*page_break Three Chicken Inn *temp knows_about_flower false *temp knows_about_drug false *temp hurt_guard false *temp knows_mo_long false *temp can_proceed false *temp wants_to_die true *temp seen_through_tuchan false *temp mission_ending 0 *temp talked_to_alchemists false *temp knows_about_mo_long false *set fight_scene "sect_mission_threeinn" *comment add reputation changes Three Chicken Inn is one of the most popular establishments in town: not too expensive, where only the richest of noble could afford it, nor so cheap to attract only the poorest of commoners. Three Chicken Inn has served as a tavern for those not wishing to spend a fortune for temporary lodgings, yet unwilling to sleep on a stack of hay either for years at this point. Which is why the latest tragedy has gained enough traction amongst the citizens to force the sect to get involved. With a couple of city guards in tow, you reach the inn. You're already familiar with one of them, a captain named Qiang — the same man who greeted you upon your arrival for the Sect Tourney. "What do you know as of now?" — you ask the captain. The guards have had a few weeks to work on this case, surely they have discovered [i]something[/i]. "Not much." — Qiang answers — "Sixteen people dead, both men and women. We identified their corpses, but could not find any sort of connection between them. Just were in the wrong place at the wrong time." *temp motive true *temp peculiar_corpses true *temp outstand_victims true *temp suspects true *temp knows_truth false *temp suspects_truth false *label guard_questions *choice *selectable_if (motive) #"Have you established a reason for this?" "We believe this to be a result of either a Martial Artist suffering a Devil Breakout or sacrificial ritual for some sort of a technique." "If it's the latter, we have no idea why someone would choose this inn out of all the places to perform the murders. If it's the former, then he or she was likely one of the customers who lost control over themselves." *set motive false *page_break *goto guard_questions *selectable_if (peculiar_corpses) #"Anything peculiar about the corpses?" As it has been a long time since the massacre occured, you won't have a chance to look at the bodies — the guards, however, were presented with such an opportunity. "Yes, there is." — Qiang says — "The corpses were mauled, torn apart as if they were attacked by a pack of ravenous wolves. However, each one had their heart cut away with a precision most Talisman Drawers would envy." *page_break *set peculiar_corpses false *goto guard_questions *selectable_if (outstand_victims) #"Any victims that stand out from the rest?" "Any victims that stand out from the rest?" "Three of them." — replies Qiang — "Two were a pair: a noble scion here for the Sect tourney with his bodyguard, an Early-Houtian practitioner. The other one was a mortal runaway from the He Clan." "Runaway from the He Clan?" "Yes." — Qiang nods — "Some girl who refused the betrothal her elders had put together and decided to flee from the clan to escape her fate." "We've already checked with one of the city's Martial Protectors, who is also a He Clan member. He said that the family couldn't care less about the girl and that they won't help with the investigation." *page_break *set outstand_victims false *goto guard_questions *selectable_if (suspects) #"Any suspects in mind?" "Any suspects in mind?" "We have one." — Qiang responds — "There have been several reports mentioning a traveling Martial Artist causing ruckus in the city. His behavior was described as aggressive, unstable, and prone to unprovoked violence. He was also rumored to talk to himself out loud and one time even knocked himself out by punching his own face." "We believe he was very close to a Breakout at that time and it triggered when he was in the Inn." *page_break *set suspects false *goto guard_questions #Continue. When you tug on the inn's door, it turns out to be locked. You tilt your head at the guard's captain. "We've closed the building, waiting for someone from the sect to arrive. We didn't touch anything except the corpses, since they already began to rot." — Qiang gestures to his men — "Hand ${YM} the key." The men, however, give each other puzzled glances. "Did you bring it?" "Wasn't you supposed to do it?" "I don't have it." "Me neither." You hear the captain take a deep breath, as he regards the duo with barely contained anger. "Apologies, ${YM}. I'll get someone to bring us the key in half an hour." *choice #"You are a fucking imbecile." You stare at the captain, your gaze full of contempt. "You are a fucking imbecile." — you insult — "How in the world have you become a captain? Are all mortals this [i]moronic?[/i]" The captain bows his head in shame. *page_break Wait Half An Hour #"Alright." "These things happen, captain." — you console him — "Don't beat yourself up about it." The captain, who has already lowered his head in shame, raises it and gives you a surprised smile. "Thank you, ${YM}." *page_break Wait Half An Hour #Kick open the door. "There is no need to wait." — you state and, under the confused gazes of the guards, walk towards the large door. *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "str" 12 *if (stat_check) You kick at the door and the power behind your strike takes it off its hinges. Wooden splinters scatter to the side, as the door itself falls to the ground with a loud thud. With the path now open, you beckon the open-mouthed guards and step inside. *else You attempt to kick at the door, but it proves to be too hardy to bulge: instead, you hurt your foot, stumble and fall. The guards around you do their best to keep themselves from laughing, afraid of drawing your ire. Still, their resolve doesn't extinguish the flames of shame that burn your cheeks ruby. You cough in embarrassment and get up. "We should wait for the key." "Of course, ${YM}." *page_break Wait Half An Hour Interior of the inn appears about how you have expected it to: furniture broken into pieces, bottles fragmented into sharp shards of glass and blood. Blood everywhere: on the walls, on the floor, even, somehow, on the ceiling — as if the inn has suffered through an explosion of a bomb filled with nothing but the crimson liquid. *temp clues_in_lobby true *temp clues_in_barkeep true *temp clues_in_rooms true *label look_for_clues *choice *selectable_if (clues_in_lobby) #Look for clues in the lobby. *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "per" 13 *if (stat_check) While examining the main lobby, you spot a burn residue on some of the broken chairs. Most likely, a fire or lightning-based skill was used during the battle between the murderer and that noble's bodyguard. *else You do your best to examine the main lobby, but fail to spot anything out of the ordinary. *set clues_in_lobby false *page_break *goto look_for_clues *selectable_if (clues_in_barkeep) #Look for clues behind the bar counter. *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "per" 15 *if (stat_check) *gosub_scene cslib_string find history "basic_alchemy_knowledge|" *if (cslib_ret > 0) While rummaging behind the bar counter, you find a small bottle in one of the drawers that contains Paradise Inducing Brew: a very powerful drug-mixture that has a considerable effect even on Peak-Houtian Martial Artists and can be deadly euphoric for ordinary humans. Why would something like this be in a mortal Inn? *set knows_about_drug true *else You find a bottle that, for some reason, seems strange to you: but without knowledge of basic alchemy, you can't quite point out what it is. *else You fail to find anything of note behind the bar counter. *set clues_in_barkeep false *page_break *goto look_for_clues *selectable_if (clues_in_rooms) #Go to the second floor. *set clues_in_rooms false You go up a floor, finding a few dozen bedrooms that now, with the inn closed, remain empty. There are still a few things left from the previous patrons and you can dig through them if you want. *temp steal_gold true *temp floor_2_clues true *label second_floor *choice *selectable_if (steal_gold) #Steal the left-over gold. You are surprised that the guards had not pick-pocketed the coins themselves: Heavens know, the dead do not need them anymore. Without any guilt in your consciousness, you start going room by room, scavenging the luggage and items left over by the people no longer roaming in this world. The guards give you weird glances, clearly not expecting someone of your position to do such a lowly thing, but remain quiet. [b]Gold +1455[/b] *set mc_gold +1455 *set steal_gold false *goto second_floor *selectable_if (floor_2_clues) #Look for clues. *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "per" 15 *if (stat_check) *gosub_scene cslib_string find history "basic_plant_knowledge|" *if cslib_ret > 0 In one of the rooms, you find a stack of Three-Petaled Sunflowers thrown underneath a bed, most likely dropped there by accident. Although this flower has many uses, including medicinal and even nutritious, one of its main properties is the ability to suppress Devil Breakouts. *set knows_about_flower true *else In one of the rooms, you find a peculiar flower thrown underneath a bed, most likely dropped there by accident. It's a shame, however, that you have no knowledge regarding plants and can't figure out what this flower is. *else Nothing catches your attention in the rooms. *set floor_2_clues false *page_break *goto second_floor #Go back. *goto look_for_clues #Leave. "I'm ready to leave." — you say to Qiang. "Alright." — he replies — "Get us if you need anything." What do you want to do next? *temp talk_to_martial_protector true *temp visit_local_alchemists true *label what_to_do_next *if ((not (visit_local_alchemists)) and (not (talk_to_martial_protector))) *page_break *label finding_mo_long Omniscient Shadows is an organization that specifies in gathering information about everything and everyone — if you want to find that Martial Artist, using their services will be your best bet. However, they are expensive and the cost may even be greater than the reward you're going to get for completing this mission. *temp went_to_shadows true *temp went_to_slums true *temp polite_thief false *label ask_around_in_slums You can ask around in the local slums instead. After all, thieves and other petty criminals are the ones who always have to keep their eyes open. *choice *selectable_if (went_to_shadows) #Go to Omniscient Shadows Tower. *set went_to_shadows false While the organization of Omniscient Shadows is covered in a veil of mystery, with no one knowing anything about their roots except them having a Shangtian-level backing, their city branches an epitome of flashiness. Tall, high-reaching towers that loom beyond any other buildings nearby and are impossible to miss. When you enter, a servant girl immediately greets you and guides you to a desk, where a young man is already waiting for you. "Welcome, ${YM} ${mc_name}." — the man says — "We've been expecting you for quite some time now." *choice #"You knew I was going to come here?" Confused, you glance at the man. "You knew I was to going to come here?" — you question. The young man just smiles in response. "Of course. We are also aware of the request you're going to make." — the man hands you a piece of paper. *label information_tiers [i]INFORMATION TIERS[/i] *line_break [i][b]White:[/b] 500 Gold. *line_break [b]Blue:[/b] 2500 Gold. *line_break [b]Yellow:[/b] 10.000 Gold. *line_break [b]Red:[/b] 25.000 Gold. *line_break [b]Gold:[/b] 50.000 Gold. "The question you want to ask, about the location of Mo Long, would be considered Blue-tier request." *choice *selectable_if (mc_gold >= 2500) #Spend the gold. *set mc_gold -2500 You decide that the information is well worth its steep price. [b]GOLD -2500[/b] The young man nods and gives you another piece of paper. [i]Mo Long has built himself a makeshift wooden hut deep inside a nearby forest. He can be found by following these directions…[/i] A map is attached is drawn under the text, one that will easily allow you to locate the rogue martial artist. *temp who_is_mo_long true *temp how_strong_is_mo_long true *temp did_mo_long_kill true *label additional_questions *choice *selectable_if (who_is_mo_long) #"Who is this Mo Long? Where has he come from?" (Tier: Gold) *if mc_gold < 50000 You don't have enough gold to buy this information. *goto additional_questions *set mc_gold -50000 *set who_is_mo_long false This time, the clerk gives you a jade slip. [i]Mo Long — real name Pan Bo, the only son of the Demon Queen and the young master of the entire Heavenly Havoc Sect. Ran away from home for unknown reasons. Appears to be suffering from symbols of the imminent Devil Breakout. Actually, he might have already experienced one — but managed to reign the devil back in. *set knows_mo_long true *goto additional_questions *selectable_if (how_strong_is_mo_long) #"How strong is Mo Long?" (Tier: Blue) *if mc_gold < 2500 You don't have enough gold to buy this information. *goto additional_questions *set mc_gold -2500 *set how_strong_is_mo_long false [i]Mo Long is an Early Houtian, but has been at this stage for only a couple of months. Nevertheless, despite the lack of time for his growth, Mo Long can rival an average same-stage Martial Artist from a Heavenly Sect.[/i] [i]May possess a boosting/transformation skill. Power in a transformed state is unknown.[/i] *goto additional_questions *selectable_if (did_mo_long_kill) #"Was he the one who killed people in the Three Chicken Inn?" (Tier: Yellow) *if mc_gold < 10000 You don't have enough gold to buy this information. *goto additional_questions *set mc_gold -10000 *set did_mo_long_kill false [i]Yes.[/i] *goto additional_questions #Ask some other questions. *temp strongest_martial_artists true *temp most_powerful_skill true *temp most_powerful_artifact true *temp how_many_shangtian true *label additional_questions_1 *choice *selectable_if (strongest_martial_artists) #"Who are the strongest Martial Artists in the world?" (Tier: White) *if mc_gold < 500 You don't have enough gold. *goto additional_questions *set strongest_martial_artists false *set mc_gold -500 [i]The strongest man under the Heavens, the undisputed number one of the Martial World is the Celestial Emperor, Tang Yichen.[/i] [i]Apart from him, there are four Shangtian that stand out from the rest in terms of their power: the Demon Queen, the Monkey God, the Undying Guardian, and the Wandering Saint are all powerhouses amongst powerhouses.[/i] *goto additional_questions_1 *selectable_if (most_powerful_skill) #"Most powerful Martial Skill?" (Tier: White) *if mc_gold < 500 You don't have enough gold. *goto additional_questions *set mc_gold -500 *set most_powerful_skill false [i]It's difficult to name the 'most powerful' technique, as all skills serve their own purpose and are useful for various things. However, the most feared, as well as the most despicable, skill that leaves other Shangtian helpless and unwilling to face its wielder is the 'Monkey Grab', developed and utilized by the Monkey God. *goto additional_questions_1 *selectable_if (most_powerful_artifact) #"Most powerful Artifact?" (Tier: White) *if mc_gold < 500 You don't have enough gold. *goto additional_questions *set mc_gold -500 *set most_powerful_artifact false [i]Without a doubt, this title belongs to the Ancestral Blood Droplet, an artifact so powerful that it has been ensuring the supremacy of the Tangs for more than six thousand years.[/i] *goto additional_questions_1 *selectable_if (how_many_shangtian) #"How many Shangtian are currently alive?" (Tier: Blue) *if mc_gold < 2500 You don't have enough gold. *goto additional_questions *set mc_gold -2500 *set how_many_shangtian false [i]Fifteen.[/i] *goto additional_questions_1 #Go back. *goto additional_questions #Leave. *goto found_mo_long #Leave. *goto ask_around_in_slums #"You were spying on me?!" Angry and confused, you stare the man down. "You were spying on me?!" — you question. The young man just smiles in response. "Of course. Everything you, or anyone else for that matter, do, we know. For example, we are also aware of the request you're going to make." — the man hands you a piece of paper. *goto information_tiers #"It would've been strange if you didn't." "It would have been quite incompetent for you not to." — you say. The young man just smiles in response. "I assure you, we are far from inept. The request you are going to make, for example, is no secret to us." — the man hands you a piece of paper. *goto information_tiers *selectable_if (went_to_slums) #Ask around in local slums instead. *set went_to_slums false In a city protected as well as this one, with multiple Martial Protectors and the influence of a Heavenly Sect keeping the peace, crime is as low as it can be. What still exists is [i]allowed[/i] to do so by the local guards, since dealing with organized criminals is much easier than with rogue ones. Such a system forced local thugs to keep their heads down. Forced them into the shadows, where they have to be able to listen and observe if they want to survive. Having asked Qiang to arrange a meeting with one such thief, you wait in an alley hidden from common sight. *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "per" 13 *if (stat_check) Ten minutes, twenty, half an hour pass before you hear a rustling sound from behind you. You turn around and spot a woman clad in black, almost merging with the shadows, walking your way. She halts for a moment when your eyes meet, surprised that your senses have picked up her steps, before she clasps her hands and bows. *else Ten minutes, twenty, half an hour pass before you feel a tap on your shoulder. Startled, you turn around and see a woman clad in black, almost merging with the shadows, standing right next to you. She wears a mask that covers her face, but you can still [i]feel[/i] her smug expression for being able to sneak up on you. "Greetings, ${YM}." — the woman says — "This one is named Quick Shadow." *choice #"${mc_surname} ${mc_name}. Nice to meet you." "${mc_surname} ${mc_name}. Nice to meet you." — you reply. #"Quick Shadow? Really?" Crossing your arms, you smirk. "Quick Shadow? Really?" — you reply — "Couldn't you pick up something a bit more original?" "A name should be true, not unique." — the woman answers, causing you to shake your head. #"I don't care what your name is." Crossing your arms, you snort. "I don't care what your name is." — you reply with disdain. The thief doesn't react much to your uncovered contempt, but her posture stiffens. "How can I be of service to your noble self?" — she asks. "Have you heard of a man named Mo Long? A rowdy Martial Artist that has arrived in town recently." "I have." — the thief nods — "In fact, I've met him personally." "Great. Do you know where he is now?" The woman doesn't give you an immediate answer: she pauses, her eyes roaming across your face. "May I ask what is it you what with him?" — she finally says, her tone guarded. *choice #"He's my Martial Brother, so I naturally wish to pay him a visit." *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "chr" 14 *if (stat_check) *set polite_thief true The woman seems to be protective of Mo Long — catching onto that, you decide not to disclose the real reason. Instead, you smile disarmingly. "He's a Martial Brother of mine, we're from the same sect." — you lie without missing a beat — "I naturally want to pay him a visit to catch up and talk." You see the thief breathe out in relief. "In that case, I can fulfill your request without reservations. Mo Long saved my life before, so I owe him a debt of gratitude." "Ah, Brother Long being courageous as always. I will be sure to relay him your thanks." — you respond, grateful that you've chosen to hide the truth — "So, where is he staying?" *label mo_long_location "Mo Long is in the forest nearby. He's built a wooden hut for himself there, away from prying eyes." You take out a map from the spatial ring. "Point his location for me." *if (polite_thief) — you order. Quick Shadow does so without a hassle, highlighting the place of Mo Long's temporary residence. "You have my gratitude, Quick Shadow." — you thank her, storing the map back into the ring. "It's no trouble, no trouble." — she waves her hand — "Am I free to go?" "Yes. Farewell." *goto found_mo_long *else — you order — "And don't even think about lying. If I don't find him, I will search for you instead.' Quick Shadow sneers but obeys and highlights the place of Mo Long's temporary residence. *choice #Let her go. *label let_shadow_go "Good. Now be on your way." As soon as she gains your permission, Quick Shadow dashes away and soon disappears into the darkness without a word said. *goto found_mo_long #Kill her. Deciding that keeping the woman alive is a bad idea, you grasp her neck in your hand and [i]twist[/i], snapping the mortal's neck with ease. You don't bother hiding her body, letting it rot on the trash-filled ground. *goto found_mo_long *else The woman seems to be protective of Mo Long — catching onto that, you decide not to disclose the real reason. The only problem is, you fail to do it successfully. "He's a… a Martial Brother of mine, right, we're from the same sect actually!" — you lie, but stutter as you do, and the woman who's seen her share of deceit easily discover your untruth. "I apologize, ${YM}, but I can't fulfill your request in good conscience." "Why is that?" *label mo_long_saved "Mo Long saved my life, so I owe him a debt of gratitude. I can't reveal his location to someone who clearly doesn't have the best intentions." The thief's mind appears to be firmly set and you doubt you can persuade her to change it. *temp bribe_thief true *temp convince_thief true *temp intimidate_thief true *label convince_thief *choice *selectable_if (bribe_thief) #Bribe her. Your spatial ring flashes and a pouch full of gold appears in your hand. "You're a thief, right? And as far as I'm aware, there's nothing thieves like more than the sound of coin." Quick Shadow shakes her head in refusal. "That's usually true." — she says — "But I still have some honor left in me." *set bribe_thief false *goto convince_thief *selectable_if (convince_thief) #"He's dangerous and unstable. He needs to be stopped." "That man is dangerous and is not in control of himself. Who knows how many more innocent mortals he will kill in the near future?" Quick Shadow, however, is still not convinced. "That may be so, but a debt is a debt." *set convince_thief false *goto convince_thief *selectable_if (intimidate_thief) #"Are you willing to die for him?" "Are you willing to die for him?" — you ask — "To give up your life in order to protect him?" "Are you threatening me?" The thief puts a hand on her hip, resting it on a hilt of a dagger attached to her clothes. "I am." — you reply — "And not only you either. I promise you, I will rouse the city guards until they find every last one of you and hunt them down. Whatever friends you have, I'll make sure that they would spend the rest of their lives tucked away in a dungeon." *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "chr" 16 *if (stat_check) Quick Shadow gulps. She thinks, for a moment, before she removes her grasp from the dagger. "Alright. You win." — she dejectedly says. *goto mo_long_location *else "We're thieves. Not dogs that you can command as you wish." — Quick Shadow stays, staring back at you, unafraid. *set intimidate_thief false *goto convince_thief #Grab her and press her against the wall. With a sneer, you pounce forward, grabbing her by her collar and pressing Quick Shadow into a wall. The force of your slam causes her to groan, but the thief refuses to give up without a fight. She raises her leg and knees you into the stomach. *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "con" 11 *if (stat_check) The kick connects with your abdomen but fails to force you into letting go. Instead, you slam her again. "I'll fucking [i]break[/i] you." — you roar, as you lift her from the ground and throw her across the alley into another wall. She struggles to get up and, as you come closer step by step, she tries to crawl backward, hoping to escape: but her attempts prove to be in vain. You put your foot onto her gut. "Ready to talk now?" "Alright." — she coughs out blood — "You win." *goto mo_long_location *else The kick connects with your abdomen and forces you to let go and take a step back. When you come to your senses and look around, Quick Snow is nowhere to be seen. "Heavens damn it!" — you yell, punching the wall with all your strength and producing cracks in the stone. With her gone, you'll need to find another way of locating Mo Long. *goto ask_around_in_slums #Leave. *goto ask_around_in_slums #"He's a murderer that needs to be brought to justice." "He's a murderer that needs to be brought to justice." — you explain, seeing no reason to hide the truth from her — "I was sent here to investigate the recent massacre at the Three Chicken Inn and he seems to be the main suspect." The thief sighs. "He's not that kind of man…" — she tells you — "I'm afraid that I can't fulfill your request in good conscience." "Why is that?" *goto mo_long_saved #"It's none of your business, trash." Who does she thinks she is, questioning you? "It's none of your business, [i]trash[/i]." — you spit — "Tell me what I what to know and do it now." She clenches her fists and takes a deep breath. "No." — she tells you — "I can't fulfill your request in good conscience." "You dare refuse me?!" *goto mo_long_saved #Drop the investigation and leave. *set mission_ending 1 *goto mission_over *choice *if (knows_about_flower) or (knows_about_drug) *selectable_if (visit_local_alchemists) #Visit local alchemists. *set visit_local_alchemists false *if (knows_about_flower) and (knows_about_drug) Neither the Paradise Inducing Brew nor the Three-Petaled Sunflowers are things that should be found in a mortal inn. In fact, the former is so rare and expensive that the local alchemists must remember who recently bought it. *elseif (knows_about_flower) Three-Petaled Sunflower is not something that should be found in a mortal inn. Although it's quite common amongst Martial Artists, perhaps the alchemists would remember who bought it? *elseif (knows_about_drug) Paradise-Inducing Brew is not something that should be found in a mortal inn. In fact, it's so rare the local alchemists must remember who recently bought it. It doesn't take you long to find the street where alchemical shops are located. Most of the big cities in the Celestial Empire have such stores and, although you won't find any top-notch stuff in these places, the pills they sell are plenty enough for low-level Martial Artists and mortals. When you enter one of the shops, perhaps by luck, perhaps by fate, you encounter four other vendors inside, arguing about the price of some elixir. "You are undercutting us, Le Lun!" — one of them yells — "Have you forgotten our agreement?!" "I didn't change anything. It's not my fault you guys lost your best disciples in that explosion and I didn't. In fact, it's [i]your[/i] fault, since you decided not to invite me to participate in the concoction." — the other, you guessing Le Lun, answers, his arms crossed. "Are you really going to hold a grudge? Do you want to wage war against all four of us?" Before their conflict can escalate further, you decide to butt in. *choice #"Excuse me." "Excuse me." — you say, in hopes of attracting their attention — "I have some questions I need to ask you." One of the shopkeepers turns to you and waves his hand. "Get lost kid, we're in the middle of something." He then turns back and continues to argue. *label shopkeeper_choice *choice #"I'm here on the official business of the Heavenly Ascension Sect." Amused by their dismissal, you lean back on the door frame. "I'm here on the official business of the Heavenly Ascension Sect." — you announce — "Might I presume that your little argument is more important than the sect's will?" Now, this declaration quietens them down: all the alchemists immediately change their focus onto you, the name of the sect weighing heavily onto their ears. "What does Heavenly Ascension Sect has to do with the little us?" — Le Lun skeptically asks. *label looking_for_massacre "I'm sure that all of you've heard about the murders in the Three Chicken Inn?" — you explain — "I'm looking for the perpetrator of the massacre." "And how are we connected to this?" *if (knows_about_flower) and (knows_about_drug) "I need you to tell me who've bought Three-Petaled Sunflowers and Paradise Inducing Brew recently." *elseif (knows_about_flower) "I need you to tell me who've bought Three-Petaled Sunflowers recently." *elseif (knows_about_drug) "I need you to tell me who's bought Paradise Inducing Brew recently." "We don't disclose such information." — one alchemist says — "It will hurt our reputation too much, people won't feel safe buying from us, knowing that we may leak their identities afterwards." *temp tried_to_deal true *label deal_with_shopkeepers *choice *selectable_if (tried_to_deal) #"How about I compensate you for your troubles?" You nod politely, understanding very well that the tough front they put up is merely a ruse, their ethical adherence nothing more than a die-hard habit of a merchant's way of life. These men will try to negotiate, no matter the situation. "Of course, of course, I understand." — you reply — "How about I compensate for the damages my question will incur?" The alchemists glance at each other, their expressions unwittingly revealing hints of their cunningness. "Since it concerns the matters of the Heavenly Ascension Sect, then, of course, we will be willing to compromise. For [b]600[/b] Gold, we will tell you what we know." *choice *selectable_if (mc_gold >= 600) #"Deal." "This should suffice." — you say, handing them a pouch of gold — "It's your turn to uphold our deal now." "Of course, ${YM}. We will answer whatever questions you have." — they reply, their eyes greedily scanning the bag. *label shopkeepers_answer *set can_proceed true *if (knows_about_flower) "Do any of you sell Three-Petaled Sunflowers?" "We do." — answers Le Lun — "It's a vital plant for Martial Artists, after all." *temp what_are_uses true *label who_bought_it *choice *selectable_if (what_are_uses) #"What are the uses of it?" "The main use of Three-Petaled Sunflowers is their ability to calm the mind and suppress emotions. Each petal carries the warmth of the Sun itself, allowing others to experience the celestial embrace." "Three-Petaled Sunflowers are commonly encountered in recipes related to comprehension, enlightenment, and, of course, the suppression of the mental devils." *set what_are_uses false *goto who_bought_it #"Can you tell me who bought it?" *set talked_to_alchemists true "Can you tell me who bought it?" "Usually, we wouldn't be able to. Dozens of people come and buy Three-Petaled Sunflowers each day." — one of the shopkeepers says — "But… there was a guy a couple weeks ago, who came to all our shops and bought out the whole stock in every single one." "Yeah, I remember him." — Le Lun adds — "He threw money like it was nothing, didn't even try to negotiate when I set the price fifty percent above what it should've been." "He seemed desperate, even." "What did he look like?" — you question. "Young, somewhere in his early twenties. Covered in clothes from head to toe, in a hood, with long dark hair spilling out from underneath it. He was disheveled, unkempt, and spoke in an abrupt, nervous manner." *set knows_about_mo_long true "Do you know where he is now?" Le Lun shakes his head. "No idea. We haven't met him since. But if you want to find someone in this city, you should go to the nearby branch of the Omniscient Shadows." *if (knows_about_drug) "And what about Paradise Inducing Brew?" "We don't sell that here." — Le Lun answers — "In fact, I doubt anyone in this city would own such a rarity. Some Martial s might, but that should be about it." Having got everything that you needed to know, you leave the shop. *goto what_to_do_next #"No deal." "You asking for too much." — you say, shaking your head. "If you are not willing to reimburse us, we won't be willing to answer your questions." *set tried_to_deal false *goto deal_with_shopkeepers *selectable_if (tried_to_deal) #"I wasn't asking." You snort and fix them with your authoritative, dominant gaze. "I wasn't asking." — you say, the implicit order in your voice as clear as the sky in a cloudless sky. *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "chr" 14 *if (stat_check) The shopkeepers gulp, their mercantile hearts catching up with their rationality: remembering your surname and your sect, they mellow down. "Of course, ${YM}. We will answer whatever you want us to answer." *goto shopkeepers_answer *else The shopkeepers, however, are not so easy to intimidate. "Get out of here, kid." — they say, not impressed with your persona and not cowered by your presence. *set tried_to_deal false *goto deal_with_shopkeepers #Slap one of the shopkeepers. "Insolent country bumpkins." — you spit and, with a casual motion, backhand one of the alchemists, causing him to tumble and fall — "You will do what I say and you will do so without complaint. Or are the four of your willing to go against my Heavenly Ascension Sect?" The shopkeepers lower their heads. "Of course, ${YM}. We will answer whatever you want us to answer." *goto shopkeepers_answer #Leave. Helpless, you leave without finding out any new information. *goto what_to_do_next #"You dare to turn your back on me? Do you know who I am?!" "You dare to turn your back on me?" — you snort as you raise your voice — "Bunch of peasants, do you know who I am?" "Enlighten us." — one shopkeeper sneers. "${mc_surname} ${mc_name} of the Heavenly Ascension Sect." Now, this declaration quietens them down: all the alchemists immediately change their focus onto you, the names you declared weighing heavily onto their ears. Le Lun, the shopkeeper upon whom the others have ganged up, immediately smiles and bows. "Ah, so sorry ${YM}, we apologize profusely for our mistake. How can we help you?" *goto looking_for_massacre #Break a showcase. Sneering, you walk up to one of the showcases, full of various elixirs and pills, gather your hand into a fist and punch through the glass, shattering it into pieces. The loud noise quietens the shopkeepers down before the one named Le Lun erupts with a shout. "What are you doing, bastard?!" "I'm here on behalf of the Heavenly Ascension Sect." — you say and your response immediately cleanses his rage, like cold water extinguishing a flame. Le Lun hurriedly bows in greeting. "I apologize for my mistake, ${YM}. How can this humble one can help you?" *goto looking_for_massacre #"Hey, old farts." "Hey, old farts." — you say — "Keep yapping and answer my questions." One of the shopkeepers turns to you and waves his hand. "Shut the fuck up, kid, and get lost." He then turns back and continues to argue. *goto shopkeeper_choice *selectable_if (talk_to_martial_protector) #Talk to the Martial Protector from He Clan. *set talk_to_martial_protector false Since the He Clan is involved, you decide it'd be a good idea to talk to the local representative of the family — perhaps he knows something that he was unwilling to disclose to a random mortal guard. Every city of considerable size has an envoy — graciously called 'Martial Protector' — from each of the major clans stationed there. Usually, they are people not talented enough to join a Heavenly Sect and advance in the martial path, but either fiercely loyal to the family or born to a powerful figure. It's an easy job, without much responsibility yet allowing the otherwise insignificant men and women to live like small-time tyrants. When you arrive at the door of the He Clan's envoy, you can't help but notice how much larger and more lavish the house is compared to your accommodations back in the sect. A big, three-story building with a guard standing at the entrance and, no doubt, a bunch of servants running around inside — it's easy to understand why many falter in the Jianghu and retire, living in luxury instead of in a constant struggle. The guard halts you when come close. He doesn't say anything, just looks at you, expectantly, as if he can't be bothered to even ask you your name and purpose. *choice #"I'm here to see He Tuchan. Let me through." I'm here to see He Tuchan. Let me through." "Is he expecting you?" — the guard lazily asks. "No." Your answer causes the guard to sigh and roll his eyes. "Name?" "${mc_surname} ${mc_name}". You see realization flash across his eyes — the guard may not know you personally, but your surname is famous enough. "Please, ${YM}, follow me." *label guard_takes_you The guard takes you through the house, up to the highest floor, allowing you to get a good look at its interior. *label styled_house The place has been decorated with style: it's nowhere as expensive as, for example, the mansion of your clan, but whoever designed the building had good taste. Spacious halls, large windows with a good view, and paintings of various kinds hanging on the walls. One of them, with the most lavish frame, is the Martial Protector's own portrait. Probably the gaudiest thing in the entire building. When you ascend to the third floor, you find the door to the main room already opened. It reveals a study, with a man in his fifties sitting behind a wide desk. He lifts his head and gives you a welcoming smile. "Come in, ${YM} ${mc_name}." You do so, taking a seat in front of him. You… *choice #Give him a slight greeting bow. You give the Martial Protector a slight bow in greeting — the man's stronger than you, by a not a little amount either, so it's only proper to adhere to the customs of conduct. Seeing your politeness, the Martial Protector nods in satisfaction. "I'm He Tuchan." — he introduces himself — "And you, I presume, are ${YM} ${mc_name}. It's always a pleasure for old men like me to meet with the heroes of the new generation." "The pleasure is all mine, Senior." — you reply — "I'm here about the murders at the Three Chicken Inn." #Give him a greeting nod. Although the man is no doubt stronger than you, you don't feel that the difference in your status is drastic enough to force you into giving him a customary bow. A nod would serve instead. The Martial Protector's eyes narrow a little, but he doesn't reprise you. "I'm He Tuchan." — the Martial Protector introduces himself — "And you, I presume, is ${mc_name}. I've heard some things about you. What is it you've come for?" *label normal_he_tuchan "I'm here about the murders at the Three Chicken Inn." — you reply. #Throw your legs onto the table. This Martial Protector is nothing more than a piece of trash who couldn't cut it in the Martial World. Why in the world would be polite to a useless wastrel? You slump into the seat, put your hands behind your hand and throw your legs onto the table. The Martial Protector's eyes narrow as he speaks. "The young are always so insolent." — he reprises — *if (hurt_guard) "Not only do you lack the decency to show me the least of respect, but you also allow yourself to hurt one of my own. Leave. I will not entertain you." The Martial Protector stands up and, although his stature is far from impressive, the smallest hint of a semi-formed aura emitted by his body gives you pause. *label fight_protector_var *temp dare_to_away true *label fight_protector *choice *selectable_if (dare_to_away) #"You dare to turn me away?" "Do you know who I am?" — you angrily retort. First that guard, now this old man: where do these peasants get their confidence from? "I do." — the Martial Protector answers, his attitude unflinching — "But I'm not someone that a kid like you can push around either. Leave now, I will not repeat myself." *set dare_to_away false *goto fight_protector #Huff and leave. Understanding that this man is not someone you can take, you stand up, turn around and leave with a huff. You will have to find other leads. *goto what_to_do_next #Try and attack him. *label attack_protector A dangerous glint flickers across your eyes as you, in one swift motion, jump up from the chair and strike at the Martial Protector's throat. *label attack_protector_2 Caught off-guard by your lack of common sense, the Martial Protector is unable to dodge — only raise his arms for a block. But that proves to be more than enough, as your punch doesn't even force him to take a step back. "Fucking brat." — the Martial Protector spits — "Let me teach you a lesson." The old man [i]flips[/i] over the table, his body moving with a grace contradictory to his apparent age, spins, and elbows you right in the face. His speed too fast for you to evade, the attack drops you to the ground without a chance to resist. Then, a foot connects with your face, rattling your brain. *gosub_scene subroutines add_injury 2 *gosub_scene subroutines add_injury 5 He doesn't let you get up: kicking and kicking you until he grows bored of the beating and picks you up by your collar. "You dare raise your hand at me? ME? For brazen fools like you, I have a special way out." With one hand, as if your body weighed nothing more than a feather, the Martial Protector [i]tosses[/i] into the window. In an uncontrollable tumble, you shatter the glass and instantly feel its sharp pieces pierce your skin. *gosub_scene subroutines add_injury 3 Dropped from the third floor, your journey to the ground is a fast, yet extremely painful endeavor as you hit the pavement with a loud thud. The Martial Protector follows you, leaping through the air with ease. He comes near you and puts his foot on top of your leg. "It's a shame I can't kill you." — he sneers — "But I can certainly leave a reminder." He presses into your leg and the bone [i]breaks[/i]. *gosub_scene subroutines add_injury 4 "Don't ever come fucking back." [b]You sustained critical injuries and will have to return to the sect. Your mission will be considered a failure.[/b] *set mission_ending 2 *goto mission_over *else "Comes with being naive and ignorant, I suppose." *choice #"I'm not ignorant. You just don't deserve my respect." You chuckle. "You are wrong, Martial Protector whatever-your-name-is. I'm far from naive: someone like you just is worthy of neither my respect nor my politeness." The Martial Protector stands up and, although his stature is far from impressive, the smallest hint of a semi-formed aura emitted by his body gives you pause. "Leave. I will not entertain you." *goto fight_protector_var #Sit quietly. "I'm He Tuchan." — the Martial Protector introduces himself — "Speak. What is it you've come for?" *goto normal_he_tuchan #"Let me pass, dog." You give the guard a glance full of contempt. A mere servant dares to be this arrogant in front of you? "Out of the way." — you impatiently order — "I have better things to do than waste my time speaking to a [i]dog[/i]." The guard, as if awakened from a slumber by your insult, grabs onto the hilt of his sword and pulls it out. His movements are no longer as lazy and as sluggish as they were before. "What did you say, you bastard?! State your name, right this instance!" *choice #"${mc_surname} ${mc_name}." "I'm ${mc_surname} ${mc_name}." — you reply, crossing your arms together and smirking at his horrified expression. The guard may not know you personally, but your surname is famous enough. He immediately sheathes his blade and gives you a bow. *label guard_apologize "I apologize, ${YM}. This one has eyes yet still failed to recognize Mount Tai." "Consider yourself lucky I'm too busy to pursue this offense." "Of course, of course." — he says, not daring to raise his voice without your permission. "Lead me to your master." *goto guard_takes_you #"Or what?" You cross your arms and stare at him in a challenge. "Or what?" — you say — "Are you going to poke me with that stick you so clumsily wield?" *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "chr" 13 *if (stat_check) You see the guard gulp. Your confidence, your nonchalance intimidates him to the point where he can't even muster the courage to raise his blade. He sheathes it, instead, and give you a bow. *goto guard_apologize *else The guard snorts. "Let's see if you would consider it clumsy when my blade sticks out from your gut!" He thrusts the sword towards you — an action that, in your eyes, appears to be beyond slow. With ease, you step to the side and strike at his wrist, causing the blade to drop from his grasp. Then, you put one leg behind him and press into his upper chest, tripping him to the ground. *label stomp_head *choice #Stomp on his head. *set hurt_guard true For a good measure, you raise your leg and stomp on his head, causing him to immediately go unconscious. Casually, you step over his limp body and enter the house. #Step inside. "Don't get up." — you command, as you step over his body and enter the house. The Martial Protector's room should be at the highest floor, which allows you to get a good look at the house's interior. *goto styled_house #Enough of this — push him away. *label push_guard With a snort, you put a hand onto his chest and [i]push[/i]. The guard flies backwards, his back hitting the wall and he lets out an audible groan. *goto stomp_head #Shove him to the side. *goto push_guard "What about them?" — He Tuchan asks — "This matter happened so long ago, I was sure it was already dealt with." "It wasn't." — you say — "The murderer is still at large. In fact, we still don't know who did it." "The Ascension Sect is as effective as usual, I see." — He Tuchan chuckles — "Well, whatever it is you want to know, ask away. Just be quick." *temp heard_rumors true *temp why_no_help true *temp what_mp_do true *label asking_tuchan *choice *selectable_if (heard_rumors) #"Have you heard the rumors about an overly aggressive Martial Artist in the city?" *set heard_rumors false "Have you heard the rumors about an overly aggressive Martial Artist in the city?" "You will have to be more specific. Aren't most Martial Artists overly aggressive?" "It was a man, rumored to be close to a Breakout. Unstable, mad even." — you clarify. "Ah." — He Tuchan replies and takes a sip of a steaming tea — "Yes, there was such a thing a few weeks ago. One of us would've been sent to deal with him if the boy hadn't disappeared without a trace." Martial Protector sips his beverage again. "By one of us, I meant one of the Martial Protectors." *temp how_looked true *temp how_strong true *temp could_massacre true *label tuchan_rumors *choice *selectable_if (how_looked) #"What did he look like?" *set can_proceed true "Give me a second." He Tuchan opens a drawer in his desk, rummages through it for a minute or two, before he finds a piece of paper and hands it to you. *comment set knows about murderer appearance A hooded young man, with a half-dazed, half-crazed look in his eyes stares at you from the drawing. A writing is underneath the portrait: [i]Mo Long. Wanted by the Heavenly Havoc Sect.[/i] "Wanted by the Heavenly Havoc Sect? What for?" — you query. He Tuchan, however, simply shrugs. "Don't know, don't care." *set how_looked false *page_break *goto tuchan_rumors *selectable_if (how_strong) #"How strong was he?" He Tuchan pauses, his expression becomes pondering. "A strong Early-Houtian, if I'm not mistaken. On par, if not better, than the ones in the Heavenly Sects." "That's absurd for a loose practitioner." "I've also found it strange that someone of such talent was wandering by himself, but everyone has their own story." *set how_strong false *page_break *goto tuchan_rumors *selectable_if (could_massacre) #"Could he have been the one to cause the massacre?" "A very possible scenario." — nods He Tuchan — "He thrashed a small restaurant just after he arrived and crippled a few young masters a week later. I wouldn't be surprised if he lost control over himself entirely." *page_break *set could_massacre false *goto tuchan_rumors #"I want to ask something else." *goto asking_tuchan *selectable_if (why_no_help) #"Why didn't you help with the investigation? A member of the He Clan was involved, after all." *set why_no_help false At this, He Tuchan snorts. "She was my niece." — he reveals, his face not showing even an ounce of pity or regret: only endless contempt — "But I did not consider her to be either from my clan or from my family. The brat wanted independence, but she never even considered that freedom comes with a steep price." "What did she do?" "She [i]disobeyed[/i]." — He Tuchan hisses — "Met somebody during a trip and fell helplessly in love. She exchanged the people who gave birth to her, who brought her up for some punk." "Was the He Clan pursuing her?" He Tuchan meets your gaze, the look in his eyes cold and vengeful. "No. We let her be." *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "per" 14 *if (stat_check) *set seen_through_tuchan true He's lying. You are not sure about what, but you are certain he is not telling you the truth — at least, not to its full extent. *choice #Press him. Unflinching under his stare, you fold your arms and tilt your head. "Why are you lying to me, Martial Protector?" "What?" — your question startles him. He Tuchan clearly hasn't expected you to catch his deception and then point it out so boldly right to his face. He thinks about denying it at first, of conjuring up another lie, but your conviction is firm and he gives up such attempts. *if (working_for_he) He Tuchan sighs and slumps into his seat. "Alright." — he says and gives you a hesitating look — "Correct me if I'm wrong, ${YM} ${mc_name}, but I've heard that you are now a part of my He Clan. Is that true?" "It is." — you nod. "Then I will reveal this matter to you. I trust you won't leak it later on, as such a rumor going around will hurt our family's reputation." You once again nod. "The girl who died, He Musha, was always a rebellious child. She talked back to her elders, disobeyed their orders at every opportunity she got. However, she was still sensible. She knew her limits and knew when she had to come to her senses. Until she met [i]that[/i] guy." "[i]Mo Long.[/i]" *if (knows_about_mo_long) It doesn't take you long to connect the name with the same one written underneath the portrait He Tuchan had shown you. "Mo Long? The same rogue, near-breakout Martial Artist Mo Long?" "Yes." — He Tuchan affirms — "We have no idea who he is, besides the name of that bastard. He came out of nowhere and seduced He Musha, brainwashed her into forsaking her own family for some childish 'love'." "We had an engagement with one of the Young Masters from Su Clan lined for her. Su Clan! Do you know how much face we lost when she ran away, how much embarrassment we've suffered because of her?!" *fake_choice #"Go on." "Still, we were ready to take her back. She's our flesh and blood, after all." — continues He Tuchan — "But they disappeared. Vanished, Heavens knows where." #"So you killed her?" "I'm not that heartless." — he shakes his head — "We were ready to take her back. She was our flesh and blood, after all. But they disappeared. Vanished, Heavens knows where." #"What did you do?" "Don't give me that look. We were ready to take her back. She's our flesh and blood, after all." — continues He Tuchan — "But they disappeared. Vanished, Heavens knows where." "Until a couple of weeks ago, I've got news that someone matching the description of Mo Long was seen in the city, asking for devil-suppressing drugs." He Tuchan loudly exhales. "I wanted revenge on the boy, do you understand? I wanted him to [i]suffer[/i] for the shame he brought." "I hired one of the workers in the inn and swapped Mo Long's tea with Paradise Inducing Brew. Coupled with his unstable mental state, there was no doubt he'll go completely insane." "Why not just kill him?" He Tuchan chuckles. "Because a Breakout is worse than death. Imagine, being conscious and aware, yet without any control over your own body. Lost, held hostage inside your skin. Forced to watch, as the devil inside you destroys everything you hold dear. That's what a Breakout is." "I succeeded too. It's just… He Musha wasn't supposed to die." *choice #"Something went wrong?" "Yes, it did." — He Tuchan answers — "One of my men was sent to capture her and bring her back it's just… We didn't expect her to break through and become a Martial Artist. She overpowered him and when she learned about Mo Long's fate, she rushed to his help, hoping to shake him awake." "But in his maddened state… He tore that idiotic girl to pieces as soon as she arrived…" "As for Mo Long himself… People don't usually rouse back once possessed. But he did. He reigned back the devil, took control of himself, and fled somewhere where I can't find him." #"Oh really?" "I'm many things, but I'm not a kinslayer." — He Tuchan answers — "One of my men was sent to capture her and bring her back, it's just… We didn't expect her to breakthrough and become a Martial Artist. She overpowered him and when she learned about Mo Long's fate, she rushed to his help, hoping to shake him awake." "But in his maddened state… He tore that idiotic girl to pieces as soon as she arrived…" "As for Mo Long himself… People don't usually rouse back once possessed. But he did. He reigned back the devil, took control of himself, and fled somewhere where I can't find him." #"Enough with this pointless talk. Where is Mo Long now? "I don't know." — He Tuchan answers — "People don't usually rouse back once possessed. But he did. He reigned back the devil, took control of himself, and fled somewhere where I can't find him." "You need to do it, ${YM} ${mc_name}." — pleads the Martial Protector — "Or, once he grows up, he will for sure be an enemy of our He Clan." *set knows_truth true *set history &"knows_mo_long|" *choice #"You are a disgusting piece of shit." You cross your arms and look at him with contempt. "You are a disgusting piece of shit, you know that?" — you say — "Not only you sought revenge on a boy a hundred years your junior, you did it in such a vile way as well." "And for what? For falling in love with your niece? That was your reason for this madness?" He Tuchan snorts. "Don't preach morality to me. You betrayed your own ancestors for some benefits my Patriarch had offered. Do you think yourself qualified to judge me?" "At least I'm not a petty asshole." — you spit back. "Whatever." — replies the Martial Protector — "Find and kill him, before he vanishes completely." #"What's in it for me?" You cross your arms and look at him with contempt. "What's in it for me?" "Isn't this your Sect Mission? What more do you want?" "Some compensation for your fuck up would be nice." *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "chr" 14 *if (stat_check) "Alright. Just find him before he causes any more trouble, okay?" He Tuchan hands you a pouch of gold and sends you on your way. *set mc_gold +5000 [b]Gold +5000[/b] *else "Fuck off. Go and do your job." — He Tuchan refuses and sends you on your way. #"Your sloppiness amazes me." You cross your arms and look at him with contempt. "Your sloppiness amazes me." — you ridicule — "How someone as stupid as you managed to live for so long?" "Fuck off." — He Tuchan replies and sends you on your way — "Go and do your job. Find him before he causes any more trouble." #"You've made this problem, you deal with it." You cross your arms and look at him with contempt. "You've made this problem." — you say — "You deal with it yourself." He Tuchan chuckles. "See, it's not [i]my[/i] problem. It's our problem." — he replies — "Isn't your surname now a 'He' as well? Then you surely will have to help your fellow clansman. So quit whining and go do your job. Find the guy before he causes any more trouble." *goto dialogue_end *else "Get out." — he says — "I have no obligation to answer to a kid like you." *choice #Leave. Sneering, you get up from the chair and leave, not bothering to say a farewell. *goto what_to_do_next #Continue pressing him. "I'm not going anywhere until you tell me what is going on here." Your answer causes He Tuchan to sneer and stand up from his. He grabs you by your robe and pulls you closer. "When I say leave, you [i]leave[/i], boy.". He pushes you forward, causing you to tumble and fall. *choice #Punch him. A dangerous glint flickers across your eyes as you, in one swift motion, jump up from the ground and strike at the Martial Protector's throat. *goto attack_protector_2 #Leave. You get up, pat your clothes and leave, understanding quite well that you are far from the Martial Protector's match. *goto what_to_do_next #Let it go. You decide to let the lie go, unwilling to provoke a man you have no chance to beat. "Alright." — you say — "I have something else I want to ask you." *page_break *goto asking_tuchan *else "Alright." — you say — "I have something else I want to ask you." *page_break *goto asking_tuchan *selectable_if (what_mp_do) #"What is it that Martial Protectors do?" *set what_mp_do false "We embody two roles at once: we are both guards and envoys." — He Tuchan replies — "We defend the city against any threats that mortals cannot deal with, be they bestial or human in nature, while also serving as liaisons for our clans' wills." *page_break *goto asking_tuchan #"That's all. Goodbye." "Thank you for your time, Martial Protector." — you say, clasping your hands — "I'll be going now." "Good luck in your investigation." *label dialogue_end *page_break *goto what_to_do_next *if (can_proceed) #Proceed with the investigation. *goto finding_mo_long *else #Admit your failure and return to the sect. *set mission_ending 1 *goto mission_over *label found_mo_long *page_break Next day, at dawn, you travel to where Mo Long is supposed to be. He has hidden well, his dwelling probably impossible to find without knowing the exact location, but after making your way through the tall trees and overgrown bushes, you finally arrive at a small clearing. A hut stands there, a wooden, single-story building that probably wouldn't even withstand wind of any significant strength. A mat sits cross-legged on its roof, absorbing the light of the morning sun. He has broad shoulders and seems tall, but his body is thin, frame slim, with bones poking out from underneath the skin — as if any kind of excess vitality has been sucked out dry. Underneath him, three men and a woman, their necks cleanly slit, lay dead on the ground After a minute, the man opens his eyes and stares right at you. "Another one?" Mo Long stands up, straightening out his long legs, and jumps down from the roof, light as a feather. He walks towards you and as he comes closer, his inhuman features start becoming clear: red, thick veins pulsate all over his body; his eyes are bloodshot, the whites are replaced with crimson; his fingers and nails are enormously long, more resembling claws than actual hands. His expression is cold. Emotionless. "So? What are you waiting for? Come, kill me if you dare." *choice #"Were you the one who massacred mortals in the Three Chicken Inn?" "Were you the one who massacred mortals in the Three Chicken Inn?" — you ask. Mo Long nods, without any change in his countenance. "Yes. Seventeen men and women, helpless mortals, I killed them all. Tore them apart, ripped them into pieces with my own hands." — he says and you get a feeling that he's [i]taunting[/i] you, provoking you into attacking him. *choice #"Why did you do it?" "Why did you do it?" "Do I need a reason to slaughter some sheep?" — Mo Long replies — "Let's say I was bored. Good enough for you?" *choice #"No. It can't be that simple." "No." — you shake your head — "It can't be that simple. People don't just kill dozens for no reason at all." *label cant_be_simple *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "per" 14 *if (stat_check) For a moment, he falters and a flicker of pain flashes across his face. A savage grimace replaces it soon after, however. "Naive backwater trash. You don't want to fight? You have no choice!" *goto attacked_by_mo_long #"Fine. You want to fight? Let's fight." *goto attack_mo_long *if (knows_truth) #"I know that you were drugged." *label know_you_were_drugged "I know that it wasn't your fault. I know that you were drugged." "I have no idea what nonsense you speak of." — he answers — "But it doesn't matter. I know I was the one who murdered them. I was the one who murdered [i]her[/i]…" *goto attacked_by_mo_long #"How can you be so cruel?" "They were humans, just like we are. They breathed, they talked, they [i]felt[/i]. How you can be so cruel?" *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "per" 14 *if (stat_check) For a moment, he falters and a flicker of pain flashes across his face. A savage grimace replaces it soon after, however. "Naive backwater trash. You will not go far in this world if you'd care about every little mortal you meet." *goto attacked_by_mo_long #"Enough. Time to pay for your crimes." *label enough_talk "Enough talk." — you state — "It's time for you to pay for your crimes." "Finally." — Mo Long says — "I was beginning to think you were too much of a coward to fight me." *goto attack_mo_long #"And now you'll suffer the same fate." You chuckle. "Now you will suffer the same fate. You see, to me, you are just as insignificant." "Oh?" — Mo Long says — "[i]Prove it.[/i]" *goto attack_mo_long #"Calm down. I'm not here to fight you." "Calm down." — you say — "I'm not here to fight you." Mo Long glances at you, confused. "Then what have you come for?" *choice *if (knows_truth) #"I know that you were drugged." *goto know_you_were_drugged #"I want to know why you did what you did." "I want to know you did what you did. People don't just kill dozens for no reason at all." *goto cant_be_simple #"I want to help you." "I want to help you. Whatever it is that you're struggling with, I want to help you deal with it." Mo Long, however, just sneers. "The only thing I'm struggling with is your pathetic whining. Enough of this." *goto attacked_by_mo_long #"You are a foul beast who has lost his own humanity." Seeing him up close, you can't help but shake your head. "Not only have you lost your humanity on the inside, you even resemble a beast on the exterior." Your remark causes him to smile. To give you a distant, impassive grin. "Are you scared?" — he says, pointing to the corpses behind him — "You should be." *goto enough_talk #"Damn, you are one ugly bastard." Seeing him up close, you can't help but laugh. "Damn, you are one ugly bastard." Your remark causes him to smile. To give you a distant, impassive grin. "Have you come here to fight or insult me?" "Can't I do both?" — you innocently reply. *goto attack_mo_long #Attack him. *label attack_mo_long You gather your Inner Energy into your fist a lightning-quick punch that catches Mo Long right in the jaw. He staggers, but recovers after a second and chuckles. "That's all?" — he says as he spits out a mouthful of blood. *label attacked_by_mo_long *gosub_scene subroutines set_enemy_stats 15 15 13 14 14 "early" "Incomplete Heavenly Asura Transformation" Mo Long throws away his robe, revealing a torso [i]riddled[/i] with deep, abhorrent scars that cover most of his skin. He then looks straight into your eyes, his detached, deadpan gaze chilling your soul. "[b]Human Weapon Art — Piercing Claw[/b]! " — Mo Long yells, his hand glowing red, and strikes at your throat. He doesn't hold back, attacking with an obvious intent to kill. *choice #Duck underneath it. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "agi" "" 0 *if (stat_check) You duck underneath the claw, your ears catching the whooshing sound of the air being sliced apart, and retaliate with a powerful blow to his gut. Oxygen knocked out of him, Mo Long bends over from the force of your punch and you take this opportunity to… *else You attempt to duck underneath the claw, but Mo Long's attack moves far faster than your body: you barely manage to pull back when his finger blades attack your neck. *label first_attack_check *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "con" "str" 0 *if (stat_check) They fail to rupture your skin, producing a clang as if clawing at metal instead. *else They rupture your skin, causing blood to pour from the wound. *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health 2 *gosub_scene subroutines add_injury 3 You retaliate with a powerful blow to his gut. Oxygen knocked out of him, Mo Long bends over from the force of your punch and you take this opportunity to… #Catch it. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "str" "" 0 *if (stat_check) As his claw comes close to your face, you grip his wrist with your hand, halting the attack in place. Then, you retaliate with a powerful blow to his gut. Oxygen knocked out of him, Mo Long bends over from the force of your punch and you take this opportunity to… *else As his claw comes close to your face, you attempt to grip it with your hand but lack the strength to halt the attack in place. His finger blades strike at your neck. *goto first_attack_check #Block it. You raise your arms in an attempt to block the attack with your sturdiness alone. *goto first_attack_check *label second_attack *choice #Spin-kick him in the face. You take a step back, spin and let out a kick aimed at his head. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check_double "str" "agi" "agi" 1 *if (stat_check) Mo Long tries to jump backwards, but your attack is too fast, too strong as it breaks through his block and topples him to the ground. *label before_mount Before you can get into a mount, however, he kicks you in the chest, puts his hands above his head, and flips himself over, getting back onto his feet. *else Mo Long jumps backwards, avoiding your attack, and kicks you in the chest himself, toppling you to the ground. *label instead_mount *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health 2 With a groan, you get up before he can attack once more. #Throw him to the ground. You grab his arm with yours, take a step forward and twist your hips. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "str" "" 1 *if (stat_check) Mo Long is lifted off the ground for a second before you brutally slam him back into the solid earth, his head bouncing off the scattered rocks. *goto before_mount *else Mo Long, however, frees himself of your grasp and kicks you in the bead instead, toppling you to the ground. *goto instead_mount #Sweep his legs from underneath him. You crouch, placing one hand on the ground for support, and sweep at his legs. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "agi" "" 1 *if (stat_check) Mo Long doesn't manage to react before he topples to the solid earth, his head bouncing off the scattered rocks. *goto before_mount *else Mo Long jumps, avoiding your attacks, and knees you right in the face, toppling you to the solid earth. *goto instead_mount #[i]Skills/Items[/i]. *gosub_scene skill_menu *goto second_attack *set skill_used false A very familiar to you light is emitting from Mo Long's finger when his spatial ring flashes and two daggers appear in his hands. He throws them into the air, leans forward and catches the blades by their hilts in a reverse grip. "[b]Thunder Viper Art — Zig-Zag Serpent![/b]" Mo Long accelerates, his body discharging sparks of electricity as he starts dashing left and right, before striking your stomach. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "agi" "" 1 *if (stat_check) You turn to the side and evade the blade, but Mo Long has no intention of stopping as he darts from side to side again until he unleashes another attack, aimed right at your heart. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "agi" "" 2 *if (stat_check) You tilt yourself backwards, your back bent at an almost straight angle and dodge once more — but instead of stopping, Mo Long jumps in the air, reaching dozens of feet in height. *label lightning_descends [b]"Thunder Viper Art — Lightning Descends!"[/b] Lightning appears around Mo Long's body, coiling around it like a dozen of snakes, until he transforms into a bolt of pure thunder and descends downwards, his blades ready to tear apart your flesh. *choice #Cross your arms in a block. You cross your arms together and plant your feet firmly into the ground, ready to withstand the power of his skill. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "con" "str" 1 *if (stat_check) You can feel the sharp edges trying their best to pierce your rock-like skin, but they fail to even leave a scratch despite being boosted by the elemental force. They harmlessly rebound from your arms instead, which allows you to finally stop this lightning madness by planting a heavy punch right to Mo Long's temple that sends him tumbling right into the dirt. *else Your resilience proves to be inadequate as the sharp edges plunge deep into your skin. But the blades do much more than simply cut: you can feel lightning erupt from the steel, wrecking your body from the inside; you can [i]smell[/i] burnt meat, as the daggers electrocute you without mercy. *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health 6 "AARGH!" — you scream as you pull out the knives and headbutt Mo Long with all your might. #Meet hit head-on. Instead of waiting for Mo Long to reach you, you squat and leap up to meet him head-on. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "str" "" 1 *if (stat_check) You grab his arms before the electrified blades hit you, and then, using all of your might, you flip the both of you in the air and throw Mo Long tumbling right into the dirt. *else You attempt to grab his arms before the blades hit you, but fail to prevent them from plunging deep inside your skin. The sharp edges do much more than simply cut: you can feel lightning erupt from the steel, wrecking your body from the inside; you can [i]smell[/i] burnt meat, as the daggers electrocute you alive. *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health 6 "AARGH!" — you scream as you pull out the knives and headbutt Mo Long with all your might, which sends him tumbling right into the dirt. #Void Step. *gosub_scene subroutines skill_exhaustion mc_defensive_2_cost "" "defensive_2" You take a deep breath, closing your eyes and expanding your senses in search of the ever-cold, yet nevertheless familiar void. You guide the Inner Energy inside your abdomen, forcing your body to merge with the nothingness until it vanishes from this plane completely. When you reappear, you are behind Mo Long, watching as his attack strikes nothing but empty air. You kick him in the back, causing him to tumble right into the dirt. #Celestial Shell. *gosub_scene subroutines skill_exhaustion mc_defensive_1_cost "" "defensive_1" You take a deep breath and let the dormant Inner Energy inside you erupt in an explosion of golden light. An impervious barrier forms around you, a shield ready to protect you from all outside harm. Mo Long's attack helplessly rebounds from the shell. You immediately dissipate the skill and plant a heavy punch right to Mo Long's temple that sends him tumbling right into the dirt. *else *goto barely_swivel *else *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "con" "str" 2 *if (stat_check) You turn to the side, but the blade is faster as it catches you in your gut: however, the daggers fails to do damage as your body proves too hard for it to puncture. Nonetheless, Mo Long doesn't give up: he darts from side to side again and unleashes another attack, aimed right at your heart. *label barely_swivel You can barely swivel your torso out of the way, making the knives miss your most vital organ by an inch… *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "con" "str" 2 *if (stat_check) but they also bring Mo Long nothing but disappointment as they seem to be unable to pierce through. Not disheartened, Mo Long jumps up, reaching dozens of feet in height. *goto lightning_descends *else but they still pierce through and almost fry you alive. *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health 5 Mo Long then pulls out the daggers and jumps up, reaching dozens of feet in height. *goto lightning_descends *else You turn to the side, but the blade is faster: it sticks into your gut, wrecking your insides with the power of lightning, and Mo Long additionally [i]twists[/i] the daggers to maximize the damage done. *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health 3 Then, before you can recover, he darts from side to side again and unleashes another attack, aimed right at your heart. You can barely swivel your torso out of the way, making the knifes misses your most vital organ by an inch — but they still pierce through and almost fry you alive. *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health 4 Mo Long then pulls out the daggers and jumps up, reaching dozens of feet in height. *goto lightning_descends Snorting, Mo Long wipes the mud off his face. "My only purpose in this life is to kill. Do you truly think of winning?" "[b]Thunder Viper Art — Serpent's Tether![/b]" Vicious serpents made of lightning appear underneath your feet, weaving around your legs like tight ropes and restricting you from moving — because whenever you try, they lash out, biting you with their fangs of thunder. "[b]Thunder Viper Art — Thunder Awl![/b]" Mo Long's body, horizontal in the air, starts to crazily spin around itself, gaining more and more momentum until you see nothing but the lightning surrounding his figure — and he launches forward with incredible speed, his travel accompanied by a rumbling sound. *choice #Try to break free from the vipers. Unwilling to face Mo Long's attack head-on, you decide to break through the serpents' blockade instead. *gosub_scene subroutines dodge *if (dodged) Somehow, you manage to avoid every burning sting from landing onto your body. *else You rush to the side, ignoring the burning stings landing on your body. *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health 2 *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "str" "" 2 *if (stat_check) The snakes try to pull your back, but you shake them off and roll to the ground just in time — Mo Long flies right above your head, missing your head by mere inches. Behind yourself, you hear loud, continuous thuds: when you turn around, Mo Long stands, panting, amidst dozens of trees that have collapsed underneath the attack's sheer power. He glances at you, a serious look in his eyes. "Who are you?" — your opponent asks — "There are not many who can last this long against me." *else You try to shake them off, but the snakes pull your back — right before Mo Long who, resembling more a dart of lightning than a man, *label mo_long_drills [i]drills[/i] through your stomach. A large hole is left inside your stomach as he continues his flight and you fall to your knees. Electricity ravages the wound and you can't help but tremble. It cauterizes the injury, but blood fills your mouth instead. *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health 8 Somehow, you find the strength to stand and look around. Mo Long stands, panting, amidst dozens of trees that have collapsed underneath the attack's sheer power. He glances at you, an amazed look in his eyes. "I figured you'd be dead by now. Who are you?" — your opponent asks. *selectable_if (mc_offensive_1_mastery >= 1) #Use Heaven Crushing Palm. *gosub_scene subroutines skill_exhaustion mc_offensive_1_cost "" "offensive_1" You fire up your most powerful move instead of defending: your palm glows golden, gathering an immense amount of Inner Energy inside it, and struck out at Mo Long who resembles more a dart of lightning than a man as he's coming straight at you. Your skills meet and, to your surprise, both of you are pushed back dozens of steps. Mo Long suffers a further shove, but, for the first time, Heaven Crushing Palm fails to completely overwhelm your opponent. Mo Long, panting, glances at your hand in bewilderment. "Who are you?" — he asks — "Possessing a Top-Grade skill as an Early Houtian, your background must be excellent." #Do nothing. Confident in your own toughness, you simply tighten your muscles and wait for the hit. Mo Long flies straight at you, resembling more a dart of lightning than a man, and… *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "con" "str" 2 *if (stat_check) A terrifying force of thunder comes crushing at you, seeking to drill a hole straight through your chest. However, your body is just too absurdly robust: you are thrown backwards from the kinetic impact, flying through a dozen trees and collapsing them with your back, but the lightning fails to pierce inside of your skin. *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health 1 When you land and get up, you find Mo Long panting as he glances at you, an amazed look in his eyes. "Interesting. Who are you?" — he asks — "I've never met anyone of the same stage who could withstand the Thunder Awl with their body alone. Not even those Yang boys could do it." *else *goto mo_long_drills *choice #"I'm ${mc_surname} ${mc_name}." "I'm ${mc_surname} ${mc_name} of the Heavenly Ascension Sect." — you reply with a nod. "A ${mc_surname}?" — Mo Long laughs — "Just my luck, eh?" He stretches his neck and gestures to you with his fingers. "Come on, then. Mother told me quite a few stories about your clan. Show me if they hold any merit." Your family name doesn't hold much weight to Mo Long, not like it does with most other Martial Artists you've met. It's not out of ignorance either: instead, he seems to treat you like an equal, like someone of the same status as himself despite being a rogue low-born. #"You should've asked that question before we started fighting." "Would've been smarter to ask that question before we started fighting, wouldn't it have?" — you reply, causing Mo Long to laugh. "It certainly would be." — he says — "But how could I know whether or not you're worthy enough to know before beating you up?" "Such logic is likely to get you killed." Mo Long just shrugs his shoulders in response. "Then such will be my fate." He beckons you with a gesture. "Show me what you've got." #"A dead man needs not to know my name." You clasp your hands behind you as you fix him with a dangerous gaze. "Who am I?" — you smirk — "A dead man needs not to know my name." Mo Long rolls his eyes and meets your stare with his own. He does not flinch under your attempts at domineering, finding them amusing even. "You talk big. Can you back it up?" — he beckons you with a taunting gesture. *selectable_if (not (knows_mo_long)) #"Who are [i]you?[/i]" This Mo Long is too strange: a supposedly rogue lowborn possess a strength that would rival any Early Houtian in any sect, including the sect of Heavenly Ascension. Not to mention, possessing a Top-Grade skill equal to your Heaven Crushing Palm… "How about you tell me who [i]you[/i] are?" — you reply with a question of your own — "Somehow I doubt you as simple as you claim to be." Your words cause him to slightly smile. "You're right. I'm not." — he says — "But you'll have to beat the truth out of me." Mo Long beckons you with a taunting gesture. "Show me what you've got." Something doesn't add up. The art Mo Long practices, despite bearing obvious power, feels… incomplete. As if your opponent knows the moves, knows how to utilize his Inner Energy, but can't mesh them perfectly together, can't make the technique truly his. You know this because you've encountered a similar Martial Art before: Uncle Tao isn't known as Wind Viper Demon because he looks like a snake, after all. Your gut instinct aside, there's something else as well — the bodies found in the Three Chicken Inn were mauled, torn to shreds as if assaulted by a violent beast. Mo Long's dual-wielding art is precise and quick, the polar opposite of how the people in the inn were killed. Now is not the time to be immersed in inner musings, however. *label not_the_time *choice *selectable_if (mc_offensive_2_mastery >= 1) #Use Sixty-Four Earth Shaking Fists. *gosub_scene subroutines skill_exhaustion mc_offensive_2_cost "" "offensive_2" You rush at him, your fists glowing red, and unleash a series of punches without giving him a chance to answer back. *label punch_series One, two, three, a dozen… Mo Long moves in a fluid, obviously trained way that allows him to evade most of the attacks — until a mighty uppercut lifts him off his feet and you follow it up with another punch at his chest. Mo Long is thrown backwards, but flips in the air to regain his balance. After he lands, he immediately slings his daggers in your direction. *label strike_of_snake [b]"Thunder Viper Art — Strike of the Snake![/b]" The daggers transform into two snakes made of thunder, leaping at you with their maws wide open. *selectable_if (mc_offensive_4_mastery >= 1) #Use Flesh Scorching Kicks. *gosub_scene subroutines skill_exhaustion mc_offensive_3_cost "" "offensive_3" You rush at him, your legs glowing auburn, and unleash a series of kicks without giving him a chance to answer back. One, two, three, a dozen… Mo Long moves in a fluid, obviously trained way that allows him to evade most of the attacks — until a mighty kick lifts him off his feet and you follow it up with another one aimed at his chest. Mo Long is thrown backwards, but flips in the air to regain his balance. After he lands, he immediately slings his daggers in your direction. *goto strike_of_snake #Rush at him. You rush at him and unleash a series of punches without giving him a chance to answer back. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "agi" "" 2 *if (stat_check) *goto punch_series *else One, two, three, a dozen… Mo Long moves in a fluid, obviously trained way that allows him to evade all of the attacks — and catch you with a mighty uppercut afterwards, lifting you off your feet and then throwing you backwards with a punch aimed at your chest. You flip yourself in the air, regaining your balance, only to be met with two daggers hurled in your direction. *goto strike_of_snake #[i]Skills/Items[/i]. *gosub_scene skill_menu *goto not_the_time *set skill_used false *choice #Destroy the snakes with punches. When the lightning snakes come near, you unleash punches for each one, targeting their heads. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "agi" "" 2 *if (stat_check) *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "str" "con" 2 *if (stat_check) Your fists first break the protruding fangs, shattering them into particles of electricity, and then continue smashing their way through the artificial beasts. The snakes let out miserable, high-pitched hisses before they both erupt in a devastating explosion of thunder. *label snake_explosion *gosub_scene subroutines dodge *if (dodged) In the instant before the blast, your instincts take over. Time slows down, the world itself pauses as you dive [i]into[/i] the lightning, yet maneuver your body in such a way that you don't get hurt at all. *goto nosebleed With them being too close to dodge, you can only raise your hands for protection. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "con" "str" 2 *if (stat_check) You merely take a couple of steps back to deal with the impact of the blast, otherwise unharmed. *else Your arms, your face, your body… everything [i]burns[/i] as you are tossed around by the blast. *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health 5 It's not enough to keep you down, however, and you manage to get up, albeit seriously injured. *label nosebleed In front of you, Mo Long wipes a nosebleed, an inevitable consequence of his skill being destroyed, and catches the daggers that return to him. *else *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "con" "str" 2 *if (stat_check) When your fists land on the serpent's skulls, the artificial beasts simply disregard your weak blows and attempt to bite into your skin instead. *label snakes_attempt_bite However, their fragile fangs shatter into pieces as they fail to penetrate your flesh. Enraged, they let out high-pitched hisses and both erupt in a devastating explosion of thunder. *goto snake_explosion *else When your fists land on the serpents' skulls, the artificial beasts simply disregard your weak blows and bite into your skin instead. *label snakes_bite They fill your body with electricity, refusing to let go as they raze your flesh with lightning. *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_true_health 2 When you finally manage to get them off you, the snakes let out high-pitched hisses and both erupt in a devastating explosion of thunder. *goto snake_explosion *else *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "con" "str" 2 *if (stat_check) The snakes, to your amazement, [i]move[/i] out of the way, avoiding your fists and attempt to bite into your skin. *goto snakes_attempt_bite *else The snakes, to your amazement, [i]move[/i] out of the way, avoiding your fists and bite into your skin instead. *goto snakes_bite #Choke the snakes out. When the lightning snakes come near, you grab them by their necks, halting their assault in mid-air, and start to [i]squeeze[/i]. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "str" "con" 2 *if (stat_check) Your grip growing tighter and tighter, the snakes thrash wildly, attempting to escape in desperation. They let out painful, high-pitched hisses and stare at you with intense hatred in their pitiful slit-pupilled eyes. Finally, they unleash a yell of rage as both of them erupt in a devastating explosion of thunder. *goto snake_explosion *else *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "con" "str" 2 *if (stat_check) Your grip growing tighter and tighter, the snakes thrash wildly and manage to escape from your grasp. They let out high-pitched hisses of anger as they try to bite into your skin. *goto snakes_attempt_bite *else Your grip growing tighter and tighter, the snakes trash wildly and manage to escape from your grasp. Letting out high-pitched hisses of anger, the artificial beasts bite into your skin. *goto snakes_bite #Dodge the snakes. When the lightning snakes come near you you immediately move your body out of the way, dodging to the side. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "agi" "" 2 *if (stat_check) *label dodged_snakes The snakes, missing you by a mere inch, grow frustrated — they let out high-pitched hisses as they attack again and again, but you evade them every time, prancing around their attempts with plain ease. Finally, they unleash a yell of rage as both of them erupt in a devastating explosion of thunder. *goto snake_explosion *else *gosub_scene subroutines dodge *if (dodged) *goto dodged_snakes The snakes, however, prove to be faster: figures, you think, they are [i]lightning[/i] incarnates, after all. They bite into your skin, eager to mutilate you at their master's demand. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "con" "str" 2 *if (stat_check) *goto snakes_attempt_bite *else *goto snakes_bite #Disregard them. As you watch the lightning serpents come near, you snort. These little snakes think they can hurt [i]you[/i]? *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "con" "str" 2 *if (stat_check) The snakes, enraged at your disregard, launch themselves at you with increased vigor, eager to mutilate you at their master's demand. *goto snakes_attempt_bite *else The snakes, enraged at your disregard, launch themselves at you with increased vigor, eager to mutilate you at their master's demand. Their sharp fangs bite into your skin. *goto snakes_bite You scrooch down, before [i]leaping[/i] into the air and traveling the distance between you and Mo Long in mere seconds. Gathering all of your strength into a tightly clenched fist, you release a flying punch that, backed by an enormous amount of Inner Energy, can rival a low-grade Skill despite not being one. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "str" "con" 3 *if (stat_check) Mo Long performs a defensive art, but your blow still staggers him, leaving him dazzled and momentarily confused. You use this opportunity to… *label transform_attack *choice #Front-kick him. "KIAGH!" With a shout, you front-kick the icy young man in the chest, flinging him back to his own house. He topples the wooden walls he himself has built, the constructions made of timber unable to withstand such an enormous force as they shatter into woody splinters and scatter to the sides. #Palm strike to the chest. "HAAGH!" With a shout, you use your palm to unleash a strike to the icy young man's chest, flinging him back to his own house. He topples the wooden walls he himself has built, the constructions made of timber unable to withstand such an enormous force as they shatter into woody splinters and scatter to the sides. #Throw him around. You grab the icy young man by the shoulders, your fingers almost clawing into his flesh, and lift him up. You then [i]spin[/i], gaining momentum, before you fling him back to his own house. He topples the wooden walls he himself has built, the constructions made of timber unable to withstand such an enormous force as they shatter into woody splinters and scatter to the sides. #[i]Skills/Items[/i]. *gosub_scene skill_menu *goto transform_attack *set skill_used false Struggling to get up, Mo Long finds your gaze with his. His expression, despite his injured condition, betrays no sign of nervousness or defeat: there is only an emotion of… discouragement and inevitability? You dash towards him, wanting to continue your offensive, but, a couple of feet in front of him, you are stopped by an extremely weird scene. Mo Long's head is hurled backwards, bending more than ninety degrees. He looks at the sky and opens his mouth wide — a bolt of red, resembling blood in color lightning strikes from the Heavens above right into his exposed crevice with teeth. His body begins to shake and tremble, his limbs moving in an unnatural manner. Then, come the [i]screams[/i]. His body expands in height — and every bone Mo Long has [i]breaks[/i] to accommodate the process of his growth. Three inches, six, a foot — he gets taller and taller, and Heavens only know how big he'll eventually become. *temp looked_into_future false *temp can_look_into_future false *label transformation_wait *if (mc_trait_4) and (not (looked_into_future)) *set can_look_into_future true *choice #Wait for him to complete his transformation. Curious, you halt and wait for him to complete his transformation. *goto asura_transform #Attack him. How foolish would it be to let him complete this no doubt powerful transformation?! Determined to not do so, you rush his way, a heavy punch on the ready. However, before you can get in range, suffocating pressure roots in place. An indescribable feeling of anger sweeps over you. It's not [i]your[/i] anger, oh no, this is the anger of the [i]nature[/i] itself. The Heavens are not happy with your decision — and they let you know it. A lightning bolt comes down from the sky, a warning for your transgression, and strikes you on the head. *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health 3 *choice #Better wait for the transformation to be complete. The Heavens have made their wish known — and you are not about to tempt fate and rebel against them. You take a deep breath and stop trying to prevent Mo Long's transformation *goto asura_transform #Try to attack again. Some sparkles wouldn't stop you from achieving your goal: you continue with your previous plan, uncaring about the celestial rules. That same feeling of anger returns, this time [i]tenfold[/i], and another lightning bolt follows soon after. This one is thicker. More vibrant. More forceful. If the first one was a warning, this one is a [i]punishment[/i]. *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health 10 *choice #You really should wait and stop tempting fate. Provoking the Heavens after they have issued a warning is a [i]lethal[/i] endeavor. Understanding that, you take a deep breath and stop trying to prevent Mo Long's transformation. *goto asura_transform #Attempt another attack. The Heavens may be stubborn, but you are even more so. With a roar, you burst out from underneath the heavenly control and carry on with your assault — only to experience fury so intense, your very soul shudders from its intensity. A new lightning bolt forms in the sky. One of unimaginable size. One that is neither a warning nor a punishment: no, it's [i]wrath[/i] instead. The lightning falls onto your body — and incinerates you without giving you a chance to fight back. *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health 100 *if mc_health > 0 Annoyed at your persistent life, the lightning strikes again. *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health 100000 *if (eligible_achievements) *achieve tried_to_prevent_asura *goto_scene game_over *selectable_if (mc_trait_4) #Look into the future. *gosub_scene subroutines add_exhaustion 50 "" You use your innate gift to look into the future and discover whether or not you can safely prevent his transformation. When your mind wanders, traveling through the mysterious River of Time in a way you can't neither comprehend nor explain, you see… Nothing but calamitous lightning descending upon you from the Heavens themselves. You feel the wrath of nature at your attempts to stop Mo Long from completing his technique. You really, [i]really[/i] shouldn't try to stop him now. *goto transformation_wait #[i]Skills/Items[/i]. *gosub_scene skill_menu *goto transformation_wait *else Mo Long redirects your blow to the side and uses this opportunity to land a hit of his own, slicing your gut with one of his daggers. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "con" "str" 3 *if (stat_check) His attack can't pierce your skin, however, and instead of suffering a terrible injury, you… *goto transform_attack *else *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_true_health 4 *gosub_scene subroutines add_injury 3 Disregarding the terrible injury you've suffered, you… *goto transform_attack *label asura_transform *set skill_used false You watch as Mo Long sheds his skin, replacing the human epidermis with alien, crimson hide that appears to be dozens of times tougher than before. His bones elongate, allowing him to breach eight feet in height. His hands become bigger as well, coarse and thick, but, curiously, his muscles do not: Mo Long keeps his previous lanky, thin frame. At the end of his metamorphosis, the most intriguing change takes place: a new set of arms grows underneath the previous one. The four arms allow you to understand what're you dealing with without even a hint of doubt: Incomplete Heavenly Asura Transformation. It's a legendary skill that has allowed a clanless, nameless peasant girl to become one of the strongest Shangtian of current times. To become the [i]Demon Queen[i]. You're not sure how powerful the skill is at Houtian, but at Demon Queen's level it boosts her physical prowess by a factor of six — not to mention all of its other abilities. *if (knows_mo_long) Mo Long is truly her son — there is no way he would be in possession of this art otherwise. *else But how could someone like Mo Long come in the possession of such an art? The Demon Queen protects its fiercely and once even waged a short-spanned war against the Yangs who lost a Shangtian trying to steal the skill. Piecing all these thoughts together, a conclusion naturally forms inside your mind. [i][b]You should run.[/i][/b] Incomplete Heavenly Asura Transformation is a Transcendent Skill designed to make its user an unstoppable killing machine. Do you really want to put your life on the line for an irrelevant Sect Mission?! Then again, perhaps you do possess a chance… Asura Transformation affects the mind and emotions of its host and Mo Long, who already has had trouble reigning in his Inner Devil, seems unable to resist its influence. The pulsating red veins, a telltale sign of an imminent Breakout, have turned black after the transformation, but are still present, ready to erupt at the slightest sign of mental weakness. *gosub_scene subroutines set_enemy_stats 18 19 18 18 18 "early~Middle" "Asura Battle Sense" *label asura_decision *choice #Run. [i]Fuck this.[/i] — you think, before turning around and bolting out of the forest, leaving the still-transforming Mo Long alone in the meadow. Your mission will be considered a failure, but your life is worth more than a few hundred Contribution Points. *page_break Return To Sect *set mission_ending 3 *goto mission_over #Fight. Run? What kind of a Martial Artist would you be if you ran away from a fight? You are many things, but you are not a coward. It doesn't take long for Mo Long to finally complete his conversion. He rolls his shoulders backwards, warming them up before he looks up. There's almost nothing human left in his expression: only wrath and desire for blood and carnage. He eyes his surroundings, searching for a target until his gaze lands on you. Mo Long grins with a savage smile before he bellows with a resounding, howling power that makes the surrounding trees shake. [b]Heavenly Asura Art — Roar of Madness![/b] *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "con" "str" 0 *if (stat_check) The roar hurts your ears, even forcing you to cover them with your palms. Thankfully, you withstand the assault without suffering anything else other than discomfort. *else The roar hurts your ears — no, it makes them [i]bleed[/i] as your eardrums shatter under the loud assault. You realize: you've gone deaf. *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_true_health 2 *comment add injury increase difficulty When you lift your head, Mo Long is nowhere to be found. Yet, you are not at easy: your heart beats harder than ever before as the sense of an impending doom grows stronger and stronger. #[i]Skills/Items[/i]. *gosub_scene skill_menu *goto asura_decision *set skill_used false *choice #Search for Mo Long. You look around but are unable to locate even a trace of the giant. Has he run away? But such behavior goes against everything you know about the Asura Transformation — people become aggressive and violent when in that state, not timid and dastardly. You then try to focus on the sounds, hoping to find Mo Long this way. *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "per" 15 *if (stat_check) A leaf rustles. A quiet, almost non-existent noise, but you're certain a leaf rustles underneath someone's boot. Where though? … [i]Behind you![/i] You dive forward, barely in time to avoid a ghastly hand striking at your back. But Mo Long doesn't let up: he jumps after you, leg outstretched, and aims at your head with a kick that exudes [i]death[/i]. *choice #Duck. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "agi" "" 0 *if (stat_check) *label duck_under You duck under Mo Long, who flies past you with a gut-wrenching cry. Turning around, you kick him in the back… *label kick_check *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "str" "con" 0 *if (stat_check) Your kick merely staggers him, but otherwise doesn't deal any damage. However, the split-second gained is enough for you to jump back and gait distance. *goto distance_gained *else Your kick does nothing: his flesh is tougher than reinforced steel. Instead, Mo Long grabs your foot, picks you up by the leg and [i]slams[/i] you into the ground. *goto slam_to_ground *else *gosub_scene subroutines dodge *if (dodged) *goto duck_under The kick reaches you faster than you can evade: and the blow it carries is [i]terrifying[/i]. *label terrifying_kick *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health 5 It staggers you and before you can react Mo Long picks you up and [i]slams[/i] you into the ground. *goto slam_to_ground #Block. You cross your arms together and hope for the best. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "con" "str" 0 *if (stat_check) The force of the blow is terrifying: even with your abnormally durable flesh, you are pushed back dozens of steps and your arms feel as if ran over by a horse. In response, you turn around and spin-kick Mo Long. *goto kick_check *else The force of the blow is [i]terrifying[/i]. *goto terrifying_kick *selectable_if (mc_defensive_1_mastery >= 1) #Celestial Shell. Unsure whether or not you can withstand this attack otherwise, you use your most powerful skill — and a golden shell forms around you. Just in time, as the kick of tremendous power collides with you a moment later… *goto shell_check *selectable_if (mc_defensive_2_mastery >= 1) #Void Step. You blink out of the way, reappearing behind Mo Long just in time and kicking him in the back with all your might. *goto kick_check *else A leaf rustles. A quiet, almost non-existent noise, but you're certain a leaf rustles underneath someone's boot. Where though? … *gosub_scene subroutines dodge *if (dodged) Without thinking — or even comprehending what is going on — you duck under Mo Long, who flies past you with a gut-wrenching cry. Turning around, you kick him in the back… *goto kick_check [i]Too late.[/i] A hand stabs into your back. Your skin and muscle useless against its power, as it passes through your flesh as if tearing apart a piece of paper. When you look down, you see the hand outstretched from your front. Grasping your heart. Your eyes go wide as the hand [i]squeezes[/i], which explodes your blood-pumping organ into a goo of red. You fall to your knees — and then to the ground. Dead. *goto_scene game_over *selectable_if (mc_defensive_1_mastery >= 1) #Cast Celestial Shell. *gosub_scene subroutines skill_exhaustion mc_defensive_1_cost "" "defensive_1" The danger you feel is imminent: it's so close your hair stands on end and the voice of self-preservation screams at you with all its might. To keep you safe, you cast your strongest defensive art — and a golden shell forms around you. Just in time as well: almost as soon as the barrier comes into existence, a ghastly hand strikes at your back. Unable to break the shield, Mo Long roars like a beast and takes a step back to gain distance. He then runs, jumps up and explodes with a kick that exudes [i]death[/i]. *label shell_check *set fight_difficulty -1 *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "con" "str" 0 *set fight_difficulty +1 *if (stat_check) Your shield still stands, however, despite Mo Long venting all of his rage on its golden exterior. You wait for an opportunity to counter-attack to appear — and when it does, you disperse the skill and spin-kick Mo Long. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "str" "con" 0 *if (stat_check) Mo Long's head hurls to the side, but otherwise you don't deal any damage. However, the split-second gained is enough for you to jump back and gain distance. *goto distance_gained *else Your kick does absolutely nothing: Mo Long's face is tougher than reinforced steel. He grabs your foot, raises you by the leg, and [i]slams[/i] you into the ground. *label slam_to_ground *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health 4 You flip yourself over and jump back to gain distance. *goto distance_gained *else The shield absorbs the kick, but Mo Long vents all of his rage on the shield: with gut-wrenching cries he pounds the golden exterior until it cracks and falls apart. You immediately feel dizzy, blood pours from your nose, and you can't even react to Mo Long picking you up and [i]slamming[/i] you into the ground. *goto slam_to_ground *label distance_gained You need a plan. A real plan on how to deal with this freak — because overpowering a guy who hits harder than a charging ram seems [i]unlikely[/i]. You could always try, of course, despite it being far from a good idea. *temp seen_devil_state false *temp havent_played_trick true *choice #Battle it out with him. Fuck it — this overgrown skeleton doesn't scare you. You are ${mc_surname} ${mc_name}, the one they call the reincarnation of Tang Wei. Tricks? You don't need them. Your strength will be enough. You match his gaze — and even in his crazed state, Mo Long takes note of the so-familiar to him madness in your eyes. The desire to crush, to destroy, and, most importantly, to [i]win[/i]. He roars — you roar too. He charges, arm wound up — you do the same. *label meet_in_air Both of you meet in the air, fist to fist. Power to power. Insanity to insanity. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "str" "str" 1 *if (stat_check) *label when_punches_collide When your punches collide, you can't help but grin. You are [i]stronger[/i]. His wrist gives way and snaps underneath your might. Both of you tumble back to the dirt, with Mo Long groaning due to his injured hand. Once again on the ground, you… *choice #Pound him. You quickly get on top of him and start bashing his head with your knuckles. You get around four punches in — enough to leave a few bruises and bloody your hands, but not enough to really hurt him — before Mo Long throws you off. #Try and get a hold of his arm. You quickly grab his arm, put it between your legs and [i]pull[/i], just at the right angle to make his elbow snap. Mo Long wiggles in your grip, and, before you break his arm for real, he uses his other set of arms to [i]hurt[/i] you until you are forced to let go. #Let him get up — you'll destroy him standing. "Get up, bitch." — you taunt. You can see, it makes his blood absolutely [i]boil[/i], as Mo Long smashes the solid earth with his hands, leaving sizable cracks. #[i]Skills/Items[/i]. *gosub_scene skill_menu *goto when_punches_collide *set skill_used false *if (havent_played_trick) Mo Long is for sure not in control of himself — the essence of the Asura Transformation is not the enhanced physique, it's the skills that make use of it. And Mo Long appears to be too drunk on anger to utilize them — instead, he rushes you, again, more like a beast than a real Martial Artist. "I WILL TEAR YOU APART!" But you have to admit — he's [i]fast[/i]. As swift as a desolate deer, he's in front of you before you can blink And he's angry. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "agi" "" 1 His four arms work in overdrive: punching, striking, clawing, chopping. There is no skill in this, no technique — just raw strength and fury. *if (stat_check) However, amidst this chaotic song of barbaric violence, you're the most spectacular dancer. Side to side, lean back, lean forward, and duck — you combine normal movements of combat with supernatural acrobatic feats, turning each of his attacks into an obsolete, [i]laughable[/i] attempt to harm you. When you, at last, find an opportunity to get even, you… *choice *selectable_if (mc_offensive_1_mastery >= 1) #Blast him with the Heaven Crushing Palm. *gosub_scene subroutines skill_exhaustion mc_offensive_1_cost "" "offensive_1" This palm can crush the Heavens themselves — an Incomplete Asura can only bow down to its unparalleled strength. When your palm lands on Mo Long's chest, you feel the ribs inside [i]break[/i]. They are ground into bone dust, destroyed into tiny pieces. Mo Long himself is thrown so far away from the force, you have to [i]leap[/i] just to follow him. When he lands, he can't stand up, miserably coughing out blood instead. *selectable_if (mc_offensive_3_mastery >= 1) #Cut his throat the Extreme Demon Finger. *gosub_scene subroutines skill_exhaustion mc_offensive_3_cost "" "offensive_3" There is nothing this finger cannot cut: the flesh of an Asura does [i]not[/i] qualify as an exception. Your finger slices Mo Long's throat. Just like that. One nimble, quicker than lightning gesture of a red-glowing finger and Mo Long is on his knees, blood pouring as if his neck was a fountain with limitless supply. He clutches at his throat, trying to hold back the blood, but how could he? #Finish him with a spinning elbow. You don't need skills to finish him — your own body is capable enough. You spin and your elbow connects precisely with his jaw. The bone in his chin [i]breaks[/i], and Mo Long himself collapses from his feet. He can't stand up, miserably coughing out blood instead. You look into his eyes. What stares back at you is an incarnate of unadulterated rage. His pupils [i]pulsate[/i], like a beating heart. His body shakes as if suffering a seizure. "I… will.. not… lose…" *if (seen_devil_state) The scene you've already seen presents itself before you. Mo Long falls to his knees, the black veins on him exploding. A hushed whisper follows his transformation. *else The black veins covering his skin burst. Murky, polluted miasma flows down from them, covering Mo Long in dark goo. His wounds heal in an instant. Claws begin to grow on his hands, [i]horns[/i] on his head. [i]Devil Breakout.[/i] Just as you are getting ready for another round, you hear a hushed whisper. *label say_no_devil "No…" Then another one. Louder. "Not again…" It's Mo Long's voice — his human one, not the bellowing tone of the Asura. "I will not succumb… Not again… Never again…" A scream then. A cry, one contained all of his strength, all of his grievances, all of his fervor. "NO! I SAID NO! YOU WILL NOT CLAIM ME!" Mo Long hits his head against the ground. Hard. With a loud thud — probably cracking his skull like an egg. He doesn't stop afterwards either: he slams his head again and again — using pain to wake himself up from the devilish hold. And then, a miracle happens: the claws are pulled back, the horns go back inside his skull. Even his injuries return, leaving Mo Long in a near-death state. Yet, the young man himself breathes out in relief. He looks at you. This time, his expression contains emotions far more complex than simple wrath: there is guilt, there is defeat, there is hope, there is agony. But, the most distinctive one is [i]pleading[/i]. "Please…" — Mo Long says — "[b]Kill me.[/b]" *if (eligible_achievements) *achieve beat_mo_long *choice #"Why?" You've heard people begging for their lives before — but this is the first time someone begs you to rid them of it. "Why?" — you ask him, confused — "Do you want to die?" "I'm tired." — he answers — "For twenty years, I did nothing but kill. Kill at mornings, kill at evenings, kill at afternoons… I don't want to kill anymore. " "Then don't. What's the problem?" At this, Mo Long laughs. But even his laugh is intermixed with a sad undertone. "Kill or be killed. Isn't that the world we live in? If I don't kill, then I die. I'd at least like to die at the hands of someone who managed to beat me." "Besides," — Mo Long adds — "Mother would do things far worse to me than death if she hears me talk like this." As he speaks, by the way his voice cracks at the mention of his mother, you realize: 'far worse things' do not mean the usual fear of being reprimanded by a parent. Oh no, even now, Mo Long is not afraid neither of your nor of death, but just remembering his mother makes him frightened. *temp ask_about_mother true *choice *selectable_if (ask_about_mother) #"Who is your Mother?" *set ask_about_mother false *if (knows_mo_long) You already know the to this question — but you would like him to confirm it. *set knows_mo_long true "Mother? Who's your Mother?" Once again, Mo Long chuckles. His chuckle evokes [i]pity[/i]. "If I tell you, you won't kill me. You'd be afraid of her as well." "Try me." Mo Long sighs. "Pan Dai-Lu." Pan Dai-Lu… something about this name is familiar to you. It's is not one of the Great Noble Clans. In fact, you can't even recall a significant minor family with such a name. Then why does it feel as if you should know it… as if you should be [i]terrified[/i] of it… *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "int" 15 *if (stat_check) *label demon_queen And then it hits you. It took you so long to recognize her name because she [i]hates[/i] it. Because she has wiped out [i]towns[/i] for hearing it spoken in public. Pan Dai-Lu. The Demon Queen. A woman so evil and unhinged, her sinful acts have turned even the demonic Martial Artists against her — and yet, no one dares to hold her accountable. How could they, when even the Celestial Emperor has to show her some degree of respect! You glance at Mo Long. He wants you to kill him? He wants you to kill Demon Queen's son?! "Told you." — he says as he catches your gaze — "You'll become too scared." *else Your memory fails you. Try as you might, you just can't remember. Seeing your confusion, Mo Long clarifies. "The Demon Queen." *goto demon_queen *choice *selectable_if (knows_mo_long) #"You're lying to me." "You're lying to me." — you accuse — "The Demon Queen only has one son and his name is Pan Bo." Mo Long just tilts his head, smiling. This gesture is his wordless way of saying: 'And who do you think I truly am?' "But if you are Pan Bo, then why are you here? Alone? Living in this shit-hole?" *label full_or_short "Do you want the full story or the short one?" *choice #Full story. "Do you know how I got these scars?" — he asks, pointing at his mutilated chest. You shake your head — how could you? "My mother gave them to me." — Mo Long explains — "She [i]drew[/i] them herself. She thrust her nail into my skin and bled me like a pig." "Why?" — he snickers — "She told me it was punishment for failure. For not meeting the grandiose aspiration she had set out for me." "But tell me, do you believe me to be so inept to earn a hundred scars by 'failing'?!" His voice rises, a sharp contrast to the almost extinguished flame it resembled before. Mo Long takes a deep breath and rubs his temple with his palm. "I don't know whether she wanted me to be a perfect specimen, to reach an unreachable height or… if she's just a bat-shit insane sadist." "I hope it's the former. I hope it was her twisted form of love… But even if it was, I had grown tired of it. Tired of the killing she made me do, tired of being told how lucky I was to be born into such a heritage, tired of being Demon Queen's son." "And then, I met [i]her[/i]. He Musha." — he says, his expression so soft, so tender, you'd doubt this man was capable of hurting even a fly if you hadn't experienced a battle to the death with him yourself — "She was so beautiful. So pure. She grew up sheltered, not knowing how cruel this world really was. Her innocence was refreshing to me. No, it was [i]necessary[/i]." *page_break What Happened Next? "When I heard she was to be married off… I knew I had to act. I asked her to run away with me, I promised I'd keep her safe. And she accepted." "I had devised a plan and everything went smoothly — until, just before I left the sect, my sister caught me." "She was always mom's little lapdog. Following her around like a puppy. I knew she'd give me up in a heartbeat — so I killed her. Murdered my own twin, with whom I had shared a cradle because I wanted to escape." He lifts his arms, permeated with pulsating red veins. "That's when [i]this[/i] began. When all my negative emotions gathered together and formed a [i]Devil[/i]. An alter ego that wanted to eradicate my sense of self." *page_break "He Musha and I were on the run for months, moving from town to town, never staying in one place for too long, afraid of being caught…" "However, we were happy. Or, at least, I was. Like never before, I actually felt [i]joy[/i] when I woke up in the mornings, instead of the misery I had to fight through just to get out of bed." "But the symptoms of my Breakout got worse. They got so bad, I started snapping at He Musha. One time… One time I almost hurt her." "I knew I had to seek help. I needed pills to suppress it." Mo Long gives himself a hard smack on the face. "Heavens, I was such an idiot. I should've gone back. Should've distanced myself from [i]her[/i]. I was too dangerous to be around…" "But I didn't want to. I didn't want to face my Mother. I didn't want to face the repercussions of my escape. I had tried to deal with the Breakout myself." "That's when I had an incident in the Three Chicken Inn. The Devil got loose, transformed me into an Asura, and wrecked the place. I've killed everyone inside, tore them apart in seconds…" "… Including He Musha." *label spot_tears You spot tears in the corners of his eyes. Tears that he so desperately tries to hold back. His fists are clenched together, nails piercing into his flesh. He returns his gaze to you. His eyes reddened. "Now you know." — he says — "Please, I beg you. [i]Kill me[/i]." *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "per" 15 *if (stat_check) He appears to be telling the truth. He appears genuine — like a man whom guilt wrecks from the inside. *else For all you know, this man may be bullshitting you. Manipulating you — by asking you to kill him, he may be guiding you into sparing him instead. *if (((knows_about_drug) and (knows_about_flower)) and ((seen_through_tuchan) and (talked_to_alchemists))) *set suspects_truth true *set history &"knows_mo_long|" *choice #"You were not yourself." You put a hand on his shoulder. "You were not yourself." — you tell him — "You were not in control. You did [i]not[/i] want to hurt her." Mo Long rudely shakes your hand off. "What does it matter?" — he replies — "Would you forgive yourself if you had killed the person you hold most dear?" Noticing your lack of reply, he smirks. "Of course fucking not. I won't either." #"I would've done the same things you did." You shrug your shoulders. "I would've done the same things you did." — you tell him — "Your mom sounds like an asshole." Mo Long laughs, the first sincere laughter that you hear from him. "You have no idea." — he replies — "Doesn't change what I did. A bad parent is not an excuse for your own actions." *if (knows_truth) *selectable_if (knows_truth) #"You were set up. I have something that I need to tell you..." *set wants_to_die false You put a hand on his shoulder. "You were set up." — you tell him. "What do you mean?" — he replies, words catching him by surprise. You relay to him all the information you've gotten from He Tuchan: about the spying, the want for revenge, and the [i]drugging[/i]. When he hears the story, Mo Long almost transforms again — you get the feeling that should he have had just a bit less self-control, he'd already gone back to the city, rampaging his way to the Martial Protector's mansion. When he meets your gaze, there's no more sorrow in them. No more sadness and loss. There's just anger. Unbridled anger that has erupted like a volcano after a thousand years of dormant peace. "I have to ask you to spare my life." — he says — "I cannot die until I wipe the He Clan from the face of this earth." *choice #"I'm a He Clan member as well." "I'm a He Clan member as well." — you point out to him — "Will you kill me as well?" He hesitates. He thinks. "If you spare me today, tomorrow I will spare you." #"Alright." Him going on a killing spree and spilling blood of He Clan's members? Sounds good to you — you haven't joined their clan out of love, after all. *goto mo_long_quests *else *selectable_if (suspects_truth) #"You might have been set up." *set wants_to_die false That drug you found in the Inn, the cagey behavior of the Martial Protector, the admission of the alchemists that only someone like He Tuchan would have Paradise Inducing Brew available… something that doesn't sit right with you. Something feels [i]off[/i]. "Look, I suspect you've been set up." — you tell him — "Something about all of this feels [i]off[/i]." "What do you mean?" — he asks, tilting his head — "[i]I[/i] was the one who killed those people. I still remember waking up covered in blood and guts on that wooden floor." "Yes, but you may have been forced to do this." You explain to him everything you've found during your investigation: that drug in the Inn, the cagey behavior of the Martial Protector, the admission of the alchemists that only someone like He Tuchan would have Paradise Inducing Brew available… By the end of your summary, a puzzled lock takes prevalence on Mo Long's face, until a determined gaze flickers across his eyes. "It seems I have to ask you to spare my life, for the time being. I need to get to the bottom of this before I can die in peace." *goto mo_long_quests #"You are pathetic." "You are pathetic." — you spit — "First, you ran away from your responsibility and duty. Then, you killed your own flesh blood for some misguided childish love. And if that wasn't enough, you killed that love as well because you were too fucking weak to control yourself." "Disgusting piece of trash. You bring shame on your mother." He smirks at your remarks, not finding them offensive in the least. "Yeah? Kill me then. Or are you too scared of my mother to do it?" *goto mo_long_quests #Short version. "I knew you wouldn't be interested in my sob story." "I hated my life in the sect. I hated my mother. And after I met He Musha, a pure and innocent girl from a sheltered family, I decided to run away." "Everything went smoothly, but, at the last moment, my twin sister caught me. So I killed her." "For half a year, He Musha and I were on the run. Were happy. Until the repercussions of what I've done resulted in this…" He lifts his arms, permeated with pulsating red veins. "The symptoms of the Breakout got so bad, even I realized that I needed help. However, instead of returning home, I tried to self-cure my Mental Devil." "I failed. I failed so miserably, I had an episode where I lost control completely — and the Devil massacred the whole Three Chicken Inn. Including He Musha." *goto spot_tears #"If you are her son, then when are you here? Under a fake name?" "The Demon Queen only has one son — Pan Bo. If you are truly him, then why are you here? Alone? Living in this shit-hole?" *goto full_or_short #"Nope. No. Not happening." You don't want anything to do with the Demon Queen's suicidal son — you have enough problems without an insane Shangtian breathing down your neck. "Nope. No. Not happening." — you say to Mo Long, quickly turning around and leaving — "Deal with whatever it is you dealing with yourself." *set mission_ending 4 *goto mission_over #"I know what to do with you." *label mo_long_quests [b]Keep in mind: sparing Mo Long will fail the mission.[/b] *choice #Kill him. In the end, you choose to kill Mo Long, despite the troubles that such an action will bring. Why have you settled on this decision? *choice #I want to put him out of his misery. Mo Long has suffered enough — it's only right that you put him of his misery. You can't imagine having to live like this, with such an amount of both built and anger weighing down on your soul… *label killing_mo_long You raise your arm and [i]chop[/i] down. *if (wants_to_die) Mo Long does not resist, closing his eyes instead. Finally, he appears peaceful. Serene. Death that terrifies all others for him is a salvation — a long-awaited relief. *else Mo Long tries to resist: your words have changed his mind, have set him on a new path. But his vengeance would have to be forever incomplete, it seems like: he's far too injured to pose a challenge. Your hand slices through his flesh, separating the head from the body. The former rolls on the ground, like a ball, and the other collapses into the mud. There's no coming back from this — Mo Long is truly dead. *set mission_ending 5 *goto mission_over #A crime is a crime. He must be punished for his transgressions. No matter the circumstances, Mo Long is still a murderer — a murderer of innocent, of mortals who couldn't have been of any threat. Such a crime is punishable by death and, right now, you are both the judge and executioner. *goto killing_mo_long #I don't like him. Do you need a reason? You heard his story and decided that you don't like him. Right now, you are both the judge and executioner — your emotions are what dictate the law. *goto killing_mo_long #I [i]want[/i] the challenge. A Demon Queen bent on taking my life? Bring it on! You can't help but feel excitement at the thought of a powerful Shangtian breathing down your neck — hunting you and roaring in rage when she inevitably fails. Such a challenge is exactly what you need to accelerate your growth and if Mo Long has to die in order to achieve it, then so be it. *goto killing_mo_long #Spare him. In the end, you choose to spare Mo Long, despite him being guilty of a massacre. Why have you settled on this decision? *choice #He wasn't at fault. A crime requires [i]intent[/i]. It must be a conscious act. Mo Long, despite being the one who caused the massacre, cannot be considered guilty — he wasn't in control of himself and lacked the actual will to commit it. *label let_mo_long_go "I assume you have enough medicine stored in your spatial ring?" — you question. He may be cut off from his mother's resources, but you doubt a Young Master as prominent as him would be without any pills or elixirs at all. *if (wants_to_die) "What?" — he replies, puzzled. "I'm letting you go." — you answer with a chuckle — "Better to have some healing pills if you don't want to be crippled for the next few months." "No… No…" — he says, as the realization hits him — "You can't let me go. You need to kill me." "No, I don't." "I DESERVE TO DIE!" — he shouts, truly wrathful at your refusal. You just shake your head and turn around, before returning to the sect. Mo Long is left alone in the forest, his desperate cries haunting you for the first few minutes of your journey. *else Mo Long gives you a nod, understanding that you're letting him go. "You have my appreciation." — Mo Long says — "I, Pan Bo, owe you a debt of gratitude." You nod at him as well, before turning around and returning to the sect. #I like him. Do you need a reason to spare him? You heard his story and decided that you like him. Right now, you are both the judge and executioner — your emotions are what dictate the law. *goto let_mo_long_go *if (knows_truth) #He could be an ally against He Clan in the future. Mo Long could be a strong ally against the He Clan in the future: even now, without much control over his emotional state, Mo Long has proved to be a deadly adversary. What about in a year? In five? In ten? You wouldn't say no to keeping someone like him at your side. *goto let_mo_long_go *elsif (suspects_truth) #If the He Clan had set him up, he could be an ally against them in the future. If He Clan had set him up, Mo Long could be a strong ally against them after he finds out the truth: even now, without much control over his emotional state, Mo Long has proved to be a deadly adversary. What about in a year? In five? In ten? You wouldn't say no to keeping someone like him at your side. *goto let_mo_long_go *set mission_ending 4 *goto mission_over #"You don't have to ask me twice." You snort. A ruthless murderer who not only has massacred innocent, but tried to kill you as well begging for death — how can you not oblige? "You don't have to ask me twice." *goto killing_mo_long #"With [i]great[/i] pleasure." This bastard tried to kill you — you would take great joy in ending his life. "With [i]great[/i] pleasure." — you snort. *goto killing_mo_long *else It's a chaotic song of brutal violence and you're not good enough of a dancer to match its tune. You let one punch slip through your evasive maneuvers, just one, but it soon turns into an unstoppable avalanche of attacks, a tidal wave of moves designed to [i]kill[/i] you. A fist smashes your temple. A claw lacerates your throat. A palm breaks your ribs. A hand stabs into your chest. Your skin and muscle useless against its power, as it passes through your flesh as if tearing apart a piece of paper. The hand outstretches from your back. Grasping your heart. Your eyes go wide as the hand [i]squeezes[/i], which explodes your blood-pumping organ into a goo of red. You fall to your knees — and then to the ground. Dead. *goto_scene game_over *else When your punches collide, your eyes go wide with an alarming realization: you're weaker. Your wrist [i]snaps[/i], rendering it useless. With another punch, Mo Long sends you tumbling to the ground: once there, he covers your face with his right palm, simultaneously pushing your head back, and [i]stabs[/i] his left hand into your chest. Your skin and muscle useless against its power, as it passes through your flesh as if tearing apart a piece of paper. The hand grasps your heart. Your eyes go wide as the hand [i]squeezes[/i], which explodes your blood-pumping organ into a goo of red. You chortle on blood. And then you die. *goto_scene game_over #Taunt him into making a mistake. Mo Long is unstable, impulsive, his mind is clouded by a mist of anger and rage. You can use your words to make him falter, to bait him into committing a fatal mistake. *if (mc_trait_4) A blurry vision suddenly overwhelms your sight. Mo Long is on his knees, beaten, and on the verge of death from gruesome injuries. Then, suddenly, the black veins covering his skin burst. Murky, polluted miasma flows down from them, covering Mo Long in dark goo. His wounds heal in an instant. Claws begin to grow on his hands, [i]horns[/i] on his head. [i]Devil Breakout.[/i] Yet, despite the wondrous healing effect, Mo Long appears to fight against another transformation with all his will. He cries and trembles, reigning in his Devil, preferring to die rather than let it out. This is your goal — send him into a breakout. Make him fight against himself. *choice #Call him a bitch. "You are such a bitch." — you sneer, looking him over from head to toe — "A piece of trash. You can't handle the problems from the outside, forced to hide out in some shit-ridden hut in the middle of nowhere. You can't control your desires, fighting over control over your [i]own[/i] body. Pathetic." *label check_taunt The Asura matches your gaze. The desire to crash, to burn, and destroy rage in his eyes like tidal waves during a storm. "I… WILL… TEAR… YOU… APART!" — he growls, pronouncing each word with more fury than the previous one. *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "chr" 18 *if (stat_check) But, underneath his wrath, hides insecurity. He knows that your words have sense in them, that they bear at least some amount of truth. And he [i]hates[/i] it. Hates it so much that, instead of attacking, he looks up to the sky and yells, his voice a thunderous roar. And then Mo Long falls to his knees, the black veins on him exploding. A hushed whisper follows his transformation. *goto say_no_devil *else *set seen_devil_state true Sadly, your words only enrage him instead of triggering the transformation: he attacks you with newfound vigor, charging at you with an arm wound up. You do the same. *goto meet_in_air *selectable_if (knows_truth) #Use the information He Tuchan gave you against him. This guy, in a fit of rage, killed the love of his life — if that won't trigger a Breakout, then nothing will. You cross your arms and stare at him. "I heard that He Musha was quite a pretty girl." — you smirk. The mention of that name immediately brings Mo Long to a halt. His hands tremble as he looks at you. "What… did you just say?" "I said, He Musha was quite a beauty." — you continue — "It's a shame that you not only deprived her of a happy future with her own family, but you also took away her destiny completely." "She trusted you. She believed in you. She [i]loved[/i] you. And you… you killed her because you are were, and still are, too weak to control your own emotions." "SHUT UP!" — he roars, his voice a thunderous yell — "I will tear you apart. I will eat your heart. I will gut you, skin you, I will make you [i]suffer[/i]!" But then Mo Long fall to his knees, the black veins on him exploding. A hushed whisper follows his transformation. *goto say_no_devil #Ridicule his ugly appearance. "You are fucking ugly." — you sneer, looking him over from head to toe — "Look at yourself. Absolutely hideous. Like a nightmarish creature that has crawled out of hell. I think you should stay in this shit-ridden hut, in this middle of nowhere forever so that you don't scare normal folks with your disgusting appearance. How could you have friends, looking like this? How could anyone ever love you?" Mo Long doesn't react to your taunt — he ignores the comments you make, both about his ugliness and seclusion, he ignores everything…until the last part. Until you talk to him about [i]love[/i]. *goto check_taunt #Think up a trap. Mo Long is unstable, impulsive, his mind is clouded by a mist of anger and rage. You can use your intelligence to manipulate him, to bait him into committing a fatal mistake. Question is, what is that mistake? What do you need to trick Mo Long into? *if (mc_trait_4) A blurry vision suddenly overwhelms your sight. Mo Long is on his knees, beaten, and on the verge of death from gruesome injuries. Then, suddenly, the black veins covering his skin burst. Murky, polluted miasma flows down from them, covering Mo Long in dark goo. His wounds heal in an instant. Claws begin to grow on his hands, [i]horns[/i] on his head. [i]Devil Breakout.[/i] Yet, despite the wondrous healing effect, Mo Long appears to fight against another transformation with all his will. He cries and trembles, reigning in his Devil, preferring to die rather than let it out. This is your goal — send him into a breakout. Make him fight against himself. *choice *selectable_if (knows_truth) #Use the information He Tuchan gave you against him. You look around, spotting the wooden hut Mo Long has built. If what He Tuchan has told you is true, and you have little concern that it is, Mo Long killed a woman very dear to him in a fit of anger. He [i]must[/i] have some belongings of hers in that house… As the idea shapes itself into existence, you dash toward the hut. "Catch me, if you can." — you say and Mo Long, roaring, follows. The house is as small on the inside as it is outside. One room, a makeshift bed, a lantern with an ignited flame, and a brooch lying on the mattress built from straw. A brooch that you highly doubt is Mo Long's. [i]Jackpot.[/i] Just when the Asura hurtles himself inside, you pick up the lamp and heave it at the wall. The wood catches fire in a single breath — and the whole house lits up in a blaze not long after. "NO!" — Mo Long bellows, bolting towards the bed and picking up the brooch, not caring about the emerging flames. Then, the both of you run out and watch the house be slowly torched, turned into a pile of charred wood. Mo Long turns to you. The desire to crash, to wreck and destroy rage in his eyes like tidal waves during a storm. "I almost… lost her… again…" — he growls, pronouncing each word with more fury than the previous one — "I… WILL… TEAR… YOU… APART!" But, underneath his wrath, hides fear. Fear of loss. And he [i]hates[/i] it. Hates it so much that, instead of attacking, he looks up to the sky and yells, his voice a thunderous roar. And then Mo Long falls to his knees, the black veins on him exploding. A hushed whisper follows his transformation. *goto say_no_devil *selectable_if (equipment_4 > 0) #Use the Bracelet of Triplication to trip him up. Illusions serve to trick the senses: those who act purely out of emotion, without consulting their rationality, are susceptible to deception of the mind like no one else. And likely, you have just the right tool for confusion strapped to your wrist. *if (triple_bracelet) Your clones have already done a good job helping you in this fight — and now has come time for another round of bamboozlement. *else You activate the bracelet, causing two identical clones to appear to your left and right. Someone with Mo Long's senses should've been able to discern the original — but, right now, anger clouds his judgment. He wants to [i]kill[/i] you, and if there are three of you, he would kill all three. Like a baited beast, Mo Long swipes at the first clone — his claw goes right through the illusion. You see the rage built up in his expression: he's an Asura, the personification of battle, how could be humiliated like this?! He attacks once more, striking a clone again. This causes him to look up to the sky and yell, his voice a thunderous roar. And then, Mo Long falls to his knees, the black veins on him exploding. A hushed whisper follows his transformation. *goto say_no_devil #Figure out the pattern of his attacks. The essence of the Asura Transformation is not the enhanced physique, it's the skills that make use of it. And Mo Long appears to be too drunk on anger to utilize them — instead, he rushes you, again, more like a beast than a real Martial Artist. *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "int" 18 *if (stat_check) It doesn't take you long to figure out the pattern of his attacks to the smallest detail — how he moves, how he blocks, how he attacks, you scrutinize all of it. And when Mo Long dashes at you again, you toy with him as if he was nothing more but a seething bull. When he misses you for the fourth time, Mo Long stop and looks up to the sky. He yells, his voice a thunderous roar. "STOP IT!" Mo Long falls to his knees, the black veins on him exploding. A hushed whisper follows his transformation. *goto say_no_devil *else However simple the attacks may be, they are still too fast for you to get a decent grasp of their pattern. Your mind just can't work at such extreme speeds, leaving you with one way out — fight it out. *set havent_played_trick false *goto meet_in_air #[i]Skills/Items[/i]. *gosub_scene skill_menu *goto distance_gained *label mission_over *page_break Mission Overview *if mission_ending = 1 *if (eligible_achievements) *achieve failed_investigation You were unable to find out the location of Mo Long and were forced to return to the sect empty-handed. [b]Mission Status:[/b] Failure. *line_break [b]EXP Reward:[/b] 0. *line_break *elsif mission_ending = 2 You were beaten up by He Tuchan and suffered heavy injuries halfway through your investigation. Forced to return to the sect empty-handed, you really should work on your social skills — or, at least, on your common sense. *elsif mission_ending = 3 You've managed to find Mo Long and even fought against him — but after he started to transform into whatever monster he was going to become, you put your life above the mission in the list of your priorities. You can always earn more Contribution Points — but you only have one life. [b]Mission Status:[/b] Failure. *line_break [b]EXP Reward:[/b] 100 *line_break *gosub_scene subroutines give_exp_text 100 "" false *elsif mission_ending = 4 For one reason or another, you let Mo Long go — although your mission is still considered a failure and you will be forced to pay a hefty Contribution Points fine, it's undeniable that the experience you've gained will prove to be of great help in the future. Besides, not killing the son of the Demon Queen is an [i]extremely smart[/i] decision. [b]Mission Status:[/b] Failure. *line_break [b]EXP Reward:[/b] 150 *line_break *gosub_scene subroutines give_exp_text 150 "" false *elsif mission_ending = 5 *if (eligible_achievements) *achieve killed_mo_long *set history &"killed_mo_long|" For one reason or another, you killed Mo Long. Your mission is a spectacular success, earning you both plenty of valuable insights and a hefty sum of contribution points. It's just… *if (knows_mo_long) Was killing the son of the Demon Queen worth it? Are you ready to withstand her wrath? Time will tell. *else Something's bugging you about this 'Mo Long'. His extraordinary prowess despite being, supposedly, a rogue Martial Artist without a clan or sect. His calmness in the face of death. And that terrifying skill belonging to no one other that the Demon Queen herself… Was killing him for some contribution points a smart decision? Time will tell. [b]Mission Status:[/b] Success. *line_break [b]EXP Reward:[/b] 200 *line_break *set mission_var1 1 *gosub_scene subroutines give_exp_text 200 "" false *page_break Return To Sect *gosub_scene subroutines clear_fight_vars *goto_scene fr_missionhall *label defeat *goto_scene game_over