Chapter 91
Chapter 91
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 91
Chapter Title: Western Facade of the American Tower
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Unlike East Asia, America had a deeply ingrained macho culture.
There had been an era when people survived by taming the harsh wilderness, and it was a country where each independent state held its own sense of belonging and pride.
It was a different form of culture from Korea, China, or Japan.
America was the nation that had adopted the most balanced federal system in world history between the federal government and state governments.
The U.S. federal government and state governments each had their own unique powers explicitly stated in the U.S. Constitution, forming a relationship of mutual respect where neither could infringe upon the other.
It was a country that had even experienced a massive war like the [Civil War] between the United States of America (Northern Union) and the Confederate States of America (Southern Confederacy).
Rather, the fact that the presence of Ascenders hadn't caused internal divisions leading to the nation shattering into pieces was fortunate, as far as Wakamo was concerned.
Well, if America collapsed, other countries would suffer too, so as long as it stayed intact, that was fine.
Since it was intact, VTubers had debuted there and were doing well.
Returning to the beginning—what would represent that macho culture?
There were sports genres, of course... but when it came to America, it had to be Westerns, right?
A genre set in the American West, where pioneering spirit and the conflicts surrounding it took center stage, delivering the purest moments of spectacle!!
The scene where gunslingers stake their lives on a showdown in the wasteland was something that could practically be called a staple of Western films.
In that sense, Wakamo didn't care if the rewards from the American tower were trash.
Her goal was [to conquer the tower] anyway.
As long as the footage turned out great and satisfied her followers, that was enough for the current Wakamo.
"Draw."
As she ascended to the 2nd floor, two [Goblin Gunslingers] surrounded Wakamo from front and back, hands on their holstered guns.
They never fired first, so only after Wakamo yielded the initiative did the goblins aim at Kang Yeoul and pull their triggers.
In Westerns, drawing and firing first wasn't Wakamo's style.
The opponent draws their gun and tries to pull the trigger, but the protagonist's slower draw pierces the enemy first.
That was romance, that was a gunslinger.
But with guns like these... not even giving a holster.
Not a normal revolver, but a [Plain Revolver]—was this some uniquely American pun Wakamo couldn't comprehend?
Whatever.
The incoming bullet passed through Kang Yeoul's body and pierced the Goblin Gunslinger's forehead.
Since they were facing each other directly, she let it phase through with [Idol's True Form].
-Oh, what? How'd she do that?
-Movement so fast it's invisible, fucking cool.
-Sleeves fluttering in the wasteland wind, a single flower standing tall and unshaken...
-This is the martial world lololol
-Amazed by Kang Yeoul the wanderer's skills!
-She's a true peerless master...
-Demon lord?
-Gall!!!
[Conquered Tower Floor 2]
[Rewards: [Poison Grass], [10 Gold Coins], [Leather Holster], +3 Stat Points]
'Old-school.'
This gold coin explained why Jackson had climbed the tower so obsessively.
Just gold coins. Pure, solid gold!
Wakamo teared up a bit, realizing how Jackson, who complained about needing money for his abilities, had amassed his fortune.
Climbing the tower, resetting due to tower initialization, grinding gold coins again to climb further using [Skills]... a pitiful black man living like a slave in the 21st century!!
'Doesn't compute.'
The poison grass from Floor 1 had seemed fine, but seeing the one from Floor 2 made her wonder if it was the same—turns out it wasn't, which surprised her.
She'd heard item names could overlap, but not like this.
[Poison Grass]
Rank: Material.
Can be applied crushed or as-is.
Causes massive bleeding on wounds.
[Poison Grass]
Rank: Material.
Effective crushed, applied, or eaten.
Induces [Excitement] status and [Poison] status.
Probably meant to smear the Floor 1 poison grass on bullets or the barrel...? Who knows.
'Let's hit Floor 3.'
The utterly unremarkable [Leather Holster] clashed with her outfit, so she opened [My Worlds] and tossed it in carelessly.
Though Wakamo didn't know—couldn't know—
A typical Ascender would have gotten a skill selection opportunity by Floor 9.
Normally, one entered the tower after their [Class] was set. There were no manuals for [Idols] back then.
Having chosen [Shooter] skills, Wakamo was fighting monsters [Shooters] faced.
Moreover, since she was a [Shooter], it awarded points for "using guns well."
So her rewards being trash was par for the course—they weren't going to improve.
Ascending to Floor 3 revealed three [Goblin Gunslingers] surrounding her.
"Feels kinda half-assed."
- Fr real lol
-Wait, just more numbers?
-Floors 1-9 are newbie difficulty, right?
Rubbing the gold coin in her palm, Wakamo scanned the goblins staring at her.
A wasteland with sandstorms, an empty Western ghost town ruin in the center, traces of past human life.
Tumbleweeds rolling with the wind—sand so harsh it stung the eyes, a silent floor tormenting all.
With a Western movie OST already playing in her head, Wakamo turned on some copyright-safe BGM.
She wanted to strum an acoustic guitar, whistle, and sing, but that wasn't feasible.
'I've been practicing singing steadily and improved, but why won't my gaming skills grow?'
Compared to before, Wakamo had raised her singing from "tone-deaf" level through consistent effort—blood and sweat, in a way.
Yu Ing fixed her pronunciation, Asuka learned from humans and evolved, so Wakamo had to sing well and game well too.
But gaming was hopeless; she could only assume she was cursed.
Guns and Wakamo had no affinity—none at all.
Ironically, she was master-level at throwing things accurately.
She just couldn't shoot guns.
Maybe a [Idol] penalty...?
Damn, Korean tower... unforgivable...!!
"Yaaawn~"
Kang Yeoul stretched with a wide, unladylike yawn.
No wonder—the difficulty was so trivial there was no sense of crisis anywhere.
Even mid-broadcast, she was spacing out from boredom, flicking a gold coin with her thumb.
"Heads or tails?"
The goblins seemed to understand, assuming positions in unison.
All eyes, followers included, fixed on the coin as it fell.
The goblins drew their guns simultaneously.
A single line of blood trickled down their massive noses, staining the wasteland red.
Thud.
The three goblins collapsed together, and Kang Yeoul raised one hand.
She showed the coin caught between her jade-like fingers, closed her hand as the blood vanished like a magic trick, then gracefully swept her hair behind her ear with a smile, delighting her followers.
[Rewards: [Copper Ingot x3], [15 Gold Coins], [Goblin Revolver], +3 Stat Points]
"Hmm?"
The weapon used by [Goblin Gunslingers] dropped as a reward.
Floor 3 like this... expectations were low, but Wakamo decided to push on boldly.
"Kinda boring, huh~ Right, followers? I was expecting more from the American tower..."
A provocative jab aimed at the Tampa Tower.
With a visibly disappointed expression, she elegantly phrased her scathing critique: "I get it now, the American tower's level. Oh, so boring I could die."
Her followers rarely saw Wakamo mock something, so they seized the chance.
Like fish in water, they chimed in: This is the American tower? Americans acting all high and mighty, but it's just strong guns? Tower's so lame it's yawn-worthy?
Of course, reality was real bullets—getting hit was dangerous.
What kind of class balance let gun-wielding goblins appear from the start?
Clink clink—
The sound of gold coins rubbing echoed.
Kang Yeoul ascended, using the symbol of wealth and greed as delightful ASMR.
Flicking a gold coin dancing on her finger, she reached Floor 4, where four [Goblin Gunslingers] hid behind cover.
Faster than the flicked coin falling amid gunfire, her hands moved, embedding coins in the goblins' heads.
"Plenty of pocket change for these fools."
-So extravagant lololol
-One life per gold coin.
-Even sadder: Wakamo=Kang Yeoul won't die from bullets.
-No point dodging, just toying with them lololol
Floor 5 had five [Goblin Gunslingers].
Floor 6 featured a [Dwarf Gunslinger] aiming a shotgun at Kang Yeoul.
At this point, typical [Shooters] would branch into other weapons or sell materials for upgrades.
Wakamo couldn't get [Skills], and the tower's ammo support for [Shooters] was lost on her.
The gold coins it gave her were just tip money for monsters.
Some envied, jealous, protesting item waste at dumping gold on the ground.
But that was just overseas protests from across the sea in Korea.
Even those got shredded by followers calling it trolling.
A noose and hangman event, staple of Westerns, happened modestly too.
"Not to be rude, but... it's just... too... boring..."
Floor 7: two [Dwarf Gunslingers] fired shotguns, spewing pellets at Kang Yeoul—which phased through her.
Ting—!
A clear ring, and a thumb-flicked gold coin pierced a Dwarf Gunslinger's head, dyeing it red as it fell.
Floor 8: three [Dwarf Gunslingers], Floor 9: four.
[Gold Pouch] in one hand, shaking playfully; the other gripped a coin like a bullet, thumb-firing to slay monsters casually.
Ting, ting—each ring left head holes, monsters crumpling.
Floor 10 revealed an underground mine shaft, [Goblin Gang] armed with guns and bombs, cackling as they hurled dynamite at Kang Yeoul.
A normal [Shooter] would shoot them down, dodge with evasion skills, or use special ammo/gun [Skills] to kill before impact.
──♬♩♪
A clear, beautiful wind whistled.
It sounded refreshing, like a light breeze whistling past the ear.
Pretending to whistle, she actually manipulated inner wind with [Idol's Storm] for artificial sound.
Kang Yeoul, now holding a plucked [Jadestone Pipa], lightly strummed a string.
Ting──
Softer and more vibrant than a gold coin, the gang's ten necks soared skyward simultaneously in her view.
Then came the massacre.
Stomping to insert tap-dance sounds into the broadcast.
Whistling a Western-tune, strumming an anachronistic pipa.
Monster heads flew.
Cover? Sliced through with it.
Hiding in buildings? No exception.
With [Idol's Storm], Wakamo just slashed everything in Kang Yeoul's sight.
Floor 11: 15 [Goblin Gang] shredded. Floor 12: 20 charging, wiped in under 3 seconds.
Now adding piano keys to the broadcast for follower delight.
Kang Yeoul served refreshing soda-pop satisfaction, strolling like on a walk.
One-sided domination, overwhelming victory, vicarious thrill from overflowing leisure!!
Way more boring than expected.
She'd seen and slashed [Corrupted Dwarf Marksman] bullets from Incheon Tower Floor 8.
Now, monster hordes meant nothing but futile deaths.
Floor 13: Burly [Orc Gunslingers] emerged.
Dual-wielding assault rifles and various guns—a minor glitch since Kang Yeoul skipped tech trees.
Five Orc Gunslingers' heads launched before they could fire.
"I'll tear off those chicken legs~"
-Can't resist chicken legs lololol
-Korea Chicken Leg Murderer incoming!!!
-Wtf, is this even a tower?? Monsters just bringing guns?
-America defeated by Factory Head Wakamo!!!
-But gunslingers everywhere, isn't that OP?
-That's why Americans party up.
-Losers...
-Fact: Climbing together is safer.
-TMI: One life.
-Factory Head's the weirdo; one bullet and we're done lololol
Kang Yeoul leisurely ate mid-climb.
Floor 14: ten [Orc Gunslingers] cleaved by chicken leg swings—pure slaughter.
One hand held the pipa too, looking bored and toying.
Floor 15: fifteen [Orc Gunslingers] beheaded by [Idol's Storm]'s razor winds.
"[Yeehaaw!!!]"
"[Chowaaat!!!!]"
Floor 16: ten [Dwarf Shock Troops]. Five charged with axes and swords; rear five aimed guns.
Chats mixed chaotically—situations solo climbers never faced.
"Ahaha, hahaha!"
Kang Yeoul ghosted through the brave dwarves.
A minor fumble dropped her pipa using [Idol's True Form], but ignored.
Floated camera for followers to see five dwarves flailing stubby arms desperately.
Deactivated skill: deflected incoming weapons with hand edges, backs, palms.
Dwarves' heads smashed by their own weapons, crumbling.
Bullets fired next, but lightning flashed—Kang Yeoul stood behind the dwarf shooters, hands behind back.
They spun; upper bodies moved, legs didn't.
Five dwarves bisected, collapsing as Kang Yeoul casually unfolded her fan, covering her mouth.
'Hot reactions—nice.'
Kang Yeoul's look mimicked the "true master" from Floor 50 hanging who overwhelmed invincible Wakamo.
Viewers accepted her stomping enemies as natural.
Heroes winning in movies? Flashy and hot is fun.
Missed macho flex, but—something was coming soon.
-Why no form when hitting the entity?
-See wuxia for that.
-Master of Phantom Shift...!!
-These dwarves know no martial arts? No inner energy.
-I've seen this in fantasy novels.
-Dwarves getting furred by wulin master, familiar~
-Bounce bounce, going insane lolololol
Floor 17: twenty [Dwarf Shock Troops] charged to kill Wakamo.
Dodged rear gunfire with upper body sways; as axe/sword-wielding heavy-armored frontliners infused [Mana] into weapons, Kang Yeoul channeled mana into her fan.
Axes clashed fans—cracks in blades, wrists crumpling with arms.
Brutally crushed one dwarf mid-air with raw strength.
Dwarf slowly slo-mo slid aside despite swing.
Crackle—cracklecra—
Fierce lightning sparked.
Fwoosh—!!
Viewers saw only Kang Yeoul's golden eyes flash white.
Ten front dwarves scattered, armor clanging thunderously.
Beheaded rear dwarves, unaware of her behind, fired into air.
-No head but still shooting?? ㄷㄷ...
-Pulled trigger same instant neck flew?
-Superman-movie scene in reality lololol
-Lightning speed feels like this~~
-Who picks fights with someone like this?
-Stockpile for human sacrifice anytime?
-Aha!
-Aha my ass lolololol
Worried about brutality, real-time mosaic and adult channel—no issues for Wakamo. Snapped fan shut with a 'tak!', hands behind back, strolled.
Filmed a nice shot of cleared dwarves like a hidden master's descent, stepped to Floor 18.
Sudden ankle sink.
Followers watched in horror: Can't swim?!
Jumped reflexively at water touch, water-striding to land, winking laughingly.
-"Entering with Idol's Water Walk"
-Follower, need me walking on water to believe?
-Peak lightweight kung fu...
-Learn swimming instead of that?
-Doesn't wanna die in swimsuit?
-Kraaa!!! Why!!!!!
-Hates water so much she walks on it...
-Lake reminds of Jiang Taigong.
-Solemn...
"What're you saying, followers? Jiang Taigong has zilch to do with──"
Fwoosh!!!
Floor 18's [Blue Poison Lizardman Warrior], swimming hidden below, ambushed Kang Yeoul.
Sharp claws, eerie tattoos, lizard face war paint.
Harpoon-laden Lizardman Warrior gaped wide, spewing poison mist.
Kang Yeoul staggered, inhaling un dodged—lizard struck nape relentlessly.
No worried viewers.
Clang—!!
Sparks flew.
Mana-infused beast-bone dagger couldn't sever her nape.
Metallic sheen wrapped neck, decomposed to dust scattering.
"Mwah."
Light blown kiss.
Then flashy explosion.
[Idol's Flame] sparked, blinding light blooming fireworks.
Casually strolled to Floor 19; five [Blue Poison Lizardman Warriors] pounced instantly.
Fierce poison mist.
Rare metal blades swung with venom spray.
Thud—!!
But from opaque mist: sound of slapping flesh, not metal.
"No need for tricks or clever moves in a fight. Just prep enough and win."
Pipe-smoking Kang Yeoul in mist smiled lazily at five Lizardman Warriors.
Burning chat—smoking okay? She smiled silently, puffing the pipe.
Giant soap bubble inflated.
No mirror-like bubble exists.
Inspired by Marie Parfait, crafted via [VTuber Assets].
[Liquid Mercury] flowed from pipe along her hands.
Mana-extensible endlessly.
Solidified puddle rippled at feet.
Stamped lightly; Hajime Ichigo-alchemized spikes impaled Lizardmen like skewers, vanishing off-screen.
Gathering mercury gleamed wing-like silver sheen.
Posing obliviously, trash reward dropped, killing vibe.
'No, lizardman skull for what?'
Amused expression; followers laughed too.
Yeah, unplanned broadcast flub—good for shorts?
Thus, Floor 20.
Wakamo reached here in under 2 hours.
Unlike typical Ascenders resting, re-equipping cautiously with mental strain.
Frankly.
Compared to Incheon Tower's varied hellish difficulties, American tower felt like vacation.
Like maxing stats in Souls-like 20th playthrough, restarting New Game.
Bullets? No death. Poison? Immune. Drowning? Nah. Perfect playground.
Rumble...!!!
Bored of monsters just scaling numbers—goblin, dwarf, orc, lizardman by 20? All?
So she casually hands-behind-back admired the massive monster statue unfurling wings, roaring.
Fantasy staple [Gargoyle] flexed sculpted muscles, lunged punch with disproportionate speed.
Reflex Tai Chi block faltered; offered forearm—mercury formed round shield.
Thud—!!
-American boss shield lololol
-Lmao can't resist hero movies lolol
-Versatile shapeshifter... the immortal newbie!!
-Qin Shi Huang's immortality secret...?
Full-powered swing with enhanced Idol flesh hurled 7x-larger Gargoyle staggering back.
Rotated swing, waist torque hurled shield at face.
Clear ring; slightly embedded end auto-returned.
Extended hand; liquified, hilt-formed, gripped as hammer.
Whoosh whoosh whoosh──!!
Roughly spun mercury hammer by strap, whipping sandstorm.
"[Kraaaaa!!!]"
Enraged Gargoyle charged; upward hammer smash to head—boom! Skull shattered scattering.
Swing trail sparked [Idol's Thunder] lightning, cracking Gargoyle to bits.
[VTuber Assets] mana-based—switch to lightning anytime.
Hammer morphed to pipe in hand; viewers roared at fan service.
-This is our Captain Korea lololol
-No really Captain!!!!
-Shield, lightning hammer, all in one.
-Hammers for nobles only. Factory Head's a virgin.
-Snap out, follower. Don't simp!!!
-Shows all the fun lolololol
Pipe to flute to bracelet; bored-yawning Kang Yeoul picked ear, blew finger wind, chanted spell.
"This American tower's EZ-mode is grea.t...─!! No elite bosses like Korean tower!!!"
Ding.
[Climbing Tampa Tower Floor 21]
-Reach Floor 60 overcoming tower trials.
-Live or die, triumph in duel!
-[Brutal Rank Monster] Akeri appears!
Provocation hit; difficulty spiked.
Rewards too?
Wakamo eyed the unnaturally gaunt girl with black eyes glowing inner light.
Akeri... Native American folklore ghost causing [various diseases] to kill, she recalled.
Studied just in case.
Akeri spewed black mist of poisons, curses, diseases at Kang Yeoul sight, darkening world, clawing viciously.
Instant frailty, death plausible—victory tilted!!
Akeri dove into her mist──
Met red light.
Straight, long diagonal crimson beam in darkness.
Whoosh.
Familiar swing SFX.
Once, Wakamo Inarizushi's top 『Virtual Chat』 game: [VR Rhythm Lightsaber]. Obviously inspired by Americans' beloved [Star Wars].
Lightsaber evokes what?
Beloved space traditional wuxia worldwide!
Yes, special [VTuber Asset] prepped for American tower.
Grip crimson lightsaber, Kang Yeoul strode from dark pristine, one-slash Akeri's neck.
Seared red cauterize, toppled.
One exchange victory!!
"Akeri shot first?"
Obscure meme line for true fans; deactivated saber, pocketed in sleeve.
"Then, followers? May the Force be with you."
Iconic line closed broadcast—3-hour Floor 21 solo clear ended.
Viewers, clips ready, dog-raced to communities.
Naturally.