*set fight_scene "sect_tigress_second" *set interscene_temp 0 *temp take_out_spear false *temp opponents 0 *temp remaining_opponents 0 Sweat drops your forehead, your muscles scream in exhaustion. Since only mere days are left before the Danger Zone Expedition, the Sect Elders have forced all its participants — you included — into harsh training regimes. You haven't gotten a proper rest in what feels like ages, supplanting it with endless amount of pills and vitality-restoring elixirs instead. Such hard work has not gone without a result, however. *gosub_scene subroutines give_exp 100 "str" *gosub_scene subroutines give_exp 100 "con" *gosub_scene subroutines give_exp 100 "agi" *gosub_scene subroutines give_exp 100 "vit" "Junior ${polite_address} ${mc_name}, you up for some sparring today?" — an older disciple, a Late-Houtian who has been overseeing your recent training, comes up to you. *choice #"Just point out which punk you want me to beat." You snort, as you prom yourself up from the ground. "Just point out which punk you want me to beat." — you boast — "None of these backwater monkeys are my match." The disciple chuckles. "I see Junior ${polite_address} is as confident as always. It's perfect then, as you would surely rise to the challenge I prepared for you." *label what_challenge "What challenge?" *label instead_of "Instead of fighting one disciple, how about battling two? No doubt someone as capable as you will not refuse, correct?" *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "per" 15 *if (stat_check) Although the older disciple presents this challenge as something in your own self-interest, you notice the hints of a devious, ill-intentioned grin in his grin. [i] Fighting multiple opponents of the same stage is very, very difficult — and only the most talented can pull it off.[/i] *choice #"Two?" — you sneer — "What disrespect. Get at least three." *set opponents 3 "Only two?" — you sneer. A genius like you should be able to defeat three, four, five, a dozen Martial Artists at the same level! "What disrespect!" — you say — "Get at least three, and even that will not be fair." "Ha!" — the older disciple laughs jovially — "${polite_address} ${mc_name} certainly possesses the pride a *if mc_sex = 0 son *else daughter of the Heavens should! Great, great. Let me introduce your opponents then." *label crowd_forms The disciple whistles, and, as if just waiting for his signal, a crowd soon forms around you. Dozens of your fellow martial brothers and sisters sit down, cross-legged, eager to find out whether the show you're about to put on will end in glorious success or disastrous humiliation. They will be entertained both ways, either talking excitedly about your feat or snickering at your expected failure. Amongst these watchers, one figure stands out from the rest — not only is she the only one not wearing a sect's robe, putting her robust, powerful body on display wearing old and ragged armor made of hides, no one dares to sit close to her as well. And if anyone does, the Tigress [i]growls[/i] at them, with a guttural roar, and the courage of these disciple vanish in a blink. For a second, your gazes meet — and you see the emotions she can't bothered hide. *if (opponents) = 3 Respect. Curiosity. Excitement. She admires you for the confidence you have in your prowess and is eager to see whether or not you can actually win. *elseif (opponents) = 2 A bit of excitement mixed with a hint of disappointment. She anticipates the fight and the soon to be spilled blood, but, perhaps, she expected a bit more confidence out of you. *elseif (opponents) = 1 Contempt. Weren't you supposed to be a genius? Then why are you so cowardly, refusing to test your strength against multiple fighters? You turn away from her, focusing on the older disciple instead. *if (opponents) = 3 Three others stand near him. "These are Brother Long, Brother Mao and Sister Jing." — the disciple introduces. [i]Long, Mao and Jing?[/i] *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "int" 15 *if (stat_check) Aren't those the members of a famous in the sect trio that took out a Rank-2 ferocious beast recently? And then, understanding dawns on you. This is a set up — these three are not just random disciples, they all are exceptional fighters that have worked together for [i]years[/i]. But why? You glance at the older disciple, who has dropped his act of politeness and looks at you with a mocking expression. You can't back out now, now with all these people watching — so you can only hope you are strong enough not to make a fool out of yourself. *else The names sound familiar — you just can't remember from where. As you climb the dueling platform, the whispers of the disciples nearby enter your ears. [i]Fighting three people at once? That's suicide![/i] *line_break *temp powerlevel ((mc_str+mc_agi)+(mc_con+mc_vit)) *if powerlevel >= 75 [i]Don't spout nonsense. Have you never watched Senior ${polite_address} ${mc_name} train? $!{pronoun_1} is an absolute monster. I've never seen an Early-Houtian as powerful as ${pronoun_2}."[/i] *line_break [i]That's because Tang Ruo rarely practices in public. I bet he would destroy all four of them in ten exchanges.[/i] *label talk_about_asshole *line_break [i]Why are you talking about that asshole? Don't bring him up in my presence or I'll break your teeth![/i] *line_break [i]Hahaha! Why are you so angry at him?[/i] *line_break [i]My fiance called him 'very handsome' yesterday…[/i] *line_break [i]HA! Such a wimp, haha![/i] *line_break [i]Guys, can we focus on the battle here? What's our final verdict? After all, that trio is…[/i] *elseif powerlevel >= 60 [i]Senior ${polite_address} ${mc_name} is actually quite strong. I think ${pronoun_1} may have a chance."[/i] *line_break [i]Blah, quite strong my ass. I bet Tang Ruo would destroy all four of them in ten exchanges.[/i] *goto talk_about_asshole *else [i]Yeah, I think ${polite_address} ${mc_name} will get absolutely rolled here. I've seen ${pronoun_2} train a couple times, ${pronoun_1} is nowhere near strong enough to take on them."[/i] *line_break [i]Of course. I bet Tang Ruo would destroy all four of them in ten exchanges.[/i] *goto talk_about_asshole *elseif (opponents) = 2 Two others stand near him. "These are Brother Long and Brother Mao." — the disciple introduces. [i]Long and Mao?[/i] *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "int" 15 *if (stat_check) Isn't that two members of a famous in the sect trio that took out a Rank-2 ferocious beast recently? And then, understanding dawns on you. This is a set up — these two are not just random disciples, they both are exceptional fighters that have worked together for [i]years[/i]. But why? You glance at the older disciple, who has dropped his act of politeness and looks at you with a mocking expression. You can't back out now, now with all these people watching — so you can only hope you are strong enough not to make a fool out of yourself. *else The names sound familiar — you just can't remember from where. As you climb the dueling platform, the whispers of the disciples nearby enter your ears. [i]Fighting two people at once? That's certainly ambitious.[/i] *line_break *temp powerlevel ((mc_str+mc_agi)+(mc_con+mc_vit)) *if powerlevel >= 75 [i]Senior ${polite_address} ${mc_name} will stomp them today. Have you never watched Senior ${polite_address} ${mc_name} train? $!{pronoun_1} is an absolute monster. I've never seen an Early-Houtian as powerful as ${pronoun_2}."[/i] *line_break [i]That's because Tang Ruo rarely practices in public. I bet he would destroy all four of them in ten exchanges.[/i] *label talk_about_asshole_2 *line_break [i]Why are you talking about that asshole? Don't bring him up in my presence or I'll break your teeth![/i] *line_break [i]Hahaha! Why are you so angry at him?[/i] *line_break [i]My fiance called him 'very handsome' yesterday…[/i] *line_break [i]HA! Such a wimp, haha![/i] *line_break [i]Guys, can we focus on the battle here? What's our final verdict? After all, those two are…[/i] *elseif powerlevel >= 60 [i]I believe Senior ${polite_address} ${mc_name} will win today. I've watched ${pronoun_2} train a couple times, ${pronoun_1} is very, very strong."[/i] *line_break [i]Blah, Tang Ruo would destroy all three of them in five exchanges.[/i] *goto talk_about_asshole_2 *elseif powerlevel >= 50 [i]Senior ${polite_address} ${mc_name} may win today. I've watched ${pronoun_2} train a couple time, ${pronoun_1} is quite talented."[/i] *line_break [i]Blah, Tang Ruo would destroy all three of them in five exchanges.[/i] *goto talk_about_asshole_2 *else Another man stands near him. "This is Brother Long." — the disciple introduces. You nod and climb the dueling platform. As you do so, you hear the nearby whispers enter your ears. [i]${polite_address} ${mc_name} is quite disappointing. I thought ${pronoun_1} was supposed to fight against multiple opponents today.[/i] *line_break [i]$!{pronoun_1} turned out to be too cowardly to do so.[/i] *line_break *temp powerlevel ((mc_str+mc_agi)+(mc_con+mc_vit)) *if powerlevel >= 75 [i]Why though? I've seen ${pronoun_2} train a couple times and ${pronoun_1} is an absolute monster. Why is ${pronoun_1} so afraid?[/i] *label dont_know *line_break [i]Don't know. Heavens gave him talent, but not courage it appears. I bet Tang Ruo would've agreed and stomped all of them in five exchanges.[/i] *label talk_about_asshole_3 *line_break [i]Why are you talking about that asshole? Don't bring him up in my presence or I'll break your teeth![/i] *line_break [i]Hahaha! Why are you so angry at him?[/i] *line_break [i]My fiance called him 'very handsome' yesterday…[/i] *line_break [i]HA! Such a wimp, haha![/i] *line_break [i]Guys, can we focus on the battle here? What's our final verdict? After all, that is…[/i] *elseif powerlevel >= 60 [i]Why though? I've seen ${pronoun_2} train a couple times and ${pronoun_1} is very strong. Why is ${pronoun_1} so afraid?[/i] *goto dont_know *elsif powerlevel >= 50 [i]Why though? I've seen ${pronoun_2} train a couple times and and he would've had a chance even against two of them. Why is ${pronoun_1} so afraid?[/i] *goto dont_know *label shut_up *set remaining_opponents opponents [b]SHUT THE FUCK UP![/i] A bestial scream silences the chatty disciples in an instant: the Tigress looms over them, towering over them with her tall stature. "One. More. Fucking. Word." — she threateningly enunciates — "And this Tigress will [b]gut[/b] you. Understand, yes?" The disciples, intimidated out of their minds by the Tigress's metallic claws inches away from their necks, nod in a hurry. The Tigress chuckles in derision and returns to her spot — the gossipers do not emit a sound afterwards. *goto fight_starts #"Sure, let's try it out." *set opponents 2 "Sure." — you say — "Let's try it out." *label let_me_introduce "Great." — the disciple replies — "Let me introduce your opponents then." *goto crowd_forms #"No, I'm not ready for that." *set opponents 1 "No." — you shake your head — "I don't think I'm ready for that." Your answer causes the disciple to furrow his brows. "Aren't ${polite_address} ${mc_name} a favorite *if mc_sex = 0 son *else daughter of the Heavens? People like you should rise up to the challenge, not run away from it." [b]Refusing the challenge will lead to a severe loss in prestige.[b/] *choice #"Fine. Let's do it." *set opponents 2 "Fine." — you sigh — "Let's do it." *goto let_me_introduce #"I don't care. I'm not going to fight multiple people at once." *gosub_scene subroutines prestige_change 30 "-" "I don't care." — you say, your tone firm and non-negotiable — "I'm not going to fight multiple people at once." The older disciple is flabbergasted at your disregard for face and reputation, but, unable to actually force you, he can only sigh in defeat. "Well, it's your choice." — he responds — "We'll do one opponent as usual then." *goto crowd_forms #"Actually, I changed my mind. I don't want to spar today." "Actually," — you shake your head — "I changed my mind. I don't want to spar today." Your answer causes the disciple to furrow his brows. "Aren't ${polite_address} ${mc_name} a favorite *if mc_sex = 0 son *else daughter of the Heavens? People like you should rise up to the challenge, not run away from it." [b]Refusing the challenge will lead to a severe loss in prestige.[b/] *choice #"Fine. Let's do it." *set opponents 2 "Fine." — you sigh — "Let's do it." *goto let_me_introduce #"I don't care. I'm not going to fight today." *gosub_scene subroutines prestige_change 50 "-" "I don't care." — you say, your tone firm and non-negotiable — "I'm not going to fight today." The older disciple, flabbergasted by your disregard for face and reputation, sighs in defeat. "Well, it's your choice." — he responds — "Have a good day then, Junior ${polite_address}." *page_break Leave As you leave the Training Grounds, the whispers of the disciples nearby, who stare at you with puzzled looks, enter your ears. [i]Isn't that ${mc_surname} ${mc_name}, a ${YM} of a Great Clan? Is ${pronoun_1} so timid and cowardly, ${pronoun_1} is afraid to test ${pronoun_2} limits in battle?[/i] *line_break [i]Seems so. A shame really. ${pronoun_1} was hailed as one of the geniuses of this generation, alongside Tang Ruo and a few others. But it seems like ${pronoun_1} only talent is running away. *line_break [i]Yeah. What does Affinity matter, when one lacks both will and spirit? This ${mc_surname} ${mc_name} will not go far in the Jianghu.[/i] You ignore their cruel worlds and continue on walking. *goto_scene free_roam free_time #"Of course, I'm always ready." "Of course." — you say, the ever-present confidence leaking in your tone — "I'm always ready." The disciple chuckles. "That's a good mindset to have. Then, I assume Junior ${polite_address} would sirely rise to the challenge I prepared for ${pronoun_3}?" *goto what_challenge #"I don't know. I'm tired." "I don't know…" — you hesitantly say, looking to the side — "I'm tired…" "Ah, Junior ${polite_address}, you need to push through the adversities if you want to achieve something in the Martial World. And the most dangerous enemy of a Martial Artist is his own laziness." — the disciple responds, his tone admonishing — "I have a challenge for you. Would you be up to it?" *goto what_challenge #"Not today. I have other stuff to do." "Not today." — you say — "I have other stuff to do." "Junior ${polite_address}, no matter what you business is, training is of paramount importance. I really don't advise you on skipping this spar. Not to mention, I have something special planned for you." *choice #"What do you mean by 'special'?" "What do you mean by 'special'?" — you ask. *goto instead_of #"I said no. I have other business to attend to." "I said no." — you respond, your tone is firm as can be — "I have other business to attend to." The older disciple, flabbergasted by your answer, sighs in defeat. "Well, it's your choice." — he responds — "Have a good day then, Junior ${polite_address}." *page_break Leave *goto_scene free_roam free_time *label fight_starts "The rules of this bout are simple." — the older disciple continues — "No Martial Arts and no consumables are allowed — we want to test and better our actual technique today." The rules seem to be made against you — as someone from a prestigious background, you no doubt possess both better Techniques and talismans than your opponents do — but you can't exactly argue now, can you? *if opponents = 3 *goto fight_trio *label fight_trio *gosub_scene subroutines set_enemy_stats 15 15 15 15 13 "early" "" The trio stands in front of you, their expressions determined, their postures prepared. One armed with a long, silver sword, the other with two sharp black daggers and the last with a lengthy spear. As soon as the fight starts, they move together, synchronized like a cohesive unit: it becomes clear from the very beginning, this is not the first time these three have fought together. *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "per" 15 *if (stat_check) However, you notice a slight gap in their movement, a slight delay from the spear wielding woman — just enough for you to try and take her out. *set take_out_spear true *choice *selectable_if (take_out_spear) #Attack the spearwoman. Deciding to be proactive instead of waiting for the trio to surround you, you pick out the enemy who is slightly out of the formation — a woman with a spear — dash towards her, forcing the other two to change their plans as well. First, the man with a sword swings at you, the full-powered blow of his keen blade threating to cut apart your flesh. You… *choice #Duck underneath. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "agi" "agi" 0 *if (stat_check) *label ducked_underneath You dive under the blow, evading the dangerous edge with a seamless roll forward. After that, you ignore the swordsman and focus on the spear-wielder instead, reaching her with a couple nimble steps. *else *gosub_scene subroutines dodge *if (dodged) *goto ducked_underneath You fail to dive under the blow in time and it hits your back. *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_true_health_return enemy_str fight_scene true *if (blocked) But you disregard the damage it deals and shove the swordsman to the side, reaching the spear-wielder with a couple nimble steps instead. *else *gosub_scene subroutines add_injury 3 Blood erupts from the cut in your spine and the sheer amount of pain forces you to halt your attack — you are back to square one, only now spotting a significant injury. *goto trio_attacks #Disregard the strike. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "con" "con" 0 *if (stat_check) You disregard the coming strike and let it hit you — the seemingly dangerous edge rebounds from your flesh as if it had collided with a metal wall and you shove the swordsman to the side afterwards. With a couple of steps, you reach the spear-wielder instead. *else *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_true_health_return enemy_str fight_scene true You disregard the coming strike and let it hit you — but the dangerous edge proves its lethality as it sinks your back and leaves a nasty cut in your spine. Blood erupts from the wound and the sheer amount of pain forces to halt your attack — you are back to square one, only now spotting a significant injury. *goto trio_attacks #Stop your attack and focus on the man. You halt your attack and focus on the man instead: this allows you to evade the sword strike without trouble, but your plan of taking out the spear wielder fails. You are back to square one, although it's got you haven't suffered a debilitating injury. *goto trio_attacks Caught off guard by your blitzing rush, the spearwoman presents an easy target. You… *choice #Attack her with a combination of punches and kicks. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "agi" "agi" 1 *if (stat_check) *set remaining_opponents 2 You are fast, a blur in her eyes, as you plant your fist punch — right in her jaw. It staggers her and you do not let up: one to another side of her face, an uppercut to lift her into the air and then a mighty spin-kick into her stomach that sends her flying into to the row of disciples, knocking them down like dominoes. *choice #Let her be. You let her be — by leaving the fighting ring she has already forfeited, so there's no reason to injure her too badly. *goto trio_attacks #Follow her and break open her skull. With a cruel grin, you leap after her — and bring down your leg in a chop-like motion before she manages to get up. The skull gives way, as you break it open like a coconut with a loud thud. Blood trickles down from the crack, soon forming a small pool. The woman is unconscious, unresponsive. *goto killed_spear *else You try to plant a punch at her jaw, but she manages to jump backwards and avoid it before it lands. *goto spearwoman_dodge #Knock her out with her own weapon. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check_double "str" "agi" "str" 1 *if (stat_check) *set remaining_opponents 2 You grab her and, despite her furious struggle, wrestle it out of her hands. Then, you wack her across the face with its blunt side: you strike carries so much force, the spear's shaft actually shatters into splinters as it hits. The woman goes limp and topples to the ground, unconscious. *choice #Let her be. You let her be — she's already out of commission, no reason to injure her too badly. *goto trio_attacks #Break open her skull. With a cruel grin, you bring the remainders of the spear down, onto her defenseless head — the skull gives way, as you break it open like a coconut with a loud thud. Blood trickles down from the crack, soon forming a small pool. *goto killed_spear *else You try to wrestle the weapon out of her hands, but the spearwoman keeps her hold on it — before she pushes you off and jumps backward. *goto spearwoman_dodge #Grab her. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "str" "str" 1 *if (stat_check) *set remaining_opponents 2 You wrestle the spear out of her grip and grab her by the collar of her robe, liftIng the woman up. She struggles, tries to get herself free of your grasp, but faced with your monstrous strength she's nothing but a hapless chicken. *choice #Slam her into the ground and throw her to the side. You slam her into the ground, causing her to groan in agony, before you spin and throw her, with your entire might, into the crowd. A couple of disciple are toppled over like dominoes, and the woman herself struggles to get up, coughing blood. "Sister Jing has left the fighting ring and, therefore, has forfeited the match." — the older disciple's voice rings out. *goto trio_attacks #Break her spine against your knee. *gosub_scene subroutines reputation_change 5 "kindness" "-" With a cruel grin, you move one of your hands to her legs and rotate her horizontally, before you slam her down onto your knee. Her back [i]snaps[/i] as you feel the bones inside her spine break. She screams out in pain, a terrifying shrill that makes disciple nearby recoil — but you don't care, as you simply throw her limp body to the side. *label killed_spear [b]You've enraged your enemies. This fight will be harder.[/b] *set fight_difficulty +2 *choice #"Who's next?" you nonchalantly ask. You turn around and spread out your arms in an inviting gesture. "Who's next?" — you nonchalantly ask, this whole affair for you is as a strenuous as a casual warm-up. *label you_bastard "YOU BASTARD!" — the swordsman yells — "AAGH!" *goto trio_attacks #"Pathetic," you spit. "Pathetic." — you spit to the ground — "Are all of you just as weak?" *goto you_bastard #Don't lose concentration — focus on your next opponent. You immediately turn around and assess the current situation. *goto you_bastard *else You attempt to grab the woman the collar of her robe, but she struggles out of your grasp, jumps back and stabs you with her spear. *label spearwoman_dodge *gosub_scene subroutines dodge *if (dodged) You step to the side and avoid the blow. *else *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health 4 fight_scene Your momentum gone, you take a breath and assess the situation. *goto trio_attacks #Do nothing. *goto trio_attacks *label trio_attacks *if remaining_opponents = 1 The swordsman runs at you, his sword seeking out your flesh. *elsif remaining_opponents = 2 The man with the daggers attacks you from behind, his two daggers aimed at your back. *set interscene_temp +1 *elsif remaining_opponents = 3 The spearwoman thrusts her spear from the side, leaving you no opportunity to evade. *set interscene_temp +1 *choice *selectable_if (interscene_temp < 100) #Evade the attacks. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "agi" "agi" interscene_temp *if (stat_check) *if remaining_opponents = 1 You step to the side, avoiding the sword — before jumping to the side to avoid another strike, causing the blade to hit the solid earth with a clang. *goto take_out_sword *else *label step_to_side You step to the side, avoiding the sword — then you crouch to make the daggers miss, before sweeping the legs of the assailant behind you. After that, you are forced to jump to the side to avoid another sword strike, causing the blade to hit the solid earth with a clang. When you manage to get up, a dagger is thrown at you… *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "agi" "agi" interscene_temp *if (stat_check) … which you catch midair and throw to the side. *else *gosub_scene subroutines dodge *if (dodged) … which you avoid by a hair's length. *else *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_true_health_return 3 fight_scene true *if (not (blocked)) It pierces your shoulder. With a grunt of your teeth, you pull the blade out. *if (remaining_opponents = 2) *goto take_out_daggers *else *gosub_scene subroutines dodge *if (dodged) Thankfully, you innate instinct takes over: it guides you, allows you to dodge without a single conscious thought. *goto step_to_side *else You step to the side to avoid the sword — but are too slow to move out of the harm's way. *goto defend_first_attack #Do your best to defend yourself. You tighten your muscles and cross your arms, hoping that the toughness of your body will provide enough of a defense. *label defend_first_attack *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "con" "con" interscene_temp *if (stat_check) *if (remaining_opponents = 1) The sword bounces off your flesh, as if hitting a mountain made from stone: it barely even tickles. *goto take_out_sword *elseif remaining_opponents = 2 The sword bounces off your flesh, as if hitting a mountain made from stone: it barely even tickles. The daggers prove to be just as ineffective as they fall to the side without doing any harm. *goto take_out_daggers *else The sword bounces off your flesh, as if hitting a mountain made from stone: it barely even tickles. The daggers prove to be just as ineffective as they fall to the side without doing any harm. The spear almost breaks as the woman pushes her stab, unable to force its way through your skin. *goto take_out_spear *else The sword plunges deep into your flesh and it takes all the willpower you have not to cry out in pain. *if (remaining_opponents = 2) The daggers follow soon after, lancing into your back and puncturing holes in your skin. *if (remaining_opponents = 3) And to top it all of, the spear rends your side — at this moment you cannot hold on the screams. *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_true_health_return (interscene_temp*2) fight_scene true *if remaining_opponents = 1 *goto take_out_sword *elsif remaining_opponents = 2 *goto take_out_daggers *elseif remaining_opponents = 3 *goto take_out_spear *label take_out_spear *set remaining_opponents 2 You grab the spear by the handle and [i]pull[/i], causing the woman to lose balance and stagger close to you. Once in sufficient range, you unleash an air-cutting kick that topples her down and causes her head to bounce off the ground. *goto take_out_daggers *label take_out_daggers *if opponents = 3 *set interscene_temp -1 *set remaining_opponents 1 You somersault in the air and land near the man who attacked you with the daggers. Seeing you this close, he immediately begins to thrust his daggers at you in a continuous assault, stab after stab without stopping. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "agi" "agi" interscene_temp *if (stat_check) But all the daggers miss, as you are just too quick for them to catch you: left to right, you move in a zig-zag motion until an opportunity for a counterattack presents itself. During a small gap between the attacks, you gather your Inner Energy into your palm, breathe out and release a terrifying palm strike at the man's chest. Your hand crushes his ribs and sends him flying as he leaves behind a coughed out crimson trail. *goto take_out_sword *else *gosub_scene subroutines dodge *if (dodged) Despite the daggers being far too quick for you to reliably react to and avoid, your body moves at its own accord and dodges every stab by a hair's breadth. Then, during a small gap between the attacks, you gather your Inner Energy into your palm, breathe out and release a terrifying palm strike at the man's chest. Your hand crushes his ribs and sends him flying as he leaves behind a coughed out crimson trail. *page_break Last Opponent *goto take_out_sword *else The daggers, one by one, stab into chest — and then, to top it all of, the swordsman slashes you from behind. *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_true_health_return (interscene_temp*2) fight_scene true With a roar, you elbow the swordsman and pull the man with the daggers to the ground. You rain punches onto him, connecting fist after fist with his mushier and mushier head, until the man stops moving, choking on his own broken teeth. Then you get up, bloodied and injured, and stare at the swordsman. *page_break Last Opponent *goto take_out_sword *label take_out_sword *if opponents > 1 *set interscene_temp -1 The swordsman is guarded, careful not to reveal any openings. Whenever you try to get close, he swings his blade to keep your at range — yet doesn't commit to an actual attack himself. *choice #Just charge him. Fuck this — you're tired of playing cat and mouse with the swordsman due to his longer reach. With a rumbling growl, you charge at him — watching the blade fall onto you with unmitigated scorn. *label swords_falls_down *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "con" "str" interscene_temp *if (stat_check) The blade can't even [i]scratch[/i] you. With a snort, you run up to the swordsman, grab him by his throat and lift him in the air. *label grabbed_by_throat *if mc_devilbreaks >= 1 Inside of you, a war rages on: the voice in your head battles against the desire in your heart, reason has locked horns with rapacious thirst for violence. [i]Let him go.[/i] — says the voice — [i]There will be [b]consequences[/b].[/i] [i]He raised his sword against you — get [b]revenge[/b].[/i] — your heart dictates — [i]Coward.[/i] *choice *selectable_if (mc_devilbreaks >= 1) #Kill him. Your vision becomes red. Filled with blood. Vaguely, you feel as if a part of your soul, a part of your mind splits away. It's still there, it still works — but it's not yours anymore. You don't care about such things now, however. Now, you only want one thing. To [i]kill[/i]. With a sadistic, blood-thirsty grin you snap the disciple's neck. His life ends in your hands, your palm enjoying the sensation of his heart stopping its rhythm. Yes. Death. Murder. More. You want more. You want to kill your enemies. No. You just want to kill. Somebody. Anybody. Kill, you want to kill… Something moves at you. Fast. You just turn around — and the older disciple, a Late Houtian, punches you full force right in the face. It hurts. It hurts a lot — the surroundings immediately become blurry, mouth full of blood and broken teeth. But you're still awake. Still fighting. You get up and glare at the disciple, who, in turn, is wide-eyed. "How are you…?" He doesn't finish his sentence. You do not let him. Roaring like a mad beast, you charge at him, swiping your hands as if they were claws. Wait. [i]They are claws[/i]. Long, sharp nails that resemble daggers. [i]Good. They will be enough to cut him into pieces[/i]. The disciple, however, simply sighs while faced with your reckless assault. He glances at the dead man and looks up. "Heavens forgive me." — he says. [i]Yes, let them forgive him: he'll be joining the dead soon enough, he will need their grace![/i] "Let no one speak ill of me for bullying a junior." — he continues. [i]You are close. Very close. Almost in the range of your swipe…[/i] [b]Infinite Weight Hammer Art — Illusionary Hammer Strike![/b] As if a mountain falls down on you, you are plastered on the ground, unable to move. Too much pain. Too much hurt… *set date 160 *page_break Darkness... *goto chained_whipped #Break his legs. Why? The man hasn't done anything to offend you or wrong you — why cripple him? *choice #Because I want to. You tighten your grip on his neck before you slam him down. Then, you put a foot onto his chest to prevent him from squirming and squat next to him. "Scream." — you say, with a huge, bloodthirsty grin, before you stand up and [i]stomp[/i] onto his knee, shattering it into fragments. He does, indeed, scream — even more so after you wreck the second leg as well. Seeing him writhe in pain, seeing a grown man cry tears of agony and despair, for some reason, brings you immense joy: you can't help but let out a maniacal giggle. *gosub_scene subroutines reputation_change 10 "kindness" "-" *if (opponents = 3) or (opponents = 2) When you turn around, the whole crowd is stunned into silence. Both by your prowess — and by your barbarity. By your madness. No disciple dares to meet your gaze, too timid and afraid that your unprovoked fury may trigger at them as well. *goto speak_with_disciple *elsif (opponents = 1) When you turn around, the whole crowd is stunned into silence by your barbarity and madness. Some disciples dare to meet your gaze — you have only won against a single fighter, after all — but most are too afraid that your unprovoked fury may trigger at them as well. *goto speak_with_disciple #Let this be a lesson to anyone that dares to challenge me. You tighten your grip on his neck before you slam him down. Then, you put a foot onto his chest to prevent him from squirming. "If any fool in the future deems himself worthy to challenge me," — you arrogantly declare — "Let me demonstrate what fate awaits you." You [i]stomp[/i] onto the man's knee, shattering it into fragments. He screams — even more so after you wreck the second leg as well. Seeing him writhe in pain, seeing a grown man cry tears of agony and despair, you feel… nothing. It is as you watch an ant struggle beneath your boot — completely inconsequential. *gosub_scene subroutines reputation_change 10 "kindness" "-" *gosub_scene subroutines prestige_change 15 "+" *if (opponents = 3) or (opponents = 2) When you turn around, the whole crowd is stunned into silence. Both by your prowess — and by your cold, pragmatic cruelty. No disciple dares to meet your gaze, all of them lowering their heads as the sign of respect. *goto speak_with_disciple *elsif (opponents = 1) When you turn around, the whole crowd is stunned into silence by your cold, pragmatic cruelty. Some disciples dare to meet your gaze — you have only won against a single fighter, after all — but lower their heads as the sign of respect. *goto speak_with_disciple #Just throw him to the side. The battle is over, the swordsman has lost — so you just snort and throw him to the side. *if (opponents = 3) When you turn around, the crowd erupts with cheers and excited buzz. You have just won one against three, truly a heroic feat despite it not being a battle to the death. *goto speak_with_disciple *if (opponents = 2) When your turn around, the crowd greets you with excited cheer. Winning two against one — it's not a feat they witness every day. *goto speak_with_disciple *if (opponents = 1) When you turn around, the crowd greets you with nothing but slight murmurs. You victory as expected — they would've been more excited if you actually lost. *goto speak_with_disciple *else *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health (interscene_temp*2) The blade slices your shoulder, cutting through skin and muscle, but you hold on and continue your charge — eventually reaching the swordsman, grabbing him by the throat and lifting him up. *goto grabbed_by_throat #Knock the sword out of his hands. You focus, doing your best to gain understanding of the [i]rythm[/i] of his attacks as you dodge them left and right. And once you do, once you figure out how the swordsman moves, you strike — instantaneous, like a cobra born with a singular goal of transmitting its venom. *gosub_scene subroutines f_stat_check "agi" "agi" interscene_temp *if (stat_check) Your palm connects with his wrist — and knocks the sword out of his grip. From there on, he's easy pickings — all swordsmen without their blades are, with Tang Ruo being the rare exception. You run up to him and grasp the man by the throat, lifting him up. *goto grabbed_by_throat *else However, your palm misses his wrist, striking at his forearm instead. It hurts him, but doesn't knock the sword out of his grip. You can't do nothing, rooted to the spot by your failed attempt, but watch as the blade falls down. *gosub_scene subroutines dodge *if (dodged) At last possible moment, however, your instinct takes over — and you manage to lean out of the sword's way, retailing with a punch an instant later. The swordsman is staggered as you walk up to him, grab him by the throat and lift him up. *goto grabbed_by_throat *else *goto swords_falls_down #Throw sand into his eyes. *gosub_scene subroutines reputation_change 5 "honor" "-" Techniques and consumables are forbidden — but no one has said anything about fighting dirty. After dodging another swing of the sword, you duck and scoop a chunk of sand from the ground. Then you spin and scatter the grains right into the swordsman's eyes. Failing to react — understandably not expecting you to use such a dirty trick in a sparring match — he, for a moment, loses his vision. But that moment is enough for you to end the fight, as you run up to him and knock the blade out of his hand, before lifting him up by his throat. *goto grabbed_by_throat *label speak_with_disciple *gosub_scene subroutines prestige_change (opponents*50) "+" Despite your victory, the older disciple offers you no congratulations — instead, he watches you with his arms crossed, his expression disdainful. "You think you're talented?" — he sneers — "You're not. You are not even qualified to lick Brother Ruo's shoes. You better scram out of the sect and go back to your pathetic Wu Clan — keep your pathetic excuse of a father company as you both drink yourself to death with wine." *choice #"Have I done something to offend you?" His words are full of malice and contempt — and you can't help but wonder [i]why[/i]. You don't even know this guy's name, why would he be so hostile towards you? "Have I done something to offend you?" — you ask, confused — "If so, I apologize." However, the older disciple just lets out a sardonic laugh. "Your whole existence offends me." — he says — "Hearing your name mentioned in the same sentence as Brother Ruo's is an insult!" #"Watch your tongue, bastard." "Watch your tongue, you bastard." — you threaten — "Or I will rip it out." However, the older disciple just lets out a sardonic laugh. "Don't overestimate yourself, [i]Junior[/i]." — he says, enunciating the 'junior' part — "I'll break your arms before you manage to touch me. You are not Brother Ruo — so don't aspire to be. Hearing your name mentioned in the same sentence as his is an insult!" #"Will you dare repeat these words in five years' time?" "Will you dare repeat these words in five year's time?" — you ask, unbothered: you know for a fact trashes like him would never match your growth. However, the older disciple just lets out a sardonic laugh. "I will dare repeat them after five years, after ten years, even after fifty years." — he says — "You are not Brother Ruo — so don't aspire to be. Hearing your name mentioned in the same sentence as his is an insult!" #Attack him. No one is permitted to speak to you with such a tone — no matter what position they occupy or what power they wield. Not caring about the difference in your strength, you attack him: you explode with a lightning-quick punch that… the older disciple evades with a casual side-step, before he destroys your momentum with a casual back-handed slap. You fall over and spit out a trickle of blood. "Do this again and I'll break your arms." — he says — "You are not Brother Ruo — so don't aspire to be. Hearing your name mentioned in the same sentence as his is an insult." *choice #"So, you are Ruo's lapdog then? Woof for me." "So," — you laugh, realizing what's going on — "You are Ruo's lapdog then? Be a good boy, woof for me." The older disciple clenches his fists — but doesn't strike you. It would too shameful, too immoral to attack a lower-stage practitioner after being the one to provoke him. "I'll see you around." — he eventually tells you — "[i]Trash.[/i]" #"Does Tang Ruo have a problem with me?" "Does Tang Ruo have a problem with me?" — you question. "Problem?" — the disciple laughs — "Be grateful Brother Ruo even knows of your existence. You are a [i]bug[/i] to him, just another insect whom he will crash on his path to the Heavens." "No," — the disciple continues — "Tang Ruo doesn't have a problem with you. [i]I do[/i]. See you around, trash." #"In five years, your head will decorate my lodgings." "In five years," — you promise, looking him dead in the eye, unflinching —"In five years your head will decorate my lodgings. I will put on a wall, stare at it and laugh at the another fool who thought himself strong enough to provoke me." The disciple flinches — just a bit, just a tiny wince — but he still winces. A Late Houtian, just for a second, became afraid of someone two stages below. "Good luck with that." — he eventually says, trying to shake off the impact of your words — "I'll see you around, [i]trash[/i]." With that, he leaves and the crowd disperses soon after. *if opponents >= 2 One disciple, however, doesn't depart — the red-haired woman stares at you with her crimson eyes, as if dissecting you inch by inch. Her gaze is focused and intent, not leaving your body even for a second. *choice #"What do you want?" "What do you want?" — you ask. "Teach the Tigress." — she says — "Teach the Tigress how to fight like you do." #"What do you want, beast?" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 2 "-" "What do you want, beast?" — you impatiently ask. If your insult irritates her, she doesn't show it. The Tigress shrugs her shoulders instead. "Teach the Tigress." — she says — "Teach the Tigress how to fight like you do." #"See something you like?" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 5 "+" You grin — her undivided attention is quite enjoyable. "See something you like?" — *if mc_bodytype = "muscular" you say, flexing your large, well-defined muscles. Your words change the nature of her stare: if before it was inquisitive and curious, as if she was trying to understand what was inside of you, then now it turned [i]lascivious[/i]. Transformed into an unapologetic ogling. "Tigress does." — she replies, licking her red lips with her long tongue — "Oh, Tigress sure does." However, after a minute, she breathes out and collects herself. "But that's not why Tigress is here." — she says — "She needs you to teach her." "Teach you what?" — you query. "Teach the Tigress how to fight. How to fight like you do." *elseif mc_bodytype = "chunky" you say, patting yourself on your large belly. Your words change the nature of her stare: if before it was inquisitive and curious, as if she was trying to understand what was inside of you, then now it transformed into an unapologetic ogling. "You're not bad." — she replies — "But Tigress is here for another reason." "What reason?" "She needs you to teach her." — the Tigress says — "Teach the Tigress how to fight like you do." *else you say. You would've flexed your muscles as well — if you had any that would be noticeable underneath your robe. Your words cause the Tigress to roll her eyes. "Skinny thing, don't be ridiculous." — she replies — "The Tigress is here for another reason." "What reason?" "She needs you to teach her." — the Tigress says — "Teach the Tigress how to fight like you do." #Shy away from her stare. *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 3 "+" For some reason, you just can't withstand her stare. She doesn't exactly ogle — no, her gaze is more inquisitive and curious than it is lascivious — but you still can't quite look her in the eyes. "Tsk." — the Tigress clicks her tongue — "Don't be afraid, sweet thing, the Tigress won't bite you." "Unless you ask her nicely." — she then adds and laughs — "But that's not why the Tigress is here. She needs you to teach her." "Teach you what?" — you query. "Teach the Tigress how to fight. How to fight like you do." *label questions_for_tigress *choice *hide_reuse #"Surely you know how to fight already." Isn't she an established warrior already? Why would she need anybody teaching her? "Surely you know how to fight already." — you say. "The Tigress knows how to [i]kill[/i]." — she responds — "And how to [i]survive[/i]. But how to properly fight, the Tigress knows not." The Tigress then, subconsciously, touches up her rib. "Her… [i]Master[/i] made it clear that us tribal people lack the knowledge about battle that you imperials have." "Your Master?" — you question. Since when had the Tigress become a personal disciple? Even you don't have a Master yet! "Long story." — the Tigress answers — "Agree to help the Tigress out and she will tell you." *page_break *goto questions_for_tigress *hide_reuse #"Why me?" "Why me?" — you ask her. There are people in the sect who not only know more about the art of fighting — they also much more qualified to actually teach. "You are free. Or cheap, at least." — the Tigress says — "You are strong as well. The Tigress has just seen your prowess. Why would she not be willing to learn under you?" *if characters_5_opinion >= 60 Suddenly, as becoming shy, she turns away her head and scratches her ear. "You also one of the few who treats the Tigress well…" — she murmurs. *page_break *goto questions_for_tigress *hide_reuse #"What's in it for me?" "What's in it for me?" — you query. Your time is valuable — you can't waste hours training some savage from the cold West. "The Tigress doesn't have a lot." — she hands you her Sect Badge that displays a feeble '23' — "You can have it all if you agree." Although she's dismissive and lukewarm to her Contribution Points, you can tell, even this tiny number took her a lot of effort to accumulate — and she would much rather keep it. *choice #Take the Points. [b]Contribution Points +23[/b] *set mc_sect_points +23 "You [i]civilized[/i] people don't do anything without a profit, do you?" — she shakes her head — "Forget about it. The Tigress will meet you before the Expedition." *set history &"sect_tigress_train|" *set history &"sect_tigress_train_money|" *goto_scene free_roam #"Forget about it." "Forget about it." — you say and you can easily tell, your answer pleases her despite her simple nod. *goto questions_for_tigress #"Alright." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 5 "+" "Alright." — you decide — "I'll help you." The Tigress grins — a wide, toothy grin — and slaps your shoulder. "Good!" — she exclaims — "The Tigress will meet you before the Expedition." *set history &"sect_tigress_train|" #Refuse. *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 5 "-" Why won't you help the Tigress with her training? *fake_choice #Why would I help this animal do anything? #I have other things to do right now #I couldn't care less about her. The Tigress is disappointed with your answer — but, perhaps, expecting it she quickly gathers herself and leaves. *goto_scene free_roam *label defeat *page_break Defeat... You lie on the ground, struggling to move — before your vision goes black completely, however, the older disciple comes close and kicks you, a cruel grin on his face. "Trash. And you dare call yourself Tang Ruo's rival?" — he spits, the saliva dropping right onto your head — "You better scram out of the sect and go back to your pathetic Wu Clan — keep your pathetic excuse of a father company as you both drink yourself to death with wine." Soon, you can't hold on to your consciousness anymore — and go limp. *gosub_scene subroutines prestige_change 50 "-" *page_break Wake Up... *goto_scene free_roam *comment add bleeding in multiple places *label chained_whipped When you wake up, you are surrounded by utter darkness and absolute silence. Your head hurts, your body hurts, everything [i]hurts[/i]. You try to move, but before you can even get up to half of your height, you're realize you're stuck: held in place by heavy, immovable chains. No matter how you struggle against the restraints, they prove impossible to break. So you wait. And wait. Wait for what seems like hours… *page_break Bright light... Bright light assaults your already unaccustomed to it eyes. You want to cover them, to shield them with your hands, yet unable to do even that with the cold metal preventing you from moving. When you can finally open your eyes, you see a couple of disciples coming towards you — that flash of light was the opening of a door — and unlock the chains. But even without the restraints, you're too weak to move by itself. Too tired. The disciples grab you by the arms, their treatment rough, and carry you out of the room. Or a cage. Or a box. Or whatever the hell this place you woke up is. [i]But where? Where are they taking you?[/i] The answer doesn't take long to present itself: you are dragged into a square, full of other sect disciples who watch you with excited abandon. Before you can even fully understand what's going on, you locked into a device that holds your limbs in place. Once again, rid of your freedom. "Quiet!" — a booming, female voice rings out, shushing the animated talks. "${mc_surname} ${mc_name}, *if mc_sex = 0 son of *else daughter of Wu Chao, Inner Disciple of the Heavenly Ascension Sect has committed an unforgivable crime. In a fit of rage, ${pronoun_1} killed another disciples, ${pronoun_2} own martial brother." — the voice continues — "Punishment for such a sin is death." Despite her earlier proclamation, the disciples once again erupt in rambunctious discourses: how could they not, when a figure as illustrious as you is to be executed? The voice calms them down again. "However, in regards to the talent of the offender and ${pronoun_1} potential value to the sect, the execution is to be replaced with complete removal of all Contribution Points." — the voice stops for a second, before adding — "As well as a heavy flogging. ${mc_surname} ${mc_name} is to suffer fifty lashes with a Thorny Rod of Pain." [i]Wh-what?[/i] The back of your robes is suddenly torn apart — and enough pain to make you scream assaults your mind, as something sharp and heavy hits your naked flesh. Again. And again. Just like that, you, a ${YM} of a Great Noble clan, is whipped in public like a disobeying child. In front of hundreds, if not of thousands of disciples… You have no doubt: word of this will reach not only the whole sect, but the entirety of the Martial World as well. *gosub_scene subroutines prestige_change 100 "-" *set mc_sect_points 0 When the punishment is done, you're freed of the restraints and left alone in the square, lying on the ground like an abused dog. *goto_scene free_roam