[ 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! |
[don't kinkshame him in front of everyone, sha hualing]
Oh? You brought a guest? Ah, its Shizun.
[And oh boy. That sure is an interesting system ping. And this also means he can't exactly mack on this demon in front of Shen Qingqui, as much as he would very much like to. Limbo gives a respectful nod as he walks over.]
A pleasure to see you here, Shizun. Are you here to watch our competition? Mmm, I know I don't need to tell you, but I hope you will keep out of the range of my cultivation and this dangerous demon as I display my abilities. Unless...you want me to do something about her?
[ With no real time to time to focus on the messages the System gives, Chang Geng ducks and rolls out of the way of the flying club. Hopefully that doesn't hit any of the nameless, same-faced people, but he doesn't really care right now since he's a little convinced they're not real. With his blood rushing, he has to keep himself calm - keep his gaze focused, and his movements constant. Busy yourself. Let it go with the flow, but don't get swept up in it. ]
Oh, too bad about your club. [ Picks up an arrow that fell out as he dodged, lifting it to nock and pivoting so that he can hopefully draw Elder Brother's attention away from Luo Binghe and Lucilius. He sees what he's done, so he'll get Lucilius his chance to sic their apparent protagonist on the enemy. ] Though your aim was terrible, anyways.
[ Binghe appeals to him more now—that bright spark of anger is something he relates to more than sycophantic hope—but in the end he still appreciates a body between him and this raging demon.
Guarded, Lucilius finally picks a bow as well. He draws the string back, a bit rusty now but still experienced from days gone by. ]
Was our dear Shizun mistaken about you? [ Is that blasphemous to say? Part of him hopes so. Playing a disciple doesn't suit him, though some piece of this role brings with it a strange, hollow sense of deja vu. ] Perhaps you ought to show us how sharp that blade is.
[ He speaks calmly and quietly beneath the din of battle to only Binghe, letting the arrow soar towards Elder Brother's shoulder, an exposed joint and wide target. ]
[ that spark seems to flare as he protectively puts himself between lucilius and elder brother, guarding him immediately. that praise earns another "+10! ding from the system, and he shouts - ]
Your opponent is me! [ with the kind of finality that seems nothing like the stunned child from their first tutorial mission. elder brother turns, and - thunk, lucilius' arrow strikes clean and true in the shoulder. elder brother howls, but doesn't seem to be felled, even as his arm droops awkwardly.
instead, he moves for both binghe and lucilius, ignoring chang geng's taunt (though turning his entire back on him) as if magnetically drawn towards binghe. maybe he wasn't the best meat shield.
... or, maybe he was? elder brother swings at them both, aiming to punch one, and then the other - binghe quickly turns and blocks his fist with a slash of his sword. elder brother goes tumbling downwards, immediately - though lucilius will also have to dodge the spikes on his armor as he comes careening to his knees, leaving chang geng a nice place to aim an arrow. ]
[ the sound of elder brother getting his ass kicked doesn't seem to bother sha hualing? elder brother?? guess they're not very close.
rather, she seems to be preening even more at the attention from limbo, folding her hands behind her back and batting her eyelashes, almost coquettishly. it's a little exaggerated. what's happening here. i hate it. ]
Show me your strength, and maybe I'll let you do something about me.
[ shen qingqiu, face half hidden behind his fan, meanwhile, looks bored. he narrows his eyes, gaze flicking to limbo, and says... don't disappoint me.
[ So long as this works out, then this works out. If Elder Brother doesn't fall for the taunt, it doesn't matter, since Luo Binghe does just fine when it comes to facing him. The spiked armor is the real concern, here, and he changes his initial aim from tracking him to firing the primed arrow to the same shoulder that Lucilius did. If he can't support his weight on that arm the same as he could have before, seeing how it hangs so awkwardly, even with all of his strength, he'll try to guide the fall in that direction to give a chance of evading.
Otherwise, though. He lowers the bow, even as he picks out another arrow to nock, just in case, because he has a feeling any further interference would be unnecessary. It's a precautionary move, as he looks at the rest of the area.
... Limbo is close to Shen Qingqiu, and Shen Qingqiu is of course paying more mind to him and the dangerous demon near him. So he calmly throws this at Binghe: ]
Shizun isn't paying you much mind, Luo-shidi. Perhaps you should show him and the Saintess why their attention should be here?
[ He quickly reels away from the thorns, though they scrape at the arm he throws in front of himself protectively.
He can't really afford to take a full force hit here. At least their protagonist is taking on the role of distraction; he lets his fellow disciple handle the pep talk this time so as not to draw more attention to himself. And at this range, so close, he won't get a good shot. He hasn't used a weapon like this in long enough to warrant a try, well aware of his abilities.
So instead he focuses his attention on Binghe, using what comes more naturally to him: magic. He focuses, waiting for Chang Geng to get a shot in before imbuing their protagonist's sword with magic through a wave of his hand, a swirl of energy engulfing the blade. ]
[Ah, Shen Qingqiu. Limbo's eyes flick to him, a smug sort of smile on his lips.]
Of course, my dear Shizun.
[Is Sha Hualing the only person he's trying to court, here? Who knows? Either way, with a nod to her as well, he moves back, drawing out the slips of paper from his robes. Its time to fall back into the rituals he knows. Would they work here? He doesn't know! He has some power to his name, and it feels similar enough. Limbo pauses for a moment, before bending down to remove his shoes. His feet are...abnormal, with blackened toes and wicked-looking black claws, like that of a beast.]
Its time!
[With stamping of his feet, he activates the power, tossing the pieces of paper onto the ground - where they go, thin pillars of earth explode upward, and with a mighty leap, Limbo jumps onto them with expert nimbleness. Another pillar, than another, and he leaps onto each one that comes, going higher and higher into the air - till the final one, standing high, where he stands on the tiptoes of one clawed foot.]
[He calls downward to the two, saccharine, and completely still ignoring whatever is happening with Elder Brother.]
[ luckily for lucilius, luo binghe is fired up by that remark and by the power boost. he immediately launches into combat with elder brother, and this barely fifteen year old uses an impressive amount of force, his sword strikes followed up with spiritual energy as he immediately lunges into battle. using the protagonist as a meat shield comes with its advantages, because he is now kicking ass!!!
however, you've got to get the protagonist in front of you all the way, first! when lucilius manages to dodge serious bodily harm, he does not (with a seven i'm so sorry) manage to dodge the effect of the fiercely sharp, thorned armor.
lucilius will feel the effect of a power drain immediately - the scratch instantly turns red, and a wave of cold washes over him, as the spiritual energy in his meridians that he just got is now blocked off... and it the cold feeling seems to be getting stronger.
elder brother suddenly gets thrown backwards by binghe - he hits the ground with a dull thud. spotting lucilius, he starts laughing, an ugly "huh huh" sound. ] Got one, got one! Without a Cure! Huh--
[ though it's cut off with a gurgling grunt as binghe delivers a final slash to the giant demon's neck, and he is silenced, officially knocked unconscious as blood spills out of his mouth. the OP protagonist shoves him aside. ]
Shixiong--! [ and his face pales.
--the system chirps. ]
【 System: user Lucilius has received the "Without a Cure" poisoning. Would you like to use GLOSSARY for more information? 】
[ ruh roh. meanwhile: ]
[ sha hualing watches all of this happen, her attention completely drawn away from the fighting. she watches his clown man, and his clown dance, and... ]
... What sort of...
[ ... then starts to grin, almost. almost feral looking with it, as she hops up the pillars, practically dancelike in all of her movements herself, jingling all the way. get it, cause this is a christmas game.
i mean. when she catches back up, she, delighted, paces around limbo, and says: ] ... Perhaps you'd consider - if not becoming a disciple of the demon clan, then perhaps... marrying into it?
[ Everything is so much and Chang Geng is already so tired. ]
Congratulations on your engagement. [ Because, well, even if their companion lost points... there's now a wife? But his concern falls towards Lucilius and Elder Brother's gross laugh, and the message of Without a Cure poisoning. That's.
He laughs a little, but it's obviously humorless, because this just keeps happening around him doesn't it? Something scratches at the back of his mind, but this time he doesn't let it go with the flow and instead bottles it right up. Lucilius can ask about the poison since the System is more or less addressing him. ]
I'm not sure if we can tend to this injury here, regardless of its answer on the poisoning, we may not have the time to if it's asking us to choose again already.
[ His choice is fairly quick for that final prompt, though. Chang Geng taps the easier button. (As much as he likes a challenge, he would like to be done with this.) ]
[ How is depth of character a grading metric? Whatever, this game is ridiculous—at least they got through this trial, even if their clown managed to penalize himself with his antics. Seduction was the answer after all, apparently.
He's equally unamused about this injury, which he grips with a faint shiver, his expression schooled into something steady. ]
System, open glossary and show "Without a Cure" entry.
[ He has no qualms with going along with the easier path, meanwhile. ]
Nnnnn? [What a weird little noise - its like Limbo is a displeased cat. He frowns deeply just as the System starts talking.] Minus a hundred points? For stealing a wife? Haha!! Hahahaha!!! We were asked to please her, were we not! She was never off limits! Not at all my business if that Luo Binghe wasn't good enough for a powerful demon like her!!
[LUO BINGHE SUCKS WE ALL HATE LUO BINGHE]
[But he supposes he has a wife, now! Nice. After a bit of gnashing his teeth, he collects himself. Well, he's not out of the running...yet. Though Lucilius being poisoned may be a problem! Not his problem, though.]
Whatever. Easier it is, poisoning and all! Hm! Let's get this over with.
anyway. lucilius asked a question, and so, the system, helpfully, responds! the glossary pops up in front of the group. ]
【 GLOSSARY: "Without a Cure": A poison used by the demon clan to coat weapons and blades. In chapter 35 of Proud Immortal Demon Way, a cute little jiejie contracts the demonic poison. Protagonist sought out the cure to the poison and eventually won her heart because he saved her. The original attempt to cure it was with a thousand year miracle flower, but that failed. However, the protagonist is able to find the actual cure.
The cure that was finally found was the act of PAPAPA. It will then be cured naturally!
It takes approximately three days to kill the affected individual, during which they will become weaker, unless it is healed. 】
[ congrats on your sex poison lucilius!!
with choices chosen, however, you get your next prompt as the scenery begins to change, a now familiar downloading bar in the background. ]
Destination: Endless Abyss. Critical Mission: The Endless Abyss and Endless Hatred, a Sky Filled with Crystal Frost and Tears of Blood. Total B-points available to gain: 1000+ Mission Level: ★★★★★★ (Easier Mode)
DOWNLOAD: 100%. NOW LOADING.... ]
[ when the system windows disappear, the third mission starts, and all three of you have been shoved off of a cliff.
You're not the only one - falling near you is luo binghe, straight downwards, bleeding from the chest; and all four of you slam into the ground after what feels like an eternity, creating an instant crater with your arrival. It seems you're all fine, despite it - though binghe is gone. Gather yourself and check yourself over for injuries, and maybe look around? It seems you've all kept your clothing from before, as well as your weapons. That's nice! Thanks system.
The area around you is bleak; there are flames licking the sides of a completely barren landscape, the ground scorched black and miserable. In the distance, there's what looks like a tall building, looming even among the smoke, but the surroundings are otherwise empty, and if any of you have a danger sense, you will be able to feel the energy of this place - it is truly, truly wicked.
Black qi whips off of the trees, and the surface of the crater you've all left.
Suddenly, from behind the group comes a large, ominous, rattling growl. Turning around will show the biggest beast you have ever seen in your life - a massive, towering hydra of a creature with seven slobbering heads and the sharp tail of a scorpion. It looks at the three of you like you are its next meal, snarls, lets out an earth shattering roar that breaks the closest piece of stone into pieces...
And immediately lunges at you all..
The system, helpfully, pings - ]
Levels of demonic beasts are high in the Demonic Abyss. Choose your fights wisely!
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
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?
no subject
[ 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?
no subject
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? ]
no subject
[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?
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
[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!]
no subject
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?
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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 ]
no subject
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...
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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 ]
no subject
Oh? You brought a guest? Ah, its Shizun.
[And oh boy. That sure is an interesting system ping. And this also means he can't exactly mack on this demon in front of Shen Qingqui, as much as he would very much like to. Limbo gives a respectful nod as he walks over.]
A pleasure to see you here, Shizun. Are you here to watch our competition? Mmm, I know I don't need to tell you, but I hope you will keep out of the range of my cultivation and this dangerous demon as I display my abilities. Unless...you want me to do something about her?
no subject
Oh, too bad about your club. [ Picks up an arrow that fell out as he dodged, lifting it to nock and pivoting so that he can hopefully draw Elder Brother's attention away from Luo Binghe and Lucilius. He sees what he's done, so he'll get Lucilius his chance to sic their apparent protagonist on the enemy. ] Though your aim was terrible, anyways.
[ Maybe if he channels a little bit of Gu Yun. ]
no subject
Guarded, Lucilius finally picks a bow as well. He draws the string back, a bit rusty now but still experienced from days gone by. ]
Was our dear Shizun mistaken about you? [ Is that blasphemous to say? Part of him hopes so. Playing a disciple doesn't suit him, though some piece of this role brings with it a strange, hollow sense of deja vu. ] Perhaps you ought to show us how sharp that blade is.
[ He speaks calmly and quietly beneath the din of battle to only Binghe, letting the arrow soar towards Elder Brother's shoulder, an exposed joint and wide target. ]
no subject
Your opponent is me! [ with the kind of finality that seems nothing like the stunned child from their first tutorial mission. elder brother turns, and - thunk, lucilius' arrow strikes clean and true in the shoulder. elder brother howls, but doesn't seem to be felled, even as his arm droops awkwardly.
instead, he moves for both binghe and lucilius, ignoring chang geng's taunt (though turning his entire back on him) as if magnetically drawn towards binghe. maybe he wasn't the best meat shield.
... or, maybe he was? elder brother swings at them both, aiming to punch one, and then the other - binghe quickly turns and blocks his fist with a slash of his sword. elder brother goes tumbling downwards, immediately - though lucilius will also have to dodge the spikes on his armor as he comes careening to his knees, leaving chang geng a nice place to aim an arrow. ]
rather, she seems to be preening even more at the attention from limbo, folding her hands behind her back and batting her eyelashes, almost coquettishly. it's a little exaggerated. what's happening here. i hate it. ]
Show me your strength, and maybe I'll let you do something about me.
[ shen qingqiu, face half hidden behind his fan, meanwhile, looks bored. he narrows his eyes, gaze flicking to limbo, and says... don't disappoint me.
"or else", probably? who knows. ]
no subject
Otherwise, though. He lowers the bow, even as he picks out another arrow to nock, just in case, because he has a feeling any further interference would be unnecessary. It's a precautionary move, as he looks at the rest of the area.
... Limbo is close to Shen Qingqiu, and Shen Qingqiu is of course paying more mind to him and the dangerous demon near him. So he calmly throws this at Binghe: ]
Shizun isn't paying you much mind, Luo-shidi. Perhaps you should show him and the Saintess why their attention should be here?
no subject
He can't really afford to take a full force hit here. At least their protagonist is taking on the role of distraction; he lets his fellow disciple handle the pep talk this time so as not to draw more attention to himself. And at this range, so close, he won't get a good shot. He hasn't used a weapon like this in long enough to warrant a try, well aware of his abilities.
So instead he focuses his attention on Binghe, using what comes more naturally to him: magic. He focuses, waiting for Chang Geng to get a shot in before imbuing their protagonist's sword with magic through a wave of his hand, a swirl of energy engulfing the blade. ]
no subject
Of course, my dear Shizun.
[Is Sha Hualing the only person he's trying to court, here? Who knows? Either way, with a nod to her as well, he moves back, drawing out the slips of paper from his robes. Its time to fall back into the rituals he knows. Would they work here? He doesn't know! He has some power to his name, and it feels similar enough. Limbo pauses for a moment, before bending down to remove his shoes. His feet are...abnormal, with blackened toes and wicked-looking black claws, like that of a beast.]
Its time!
[With stamping of his feet, he activates the power, tossing the pieces of paper onto the ground - where they go, thin pillars of earth explode upward, and with a mighty leap, Limbo jumps onto them with expert nimbleness. Another pillar, than another, and he leaps onto each one that comes, going higher and higher into the air - till the final one, standing high, where he stands on the tiptoes of one clawed foot.]
[He calls downward to the two, saccharine, and completely still ignoring whatever is happening with Elder Brother.]
Haha. Catch me if you can, dear Saintess~
no subject
however, you've got to get the protagonist in front of you all the way, first! when lucilius manages to dodge serious bodily harm, he does not (with a seven i'm so sorry) manage to dodge the effect of the fiercely sharp, thorned armor.
lucilius will feel the effect of a power drain immediately - the scratch instantly turns red, and a wave of cold washes over him, as the spiritual energy in his meridians that he just got is now blocked off... and it the cold feeling seems to be getting stronger.
elder brother suddenly gets thrown backwards by binghe - he hits the ground with a dull thud. spotting lucilius, he starts laughing, an ugly "huh huh" sound. ] Got one, got one! Without a Cure! Huh--
[ though it's cut off with a gurgling grunt as binghe delivers a final slash to the giant demon's neck, and he is silenced, officially knocked unconscious as blood spills out of his mouth. the OP protagonist shoves him aside. ]
Shixiong--! [ and his face pales.
--the system chirps. ]
【 System: user Lucilius has received the "Without a Cure" poisoning. Would you like to use GLOSSARY for more information? 】
[ ruh roh. meanwhile: ]
... What sort of...
[ ... then starts to grin, almost. almost feral looking with it, as she hops up the pillars, practically dancelike in all of her movements herself, jingling all the way. get it, cause this is a christmas game.
i mean. when she catches back up, she, delighted, paces around limbo, and says: ] ... Perhaps you'd consider - if not becoming a disciple of the demon clan, then perhaps... marrying into it?
[
the system plays a loud hopefully familiar noise, and - ]
【 MISSION COMPLETED! 】
Luo Binghe caught the demon clan's attention!
Protagonist Coolness Level: +200 B-points to all!
Limbo stole a wife from Luo Binghe.
- 100 B-points.
Lucilius gained depth of character! +30 B-Points
Chang Geng chose to fight a trial! +20 B-points
TOTAL POINTS
Lucilius: 300 B-points
Chang Geng: 340 B-Points
Limbo: 100 B-points
TEAM MODE TOTAL: 740 B-Points!
Please select your mode for the final mission.
[ EASIER MODE ] [ HARDER MODE ]
[ you get a button this time... it seems you are allowed to actually make a choice now? congrats. ]
no subject
Congratulations on your engagement. [ Because, well, even if their companion lost points... there's now a wife? But his concern falls towards Lucilius and Elder Brother's gross laugh, and the message of Without a Cure poisoning. That's.
He laughs a little, but it's obviously humorless, because this just keeps happening around him doesn't it? Something scratches at the back of his mind, but this time he doesn't let it go with the flow and instead bottles it right up. Lucilius can ask about the poison since the System is more or less addressing him. ]
I'm not sure if we can tend to this injury here, regardless of its answer on the poisoning, we may not have the time to if it's asking us to choose again already.
[ His choice is fairly quick for that final prompt, though. Chang Geng taps the easier button. (As much as he likes a challenge, he would like to be done with this.) ]
no subject
He's equally unamused about this injury, which he grips with a faint shiver, his expression schooled into something steady. ]
System, open glossary and show "Without a Cure" entry.
[ He has no qualms with going along with the easier path, meanwhile. ]
no subject
[LUO BINGHE SUCKS WE ALL HATE LUO BINGHE]
[But he supposes he has a wife, now! Nice. After a bit of gnashing his teeth, he collects himself. Well, he's not out of the running...yet. Though Lucilius being poisoned may be a problem! Not his problem, though.]
Whatever. Easier it is, poisoning and all! Hm! Let's get this over with.
no subject
anyway. lucilius asked a question, and so, the system, helpfully, responds! the glossary pops up in front of the group. ]
【 GLOSSARY:
"Without a Cure": A poison used by the demon clan to coat weapons and blades. In chapter 35 of Proud Immortal Demon Way, a cute little jiejie contracts the demonic poison. Protagonist sought out the cure to the poison and eventually won her heart because he saved her. The original attempt to cure it was with a thousand year miracle flower, but that failed. However, the protagonist is able to find the actual cure.
The cure that was finally found was the act of PAPAPA. It will then be cured naturally!
It takes approximately three days to kill the affected individual, during which they will become weaker, unless it is healed. 】
[ congrats on your sex poison lucilius!!
with choices chosen, however, you get your next prompt as the scenery begins to change, a now familiar downloading bar in the background. ]
Destination: Endless Abyss.
Critical Mission: The Endless Abyss and Endless Hatred, a Sky Filled with Crystal Frost and Tears of Blood.
Total B-points available to gain: 1000+
Mission Level: ★★★★★★ (Easier Mode)
DOWNLOAD: 100%. NOW LOADING.... ]
[ when the system windows disappear, the third mission starts, and all three of you have been shoved off of a cliff.
You're not the only one - falling near you is luo binghe, straight downwards, bleeding from the chest; and all four of you slam into the ground after what feels like an eternity, creating an instant crater with your arrival. It seems you're all fine, despite it - though binghe is gone. Gather yourself and check yourself over for injuries, and maybe look around? It seems you've all kept your clothing from before, as well as your weapons. That's nice! Thanks system.
The area around you is bleak; there are flames licking the sides of a completely barren landscape, the ground scorched black and miserable. In the distance, there's what looks like a tall building, looming even among the smoke, but the surroundings are otherwise empty, and if any of you have a danger sense, you will be able to feel the energy of this place - it is truly, truly wicked.
Black qi whips off of the trees, and the surface of the crater you've all left.
Suddenly, from behind the group comes a large, ominous, rattling growl. Turning around will show the biggest beast you have ever seen in your life - a massive, towering hydra of a creature with seven slobbering heads and the sharp tail of a scorpion. It looks at the three of you like you are its next meal, snarls, lets out an earth shattering roar that breaks the closest piece of stone into pieces...
And immediately lunges at you all..
The system, helpfully, pings - ]
Levels of demonic beasts are high in the Demonic Abyss. Choose your fights wisely!
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)