"Have any strange things been happening lately? Bad energy in the air? Animals behaving strangely? Perhaps a visit from someone with bad intentions in town? Did you feel a tremor, hear a scream or a noise so loud it could have burst your eardrums and made you faint?"
The locals seem uncomfortable when these questions are brought up.
They exchange worried glances and whisper among themselves before answering.
They explain that since the ceremony of the Ethereal Clouds Sect went wrong, there have been problems in the area. Many have heard strange noises and some have reported mysterious disappearances, but these incidents are still rare and isolated.
Some of the residents nervously wonder if Shoi-Ming is part of this sect, given his neat clothes and behavior that is a little different from other vagabonds, hoping that he will come to their aid and investigate these incidents to provide reassuring answers to the community.
"Oh no, no, you're completely wrong. I'm just a humble traveler."
Yes, he's trying to reassure them, but... something's not right.
Why are they anxious? Shouldn't they be excited about this prospect? Is it because of the failure of the ceremony that they are suspicious, or... is there something else? Is it because of Jun Hie, the traitor? Is he planning something, and they know about it?
In any case, even if these incidents are rare, they should not be overlooked.
Is he even credible pretending to be a vagabond?
This is the village not far from his sect, his starting point when he escaped from the prison he never looked back—even these children know him. Grimacing inwardly as he realizes his lie, he notices the suspicious looks of a few who remain silent.
Are they afraid of him or what he might do? He remains a figure of authority despite his mediocrity.
Is he right to insist with these questions? But he can't help himself; he has always loved to seek out danger and adventure. Perhaps this is just a side quest that will allow him to gain enough experience to come back stronger.
"Even though I'm just passing through, I'd really like to know more and investigate. Would you be willing to tell me more?"
Hesitant glances were exchanged among those present, as they seemed to weigh the pros and cons of revealing more. Finally, the steady sound of wood striking the floor and drawing closer soon gave way to an old man with weary features but a lively gaze. His voice, tinged with mistrust and caution, nevertheless betrayed a desire to find answers.
"Stranger, I understand your curiosity, but these matters are not to be taken lightly. Ever since that ceremony went awry, we have been living in constant fear. Strange noises, disappearances—it all makes us uneasy. Some believe it is the result of the sect's experiments... But whatever the case may be, we hope to find peace again."
He pauses, seeming to think about what to say next.
"If you really want to investigate, I advise you to be cautious. These matters are dangerous, and it's best not to attract the attention of the wrong people. Perhaps the sect itself will seek to restore its honor by putting an end to these problems, but to this day, we remain uncertain."
The other villagers nod silently, agreeing with his words. So, they suspect the sect of being involved in sordid affairs? Yet he comes from there, and it was simply a ritual that went wrong, wasn't it? Shoi-Ming stares at him silently for a moment before bowing his head to thank him for speaking up.
"Thank you very much. I understand your concern and mistrust of this sect, but please don't judge too quickly. I don't know what you mean by 'experiences', and I would be delighted to hear about them—because what you are talking about concerns me greatly. I find it regrettable that you live in fear of your neighbor in addition to your fear of the unknown. Don't worry about me, lao tai ye*[1], I will be careful, but I cannot stand by and do nothing when you are in danger."
He looks over the villagers as he puffs out his chest decisively.
"Everyone deserves protection, rich and poor alike. 'Knowing what is happening requires judgment; knowing how to act accordingly requires wisdom.' I may not be strong, and I may get myself into trouble, but if I have even the slightest hope of allowing you to sleep soundly, then I will not have done all this in vain. Could you tell me where the last disappearance took place?"
[ Your inspiring speech earned you +2 Charisma. ]
Wow, how cool!
The elderly man listens attentively to Shoi-Ming's words; touched by his determination and compassion, his eyes soon begin to well up slightly.
"You are right, stranger. Wisdom and compassion are rare qualities these days. We thank you for your willingness to help our community in these troubled times."
More NPC dialogue...
When it comes to minor characters, their speech lacks... naturalness. He'll have to give the GM some feedback.
The old man straightens up further to point to the bamboo forest in the distance, clinging to his cane.
"It's in that direction, toward the Mountain of the Ethereal Clouds. But please, be careful. The bamboo forest can be dangerous, especially at night. And who knows what you might encounter there."
Blind mice, perhaps?
He paused, his eyes scanning Shoi-Ming's face with a look of concern mixed with hope.
"We wish you luck in your quest, stranger."
The villagers murmur words of encouragement, their gratitude palpable in the air. It seems they have already accepted him as their savior.
[ Quest started: Disappearances in Changgong Village. ]
Wait... he went through that forest, didn't he? Worse, he slept there.
And now he has to go back?! If it's just mice, he should be able to handle it, but strangely, he has a bad feeling about this. Those disturbing noises he heard—he doesn't even know what he'll be up against.
Is this a good idea?
Well, the mission has begun, and there's no turning back now. The villagers are so cute, look at them cheering him on! He knows he's weak, but it gives him a boost. Come on, he has to think of them.
The sect must have enough to do with other, more important things, like finding the source of the evil.
Someone has to take care of the weakest. And who better than someone who is weak themselves? Yeah, that's not really how he should see things, but he's in the best position to understand them. Fear, helplessness, jealousy, mistrust, anger.
He smiled at them, sympathetic and, despite the adversity, confident. He had to be. If not for himself, then at least for them.
He had to leave now, before night fell. He couldn't sleep; he had to keep going until he found a clue. How can he light his way? He has taken scrolls with him but has not mastered his Qi. Will he really be able to ignite even the symbol of fire by concentrating? He will have to.
So he packs up his things, turns around, and ventures into the bamboo forest.
His first crossing, though undertaken in almost blissful ignorance, had resulted in a harmless encounter with blind mice, rather than the more formidable dangers that the forest might harbor.
This 'unexpected' luck had been a blessing, sparing him from the more sinister threats lurking in the shadows.
However, luck is a capricious mistress.
By deliberately choosing to return to this forest, who knows if his luck will continue or if he will finally face the dangers he has so far avoided. This decision to tempt fate could well lead him "by chance" to encounter the real dangers of the mountain of ethereal clouds.
It's already so dark, it wouldn't be a bad idea to light the way.
Shoi-Ming, his mind focused, tries to gather his Qi to create a small ball of light.
But, as expected, nothing happens. His Qi mastery is non-existent, and this attempt is no exception.
Remembering the more practical advice he had been given, he is glad he accepted a lantern offered by a villager before leaving. "The light of a lantern is better than the promise of a fire you don't know how to light." Yes, he had felt slightly insulted and had also had the impression that it was the GM reminding him of his character's lack of abilities.
[1] *lao tai ye : esteemed elderly gentleman