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Chapter 31
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The Martial God stood face to face with the woman who had made him feel such anticipation since the Tower’s emergence.
One might call it a foolish tale, but this excitement was similar to when he had first gone to meet his wife on a date.
For a man like him, known as Japan’s strongest, who conquered the Tower with nothing but a polished fist, it was that significant.
Others had said it was foolish, asking why he bothered. He’d endured such trivial questions countless times, letting them remain as scars on his heart.
Holding on to a dream that seemed out of reach as he aged in a changing world.
His heart raced as if he were meeting an actor from the Tokusatsu series he had admired.
– Rewinding back in time –
Now, known as the “Fist King,” Oyama Masahiko.
At 55 years old, he was Japan’s strongest climber, a human weapon who had mastered countless martial arts, including karate.
Before the Tower appeared, he was merely called a “master.” But once the Tower emerged, he threw himself into martial training, obsessively honing his skills to the point of sticky persistence.
The number of Towers he conquered exceeded five, and the highest floor he reached was the 90th, so there was no need to explain his strength.
Of course, there were those who didn’t understand climbers or thoughtlessly claimed the Tower had reduced its difficulty just because he climbed it “bare-handed.”
He dismissed it as simple jealousy, not worth paying attention to.
But still –
“I always tell my disciples not to bring women here, that the dojo isn’t a place for dates… yet I’ve broken my own rule…”
It was spacious. The garden was immense, and the number of buildings was beyond counting.
It was as large as a feudal lord’s mansion from a Japanese period drama.
But it was silent. The number of disciples training was small compared to the vast mansion, around only forty… and even among them, only a few seemed genuinely dedicated to their training.
“Were you expecting more? Despite my reputation as the Fist King, no one wants to join my school. This year’s intake is still zero.”
“…..”
“Haha… In Korea, I hear Taekwondo dojos are always popular. But here in Japan, it’s this miserable. Perhaps if it were a club… despite this age of martial reverence with the Tower’s emergence, the state of martial arts dojos is truly pathetic.”
The dojo was meticulously maintained, as if someone took great care of it. Not a single weed or stone marred the outdoor training grounds.
The training areas where the disciples practiced as he passed by showed mats worn and torn, and equipment bore marks of long use – yet the dojo’s vibrant, modern renovations suggested that perhaps all this upkeep was the work of a single person.
There were simply too few people.
“Thank you for accommodating my unreasonable request. I heard you had weakened, but is that alright?”
“I’d actually love to learn, if possible.”
Wakamo replied politely and courteously, though the Fist King still seemed to misunderstand, looking slightly teary-eyed as if moved by her words.
He’d offered tea, saying he had something to discuss before the match, but when she declined, he carefully adjusted his worn, faded martial arts uniform before speaking.
“When the Tower first appeared… when the world was thrown into chaos… I was, if anything, thrilled. Fifty-five years old now. I started coming to the dojo with my stern father at five, so that makes fifty years.”
Ten years ago, with the Tower’s emergence and the arrival of Awakened Climbers, Oyama Masahiko had Awakened too.
He displayed his martial prowess unreservedly against the oncoming monsters. But since his opponents weren’t human, sometimes he was struck down by magic-like [skills], or embarrassingly fainted from overwhelming force.
Since it wasn’t a sparring match but a life-and-death battle, he’d been pierced by spears, lost his arm to a sword, or had an eye gouged by an arrow. Though the Tower climbing erased his wounds, the pain and fear remained.
But he suppressed all of it and kept climbing.
“Nothing… was there…”
“What do you mean?”
“None of the other climbers in Japan fought with just their bodies like I did.”
Right – he was in despair.
Over time, martial arts, meant to defend one’s body, had evolved from combat to preservation, becoming mere relics in opening ceremonies, foreign performances, tourism events, or for those aiming for now-irrelevant national representative positions or leagues like the UFC.
Martial arts, once intended for combat, were now mere dances meant to be displayed.
But that wasn’t a bad thing. Protecting oneself was sufficient, and being called a master, recognized as an intangible cultural asset, brought enough satisfaction.
It wasn’t just martial arts, but professions in related fields that followed similar paths.
Until the Tower emerged, that is.
“They teach swordsmanship, spear handling, archery… Haha… The return of a barbaric age. Climbers are drawn to martial sects seeking honor, glory, and wealth. Their investments in these sects only make their influence grow even now.”
Yet, despite this era, martial artists were still fading away. People dismissed training to protect their bodies, or close-combat skills for when they might lose their weapons, as unnecessary, citing the [Tower Exit] and [skills] as reasons.
“I tried to prove it with my refined body. But they just saw me as an eccentric.”
In a time when people proved their strength by defeating opponents and climbing the Tower, he had struggled to prove the martial arts he dedicated his life to, and now he looked to Wakamo.
Wakamo hadn’t expected such a serious conversation, but she understood. After all, even VTubers often mention having learned karate as children.
These days, Taekwondo academies are merely places where busy parents drop off their children, no different from daycare.
The Tower, a shocking phenomenon, had flipped human understanding. With resources flowing from the Tower, humanity was in an unprecedented golden age. And yet, Wakamo stood face-to-face with a profession on the brink of vanishing.
On the other hand, VTubers were born in a world that was peaceful, with developed culture and civilization, becoming a new-era profession.
“Actually… it’s embarrassing at my age, but I got curious about why people are so into it, so I watched a VTuber.”
After a moment, he replied, saying it made him envious.
“It was Otaku culture, something only my youngest son would like. I couldn’t understand why people were so engrossed. But it turned out to be a major company in Japan. The story was that it all started with a girl who wanted to be an idol, dragging her friend to meet the CEO, pitching a foolishly ambitious venture.”
She was one of the founding members who established the company’s direction. Back then, it was the height of video uploads, yet she began focusing on live streaming, deciding the company’s path, pioneering the content field that now specializes in live streaming.
Beyond that, she hadn’t given up on her dream, even when it became one of Japan’s largest corporations, nurturing junior members who eventually surpassed her in popularity, building a massive group.
“Driving forward with nothing but a dream. Walking a path not exactly bright, powered by youthful passion. I envy it… Isn’t that a dream come true? If warriors of the past were idols, then she’s the idol of a new era. More popular than performances by old men like me.”
Born too late to sail the seven seas, too early to adventure among the stars. Yet in such times, there will always be those who chase recklessness, pioneering something new. Not everyone succeeds, but they persevere, driven by faith and determination toward their dreams.
Isn’t Wakamo also walking the path paved by such people?
“I’ve become a fan, moved by the sight of their hard work. Embarrassingly, now I understand why people like them. That VTuber shows the martial arts I love… I wanted to meet her.”
An idol of the new era and a warrior living in a time from a thousand years past.
“Red Pill is a taboo, though.”
“I know. I feel like a stalker now, wishing I could hide.”
“But I understand. Wanting to make your dreams come true… wanting your efforts to be recognized… even if it’s merely a performance… Even if you’re considered an eccentric in a world with the Tower’s emergence… Listen well. Dreams aren’t about the impossible. They’re about wanting to achieve what you desire. And following that passion is only natural.”
Without greed to grasp at those stars, but driven by that passion, resonating and cheering together. Though calling them idols may fall short, Wakamo liked those sparkling stars who never gave up and continued to dream.
“What’s wrong with dreaming? With admiring and loving what you’re passionate about?”
That was enough. That feeling alone was enough.
Missing out on figures and collaboration items of VTubers was a sad thing.
But no merchandise was as valuable as a conversation with someone who shared that same love and passion.
VTubers, idols, and even martial artists ─ are lonely without fans.
“──Would it be alright to talk about this on a stream?”
He spread his arms wide.
“Don’t worry. I know it’s taboo to reveal the private lives of VTubers.”
The Fist King took a stance.
The sparring rules were already set. He wouldn’t use attack-type [skills]. Since this was only a sparring match, he wouldn’t aim for fatal blows. But Wakamo saw it as a great opportunity. Where else could she witness the martial arts that Japan’s strongest had honed over fifty years?
“Show me everything you’ve built up over your life!”
Sensing Wakamo’s genuine expectation, a smile bloomed on the Fist King’s face – his foot immediately shot toward Wakamo’s eyes. It wasn’t a [skill]. It was a purely disciplined, lightning-fast kick that only years of training could achieve.
Seeing it, Wakamo dodged, reaching to grab his ankle, only for his heel to strike at her neck.
Wakamo tried to follow the process with her eyes, but even for her, only afterimages were visible. Though they couldn’t control the stats they’d accumulated while conquering the Tower, they were indeed controlling their strength between each other.
Chin, throat, collarbone, chest, abdomen – fists and kicks aimed at the human pressure points in the blink of an eye.
As Wakamo rushed forward with arms spread wide, rather than widening the distance, Fist King closed in, quickly maneuvering to her back.
The footprints left on the ground showed how he had moved, and as Wakamo, without even looking, caught the flying fist behind her and pushed back, she threw a punch.
Seeing Fist King deflect it to the side, she spread her hand to grab his wrist, only to be met with a flying kick aimed at her face.
With no time to daze, Wakamo evaded the relentless onslaught of fierce blows with open eyes.
“So, you were keeping your eyes closed!!”
Focusing on what she could see, it seemed that this model opens its eyes.
There was no time to be surprised at this unexpected function. She deflected and blocked the dozens of arms and legs coming her way, focusing on defense and evasion without a moment’s rest – even though she’d practiced Taekwondo, there was no time to use it.
Then came a sudden inside leg sweep.
But she didn’t falter.
As her back was pressed closely, he grabbed her collar to throw her, and Wakamo lightly lifted herself, intending to use the force to counter by flipping him over, but Fist King caught her by her hair with his toes, using only the strength in his leg to fling her to the other side mid-air.
In the sensation of being flung up, Wakamo dug her fingers into the ground.
Even in an almost impossible situation, she maintained her balance as if it were nothing, flipping over and using her arms like legs to deliver kicks, finally landing a kick on Fist King’s chest. Graceful as a fox, she landed with a step.
The basic Taekwondo stance – footwork. Then, followed by a kick.
The sound of her foot cutting through the air, she displayed a dazzling technique, yet her opponent was a far more skilled fighter than Wakamo.
Without a single opening, he closed the gap, chopping at her waist with a knife hand strike, striking her chin with his palm, and kicking her knee, forcing Wakamo to kneel.
Soon, with her head hitting the ground, Wakamo realized that her arms and legs were pinned in a joint lock by Fist King.
He weighed over 100 kilograms, the full weight of an adult male.
Moreover, with her balance disrupted, it would be difficult to withstand – even for a Climber.
But unfortunately, her opponent was something beyond normal physical rules.
With just the strength of his fingers, he lifted her up.
He jumped up, soaring with monstrous finger strength, yet as Fist King made a delayed escape, Wakamo caught him mid-air.
A brutish seven-spin throw planted him into the dojo floor.
Despite not having time to perform a landing technique, Fist King bounced back using only the strength of his back, sporting an amused smile.
He was impressed.
A martial artist honed over a thousand years! The sensation when attempting to flip him was truly like a mountain itself.
If he hadn’t intentionally allowed the throw? The fact that he couldn’t escape despite being caught just once shocked him.
And the crushing grip strength that almost shattered his arm even with only one hand – how amazing was that?
The strength of a martial artist comes from the lower body. No matter how much force he applied, she wasn’t pushed even slightly, and every technique she used, he endured with a smile.
It wasn’t just a monster but a martial artist using true skill, fighting her equally, which filled Fist King with exhilaration, fueling his will to fight even more fiercely.
In truth, Wakamo secretly held back, allowing herself to be hit just so she could experience more of his technique. Whether it was strikes to her chin, jabs to her pressure points, or blows to her closed eyes – nothing seemed to affect her… She even let him throw her, all to observe the skills of a true master.
And this was all for content.
She tracked each attack visually, countering unseen blind spots. This was actually thanks to a trick with the floating camera. Still, she wanted to act like a true master – it wouldn’t do to disappoint, after all.
Despite joint locks and grappling techniques not working, and knowing that getting caught even once could mean the end, Fist King felt thrilled, determined to unleash all the martial arts he’d learned over 50 years. Meanwhile, Wakamo focused intently on recording everything to review later, to use in learning martial arts, and of course, to turn it into content.
All in all, it was a win-win.
“Die, you wicked monster──!!”
Then, in that moment.
A ninja appeared.
With no warning, a ninja suddenly popped up.
Dressed unmistakably as a ninja, a figure perched on a tree unsheathed a sword and swung it at Wakamo from behind.
Fist King widened his eyes, intending to warn her, but –
Already aware through Viewpoint Sharing, Wakamo ducked low and swung her leg back powerfully.
In a scorpion kick style, her toe caught the edge of the descending sword.
To be precise, the sword stopped, caught on her toe rather than cutting into her foot, though to both the master and the figure, it appeared as if she’d caught it by reflex.
The surprised ninja, flung by the unexpected capture of his blade, rolled across the ground, staring at Wakamo in shock.
‘I thought this might happen, but not like this.’
Manager Won Da-hye had warned her that the Japanese Association Chair might plan an ambush, but she didn’t expect this sort of approach.
She’d been told never to go alone to deserted places… If she’d been camping outside a convenience store at dawn, she’d have faced a group assault, no doubt.
“Oh─ there’s no shrine maiden, but I guess ninjas are around.”
“You wicked monster! I, the Super Ninja, shall vanquish you!!”
“Ah, just an otaku then.”
Though he looked cool, the reckless shouting right after disappointed Wakamo, and as if insulted, the ninja threw shurikens at her. She caught them all with one hand, leaving the ninja dumbfounded. Hadn’t he learned from the Chain Devil encounter?
Of course, she’d practiced! It looked awesome!!
“I am a ninja recognized by the Tower!!!”
Seeing the sight of him working himself up with excitement, Wakamo was simply baffled.
“I’m a VTuber recognized by the Tower too.”
“Are you mocking me!!!”
Using [Skill], the ninja lunged forward but was met with a solid blow, his body folding as Fist King, with genuine force, struck him down like a soccer ball.
Then, the dojo disciples came running over, kicking, stomping, and binding the ninja to restrain him.
“I thought I was sparing you. With just this blow, your level was never enough to survive.”
Ah, so when he went easy on me, this was what it looked like too.
Amazing, [Body of the Idol]!! Without feeling pain, I didn’t realize!!!
“Shall we continue?”
“Haha… No… I think we can stop here.”
Fist King revealed his arm. His forearm, caught during the throw, was swollen, possibly broken.
“Such impressive grip strength… Indeed, a martial artist honed over a thousand years is something else….”
Wakamo decided to protect the dream of the martial artist. Santa Claus is real, and so is the Fox God. Listening to Fist King’s stories, forgetting his age and enjoying himself like a child, she felt the thrill of the strength in his lower body and the overwhelming feeling she’d had during the sparring match.
If I’d fought him with [Mana], I’d probably be dead in one strike…
I fancied myself a Taekwondo master, but the real thing was on a whole different level.
“It’s impressive that you avoided my attacks by reading them with your eyes rather than relying on reflexes or intuition! And I appreciate you holding back your full speed. If this were a real fight, I would’ve lost in an instant. I poured all the skills I’ve mastered into this, yet it felt like striking a cliffside. Looks like I still have a long way to go!!”
Yes… as long as he looks happy, that’s enough…
Even VTubers feel despair and frustration when they take the Red Pill. Don’t their dreams shatter?
Wakamo decided to protect his dream.
Although, isn’t it strange that Fist King’s punches could deal damage when it’s actually harder than any cliff?
‘Only 100,000 mana left…’
Just a few hits, and my mana’s already down by 400,000…
※※※
And with that, the sparring match ended.
The atmosphere had been broken by the sudden intrusion of the ninja, and Fist King said there was no need to overdo it since it was just a sparring session. For reference, his broken arm healed completely within 20 seconds.
Conquerors of the Tower are truly not human…
As they leisurely enjoyed tea, Fist King began explaining about the ninja they had tied up.
“He’s from Japan’s ‘Legendary Class.’ Believe it or not, he was acknowledged as a genuine ninja at a young age. There’s even a ‘Ninja and Ninjutsu Studies’ program at Mie University in Mie Prefecture. He’s quite talented, but even the Chairman says he’s a bit… eccentric.”
“Is there anything else I should worry about?”
“Well, there’s this group called the Sorcerer Association that claims you’re a Great Yokai reborn in the modern era, and they plan to exorcise you. But don’t worry; they won’t make it in here. If they do, I’ll crush them myself.”
Fist King emitted a rage so intense it seemed to distort the air, as if he wouldn’t tolerate any more disrespect toward his guest. It was the first time Wakamo had seen the scenery warp from someone’s anger.
I could use this for content!!
“The Chairman told me you wanted to use a new item in the Japanese Tower… The government worries about it being used for malicious purposes, and the tax authorities are fussing over customs clearance. The Ministry of Finance is in an uproar, but whatever. You just need permission to come and go. And, of course, the politicians are trying to see if there’s a way to exploit it for their gain.”
“……”
“Slimy, isn’t it?”
“I hadn’t thought about it that way…”
“I guess even I’d get tired of Japan if I were you. I heard you went to Inari Shrine. The Fox God… ahem, ahem. As a VTuber, don’t you need something like a holy site? Maybe set up a shrine-like place to attract public attention?”
This man surprisingly understands VTuber culture quite well. Looking closely, there was a rather mismatched tapestry of a cute Division Commander hanging in one corner of the room. And a plushie of the Commander? He really was a fan.
Whether it’s martial arts or VTubing, those who are single-minded about their profession are the ones who grow and develop.
His willingness to accept and understand something completely unfamiliar was genuinely admirable.
It was a piece of advice that certainly piqued her interest.
‘Now that I think about it, a Fox God Shrine might not be a bad idea…’
There are VTuber holy sites all over Japan, and there are some even domestically, right?
Wouldn’t it be nice to have one of my own?
[Request from the Climber acknowledged. Request approved.]
Ding.
[Do you want to construct a symbol of the Idol? 『Companion』 establishment is now possible.]
What’s with this alert? Companion… me?
Wait, does that mean I can really do this? It feels like the Tower just threw something in at me like, “Here you go!” Is it just my imagination…?
“Then, can I build it here?”
This could serve as an excuse to come and go from Japan, and it could turn the dojo into a holy site(?) where people might visit. The Fox God has some popularity in Japan, and with Kyoto having Inari Shrine, wouldn’t an extra Fox God shrine here be fitting?
“I’d love that!”
“Then, let’s go with building it here.”
“Excuse me?”
As she declared the intention to build it, a radiant light gathered, and a [Miniature Shrine] abruptly appeared. Fist King’s eyes widened as the small shrine, about the size of a low cabinet, materialized within the chest.
Even the ninja lying tied up on the floor raised his head in astonishment.
Wakamo didn’t expect something like this either.
When she simply placed it in a corner, Fist King started fidgeting, suggesting there must be a better spot for it. So, she placed it outside in an area where it would be visible from the dojo. Fist King, thrilled at the idea of building it bigger, excused himself, saying he’d make some calls.
Soon, an echoing alarm resonated throughout Kyoto, loud enough for the entire city to hear.
[Climber Wakamo Inarizushi has established a new 『Companion』! The 『Shrine of the Idol』 will be installed in Kyoto!]
‘Please don’t let this be a nationwide alert.’
I really hope it isn’t.
As she worried, a notification for the Companion appeared with a cheerful sound.
[Companion]
[Group: Shrine of the Idol]
[A shrine that reveres and worships the Idol.]
[Joining Condition: Idol]
“Wow, garbage!”
I really don’t want to say this, but what use is a Companion like this?! How is “Idol” a joining condition? How is someone’s profession supposed to be an Idol (VTuber)?
[The Tower is providing calculated rewards based on Climber Wakamo’s achievements.]
[You have acquired the Mythical-grade item, [Kusanagi Sword]!]
[Kusanagi Sword]
Grade: Mythical.
The genuine article lost during the Battle of Dan-no-ura.
Recreated with various rare metals.
A ceremonial sword without a sharpened edge.
Only the Idol can wield it.
Doubles success rate of rites and ceremonies.
Charm +50%
Idol-specific skill effectiveness +50%
Increases vitality of those who believe in the Idol by 50%
“…..what a trash item!!”
[You have acquired the Job-specific Skill 【Broadcast Points】!]
Job-specific Skill【Broadcast Points】
- Allows blessings to be cast on believers based on accumulated broadcast points.
Current Points: 542.
“Sh…shi…shit!!!”
Wakamo spat out curses.
It’s like the Tower thought, “Here, have the Japanese sword you wanted! I even customized it just for you!” and handed it over.
The Tower, seeing Wakamo in Japan, seemed to go, “Ah-ha! This is what Idols are all about!” and eagerly prepared a slew of Idol-related skills and handed them over with a big grin.
As if it were investing all the accumulated rewards so far, creating absurdly powerful skills and cheat items, the Tower thought, “Now’s the time!” and generously gave them away.
“Why are you even giving me this stuff──!!”
She trembled, momentarily stunned by the unbelievable, no, unimaginable rewards.
‘If I hold the Kusanagi Sword while doing a gacha prayer, will the success rate double? Is this a content idea for gacha?’
Feeling painfully familiar with VTuber broadcasting, Wakamo reflexively thought of content ideas.
Incidentally, since Wakamo doesn’t have any Charm stat, the effect doesn’t apply.
Fist King, who had briefly left to make arrangements for the shrine, heard her shout and came running, asking what happened.
But she couldn’t exactly explain what just happened.
“Nothing happened…”
Swallowing her tears, Wakamo could only say that much.
—
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