The stone blocks grind against one another, shivering the aqueduct’s stagnant water. As the wall shifts, a figure steps from the emerging fissure, draped in ceremonial silk stained with salt and grime.
Lotus Blade
Leave the artifact, child. The temple does not surrender its heart to those who walk the path of the common thief.
Chun Li
His movements are fluid, like a predator stalking through reeds. He doesn't carry a weapon, yet the air around his hands hums with static.
Chun Li
I am no thief. This seal belongs to the light, not the shadows you serve.
Lotus Blade
The light you cling to is a dying flame. Hand it over, or I will carve it from your cooling fingers.
+ Scene Quest Added
Defend the Celestial Seal from the Lotus Blade
“Ask Lotus Blade to stop. I don't want to kill or hurt any more people here.”
SUCCESS (Mediocre Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Lotus Blade tilts his head, the static around his knuckles flickering as he pauses. His shoulders drop, the tension in his stance dissipating just a fraction.
Lotus Blade
Your mercy is a weakness that will surely kill you, girl. But I tire of this slaughter as well. The temple is already weeping for what we have done.
Chun Li
He is hesitating. If I can reach his conscience, perhaps I can avoid the violence that the temple demands.
Chun Li
Then let us stop it now. Walk away, and we can find a way to stabilize this collapse together.
Lotus Blade
Stability is a dream for those who do not see the cracks. Very well. Keep your distance, but follow me. The core of the chamber holds the stabilization seal, though I doubt you have the strength to activate it.
He gestures toward a darkened tunnel leading deeper into the foundation. His posture remains guarded, watching for any sign of betrayal as he turns away.
+ Scene Quest Added
Stabilize the collapsing chamber
“Ask Lotus Blade to help me stabilizing the chamber.”
SUCCESS (Mediocre Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Lotus Blade gestures into the darkness. His hands fall to his sides, the crackling energy around his knuckles finally extinguishing into wisps of faint, grey smoke.
Lotus Blade
If you seek to play the hero, do not stumble. The foundations here are as fragile as your resolve.
Chun Li
His movements are fluid, almost practiced. He expects a trap, but he is leading me directly into the heart of this collapse. I must be ready to strike if he shifts his footing.
He turns his back, his stride steady despite the tremors shaking the floor. As he steps toward the narrow tunnel, a section of the vaulted ceiling groans, dropping a heavy curtain of dust and stone chips between them. Chun Li maintains her distance, her muscles coiled and ready to transition into a defensive stance at a moment's notice. The air grows thick with the smell of wet earth and ancient, ozone-charged magic.