[ A moment to get his feet under him, and Chang Geng assesses the immediate threat of the situation. There are others in the water, and while his instinct is to find somewhere warm and dry, he's not going to just - leave them to their own fates right now. And Lucilius is at least familiar, but it doesn't stop him from extending a hand to Limbo, either.
Whether either of them take the offered help to get to shore or not, that alert and the voice play regardless. ]
What - [ ... his calm breaks, for a moment, to show agitation at more Weird Shit. He smooths it out afterwards as he stares at the stat box, at least understanding that this is a - challenge, from what the voice intones. A game of some kind. ]
[ He doesn't take Chang Geng's hand, nor does he drag him into the water. He just... miserably pulls himself onto solid, cold earth and wordlessly shivers and glowers at nothing as the explanation pipes on.
It's miserable, but he still listens carefully before tapping the accept prompt, if only to observe what happens next. ]
Whatever it may be, it's only the start of things.
[Don't mind if he does take that hand, pulling himself out and looking as uncomfortable as he feels. Standing, he grits his teeth - and then shakes himself, much like a wet dog would do. Sorry for getting you wet, boys!]
Mmm, mmmmm, what's this?
[And his attention is instantly drawn to the voice and the display. Frowning, he peruses the options, not quite understanding the whole context of it, but...]
A game, then? Very well. Let us play. For the sake of our existences, hmmmm? It seems we have no other option.
[And without further ado, he just goes and clicks that acceptance. Let's go, scum villains!]
[ assuming chang geng also clicked accept, anyway - this is team mode!
once all three of you hit accept, the scenery around seems to melt away. the chilly winter weather suddenly is replaced with a burst of sunlight - when the light clears, chang geng, limbo and lucilius stand in a small clearing in the midst of a lush, vibrant forest of bamboo that seems to reach as tall as the eye can see. the clearing itself is nothing special - there are only the scuff marks where people have come and gone here and there, and the three visitors. the space they are standing in hums with the warmth of some kind of magical energy, and the spring breeze plays through the silver charms on your robes...wait, robes?
entering the mission came with a wardrobe change, apparently! congratulations. you're all china gays now. or, i guess, more ancient china gays.
the system screen appears one more time, visible to all three. ]
| Users may refer to the System for help at any time. Mission Goal: Experience life as a Qing Jing Disciple. |
[ and then, the screen vanishes with a "blip!"
once it does, it becomes more obvious that there are two small wooden pathways on either side of the clearing, each leading outwards. the one on the left seems well tread, with bootprints on the wooden slats, and the one on the right is dirt, though it bears footsteps as well. peering down the path to the left reveals a small house made of bamboo in the distance; peering down the right reveals more forest, and more pathway, though with nothing clearly visible at the end.
the sound of the crying child has yet to dissipate, a dissonant backdrop to this DLC. ]
[ Considering progression seems to be locked to anyone not pressing the button, sure, he presses it. At least they're dry effective immediately, and Chang Geng... isn't bothered by the wardrobe change. It's not that different from what he normally wears, despite being thrown back in time. Makes up for Limbo shaking water off on him, anyways.
A cursory glance is thrown down the dirt path, and then he moves to look off towards the house in the distance at the end of the other path. The crying is immediately tuned out, since it's background noise and doesn't indicate one or the other. ]
No option then becomes two options, as I doubt that remaining in one place will be what this apparent game wants. And since the location didn't change until we all made the choice... [ time to get a-choosin, kids! ]
Either path is fine with me. I don't trust either of them.
[ He just gives Limbo a very practiced sideeye, one trained from having to deal with other nuisances on a daily basis. There's bigger problems to face right now anyway; the scenery changes around them, their first goal set ambiguously ahead.
Chang Geng makes a fair point that they're not going to get anywhere by standing in place, so he just starts walking down the less traveled path, looking perfectly comfortable in these new robes.
When he speaks, it's not to either of them. ]
System, where do we see our points.
[ He's going to see if he can observe if this path is the 'right' one. ]
[Limbo seems more than comfortable in the robes, and is even in a good mood, what with the crying of the baby in the background. What a nice start to this game.]
[He does chuckle slightly at Lucilius, and spares a glance for Chang Geng before moving after the first man down the less-traveled path.]
Thought our points would change already? Its likely they won't until we each commit to our choices, you know? Anyways, System, while we're at it! What does a Qing Jing disciple do? We all want to know!
[ up pops the system window again, and the chirpy voice continues: ]
| The Memory Dream Demon DLC prides itself on open world character choices, leaving the players' ending in their own hands. Scumsaving results in permanent termination. Choose wisely to curate your experience. |
[ lucilius and limbo go to the path that's less traveled. the moment lucilius makes to step out of the clearing, he runs face first into an invisible wall. bonk.
[ ... well. It isn't so much his choice as it is that he was the last to choose, and the System was pulled up before he could follow. So he pauses before he follows, especially since Lucilius gets bonked. ]
Didn't it just say it would leave the choice in our hands, but it punishes for the choice?
[ He sounds a little amused. But he moves to step onto the apparently correct path. ]
System, what is the Qing Jing... [ a beat, frowning ] ... Sect? [ Is it a sect? If they're disciples, it must be, right? ] What is it known for?
[ He doesn't really get a chance to respond before bonk. He touches his nose with a small frown; so much for choices indeed.
But he's not too perturbed by the loss, so long as they're learning about the game they're stuck in: if the points were deducted after they all 'committed' to an action as Limbo says, then inaction is also a choice. Otherwise, Chang Geng would also have to have picked a path. It seems likely not to be a simulation truly dictated by their actions, but rather a linear set of 'correct' choices, possibly with more than one true path but with little room for error of exploration due to the points metric.
Or perhaps the system is inconsistent—it does, at the very least, seem hypocritical. ]
It seems our 'choices' are more limited than they'd like us to believe.
[ Something he doesn't sound pleased about, but that's probably fine. He tests the barrier once more before going to join Chang Geng, adding another question to the queue. ]
[Says the priest, lips drawn back in almost the semblance of a snarl, displeased at the loss of points.]
How dare...how dare...! [And then he collects himself, clearing his throat. The very picture of a modest priest, once more.] Acchem. Yes. This seems quite orchestrated against us. There really are no free choices, huh...
[And with a little "hmmph!" he moves to join Chang Geng. He won't offer a question of his own, instead remaining quiet now to listen to what the System says.]
| Qing Jing Peak of Cang Qiong Sect: The Scholarly Peak. |
[ that's all you get, chang geng? and ]
| "Scumsaving" is a direct violation of the TOS. Making a choice and attempting to restart the game or restart choices not in tutorial mode will result in immediate removal of all B-points and immediate user account termination. Please attend to the DLC with the integrity of Proud Immortal Demon Way in mind. |
[ hm.
well, good thing it was just tutorial mode!
anyway, while these three are dealing with the system being questionably helpful, there's the sudden sound of footsteps pattering down the pathway - the trio are approached by a girl with a bounce to her step and a smile on her face. over her head floats a !. as she's running, she stops, suddenly, mid motion, mouth opened, frozen--
the system box appears. ]
| Name: Ning Yingying Age: 15 Beloved elder female disciple of Qing Jing Peak. |
[ this box floats over her head for a moment as she resumes motion, then vanishes. yingying then asks, hands on her hips - ]
What are the three of you doing? Come on, Shizun wants to see us! He's going to be inducting the new disciples today, and you better not be late or you'll be running laps for weeks!
[ and with a bright smile, she turns to lead them back the pathway she came, a skip in her bouncy step. the path leads them to the bamboo house, which sits in the distance. from here, you can hear the sound of disciples muttering and talking; several of them line up on the outside, though yingying walks past them to the doorway, pausing with her hand on the door and looking back. ]
By the way, remind your shijie what your names are...? My head's so full of new disciples, sometimes I think even I could forget the ones who have been here forever. And there's this new one - oh!, you should see him! Shizun said we could watch the induction ceremony if we wanted!
[ and she gestures to the door to offer the three of you in. ]
Scholarly... [ Oh, that's easy. Chang Geng already carries himself straight, but whatever lingering tension of the unknown situation appears to fade as he falls into being the scholarly young master that he is. He offers Limbo a sympathetic smile, placid, because Lucilius is an independent cat that he won't press with kindness. ]
But it's good to know what this "scumsaving" is - sounds like we need to think carefully when it comes to our choices, especially since the length of this tutorial period could end at any time.
[ He pauses when there's the sound of steps - looks very... bemused by the freeze frame moment - and then blinks it away as soon as Ning Yingying speaks to them. Easy enough to slip into this, into the apparent act they're meant to be doing, especially when she apparently sees a revolving door of disciples.
He'll follow. ] Apologies, Ning-shijie, this Li Min got caught up in extra studies. I'm glad that you were able to find us before we could be late, though. I'd hate to miss the induction ceremony or disappoint Shizun.
[ Yeah, Limbo seems fine. That was a normal reaction from a normal clown. Lucilius, for his part, seems to be contemplating how best to accomplish this 'scumsaving' business, when he is interrupted by a lively young woman and details about her that he did not ask for but mentally files away regardless.
He lets Chang Geng handle the conversation, since he seems familiar with the customs here, except now they have to introduce themselves. Are they doing aliases? This is stupid, he doesn't know the naming conventions here, he's a fantasy white man. Flatly: ]
[Limbo has completely collected himself by now, returning Chang Geng's smile with one of his own. Of course, he can play nice! Nice and scholarly! No clown business! Even his look appears polite and warm as he nods at the young lady, following in the other's steps.]
We need to think carefully, yes.
[And my, my. So many disciples. He raises an eyebrow, amused at Lucilius' choice, before turning to the girl. He doesn't know any Chinese names off the bat, but "Limbo" wouldn't fly.]
Mmm. My name is Abe-no-Seimei. Please call me Seimei. [And a respectful bow of his head.] We are very grateful for you bringing us in time.
[ yingying seems to accept all of those answers! they all sound very real and not at all made up. she smiles, looking to each of them and mouthing their names, as if quickly reminding herself of them, then reaches up to knock herself gently on the head, once, winking! ]
Alright. Shijie won't forget again, I promise. ♥ [ yingying's voice drops to a whisper as she pauses with her hand on the door. ] Make sure that you stay quiet, and don't speak unless shizun speaks to you... oh! It's time, come on!
[ and with that last little pep talk, she opens the door fully. ]
--
[ the inside of the bamboo house is simple and clean; it seems to be a living quarters. there's a bed, a low table sitting on a simple rug, a couple of plants, and a large bookshelf. round archways mark the space between rooms, and near the center of the room is a green and white chair on a slightly raised platform, with lovely, artistic decorations laid into the wall behind it. a few other disciples stand at the platform; all but one have faces that seem almost exactly the same? weird.
in the chair in the center of the room sits a man that should look very familiar to the three newcomers; yingying looks to him and smiles, bowing respectfully to their shizun before stepping back outside with a last wink thrown to the group, for good luck.
shen qingqiu's attention flicks briefly over the three, but his eyes drop instead to the final person in the room; a tiny, scrawny young man, dressed in the same new green and white robes as the rest of the disciples, his dark, curly hair pulled up into a ponytail. the young disciple is kneeling down in front of shen qingqiu, his head bowed, almost vibrating where he sits and says: ] This disciple Luo Binghe has seen shizun!
[ his voice is bright and young with age and excitement; it seems the young man is one the trio will have seen, too, though a much, much younger version of him. there's no system trigger of identity for either luo binghe or shen qingqiu.
in response to binghe's answer, shen qingqiu tugs at the corner of his lip, at long last lowering the teacup from his chin.
he says leisurely, “Tell us, why did you come to Cang Qiong Mountain Sect?” ]
[ like he is reciting a lesson, nervous but conscientious, Luo Binghe says,] This disciple has admired the elegant manner of all the masters atop this mountain of immortals since youth. If I could gain entry and achieve success in my studies, my mother’s spirit in heaven could also be gratified.
[ "Oh. You had a mother at home?” Shen Qingqiu says, almost absent-mindedly, “What was she like?”
luo binghe raises his smiling face, both eyes sparkling. ] My mother was the person who was best to me in this world.
[ Shen Qingqiu's face twitches, raising a hand to stop him before he carries on. He looks Luo Binghe up and down. “You are indeed at the age that’s best for cultivation.
with that, shen qingqiu stands up, walking over to luo binghe and towards the group step by step. luo binghe lifts his face and looks at the Qing Jing Peak Lord, the shizun himself, walking towards him like he's beholding a god -
-- and shen qingqiu lifts the steaming hot cup of tea in his hand, and dumps it, unceremoniously on luo binghe's head, lid and all. the lid bounces off the top of his head and hits the ground, ceramic breaking into two pieces, and the young man sits there, frozen, stunned, unable to even cry out as he's drenched.
shen qingqiu folds his hands behind his back, regards the group, and walks directly past them.
yingying is still at the door, stepping out of the way; a disciple with markedly different features from the rest of the unimportant NPCS other disciples stands up, and a »…« bubble appears over his head, as well as over yingying's. the scene briefly freezes. ]
| Mission Goal: Experience Life as a Qing Jing Disciple |
[ so has ended the cut scene, apparently. now what? ]
Edited (me desperately making sure everything is clear. screams. ) 2021-01-05 19:37 (UTC)
[ Luciulus gets a Look over Chang Geng's shoulder when he uses his name, but it's fleeting enough that it seems he's just accepted that this is how it's going to be as he follows their apparent shijie in this situation. Their Shizun is a familiar face, at least, and the younger disciple becomes familiar once he silently looks at him long enough, but...
For how much he's paying attention, absorbing the scene in front of them - a memory, perhaps? Luo Binghe is far younger that it would make sense - it comes to a point where he can feel his own skin crawl as he watches the exchange between the younger boy and Shen Qingqiu. There's a personal familiarity, here.
... turns out he's not wrong. Fists clenched so tightly he's gone white knuckled, he moves to fold them behind his back, peaceable smile gone, all softness gone, even as everything freezes in place yet again. Doesn't change what they just watched, doesn't change the phantom feeling of scalding liquid on his own skin, doesn't change the instinct that rears its head. ]
We have a few options again, I suppose. [ He certainly keeps his voice composed, though, so hey! ] System, is the tutorial still in effect?
[ He watches the scene unfold with muted interest rather than sympathy—a situation like Luo Binghe's was bound to end this way. Maybe he shouldn't have looked to a man—to anything or anyone—with such reverence.
More importantly, it seems that neither of these familiar faces recognize them in any substantial way. Chang Geng reacts to the scene like it may hold some personal significance, but that could mean anything.
Either way, it seems to be some sort of memory log. He supposes they're supposed to make a choice in who to speak to, between these strange bubbles... Though first: ]
System, is this some sort of... milestone? A checkpoint?
[ He's not video game savvy, but he may as well try and intuit things as they go. Are they auto-saving? ]
[As the scene goes on, Limbo lifts a sleeve to their mouth, dark eyes downcast - its the image of someone meek, unwilling to even allow themselves to look at something terrible.]
[However, behind the sleeve is a wide grin. Ah, to see someone's ambitions, adoration, dreams, and have them simply be trampled on in a moment? How wonderful it is! Limbo definitely thinks he likes this Shen Qingqiu.]
[Settling his expression into something neutral as he lowers his sleeve, Limbo lets the other two ask their questions as before, though he notes the way Chang Geng's fist is clenched. How interesting.]
Oh dear System...do we have to choose who to talk to, now?
i mean, the system pings when called, and the female voice reads: ]
| Tutorial Level is still active. Clear Mission Goal - Experience Life as a Qing Jing Disciple to pass mission. |
[ the female voice pauses for a moment. ]
| The Memory Dream Demon DLC prides itself on open world character choices, leaving the players' ending in their own hands. Scumsaving results in permanent termination. Choose wisely to curate your experience. |
[ wow. useless.
however, the »…« bubbles over the heads of the disciple with the different face, ning yingying, and now luo binghe all bob, and, should any of the three glance away, they might see the edge of one outside near shen qingqiu.
[ Nothing is amiss here at all, and he is just fine! Once the System answers their questions - as unhelpfully as possible, in the case of the second two - Chang Geng steps towards Ning Yingying, rather than making an approach towards the no-name or shell-shocked Luo Binghe. If one of the others doesn't address him, then he will after. Because he needs a moment for that one. ]
Shizun is a term of address for a master, sometimes a teacher, whereas disciples that are your seniors are shijie for your "sister" and shixiong is for your "brother." Your juniors are shimei and shidi.
[ He's nice enough to throw that over his shoulder, at least. And while he's not making a move towards Shen Qingqiu, he doesn't stop either of them (read as: does not stop the clown) from getting that. ]
Ning-shijie, your shidi was wondering if perhaps you would be able to advise us on what we should do next - I'd hate to bother Shizun, but I know there's much work to be done.
She doesn't seem to like us very much. Then again, the weaknesses of machines...
[Oh, and how helpful Chang Geng is! Limbo files that all away to use. Of course...he longingly looks over at Shen Qingqiu's bubble. To see the man produce more entertainment like that is tempting...but they have to play as disciple, so he has to play nice. Hm! What would ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ do? What would that damnable onmyouji Seimei do? Play nice, of course, and suck up.]
[So Limbo follows after Chang Geng for now.]
Indeed, indeed. Shizun seems like a busy man. We are only here to help him and the rest as much as possible.
It begs the question of why we bother asking for help at all.
[ He sounds a touch exasperated, but not nearly surprised enough to be disappointed. Instead he lets the other two prompt their shijie, watching the other NPCs to see if they do anything interesting.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Whether either of them take the offered help to get to shore or not, that alert and the voice play regardless. ]
What - [ ... his calm breaks, for a moment, to show agitation at more Weird Shit. He smooths it out afterwards as he stares at the stat box, at least understanding that this is a - challenge, from what the voice intones. A game of some kind. ]
It's certainly one thing after another, isn't it.
no subject
It's miserable, but he still listens carefully before tapping the accept prompt, if only to observe what happens next. ]
Whatever it may be, it's only the start of things.
[ 'Tutorial,' huh. ]
no subject
[Don't mind if he does take that hand, pulling himself out and looking as uncomfortable as he feels. Standing, he grits his teeth - and then shakes himself, much like a wet dog would do. Sorry for getting you wet, boys!]
Mmm, mmmmm, what's this?
[And his attention is instantly drawn to the voice and the display. Frowning, he peruses the options, not quite understanding the whole context of it, but...]
A game, then? Very well. Let us play. For the sake of our existences, hmmmm? It seems we have no other option.
[And without further ado, he just goes and clicks that acceptance. Let's go, scum villains!]
no subject
[ assuming chang geng also clicked accept, anyway - this is team mode!
once all three of you hit accept, the scenery around seems to melt away. the chilly winter weather suddenly is replaced with a burst of sunlight - when the light clears, chang geng, limbo and lucilius stand in a small clearing in the midst of a lush, vibrant forest of bamboo that seems to reach as tall as the eye can see. the clearing itself is nothing special - there are only the scuff marks where people have come and gone here and there, and the three visitors. the space they are standing in hums with the warmth of some kind of magical energy, and the spring breeze plays through the silver charms on your robes...wait, robes?
entering the mission came with a wardrobe change, apparently! congratulations. you're all china gays now. or, i guess, more ancient china gays.
the system screen appears one more time, visible to all three. ]
| Users may refer to the System for help at any time.
Mission Goal: Experience life as a Qing Jing Disciple. |
[ and then, the screen vanishes with a "blip!"
once it does, it becomes more obvious that there are two small wooden pathways on either side of the clearing, each leading outwards. the one on the left seems well tread, with bootprints on the wooden slats, and the one on the right is dirt, though it bears footsteps as well. peering down the path to the left reveals a small house made of bamboo in the distance; peering down the right reveals more forest, and more pathway, though with nothing clearly visible at the end.
the sound of the crying child has yet to dissipate, a dissonant backdrop to this DLC. ]
no subject
A cursory glance is thrown down the dirt path, and then he moves to look off towards the house in the distance at the end of the other path. The crying is immediately tuned out, since it's background noise and doesn't indicate one or the other. ]
No option then becomes two options, as I doubt that remaining in one place will be what this apparent game wants. And since the location didn't change until we all made the choice... [ time to get a-choosin, kids! ]
Either path is fine with me. I don't trust either of them.
no subject
Chang Geng makes a fair point that they're not going to get anywhere by standing in place, so he just starts walking down the less traveled path, looking perfectly comfortable in these new robes.
When he speaks, it's not to either of them. ]
System, where do we see our points.
[ He's going to see if he can observe if this path is the 'right' one. ]
no subject
Your current status:
Lucilius: 100 B-Points
Chang Geng: 100 B-Points
Limbo: 100 B-points.
TEAM MODE ACTIVE.
[ and the window disappears immediately again. ]
no subject
[He does chuckle slightly at Lucilius, and spares a glance for Chang Geng before moving after the first man down the less-traveled path.]
Thought our points would change already? Its likely they won't until we each commit to our choices, you know? Anyways, System, while we're at it! What does a Qing Jing disciple do? We all want to know!
no subject
| The Memory Dream Demon DLC prides itself on open world character choices, leaving the players' ending in their own hands. Scumsaving results in permanent termination. Choose wisely to curate your experience. |
[ lucilius and limbo go to the path that's less traveled. the moment lucilius makes to step out of the clearing, he runs face first into an invisible wall. bonk.
the system makes a noise ]
| Error! OOC! Minus 20 B-Points for Lucilius and Limbo.
This is Tutorial Mode. Please choose more wisely. |
[ ... guess chang geng's choice was the correct one?
the system window disappears again after rudely taking your points. ]
no subject
Didn't it just say it would leave the choice in our hands, but it punishes for the choice?
[ He sounds a little amused. But he moves to step onto the apparently correct path. ]
System, what is the Qing Jing... [ a beat, frowning ] ... Sect? [ Is it a sect? If they're disciples, it must be, right? ] What is it known for?
no subject
But he's not too perturbed by the loss, so long as they're learning about the game they're stuck in: if the points were deducted after they all 'committed' to an action as Limbo says, then inaction is also a choice. Otherwise, Chang Geng would also have to have picked a path. It seems likely not to be a simulation truly dictated by their actions, but rather a linear set of 'correct' choices, possibly with more than one true path but with little room for error of exploration due to the points metric.
Or perhaps the system is inconsistent—it does, at the very least, seem hypocritical. ]
It seems our 'choices' are more limited than they'd like us to believe.
[ Something he doesn't sound pleased about, but that's probably fine. He tests the barrier once more before going to join Chang Geng, adding another question to the queue. ]
System, what is scumsaving?
no subject
[Says the priest, lips drawn back in almost the semblance of a snarl, displeased at the loss of points.]
How dare...how dare...! [And then he collects himself, clearing his throat. The very picture of a modest priest, once more.] Acchem. Yes. This seems quite orchestrated against us. There really are no free choices, huh...
[And with a little "hmmph!" he moves to join Chang Geng. He won't offer a question of his own, instead remaining quiet now to listen to what the System says.]
no subject
| Qing Jing Peak of Cang Qiong Sect: The Scholarly Peak. |
[ that's all you get, chang geng? and ]
| "Scumsaving" is a direct violation of the TOS. Making a choice and attempting to restart the game or restart choices not in tutorial mode will result in immediate removal of all B-points and immediate user account termination. Please attend to the DLC with the integrity of Proud Immortal Demon Way in mind. |
[ hm.
well, good thing it was just tutorial mode!
anyway, while these three are dealing with the system being questionably helpful, there's the sudden sound of footsteps pattering down the pathway - the trio are approached by a girl with a bounce to her step and a smile on her face. over her head floats a !. as she's running, she stops, suddenly, mid motion, mouth opened, frozen--
the system box appears. ]
| Name: Ning Yingying
Age: 15
Beloved elder female disciple of Qing Jing Peak. |
[ this box floats over her head for a moment as she resumes motion, then vanishes. yingying then asks, hands on her hips - ]
What are the three of you doing? Come on, Shizun wants to see us! He's going to be inducting the new disciples today, and you better not be late or you'll be running laps for weeks!
[ and with a bright smile, she turns to lead them back the pathway she came, a skip in her bouncy step. the path leads them to the bamboo house, which sits in the distance. from here, you can hear the sound of disciples muttering and talking; several of them line up on the outside, though yingying walks past them to the doorway, pausing with her hand on the door and looking back. ]
By the way, remind your shijie what your names are...? My head's so full of new disciples, sometimes I think even I could forget the ones who have been here forever. And there's this new one - oh!, you should see him! Shizun said we could watch the induction ceremony if we wanted!
[ and she gestures to the door to offer the three of you in. ]
no subject
But it's good to know what this "scumsaving" is - sounds like we need to think carefully when it comes to our choices, especially since the length of this tutorial period could end at any time.
[ He pauses when there's the sound of steps - looks very... bemused by the freeze frame moment - and then blinks it away as soon as Ning Yingying speaks to them. Easy enough to slip into this, into the apparent act they're meant to be doing, especially when she apparently sees a revolving door of disciples.
He'll follow. ] Apologies, Ning-shijie, this Li Min got caught up in extra studies. I'm glad that you were able to find us before we could be late, though. I'd hate to miss the induction ceremony or disappoint Shizun.
no subject
He lets Chang Geng handle the conversation, since he seems familiar with the customs here, except now they have to introduce themselves. Are they doing aliases? This is stupid, he doesn't know the naming conventions here, he's a fantasy white man. Flatly: ]
My name is Chang Geng.
no subject
We need to think carefully, yes.
[And my, my. So many disciples. He raises an eyebrow, amused at Lucilius' choice, before turning to the girl. He doesn't know any Chinese names off the bat, but "Limbo" wouldn't fly.]
Mmm. My name is Abe-no-Seimei. Please call me Seimei. [And a respectful bow of his head.] We are very grateful for you bringing us in time.
1/2....
Alright. Shijie won't forget again, I promise. ♥ [ yingying's voice drops to a whisper as she pauses with her hand on the door. ] Make sure that you stay quiet, and don't speak unless shizun speaks to you... oh! It's time, come on!
[ and with that last little pep talk, she opens the door fully. ]
--
[ the inside of the bamboo house is simple and clean; it seems to be a living quarters. there's a bed, a low table sitting on a simple rug, a couple of plants, and a large bookshelf. round archways mark the space between rooms, and near the center of the room is a green and white chair on a slightly raised platform, with lovely, artistic decorations laid into the wall behind it. a few other disciples stand at the platform; all but one have faces that seem almost exactly the same? weird.
in the chair in the center of the room sits a man that should look very familiar to the three newcomers; yingying looks to him and smiles, bowing respectfully to their shizun before stepping back outside with a last wink thrown to the group, for good luck.
shen qingqiu's attention flicks briefly over the three, but his eyes drop instead to the final person in the room; a tiny, scrawny young man, dressed in the same new green and white robes as the rest of the disciples, his dark, curly hair pulled up into a ponytail. the young disciple is kneeling down in front of shen qingqiu, his head bowed, almost vibrating where he sits and says: ] This disciple Luo Binghe has seen shizun!
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in response to binghe's answer, shen qingqiu tugs at the corner of his lip, at long last lowering the teacup from his chin.
he says leisurely, “Tell us, why did you come to Cang Qiong Mountain Sect?” ]
[ like he is reciting a lesson, nervous but conscientious, Luo Binghe says,] This disciple has admired the elegant manner of all the masters atop this mountain of immortals since youth. If I could gain entry and achieve success in my studies, my mother’s spirit in heaven could also be gratified.
[ "Oh. You had a mother at home?” Shen Qingqiu says, almost absent-mindedly, “What was she like?”
luo binghe raises his smiling face, both eyes sparkling. ] My mother was the person who was best to me in this world.
[ Shen Qingqiu's face twitches, raising a hand to stop him before he carries on. He looks Luo Binghe up and down. “You are indeed at the age that’s best for cultivation.
with that, shen qingqiu stands up, walking over to luo binghe and towards the group step by step. luo binghe lifts his face and looks at the Qing Jing Peak Lord, the shizun himself, walking towards him like he's beholding a god -
-- and shen qingqiu lifts the steaming hot cup of tea in his hand, and dumps it, unceremoniously on luo binghe's head, lid and all. the lid bounces off the top of his head and hits the ground, ceramic breaking into two pieces, and the young man sits there, frozen, stunned, unable to even cry out as he's drenched.
shen qingqiu folds his hands behind his back, regards the group, and walks directly past them.
yingying is still at the door, stepping out of the way; a disciple with markedly different features from the rest of the
unimportant NPCSother disciples stands up, and a »…« bubble appears over his head, as well as over yingying's. the scene briefly freezes. ]| Mission Goal: Experience Life as a Qing Jing Disciple |
[ so has ended the cut scene, apparently. now what? ]
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For how much he's paying attention, absorbing the scene in front of them - a memory, perhaps? Luo Binghe is far younger that it would make sense - it comes to a point where he can feel his own skin crawl as he watches the exchange between the younger boy and Shen Qingqiu. There's a personal familiarity, here.
... turns out he's not wrong. Fists clenched so tightly he's gone white knuckled, he moves to fold them behind his back, peaceable smile gone, all softness gone, even as everything freezes in place yet again. Doesn't change what they just watched, doesn't change the phantom feeling of scalding liquid on his own skin, doesn't change the instinct that rears its head. ]
We have a few options again, I suppose. [ He certainly keeps his voice composed, though, so hey! ] System, is the tutorial still in effect?
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More importantly, it seems that neither of these familiar faces recognize them in any substantial way. Chang Geng reacts to the scene like it may hold some personal significance, but that could mean anything.
Either way, it seems to be some sort of memory log. He supposes they're supposed to make a choice in who to speak to, between these strange bubbles... Though first: ]
System, is this some sort of... milestone? A checkpoint?
[ He's not video game savvy, but he may as well try and intuit things as they go. Are they auto-saving? ]
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[However, behind the sleeve is a wide grin. Ah, to see someone's ambitions, adoration, dreams, and have them simply be trampled on in a moment? How wonderful it is! Limbo definitely thinks he likes this Shen Qingqiu.]
[Settling his expression into something neutral as he lowers his sleeve, Limbo lets the other two ask their questions as before, though he notes the way Chang Geng's fist is clenched. How interesting.]
Oh dear System...do we have to choose who to talk to, now?
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i mean, the system pings when called, and the female voice reads: ]
| Tutorial Level is still active.
Clear Mission Goal - Experience Life as a Qing Jing Disciple to pass mission. |
[ the female voice pauses for a moment. ]
| The Memory Dream Demon DLC prides itself on open world character choices, leaving the players' ending in their own hands. Scumsaving results in permanent termination. Choose wisely to curate your experience. |
[ wow. useless.
however, the »…« bubbles over the heads of the disciple with the different face, ning yingying, and now luo binghe all bob, and, should any of the three glance away, they might see the edge of one outside near shen qingqiu.
choose wisely to curate your experience! ]
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[ Nothing is amiss here at all, and he is just fine! Once the System answers their questions - as unhelpfully as possible, in the case of the second two - Chang Geng steps towards Ning Yingying, rather than making an approach towards the no-name or shell-shocked Luo Binghe. If one of the others doesn't address him, then he will after. Because he needs a moment for that one. ]
Shizun is a term of address for a master, sometimes a teacher, whereas disciples that are your seniors are shijie for your "sister" and shixiong is for your "brother." Your juniors are shimei and shidi.
[ He's nice enough to throw that over his shoulder, at least. And while he's not making a move towards Shen Qingqiu, he doesn't stop either of them (read as: does not stop the clown) from getting that. ]
Ning-shijie, your shidi was wondering if perhaps you would be able to advise us on what we should do next - I'd hate to bother Shizun, but I know there's much work to be done.
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[Oh, and how helpful Chang Geng is! Limbo files that all away to use. Of course...he longingly looks over at Shen Qingqiu's bubble. To see the man produce more entertainment like that is tempting...but they have to play as disciple, so he has to play nice. Hm! What would ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ do? What would that damnable onmyouji Seimei do? Play nice, of course, and suck up.]
[So Limbo follows after Chang Geng for now.]
Indeed, indeed. Shizun seems like a busy man. We are only here to help him and the rest as much as possible.
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[ He sounds a touch exasperated, but not nearly surprised enough to be disappointed. Instead he lets the other two prompt their shijie, watching the other NPCs to see if they do anything interesting.
He refrains from speaking. ]
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