Chapter 16
“I have a lot to say, but I did something reckless. Isn’t having your identity exposed the worst thing for a VTuber?”
“If there are no fans, there’s no VTuber. A VTuber must be ready to face death for the fans!! That’s what being a VTuber means!!”
In reality, without fans, Wakamo would die. Even if just one fan spreads a good story about her, it’s a win!
But Chief Won Da-hye completely misunderstood that.
This person’s ideals as a VTuber are incredibly high. Her emotions were difficult to comprehend…
At one time, she must have been an idol. She’s not even human, but a fox god, so it’s natural that she would care for her believers.
Chief Won Da-hye wondered what her time of worship must have been like. Perhaps she would have foretold when rain would come, helped fight foreign enemies, lit fires, or hunted to feed the tribe(?)—something like that.
Thus, she was oddly reassured by this unexpected situation.
Even in a situation where her identity might be exposed, she didn’t hesitate and faced a strong enemy while in a weakened state to protect her believers.
“So this is what a lowest-tier Climber is capable of?”
Since Chief Won Da-hye consistently watched her broadcasts, she believed that Wakamo’s supernatural powers were gone and she couldn’t use magic anymore.
So, in her mind, Wakamo must have fought purely with physical strength. While she found that absurd, she couldn’t help but smirk as the image of the [Tree Guardian] remained fresh in her mind.
To her, Wakamo must have thought of the enemy as something absurdly powerful, like a [Shaping Fist] wielder, and copied its moves. Never could she have imagined that such a thing was even possible. Despite knowing it wasn’t real, she felt an overwhelming presence, like a true knight had appeared.
For a brief moment, she felt the tremendous amount of [mana] being released.
Even as a tower conqueror herself, the sheer volume of mana was immeasurable. There was no doubt about Wakamo’s strength.
And at the same time, she desperately hoped that Wakamo’s love for people wasn’t just an act.
From her long experience watching Wakamo’s streams, she always thought Wakamo was… a little strange!
Take the sight of Wakamo lifting a girl in a cute bunny hoodie into the air like an airplane and then gently handing her to her mother. In those times, a child would have been as precious as the future of the tribe(?). And even now, beyond just being a fan, this girl might become a promising future VTuber, which is why Wakamo cherished her so much.
“Give me the entire menu.”
Chief Won Da-hye asked the other agents to watch over Drake and keep an eye on the surroundings. Though some people had run away, those who remained continued their business as the collaboration point opened its doors to customers.
Of course, considering the situation, evacuating would have been the sensible thing to do, but it was strange that business continued as usual.
However, the manager of the Incheon Animiner’s Shop exchanged glances with Chief Won Da-hye, and they silently communicated their understanding. They had pushed forward the collaboration schedule at the national level to bring Wakamo in, so if they cancelled the event now, what would happen?
They were just praying that the monster wouldn’t go berserk inside the store.
“Shall I get your bill, customer…?”
Bang.
“Here’s a coaster, postcard, sticker, holographic ticket, lenticular fan, masking tape, SD keychain, clear file, notepad, trading polaroid, acrylic sheet, transit card sticker, trading can badge, soft cushion, acrylic stand, A2 tapestry, photo mug, full-print hoodie, multi-cleaner, cloak blanket, desk mat, acrylic glitter stand, tumbler, full-print t-shirt, eco-bag, portable battery, acrylic frame, wireless charging stand, noren, magnet sheet, round mouse pad, eco-bag, all the VTuber items please. Oh, and the goods purchase bonus.”
“Ah, yes… Um, the food…?”
“Everything on the menu.”
“…Pardon?”
“Everything, please.”
Sweat ran down the employee’s face as they wondered if they had misheard the order while diligently scanning barcodes. This total was going to easily surpass 2 million won… Over eight types of goods, and they were buying them all? They wanted to ask if Wakamo was serious about this.
“Besides the bonuses, is there a limit on the figures?”
“Yes… One per person.”
“Then I’ll buy one too. I entered the raffle with this number, did I win?”
“You’re a prize winner! Congratulations! Please wait a moment!”
“Wow, lucky!”
Wakamo thought she wouldn’t be able to buy the special edition figure, so she was just planning to purchase a regular one.
She had asked for everything on the display, but who would have thought the person she came with would win the special bonus!
The person who won looked at Wakamo with envy. The employee gently pushed the box toward Wakamo.
“I only entered the raffle to meet you, Wakamo. I have a lot to talk about… May I give this to you as a gift, along with the receipt, as a fan?”
“Can I suck your toes?”
“Please stop.”
The fluffy fox tail wagged with delight, showing how pleased Wakamo was. The customer standing behind her got buried in the fox tail and couldn’t help but smile happily, while another person in line glared at them with jealousy.
Though a mountain of goods had piled up, Wakamo carefully moved them to her seat, making sure nothing was damaged.
“Even eating this gives me mana.”
Taking pictures of the food as it arrived, she admired its beauty, thanked the VTuber characters printed on it, and enjoyed her meal.
Being able to eat all of this was already a blessing, but the fact that it replenished her mana too? Wasn’t this too generous?!
She wondered where it all went, given that she had no stomach, but without a care, she devoured it all. With each bite, she felt her mana recovering more and more, and she was wrapped in the love of the VTubers.
The displeasure from earlier—caused by the attack—washed away completely in the bliss of the meal…!!
On top of that, she obtained not only the 100% limited edition [Figma NO.777! VirtualLive 5th Festival Commemoration! Paradise’s Guerilla☆Explosive☆Bunny☆Pekoyamara! Animiner’s Shop Korea Limited [Limited Edition & Autographed]] figure but also the [Collaboration Commemorative Ultimate! Domain Expansion Backroom Kidnapping Pro Charisma White Fox Limited 1/7 Statue].
Is this… the weight of happiness?
I’m so, so happy!!!!
As Wakamo ate with a beaming smile, Chief Won Da-hye, who was sitting beside her, sipping on her drink, felt it was time to get to the main point.
“As you can see, I’m Chief Won Da-hye of the Climber’s Association monitoring team. Here’s my business card.”
“Hm…”
“For reference, I came here to meet you through the café collaboration. I was lining up since dawn.”
“A tent camper… That’s extreme…”
“But, didn’t you tell us to come a day early if we wanted to buy the goods, Wakamo?”
“That’s true… Looking at your ID, I recognize you. You were the one who was happy about making a lot of money from the stock tips and coin advice I gave during the streams, right?”
“Do you remember?”
“I remember all the IDs of the 200 viewers from my early streams. But lately, the numbers have grown too big for me to remember them all.”
Chief Won Da-hye was stunned by Wakamo’s words. You remember them all…? Well, it’s natural for a god to remember each believer and call them by name, caring for them individually.
Of course, she’s not a real god, but merely a worshipped idol. Being treated like a god must come with many responsibilities.
“Do you no longer give stock or coin advice? You said you’ve lost your supernatural powers, so now it feels more like a forbidden secret.”
“Oh, don’t worry. The ones who missed out are the ones to blame. I’ve made enough to retire even if I stop now.”
“If I had 20 billion won, I wouldn’t hesitate to quit my job immediately and just live comfortably.”
However, she became a Climber out of respect for the Chairman of the Association. She only came to know Wakamo by chance while watching some broadcasts during her abundant free time.
Perhaps this too is all part of fate? It felt like she was being drawn by some unknown force of destiny.
In reality, she was simply recommended Wakamo’s content through an algorithm because she watched too many stock-related streams.
However, wouldn’t it be better if they both never learned the truth, which might shatter that illusion?
“We’re already aware of your unique situation, Wakamo. We’ve secured the footage from the surrounding CCTVs. If any videos are uploaded to YouTube, we’ll help you delete them right away and cover up the Red Pill situation. After all, you’re a Climber.”
“Isn’t there something more you want? Like a ‘Complete Conqueror Tier’ or something?”
“Yes, of course. It wasn’t our intention to keep anything hidden from you, Oshi. To be honest, I was just as surprised when my Oshi suddenly debuted as a VTuber. I’ve been enjoying your streams more than expected. Especially [Dark Ring].”
Hem… Wakamo blushed, grinning as she muttered, “Not being good at games is a talent too, isn’t it?” In her arms, Chief Won Da-hye held the limited-edition figure she had just acquired, cradling it as if it were precious. It’s safe to say she’d already won Wakamo’s favour. After all, she was a VTuber who loved her believers… no, her fans.
Her gentle tone toward this long-time fan, who had watched her even before her VTuber debut, made her affection obvious.
“As for the ‘Complete Conqueror Tier,’ even civilians can enter it. It’s more appropriate to call it a ‘Public Tier,’ wouldn’t you agree? Although it’s currently the lowest tier, starting with the resources from [Oil Slime], you can collect food materials from [Horned Bunny], [Angry Boar], and [Feral Deer], and use [Killer Ankole Watusi] for crafting armour materials. The monsters on the higher floors also offer various useful materials. But to put it simply, the value lies in the land itself.”
Even though it’s the lowest tier right now, Chief Won Da-hye kindly explained to Wakamo the abundant resources available: safe land for farming without monster attacks, along with wood, coal, iron ore, and even stone.
“If we were to compare it to intellectual property, calling it a ‘Tier Lease Right’ would be fitting, wouldn’t it? As you know, transferring ownership is impossible. The government, or rather the Association, has the overwhelming authority to grant development rights and lease the land. If you were to offer us the rights, we could provide benefits like tax deductions, health insurance, and even pension deductions.”
“Compulsory land acquisition would be difficult, right? It’s more like the state is leasing the land usage rights? I don’t need a large share of the profits—maybe 2%, tops?”
“Hmm… The ownership of the Conqueror Tier is yours, Wakamo. If you want to relinquish some, that’s fine, but wouldn’t that be a loss for you?”
“1% goes toward purchasing VTuber merchandise, and the other 1% will be saved for a manager’s salary when I eventually need one.”
“I see. Would it be alright if I took on the manager role?”
“Is that okay? What about your work with the Association?”
“I can manage it all, as you’re a rising star. We’ll issue you a new ID and take care of the management of your VTuber activities, handling any streaming issues. Think of it as part of your management.”
She presented a contract, saying it was more or less already prepared. While the financial details were left blank, she assured Wakamo that she didn’t intend to deceive her and encouraged her to review it carefully. If there were any issues, they could amend the contract.
After a brief moment of consideration, Wakamo signed without hesitation.
“The contract period will last until the current Chairman’s term ends. I remember you mentioning in chat that your boss is a good person.”
“Oh… How much do you know about the Chairman?”
“The guy with the beard?”
Well, it’s hard to expect anyone who isn’t a Climber to take interest at that level. Chief Won Da-hye felt relieved that she wasn’t disliked and ran her hand over her chest in relief.
“Please don’t hesitate to contact us whenever you need help with managing your channel, fan café, or creating thumbnails and other image resources. Would it be alright if we announced on the fan café that you now have a manager?”
“Yeah, it’s better to let them know.”
“Then we’ll have to start setting up the rules. There’s a lot to do.”
“By the way… would it be possible to get mana potions as well?”
“That shouldn’t be a problem. I look forward to working with you. Since your residence is confidential, would meeting at the Incheon Tower be alright?”
“Sounds good.”
They shook hands and happily sealed the contract!!
Even after reviewing it several times, there didn’t seem to be any issues with the contract or her story. She genuinely didn’t seem to be hiding anything. Seeing her insist on taking less money was enough to make Wakamo feel touched—it was clear she meant it.
Besides, it wasn’t as though Wakamo had a real need for money. As long as she had mana, she didn’t need to eat, so there were no significant expenses. She wouldn’t get sick either!
As far as politics were concerned, she could leave it all to the Association. Having the Tower Countermeasure Association behind her was reassuring, especially with the Complete Conqueror Tier land that she wouldn’t use anyway.
Now there was less worry about the Red Pill leak!!
‘Well, would my believers be a little shocked if they found out?’
In any case, after enjoying the collaboration menu, Wakamo gathered all the goods she had purchased, opened a portal, and returned home.
She even received a few mana potions from Chief Won Da-hye. She thought she’d feel better after drinking them, but…
[Stats] Mana: 44,571
“This is bad…”
What should I do? As Wakamo sank into worry, her eyes naturally drifted toward a construction site.
It looked like there was no choice but to cause some trouble…
※※※
[Posted by: ㅇㅇ]
[Title: I almost died after going to the collab café]
Heard the event was moved up, so I rushed over, all hyped since I’m jobless.
Obviously, the line was super long. Some people had been there since dawn.
But man, there was this person with insane presence.
Even from far away, you could tell they were huge. The sense of scale was just different.
And their proportions were crazy. When they crossed their arms, oof.
Then I realized it was our channel’s host!! No pictures since it’s Red Pill, obviously.
For real, she came to buy this stuff in person, and I couldn’t stop admiring how she was even prettier in real life.
[Picture of Drake looking into the distance]
Can you see it? It’s like something straight out of Jurassic World.
I thought, “Damn, I’m gonna die without ever getting a girlfriend.” But then our host beat the crap out of the enemy with [Shaping Fist Tree Guardian].
I saw a guild fighter on the news later, and they were like, “That’s real Shaping Fist.”
Turns out the ancient martial art from the Cultural Revolution didn’t disappear—it survived in Korea.
[Picture of the huge Tree Guardian]
The aura was so thick you could see it with the naked eye.
Of course humanity would win in a fight between cold-blooded and warm-blooded creatures.
“Shouldn’t we not be able to see it if it’s Shaping Fist?”
“Go!! It’s because the head’s inner strength is so profound that it shows!!”
“Even though the Red Pill VTuber was exposed, I cried to the Fox God VTuber.”
“Is this the ancient strength that humanity has lost…?”
“Even an incel otaku loser is worth saving… I’ll love you!!”
┗ “You bastard, LOL.”
┗ “If he’s an incel, do you hug him? Urgent.”
┗ “Poor guy…”
“Even though I lost my magic and supernatural powers, I still have my believers! That’s reason enough to risk my life!”
┗ “It really makes you realize we’re living in a different era.”
┗ “Was the head really a general from the time when people fought in armor on horseback?”
┗ “No wonder the head’s voice is so commanding; they must have been a true warrior.”
“Forget that—didn’t the head win the raffle and walk off with a limited-edition figure?”
┗ “So jealous, damn it! Didn’t they say they didn’t have supernatural powers?! I wanted that figure!!”
┗ “But as long as our head is happy, isn’t that what matters?”
┗ “They saved your life; you can let that go, right?”
“I was standing behind the head, and their tail fur was so soft… and smelled amazing.”
┗ “Die.”
┗ “Die.”
┗ “What are the mods doing?! Ban this guy!!”
┗ “Why do you get the reward? Why do you get the reward? Why do YOU get the reward?!”
┗ “Uh oh, this guy’s about to go dark.”
[Author: Anonymous]
[Title: You really have to see this video.]
All the videos are down now, so you can’t watch it anymore.
But as the Tree Guardian appeared around the head who was posing, there was a deafening sound, and the massive Drake got pushed back.
Then, when the horse stomped down with its front legs, the Drake squealed and died on the spot.
The Drake that lived in the tower died right after entering the field and meeting the boss.
“Shaping Fist is a skill based on something stronger than humans… That’s why the Fox God takes the form of a powerful being!”
┗ “No one demonstrates defeat as painfully as the Tree Guardian’s strength.”
┗ “Seriously, it was huge in real life. I got a little scared.”
“But why did they take down the video? The whole forum post is gone too.”
┗ “It’s because of the Red Pill VTuber, duh.”
┗ “Did you see the café announcement? Someone posted about it and got banned right after.”
┗ “Believer, did you post Red Pill VTuber content in the café?”
┗ “If this guy disappears, know he got taken away LOL.”
┗ “What’s the deal with this, then?”
┗ “Turns out the head’s fan café manager is the head of the monitoring team at the Tower Countermeasure Association. They even posted proof.”
┗ “Why is a government agent the café manager LOL?”
[Author: ReptilianConspiracy]
[Title: So, summarizing the head…]
They love VTuber streams, clip them, and make money using their supernatural powers.
Since back then, the manager made 20 billion won. (Don’t call him a bastard, be careful LOL).
Turns out, they knew the Fox God’s identity all along.
Would anyone normally invest if they thought it was crazy? They invested because they knew.
So, the head’s existence was hidden by the government.
When they suddenly became a Climber, the government scrambled to connect with them and make them the stream manager.
Now they’re living the life of managing a channel and meeting the Fox God in real life, even getting to touch her tail fur.
I’m so damn jealous…
Anyway, don’t post any Red Pill VTuber videos around here.
A friend of mine uploaded one, and some guy in a black suit took him away.
“It usually ends with a pamphlet, but this time, it really feels real.”
“How did the manager end up as a government official at the Tower Countermeasure Association LOL?”
“Save me! Save me! It was my cat that did it!!”
“There’s a new rule about not asking questions about stocks or coins in the notice. Guess they need to hide any financial collapse?”
┗ “Damn it, why do stocks and coins always crash the moment they get popular? I missed out again.”
┗ “That’s why the head calls you an idiot.”
┗ “Ah, our believer has less intelligence than a monkey!!”
┗ “Even a monkey would be fine… if I could just hug them once in those big breasts…”
“Because of the head, this gallery is full of crazy perverts now…”
“So, could it be that our gallery’s mod is also a government agent?”
┗ “Gasp.”
┗ “Gasp.”
┗ “Gasp.”
┗ “Turns out they were a paid government worker after all!! Mod, do your job!!”
“All videos posted domestically have been taken down, and reporters have been warned, but what should we do about those who upload them using proxy servers to foreign sites?”
“Leave it. Unless people are looking for it specifically, they won’t come across it easily. It’s best to let a little bit slip through; it keeps things under control. It seems like the agreement was successfully signed, Deputy Chief Won Da-hye.”
“Yes. For now, would you review the plan to temporarily lease floors near the Incheon Tower to guilds as a form of land rental? The government officials are already managing the terrorist aftermath.”
“Young Assemblymen should be given their chance too. I saw her efforts. Haha, an idol standing up for their believers… An idol cannot exist without the attention of their fans. Seeing someone sacrifice themselves for others makes even my heart swell with pride.”
We cannot let this same event happen again.
The Chairman stood with his hands behind his back, delivering this warning.
They had managed to prevent the Six Dreadful Calamities’ terrorist attack, but it was impossible to hide the existence of Wakamo Inarizushi. From the moment she began broadcasting, it became inevitable that she would be known not just in Korea, but across the world.
There might be people who wish to hunt her simply because she is a true non-human being.
Even the President, who still calls her a monster in fear, might make the wrong judgment.
No matter how the world changes, betrayal still exists.
“The era when the public could be swayed by manipulation is long gone, Deputy Chief Won Da-hye. Dedicate a portion of the revenue generated by the Complete Conqueror’s Floors in her name. After all, nothing captures a person’s heart as quickly as money. Let the dirty and complicated work of politics be handled by an old raccoon like me, who’s used to it.”
Her time in power is a temporary contract only lasting until her term ends.
It was as if she had silently conveyed to the Chairman that he could wield near-unlimited power during his term with her support.
To be chosen by someone who was once perhaps a god and to receive their backing.
“It seems ridiculous now that I once resented the gods. Such a cute god has come to visit. Do you think even someone as old as me would seem like a child to her?”
“You still look plenty young.”
“Stop flattering me.”
Looking at the Incheon Tower being conquered, the appearance of an idol might be the second most astonishing event since the tower’s emergence.
What kind of upheaval she will cause in the future makes even an old man like me feel anticipation and excitement.
“So… you can understand why people are crying and asking when she’ll stream again.”
“She’ll probably take a break today, don’t you think?”
“That seems right.”
The 10th Floor isn’t something to take lightly.
Would she start streaming right after fighting a Drake? It would be better if she took a day off to rest.
Ding—♪
“Oh.”
But Deputy Chief Won Da-hye’s phone suddenly chimed.
“She’s streaming now.”
“What? Why didn’t you tell me to lower the screen?”
—
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