The Path Unending (A Cultivation Quest)

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You have been moved close to tears four times in your entire life.

The first time was long ago. Your parents had gone on a long journey and you had been too young to understand why. Your memory from that age is fairly incomplete, so all you have to go on is stories that Uncle Fang tells when he's particularly deep in his cups. The way he tells it, you were inconsolable for days, and were unable to be moved from your room until your parents returned from their business. But Uncle Fang is a notorious embellisher; you choose to believe you likely came close to crying a few times.

The second was the first time Father allowed you to assist him. You had been certain you were going to ruin his project and had spent the entire day dreading the inevitable failure. Thankfully, Father never noticed, and you finished the tasks given to you with no more than a few minor snarls. Still, tears of worry had almost been shed.

The third time was very different; it was when you were presented with your first ever tool of your own. You still remember it fondly. It was a small bronze chisel perfect for faceting a ruby you had been having trouble with. And later on, there was the fourth time, when your ordinary tools were set aside and Auntie Bi replaced them by throwing an oilskin full of miststeel at your head.

But now? Now there is a fifth time to add to that list.

You cannot help it. They are… just so beautiful.

Sitting before you on the Spire's kitchen table are almost all of the charms you have made since coming to the Delving Heart. The massive wooden form of your box sits beside the small necklace you wove for Xu Yun, behind which lays your gauntlet. Before them all is a small pile of rings which you have taken off of your own fingers for the first time since you finished them. All together, they are a wondrous sight.

Across the table, Jai Fa doesn't seem to agree. She seems to appreciate the sight, certainly, but she's not showing nearly the reverence you would expect from one experienced with true art. If anything, she looks slightly bored, which offends you on level you were not even aware you possessed.

That impression is furthered when she looks up at you and holds back a visible yawn. "They are very nice," Jai Fa tells you. "Now why am I here?"

You barely bite back a torrent of invective and instead settle for rolling your eyes. "To appreciate the fruits of my labor," you jab. Jai Fa shakes her head and pushes away from the table, and you hurry to continue before she actually gets up. "And because we must discuss the charms before the duel. Surely you would like to know the capabilities of what you will be wielding before you wield them, wouldn't you?"

Jai Fa thankfully stops getting up. But she does not seem convinced. "Why do you not simply give me the charms before the duel and tell me how to use them? A whole presentation seems like it will waste valuable time that neither of us can spare."

The idea of someone not wanting to know every facet of information they can gather about your charms is utterly foreign to you, and again you have to hold back your instinctual response. "No, that will not suffice," you answer. "Charms are not like a sword or a hammer; you cannot simply flail them about if you wish to show off their full potential. And since the entire purpose of this challenge is to show off the full potential of my creations, you will be hearing about each and every one of these in detail. Are we clear?"

Your friend and champion still looks like she would prefer to be anywhere else, but she does settle back into the chair. After a moment's pause she crosses her arms. "Well?" she prompts you. "Are you going to start?"

You don't wait for her to change her mind or try to leave again. Instead you step forward and pick up the first charm your hands land upon: the necklace. "We will begin with this one," you tell her as you hold the blood red cords out before you. "This is the Widow's Ward. It is a defender charm born from blood and sorrow- and it technically is not mine. Xu Yun commissioned it, but he has yet to pick it up. He has told me that while I have custody of it, I am welcome to use it as I wish."
Jai Fa quirks an eyebrow. "And has he told you when that will be?" she asks curiously.

You shake your head. "No, but I cannot imagine it will be much longer. He told me he needed it for exploration in the lower caverns; I do not think he will continue putting that exploration off for much longer. But that is besides the point. The reason I bring it up is because it is very important that the Widow's Ward suffer no damage during this challenge. So please, make certain it comes to no harm."

Jai Fa nods and you continue. "As for it's capabilities, it conjures a shield in a place or a position of your choosing. The best use of it is to create armor where none exists. But in a pinch, you can use it to create obstacles in your opponent's path. It's use comes with a wonderful side-effect as well; every time you use it, the blood anam within will leach out into your own veins."

"...that sounds like it could end poorly," Jai Fa tells you after a moment's consideration.

"Perhaps you misheard me," you explain. "I said that it is wonderful, and wonderful it indeed is. For while the blood anam remains in your system, you become more difficult to wound. Your skin itself gains an additional temper, making it more difficult for anything to damage you."

"I would suggest using it often in the duel," you tell her. "The blood anam in your system fades quickly and must be refreshed if you wish to retain the temper. However, it is not the most visually impressive charm. Over use could harm our standings with the judges. I shall leave the final determination in your hands."

With that, you put the Widow's Ward back down and scoop up the rings. "Next, of course, is my first charm. I hope you remember A Moment's Respite. It is far simpler to use than the Ward. All you must do is put on the rings. Then, when you are weary and damaged, simply press the activation ruby."
You spin the central ring to allow Jai Fa a better look at the knuckle-sized gem. "The Respite does the rest. It drains away your weariness and enables you to fight harder for longer. Though be warned- the recovery is short-lived. One day after use, the Respite sends your exhaustion back into you."

Jai Fa leans forward. "Yes, I remember your rings. Does the weariness have to return to its source? Can someone else not don the rings and spread the blow out?"

"I wish it functioned like that," you reply wryly. "It would have made my recovery from the last duel far easier. But no, the exhaustion is yours and yours alone. Even if you have taken the rings off, it will always return to you. So prepare some pills- or perhaps a bed."

Your champion nods, and you place the rings back down on the table. "Now. On to my newer creations," you continue. You scoop up your gauntlet and slide it onto your hand. "This is the Vitriolic Retort. It is most likely the simplest charm I have laid before you."

You cycle a bare whisper of anam into the charm. The runes in the bone burn with an acidic green and a small drizzle of hissing liquid falls from your palm. "It is an archer charm that uses a combination of force and acid anam to allow you to strike from a distance. All you need to do is aim the rings at your opponent and let loose; the charm does the rest."
Jai Fa makes a beckoning gesture, and you obligingly remove the web of medallions and beads so you can pass it over. Your friend slides it on and makes a fist. "I see," she muses. After a moment's study she looks back at you. "There is something else here besides the force and acid."

"Ah, good catch!" you cheer. "That would be the pain anam that was in the wood that makes up most of the charm. That adds a unique side-effect onto whomever the blast hits. The acid damage is quick and short lived, but the pain tends to linger. It should do wonders in slowing down Jin Yazhu's champion."

The next few moments are spent with Jai Fa closely inspecting the Vitriolic Retort. Once she's satisfied, she slides it off. Then she nods at the box that dominates the table. "I suppose you saved the biggest for last?"

"Of course!" you chirp, reaching out and resting a hand on your newest work. "This, Jai Fa, is the Dance at the Midnight Crossroads."

You pull open the rope holding the doors shut, allowing the demon mask and triptych to shimmer before Jai Fa's eyes. "It has a very, very simple purpose: to give you aid. Feed it anam and your energy shall combine with that already priming the charm. Once the two combine…"

Another wisp of anam is sent out and the Rakshasa of darkness congeals once more. "And this will come to your side, only it will be six feet tall and far more intimidating. It will fight with you for as long as it's energy sustains it- which should be a good few minutes. I would suggest leading off with it; perhaps with it's aid you will be able to claim a quick victory."

Jai Fa stares at the dark silhouette for moments on end. She continues to look until the anam sustaining the manifestation fades and takes the shade away. Only then does she look back at you. "What did you say this charm's name was again?" she asks.

You pause, caught unawares by the sudden show of interest. "The Dance at the Midnight Crossroads," you repeat.

"That is what I thought you said," she replies. Jai Fa seems to think for a moment before speaking again. "That is a very… evocative name. May I ask what inspired you to such… grandiosity?"

Sense Motive Check: 3d10s7(0.9). Dice Rolled: 1, 10, 5, 2. 0 Successes! Fail!

It takes you a moment to answer the strange question. "It just felt right," you eventually say. "The Rakshasa dances, it is infused with night, and it has a certain poetic quality to it that I felt suits it's nature well. Why? Did-" you stop and shake your head, a smile on your face. "I am not changing the name. No matter how foolish it makes you feel, you will be using The Dance at the Midnight Crossroads."

Jai Fa studies your face for a long moment. Then she lets out a long, heaving breath. "As you say," she says. But she doesn't sound convinced. Does she really think she's going to be able to talk you into changing the name? If so, she doesn't know you at all.

Any protests she might make are quickly quashed however, as the door to the first floor creaks open. Footsteps sound on the stairs and a moment later, the two of you are joined by Jai Shouxi. His eyes rake across your treasure trove and he lets out an approving noise. "You finished your latest work!" he cheers. "It has turned out quite well; no doubt it will prove a formidable tool in your challenge."

"Thank you," you acknowledge. "I was just telling your sister how to make the best use of the charms- and keeping her from trying to change their names."

Jai Shouxi shakes his head. "Attempting to interfere in an artisan's naming scheme?" he muses, clucking his tongue. "That is quite rude of you, Fa. I am deeply ashamed and also amused by your efforts."

Jai Fa closes her eyes and sighs. Her brother takes that as an excuse to turn back to you. "Are these all of the charms you will be using?" At your nod, he frowns. "I think you may have missed one."


You glance over your charms once more. A Moment's Respite. The Vitriolic Retort. The Widow's Ward. The Dance at the Midnight Crossroads. That's all four. "No, I-"

Jai Shouxi cuts you off by reaching into his pocket and producing a familiar rod. "No. You have one more." With that, he places it on the table with the rest of your creations.

You smile at the sight of every piece of your work collected in one place, but then you stop and look at your roommate. "Are you certain?" you ask. "I would not want to deprive you of options should you need it while we use it."

Jai Shouxi waves off your concern. "I am entirely certain. Please, take it back and use it with my compliments. Work so fine must be shared with the public! However, I do expect it to be returned. So do not get too comfortable with it."

Jai Fa snorts. "Have no fear," she replies. "It is not my usual style."

You pick up the rod and weigh the familiar glass in your hands. "It appears we have one last entry. This is, as you know, A Pond, Reflected. It is a hybrid charm born of water and light. From one end, it produces a dangerous ray of light that moves far faster than even the Retort's blasts. From the other, you can create a short lived shield of water."
"I am familiar," she replies dryly. "I have seen it used several times." Jai Fa takes the rod from your hands and weighs it in her own. "But there is a problem."

"Oh?" you ask, looking over your charms once more. Is there a flaw you missed? You swore you fixed all the errors before you infused them! Is it the Retort? You knew there would be a problem with the retort!

"Yes," Jai Fa continues. "There are simply too many charms here for me to use them effectively."

You stop and slowly look at you champion. "Explain," you tell her.

"The Respite and the… Dance will be fine," she says. "They do not need much input besides triggering them or preparing to deal with their backlash. But the other three? They are all charms that need focus and attention to use properly. I have to decide when the best time to use each of them would be, I need to plan ahead several steps to get the best value from any of them, and all of them cost anam to use."

She sighs. "I am uncertain that I will be able to use them all to their fullest potential. That worries me. I would not have you lose this challenge because of my inability to split my focus."

Hm. She raises a valuable point.

Jai Shouxi seems to disagree. "I think you are underestimating yourself, sister dear," he tells her. "If there is anyone who can use all of these weapons to their fullest in the heat of combat, I am certain it is you! Do not sell yourself short!"

"Perhaps," Jai Fa says. "Still, it is a risk that I am leery of."
'
She places A Pond, Reflected back down on the table. "You make the decision, Kong Zhi. Whichever charms you think I should carry into battle, those are the ones I shall wield.

Which charms will Jai Fa use in your challenge? (Vote for as many or as few as you would like. Any charm with a majority will be selected.)
[] [LOADOUT] A Moment's Respite
[] [LOADOUT] A Pond, Reflected
[] [LOADOUT] The Widow's Ward
[] [LOADOUT] The Vitriolic Retort
[] [LOADOUT] A Dance at the Midnight Crossroads

You think on it carefully for a moment before giving Jai Fa her answer. She nods, and scoops up the indicated charms. "Very well," she says. "Then let us seek a place to practice. I shall attempt to grow accustomed to these. If I have any questions, I shall ask them."

"Excellent," you tell her. "That sounds like a good idea. Jai Shouxi, do you wish to accompany us?" The refiner begs off, citing work on his tea that must be done, letting you and Jai Fa leave on your own minutes later. It takes some doing to close the door behind you with your arms full, but soon the two of you are on your way.

"Where were you thinking of practicing?" you ask. "The training craters?"

"Perhaps," Jai Fa replies. "If we could find a sparring partner for me to use the charms upon, it would be ideal. Or we could go to the area the duel will be taking place in. It is always good to grow accustomed to a battlefield before waging war upon it."

"That makes sense. I-"

Perception Check: 4d10s7. Dice Rolled: 4, 8, 5, 7. 2 Successes!
Opposed ??? Stealth Check: 3d10s8. Dice Rolled: 2, 5, 1. 0 Successes!
Kong Zhi is victorious!

You pause as a shape moving in the corner of your eye catches your attention. "Wait," you mutter, hastily resuming your stride. "I think that someone is following us."

Jai Fa is silent for a moment. Then she dips her head slightly. "I believe so as well. Someone is certainly watching us. But I do not see Jin Yazhu, nor any of Geng Tu's associates."

"Neither do I," you reply. The two of you continue walking through the Ninth Circle Courtyard, eyes peeled, but your pursuer does not make themselves obvious. All you have to go on is a vague sensation of being watched and a shape in the corner of your eyes that moves every few moments.

An opportunity presents itself as you reach a wider path. "Turn here," you mutter. Jai Fa instantly heeds your words and turns, allowing you to move with her and letting you turn your head just enough to see what was behind you without seeming suspicious. It's enough for you to see your tail.

"I see him," you say. "Small, male, dark hair. His robes are torn at the cuffs, he's wearing a headband, and he has heavy spectacles on."

Jai Fa grunts an acknowledgement. After a few more steps, she says, "I see him. It… wait. Are we being stalked by Teng Lim?"

Another surreptitious glance confirms it: you are being followed by Teng Lim.

You have never spoken with Teng Lim before, but you know him from your classes and from his reputation. He is not martially inclined, nor does he seem to be an artisan of any stripe. But according to Jai Shouxi, he is close to receiving a sigil from Elder Tantoi regardless. Aside from that, all you really know is that he is highly nervous and has terrible vision.

Jai Fa shakes her head. "We are being stalked by Teng Lim," she muses. Then she glances over at you.

"How do you wish to handle this?"
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