[ 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.
[ lucy the system is so helpful :( what do you mean
that is to say, when addressed, the bubble over yingying’s head disappears. she looks up at all three of them, small mouth pulled into a frown, her shoulders drooping. ]
...shizun... he can be tough sometimes, but... that poor boy...
[ she looks!!! so sad. yingying reaches up and rubs her eyes, then casts a look back into the main room; the disciple who looks different from the rest moves, suddenly, and she sighs. ]
Ming Fan doesn’t make it any easier, either. He’ll just...
[ and suddenly, the other disciple. calls from the other room: ] Hey! You three! You just gonna stand there, or what? This kid disobeyed shizun’s order - he didn’t tell him to get up! Help me hang him up for a beating!
[ yingying flinches at the other disciple - ming fan - and looks up hopefully at the other three. ] I can’t do anything about it... but maybe...
[ looks into the camera like he's on the fucking office ]
Ah. [ Of course this is how it goes. He shouldn't be surprised, as he turns to watch Ming Fan, all pleasantry gone as he looks at the other disciple in this scene with bland disdain. With a small click of his tongue, he looks at the other two. This is a "team mode," and he's not sure how the scumsaving function operates. If they can really use it much, even in this tutorial. ]
I'm not interested in further beating a boy that's already faced abuse, personally, but if it's what rewards us the points needed to get out of here then there's no choice in it. We could ask their Shizun if that's what he wants, but we're at a crossroads with both of these disciples making requests.
One or two of us could help him and see if it's the correct choice, and if not, the remaining could step in. I'm not sure if that triggers a "scumsave," though, since we wound up doing something similar on the paths.
[ He ignores Ming Fan for now, because he's no better than a yapping dog. ]
We weren't penalized for doing so on the paths.
[ So it doesn't seem that they all have to take the same action, or at the same time, so long as they commit to something. Though there may be some benefit to all of them doing the 'correct' task, who knows. Hard to draw definite conclusions, but that's probably the point of the tutorial: to learn how this works. ]
It sounds as though scumsaving is if we go backwards in the simulation. System, will you restart if we give the command? [ He's more interested about that than the choice they're faced with, honestly. ]
I don't think having different choices is this scumsaving, no. Anyways, he went against the shizun, didn't he? A disciple, I think, must encourage order, and follow rules.
[He looks towards the disciple asking for help, but he'll stay still for now, letting the System answer Lucilius.]
If we restart, though...can we guarantee that it won't incur a penalty? It may be allowed...but it may be a trick.
[ If he were the type to roll his eyes, he probably would now at the System. Instead he just exhales a sigh, uncrossing his arms from behind himself and taking the step towards where the other disciple is waiting for... "help." ]
The two of you lost points with the last choice. I'll help him, and if it penalizes me then you can intervene and hopefully recoup the loss. If it's the right choice, then you can help, and we can ideally accumulate more.
[ It ultimately makes sense that the System wouldn't help them make decisions that it condemns.
Which only makes him want to disavow it more, really.
His response is deadpan. ]
It seems as though we don't have the luxury of waiting.
[ They'll have to make a decision or get penalized. He doesn't have any problem beating this guy up, but he doesn't want to help Ming Fan either, because he seems like an annoying toadie.
So he goes over to Luo Binghe with the intention to administer this punishment himself. He's 'helping.' ]
[But with a bow of his head, following suit with Lucilius, though he is more than eager to punish the man as he reaches down to grab an arm with a clawed hand.]
It is unfortunate, but disciples must learn their lesson after all, nnnn.
[ now that we are all ready to cause a punishment - the young man known as luo binghe finally lifts his face. two tears stream down his cheeks, but, after that, every bit of emotion (the searching confusion in his face) seems to just disappear.
the moment limbo grabs onto his arm, the system suddenly pings! ]
Messing Up In Tutorial Mode, Somehow: - 20 B-Points to Lucilius and Limbo!
Current Player Stats: Lucilius: 180 B-Points Chang Geng: 200 B-Points Limbo: 180 B-points
TEAM MODE TOTAL: 560 points! |
| The System is now loading the next mission. Please note that tutorial mode will be turned off and OOC mode is unfrozen. From this point, all choices made are those of the players. Please choose wisely for the best possible experience.
Destination: Cang Qiong Peak. Mission: Demon Invasion of the Immortal Mountain. Total B-points able to gain: 300. Mission Level: ★★
Click to accept your next mission. |
[ once again, there is no "deny" button.
once everyone accepts (because you have no choice), a bar appears labeled"DOWNLOADING. . . and begins to fill up.
but strangely, as the world freezes around you, you can hear a distant voice, speaking, and... the sound of keys clicking on a keyboard? ]
Yeah, we've gotta make the backstory as tragic as possible. Miserable childhood, scum villain who caused him trouble? Check, check. Motivation, for sure... I can hear the money in my account already - Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky, get ready to eat something besides noodles for lunch for the first time in a week!
...Maybe. Zhongdian cheapasses....
[ the bar reaches about 75%.... ]
Let's see, let's see... okay, ok. What can I do next... Oh! Got it. Perfect. Ha. Let's see Cucumber bro complain about this one.
[ and, as the bar reaches 100%, the mountain scenery around glitches, whirls... ]
[ and the group is deposited in the middle of a very tense situation.
instead of the verdant forest of bamboo, the group stands in what looks to be a courtyard, paved with gray stones. in the distant misty skyline, one can see several large, curled roof towers, and an archway between them, beckoning the group inside. this is the entrance to cang qiong mountain, the mountain of immortal cultivators, and it seems someone is here to cause trouble.
the group, still in their ancient chinese robes, blends right in. a massive crowd of disciples in similar robes of varying colors looks nervously around at the crowd on the other side of the circular courtyard - a band of demons of varying shapes, sizes, and strengths, each one armed to the teeth.
at the very front of the group stands a female demon, clothed in red and black, her delicate arms folded over her chest, one perfectly manicured finger tapping against her forearm. behind her stands a much larger demon, his club in his hand. the female demon gives a wave of her hand - every motion she makes comes with the jingling sound of bells, from her wrists, and her ankles. ]
...My purpose coming up the mountain this time originally wasn’t to fight. I only wanted to compete skills with Cang Qiong Mountain sect’s many talents! We of the demon clan are a peaceful type.
[ the system pings, and a box appears beside her head. ]
Demon Saintess Sha Hualing Age: Unknown Not a peaceful type. Ambitions: To take over Cang Qiong Sect for Demonkind. Bust Size: XX Wife Rank: #4
[ she smiles and tilts her head, and it looks sharp as a knife. ] Shen Qingqiu, Shen Qingqiu... Elder Brother - [ the system pings a box that says Elder Brother over the head of the massive demon beside her ] - and I are curious as to why these three are the ones you've sent forward?
What can the three of you possibly do to impress me?
[ and with one final system ping, the group will receive their mission.
MISSION GOAL: WIN OVER SHA HUALING TO SAVE THE DAY. Please remember you may refer to the system at any time for information. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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!
no subject
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? ]
no subject
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?
no subject
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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that is to say, when addressed, the bubble over yingying’s head disappears. she looks up at all three of them, small mouth pulled into a frown, her shoulders drooping. ]
...shizun... he can be tough sometimes, but... that poor boy...
[ she looks!!! so sad. yingying reaches up and rubs her eyes, then casts a look back into the main room; the disciple who looks different from the rest moves, suddenly, and she sighs. ]
Ming Fan doesn’t make it any easier, either. He’ll just...
[ and suddenly, the other disciple. calls from the other room: ] Hey! You three! You just gonna stand there, or what? This kid disobeyed shizun’s order - he didn’t tell him to get up! Help me hang him up for a beating!
[ yingying flinches at the other disciple - ming fan - and looks up hopefully at the other three. ] I can’t do anything about it... but maybe...
[ what to do, disciples? ]
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Ah. [ Of course this is how it goes. He shouldn't be surprised, as he turns to watch Ming Fan, all pleasantry gone as he looks at the other disciple in this scene with bland disdain. With a small click of his tongue, he looks at the other two. This is a "team mode," and he's not sure how the scumsaving function operates. If they can really use it much, even in this tutorial. ]
I'm not interested in further beating a boy that's already faced abuse, personally, but if it's what rewards us the points needed to get out of here then there's no choice in it. We could ask their Shizun if that's what he wants, but we're at a crossroads with both of these disciples making requests.
One or two of us could help him and see if it's the correct choice, and if not, the remaining could step in. I'm not sure if that triggers a "scumsave," though, since we wound up doing something similar on the paths.
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We weren't penalized for doing so on the paths.
[ So it doesn't seem that they all have to take the same action, or at the same time, so long as they commit to something. Though there may be some benefit to all of them doing the 'correct' task, who knows. Hard to draw definite conclusions, but that's probably the point of the tutorial: to learn how this works. ]
It sounds as though scumsaving is if we go backwards in the simulation. System, will you restart if we give the command? [ He's more interested about that than the choice they're faced with, honestly. ]
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[He looks towards the disciple asking for help, but he'll stay still for now, letting the System answer Lucilius.]
If we restart, though...can we guarantee that it won't incur a penalty? It may be allowed...but it may be a trick.
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Waiting too long between actions will incur a loss of B-points.
[ that's it that's all you get ]
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The two of you lost points with the last choice. I'll help him, and if it penalizes me then you can intervene and hopefully recoup the loss. If it's the right choice, then you can help, and we can ideally accumulate more.
Shixiong, I'm coming.
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Which only makes him want to disavow it more, really.
His response is deadpan. ]
It seems as though we don't have the luxury of waiting.
[ They'll have to make a decision or get penalized. He doesn't have any problem beating this guy up, but he doesn't want to help Ming Fan either, because he seems like an annoying toadie.
So he goes over to Luo Binghe with the intention to administer this punishment himself. He's 'helping.' ]
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[But with a bow of his head, following suit with Lucilius, though he is more than eager to punish the man as he reaches down to grab an arm with a clawed hand.]
It is unfortunate, but disciples must learn their lesson after all, nnnn.
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the moment limbo grabs onto his arm, the system suddenly pings! ]
| MISSION COMPLETED.
Protagonist Coolness Level: +10
+ 80 B-points!
NPC Interaction: +20 B-points!
Messing Up In Tutorial Mode, Somehow: - 20 B-Points to Lucilius and Limbo!
Current Player Stats:
Lucilius: 180 B-Points
Chang Geng: 200 B-Points
Limbo: 180 B-points
TEAM MODE TOTAL: 560 points! |
| The System is now loading the next mission. Please note that tutorial mode will be turned off and OOC mode is unfrozen. From this point, all choices made are those of the players. Please choose wisely for the best possible experience.
Destination: Cang Qiong Peak.
Mission: Demon Invasion of the Immortal Mountain.
Total B-points able to gain: 300.
Mission Level: ★★
Click to accept your next mission. |
[ once again, there is no "deny" button.
once everyone accepts (because you have no choice), a bar appears labeled"DOWNLOADING. . . and begins to fill up.
but strangely, as the world freezes around you, you can hear a distant voice, speaking, and... the sound of keys clicking on a keyboard? ]
Yeah, we've gotta make the backstory as tragic as possible. Miserable childhood, scum villain who caused him trouble? Check, check. Motivation, for sure... I can hear the money in my account already - Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky, get ready to eat something besides noodles for lunch for the first time in a week!
...Maybe. Zhongdian cheapasses....
[ the bar reaches about 75%.... ]
Let's see, let's see... okay, ok. What can I do next... Oh! Got it. Perfect. Ha. Let's see Cucumber bro complain about this one.
[ and, as the bar reaches 100%, the mountain scenery around glitches, whirls... ]
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instead of the verdant forest of bamboo, the group stands in what looks to be a courtyard, paved with gray stones. in the distant misty skyline, one can see several large, curled roof towers, and an archway between them, beckoning the group inside. this is the entrance to cang qiong mountain, the mountain of immortal cultivators, and it seems someone is here to cause trouble.
the group, still in their ancient chinese robes, blends right in. a massive crowd of disciples in similar robes of varying colors looks nervously around at the crowd on the other side of the circular courtyard - a band of demons of varying shapes, sizes, and strengths, each one armed to the teeth.
at the very front of the group stands a female demon, clothed in red and black, her delicate arms folded over her chest, one perfectly manicured finger tapping against her forearm. behind her stands a much larger demon, his club in his hand. the female demon gives a wave of her hand - every motion she makes comes with the jingling sound of bells, from her wrists, and her ankles. ]
...My purpose coming up the mountain this time originally wasn’t to fight. I only wanted to compete skills with Cang Qiong Mountain sect’s many talents! We of the demon clan are a peaceful type.
[ the system pings, and a box appears beside her head. ]
[ she smiles and tilts her head, and it looks sharp as a knife. ] Shen Qingqiu, Shen Qingqiu... Elder Brother - [ the system pings a box that says Elder Brother over the head of the massive demon beside her ] - and I are curious as to why these three are the ones you've sent forward?
What can the three of you possibly do to impress me?
[ and with one final system ping, the group will receive their mission.
MISSION GOAL: WIN OVER SHA HUALING TO SAVE THE DAY.
Please remember you may refer to the system at any time for information. ]
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