Eeeeeh? But it never ends!
When it's in tabletop rpg, it's no problem, but to experience it in real life, in the flesh, that's something else.
By the way, yes, it's strange, he shouldn't feel tired, it's only a dream, isn't it? It's all too realistic. Anyway, why should he agree to go?
Wait....
Here he is, stunned and staring at these written words. They don't make any sense. They may form a correct sentence, but...it's wrong, isn't it? Protagonist? Is there a protagonist in a role-playing game? In SEFM?
There are important characters, "good guys" and "bad guys" if you really wanted to give a black and white dimension to rpg, but no protagonist.
Besides, why should his satisfaction drop if he doesn't volunteer? He's Shoi-Ming, a fucking NPC! He was already crying internally as he muttered insults at the GM, we just want to see him die because that's his destiny, right?
Way to speed things up! Minus a thousand? What kind of exorbitant number is that? Like what, the protagonist is going to throw a tantrum if he doesn't volunteer? Where does his freedom of choice fit in?
No no....maybe....yes he just grasped! The protagonist was simply his sect master, Zi Xuan. That would explain his immense disappointment if he don't take part! So, he clench his fist and shout at the GM again.
"Can't you tell it's Zi Xuan for God's sake?! I don't care about the protagonist. He's an important character, ok, but to say that - it's too much! Well, ok I accept, I don't want to disappoint him. Not after he's earned a bit of respect for me, that would be too stupid."
Giving the screen a shou shou with his hand, he stood up straight and dignified, holstering his blade before stepping forward.
"I'd like to volunteer to find out more about this case. The sooner we get to the bottom of it, the sooner we can deal with the problem at source."
As Shoi-Ming spoke, determined not to disappoint Zi Xuan, a gleam of approval shone in their leader's eyes.
"Shoi-Ming, I'm proud of your decision," declares Zi Xuan, his voice full of renewed confidence in his disciple.
[ Respect earned from Zi Xuan: +5. ]
Jun-Hie, sensing the importance of the situation, also volunteers, following Shoi-Ming's example. Two other disciples also volunteer to investigate each of the other sects, forming a team determined to uncover the source of the corruption threatening their domain.
....
Five points! That's it?!
What kind of scam is this?! And look at the other one agreeing to come too, of course he's coming!!!
Zi Xuan, my man, he'll think you're a tsundere if you act like a guy who's extremely disappointed in him - ready to kick him out of the clan if he doesn't come, but barely happy if he does. Come on, bro, if you don't put your mind to it, how can he get better and avoid dying, eh? He's not at one percent of your level!
[ Please select your destination:
The Sect of the Jade Dragon: Renowned for its wisdom and ancient knowledge, this sect may hold crucial clues to the origin of demonic energy.
The Sect of the Majestic Phoenix: Known for its power and prestige, this sect may have information on ancient artifacts linked to corruption.
The Sect of the 3000 Fans: Specializing in mystical arts and secret techniques, this sect may hold knowledge of forbidden rituals linked to demonic energy.
The Shining Tiger Sect: Renowned for its bravery and courage, this sect may have testimonies to suspicious events that have taken place recently. ]
Looking at the screen, he remains pensive for a moment, weighing up the pros and cons.
Eliminate the Majestic Phenix with power and prestige, he'll be sticking out like a sore thumb. If challenged, he'll just bring shame to his sect.
The Shining Tiger....bravery and courage? Shoi-Ming? Yeaaaaaah...naaaaah, he must be really frowned upon over there.
All that's left are the Three Thousand Fans and the Jade Dragon.
He hasn't mastered his Qi....is it a good idea to go to the Three Thousand Fans? The Jade Dragon is the sect with the best connection to theirs from what he remembers. It should go well, especially since there are crucial clues there about the origin and that's their goal, isn't it?
Yet his gaze turns to Jun Hie, still immobilized by time.
Leaving knowledge of forbidden rituals to this guy isn't a good idea. But...of all the sects, this was the one he knew the least about.
The Shining Tiger was his character's sect, as was another of his buddies, well, the other two were part of the Jade Dragon, which is why they've never been unpleasant with Shoi-Ming, given that they're on good terms with Master Zi Xuan.
Closing his eyes, he sighed and pressed the third proposal.
He definitely can't let Jun Hie choose this proposal, for the sake of the sect, even if it means he takes all the credit for going to the Jade Dragon sect.
[ Would you like to select the "quick trip" option? It will cost you 50 S-Points. ]
Huh?
What?
S-Point ?
"Hey! Don't add more stuff! What's this 'S points'? Superclass? Survival?"
He grimaces, but it doesn't matter what the answer is, he doesn't have much in the way of points already, so he's not going to use his precious points for this. Unless....he adds a new question:
"Um, how far is it? How long would it take me to walk there?"
He can't fly on his sword, and if he dared to ask to be taken there, he'd be shamed or ejected from the airlift. Why the hell should he have to spend points?
A voice echoes in Shoi-Ming's mind, emanating from the GM:
[ S-Points, or "Scenario Points", are a resource you accumulate as you progress through the story. You currently have 50, earned by completing the tutorial quest prologue. They give you access to additional in-game benefits. ]
Prologue... the quest isn't even finished! Talk about a tutorial! Oh hey, the GM hadn't notified him of this receipt!
[ As for the distance to the Sect of the 3000 Fans, it's about a three-day walk. However, given the urgency of the situation and the time available to find the source of the corruption, I strongly recommend using the fast-travel option. A 72-hour timer has been activated for this quest, so every second counts. ]
Are you kidding me? The sect is a three-day walk away, that's seventy-two hours!
[ Would you like to use 50 S-Points to access fast travel and reach your destination immediately? ]
But he doesn't have much choice, does he? He facepalm so brutally that he lets out a grunt and an "ouch". It's a good thing time has stopped, or they'd have thought he was crazy.
"You filthy ****! Go **** by ****!!! F*** you!! You just want me to die ***********."
After the anger, comes the crying, then the abandonment. Damn it's not fair.
His points.
He just got them.
"Yes, I use them."
[ Transaction of 50 S-Points completed. Transfer begins... ]