[ 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. ]
[ Unfortunately, Lucilius is used to working with sluts and has learned not to encourage these antics, just scrolling through their inventory options instead. Maybe seduction will meet the goal, but they've got a Big Brother to combat in the meantime. Being the smallest of them and not having had to fight for himself in more years than he can remember, he should probably be concerned.
But Chang Geng looks competent, and these kinds of fights are never about brute strength anyway. ]
You—
[ He's engaging with Luo Binghe before they inevitably get charged by this giant demon. ]
[ the young disciple luo binghe looks. uh. surprised at being called out to, immediately straightens up! the golden halo around him has not yet disappeared. ]
Yes, shixiong!
[ and the system pings - ]
| Engaging the Protagonist in any battle will automatically raise his coolness points! +20 points to Lucilius! |
[ good call, lucy. seems like the protagonist is ready to fight! which is good, because elder brother is not very pleased that you all haven't started to fight yet, which means he scoops up his club, shouts something in an unintelligible demonic language that no one seems to understand, and then makes a swing at lucilius and chang geng both with the massive, spike covered club.
guess he's tired of waiting. ]
[ meanwhile, over with limbo. sha hualing glances up limbo's figure, briefly, and her gaze flicks back down to his clawlike hand.
her other hand still at her chest, she raises a curious eyebrow. ] And why would you be trying to get this saintess alone and out of sight of her family, disciple Seimei? Are your intentions to trick me? Surely, whatever it is, you can do here.
[ sha hualing leans forward with a jingle from her bells, and tilts her head up and underneath limbo's chin so he's so tall, like she's examining him. ]
[His tone goes up and down on the word, playfully, his own bells jingling as he glances down at Shua Hualing. He's completely ignoring what the other two are doing, and sure, they may be getting points, but he's just a Caster, after all. Fighting dramatic fights in hand to hand combat isn't his thing.]
Mmmm, are you really saying that of this humble disciple? Why, to engage in such things with a beautiful demon like you...oh, the very thought is scandalous! Shizun will eat me alive, if you don't do so first...
[But the hand that he outstretched is drawn back only slightly, as if to rest on her shoulder - before he glances away, smiling to himself.]
I do not mean to trick you. I simply don't want the others to, hm, mess up my concentration! Yes. The cultivation arts of the sect are truly powerful and not something thrown around like nonsense. [And then glancing back to her, with a nod of his head.] And ah, forgive me. I don't mean to seem like I am treating you with little respect. You are a powerful opponent. Mmm, you just got me overwhelmed, is all...
[ Limbo is at work and seems to be doing just fine? Lucilius is making his way over to Binghe.
Chang Geng puffs out a laugh, immediately jumping back and backpedaling away from Elder Brother's horrifyingly spiked club. But the first thing he thinks is huh, slower than a Heavy Armor, and moves on with life as he reaches and picks an arrow out of the quiver. Whatever spiritual power he has now is momentarily disregarded, as he nocks and draws the arrow, the fletching pulled all the way to his ear as he continues to move. Absolutely not going to be an easy target. ]
Elder Brother, attention here, if you would.
[ He is competent! So whatever Lucilius has in mind, especially with the System giving him points for engaging Binghe, he'll keep the larger demon preoccupied. This starts with him releasing the arrow at full strength, with the intent to hit the club hand in the knuckles. ]
[ Something about Limbo is both familiar and irritating, but this ain't about him. It's apparent about Binghe. Hm.
He quickly leaps away from the giant's swing, narrowing his eyes slightly as his feet skid against the dirt, kicked up by the force of the swing. His voice doesn't waver, still low and even as he addresses Binghe. ]
...Are you going to stand there and watch an opportunity to prove yourself slip away, or are you going to fight?
[ Chang Geng is competent, and working to keep Elder Brother busy, but Lucilius would like to use all the pieces they have on the board. ]
[ binghe makes a noise, soft and surprised, his head whipping to look at lucilius again, and then... past him, towards someone else. ]
Shizun...
[ his face shifts, then, from wide eyed and shocked to... almost a brief flash of wild anger. it dissipates within a second, though, and he turns back to look at elder brother.
...and then, his expression hardens again, determined!! the system pings - ]
Pep Talk The Protagonist: +10 points for Lucilius! More points can be obtained!
[ and binghe shifts to put himself between lucilius and elder brother, reaching for his sword at his waist. congrats on your meat shield.
currently, elder brother doesn't give a shit who he's aiming at - when he turns towards chang geng, though, it's the perfect distraction. the arrow hits him in the knuckles. the monster roars, and the minute he does, he jerks backwards in pain and releases the club. it then goes flying towards chang geng, and not slowly. better roll to dodge!! ]
[ meanwhile, with limbo.
sha hualing preens, looking him up and down. ]
Well. It's nice to hear someone around here with some manners. [ fufufu. ] You'd like it if I ate you alive, I think.
[ i hate you. ] I'll step to the side, but not so far... just back here. [ finally, with a showoffy backflip, sha hualing moves back a few feet, standing near a figure that all of them would come to recognize as shen qingqiu. ]
You won't mind trying to show me right here, will you? [ and with that, she straightens, with a wink. almost as if on cute, there's a system ping. ]
| System Notice! Killing Shen Qingqiu before the protagonist has the chance to enact his ultimate vengeance upon him will cause immediate termination! |
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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. ]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
[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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But Chang Geng looks competent, and these kinds of fights are never about brute strength anyway. ]
You—
[ He's engaging with Luo Binghe before they inevitably get charged by this giant demon. ]
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Yes, shixiong!
[ and the system pings - ]
| Engaging the Protagonist in any battle will automatically raise his coolness points! +20 points to Lucilius! |
[ good call, lucy. seems like the protagonist is ready to fight! which is good, because elder brother is not very pleased that you all haven't started to fight yet, which means he scoops up his club, shouts something in an unintelligible demonic language that no one seems to understand, and then makes a swing at lucilius and chang geng both with the massive, spike covered club.
guess he's tired of waiting. ]
her other hand still at her chest, she raises a curious eyebrow. ] And why would you be trying to get this saintess alone and out of sight of her family, disciple Seimei? Are your intentions to trick me? Surely, whatever it is, you can do here.
[ sha hualing leans forward with a jingle from her bells, and tilts her head up and underneath limbo's chin so he's so tall, like she's examining him. ]
...Unless your intentions are more... illicit?
[ oh n ]
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Illicit?
[His tone goes up and down on the word, playfully, his own bells jingling as he glances down at Shua Hualing. He's completely ignoring what the other two are doing, and sure, they may be getting points, but he's just a Caster, after all. Fighting dramatic fights in hand to hand combat isn't his thing.]
Mmmm, are you really saying that of this humble disciple? Why, to engage in such things with a beautiful demon like you...oh, the very thought is scandalous! Shizun will eat me alive, if you don't do so first...
[But the hand that he outstretched is drawn back only slightly, as if to rest on her shoulder - before he glances away, smiling to himself.]
I do not mean to trick you. I simply don't want the others to, hm, mess up my concentration! Yes. The cultivation arts of the sect are truly powerful and not something thrown around like nonsense. [And then glancing back to her, with a nod of his head.] And ah, forgive me. I don't mean to seem like I am treating you with little respect. You are a powerful opponent. Mmm, you just got me overwhelmed, is all...
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Chang Geng puffs out a laugh, immediately jumping back and backpedaling away from Elder Brother's horrifyingly spiked club. But the first thing he thinks is huh, slower than a Heavy Armor, and moves on with life as he reaches and picks an arrow out of the quiver. Whatever spiritual power he has now is momentarily disregarded, as he nocks and draws the arrow, the fletching pulled all the way to his ear as he continues to move. Absolutely not going to be an easy target. ]
Elder Brother, attention here, if you would.
[ He is competent! So whatever Lucilius has in mind, especially with the System giving him points for engaging Binghe, he'll keep the larger demon preoccupied. This starts with him releasing the arrow at full strength, with the intent to hit the club hand in the knuckles. ]
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He quickly leaps away from the giant's swing, narrowing his eyes slightly as his feet skid against the dirt, kicked up by the force of the swing. His voice doesn't waver, still low and even as he addresses Binghe. ]
...Are you going to stand there and watch an opportunity to prove yourself slip away, or are you going to fight?
[ Chang Geng is competent, and working to keep Elder Brother busy, but Lucilius would like to use all the pieces they have on the board. ]
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Shizun...
[ his face shifts, then, from wide eyed and shocked to... almost a brief flash of wild anger. it dissipates within a second, though, and he turns back to look at elder brother.
...and then, his expression hardens again, determined!! the system pings - ]
Pep Talk The Protagonist: +10 points for Lucilius! More points can be obtained!
[ and binghe shifts to put himself between lucilius and elder brother, reaching for his sword at his waist. congrats on your meat shield.
currently, elder brother doesn't give a shit who he's aiming at - when he turns towards chang geng, though, it's the perfect distraction. the arrow hits him in the knuckles. the monster roars, and the minute he does, he jerks backwards in pain and releases the club. it then goes flying towards chang geng, and not slowly. better roll to dodge!! ]
sha hualing preens, looking him up and down. ]
Well. It's nice to hear someone around here with some manners. [ fufufu. ] You'd like it if I ate you alive, I think.
[ i hate you. ] I'll step to the side, but not so far... just back here. [ finally, with a showoffy backflip, sha hualing moves back a few feet, standing near a figure that all of them would come to recognize as shen qingqiu. ]
You won't mind trying to show me right here, will you? [ and with that, she straightens, with a wink. almost as if on cute, there's a system ping. ]
| System Notice! Killing Shen Qingqiu before the protagonist has the chance to enact his ultimate vengeance upon him will cause immediate termination! |
[ ruh roh ]
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