realm of physical mastery, but in that shrunken state, she couldn't utilize her accumulated martial prowess.
Won Da-hye had no idea how she was composing her body with [mana], since Wakamo hadn't explained it.
To be honest, her heartfelt wish was for Wakamo to quit streaming.
Including the [Six Evils], many were jealous of her fame or coveting other things, scheming from various countries. The more she streamed, the more her secrets would be exposed.
'She's basically admitted she's vulnerable to [Mana Burn] right now.'
Her true form was a young fox girl, so this giant appearance was merely a facade to hide her real body.
It was the same as a VTuber hiding their red pill and streaming. (No, it's not.)
'There are more anti-magic or mana-nullification skills than one might think... but it shouldn't matter.'
Yet Wakamo had put on an overwhelmingly dominant performance that made Won Da-hye's worries seem unfounded.
She minimized damage by shrinking her body size amid the [Mana Burn] explosion, endured it, then charged in swiftly.
Growing massive again, she seized his wrist and delivered the Fist King's signature ultimate technique: a head-smashing downward strike into the ground.
It looked simple at first glance, but she had flipped the enhanced orc sorcerer like a baby and slammed him down.
He appeared unscathed on the surface, but his arm bones were dislocated at the shoulder, and flipped over, he couldn't move. His lungs were probably crushed, unable to breathe. The [Mana Shield] protecting his body had kept his neck from snapping, but it had reached its limit from the [Mana Burn] explosion and dissipated.
Then came the execution.
'The Tower gives trials matching the climber's capabilities and level...'
The public called it "only the 20th floor," wondering why make such a fuss when there's so much further to go.
Government officials were freaking out, trying to downplay and check Wakamo's growing influence, turning it into an opposition standoff with the Association President's supporters to block unreasonable regulations—that was the best the Climber's Association could do.
But now it was over.
Even the calamity from England's 50th floor, the [Flesh-Devourer], couldn't defeat Wakamo.
Nothing terrified [Wizards] more than race-type monsters that drained mana on contact.
Around 2,000 mana would be sucked away in an instant, freezing them to death before they could react.
From the start, it was no monster meant for a 20th-floor climber to beat.
But she won.
Against monsters with an matchup impossible for a [Sorcerer] to overcome, she smashed them all on live stream for everyone to see.
And for her finale, whatever trump card it was, she didn't reveal it—but in the video she uploaded, there was a "boom" sound, the screen went black for a moment, and then the devastated floor was revealed.
The scene looked like it had been hit by an airstrike.
And there stood Wakamo, unscathed amid it all.
Her figure seemed to declare: no matter what you bring, I'll face it.
Unyielding against any foe, majestic in demeanor, and as a VTuber always delighting her believers, she flashed a smile.
All one could think was how fortunate she was an ally.
'She shattered the Tower's pressure targeting her weaknesses right in front of the masses. Assassins armed to exploit vitals after learning her [weaknesses] from the [Ninja]'s failure—it's widely known now. This proves she can handle anything that comes.'
Her body trembled.
Fear? No, wrong.
As a fellow climber who had fought solo recklessly or sometimes with groups against the Tower's trials, clawing her way up desperately, it was感動 shaking her body.
'It was the best stream ever.'
Even if someone else took up Tower climbing content after her, no one could make it as thrilling as Wakamo.
She showcased the ultimate skill a climber could display, alongside the Tower's dangers.
And then climbing three floors in a row, including a boss floor, without even recovering?
What kind of mental fortitude is that... Guess those who've crossed countless battlefields are just different.
And not just the manager—the Association President, watching alongside, wiped cold sweat from his sleeve without realizing it.
"Heh heh... That's the stuff. Even this old man's heart is racing."
The footage captured by pro-level cameras, the brutal life-or-death struggle.
Looking back, from some point, the Tower had been throwing absurdly difficult trials at her.
An unprecedented 20th-floor difficulty for a first-time climber.
So what awaited her next?
'Haha.'
Tower intel was paramount even for climbers. Just hearing about a fought foe's strength was valuable info.
Even for aiming at [Full Clear Floors], it wasn't worth more than one's life.
Higher-floor climbers were surely watching Wakamo's streams quietly, unspoken.
Too early to relax thinking she'd never leave Korea with her elevating national prestige and drawing other countries' attention.
"By the way, subscribers aren't rising much. Is it always like this?"
"VTubing isn't the most accessible, so maybe...? Still, she's top-tier domestically."
"Right!! Man, do young folks these days not find this fun?"
"President..."
...
...
"That's right—!!"
In the training hall, gathered with his disciples watching the Tower climb, the Fist King leaped up, thrilled by the devastating downward strike.
A martial artist's weakness was naturally any class with ranged attacks.
She slipped in like a fox with slippery footwork, pierced the weakness, and seized the rear.
And using that downward strike he had tried on her and failed!
"Did you see? That's the power of the technique I mentioned. It can kill in one hit. It's not just for karate. This is a type of ancient martial art..."
Eyes sparkling among the disciples, he explained the principles of the technique that left no room for ukemi.
The once vast, desolate training hall was packed with aspiring students, and tourists flocked to see the fox god's shrine.
The Fist King had fully become a fan of the VTuber Wakamo.
To reporters at his doorstep, Wakamo was a warrior stronger than him, a true fox goddess who could build a shrine, the envoy granting his persistent prayers at Inari Shrine—
If Wakamo heard, she'd clutch her neck and sigh over what to do with this old man.
"Come to think of it, didn't my son say he's doing VTuber stuff?"
The hyped-up Fist King asked his prized black-belt first-dan disciple, whose face darkened.
The disciple, long dreading this question in anxiety, now looked like he'd received a death sentence.
Even a terminal patient wouldn't crumple like this; the disciple nodded with trembling eyes.
"Will Wakamo like it?"
The disciple imagined Wakamo bisecting his master's eldest son with a hand blade.
'How do I tell him Master's firstborn is a voice-changed bodybuilder VTuber...'
Knowing his friend would get his head bashed by Dad if revealed, the endlessly resentful disciple averted his eyes, claiming he'd done his best.
No rule says a man can't be a female VTuber, but how to explain his bubbly cat-eared beauty stream while outing as male.
Brain-muscled Dad was bad enough; the top disciple sighed deeply in anguish, contacting his runaway little sister who hated VR gear and meowing shut-in bro.
Unlike Dad's brute methods, the kid who bolted to climb as a [Wizard]—wonder if she's okay... Time to check in, the disciple thought.
Your bro's VTubing—Dad might see.
He'd show up in black suit with condolence money asking where the funeral is...
"Speaking of, I talked with the Association President. Since my daughter's a climber too, how about entrusting her to Wakamo, who's skilled in sorcery? Safer than solo climbing, right?"
'Master... [Wizard] and [Sorcerer] are different...'
Screwed... He's a daughter fool with muscle brain, can't be helped...
'Sadako... what am I supposed to do...'
I'm not even family—why am I tangled in your mess? Tears welled up involuntarily.
Overlooking the pitiful top disciple's torment, vowing not to age like that, the other disciples moved on.
Japan's Association President Watanabe Tomoko knew how the Fist King's daughter was treated. Unlike her father, seen as a delinquent runaway for pursuing [Wizard] path and climbing, despite her father's respect, she tried to shine as a climber but her Osaka 30th-floor clear got bad rep.
Thus, she quit Tower climbing and studied hard for Association civil service.
But Tomoko knew: deep down, she still wanted fame like her father.
Wakamo Inarizushi wanted VTuber success in Korea. Reason unknown, but she loved it.
She teamed with a Chinese girl, Hajime Ichigo alias Yu Ying, a 10-year loiterer at 10th floor as [Alchemist].
With gov support and full clear scraps, her floor hit 25! Technically higher than Wakamo.
'25th to 30th is Incheon Tower's co-op floors?'
Probably parked there waiting for Wakamo on purpose.
—So before that, Japan should attach someone to build ties.
She'd hinted to the gov. As Fist King's daughter, inseparable from him and Wakamo.
Make relations so she could excuse jumping to Japan if needed.
'She treats Yu Ying like family? Hope she does for Sadako too.'
Dad so hopeless, the kid thirsted for love.
Gave her a shot, she packed for Korea instantly— that passionate.
"No way she'd miss learning sorcery from a real one, haha!!"
'[Wizard] and [Sorcerer] are different classes...'
Counselor Tetsuya, eyeing the President, stayed silent.
What to expect from a nation calling [Fighters] with swords [Samurai].
※※※
Ding ding—
Unable to ascend to the 21st floor, Wakamo filled her belly with mana potions while watching VTuber streams.
Clipping and uploading, checking comments on her edited video titled "3 Floors Simultaneous Conquest!!"
Hurt a bit when Yu Ying suddenly messaged today: "Parked at 25th waiting to climb with President."
Wait... couldn't you tell me first...? When did you climb solo without a word?
Like raising a princess in a game, focusing on VTuber, then she runs off, beheads a bandit lord, returns—shocking.
Steadily streaming, consulting manager, packing bag, brewing tons of potions... On rethink, that was climb prep, not content.
Still just a 20th-floor scrub, Wakamo felt sad...
"But why so many emergency texts..."
[Emergency Notice]
Military Manpower Administration mobilization order received.
Failure to comply may result in penalties.
Check link below for inquiries.
"?
Her phone still under fake ID(?), ignored mostly, but this was baffling.
Assuming scam, searched net—chaos everywhere.
Seemed legit, regrettably.
Reserve force mobilization? For real...?
Stunned briefly... Wakamo scratched her head on what to do.
Used that phone long, didn't burn with house—bite back now.
Yu Ying, Korean climber too, got same text.
Apparently, Gimpo 40th-floor Tower collapsed; climber's statement enraged people.
"[Curious what happens if I pick Tower collapse. Sorry to Gimpo residents, will atone for climbing mistakes like Wakamo—]"
"Why drag me into this?"
Guess I'm infamously famous as climber.
Yeah, understood. Manager said Association President's face bloomed from my 1st floor expanding hugely. Superstar among domestic climbers.
"How to handl tower colapse like this Presidnt?"
"Hmm... Indeed."
Towers respawn eventually post-clear.
Low-floor towers popular with newbies: few floors to clear, easy to find coop for low clears. Guilds everywhere, foreigners too nowadays.
Just, at top floor, don't pick collapse.
Terror like [Six Evils] might do.
Looked young, no sense of crisis. Good skill or item? Unknown—but won't see again.
No death penalty in Korea, but climbers exempt anyway.
"No, seriously, so thoughtless...?"
"Curious so pressed it?" Makes sense? Slept through climber training? That brazen, maybe.
'...Too weird? That airhead kid solo'd 40-floor to collapse...?'
Narrowing eyes, Wakamo felt uneasy hunch, but relieved no casualties. Remote mountain pop-up, low popularity, minimal damage.
Like meticulously picking a safe-to-collapse Tower... Paranoia?
"Good thing. Anyway, heading to manager. Check this out."
"Mm."
Mana mostly recovered. Skill efficiency up, wastes more but recovers faster; chug potions, rest—full restore possible!!
No more desperate climbs to survive!!
Just cut VTuber watching, but whatever.
"Anyway, said want gear items, but this junk...?"
Wakamo draped the tattered Taegeukgi reward from 20th-floor clear around her neck.
Looks like protestor at Gwanghwamun Square. Nothing decent for idol...?
"Damn... If class Miko, at least give a cutting board!!"
"Presidnt... That's shaman, not miko..."
"...Oh, right?"
Same diff...?
Anyway, pack for manager.
[Acquired Relic-Grade Equipment Item [Rallying Taegeukgi]!]
[Rallying Taegeukgi]
Grade: Relic.
Equip Slot: Cloak
Authentic from Independence Movement.
Embodies resistance to oppression and unyielding fighting spirit.
Symbol of proud struggle, rallies unity.
Leadership +10%
Crowd Effect +10%
Party Stamina Boost +20%
Charm +10%
Me doing VTuber as Japanese/Chinese origin irked Incheon Tower?
Proud Korean fox brag or what.
First gear: 100-year-old Independence Taegeukgi...?
"Donate to museum."
Portaled to Incheon Tower front, headed Association—climbers/reserves swarming on news.
Shrunk to kid Wakamo, masked/capped with Yu Ying, staff-aided entry; Won Da-hye welcomed like waiting.
"Congrats on 20th-floor clear. Wakamo, got the text too?"
"Precisely my old ID. Hope-it's-fake scam for reserves. Nearly PTSD."
"Ahaha... Emergency, but military handles fine. Standby for now?"
Won Da-hye omitted 『President』's scheming suspicion.
President deemed thousand-year yokai Wakamo must die, fully hostile despite full clear offers.
Showed this conquest vid, freaked "monster"—Association President tongue-clicking naturally.
—Claimed ate/seized prior ID's un-eliminated Wakamo, long-hidden among humans as humanity-threatening gumiho, must process.
Luring Wakamo to Gimpo with this madness, surely.
Won Da-hye untroubled. Could she kill? Risks always exclude anyway.
Arrested climber should've been summary executed, but detained for truth-probe, found dead in cell—suspicious af.
"Wakamo did military service too, huh..."
"Yeah? Clarifying, no eating/stealing? Diligently schooled even?"
More impressive? Thousand years, elementary from start—adapt?
Won Da-hye eyed donated authentic Independence Taegeukgi, pondering military stints.
'Why fake male ID for service...?'
Nah, ignore. This flag perfect for staging, relief.
"Wakamo know VR skits? Anime/movies shot in VR too."
"Who doesn't?"
"—Prepped new content fitting Yu Ying's apocalypse survivor concept. Perfect for membership."
Grinning corp-like megaproject from Association support.
President's schemes no matter how shady, crush with bigger feats.
"Title...『Battlefield: Seoul Recapture』? CG like game vid, full blast! Big budget!!"
'Manager's naming sense trash.'
Full 3D CG team ready.
Amid Gimpo Tower uproar, quell fears with mega-special; shoved detailed plan.
"Shoot vid 'reclaiming Seoul territory lost to Seoul Tower collapse'—'setting'."
Why Defense Ministry backing VTuber content.
Army/Air Force presence dumbfounded Wakamo.
"Like Virtualive's 'Virtualgra' casual stuff."
"Thhat so?"
Yu Ying gawked at gun lists, asked Wakamo.
Whoa~ Gov VTubers get airstrikes. Amazing~
"Why show me this!!"
"We always go overwhelming realism in VTuber streams!!"
Damn, manager snapped.
Black corps bad...
Wakamo innocent...