Chapter 44
Clips are flooding the community.
The peak of culinary arts demonstrated by Mare Pirate and the astonishing FPS mastery shown by Hajime Ichigo have been hot topics.
Once the community starts buzzing, viewers continue to spread the word, and fame becomes inevitable in an instant.
However, the hottest VTuber at the moment is undoubtedly none other than Wakamo.
To be honest, calling her a VTuber is almost a stretch; she’s more like a mutant.
She’s running a brazen business by monopolizing resources as valuable as oil reserves and broadcasting.
The vivid displays of violence, unlike anything seen elsewhere.
The advantage of seeing firsthand what Climbers face in the Tower.
And, of course, people flocking in just to see Wakamo Inarizushi herself.
The viewership base of Wakamo is diverse in many ways.
Wakamo is targeting these incoming viewers, promoting other VTubers, asking them to watch, and spreading even trivial news like being listed on the Queen’s wiki.
However, except for already famous VTubers, the view counts of the clips Wakamo has been making have been lukewarm.
Still, she was just glad that the numbers had increased, even if only slightly.
[One-Punch VTuber], [The Ultimate Sorcerer Appears], [Wagolas Descends], and more.
Even just opening the community would let you see posts about Wakamo everywhere.
Even on YouTube, clippers who trimmed her content or those who outright uploaded shorts were appearing.
The buzz was spreading overseas as well, and the time was finally arriving when Wakamo’s subscriber count could soar.
Although she wasn’t at a level where she could skyrocket like a rocket ship, she was steadily climbing after a period of stagnation.
And finally.
Climbers had been waiting for a long time, and thanks to Wakamo’s promotion, Believers, friends, and crew members alike had been anticipating this day.
The day of the 『Incheon Tower 3-Person Climbing Collab Broadcast』 had arrived!!
※※※
“Chiwa-s! I’m Wakamo Corporation’s CEO, Wakamo Inarizushi~”
“Shabayiba Pro Senjogya Hajime Ichigo here!”
“Assei, if you’ve joined this broadcast, abandon all hope of leaving.”
“Jakki, introduce yourself, otchigacha? Didn’t you get roasted again?”
“I do have a nutty sesame oil-like charm! I’m Mare Pirate! Great tsukkomi!”
“That’s not a tsukkomi!!!”
“Why, that small─”
– A desperate host grabbing Pirate’s wrist.
– There are some things you should never do in Korea.
– This mercenary issue surpasses owner risks….
– Anyway, now that everyone’s gathered, Ichigo really is small.
– Pirate’s proportions are borderline strange.
– But the host is so big that you can only see her stomach, right? LOL.
Even before the climbing started, the fact that all three Climbers had gathered was fascinating, and the chat was lighting up.
Meanwhile, some clueless individuals asked why Pirate looked just like her model, only to get booted for breaking a taboo.
While Wakamo and Ichigo were based on themselves, it was hard to imagine someone as perpetually goofy-looking as Pirate could really exist.
In the meantime, Wakamo grabbed Pirate’s hand as she was about to stick her fingers into her mouth, wiped it clean with a handkerchief, and helped her out.
Seeing this, Ichigo, who had been stealthily about to stick her own fingers into her mouth, flinched.
– Cute Ichigo wanting motherly love deserves a like.
– It’s so obvious she craves attention LOL.
– Does she get milk after the broadcast? Do they hug and sleep together?
– Ichigo’s loneliness is more her mom’s fault.
– Maybe she needs a consultation with Dr. Oh Eun-young?
– But doesn’t the host need to call “Animal Farm”?
– What if they say, “They need to live well in the wild,” and release her?
– That’s absurdly convincing LOL.
“Alright─!! Today might as well be my fourth debut broadcast, sailors! Let’s go!! I’ll show you Pirate’s skills! And get acknowledged so I can learn spellcasting from Wakamo the Captain!! I’ll become Japan’s strongest!!”
– Utyatya Utatata.
– Japan’s strongest? Isn’t that the Fist King LOL? Can you win??
– There’s a rumor she’s the Fist King’s daughter.
– LOL if you want to be strong, eat her!!
– Pirate, make your dad proud!!
– So, does the Fist King not have a wife…?
– That’s going too far, bro….
– This is why they call us losers….
– I heard the Fist King fell for the host.
– The host might get abducted;;;.
– Way too young LOL.
– LOL calling it an “older sister-younger brother” situation LOL.
“Stop saying nonsense, you idiots!! But having Wakamo as my stepmom might be tempting?”
– Not even trying to hide it….
– Do you know accepting that would get us killed?
– LOL redacted for sensitive information.
– Don’t fall for it!! It’s the Ghost of the Water’s trap!!!
– She’s dragging us down with her like a water ghost!!
– Oh, I didn’t hear anything.
– Wakamo was the woman who could have been my mom!
– Ichigo just drew a sword?
Regardless of Ichigo’s jealous gaze, Pirate flashed a big, goofy grin and gave a thumbs-up.
The frustratingly clueless expression made Ichigo’s eyes twitch uncontrollably, her face fluctuating as if her facial tracker had broken.
“Alright, stop fighting… Ichigo, let’s just hold it in, okay? Good girl?”
“Huh? Did I do something wrong?”
Pirate asked innocently while pulling out a beer from her bag and gulping it down.
Watching Pirate chug alcohol before the climbing even started, Ichigo rolled her eyes. She picked Pirate up, carried her, and disappeared off-screen.
– Wow, it’s tough raising kids, huh, mom?
– Stop drinking… You’re climbing the Tower soon…
– And this… is a Wizard?
– Forget that; why does a Wizard have no robe or staff?
– Because her body is the staff.
– Even muscles, when perfected, develop their own will.
– Right, I’ve seen it in a manga.
– This isn’t a manga, though.
To viewers, the scene looked chaotic and nerve-wracking before the climbing had even begun.
In reality, they had gathered to explain what potions Ichigo could make, discuss what Pirate could do as a [Wizard], and share opinions on what monsters might appear on the 25th floor.
This thorough planning, including Wakamo, had been long in the works.
While climbing together, penalties didn’t apply like they would in a typical party climb.
But there was no guarantee that the difficulty would decrease with Wakamo’s two companions joining her, so she always had to be cautious.
She had even asked the manager to stockpile supplies in the mansion.
Taking into account the possibility of a prolonged climb, they had ensured ample food as well.
Being able to return home anytime was such a useful ability.
Honestly, isn’t [My Worlds] the best skill?
“Alright! Let’s prepare the slogan!”
“Yap!!”
“Safety!”
“First!!”
“Life!”
“Priority!!”
“Three claps.”
Clap clap clap.
“Good!”
– Truly a corporate-like start.
– Wow, following safety rules like this is really trustworthy.
– I almost muted and ignored this thinking it was safety training LOL.
– Well, you do have to do this before starting work LOL.
– -But why would you do this now LOL?
“Before we head in, let’s check our consumables and equipment! And also take a moment to check our snacks.”
“Teacher, how many bananas are allowed?”
“Check the potions first, not the bananas, Pirate.”
“Ichigo will hand them out.”
“What?”
– This isn’t a freebie grab; it’s a transfer of responsibility!
– Borrowing from the army is the same as for the navy.
– We’re comrades!!!
– Meanwhile, she’s actually packing bananas, LOL.
– Is it okay that her bag is filled only with alcohol? Really?
Before they started moving, they carefully showed the viewers their thorough preparations and headed together from the 24th floor toward the 25th floor. Originally, the boss meant to appear was the [Orc Gladiator].
The 25th floor of the Incheon Tower is the first party-oriented floor, featuring a colosseum-like area where three Orc Gladiators appear with different weapons, including nets, to engage in team battles.
[Climbing the 25th Floor of the Incheon Tower World]
- You don’t have to climb the Tower alone.
- You will be matched with suitable Climbers based on your conditions.
- If you lack strength, join forces!
[Platinum Achievement Conditions]
- Defeat the [Orc Gladiators] (0/3).
- Defeat the [Orc Gladiators] solo (0/1).
- Defeat the [Orc Gladiators] without taking damage (0/1).
‘Oh.’
This was a well-documented strategy floor.
Of course, the standard strategy was cooperation. Climbers would join forces to fight rather than face the challenge in one-on-one duels.
Since the three orcs charged at you immediately upon entry, meeting the conditions was by no means easy.
Every time, it felt like the Tower was quite accommodating to [Non-combat Occupations].
When looking at other [Complete Conqueror Floors], they were invariably brutal and utterly unforgiving.
「Waaaaaah──!!!」
Through the dark passageway, a single light could be seen in the distance.
Three VTubers stood in the narrow path with a dead end behind them. Without words, they exchanged glances, and Wakamo silently nodded. Confirming the alignment with the provided information, Pirate loosened her shoulders confidently and stepped to the front.
“Can you defeat all three solo without taking damage?”
“I’ll finish in three minutes.”
The record-holder for continuous conqueror achievements and a Climber who had already cleared the Tower once.
For such individuals, the 25th floor might as well be an amusement park.
As they followed the looped cheers and stepped into the colosseum bathed in light, the empty stands came into view.
At the same time, the cheers abruptly stopped, replaced by an eerie silence.
Wakamo and Ichigo leaned against the passageway walls, watching Pirate advance alone.
“Sailors─remember this well!! No matter how much a ‘monster’ struggles, it’s still a ‘monster’!! They don’t even realize how disadvantaged they are against a close-combat Wizard!!”
– But why are you stepping forward?
– Didn’t you say you’d beat them with brute strength? What kind of Wizard is that!!
– Captain, you’ll crack your skull doing that!!
– Is she confident because her head’s already a rock?
– ….It’s oddly convincing!!
“Come on, hit me. I’ll even let you have the first shot!!”
Pirate arrogantly taunted as she approached. Ahead of her stood an Orc Gladiator armed with a net, another with a sword and shield, and the last gripping a whip. The three monsters moved in perfect coordination, positioning themselves as they advanced.
“Tchiiiiik!!!”
The Orc Gladiator launched a fierce stab toward Pirate, who seemed to have no intention of dodging.
Instead of blocking, Pirate stood still as the sword pierced her chest.
Before anyone could process the shocking sight, her body was sliced diagonally, splitting in two—a horrifying image that left Believers in stunned silence.
However, it soon became apparent that not a single drop of blood flowed from her body.
Instead, smoky vapor began rising from the severed parts, prompting confusion.
-No way, is this a joke skill?
– What’s a joke skill?
– There are a few bizarre Wizard skills like this.
– You know, the ones that are fun but terribly inefficient…?
– The ones where you put in so much effort, but they’re not worth the cost…?
– -Skills where the user dies more often than the enemies?
– What kind of nonsense is that!!
– Stop talking about things only you know!!
With a loud pop, Pirate transformed into a cloud-like mist, taunting the Orc Gladiators as she reverted to her original form.
Despite their frantic attempts to slash her again and again, without using skills involving mana, Pirate was essentially invincible—undying and unstoppable!!
– Did her body just turn into mist??
“Hiyah─!!!”
With a single chop, an Orc Gladiator’s head was split, killing it instantly.
An overwhelming show of strength that no ordinary [Wizard] could display!!
How could she be so powerful?
Because she invested all her stats in strength!!
[Status Window]
[Climber: Oyama Sadako]
[Class: Morph Wizard]
[Age: 20]
[Stats]
Health: 420
Mana: 3,000
Strength: 115
Agility: 40
Vitality: 42
Intelligence: 50
Wisdom: 30
Charm: 1
If you showed these stats to random people and asked if she looked like a Wizard, 8 out of 10 would probably say no.
This absurd stat distribution belonged to Oyama Sadako, aka Mare Pirate—a Wizard specializing in [Morph Magic].
In her early climbing days, she acquired around nine [Magic Skills] and raised her intelligence to use them. However, as someone who admired her father, the Fist King, she sought to pioneer a unique path, taking on reckless challenges.
It wasn’t simply because she enjoyed punching things! Sailors needed to understand this!!
Beyond the nine magic skills, Pirate also learned [Morph Magic], [Metal Transformation], [Form Substitution], and [Fusion Assimilation].
Like Wakamo, her skills had received additional enhancements, but for a [Wizard], the [Morph Magic] skill tree was far from ideal.
The advantages were clear—it allowed fusion with terrain, transformation into elemental forms like fire, water, or wind, and even converting her entire body into metal for combat purposes.
In this form, she could be likened to a sentient natural phenomenon impervious to physical attacks.
However, she was often dismissed as an inferior version of Shifters or Druids, as the drawbacks far outweighed the benefits.
[Mental Fortitude], [Mirror-Like Tranquility], [Indomitable Spirit], and [Steadfast Ego] were just some of the four supportive skills Mare Pirate possessed.
Some of these were innate skills she had since her initial class advancement.
The drawbacks of being a [Morph Wizard] were clear: there was a risk of losing her ego entirely after transformation, rendering her unable to return to normal. She was invulnerable to physical attacks but became a larger target for magic attacks. Transforming her body freely was possible, but it required highly concentrated calculations to pull off successfully.
Finally, the most critical drawback—she couldn’t equip any items at all!
Even if she tried, her transformed state would simply cause the equipment to fall off.
This was why she remained a [Wizard].
She had an unwavering tenacity that kept her ego intact, even when transforming into Mare Pirate. Her clothes were treated as extensions of her body, enabling her to morph her entire body seamlessly, demonstrating her incredible computational abilities. This was why she wasn’t an [Alchemist]!
The Tower didn’t decide not to grant her the class thinking, “Oh, she’ll just drink all day if we give her this.”
Though she could only transform into one form at a time, that alone was more than enough.
“Je-hahaha!”
No matter how much the Orc Gladiators threw nets at her, she easily escaped in mist form.
Even when they swung swords or lashed with whips, the mist dispersed and reformed without fail.
Logically, physical attacks shouldn’t harm her at all.
But a fist suddenly emerged from the mist and pierced through the belly of an Orc.
The overwhelming destructive power of a Strength stat above 100…!!
To put it plainly, she was a broken character!
“She uses magic and martial arts at the same time! Doesn’t that make her invincible?!”
– She’s just a total muscle-brain!!
– She’s absolutely broken!!
– A mage character investing all in Strength!!
– Just cast some magic, for crying out loud!!!
“Okay!! Fire Punch──!!!”
Mare Pirate quickly returned to her normal form from the mist and launched a flaming punch directly at the net-retrieving Orc.
The instant her fire touched the Orc, it spread explosively with a loud “Boom!” turning the creature into a roasted corpse in seconds.
Meanwhile, the mist she controlled surrounded the other Orc Gladiator, cutting off its oxygen supply. Before it even realized what was happening, it collapsed unconscious.
“Ossu─!!”
After dealing with the final Orc, Mare Pirate struck a triumphant pose.
“Everyone, konpirate! This is Mare Pirate, the Navy VTuber of Wakamo Corporation! Cool, right?”
– Would she get sucked into an air purifier?
– Couldn’t she have designed a more stunning transformation?
– She feels like a last-minute creation.
– Is biting her fingers a trigger for confirming her existence?
“Eh… simpler designs are easier. Honestly, I didn’t put much thought into it.”
– Does this look like the face of someone who thinks?
– Wow, so transparent it’s like there’s nothing inside~
– She’s just a pure muscle-head…
– -Most VTubers have big heads. Why does hers look so small?
“Manager, ban the last comment── Oh, wow!!”
[Incheon Tower’s 25th Floor is now open to all humanity due to Platinum completion!!]
[Rewards for clearing the Tower’s Platinum condition are being calculated.]
“I got 10 points in stats and a new skill [Dual Transformation]! Let’s dump it all into Strength!”
– STOP!!!
“Ichigo also got a new skill, [Artistic Alchemy]!” exclaimed Hajime Ichigo, delightedly investing her points into Intelligence.
Meanwhile, Wakamo obtained the skill [Idol’s Lion]. She considered allocating points but suddenly saw an unexpected option.
[Choose your reward]
[1. Give 5 stat points to an ally]
[2. Obtain an item as a reward]
[3. Gain a skill as a reward]
‘Huh…?’
After some hesitation, Wakamo chose option 1.
Although options 2 and 3 were tempting, she loved her fellow VTubers more than herself, making the choice obvious.
“Captain…”
“Wow, the boss is so generous!!”
– Honestly, I’m touched.
– Company benefits are insane, LOL.
– No other workplace like this.
– If I were a girl, I’d have become a VTuber!!!
– I’m so jealous I feel like I’m losing my mind!!!
“Eh… you guys could see that?”
She hadn’t realized the audience could see her decision. Though embarrassed, Wakamo didn’t regret her choice.
Ichigo was so moved she burst into tears and spread her arms for a hug. Mare Pirate grumbled about excessive generosity but ran in for a hug as well—only to get kicked by Ichigo.
The misty transformation made her immune to physical attacks, so Ichigo, frustrated, threw a few daggers at her.
“I’m a Wizard! You’re an Alchemist! My abilities outrank yours!!”
Mare Pirate burst into laughter at Ichigo’s ineffective attacks.
But Wakamo’s fist came crashing down on Mare Pirate’s head.
“Owie.”
Her neck sank into her body as she pouted, sporting the world’s silliest expression.
Her head popped back up, wobbling comically like a cartoon character. Wakamo sighed in relief, grateful she hadn’t tried the same transformation.
“It’s full steam ahead! Let’s sail, sail!!!”
“But… who will claim the floor ownership?”
“Call it free real estate!”
With little spent and everything recovered upon advancing, Mare Pirate eagerly pushed forward.
As they ascended to the 26th floor, a searing heat surged toward them. Ichigo acted instantly, throwing a potion to lower the temperature.
She followed up by tossing a plastic bottle into the air, slashing it open with her knife to scatter water, and finally using a freezing potion to create a massive ice wall.
Ordinarily, one potion would have sufficed, but the opponent was too formidable for such a simple approach.
A fiery blade shattered through the ice wall.
[Incheon Tower’s 26th Floor is now in progress.]
- Trials befitting strong climbers await.
- Work together as a team to overcome this challenge.
- Defeat the [Elite Boss Monster] to proceed!
[Platinum Completion Conditions]
- Defeat the [Mana-Burned Flame Aura—Advanced Flame Giant] (0/1)
“That’s the Wizard Killer boss from the Swiss Tower!!”
Mare Pirate, drenched in cold sweat, shouted in panic.
Their opponent was none other than an advanced Flame Giant, with the passive skill [Mana Burn] and complete immunity to flame-based attacks. Among flame-elemental monsters, it was one of the most troublesome entities, even in the Swiss Tower!
The heat it radiated was so intense that even if Ichigo threw a potion, it would melt before it could reach. The rising temperature turned the entire layer into an oven. Staying still was akin to being inside a microwave, risking [Spontaneous Combustion] and burning to death.
But that wasn’t the worst part.
“[Be consumed by the Purification of Fire!!!]”
A layer-wide instant-death attack was the real threat──!!
“Seriously?!”
Both Mare Pirate and Ichigo had been warned by Wakamo about potentially facing a counter the moment they started climbing the Tower. But the reality far surpassed their imagination.
Ichigo had no way to approach. Mare Pirate, despite being a [Wizard], couldn’t fight outside melee range. Wakamo, meanwhile, would be doomed if she even touched [Mana Burn].
To make matters worse, the Flame Giant was immune to kamikaze tactics they had used before. This time, it came fully prepared!
Without any chance to read the chaotic comments flooding the chat, Wakamo signaled Mare Pirate.
“[Shape Transference]!!”
Pressing her palm to the ground, she activated her skill, transforming the earth into dark metal.
Although it looked similar to the [Alchemy] of an [Alchemist], Mare Pirate’s version was closer to a weaker variant.
But to show what real alchemy could do, Ichigo adjusted her gloves and placed her hand on the ground.
[Alchemy—Metal Transformation].
Instead of rapid reformation, this was a complete transformation.
A massive bell large enough to shield all three of them appeared. Ichigo quickly threw in cooling potions while Mare Pirate and Wakamo huddled beneath it.
This was one of their emergency measures for when there was no time to use portals.
Wakamo, with both arms pressed against the inner sides of the bell, held it steady, while Ichigo desperately worked to lower the internal temperature. Even Mare Pirate, who had transformed her body into ice, struggled to endure as the extreme heat threatened to melt her entirely.
Boom! Boom! BOOM──!!
The screen shook violently, and the viewers grew anxious.
When the commotion subsided, Ichigo passed a custom-made earplug to Mare Pirate. Without hesitation, Mare Pirate shoved it into her ears and activated her skill.
“[Metal Transformation]!!”
Reshaping the bell into the perfect curvature for resonance, Mare Pirate signaled Ichigo. Together, they positioned themselves.
Wakamo lifted the bell, flipped it horizontally, and delivered a sharp knifehand strike. With a clean thwack, the Flame Giant’s head was separated.
Standing steady under the bell, Mare Pirate and Ichigo braced themselves.
“Huuuuuuuuu──!!”
Wakamo took a deep breath, her chest expanding as she gathered mana with all her might.
Gripping the bell with both hands to keep it steady, she unleashed an ear-piercing scream so terrifying it could frighten a demon straight out of hell.
The sound waves, visible to the naked eye, expanded through the bell and directly hit the Flame Giant.
Crackkkkkkk──!!!
The ground, scorched by the heat, split and shattered under the force of the deafening sonic attack.
The Flame Giant staggered as its flames were extinguished. It collapsed to one knee before its head exploded into fragments with a loud BOOM!
Wakamo, spinning, threw the bell away and dusted off her hands.
“This is Wakamo Corporation’s ultimate team special move!!”
“Blurgh….”
“Ehehe….”
Ichigo drooled with her eyes wide open, unconscious but somehow still standing. Mare Pirate, meanwhile, absent-mindedly chewed on her fingers instead of using her hands properly.
Even though they had worn earplugs, it seemed they hadn’t been fully protected. Both had turned into complete idiots for the time being.
Wakamo gently tapped their cheeks to snap them out of it. Blinking a few times, they finally regained their senses and stood back up.
– I’ve seen this in a Chinese movie before.
– “The True Art of Lion’s Roar.”
– Did you know she was once a peerless beauty?
– Don’t tell me truths I didn’t want to know!!!
– Martial arts films are all about Stephen Chow.
– A perfect balance of offense and defense!!
– Heating up the bell with little girls inside… Is this the Korean Emille Bell?
– So Korea has this kind of culture? (Not really.)
– Isn’t that Japanese culture? Kiyohime, maybe?
– Doesn’t China have anything?
– The Cultural Revolution?
– Please stop….
[Incheon Tower’s 26th Floor is now open to all humanity due to Platinum completion!!]
[Rewards for clearing the Tower’s Platinum condition are being calculated.]
“Yes!! I got [Elemental Transformation]! They didn’t even give me this for conquering the Tower!! Captain, you’re the best!!”
“Captain is always the coolest in my eyes!!”
Ichigo didn’t seem to receive a skill but was still elated. She hoisted her bag of materials and smiled angelically. Wakamo affectionately pinched her cheeks.
On the other hand, Mare Pirate seemed to have obtained a skill. But… what was the difference between [Shape Transformation] and [Elemental Transformation]? Still, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy.
Even if [Morph Wizards] were considered jokers and comedic relief among Wizards, their skill setups were surprisingly well-rounded.
But why was it only her!!
The reward options remained the same as before, so Wakamo transferred five points to her team.
“A mother is happy when her daughters are full, even if she starves….”
– Spoken like someone who skips meals to watch VTuber streams.
– No stats, skills, or gear needed!!!
– She really gives it all away, LOL.
– She’s already given everything!!
– But the fact is, the VTubers are thriving.
– This is absolutely insane.
Normally, climbing a floor would yield 3 stat points. A good run could earn 5 points. Clearing a floor completely granted 10 points.
And with Wakamo adding 5 more points, her team had gained 30 points in just two floors!!
Even the climbers watching the stream were writhing with envy.
Who wouldn’t be jealous of gaining a skill that even conquering the Tower wouldn’t grant, all thanks to Platinum completion?
“Let’s head to the next floor immediately!!”
Still brimming with excitement, Mare Pirate shouted enthusiastically.
“Bawk bawk bawk!!”
Even Ichigo, ecstatic over her 30-point gain, was urging them to move forward.
With plenty of plans prepared, the three VTubers were confident they could overcome anything that came their way with their teamwork.
…Or so they thought.
Splash!!
The moment they sensed they had entered the next floor, Ichigo reacted the quickest.
Or rather, did she react at all…?
Starting underwater, she scrambled to the surface and frantically looked around with bewildered eyes.
There was nothing.
Just the vast, endless ocean.
“Help me! Help me!! I can’t swim!!!”
Mare Pirate flailed wildly in a manner so pathetic it would make viewers shake their heads.
Ichigo swam over, smacked her face with a fist to calm her down, and then held her tightly while swimming.
Ignoring Mare Pirate’s whining about her aching nose, Ichigo looked around for Wakamo but couldn’t see her anywhere.
Why…? Could it be that she couldn’t swim…?
──And just as Ichigo suspected, Wakamo was sinking.
No matter how much she flailed her arms and legs, Wakamo didn’t float.
“You’ve got to be kidding me, she really can’t swim.”
She could speak underwater and didn’t need to breathe, but swimming was a whole different matter.
The shocking truth was that she had never needed to swim before.
As Wakamo continued sinking without any attempt to stop herself, she frowned.
[Currently Climbing the World of Incheon Tower, Floor 27]
- A trial befitting strong climbers is presented.
- Join forces with your team to overcome it.
- Defeat the [Elite Boss Monster] to proceed!
[Platinum Achievement Condition]
- Defeat the [Tyrant of the Sea: Chain Mail Shark Rider] (0/1)
Environmental combat…? A counter was useless here.
The Platinum Achievement condition looked deceptively simple, but in truth, it was essentially a death sentence. Seriously…
Who would expect to suddenly fall into the ocean without warning? Failing here meant being forced out of the Tower!
As Wakamo crossed her arms and sank further, lamenting the unfairness of the Tower, even the viewers were dumbfounded.
No one had imagined that Wakamo couldn’t swim!!
– Wow! Deep-sea exploration!
– Everyone, get ready to dive!
– How is the host even talking underwater…?
– How did she even get to Japan?!
“You guys sure are carefree…”
The cameras attached to Ichigo and Mare Pirate provided a clear view of the situation, but their circumstances weren’t any better.
In an area filled with water, Mare Pirate risked disappearing entirely if she transformed into something water-based. She couldn’t concentrate because of her fear of water and inability to swim.
Meanwhile, Ichigo’s dominance relied on spreading potions. In this vast ocean, her methods were impractical.
“This is just like the Italian Tower…”
Environmental shifts were rare, but some climbers who specialized in such conditions could thrive here.
However, throwing climbers unfit for water combat straight into the ocean was tantamount to telling them to die.
‘What should we do…?’
It had been a long time since Ichigo felt this helpless.
Based on the movements sensed in the water, it seemed something was watching Wakamo. However, after some time, as though mistaking her for dead, it lost interest and turned its attention toward Ichigo and Mare Pirate, rushing upward.
‘…..Do I have no choice?’
There was indeed a way. It was just… Wakamo hesitated, thinking about how it would affect her as the VTuber Wakamo Inarizushi.
──But even so, she had to do it.
This was how it always was!!
“It’s coming!! It’s coming, Ichigo!!!”
“Don’t yell! I can see it!!!”
Unable to do much in the water, Ichigo readied her knife. Mare Pirate clenched her fists, determined to punch the enemy if it came close.
A shadow loomed beneath them, the figure of a shark rapidly approaching from below the surface.
At that moment, another massive shadow appeared beneath the monster and burst forth, flipping the ocean’s surface.
“A dragon…? No, it’s not.”
“The captain has her ship!!!”
A giant wooden ship emerged, its deck covered with nails and a dragon-shaped figurehead at the bow. It was a remarkable sight.
It was only natural that no one recognized it. However, to any Korean, this ship was unmistakable.
– Why is that her ship? LOL
– Where did it even come from? LOL
– If it’s really hers, I want to steal it!!!
– Isn’t that the kind of ship Japanese people can’t claim as their own?!
The ship moved on its own, its oars rowing without sailors, and its dragon figurehead spewing fire, blowing up the Chain Mail Shark Rider.
Mare Pirate and Ichigo, stunned, lay on the nail-covered deck, which miraculously didn’t injure them.
The ship that had majestically emerged was none other than theTurtle Ship.
Ichigo immediately realized this was Wakamo’s transformation. Mare Pirate, also a Morph Wizard, was amazed but tried not to show it.
“Did we win?”
As if to change the atmosphere, Mare Pirate’s comment was swiftly interrupted.
BANG!
The ship rocked violently as a merman wielding a mace landed before them.
‘Damn it, this is bad. I can’t help them like this…!’
Although Wakamo could still think and observe as the Turtle Ship, she couldn’t do anything to assist them.
Not having a human form made her completely useless!
Could they win? Would they be okay?
As Wakamo watched anxiously, prepared to revert back if necessary, Mare Pirate suddenly did something so insane Wakamo almost screamed.
“Hey crew! They said ‘chicken is life’ in Korea! CHICKEN!!!”
“W-What are you doing?! Don’t eat that!!!”
Ichigo panicked and tried to snatch it away, but Mare Pirate had already gulped down one of Ichigo’s crispy resilience potions, which she’d been eyeing for a long time.
The moment Mare Pirate drank it, the Rider swung its mace, smashing her head clean off.
Hiccup
Her headless body stood there cluelessly, as if unaware she’d lost her head. Then, her arm shot up, striking the Rider’s jaw.
“It doesn’t hurt one bit──!! Wanna know why????”
Even with her neck bent into an “N” shape, Mare Pirate continued to speak.
She wasn’t dead; the potion merely enhanced her body’s elasticity. With her Morph Wizard abilities, she adjusted her body perfectly to the situation.
“I’m rubber, see! Jehahahaha!!”
Pulling at her cheeks, Mare Pirate laughed mischievously.
Then her expression turned serious.
“I won’t forgive anyone who harms my friends… Fish head bastard…! Feel the power of karate!!”
WHIRR WHIRR WHIRR──!
Although she wasn’t fully in control, Mare Pirate spun her arms like a windmill, applied Dual Transformation, and coated her fists with black iron.
She infused her attacks with mana, delivering a powerful punch to the Rider’s chest, pushing it back.
On land, the Rider would have dominated, but out of the water, without its mount or skills, it was vulnerable.
She stretched her arm again, the centrifugal force elongating it, and used Elemental Transformation as she retracted it.
“Special Navy Karate!”
At the perfect moment, she combined her transformations with Metal Transformation.
“Flaming Iron Fist──!!!”
A spectacular burst of flames danced as her iron fists struck the Rider, crushing its chest. The Rider’s last desperate swing of its mace struck her head, but it merely recoiled, powerless.
The boss collapsed, defeated. In the water, it had been a terror, but out of its element, it stood no chance.
Ichigo handed Mare Pirate her white coat from the bag, and she threw it over her shoulders, striking a triumphant pose.
“Justice always prevails─!! Ossu!!”
“…Spit it out!!”
Ichigo punched her in the stomach, trying to make her vomit the potion. Mare Pirate resisted, yelling “Three victories!!” before finally puking. Covered in vomit, Ichigo felt an odd sense of déjà vu but said nothing, simply landing another punch.
‘Well… kids grow up fighting…’
As the Turtle Ship, Wakamo displayed a message on screen: “Stream over~ See you all tomorrow~” before ending the broadcast.
For the Believers worried about her, Wakamo added a note: “The Turtle Ship saved us.”
“Ahhh─ collabs are exhausting!!”
[Incheon Tower, Floor 27, has fulfilled its Platinum Achievement Condition and is now open to all humanity.]
[Rewards are being calculated for clearing the Platinum condition.]
Mare Pirate and Ichigo, unfazed by the talking ship, nodded and looked to Wakamo.
“Stream’s over! Let’s go eat pizza….”
“Yes~!”
Wakamo sighed deeply. She was utterly drained.
‘I need to talk to the manager about support for the next three floors…’
As Wakamo reflected, she sighed again, thinking,
Life just doesn’t go the way you want it to…
—
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