hugtopia | [Video]

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[There is a new face on the network; the face of a young Chinese man with long, raven black hair. He bows, a bit awkwardly, unsure if he is addressing this strange technology correctly.]

Greetings, everyone. [Adjusting his posture slightly, he smiles shyly.] My name is Xiao Xingchen. I... I'm not sure what to make of this...world.

[He frowns and bites his lip.]

Are cultivators known?

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[And here was a small pink face looking back at him through the screen, speaking very softly.]

Hello Xiao Xingchen. [Did she say that right?]

... What kind of cultivator do you mean?

[He can't help smiling, charmed already by her gentle demeanor. Bowing slightly again, he expands on his prior words:]

Those who use their golden cores to keep others safe from malevolent spirits, demons and monsters.

[There was a little widening of her eyes in surprise. It was a little silly that she had immediately thought of gardening when it turned out it was a wildly different thing.]

Oh...! I did not know of that kind. You have a golden core?

[In a way, it is like gardening! The weeds are just scary and tend to bite back before they can be "pulled".]

I do. I have spent most of my life strengthening it.

[Weeds be like that sometimes.]

Is it... [She paused, tapping a tiny finger to her chest.] Here? A spiritual kind?

[Rhys had tried to walk her through something like that before.]

[He tilts his head and frowns curiously.]

Yes, I believe you are correct. My power comes from my spirit. Not everyone possesses a golden core, but I do and it allows me to harness my spiritual energy. I use that energy for spells and talismans.

[She gave her chest a few more thoughtful taps. Not everyone had one, huh... That made sense. Rhys might have tried to explain how his healing magic worked, but she hadn't been able to connect to the spirits the same way.]

That is very impressive. [Vianca tilt her head in the same direction he had.] How did you know you had one?

[He blinks, shy, the color on his cheeks increasing. The smile he gives is humble and warm.]

My Master took me under her wing when I was only a baby. She saved me from certain death and taught me. I assume she sensed I had a golden core.

[... But what if he hadn't had a golden core? It was lucky that Vianca's face was always like this, or that pessimistic thought would have been more easily noticed.]

Ah... so you've always known in some way. That is a long time to make it strong.

[Knowing his Master, she would have probably saved him anyway and made arrangements. He would not have stayed with her on the mountain, however.]

Developing a golden core should be done over time as the body matures. Then it is more natural.

[Hi, have an elf.]

Yeah, kinda depends on the cultivation you're talking about.

Lup, by the way.

[Oh! Oh, those ears! He's fascinated.]

The sort that includes a golden core and spiritual energy.

I am honored, Lup.

[At least she's used to the staring. She gives them a little wiggle just for his expression.]

Doesn't ring a bell for me, nah. You'll find magic aplenty here, though- maybe just not your usual brand.

[She - ! Xingchen pinks and grins, bowing his head to hide the expression. Of course he fails.]

I am eager to learn of it! [How can he resist the opportunity?] Do you possess magic, my lady?

[Oh no, he uses titles and everything. Can she pull the same scam she did with Cor? It's so very tempting, she misses the doting.]

Hell yeah I do. I'm a wizard.

[Probably. Xingchen is as naive as they come! He just wants to help others.]

Are you? [Cue his eyes widening in wonder.] What can you do if you do not mind this one inquiring?

[At least her scams are mostly harmless, unlike some people.]

I don't mind. Seems a little unbalanced though, doesn't it? I don't know anything about you or what you can do.

[Harmless tricks are easily forgiven by Xingchen.]

I am happy to show you, of course! It would be easier to do so in person, however, if you are willing?

Edited 2021-11-22 02:58 (UTC)

Oh, sure. Tricks over these things just don't have the same appeal.

I run the cafe in town, Affurgato. Newbies in town get one free meal, so come on by and we'll do dinner and a show.

Tricks? Is that your strength? [His spells are definitely not tricks. He can't even manage a fib with a straight face!]

That sounds nice. I'll come tonight if that suits you?

Anything can be a trick if the other person doesn't see it coming. Doesn't have to be a bad thing- no spell is truly like another, and they can be used for all manner of shenanigans.

[She'll pass along directions to the cafe.]

We close around 6, come on over.

I...suppose. I haven't given much thought to pranks. My Master wouldn't have appreciated them.

[He was a good boy on the mountain. Taking the directions, he memorizes them and nods.]

I will be there before then.

[True to his word, Xingchen sweeps into the cafe, clad in white, his sword strapped to his back and his whisk in his hands. He glances around, hoping to catch sight of ~~those ears~~Lup before he takes a seat.]

Edited 2021-11-22 03:22 (UTC)

[Lup just laughs, flashing a thumbs-up before she heads off- back to work.

Affurgato is a quaint and decadent little joint; the air smells sweet, there are sounds in the kitchen of someone working. There are cats! Lounging, sleeping, eyeing him curiously. There's probably other patrons milling about, as it's a reasonably popular place and the food's always great.

Lup doesn't greet him at the door or seat him down, but the staff will take care of him, or the cats will, and their ears are pretty great too. Within a few minutes Lup emerges from the kitchen.]

What's up, my dude? Glad you could make it.

[Is he here to meet someone? He completely forgets when he sets eyes on the adorable cats. Actually, no, he doesn't completely forget, but Lup will probably find him shifting his attention between his meal and the fuzzy greeters. Ears will be rubbed, backs will be stroked and maybe, if he's lucky, he will encounter a soft belly or two without claws getting involved.

Lup's presence surprises him and he glances up at her in surprise. Surely his senses are mistaken?]

Ah...yes. I'm... May I ask you a question, Lady Lup?

[At least the cats here are super friendly. Quite used to being around people, how nice.

She quirks a brow at him, chill as can be.]

Sure, ask away.

[Very nice! If Xingchen stayed in one place (instead of always being on the road), he might have a cat of his own.

But... Harder topics must be addressed.]

I sense...death. Are you under a spell?

[She blinks at the comment, leaning back a little. Huh.]

Damn, this place is full of your lot. [Death sensing... is her luck really that bad?] It's not a spell, I'm undead. Is that gonna be a problem for you, champ?

[He pales, immediately looking apologetic.]

Is it? I...didn't know. [Tilting his head, stroking the back of a sweet cat, he frowns.] You do not feel malicious to me. If you are hurting others, yes, but if you are good then...of course not. I accept you as you are.

Huh. [Colour her surprised.] Well, cool. 's better than you trying to organize a lynch mob or something.

I would never! [His expression falls.] Has that happened to you before?

Ehh, here and there. People don't like to be around taboo abominations, surprisingly.

I wouldn't call you an abomination. [That's just...awful.] Your actions are what matter to me.

Huh. [She takes it in stride; the word doesn't seem to bother her, but she's pleased at his dismissal of it.] Well, currently my actions are cooking lunch, so can I get you anything?

[He flushes to his ears and bows his head.] A... Something simple would suit me. I am not accustomed to heavy meals.

If you want simple, you've come to the wrong cafe. [Everything here is advanced and immaculate, that's the rule.] I can bring you out a salad and some cookies, though, if that's your cuppa. And tea? You look like a tea guy.

O-Oh...forgive me. I... [He isn't sure what to say or order! But her suggestions help immensely and he smiles.] A salad is...vegetables? I would like that. And cookies? Is that...something sweet?

Yes, I love tea.

Lettuce and vegetables with dressing, yeah. [What the heck does this guy eat if he doesn't know what a salad or cookies are... colour her curious.] I feel like, now that you've told me of your glorious ignorance, I have to surprise you. Sit tight, I'll bring your food and watch you blow your mind with it.

You would not be the only one to be unsure of what to make of it.

Perhaps we can help each other?

I have been in this world for some time. But should you require assistance, I am willing to offer it.

That is very kind of you. I offer you the same. I am strong against malicious spirits, demons and monsters.

My skills lie mostly in combat. Though I am not unused to overseeing the gathering of information also.

Then we should work well together. I do have experience in combat.

You may find there is little here to fight. But it would seem that we should.

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