*if characters_9_opinion < 55 *goto_scene free_roam free_time *set fight_scene "sect_ai_wolves" *temp cost_grade_mult 0 *temp protecting_disciples false *set aura_disabled true *set needle_disabled true *temp run_away false *temp not_hurt false *temp disciples_died false *temp knows_boy_motive false *temp accepted_boy false *temp child_alive false *temp shoved_disciples false *temp tried_to_save_child false Early in the morning, a letter arrives at your doorstep. [i]Greetings, Martial ${polite_address}. There's been an unexpected Beast Tide in the villages nearby. The sect refuses to take action, deeming it to be too inconsequential to send protection, which is why I'm organizing a small outing to help the villagers deal with the disaster. I would appreciate it if you could attend it as well, as the presence of a figure as prestigious as you is surely to be of great help.[/i] [i]Regards, Ai.[/i] *choice #Attend the outing. You walk down the mountain, to a place where all disciples gather before leaving the sect, and it doesn't take you long to find Ai: a small crowd has formed around her, as she argues with the guards managing the sect's exit. She's dressed in a standard white sect robe, her black hair gathered in a tidy bun. Facing the two guards, her already small stature seems almost miniature in comparison. Yet, despite not even reaching their shoulders, she has no hesitation in raising her voice at them. "This is extortion! Blatant, unveiled extortion!" — she yells, waving her short arms expressively — "Have you got no shame, you cruel bastards? How can you dare be so heartless and corrupt when people nearby are dying as we speak?!" The guards, however, stare her down with clear derision in their eyes. And when Ai gets a little bit too close, one of them shoves her to the ground with an effortless gesture. Ai stumbles and falls, staining her pristine clothes with mud. "There is a lesson you need to learn, little sister." — the guard lectures — "There are always people dying. There are always people suffering. They are [i]mortals[/i], helpless and defenseless. It's perfectly normal for their pathetic lives to be cut short." "Ah, why are you wasting your time on this pig-born?" — the other guard interrupts, as he addresses Ai — "Pay the toll or leave. Stop making a scene." Ai clenches her fists, sneering as she turns around and addresses the crowd. "All of you think the same way, don't you? A bunch of trashes calling themselves noble, yet lacking the most basic of morals. Have you heard of compassion, of empathy, you assholes?" "Or were those words not included in your fancy education? — she mocks. If before, the crowd has been either neutral, with some voicing support and others disapproval, then this declaration completely changes the mood. [i]Shut up, pig-born![/i] *line_break [i]Dumb fucking peasant, go back to your shit-stained farm![/i] Facing the ridicule of the crowd, Ai stands firm, uncaring of their derogatory remarks. Her small group, however, lacks her resolve. One by one, the disciples quietly step away and disappear into the crowd. Seeing their actions, Ai shakes her head. "Cowards." — she spits, and turns back to the guards, ready for a new round of shouting and arguments, when her gaze falls onto you — "${YM} ${mc_name}? You… You actually came?" *choice #"You made it sound like people were in trouble. How could I have missed my chance to help?" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 9 5 "+" "You made it sound like people were in trouble." — you give her a greeting node — "How could I have missed my chance to help?" "Plenty of others would not be bothered." — she replies, looking at the now meek crowd with scorn. Then, enlightened, she puts her hand on her hip and points toward the guards — "Say, [i]${YM}[/i], what do you think about a couple of thugs trying to profit from a catastrophe?" You turn your stern gaze towards the disciples. "What is happening here?" #"I did. What's going on here?" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 9 3 "+" You give her a greeting nod. "What's going on here?" — you ask. Ai snorts as she points toward the guards. "A couple of thugs trying to profit from a catastrophe." You turn your stern gaze towards the disciples. "Is this true?" #"I didn't want to miss you making a fool out of yourself again." You laugh. "I didn't want to miss it, in case you were making a fool out of yourself again." — you then smirk — "Seems I haven't come for naught." *label expression_drops *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 9 8 "-" You see as her expression drops, while the guards, who became tense with your presence, sigh out in relief. One of them even chuckles. "Pig-born, why are you bothering ${YM}? I'm going to give you one more chance. Either pay or scram!" "You…" — Ai murmurs — "It appears I was wrong about you, ${mc_surname} ${mc_name}. Forget about that letter, we'll manage without you." "And you, a couple of crooks." — she says to the guards — " You want to doom innocent people because of your greed? Fine, here are your damned points!" As she transfers the money from her sect badge, the guards sneer. "Not enough, girlie. Fifty points was the toll before you caused the scene. Now, you need to compensate us for the trouble." — the guard grins — "Double it or get lost." For a moment, you think Ai would attack the guards — she almost fumes, raising up her tiny fists — but, in the end, reason prevails in the angered woman. "Choke on it." — she says, throwing her sect badge towards the guards, who reduce her already modest saving by another fifty points. "Do come back, it's been a pleasure." — the guards taunt her, as they move out of the way. They also give you a nod of respect — you supporting them instead of some peasant pleased them greatly. Ai then gathers what little crew she had left and sets out of the sect, leaving you behind without so much as a second glance. *goto_scene free_roam "This girl wants us to break the Sect Rules." — the guards reply — "It's stated clearly that Outer Disciples are not allowed to leave the sect unless on a mission." "But she's an Inner Disciple." "She is, indeed." — the guard nods — "Her ragtag group is not, however. They need to pay ten contribution points per person to be granted exit." "That's bullshit!" — Ai yells — "It's common knowledge that you always let groups led by Inner Disciples pass through. You're just making trouble for me." The guards shake their heads. "Don't talk nonsense. We only enforce the sect rules, that's all." — one of them says, before turning to you — "${polite_address}, maybe you could explain to this pig-born that she's not on her farm anymore and that there are rules she has to follow now." *choice *selectable_if (mc_sect_points >= 50) #"I'll pay for her." (50 Points) *set mc_sect_points -50 "I'll pay for her." — you say, taking out your Sect Badge — "Fifty points, right? Here you go." One of the guards seems on the verge of asking for more, probably stating some absurd reason like a 'tax for causing trouble', but the other one elbows him in the stomach and gives him a stern look, before giving you a slight bow. "Thank you for clearing up this misunderstanding, ${YM}." — he says, grabbing his partner by the shoulder and stepping aside. You nod and turn to Ai. "Let's go." She scowls at the guards but doesn't argue with them further. Instead, Ai gathers what little is left of her crew and follows you out of the sect. "You may be rich, ${polite_address} ${mc_name}, but even your wealth will soon dwindle if you continue throwing money at all your problems." — Ai tells you, once both of you are out of the guard's earshot. "And what should I have done?" "How about [i]talking[/i] to them? I'm sure you could've used your status to at least try and persuade them." *choice #"Why would I bother? Money seems to work just fine." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 9 1 "-" "Why would I bother?" — you reply — "Money seems to work just fine." "Because!" — she answers, exasperated — "Those points could've been used for better things than paying off some bastards." "Forget it…" — Ai eventually sighs — "I shouldn't expect someone of your background to understand the real value of material things." #"How about being a little grateful?" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 9 2 "-" "How about being a little grateful?" — you reply — "If not for me, you would've stood and argued there for another hour. Aren't we in a hurry?" At first, Ai wants to start another quarrel — but your last sentence changes her mind. She sighs and looks ahead. "Forget it. Do whatever you want." #"You're right." Her words make sense — fifty contribution points is quite a sum, even for you. "You're right." — you reply — "But aren't we in a hurry? I figured spending a few points is better than arguing for hours." "I guess so…" — Ai eventually sighs — "I'm sorry. I should've thanked you for being generous, not quibbled at your methods. It's just hard for me to rationalize spending such a sum to pay off some greedy bastards." "It's alright." — you smile back. #"Ai, you are in the wrong. Pay the toll." "Ai, you are in the wrong." — you state — "Pay the toll." *goto expression_drops #"You can't just decide to enforce the rules for some while ignoring them for others. That's unfair." "You can't ignore the rules for those you like and enforce them for those you don't." — you state — "Don't be petty, brothers. Let us pass." *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "chr" 14 *if (stat_check) *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 9 3 "+" The guards look at each other, before letting out smiles of defeat and nodding. "Our mistake, ${polite_address} ${mc_name}." — they say, as they step away. Ai clicks her tongue. "Bunch of bootlickers. I said the same thing and you laughed at me in return. But before ${polite_address} ${mc_name}, you are as obedient as dogs." She spits. "Pathetic hypocrites." Her words, dripping with venom, infuriate the guards. Fearing that the newly established peace will soon crumble under the unstoppable onslaught of her curses, you grab her by the shoulder and drag Ai away. What's left of her crew, another five disciples, follow right behind you. Once the guards are out of the vision, Ai calms down: she takes a deep breath and gives you a grateful look. "Thank you, ${polite_address} ${mc_name}. I still can't quite come to terms with the fact that in this place your name means more than your words." "It's alright." — you smile back. *else The guards look at each other before shaking their heads. "Rules are rules, ${polite_address} ${mc_name}." — they say, refusing to step away. *label ai_clicks_her_tongue Ai clicks her tongue. "Each minute that you continue being bastards, an innocent mortal is at risk of dying!" — she yells. "SHUT THE FUCK UP!" — one of the guards, finally getting tired of Ai's drivel, shouts. He then takes a step forward and slaps her across the face, knocking her down. Shocked, Ai puts a hand on her cheek — where a large palm print reddens into existence — and grits her teeth to hold back the tears. The slap hurt her. [i]A lot[/i]. *choice #"You better let us pass, otherwise we will continue this conversation in the Disciplinary Hall." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 9 2 "-" You sneer. "You better let us through." — you state — "Otherwise this conversation will continue in the Disciplinary Hall. Someone needs a remainder that violence is forbidden on the sect grounds." The guard who hit Ai plans to argue, but the second one stops him. "Forgive us, ${polite_address} ${mc_name}. There is no need to involve the Disciplinary Hall, you're free to go through." "That's better." You come over to Ai and give her a helping hand — which she refuses, getting up by herself. "Let's go." — she says, dryly and coldly, addressing both you and what remains of her crew. #"Are you alright?!" "Are you alright?!" — you scream, running up to Ai and helping her get up. Still disoriented, she takes your hand without a second thought. Her eyes are blank, staring somewhere into the gathered crowd. "What the fuck are you doing?!" — you shout at the guards — "Have you lost your mind?" The guard who hit Ai plans to argue with you as well, but his partner gestures him not to. "Forgive us, ${polite_address} ${mc_name}. There is no need to involve the Disciplinary Hall, you're free to go through." *label they_dreaming That's it? They're dreaming if they think they are getting off that easy! However, before you can instigate the conflict further, a tug at your sleeve stops you. "Don't bother." — Ai says, dryly — "We need to go." Gathering what remains of her crew, a measly five other disciples, she leaves without another word — and you follow right behind her. #Attack the guards. That's it — these fucks crossed a line. Without a second thought, you jump into action. Your fist connects with the chin of the unprepared guard and… *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "str" 15 *if (stat_check) … knocks him out clean. The second one, however, sees his friend fall down and manages to react… *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "agi" 15 *if (stat_check) But it doesn't matter, as after he dodges, you just send another uppercut that lifts him into the air. He soon hits the ground and audibly grunts. That's it: just a few exchanges and the far too daring disciples lay on the ground, groaning. As the fight ends, your mind clears as well — for this little stunt, there will for sure be consequences. But who cares? You grab the stupefied Ai by the wrist and lead her out of the sect. She doesn't speak, she's quiet, as if unsure how to react to the sporadic episode of violence. *else and dodges your punch, before you shoving you off. "Enough, ${polite_address} ${mc_name}! We apologize, you're free to go through." *goto they_dreaming *else … staggers him, but fails to knock the man off his feet. Enraged, the guard swings at you — but his punch is blocked by his own partner. "Enough." — the other guard interrupts — "We apologize, ${polite_address} ${mc_name}. You're free to go through." *goto they_dreaming #"Scram." You sneer. These disciples sure are arrogant enough — how dare these insects still remain in your way? "Scram." — you threaten — "Or I'll break your legs." *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "chr" 16 *if (stat_check) *label guards_step_back Meeting your gaze, the guards, unconsciously, take a step back. One of them puts his hand on the hilt of his sword by reflex and gulps. The other smiles nervously and raises his hands in the air. "Meant no offense, meant no offense ${YM}!" — he pleads, as he grabs his partner and hurries out of your way. You snort and gesture toward Ai. "Let's go." "Ah, the best solver of conflicts, brute and savage violence." — she quips, but doesn't argue as she gathers what little remains of her crew and follows right behind you. *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 9 2 "-" *else *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "prestige" 200 *if (stat_check) You may not be intimidating by yourself, but your name — your prestige — certainly is. *goto guards_step_back *else The guards, however, just snort at your attempts to intimidate them. "${polite_address} ${mc_name}, we may give you face, but don't you dare speak to us this way again." — they say, refusing to step away. *goto ai_clicks_her_tongue *page_break "So," — you ask Ai, both of you riding horses — "Can you tell me what happened? Your letter wasn't exactly heavy on details." "A Beast Tide broke out. An unexpected one as well: there were no prior signs, no amassment of beasts, and no new Alphas. The animals just went crazy all of a sudden." "How big is the Tide?" "Not that big," — Ai replies, with a sad chuckle — "But I don't know whether that's good news or not." "Were this disaster just a bit bigger in scale, the Sect may have sent some disciples to deal with it. But since the Tide barely affected ten small villages, those fucking nobles couldn't be bothered." "Right now, six villages should already be wiped out. If we're lucky… We may arrive in time to save the last one." With that, she stops talking, impatiently looking ahead instead. Her hands grip the reins, clenching them hard enough for her palms to turn white. You glance behind you, where the rest of the group rides. Five more disciples, with only two of them having reached Houtian — such a lineup doesn't inspire confidence. It's a good thing you're here, Ai would've been in trouble even against a small number of Ferocious Beasts otherwise. *choice #"Next time, notify me as soon as something happens. I'll gather a decent team." "Next time," — you say — "When there is an emergency like this, send me a letter. I'll gather a team that's a bit more… well-put together." *label unable_to_let Unable to let your jab at her leadership abilities go unanswered, she immediately cracks back. "Yeah, well, not everyone has a surname that attracts sycophants like honeypots enamor bees." — she says, before taking a look behind herself and scratching her neck in embarrassment. "I'm always available if you want me to teach you how to talk to people." — you joke — "You know, without that yelling you usually do." "Oh, shut up." — she huffs and turns away. #"You don't seem to be very popular." "You don't seem to be very popular." — you mention. *goto unable_to_let #"Did you plan to stop a Beast Tide with this group of rag-tags? Are you crazy?" "Did you plan to stop a Beast Tide with this group of rag-tags? Are you crazy?!" — you give the group another look — "Heavens, I could crush them all in a couple of moves." "What was I supposed to do, huh?" — she exclaims — "Stand by, and let those villagers get slaughtered? I'm not like [i]you[/i] people, my heart is still that of a human." *choice #"I just worry about you." "I just worry about you." — you shrug your shoulders — "You tend to get yourself into trouble." "Don't." — she replies, turning away — "I can take care of myself." You let out a chuckle. Can she, though? #"Stop grouping me up with the other nobles. I'm here, aren't I?" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 9 1 "-" "Stop grouping me up with those other nobles." — you refute, a little bit of anger soaking into your voice at the comparison — "I'm here, aren't I?" "Ooooh, Senior ${polite_address} ${mc_name} is such a righteous saint, ${pronoun_2} kindness knows no bounds." — she snarls, before turning away — "Thanks for not being an asshole, I guess." #"If you carry on like this, your heart will soon become that of a corpse." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 9 2 "-" "Yeah? And if you carry on like this, your heart will soon become that of a cold corpse. Don't you understand that?" — you shake your head — "You need to learn how to pick your battles." "I'd rather die, living as who I am, than continue my existence in a shell of cowardice and fear." — she says, turning away. There's no convincing her, you realize. #Can you just shut up for a second and listen to some advice?" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 9 3 "-" "Can you just shut up for a second?" — you yell — "Listen to some goddamn advice, you stubborn fool!" "Save your advice for those who are interested in it." — she says, turning away. There's no convincing her, you realize. *page_break You ride for hours. Your horses are fast, rank-1 ferocious beasts lent to you by the sect, but even they need some time before they can carry you to your destination. After you pass another field of rice, however, you hear a howl. A long, high-pitched cry that pierces through the air — followed by a dozen more bestial roars, all joining together into a bone-chilling symphony. Your group stops. The horses, even though they are bred and brought up to resist their instinctual fear, still tremble. You and Ai glance at each other, before nodding and urging the horses to gallop forward. They obey, albeit disgruntled, and dash into the attacked village. *page_break You are too late. By just a few minutes, yet your slowness has ensured the village's demise. Because those howls you heard, those savage cries were not roars of attacks — no, they were sounds of victory instead… Wolves. Large as ordinary bears, dark as the night itself wolves chomp on human flesh, ravishing the villagers recently deceased. Their long canines sink into the meat, cut through the bones, and tear away large chunks that they devour in a single gulp. You don't know how many of the wolves there are — but at least seven are at the village entrance. *label course_of_action *choice #Discuss a plan with Ai. *gosub_scene subroutines set_enemy_stats 19 21 19 19 17 "middle" "Blinding Radiance" Judging by their size, these animals are all Rank-1 Ferocious Beasts, equivalent to a human Early Houtian. Seven of such creatures — who are usually stronger and faster than their average counterpart — will already be very troublesome to deal with. And if there are more… You turn to Ai. "So, what's the plan?" — you ask her. "Plan?" — she chuckles sadly — "Plan was to get here in time, which we already failed. Now, we should just leave." "Leave? You want to let these wolves run around rampant?" "We won't bring back the dead by killing them." — Ai says — "And there are no more settlements nearby. No reason for more bloodshed." *choice #"What about revenge?" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 9 1 "-" "And what about revenge?" — you question — "What about setting the souls of these poor villagers at peace?" "Vengeance is what makes this world such a cruel place." — she fires back — "These wolves are beasts. Animals. They do not know any better." "So what? Blood needs to be spilled, deaths must be avenged to let these mortals find bliss in the Heavens above." "Killing th-" *label footsteps [i]Footsteps[/i]. Hurried, desperate footsteps. *page_break A woman runs out of the village, hand in hand with a child of about eleven or twelve. Her dash attracts the attention of the wolves, but she doesn't care. And she has a good reason for that, as they dare not to move, staying rooted in their places — because behind her, while she escapes with all her might, a giant black wolf with silver stripes in its fur casually strolls forward. The beast is massive, more than seven feet in height while on all fours, with a large maw that could, probably, swallow half of you in a single bite. The wolf is relaxed, its expression casual as it watches the woman run oh so desperately. From time to time, it would take a small leap so as not to lose her but keeps its distance otherwise. [i]It's playing[/i], you think, [i]it's playing with its food[/i]. But the playtime ends soon enough: the peasant's tired legs stumble and she falls, pushing the child away in her last despairing act. "Run!" — she screams — "Run, Da-Da, run, and don't look back!" The boy, however, doesn't listen: he looks at his mother, then at the slowly walking wolf, then at all the corpses scattered nearby. Corpses of people that he knew, that he grew up with — and his small hand naturally reaches for his belt, where a tiny wooden sword is strapped to his hip. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING, DA'ER?!" — his mother shrills — "RUN YOU IDIOT, RUN!" Da-Da ignores her, just as he ignores the sickening feeling in his stomach. He lifts his toy blade — attempts to, at least, since his arms shake from terror — and turns his gaze to the monstrous creature. A kid, one that would barely reach your waist, stares the murderous wolf right into the eyes and [i]yells[/i]. "G-GO A-AWAY!" — his voice betrays his fear, quivering with every syllable, yet the boy refuses to take even a single step back. The wolf stops. It watches the small human with confusion, its head titled in a display of its puzzlement. But wrath soon replaces the bewilderment. It raises its head and lets out a deafening roar, before charging forward. It moves so fast, you can barely blink before the beast [i]stomps[/i] the poor woman with its enormous body, squishing her head underneath its paw. The boy doesn't see it happen either, since the roar throws him more than five feet backward with its sound alone and he now struggles to get up. "HELP HIM!" — Ai grabs your arm, her black eyes pleading — Help him, I beg you!" *choice *selectable_if (mc_defensive_2_mastery >= 1) #Use Void Step. *set tried_to_save_child true You take a deep breath, rouse your Inner Energy, and [i]merge[/i] with the void that lies beyond the current plane. Yet, during the milliseconds that you traverse through the space, you realize: you can't reach the kid in time. The range of your Void Step is too short… *choice *selectable_if (mc_defensive_2_mastery >= 2) #Forcibly activate 2nd Level of Void Step. *set child_alive true That boy looked death in the face and stood his ground. How you could be afraid of some pain?! With a roar — that no one can hear, as sound doesn't travel through the Void — you gather every last bit of your Inner Energy into the skill. *set cost_grade_mult 4 *gosub_scene subroutines skill_exhaustion (mc_defensive_2_cost*cost_grade_mult) fight_scene "mc_defensive_2" Your skin [i]breaks[/i], your body unable to handle such stress. Blood pours from your nose, your ears, your eyes: everything that can bleed, bleeds. *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health 5 This is not a technique you're supposed to wield, but you refuse to give up. You push, and you push, guiding every scrap of your scattered Inner Energy into the Void Step. And, eventually, the technique gives in. You teleport for a few dozen yards more and come out of the void right between the child and the wolf, the whole ordeal taking milliseconds. You shove the child to the side, and barely manage to turn around — the wolf's wide-open maw is just inches away from its new target. [i]You[/i]. *label wolf_maw_near *set aura_disabled false *set needle_disabled false *choice #Let it bite you. Confident in the robustness of your body, you let the wolf bite you, winding up your arm for a retaliatory strike. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "con" "str" 0 *if (stat_check) Despite the absurd durability your skin possesses, the wolf's teeth sink deep into your arm. However, your sturdiness prevents the beast from tearing off your limb completely — it trashes left and right with your arm in its maw, but fails to separate it from the rest of the body. *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health 2 *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "str" "con" 0 *if (stat_check) Your fist forces the wolf to let go, as it staggers him to the side. It growls, full of fury, but you see a wary glint flicker in its yellow eyes. It's cautious. Careful of [i]you[/i]. *goto wolf_second_round *else Your fist does nothing to the monster — and, with a furious growl, it rips off your arm up to the elbow. *label lose_arm *gosub_scene subroutines add_injury 9 *gosub_scene subroutines add_injury 3 *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health 600 Somehow, you haven't gone into shock: the unimaginable agony from having your limb torn away pumps your body full of adrenaline. Your heart beats like a drum, producing more and more blood to replace the lost amount. The wolf spits your arm to the side and readies itself for another pounce. *goto wolf_second_round *else But there is such thing as overconfidence: the wolf sinks its teeth into flesh with ease and, with a sudden trash to the left, severs it from the rest of your body. *goto lose_arm #Grab its jaw and keep it open. One hand on the lower jaw, the other on the upper — you force the enormous maw open, not letting it close. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "str" "str" 0 *if (stat_check) The wolf struggles: it growls, roars and covers you in its saliva from head to toe, but your mighty arms keep it at bay. Your muscles [i]scream[/i], accumulating exhaustion at an unprecedented rate, yet the wolf only grows stronger from the built-up rage. Understanding that you won't submit the beast this way, you step back and knee it in the chin. The beast staggers back, shaking off the damage with a shrug, and readies itself for another pounce. In its yellow eyes, however, a hint of wariness flickers. It's cautious. Careful of [i]you[/i]. *goto wolf_second_round *else The wolf lets out a furious growl and [i]bites[/i]. Unable to keep it at bay, you can only jerk back your hands: but the beast is too swift and too savage. Its monstrous fangs sink into your flesh, rupturing both skin and bone before it pulls and tears your arm up to the elbow. *goto lose_arm #Roll to the side. In an instant, you leap to the side and roll, hoping to prove faster than the monstrous wolf. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "agi" "agi" 0 *if (stat_check) *label hair_breadth By a hair's breadth, you somehow dodge the beast — one of your ankles still wet from the too close of a call with its gigantic mouth — only to look up and see its ravenous maw a few inches before your face. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "agi" "agi" 1 *if (stat_check) *label lean_back You lean back, tilting your body at a right angle to the ground, and the wolf flies above you. After it lands, shaking the earth you stand on with its immense weight, you notice a confused gaze flicker in its yellow eyes. [i]It doesn't understand how you're still alive.[/i] *goto wolf_second_round *else *gosub_scene subroutines dodge *if (dodged) *goto lean_back The wolf lets out a furious growl and [i]bites[/i], with you unable to evade it. Its monstrous fangs sink into your flesh, rupturing both skin and bone before it pulls and tears your arm up to the elbow. *goto lose_arm *else *gosub_scene subroutines dodge *if (dodged) *goto hair_breadth The wolf lets out a furious growl and [i]bites[/i], with you unable to evade it. Its monstrous fangs sink into your flesh, rupturing both skin and bone before it pulls and tears your arm up to the elbow. *goto lose_arm #Get out of the Void. Without any other choice, you are forced to exit the Void. You appear a good dozen of yards away from the boy and can only watch, as the wolf's enormous maw closes onto his little body. *label snap [i]Snap[/i]. The jaw shuts, monstrous teeth rending flesh. The boy is swallowed whole. The wolf then turns to you, as if specifically letting you see how it [i]chews[/i], letting you hear the crunching sound of bones. A few seconds later, it licks its lips and, you can swear, grins. *label fight_or_run *set aura_disabled false *set needle_disabled false *choice #Fight it. "AAGH!" — you rush the monster, ready to stain your hands with wolf blood. The beast, however, appears to be even more eager for a fight: it spews out a chunk of unchewed meat and it meets your charge head-on, its maw opened wide and aimed at your head. *goto wolf_maw_near #Run away. *set run_away true Not confident in taking a, what appears to be, Rank-2 beast head-on, you decide to retreat: but how could things be so simple? Spewing out a chunk of unchewed meat, the beast lazily twirls its neck, before howling and charging straight at your group. As seconds pass and the wolf gains yardage, you realize — there's no way for the mortal disciples to outrun it. You catch them glancing behind themselves as they race for their lives, their faces pale from the suffocating fear. *choice #Protect the disciples. *set protecting_disciples true *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 9 5 "+" Not willing to let the disciples be torn apart by the ravenous animal, you slow down and, when they overtake you, you turn around. Face to face with the gigantic beast attempting to bite your head off. *goto wolf_maw_near #Every ${pronoun_4} ${pronoun_2}self. *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 9 5 "-" Every ${pronoun_4} for ${pronoun_2} — those disciples knew what they signed up for when they set out on this mission. At least, that's what you tell yourself to suppress any emergences of that pesky guilt. Soon enough, you hear anguished, hysterical screams mixed with bestial growls. Those disciples are not as fast even you, no need to mention that terrifying wolf. [b]Water Missile![/b] [b]Water Missile![/b] Ai's continuous usage of martial techniques enters your ears as well. Only, judging from the sounds, they don't appear to do much more than annoy the bloodthirsty animal. You actually start to wonder whether Ai is going to die as well when a loud, whirring sound forces you to look up. *page_break Look Up *goto cannonball #Shove the disciples back to slow the wolf down. *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 9 100 "-" *set characters_9_status "Enemy" *set shoved_disciples true Without a second thought — your personal safety is at risk, after all — You shove the disciples back to slow the wolf down. Their anguished, hysterical screams enter your ears soon enough. [b]Water Missile![/b] [b]Water Missile![/b] You hear Ai's continuous usage of martial techniques as well. Only, judging from the sounds, they don't appear to do much more than annoy the bloodthirsty animal. You actually start to wonder whether Ai is going to die as well when a loud, whirring sound forces you to look up. *page_break Look Up *goto cannonball #Use Skills/Items. *gosub_scene skill_menu *goto fight_or_run *selectable_if (mc_footwork_2_mastery >= 1) #Use Lightning Flicker. *set tried_to_save_child true You take a deep breath, rouse your Inner Energy and feel as your body slowly turns into a bolt of pure lightning. You dash forward, racing against time itself as the unimaginably fast wolf comes closer and closer to the boy. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "agi" "" 0 *if (stat_check) You realize, in horror, that your current speed won't be enough. You won't get to the kid in time, not before the wolf does it first… *choice *selectable_if (mc_footwork_2_mastery >= 2) #Forcibly activate 2nd Level of Lightning Flicker. *set child_alive true That boy looked death in the face and stood his ground. How you could be afraid of some pain?! With a roar, you gather every last bit of your Inner Energy into the skill. *set cost_grade_mult 4 *gosub_scene subroutines skill_exhaustion (mc_footwork_2_cost*cost_grade_mult) fight_scene "footwork_2" Your skin [i]breaks[/i], your body unable to handle such stress. Blood pours from your nose, your ears, your eyes: everything that can bleed, bleeds. *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health 5 This is not a technique you're supposed to wield, but you refuse to give up. You push, and you push, guiding every scrap of your scattered Inner Energy into the Lightning Flicker. And, eventually, the technique gives in. You become twice as fast, the lightning around twice as ferocious. You manage to shove the child to the side, and barely turn around — the wolf's wide-open maw is just inches away from its new target. [i]You[/i]. *goto wolf_maw_near #Halt. You can't take such a risk, activating a skill you aren't supposed to wield. So you, left without any other choice, halt a good dozen of yards before the boy and watch as the wolf's enormous maw closes onto his little body. *goto snap *else Your speed just isn't enough. Without any other choice, you halt a good dozen of yards before the boy and watch as the wolf's enormous maw closes onto his little body. *goto snap #"I'm sorry, I can't." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 9 3 "-" "I'm sorry." — you shake your head — "I can't." "No, no, no…." — Ai murmurs, as both of you, transfixed, watch the scene, already knowing how it will play out. The enormous maw of the wolf closes onto the boy's little body. *goto snap #"It's okay if you're scared. I'll protect you." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 9 1 "+" "It's okay if you're scared." — you tease — "Don't worry, I'll protect you." Ai rolls her eyes. "I only need protection from your lame attempts at flirting." "Hey! I would have you know, my flirting skills are on par with my martial abilities." "In that case, I don't need your protection for sure." "Why d-" *goto footsteps #"Fine. Let's leave." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 9 2 "+" "Fine." — you agree — "Let's leave." "Good." — Ai nods — "I knew you weren't the bloodthir-" *goto footsteps #Rush forward. *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 9 3 "-" You are far from being scared by some overgrown dogs: rousing the dormant Inner Energy inside your body, you rush forward without so much as a word for your comrades. "Wait-" — you hear Ai's panicked voice behind you, but you pay it no heed as you charge, eager for a decent battle. *goto attack_wolves #Items/Skills. *gosub_scene skill_menu *goto course_of_action #Don't go. *goto_scene free_roam free_time *label attack_wolves The wolves are caught off-guard: after butchering a village of the same creatures, they never expected someone like you to attack them so brazenly. The first wolf just manages to get up from the ground as you reach it, your hands itching to break some bones. *set aura_disabled true "Sit back down!" — you laugh, as you slam your fist down like a hammer, plastering the poor animal in the mud. It doesn't get up, which isn't surprising. It was not your hand that emitted that distinct cracking sound, after all. All other wolves immediately become awake, free of the lethargy that overtook them after a hearty meal. They howl at you, they growl, yet no one dares to attack: the sight of their kindred laying dead from a single punch is too alarming to ignore. "Why have you all gotten up?" — you laugh again — "No need, no need, you looked so comfortable down there, how about I help you lay down again?" Before you can start the massacre, however, a booming bellow rings out. All the wolves immediately kneel down, like puppies scared of their mother, and pay you no more attention. Out of the village, from amidst the destroyed huts, a humongous black wolf with silver stripes in fur walks out. The beast is massive, more than seven feet in height while on all fours, with a large maw from which a human arm hangs out. A [i]still bleeding[/i] human arm. Someone was still alive, you realize, before you started your assault. If only you were to be a bit more patient and careful, perhaps you could've saved them? It's too late to think about that now, however, as the alpha wolf is far from pleased with you killing a member of its pack. Unleashing a ghastly howl, the wolf runs at you, its frame moving at a speed that seems at odds with its gargantuan frame. [i]It's too fucking fast![/i] You blink, and the wolf is near, it's wide open maw just inches short of biting off your head. *set aura_disabled false *goto wolf_maw_near *label wolf_second_round The wolf carefully saunters, taking cautious steps as it studies you. It scrupulously sniffs, its powerful nose most likely catching details that you aren't even aware of, before the beast grins and pounces at you. Its humongous frame soars through the air with superhuman speed, far contradictory to its size. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "agi" "agi" 1 *if (stat_check) *label dodge_pounce Your movement so quick and prompt that it resembles teleport, you step to the side — and kick the wolf in the back as it misses you. The attack produces a pained whimper, but the monster rolls, shakes the dirt off its pristine fur, and roars soon enough. *goto too_difficult_target *else *gosub_scene subroutines dodge *if (dodged) *goto dodge_pounce *else You can't react to the attack and the wolf pins you down. Its mountainous paws press your limbs into the ground. It roars, right into your face, giving you a good view of its cavernous mouth before attempting to swallow your head whole. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "str" "str" 1 *if (stat_check) Struggling underneath its weight, you let out a scream that could rival the previous bestial roar and, applying all of your might, flip the wolf over. You then kick it, right in the stomach, causing a pained whimper from the overgrown dog. But the monster soon rolls and shakes the dirt off its pristine fur. *label too_difficult_target *if (protecting_disciples) *goto cannonball Finding you too difficult of a target, however, the wolf changes its attention onto Ai and her group. Ignoring you completely, it charges toward the stupefied young woman. Somehow, despite her fear, she manages to gather enough focus to cast a martial technique. [b]Water Missile![/b] A condensed bolt of water hits the beast in the face, but does nothing but splash its fur wet. Afraid that the beast would reach Ai before you do, you accelerate — yet the wolf proves to be too cunning, as it suddenly turns and kicks you with its paws. You tumble to the ground and are forced to watch as it continues its hunt for your companion. *set not_hurt true *goto getup_choice *else Struggling underneath its weight, you let out a scream that could rival the previous bestial roar: but without strength, your will is useless. Try as you might, the monster is too heavy for you to flip over. In horror, you watch as the maw descends upon your head… *page_break Death...? [b]Water Missile![/b] A condensed bolt of water hits the wolf in the jaw, disrupting its deadly aim. Apart from saving you from a certain death, however, the missile does nothing except for splashing the beast's fur wet. It snaps its gaze to the side, fixing Ai with a murderous stare. Ai gulps, taking an involuntary step back — and that momentary lapse in her courage is enough to give the wolf all the confidence it needs. It steps onto your shoulder, your bones turning into dust under its mass, before taking off and charging toward Ai and her group. *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health_ 5 *gosub_scene subroutines add_injury 9 *label getup_choice *if (run_away) *set disciples_died true You sit up, your mind almost consumed by the pain. When you raise your head, you see the wolf tear through Ai's entourage in a bloodthirsty frenzy: one by one, they fall, bloodied with their guts ripped out and throats clawed open. Ai herself is terrified, rooted in place in shock. *choice #Try to get up and help her. *gosub getting_up Noticing you, injured yet eager to come to her aid, Ai smiles a small, barely noticeable, yet the most sincere smile, before she resolutely shakes her head. "Run, ${polite_address} ${mc_name}!" — she shouts — "I can hold it off for a few minutes more!" Run? You had your chance to escape, now must see this battle through. Limping, you walk forward, gathering the remainder of your Inner Energy for a single, suicidal attack. Before you can use it, however, you, Ai, and the wolf all look up, distracted by a loud whirring sound. *page_break Look Up #Try to get up and run away. *gosub getting_up Noticing you, turning and running away, she smiles sadly. Expectantly. She shakes her head afterwards and continues using up her stash of talismans to hold the wolf off, at least long enough for you to be able to escape. Before you can gain a significant distance, however, you, Ai, and the beast all look up, distracted by a loud whirring sound. *page_break Look Up #Just watch, transfixed. You watch, as the wolf swipes its paw at the young woman. The threat of death awakening her from her stupor, Ai takes out a piece of paper from her spatial ring and ignites it in a hurry. A shell of ice envelops her and shatters in an instant, as the power of the wolf's attack proves to be too much for it to handle. Ai has survived, however — and another talisman appears before her, blasting the wolf back with a thick burst of water. Noticing you, in your transfixed state, she can't help but shout. "Run, ${polite_address} ${mc_name}! I can hold it off for a few minutes more!" Before you can react, however, you, Ai, and the wolf all look up, distracted by a loud whirring sound. *page_break Look Up *label cannonball Like a cannonball fired through the air, a man soars through the sky with extreme velocity. His arms are placed around his knees as he spins, before he lands with such force that his descent creates a crater dozen of feet deep — and emits a shockwave that causes all of you to stumble and almost lose your footing. A second later, a tall, broad-shouldered young man emerges from the pit: one with the same ${mc_skintone} skin, same *if mc_eye_left = mc_eye_right ${mc_eye_left} eyes, *else ${mc_eye_left} and ${mc_eye_right} eyes, *if mc_hair_length != "bald" and the same ${mc_hair_color} hair as you. *else and the same facial features as you. [i]Long Chen.[/i] *if (protecting_disciples) Alert and pert up, like an arrow nocked on a string of a bow, the strongest Houtian of the Heavenly Ascension Sect looks around. *if (disciples_died) *goto seeing_corpses *else Seeing you covering the retreat of your fellow disciples, Long Chen gives you a nod of respect, before turning to the wolf. *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 14 3 "+" *goto wolf_soup Alert and pert up, like an arrow nocked on a string of a bow, the strongest Houtian of the Heavenly Ascension Sect looks around. *label seeing_corpses Seeing corpses of the sect's disciples, observing Ai's exhausted, horrified countenance, and spotting the burnt ashes of talisman paper is enough for his heroic, chiseled face to take on a furious grimace. *label wolf_soup "Today, I will have wolf soup for dinner." — he says. Then, he dugs his heels into the ground, rupturing a hole again, and [i]leaps[/i]. His jump is followed by a sonic boom — and, before you blink, Long Chen already has reached the wolf. His foot touches its spine and [i]caves[/i] it in. The so mighty and overbearing for you beast has folded under the young man's shoe without even offering resistance. The wolf pathetically weeps, its voice almost taking on a human undertone as it begs for mercy. But Long Chen is having none of it. He grabs the furry tail instead and lifts thousands of pounds of wolf with a single arm. "A lowly dog dares to attack my Heavenly Ascension Sect's disciples? Death is too kind of a punishment." The wolf is slammed into the dirt. Again. And again. Dozens of times, until all of its bones turn to a broken mesh, its mouth — a toothless cavity. Long Chen still doesn't stop: careful to keep the wolf alive, he inflicts more and more pain towards the now harmless beast. Ai eventually turns away, unable to watch the gruesome scene of violence. You… *choice #"That's enough." "That's enough." — you speak up, not able to bear such needless cruelty — "It's already de-" *if (protecting_disciples) *if (disciples_died) *goto drop_wolf *else "It should be taught a lesson." — Long Chen argues, interrupting you — "So that this stupid animal could guide its brethren from the Heavens later on. Instruct them on what is absolutely forbidden." *label grabs_wolf_head With a chuckle, Long Chen grabs the wolf's head, looks into its eyes and, with a ruthless stare, squeezes the skull until it explodes. Then he turns to you and waves. "Ah, Junior ${polite_address} ${mc_name}, I was just passing by, cleaning up the surrounding villages of these vile beasts when I heard a commotion. Good thing I arrived in time, haha!" — Long Chen chimes, joyously — "I'll be going now. Don't get into any more trouble!" After giving Ai a slight bow, he crouches down and erupts in a leap, leaving just as quickly as he came. *goto ai_final_talk *label drop_wolf Long Chen doesn't let you continue. He drops the dying wolf and dashes towards you. *label before_you_can_react Before you can react, he already holds you by the collar. "[i]You.[/i]" — he says, his expression full of wrath — "What the fuck do you think you're doing?! Fighting a Rank-2 ferocious beast with fucking [i]mortals[/i] in your team?!" He points towards the five corpses. "These deaths. These five deaths of your brothers and sisters are [i]your[/i] fault. And, if I wasn't cleaning up the villages nearby, she," — he points to Ai — "Would be dead as well! *if (disciples_died) "Hey!" — you argue — "I did my best to save them, don't you fucking dare blame me!" Long Chen stares into your eyes, his gaze deep and piercing. However, perhaps seeing your underlying guilt and regret — for not being stronger, for not being faster — he realizes his mistake. "I apologize." — he puts you down — "I was rash and misread the situation. Please, don't take offense. It's just… seeing my fellow Martial Brothers and Sisters dead fills me with enough anger to cloud my mind." "It's fine." — you reply, not wishing to escalate the conflict further. Long Chen scratches his neck. "I'll be going now. Don't get into any more trouble." After giving Ai a slight bow, he crouches down and erupts in a leap, leaving just as quickly as he came. *goto ai_final_talk *if (tried_to_save_child) "Bro-Brother Chen, this was actually my idea…" — Ai interrupts, her voice shaking. "Shut up." — Long Chen barks, without even sparing her a glance — "I know you. You would never attempt to battle that thing, you wouldn't even dare to come close. [i]$!{pronoun_2}[/i], however?" "Hey!" — Ai yells, the indignant in her washing away the guilt — "Do you believe me to be a coward? My dislike towards brutality has nothing to do with my bravery." Long Chen snorts. "I wish you were a coward. My life would be so much easier then." — he chuckles — "No, you are reckless and foolish, but you would never put the disciples who trusted you at risk. Not when you understand how disgustingly weak you are." That shut her up, as Ai lowers her head in embarrassment, and Long Chen focuses on you once more. *choice *selectable_if (tried_to_save_child) #"I tried to save a child." "I tried to save a child, … *choice #... Brother Chen." "I tried to save a child, Brother Chen." — you reply, understanding his anger. Many treat fellow disciples like their own family and Long Chen appears to be of the same type. #... you asshole." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 14 2 "-" "I tried to save a child, you asshole." — you fire back, trying, fruitlessly, to push Long Chen away. Although his anger is understandable, many regard fellow disciples as their own family, [i]no one[/i] treats you this way. "What child?" — Long Chen asks, his eyes darting around in search of the kid. *if (child_alive) That's when he spots him, a tiny boy kneeling over a woman's mangled corpse. The boy isn't crying: he's emotionless and apathetic. He soon gets up and walks towards the barely breathing wolf. After studying it for a second, the boy picks up a pointy rock and, with a guttural roar, [i]drives[/i] it into the wolf's eye. *label long_chen_puts_down At this point, Long Chen puts you down and, although he doesn't apologize, he seems to be regretful about his outburst. After calming himself down, Da Da walks up to the two of you and gives a bow. First, to you personally. "Thank you for saving my life, Big ${polite_address}, and risking yours." Then, to Long Chen. "Thanks for providing me the opportunity to kill that wolf. Even if you've done it accidentally." Quick to catch up, Long Chen realizes what has happened. He gives the boy a slight smile, pats him on the shoulder and sits down, to bring their eyes on the same level. "Do you have anyone to stay with?" "No." — the boy resolutely shakes his head — "Which is why I have a request for Seniors." "What request?" — you ask. Da Da answers with a determined, far unfit for a child his age, look. "Take me with you. Teach me how to fight." *label boy_choice *choice *hide_reuse #"Why? Our lives are full of death and danger." "Why?" — you question the boy — "The Martial World is full of death and danger. These wolves are nothing compared to what lurks in its depths." "I don't care." — he answers, his face twisted in a hateful scowl — "These beasts, I want to kill them all." *set knows_boy_motive true *goto boy_choice #"Our sect has extremely harsh requirements. A peasant like you won't be able to fulfill them." "Our sect has extremely harsh requirements." — you give him a condescending look — "A peasant like you won't be able to fulfill them." Your insult and doubt, however, do not shake his firm and sturdy confidence. "I'll work hard." — is all he says, yet his conviction speaks much louder than any words could. *choice #"Fine." "Fine." — you reply — "I'll take you back to the sect. We'll see whether you'll manage to pass the tests." *label all_I_ask "All I ask for is a chance." *set accepted_boy true *goto after_boy_dialogue #"No." "No." — you reply — "I don't want to waste my time." Da Da sneers. "Fine." — he says — "I'll become strong on my own then." *goto after_boy_dialogue #"I'll take you back to the sect, but don't get your hopes up." "I'll take you back to the sect." — you reply — "But don't get your hopes up." *goto all_I_ask #"Alright. Even if you won't pass the requirements to become a disciple, I'll still train you to become the strongest mortal." "Alright." — you nod — "Even if you won't pass the requirements to become a disciple, I'll still train you to become the strongest mortal." "Really?" — Da Da is taken aback by your kindness. Surprised so much, his strong front crumbles a little, giving way for a child-like joy — "Thank you!" *set accepted_boy true *goto after_boy_dialogue *if (knows_boy_motive) #"I'm sorry. This is not the right life for you." "I'm sorry." — you reply — "But this is not the right life for you." Da Da sneers. "If you don't believe in me, just say so. No need for this pretentious kindness." "It's not preten-" "No need." — the boy interrupts — "If you won't help me, then I will help myself. Goodbye." *goto after_boy_dialogue *if (knows_boy_motive) #"Your heart is impure and full of anger. You should not be allowed to wield great strength." "Your heart is impure and full of anger." — you chastise him — "You should not be allowed to wield great strength." Da Da sneers. "There is nothing in my heart but the desire for justice." "Justice is not the same as vengeance. Revenge blinds the mind and taints the soul." — you lecture — "What is it you want to do, anyway? Wipe out all the beasts in the world? That's impossible." "Then when I die, tainted and blind, I will know that I have at least tried." — Da Da says — "Goodbye, then." *goto after_boy_dialogue *if (knows_boy_motive) #That's the spirit, boy! Alright." You laugh out loud. This kid certainly knows how to hold a grudge, haha! "That's the spirit, boy!" — you give him a pat — "Alright. I'll take you with me, but be prepared to fail the entrance tests." *goto all_I_ask *else *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 14 1 "-" They find none, of course — that boy's tragic life has long since ended. "He's dead." — you say — "I failed." Long Chen sneers. "So not only you sacrificed the lives of your fellow disciples, you also did it all for naught? Some genius you are." Nevertheless, Long Chen puts you down, perhaps finding your motive reasonable. Long Chen then gives Ai a nod, before crouching and erupting in a leap, leaving just as quickly as he came. *goto ai_final_talk *selectable_if (run_away) #"I wasn't fighting!" What kind of accusation is that? You weren't fighting — you were running away. However, such an explanation doesn't make your situation better. "Even worse. You ran, while your fellow martial brothers and sisters were being torn apart? Fucking coward." Having said that, Long Chen throws you to the side, as if afraid to stain his hands in your filth. "Don't get into any more trouble." — he says — "I won't be saving you next time." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 14 3 "-" *goto ai_final_talk #"It's none of your fucking business who I fight." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 14 3 "-" "It's none of your fucking business who I fight." — you exclaim — "Get your hands off me, right now." Long Chen sneers. "It's none of your fucking business who I put my hands onto." — he says. *if (child_alive) Before you can argue further, a high-pitched guttural roar rings out nearby. Both you and Long Chen turn your heads, only to see the boy you saved knelt over the wolf, pressing a pointy rock onto the beast's eye. *goto long_chen_puts_down *else *choice *selectable_if (mc_surname = "Wu") #"Put me down. Unless you're willing to face the wrath of my Wu clan." "Put me down." — you arrogantly smirk — "Unless you're willing to face the wrath of my Wu clan." Your threat, however, doesn't have the effect you thought it would. Long Chen is unbothered — [i]disgusted[/i] even. "Trash like you I have the least amount of respect for." — he says — "Unable to rely on yourself, hiding behind your underserved background. I should cripple you, but I wish not to stain my hands." With an effortless throw, Long Chen sends you flying into a broken building nearby. "Come at me, if you ever wish to prove me wrong. But from this point forward, I'll consider you as nothing more than a pompous ${ym}." Long Chen gives Ai a nod, before crouching and erupting in a leap, leaving just as quickly as he came. *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 14 10 "-" #"Put me down. Unless you're prepared to kill me right now." "Put me down." — you threaten — "Unless you're prepared to kill me right now. Because I promise you, we will have a death grudge if you don't." Long Chen smirks and you realize: this is not a man capable of backing down. "I'll be waiting." — he says, before effortlessly throwing you into a broken building nearby — "A foolish trash like you won't ever reach my level. Even with your so-called talent." That said, Long Chen gives Ai a nod before crouching and erupting in a leap, leaving just as quickly as he came. *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 14 8 "-" *goto ai_final_talk #Spit in his face. Enraged — yet helpless to resist — you perform the only act of defiance you can think of. Gathering up the slaver in your mouth, you spit right into his eye. As expected, he erupts with a furious yell. "YOU FUCKING-" So full of wrath, Long Chen can't even find the words to finish his sentence. Instead, he places his hand on your throat, his suffocating, inescapable grip threatening to end your life. "YOU THINK I DARE NOT TO KILL YOU?" *choice #"You... you won't..." Despite your lungs being rid of the so vital air, you're still confident that he won't have the guts to make the final push. After all, killing you will invoke revenge — revenge that Long Chen has no means of escaping. "You…" — you struggle to speak, yet still manage to smirk — "You won't…" "FUCK YOU!" — he screams. But his furious yell is not the last thing you hear: the despairing 'NO' coming from Ai is the last sound in your ears. Long Chen grips your shoulder and rips out your throat with one casual move, before throwing you to the side like a broken toy. Gargling on your own blood, your vision soon goes dark… *goto_scene game_over #"I'm... I'm sorry..." Although killing you will invoke revenge — revenge that Long Chen has no means of escaping — somehow you doubt his current rationality. Perhaps it's his reddened from anger face, perhaps the furious panting, or perhaps the fact that your lungs let out forlorn screams, desperate for air: but, you believe, Long Chen actually is willing to kill you, consequences be damned. "I'm… I'm sorry…" — you struggle to speak. For a second, you're unsure whether your apology is enough or not. Long Chen stares you down, like a maddened beast, but eventually he snorts and effortlessly throws you into a broken building nearby. "Count yourself lucky." — he says and gives Ai a nod before crouching and erupting in a leap, leaving just as quickly as he came. *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 14 15 "-" *goto ai_final_talk #"I apologize, I was rash." "I apologize." — you lower your head — "I was rash." *if (child_alive) Before the man in front of you can reply, a high-pitched guttural roar rings out nearby. Both you and Long Chen turn your heads, only to see the boy you saved knelt over the wolf, pressing a pointy rock onto the beast's eye. *goto long_chen_puts_down Long Chen stares you down, his gaze furious. But, as seconds pass, he calms down and, with a heavy breath, lets you go. "Think before you act." — Long Chen chastises — "It's fine if you want to throw your own life away, but don't put others at risk out of your own thirst for battle." Long Chen then gives Ai a nod, before crouching and erupting in a leap. Just as quickly as he came, he leaves. *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 14 6 "-" *goto ai_final_talk #Silently watch on. Although you don't cheer Long Chen on, don't vocally support this unnecessary spurt of violence, in the depth of your heart you can't help but glee at the wolf's sufferings. *if (protecting_disciples) *if (disciples_died) Long Chen beats the beast half to death, the giant animal unable to resist before he drops it to the ground and dashes towards you. *goto before_you_can_react *else *goto grabs_wolf_head Long Chen beats the beast half to death, the giant animal unable to resist before he drops it to the ground and dashes towards you. *goto before_you_can_react #It's a shame you can't do the same — you want nothing more than smash that fucking animal into bits and pieces. A gleeful grin plasters itself on your face: the wolf's whimpers of pain, its cries of suffering please you greatly — the fucking animal should suffer before it dies its excruciating death. *if (protecting_disciples) *if (disciples_died) However, Long Chen beats the beast only half to death, before he drops it to the ground and dashes towards you. *goto before_you_can_react *else *goto grabs_wolf_head However, Long Chen beats the beast only half to death, before he drops it to the ground and dashes towards you. *goto before_you_can_react *label defeat *goto_scene game_over *label getting_up *if (not_hurt) You quickly get back to your feet, but the wolf already swipes its paw at the young woman. *else Struggling and groaning, you do your best to get back on your feet: just in time for the wolf to swipe its paw at the young woman. The threat of death awakening her from her stupor, Ai takes out a piece of paper from her spatial ring and ignites it in a hurry. A shell of ice envelops her and shatters in an instant, as the power of the wolf's attack proves to be too much for it to handle. Ai has survived, however — and another talisman appears before her, blasting the wolf back with a thick burst of water. *return *label after_boy_dialogue *if (accepted_boy) "I will take the child back to the sect." — Long Chen says — "Don't get into any more trouble." He picks Da Da up into his arms and, once again, leaps. A single jump, and yet he already is hundreds of yards away. *goto ai_final_talk *else "I'll make sure the child is safe and fed in one of the villages close by. " — Long Chen says — "Don't get into any more trouble." He picks Da Da up into his arms and, once again, leaps. A single jump, and yet he already is hundreds of yards away. *goto ai_final_talk *label ai_final_talk *page_break *if (tried_to_save_child) or (disciples_died) With Long Chen gone and other disciples dead, you and Ai are alone, riding your horses in silence. The death of the five that came along with the young woman seems to have affected her greatly, as she stares ahead with a blank, empty gaze. *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "per" 14 *if (stat_check) She wants, no, she [i]needs[/i] someone to talk to. *choice #Leave her be. You decide that giving her space is the best course of action you could take — so you don't start a conversation, riding out the rest of the way to the sect in a gloomy quiet. Once there, Ai thanks you for following along and disappears with a quick farewell. #"It wasn't your fault." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 9 3 "+" "It wasn't your fault." — you console. *if characters_9_opinion < 60 She raises her head and opens her mouth, but, after a last-minute consideration, decides against converting her thoughts to words. [i]Ai doesn't trust you enough to open up.[/i] "Thanks." — she murmurs, before turning away. *label you_understand You understand: this is the end of the conversation and the rest of the way to the sect would be spent riding in a gloomy quiet. Once there, Ai thanks you for following along and disappears with a quick farewell. *goto mission_end *else *label wasnt_fault *if (protecting_disciples) "If Long Chen didn't come to our rescue… How many would have died?" "But he did come. And one died." "Because of you." — she chuckles — "You know, it would not have been the first time someone lost their lifes because of me." *else "Wasn't it?" — she replies, her tone acrimonious — "It's not the first time, you know. Not the first time people have died because of a choice I made." She takes a deep breath, and raises her head to look at the darkening sky. "I grew up in a village similar to the one we were in before." — she lets out a soft smile of remembrance — "Same wooden huts, same big and wide fields of green… same disaster." "Your village suffered a Beast Tide?" Ai nods. "Yes. Only unlike these people, we were warned in advice." — she says and she lets out a self-deprecating chuckle — "And it wasn't our first. Nor the second. And people got tired of moving. Of abandoning their homes, their land just to escape some beasts." "At that time, a group of the so-called 'Martial Artists' stopped by for a night. Being one of those people who wished not to relocate again. So… I convinced them to help us. For a price." "Heavens, I was so ignorant back then." — she wipes away a single tear — "I thought, aren't Martial Artists strong? Surely they would win against the beasts, right?" "Every villager brought out their most prized possessions to afford their help. However, in exchange, the night before the Beast Tide we all went to sleep content. Happy, that our home would remain ours. That we stood our ground, with the protection of righteous nobles." "When we woke up to the maddening roars, those Martial Artists were nowhere to be found." — Ai sneers — "I would be dead if not for my parents sacrificing their lives to give me a chance to escape. I would be dead, if not for Brother Chen finding me alone and lost inside a forest when I was at the end of my rope." "Is this really my fate? Being a damsel in distress, a helpless idiot only capable of terrible decisions?" *choice #"You may not always succeed, but at least you try." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 9 5 "+" "You may not always succeed," — you say — "But at least you try. In our world, that's already a rarity." "But what if my attempts lead to someone's demise, like today?" "Today wasn't your fault." — you retort — "The wolf killed them. Neither I nor you are to blame." "But-" — she starts, but then relents and simply sighs — "You're right, I guess…" *goto you_understand #"You may have good intentions, but, without strength, they matter not." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 9 2 "+" "You may have good intentions," — you say — "But? without strength they? matter not." "So, what it is you're saying? That those without power have no use at all?" "Not if you want to bring about real change. Not if you to make sure that something like today doesn't happen again. Do you think any of those disciples would've died if someone like Long Chen was with us?" — you chuckle — "No. Instead of being a big and terrifying monster, that wolf would've turned into a joke for us to laugh at." "But-" — she starts, but then relents and simply sighs — "You're right, I guess…" *goto you_understand #You need to be more patient. Learn how to pick your battles." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 9 1 "+" "You need to be more patient." — you say — "Learn how to pick your battles." "Should I have not asked you to save that child?" — she answers — "How could I do that? How could anyone make these kinds of decisions?" "It's hard." — you reply — "But that's what makes a good leader. Ability to pick, choose, and sacrifice." "I just want people to live in peace." — she says — "I have no desire to lead anyone." You chuckle. "But you'll have to. If you want your actions to have any meaning, to achieve a real change, you'll have to." "But-" — she starts, but then relents and simply sighs — "You're right, I guess…" *goto you_understand #"Don't worry, I'll help you out." "Don't worry." — you righteously say — "I will always help you out." Ai, however, snorts. "I don't [i]want[/i] to be constantly helped." — she retorts — "I just- You know what, forget it." *goto you_understand #"Hey, why so serious?" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 9 5 "-" "Hey, why so serious?" — you chime — "It's just a couple of dead disciples. No big deal." "What?" — shocked, Ai turns to you — "Do you not care about their deaths at all? Do you not feel even the slightest pang of guilt?" "Why would I?" — you shrug — "I didn't even know their names." "You…" — she looks at you, as if seeing a stranger — "Forget it." *goto you_understand *elsif (protecting_disciples) With Long Chen gone and other disciples riding ahead, happy to have avoided certain death, you and Ai are riding your horses in the back. She seems lost, staring ahead with a blank, empty gaze. "What's wrong?" — you ask her. *goto wasnt_fault *elsif (shoved_disciples) Ai looks at you with disgust. "I was wrong about you." — she says — "I thought you were different from other nobles. That you were actually [i]righteous[/i]. But I saw your true colors today: you were just too much of a coward to display them openly." She chuckles, her laugh is sad and hurt, but determined nevertheless. "Never speak to me again." It's clear she doesn't want to converse with you any further, so you spend the rest of the ride in hostile silence. *else Your selfish actions of before have disappointed her — she truly has expected more out of you. She shuts you down as you attempt to spark up a conversation and you spend the rest of the ride in gloomy silence. *goto mission_end *label mission_end *gosub_scene subroutines give_exp 100 "" *goto_scene free_roam