Chapter 15
On a peaceful afternoon, just as the sun began to tilt from its zenith.
The seemingly calm streets were suddenly engulfed in flames.
Thanks to emergency protocols and constant drills for potential disasters, citizens promptly began evacuating to subways, Climber Guild buildings, or the Tower Countermeasure Association.
The lingering fear that the Incheon Tower might collapse someday had ensured that these drills were regularly practiced, saving countless lives during the sudden terrorist attack.
From firefighters and police to the military stationed in Incheon, everyone was mobilized to subdue the rampaging monsters.
And among them were Climbers who were ascending the Incheon Tower.
“Chairman, could this be the work of [The Six Dreadful Calamities]?”
“Isn’t it obvious?”
Despite their grandiose title, the world referred to these Climber terrorists, who sought to destroy the six inhabited continents, as such.
They didn’t share a common ideology.
One, who awakened just before being unjustly executed, aimed to overturn the country’s regime.
Another believed they were chosen beings and that the “old humans” who couldn’t keep up with the “new humans,” the Climbers, should be exterminated.
Others sought to destroy everything in their quest to become the rulers of nations with their newfound power.
Some simply wished to indulge in their desires, running wild however they pleased.
Another believed that the towers were divine punishments sent by God to judge humanity and wanted to bring down civilization by collapsing the towers.
And yet another, embarrassed by their goat-associated occupation, couldn’t bear the shame any longer.
Their missions, goals, and beliefs were all so different that it was surprising they hadn’t turned on each other.
The global government speculated that there must be some shadowy figure controlling them, but after 10 years, they still kept reappearing, including societal misfits and criminals turned terrorists.
Even if the towers sifted through humanity with extreme selection, there were always those with twisted desires or broken morals who emerged.
When the towers first appeared, some cities were destroyed after attacking and collapsing the towers. There were even orphans, raised without parents in such destroyed cities, who were chosen by the towers. Some of them were recruited into the independent faction known as [The Six Dreadful Calamities].
They were a group of lunatics with some connections but could never be called a team.
Moreover, they had followers, which only added to the headaches. The only silver lining was that the identities of all the members were completely revealed by the towers. However, most of them possessed [Legendary Class] occupations, which made them difficult to imprison or kill.
“It doesn’t seem like they came to collapse the tower.”
The chairman calmly assessed the situation through the window.
As the greatest power in South Korea, he couldn’t act rashly. Moving without a clear understanding of their intentions or plans could mean falling right into their hands.
For now, it didn’t seem like they were aiming for the tower’s collapse.
While each tower had its own unique gimmicks and characteristics, the conditions for collapse could generally be divided into three major categories.
- Neglecting the tower. Most towers collapsed in this manner.
- Destroying the tower externally. The higher the tower’s floors, the stronger its durability. For example, the 100-floor Incheon Tower wouldn’t collapse unless a nuclear missile was dropped on it.
- Clearing the tower and causing a collapse. This was actually the easiest method.
After clearing the tower, the climber could pass on the items and equipment they obtained to someone else, then give up on the climb, losing all the abilities they had gained.
It was a madman’s strategy, but the more often a tower was cleared, the more difficult even the lower floors became.
This was why the chairman had stopped climbing towers himself.
If a climber gave up, their conquest count would reset.
Even so, the tower wouldn’t return to its previous state. But their goal was the tower’s collapse anyway.
Equipped with the best gear, they would quickly climb the tower and intentionally trigger a collapse.
“Has anyone new been added to the Incheon Tower?”
“No, they’ve simply released monsters. We are suppressing their followers, but it seems they arrived from Seoul by sea, possibly from China.”
“That’s an old wound they’re reopening…”
Considering the number of monsters pouring out, it was likely the work of that despicable [Collector]. Did he obtain a [Legendary Class] occupation that allowed him to collect people as well?
He was the kind of guy who ran sadistic broadcasts, defying human ethics in his pursuit of pleasure.
But in terms of greed, he was probably the most disgusting and depraved among [The Six Dreadful Calamities], almost to the point of madness.
“It seems like they’re after the same thing we are. What do you think? Do you believe Director Won Da-hye can handle this?”
“Well… We’ve received a support request. A [Drake] is heading toward the operational area.”
“…Why didn’t you mention that earlier?”
“Well, since you were smiling, I thought you were confident…”
The chairman let out a deep, weary sigh.
Why was he suddenly nostalgic for the days when he could solve problems by just hitting things?
“There’s no need to worry with the next chairman at your side, right? As long as there are no unexpected incidents, we’ll be fine.”
“The support request came because there was an unexpected incident…”
“You’re getting a pay cut.”
Director Won Da-hye wasn’t fazed by the sudden attack.
Wakamo Inarizushi was quite the rising star and certainly worth targeting.
With her unique trait of being the Fox God and her confidence in revealing herself through her streams, it would have been strange if she weren’t a target.
Thus, Da-hye couldn’t help but feel tense, wondering where [The Six Dreadful Calamities] might strike.
Even so, as a Climber who had conquered the 50-floor tower in Chungju, a few monsters were nothing she couldn’t handle, even without using her [Skills]. Her gun was more than enough.
Her battle experience was on a different level.
While helping civilians evacuate, she shot and killed suspected followers on the spot, preventing them from causing any trouble, while receiving reports from agents stationed around the collaboration café.
The appearance of a [Drake] from the 22nd floor.
Its eyes were bloodshot, and it was moving faster than usual, possibly due to its berserk state.
She immediately ordered her team to buy as much time as possible while she headed toward the location.
‘Wakamo probably wants to maintain her VTuber persona. She wouldn’t want to reveal her true appearance in public, hence the poor disguise.’
How could anyone not recognize such a giant?
The people in the line were all VTuber fans who had come to enjoy the collaboration event.
And Da-hye knew better than anyone how much Wakamo loved VTubers.
Despite losing her powers and being unable to use magic, she recklessly ran out to participate in an event brought forward unexpectedly.
‘Information must have leaked from somewhere.’
The decision to bring the collaboration event forward had been a joint effort between the Tower Countermeasure Association and the government.
Since it was just a company-level event, having national support sped up the process, especially as it was part of an international collaboration, and the limited-edition merchandise had already been produced.
On the flip side, [The Six Dreadful Calamities] had somehow caught wind of this rescheduling and launched their attack.
And their target was none other than [Wakamo Inarizushi]!!
Despite her prowess, she was still a lower-tier Climber at the 9th floor.
Facing a [Giant Monster] 13 floors above her would be a suicidal act.
‘There are no other giant monsters around! This is too blatant!’
It was a mistake on the association’s part not to have anticipated this.
Wakamo wouldn’t want to reveal herself, so she wouldn’t step forward to fight. But if she locked herself away after this, it would be a huge loss for us.
If not now, who knows when we’ll see her again? Next year in Japan, maybe?
However.
A truly unexpected incident unfolded, far surpassing any trouble she had imagined.
“What did you say?!”
Upon hearing the urgent report from her agent, Da-hye, who was leaping across rooftops, came face to face with the sight.
A [Drake], rampaging down the road, crushing cars like empty cans as it charged forward like a revived Tyrannosaurus from ancient times.
And in front of that [Drake], standing boldly after tossing aside her hat, was none other than the Fox God!!
Countless thoughts raced through her mind.
A mother screaming as she clutched her daughter. People panicking, scattering in all directions.
The crowd was so large that everyone was bumping into each other, tripping, and causing even more chaos.
“Stop right there!!!”
A thunderous shout pierced the air, freezing the chaos in place as everyone’s attention was drawn toward it.
“Believers, you know how important the Red Pill is to a VTuber, don’t you?”
Wakamo smiled knowingly at the believers who had been openly staring at her, and a few dazed young men nodded their heads.
Out of respect for the Red Pill VTubers, they had recognized Wakamo but refrained from speaking to her or approaching.
Since they couldn’t post photos, they would likely just write about the event on community forums.
Six days into her VTuber career, and she was already facing a Red Pill crisis… But it was her own choice to rush out to the collaboration event. And the people here were all VTuber fans.
Would she allow this to become a child’s worst memory, when it should be filled with happy experiences from their first overseas trip with their mother?
No way would she let her Red Pill be exposed!!
Something was more important than her image. As much as she loved VTuber’s efforts and passion, she cared about her fans and her role as a VTuber. She had to do something as a Climber for them, even if she had never signed autographs before.
“Today is a good day. After all, the long-awaited dream collaboration has opened.”
She stepped forward.
How long would it take for the other Climbers to arrive? People had started shooting at the [Drake], but it didn’t seem to be affected by the bullets. Their faces were filled with panic, despite being far away.
Did South Korea really have so few Climbers? It was a sad thing to see.
If that’s the case, a Climber VTuber would have to handle it.
“I’m the only one who can protect VTuber fans’ happiness…”
Wakamo made up her mind. Once she committed to something, she would follow through no matter what!!
To put it another way, [The Six Dreadful Calamities] figured out that the schedule had been moved up and launched the terror attack.
Their target was none other than [Wakamo Inarizushi]!!
No matter how skilled she was, she was still only the lowest-tier climber in the 9th floor.
Fighting a [Giant Monster] 13 floors higher was a reckless act that would only lead to an inevitable death.
‘There are no other Giant Monsters in the area! This is too obvious!’
It was the Association’s mistake not to anticipate this situation.
Though she might desperately try to hide her identity as a VTuber, she wouldn’t step forward to fight. But if she completely shut herself off because of this, that would become our problem.
If not now, who knew when she might be found in Japan—perhaps not until next year at the earliest!
But then.
An unexpected and far more troublesome situation arose that she had never imagined.
“What?!”
With a hurried report from a nearby agent, she sprinted across rooftops, and what she encountered was…
A drake, racing fiercely down the street, crushing cars as if they were empty cans. It looked like something straight out of the ancient world, a creature reborn in the modern age that resembled a Tyrannosaurus rex.
And standing in front of the drake, tossing her hat aside, was none other than the Fox God!!
※※※
Countless thoughts flashed through her mind.
A mother clutching her daughter, screaming in terror. People scattering in panic and confusion.
Too many people had gathered, and in their rush to escape, they collided, tumbled, and the chaos escalated.
“Stop right there!!!”
A voice that hammered at the eardrums.
At that shout, the chaos halted, and all eyes were drawn to the scene.
“Believers, you know that the Red Pill is as precious as life to a VTuber, right?”
As she smiled at the believer casting blatant looks of recognition her way, a few of the dazed young men nodded.
Out of respect for the VTuber, they recognized Wakamo, yet didn’t approach or speak to her. Instead, they kept their distance.
Unable to post pictures, all they could do was maybe write about it in their communities.
Six days into the VTuber broadcast, and she was already facing a Red Pill crisis… But I ran out here because I wanted to attend the collab. And it wasn’t just me—there were plenty of other VTuber fans here.
For a child who had perhaps come on their first overseas trip, holding their mother’s hand, it should have been a time of joyful memories, not the worst day of their life.
There’s no way my Red Pill will be exposed!!
There are more important things than reputation.
As much as I love the VTuber’s efforts and passion, as a VTuber, I have to care for my viewers during the broadcast.
As a Climber, what can I do for the fans? Even though I’ve never even given out autographs or anything like that…
“Today is a great day. The dream collab we’ve all been waiting for is happening.”
She steps forward onto the street.
How long will it take for the other Climbers to arrive?
People hiding on the rooftops jumped out and fired shots, but the drake seemed unfazed, as if the attacks barely had any effect. Their faces displayed emotions so desperate that you could sense their panic even from a distance.
Is Korea really this short on Climbers? That’s a truly sad reality.
In that case, the VTuber Climber will have to step in.
“I must be the one to protect the happiness of VTuber fans….”
Don’t calculate the pros and cons of reality when it comes to dreams and romance, Wakamo!!
If a VTuber has decided to act, then it’s already done!!
※※※
“To explain it simply, the situation was pretty much the worst. Our guild sent me, the closest one, when the [Giant Monster] appeared.”
A [Fighter] class Climber, currently ascending the 30th floor of the Incheon Tower, looked out at the completely destroyed road before responding to the reporter’s question.
Not having to carry heavy cold weapons and with higher stamina stats, they arrived at the scene the fastest and were able to see it all.
“As you know… the tower grants skills based on one’s occupation. [Forming Fist] or [Shaping Fist]… it’s often called Chinese martial arts. For example, I can imitate the swift and agile movements of a monkey using the [Monkey Fist]. But that’s still just a [Skill]. When I use it, mana surrounds me like this.”
While demonstrating the skill, the [Fighter] showed the mana swirling around them like a haze, explaining that the skill was activated.
Their towering height easily exceeded 2 meters.
While the giant stature of the drake, measuring 12 meters in length with a height double that of the woman standing in front of it, was shocking enough, the true terror was that this beast was coming straight for them.
The [Drake] charged at 40 km/h, its massive jaws opening wide, ready to devour the Fox God, while its tail whipped around wildly.
Its footsteps left deep imprints on the asphalt road, marking the weight of the [Giant Monster’s] advance.
“Just because someone is higher in floors, doesn’t mean they are automatically stronger. Unless you’re a tank, you don’t try to block an attack like that head-on.”
Even tanks wouldn’t block in such a way.
The biting force of the [Drake] was estimated at no less than 5,700 kg, equivalent to six small cars falling on top of you at once.
“A tank on the 30th floor would be crushed along with their shield and armour. At least, that’s what common sense would tell you.”
For a moment, the [Fighter] glanced at the road again, pointing to something that wasn’t a dinosaur’s footprint.
Instead, they pointed at a small footprint, imprinted clearly on the asphalt.
“I mentioned [Skills] earlier, right? It might have been an illusion. More simply, it could’ve been a projection from the pressure or fighting spirit… perhaps a trick of the mind. But can you believe it? I think I saw the real [Shaping Fist].”
What lay in front of that small footprint were two distinct marks that ran deep into the road, indicating something had been dragged backward.
“A 7-ton drake was overpowered by a 200kg lowest-tier Climber in a contest of strength.”
※※※
The worst-case scenario was that she might have come to this collab event only to be caught up in a terrorist attack and die.
Yet, the sight before them was so shocking that they forgot about the fear and terror they should’ve felt.
The believer watched in astonishment. Even the Tyrannosaurus from Jurassic World paled in comparison.
The sheer presence of the drake was different; it felt like death itself was coming.
But while trying to hide her identity, their Oshi stepped forward and crouched, as if preparing to run.
What was she doing? No matter how you looked at it, she was still a lowest-tier Climber. There had to be limits to her recklessness!!
But to their disbelief, as the Fox God took her stance and vanished, what emerged was something beyond their imagination.
A giant, so massive that it was beyond human comprehension.
Not only that, but the giant was riding a horse that matched its enormous size, clad in golden armour, wielding a shield and spear the size of a car, and charging at the drake.
How could anyone not be shocked?!
Mana: 434,571 -> 421,983.
The massive form created by invoking [Idol’s Form].
If I had to name it, I’d call it 【Shaping Fist: Tree Guardian】!!
“Krrrgh?!”
The charging drake abruptly halted.
It was because a giant wielding a shield and weapon suddenly appeared, causing the beast to instinctively stop in caution.
The drake, unable to distinguish between illusion and reality due to its primal instincts, failed to realize that what stood before it was nothing more than a mana-constructed form. The beast growled.
But that was the drake’s mistake.
Before the drake could react to the threat before it, the charging speed of the mounted warrior was already faster than the beast’s reflexes.
Mana: 421,983 → 321,980.
Pouring an absurd amount of 100,000 mana into [Mana Manipulation] to strengthen both legs, Wakamo shot forward like a missile.
With a deafening roar that sounded as if an explosion had gone off, and road debris scattering behind her, she flew horizontally.
Before the drake had any chance to react, the [Tree Guardian]’s massive shield collided with it, sending the enormous creature staggering backward.
Even though the drake planted its feet firmly to withstand the impact, it still couldn’t stop itself from being pushed back by the mounted warrior’s momentum.
It felt something strike its head, but it had no time to figure out what it was.
“If a dinosaur standing on two legs fights against a horse standing on four legs, it’s obvious the horse has more force to push. However, a mere 200 kg pushing back a 7-ton drake? That’s nearly impossible for a lowest-tier Climber…”
After the terror incident, while the footage remained private, a scientist studying the Tower and Climbers commented:
“If you’re being propelled at a speed close to that of a rocket, it’s a different story.”
With the right propulsion, the impact weight would feel as if the illusion the drake saw was no different from reality.
Mana: 321,980 → 241,062.
‘Grraaah…!’
The charge using 100,000 mana was so effective that it could be described as rocket propulsion.
As Wakamo collided with the drake, crossing her arms to brace for impact, over 80,000 mana vanished from her reserves in chunks, making her grit her teeth.
So this is how damage works…! The loss of power was much more significant than she had imagined!
Well, she did just collide with a Giant Monster from the 22nd floor. Of course, this was the result!
Grateful for being able to move at her best condition even now, she quickly climbed atop the drake’s head before it could regain its senses.
Using the drake as a foothold, she launched herself into the sky.
What the drake likely saw through the illusion of [Idol’s Form] was the [Tree Guardian] raising its front legs high above its head.
“I have a black belt in Taekwondo!”
Do you know the most powerful strike that humanity can deliver?
A human’s legs have three times the power of their arms.
Infusing mana into the tips of her toes using [Mana Manipulation], Wakamo rotated her body violently. With a body that didn’t experience dizziness, she could push herself to the limit!
Adding centrifugal force from the rotation, she condensed all her body weight into her heel and slammed down with full force!
Mana: 241,062 → 40,964.
A 200,000-mana-powered strike!
Do you know that the hero of VirtualLive is a Taekwondo master?
“Altair Kick!!”
Her high-speed spinning heel kick hit the drake’s head square in the centre!
The drake, just starting to lift its head, had its skull smashed into the ground.
Boom!
The sound of cracking and breaking echoed as the asphalt road split, buildings tilted, and fire hydrants exploded, sending water geysers shooting into the sky.
The very spot her heel had struck sank deeply into the drake’s skull, causing the creature to foam at the mouth as it rolled its eyes back.
It was an unbelievable overkill.
“Haa… that was costly.”
With a bitter smile, she slumped down on the spot.
Sitting atop the now-dead dinosaur, the Fox God VTuber waved at the dazed believer below.
“…You’ve outdone yourself, haven’t you?”
“Who are you?”
Gathering around Wakamo were agents in black suits and a woman she was meeting for the first time.
Instead of speaking, the woman held out her phone, showing a screen from Wakamo’s fan café.
A manager-level account.
“Would it suffice to say that I’m your Oshi’s fan, Wakamo Inarizushi?”
“I had a female fan…?”
More surprising than the drake, that’s for sure!
—
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