[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. ]
Considering computers don't exist, he's just going to ignore that whole first portion for right now, since they managed to make it out of the tutorial, for what it's worth. Unfortunate that was the correct choice, but not particularly surprising.
But this? He looks at the profile, and the challenge, and then into the void for a moment. Where most people would probably be jumping at the bit to win over a girl like this, Chang Geng is disinterested. ]
Surely if the Saintess has come to compete skills, such a thing should be done with action rather than words, shouldn't it?
[ Still, this is straightforward enough with the System goals and the dialog with these characters. He looks to the rest of the group, brows slightly raised - hope we've all got some impressive skills, friends. ]
[ Was it the right choice, or simply a choice? He doesn't know, there's no indication what the maximum points possible were.
And frankly, he doesn't care, because all these options are predetermined. It doesn't really matter what they do—the longer he stays in this simulation, absorbs what's happening, the more he realizes this is a story written for them, not by them.
He barely returns Chang Geng's glance before looking at the demoness, his voice dispassionate, gravelly. ]
Perhaps the saintess has no talents to display. [ More likely, she just isn't making the first move. ] I've no interest in performing simply because she demands it.
[Now that's hardly unfair. He gets to punish a sniveling disciple, and then not even go through with it? Its like danging a piece of meat in front of a wild dog. Limbo feels the displeasure wash over him, only to be replaced by moderate interest at the voice and the loading screen. He's only marginally understanding of the computer terms, but before he can think of it further, everything disappears.]
[And...now, then. This is definitely his kind of crowd.]
[The other two speak, and almost instantly Limbo steps forward, shaking his head lightly as he starts to speak.]
Oh, please do not mind the rudeness of my fellow disciples! Oh, please! I know that I'm more than happy to show off my many talents for such powerful, beautiful, and deadly demons to be feared such as yourselves. We have pride for our own clans and sects, and its more than necessary to display the power we all wield.
[He sweeps into a low bow.]
This Seimei of the Cang Qiong Sect will stand strong for their Shizun. What will it be? Wit? Strength? I am not a stranger to competitions of such feats.
[ three different disciples, and three very different answers. sha hualing tilts her head where she stands, thoughtfully, eyes narrowing as they move across chang geng and lucilius, and then over to limbo.
hmm. she unfolds her arm as he bows, watches, eyes glancing to npc shen qingqiu somewhere - and then smiles, and starts to walk in front of the three of them, a jingle to each of her steps. ]
You - [ she starts, pointing towards chang geng ] - sound like you'd like to fight, is that it? It would be the honor of the demon clan to see the oh-so-talented skills of Cang Qiong's cultivation sect. Elder Brother is looking for a test of strength - do you think your skills could stand up to his?
[ behind her, the large demon in the spiked armor grunts. he can't seem to speak, but he smiles, showing off a mouth full of sharp teeth... with two in the front missing. ]
| Player's Coolness Increased! +20 B points to Chang Geng! |
[ and then, looking at lucilius, her sharp, fake demure smile fading into a scowl. ] --And you, have your disciple masters taught you not to control your tongue? That's no way to talk to your neighbors. Do you believe you're the best candidate to fight against me? That's an arrogant way to talk to the Demonic Saintess.
| Sha Hualing's Happiness Level Decreased Exponentially. Sect in Danger. -50 B Points to Lucilius! Edgy Side Character Status Met. +10 B Points to Lucilius! |
[ with a scoff, moving on, she stops in front of limbo, as he's completing his low bow, and presses her hands together. ] And as for you... that's the kind of talk that I like to hear. What a fine disciple you've raised, Shen Qingqiu! It would be a shame if I were to take him off of your hands.
[ sha hualing puts her hands on her hips. ] Please, rise. I would like to see the best that this disciple Seimei has to offer... whatever he thinks would best teach my fellow demons and myself of the wonders of your sect.
| Nice Thigh Hugging! +20 B Points to Limbo! |
Of course... [ as she's turning back towards her group, sha hualing glances back over her shoulder. ] ...Should I not be impressed with any of you, we'll just have to burn this place to the ground. After all, shouldn't an immortal mountain be led by the very strongest immortals there might be?
[ Elder Brother is given a brief glance, before Chang Geng looks back at Sha Hualing. The System's log of their points is acknowledged, and... it could be worse, at least. His expression doesn't change much as he says: ] Try not to upset her too much, but it seems to be going well enough otherwise.
[ Edgy Side Character Status. Well, at least they have Lucilius for that now, apparently! Limbo seems prepared for this in his own way. And even with the point loss, they're doing - respectably? Probably? They'll probably be fine.
He pulls up a pleasant smile, pressing his fist into his palm and giving a practiced bow to both of the demons in front of them before he straightens again. ]
A fight is a test of will just as much as it is of body, isn't it? I'd be glad to fight Elder Brother, if he would have this disciple of Cang Qiong, and allow me to show that our Shizun's training is more than worth its acclaim.
[ To the void: ] System, what weapons are we allowed for this mission?
[ Lucilius does not look concerned about dwindling any closer to termination, nor is he cowed by her scowl. Should he be interested in a bunch of people jumping around, trying to prove they're stronger than one another? For the appraising of some brute who proclaims herself a saint? He's not interested in a fight, but it's clear that they are.
At least the point gains and deductions make it fairly obvious what they're supposed to be doing.
He refrains from speaking because he has nothing nice to say, though his glancing away may be seen as deference. He's just looking around his surroundings instead. What's the landscape like—anything around that they might use to their advantage? ]
Ah, you flatter me. [Says Limbo, straightening himself.] But my duty lies with Shizun alone. And perhaps, yes, maybe powerful immortals should rule the mountains...but Shizun didn't send us to simply give up that right.
[As if he wouldn't just betray the sect in an instant and wreak havoc with these demons. But that isn't part of the story. He has to be a good little disciple.]
[And now...here is the problem. He is a powerful onymouji, but his powers were gone, in that little ski lodge. Limbo also addresses the air, his mind working out what feats he could show, as some disciple that may or may not have the abilities he needs.]
System, do we have access to any magical arts or abilities during this mission?
[ luckily, sha hualing does not seem to hear or see the system talk at all! and the system has answers! for once! the female voice pops up.]
| Users will be granted one appropriate to setting weapon from a variety of choices. Please select one (1) weapon of choice, if you would like to have one, or cancel this screen. |
[ all of you are granted another little window that can be scrolled left to right. each weapon is displayed in a little box of its own, so you can select one! a long sword, a short sword, a bow and arrow with several arrows (i'm not counting), a tall spear and a polearm, as well as what appears to be a small stack of yellow paper.
and. to limbo's question, it pings again! ]
| As disciples of the Cang Qiong Sect, users are able to cultivate, and harness the spiritual energy of the mountain to form attacks, defend, control weapons at higher levels. Players are currently level 5. Please cultivate on your own time to get stronger. When the energy runs out, it is gone, for this mission, and next. Please choose to use it wisely.
[ and with that, everyone will feel a small rush of magical energy. to limbo, this will probably feel the most familiar - the powers of an onmyouji and a cultivator are not at all far off.
aka congrats! you are slightly less nerfed.
for the terrain itself - it mostly seems to be large and flat. there are two higher vantage point walls that act as the "entrance gate" to the immortal mountain of cang qiong, and it is possible to get onto them, if you could sneak through the crowd of same-face disciples in the background.
there's also luo binghe, standing amongst the crowd, in his disciple clothes. he's glowing slightly gold. that's probably something useful? who knows. ]
[ elder brother steps forward, though, and smacks his club against the ground. sha hualing suddenly seems to remember something, tapping her fingers against her cheek. ]
Oh! That does remind me. Elder Brother is quite tough. Perhaps two of you should consider taking him on...? So he won't get bored.
[Ohhh, now that's more like it. But still, paltry compared to his full strength - on the other hand, its something. He scrolls through the weapons, frowning after each one, and...ah.]
[There we go. He selects the stack of papers, before turning and approaching the demonness with a light, pleasant smile.]
Mmmm. Oh, beautiful Sha Hualing? May this humble disciple borrow you for the moment? I'm sure my fellow disciples will show their power quite well against Elder Brother.
[Its his special magic arts: Throwing His Fellow Disciples Under the Bus. Limbo offers a hand to her, green fingernails like claws, bowing his head deferentially.]
But for you...I want to give you a good show of my cultivation, and abilities. After all, you said you wanted me to teach you about the wonders of our sect, yes? I don't think it would be wise to have it in the middle of a fight, and it will just be the two of us...lets do it a few feet away, so that you can witness the fight if you so please.
[His other hand moves up, sleeve covering the lower part of his face in a bashful sort of gesture. Is that a light flush in his cheeks? Who knows!]
Frankly, he's fine with this. Chang Geng scrolls through the weapons and selects the bow and arrows, rather than the sword, listening to Limbo in the background while he does. Especially if Limbo is going to be throwing them under the bus like this and pitting them against Elder Brother. With his armor and weapon, strategically it would be better for him to fight from a distance.
The demon is also a bigger than someone in a Heavy Armor, so he'll contend with this challenge in this way. As he glances up to address Lucilius, he follows his gaze to sweep across their surroundings - and sees Luo Binghe. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[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?
no subject
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! ]
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
[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.
no subject
[ 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. ]
no subject
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? ]
no subject
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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
[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.
no subject
Waiting too long between actions will incur a loss of B-points.
[ that's it that's all you get ]
no subject
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.
no subject
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.' ]
no subject
[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.
1/2
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... ]
no subject
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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Considering computers don't exist, he's just going to ignore that whole first portion for right now, since they managed to make it out of the tutorial, for what it's worth. Unfortunate that was the correct choice, but not particularly surprising.
But this? He looks at the profile, and the challenge, and then into the void for a moment. Where most people would probably be jumping at the bit to win over a girl like this, Chang Geng is disinterested. ]
Surely if the Saintess has come to compete skills, such a thing should be done with action rather than words, shouldn't it?
[ Still, this is straightforward enough with the System goals and the dialog with these characters. He looks to the rest of the group, brows slightly raised - hope we've all got some impressive skills, friends. ]
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And frankly, he doesn't care, because all these options are predetermined. It doesn't really matter what they do—the longer he stays in this simulation, absorbs what's happening, the more he realizes this is a story written for them, not by them.
He barely returns Chang Geng's glance before looking at the demoness, his voice dispassionate, gravelly. ]
Perhaps the saintess has no talents to display. [ More likely, she just isn't making the first move. ] I've no interest in performing simply because she demands it.
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[And...now, then. This is definitely his kind of crowd.]
[The other two speak, and almost instantly Limbo steps forward, shaking his head lightly as he starts to speak.]
Oh, please do not mind the rudeness of my fellow disciples! Oh, please! I know that I'm more than happy to show off my many talents for such powerful, beautiful, and deadly demons to be feared such as yourselves. We have pride for our own clans and sects, and its more than necessary to display the power we all wield.
[He sweeps into a low bow.]
This Seimei of the Cang Qiong Sect will stand strong for their Shizun. What will it be? Wit? Strength? I am not a stranger to competitions of such feats.
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hmm. she unfolds her arm as he bows, watches, eyes glancing to npc shen qingqiu somewhere - and then smiles, and starts to walk in front of the three of them, a jingle to each of her steps. ]
You - [ she starts, pointing towards chang geng ] - sound like you'd like to fight, is that it? It would be the honor of the demon clan to see the oh-so-talented skills of Cang Qiong's cultivation sect. Elder Brother is looking for a test of strength - do you think your skills could stand up to his?
[ behind her, the large demon in the spiked armor grunts. he can't seem to speak, but he smiles, showing off a mouth full of sharp teeth... with two in the front missing. ]
[ and then, looking at lucilius, her sharp, fake demure smile fading into a scowl. ] --And you, have your disciple masters taught you not to control your tongue? That's no way to talk to your neighbors. Do you believe you're the best candidate to fight against me? That's an arrogant way to talk to the Demonic Saintess.
Edgy Side Character Status Met. +10 B Points to Lucilius! |
[ with a scoff, moving on, she stops in front of limbo, as he's completing his low bow, and presses her hands together. ] And as for you... that's the kind of talk that I like to hear. What a fine disciple you've raised, Shen Qingqiu! It would be a shame if I were to take him off of your hands.
[ sha hualing puts her hands on her hips. ] Please, rise. I would like to see the best that this disciple Seimei has to offer... whatever he thinks would best teach my fellow demons and myself of the wonders of your sect.
Of course... [ as she's turning back towards her group, sha hualing glances back over her shoulder. ] ...Should I not be impressed with any of you, we'll just have to burn this place to the ground. After all, shouldn't an immortal mountain be led by the very strongest immortals there might be?
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[ Edgy Side Character Status. Well, at least they have Lucilius for that now, apparently! Limbo seems prepared for this in his own way. And even with the point loss, they're doing - respectably? Probably? They'll probably be fine.
He pulls up a pleasant smile, pressing his fist into his palm and giving a practiced bow to both of the demons in front of them before he straightens again. ]
A fight is a test of will just as much as it is of body, isn't it? I'd be glad to fight Elder Brother, if he would have this disciple of Cang Qiong, and allow me to show that our Shizun's training is more than worth its acclaim.
[ To the void: ] System, what weapons are we allowed for this mission?
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At least the point gains and deductions make it fairly obvious what they're supposed to be doing.
He refrains from speaking because he has nothing nice to say, though his glancing away may be seen as deference. He's just looking around his surroundings instead. What's the landscape like—anything around that they might use to their advantage? ]
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[As if he wouldn't just betray the sect in an instant and wreak havoc with these demons. But that isn't part of the story. He has to be a good little disciple.]
[And now...here is the problem. He is a powerful onymouji, but his powers were gone, in that little ski lodge. Limbo also addresses the air, his mind working out what feats he could show, as some disciple that may or may not have the abilities he needs.]
System, do we have access to any magical arts or abilities during this mission?
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[ all of you are granted another little window that can be scrolled left to right. each weapon is displayed in a little box of its own, so you can select one! a long sword, a short sword, a bow and arrow with several arrows (i'm not counting), a tall spear and a polearm, as well as what appears to be a small stack of yellow paper.
and. to limbo's question, it pings again! ]
[ and with that, everyone will feel a small rush of magical energy. to limbo, this will probably feel the most familiar - the powers of an onmyouji and a cultivator are not at all far off.
aka congrats! you are slightly less nerfed.
for the terrain itself - it mostly seems to be large and flat. there are two higher vantage point walls that act as the "entrance gate" to the immortal mountain of cang qiong, and it is possible to get onto them, if you could sneak through the crowd of same-face disciples in the background.
there's also luo binghe, standing amongst the crowd, in his disciple clothes. he's glowing slightly gold. that's probably something useful? who knows. ]
Oh! That does remind me. Elder Brother is quite tough. Perhaps two of you should consider taking him on...? So he won't get bored.
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[There we go. He selects the stack of papers, before turning and approaching the demonness with a light, pleasant smile.]
Mmmm. Oh, beautiful Sha Hualing? May this humble disciple borrow you for the moment? I'm sure my fellow disciples will show their power quite well against Elder Brother.
[Its his special magic arts: Throwing His Fellow Disciples Under the Bus. Limbo offers a hand to her, green fingernails like claws, bowing his head deferentially.]
But for you...I want to give you a good show of my cultivation, and abilities. After all, you said you wanted me to teach you about the wonders of our sect, yes? I don't think it would be wise to have it in the middle of a fight, and it will just be the two of us...lets do it a few feet away, so that you can witness the fight if you so please.
[His other hand moves up, sleeve covering the lower part of his face in a bashful sort of gesture. Is that a light flush in his cheeks? Who knows!]
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Frankly, he's fine with this. Chang Geng scrolls through the weapons and selects the bow and arrows, rather than the sword, listening to Limbo in the background while he does. Especially if Limbo is going to be throwing them under the bus like this and pitting them against Elder Brother. With his armor and weapon, strategically it would be better for him to fight from a distance.
The demon is also a bigger than someone in a Heavy Armor, so he'll contend with this challenge in this way. As he glances up to address Lucilius, he follows his gaze to sweep across their surroundings - and sees Luo Binghe. ]
Oh?
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