Even When Cheers Fade: Chapter 3

Even When Cheers Fade: Chapter 3 is an Adventure Mission on The Xianzhou Luofu from the Luminary Wardance event.
==Steps==
# Return to the lounge and prepare for the Popularity Repechage
# Start the Popularity Repechage and accept Argenti's trial
# Hold the press conference
==Dialogue==
===Return to the lounge and prepare for the Popularity Repechage===
;(Approach the marked location)
: Luka: Since I've been given the chance to participate in the repechage, I have to make the most of it and not disappoint everyone who's been cheering me on!
: I'm sure you'll win.
:: Luka: With a dedicated coach like you, of course, I'm going to win!
: Make sure you don't lose again, okay?
:: Luka: Have some faith in me, please! Even if I lose, I'll go down with dignity. You guys won't have to carry me home like last time because my legs turned into jelly!
: Luka: But I'm still not quite clear, what are the rules for this popularity revival match?
: Carmella: According to the previous Wardances, the repechage is a free-for-all among popular contestants that have been eliminated. There's only one winner, and only the winner can rejoin the knockout stage.
: Carmella: But General Jing Yuan has amended the rules, hoping to give more opportunities for the contestants to showcase the beauty of duels.
: Carmella: It is said that the Luofu has invited a highly reputable warrior known for his virtue to serve as the referee for the repechage. Have you guys heard of the Knight of Beauty?
: He's an old pal of mine.
:: Luka: The Astral Express is so well-connected! I've run into so many friends of yours already while participating in the Wardance...
: Sounds more like a gimmick for publicity to me.
:: Carmella: I feel the same way. After all, many worlds are invited to participate in the Wardance this time. It's clear that the Xianzhou Luofu intends to showcase its prosperity to everyone through this tournament.
: Carmella: Mr. Luka, I'm sure the knight will see the beauty in your powerful punches. I truly hope you win!
: Luka: Thanks, Miss Carmella. I will succeed!
: Carmella: That way, I won't have to worry about getting a permanent role anymore.
===Start the Popularity Repechage and accept Argenti's trial===
;(Talk to Luka or Carmella again)
: Carmella: Mr. Luka, I'm sure the knight will see the beauty in your powerful punches. I truly hope you win!
: Luka: Thanks, Miss Carmella. I will succeed!
: Carmella: That way, I won't have to worry about getting a permanent role anymore.
;(Challenge Argenti on the Tactical Board)
: Luka: (Do I look impressive when I punch? Hmm... it's not like I can see myself in action.)
: Luka: (Will I impress the Knight of Beauty? The Knights of Beauty sounds like an organization with high aesthetic standards...)
: Luka: (Don't overthink, Luka! Think about Margie and always focus on your next punch!)
: (Trailblazer): Are you ready to showcase your style?
: I'm going to win this.
:: Luka: I'm all set. I'm going to win this.
:: Carmella: No doubt about that!
: Please give me a moment.
:: Luka: Please give me a moment.
----
: Owlbert (Remote Puppet): The next contestant to challenge Argenti, the Knight of Beauty, is a super popular young hero — Luka "Strongarm"!
: Owlbert (Remote Puppet): Luka, the entire cosmos has been waiting for your return! We all love ya!
: As expected, it is you, Argenti.
:: Argenti: Good to see you again, (Trailblazer). Your demeanor is still as captivating as ever.
: Wherever I go, I see you. Are you stalking me?
:: Argenti: I'm surprised too... Why do I keep running into you in different events across different worlds? If I may venture a guess, it's probably because the paths we tread lead to the same destination, so they're bound to converge.
: Argenti: As much as I want to keep chatting with you, (Trailblazer), please forgive me for not giving you as much attention today. You're not the star of the day. It's Luka.
: Luka: Um... it's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Argenti. I've heard a lot about you... They say you're really great... I'm pretty good myself too! Haha!
: Argenti: This isn't my first time seeing you. I was there when you had the duel with Boothill.
: Luka: Mr. Argenti, I'm sorry you had to see that spectacle, but please don't underestimate me because of that!
: Argenti: No, not at all. When you stepped forward and swung your fist at a formidable opponent fearlessly, the beauty of that moment struck me. I've been replaying it in my mind for some time, and it always brings tears to my eyes.
: Luka: You're making me blush... I lost so badly... It didn't really seem "beautiful" at all.
: Argenti: I must correct you, Luka — Idrila never promotes the twisted notion of winners being more beautiful than losers.
: Argenti: Boothill was only trying to scare you, but you weren't aware of that at that time. You thought you were dying, but for the sake of your dignity, honor, and home, you stood firm and threw a punch.
: Argenti: In my view, that's combat aesthetics at its finest.
: Argenti: However, even though I hold you in high regard, we still have to compete according to the rules of the Wardance.
: Luka: No problem! I won't disappoint you, Mr. Argenti!
----
;(Begin battle against )
:Argenti: Well, let the trial begin.
:Argenti: Luka, prepare yourself.
;(When Argenti takes the first turn)
:Argenti: Mr. Luka, you're invited to perform...
:Argenti: ...the rondo of Beauty with me!
;(When Luka destroy one of the summons)
:Luka: Mr. Argenti, what do you think of these moves?
:Owlbert (Remote Puppet): Luka has turned the tables! Legendary!
;(When Argenti takes the third turn)
:Argenti: Please take this seriously, Luka!
:Owlbert (Remote Puppet): The opponent strikes again! How will Luka react?
;(When Argenti enters phase II)
:Argenti: What an exciting match.
:Argenti: Next...
;(When Argenti takes the first turn)
:Argenti: Mr. Luka, you're invited to compose...
:Argenti: ...an anthem of Beauty with me!
:Owlbert (Remote Puppet): The opponent is coming in hot! Hang in there, Luka!
;(When Argenti takes the third turn)
:Argenti: I'm giving you one last chance. Please do your best.
:Owlbert (Remote Puppet): Luka seems to be struggling to land a counter! What is Luka going to do?
;(When Tactics was being used)
:(Trailblazer): Keep your cool, Luka. Let Argenti see your bravest side!
;(When Luka's Vibes reach 70%)
:Luka: Mr. Argenti, does this punch count as "the Beauty?"
:Owlbert (Remote Puppet): The indomitable Luka never gives up! The fight continues!
;(When Argenti's HP drops to 1%)
:Argenti: That's amazing, Luka.
----
;(After the battle)
: Argenti: Excellent! I wasn't wrong about you. Your skills, wisdom, and courage embody the beauty of a martial artist.
: Owlbert (Remote Puppet): Argenti sees Beauty in Luka! That means...
: Owlbert (Remote Puppet): Luka "Strongarm" is set to make a comeback to the Wardance!
: Owlbert (Remote Puppet): Where are the Luka fans? Let me hear your holler! 3, 2, 1, make some noise!
: Luka: Mr. Argenti, I'm truly grateful for your recognition.
: Argenti: Actually, I'm simply using the authority granted by the Xianzhou people to let you return to the tournament. You don't need my recognition at all, or anyone else's.
: Luka: Haha... It's hard to understand your words when they sound so philosophical...
: Argenti: No matter. Just remember one thing: You're already the embodiment of the beauty of battle, which is a fact. Regardless of winning and losing, or what others may say, it can't be taken away from you.
: Luka: I'll keep that in mind... and try to digest its meaning when I'm back home, haha.
: Argenti: By the way, I heard there's another Wardance contestant who's good at using an iron arm. If you two are matched as opponents, it will surely be a magnificent dance!
: Luka: ...Another "strong arm"? Who could that be?
: Argenti: I shall take my leave, Mr. Luka.
===Hold the press conference===
:
:Press Officer: First off, congrats to Luka for winning the repechage. We have once again invited Coach (Trailblazer) to answer journalist questions about this match.
:Press Officer: To the journalists who have arrived at the site, please situate yourselves appropriately, maintain your distance, and get your questions ready according to procedure.
:Press Officer: I trust you all must have prepared many questions. Let's not waste time and have Coach (Trailblazer) pick the journalist. Please pay attention to time. We're starting now.
;(Pick up to 2 of the 4 options)
: Front row, first from the left.
::Press Officer: Please ask your questions.
::Carmella: I'm Carmella from Interastral Peace Entertainment. Coach (Trailblazer), firstly, congratulations on your and Luka's repechage win.
::Carmella: It's common knowledge that as a Knight of Beauty, Mr. Argenti's evaluation of those in the repechage is highly stringent. I heard he not only requests that his opponents possess great strength, but they also have to exhibit sufficient Beauty.
::Carmella: What is Coach (Trailblazer)'s understanding of Luka's Beauty?
:: He's pretty beautiful with how handsome he is...
:::(Trailblazer): Let me put it in "more crass" terms: just based on looks and physique, Luka is undeniably handsome and already very "Beautiful."
:::(Trailblazer): Even the immensely knowledgeable Knight of Beauty, Argenti, would admit that Luka passes the evaluation of Beauty.
:: Compassion and kindness are a kind of beauty in itself...
:::(Trailblazer): I think that compassion and kindness should be the foremost benchmark of Beauty. I know of the story between Luka and Margie, a little girl he once met. Just off that incident alone, Luka is indeed a compassionate fellow.
:::(Trailblazer): Even the most rigorous of the Knights of Beauty would recognize that Luka has a heart fitting for Beauty!
:: Beauty lies in generosity and confidence...
:::(Trailblazer): We've never thought about it much, but I think as a contestant, there's nothing more beautiful than showing your own skill in a generous and confident fashion.
::Carmella: Coach (Trailblazer)'s understanding is certainly unique.
::Carmella: Though Contestant Luka has successfully returned to the tournament, the opponents lined up for him are all undisputed powerhouses. I wonder if Coach (Trailblazer) is confident of victory for the upcoming matches?
:: Just fight and don't think of anything else...
:::(Trailblazer): We're raring to go right now, and we're pumped. Whoever is matched against us is out of luck. It's all the same — human or ghost, let's just fight them!
:::Carmella: What a super confident answer!
:: I hope the opponent pulls their punches...
:::(Trailblazer): Honestly, I'm not totally confident. The previous matches were already difficult, and the upcoming opponents will only get stronger. All I can hope for is that our opponents don't hit too hard.
:::Carmella: Looks like you have a bleak outlook on the subsequent matches. Keep your heads up, Coach (Trailblazer) and Luka!
:: What's done is done. It's all up to luck now...
:::(Trailblazer): My expectations have already been exceeded by coming so far. It's just one foot ahead of the next right now. Enjoying the journey is much more important.
:::Carmella: You really look on the bright side, Coach (Trailblazer).
::Press Officer: All right. That's it for your questions.
: Front row, second from the left.
::Press Officer: Please ask your questions.
::Guinaifen: Coach (Trailblazer), I'm Guinaifen, special correspondent from the Xianzhou Martial Elite Network.
::Guinaifen: To promote Luka's repechage, I screamed till I went hoarse during my live stream. Don't you have something to say about that, Coach (Trailblazer)?
:: I really must thank you.
:::Guinaifen: Heh-heh, Luka is someone who's worth our efforts.
:: Hey, I thought we were buds!
:::Guinaifen: Haha, that's right... Hey! You're just gonna gloss over this?
:: You trying to do me a favor or something?
:::Guinaifen: Hey hey, it's not like we don't know each other.
::Guinaifen: My first question is about the rumored match forfeiture. There's been a lot of buzz that Contestant Luka sank into a depressive state after losing to Boothill, and that he was prepared to forfeit the repechage, but fortunately still completed in the end.
::Guinaifen: Coach (Trailblazer), is the match forfeiting true?
:: That was indeed the case...
:::(Trailblazer): That was indeed the case, but luckily Luka managed to get himself out of it. Just the thought of it gives me the shivers.
:::(Trailblazer): Everyone experiences moments when they feel like giving up. Such thoughts are only human. But real heroes are those who confront their own weaknesses — without a doubt, Luka is one of them.
:: There was no such thing...
:::(Trailblazer): There was no such thing. Everyone is just overthinking.
:::(Trailblazer): A minor setback won't defeat Contestant Luka. He's a warrior forged by the hammer, the invincible Boulder Champion!
:: The one who wanted to forfeit was me...
:::(Trailblazer): Actually, I was the one who was feeling down, and it was also me who wanted to forfeit the match. I just want to stay in a corner where no one can ever find me.
:::(Trailblazer): But everyone can rest assured. Luka is very positive, and I've already stepped away from the gloom...
::Guinaifen: So this is the truth behind the match-forfeiting drama...
::Guinaifen: Second question — given Luka's soaring popularity, many brands must be eager to invite him for a collaboration. Coach (Trailblazer), can you share some information regarding any commercial partnerships?
:: Ah? I've never considered that...
:::(Trailblazer): We are thankful for the support from all the brands. However, for Luka, his highest priority now is winning the match. For the time being, we will not be considering other matters.
:::(Trailblazer): If any brands are interested, please contact Luka's agent after the Wardance to discuss any collaboration opportunities.
:: We need to assess the companies' capacities...
:::(Trailblazer): We are definitely considering it. However, our team places great importance on Luka's brand value, so we are careful about collaboration opportunities. We will need to thoroughly assess the capabilities of the company before making any announcements.
:: Is he really that popular?
:::(Trailblazer): ...Taking on advertisements? I'm not in the know. Is this true? Why hasn't anyone told me?
:::(Trailblazer): I'll ask about it later.
::Press Officer: All right. That's it for your questions.
: Front row, third from the left.
::Press Officer: Please ask your questions.
::Tabloid Journalist: It's finally my turn! I'm a journalist from Weekly Wenchun. Please call me "Tabloid Journalist."
::Tabloid Journalist: It's said that you and Mr. Argenti are close, and he also rather intimately refers to you as "dear friend."
::Tabloid Journalist: Coach (Trailblazer), did this layer of relationship affect the match between Mr. Argenti and Contestant Luka?
:: I'm not familiar at all with Argenti.
:::(Trailblazer): You should think before you open your mouth. I'm completely unfamiliar with Argenti.
:::Tabloid Journalist: Serious? Why do you look so guilty?
:: Argenti is not that type of person...
:::(Trailblazer): As a member of the Knights of Beauty, Argenti will never violate the spirit of knighthood.
:::Tabloid Journalist: I don't think so.
:: You can go ask Argenti yourself...
:::(Trailblazer): If you're so interested, go ask Argenti yourself.
:::Tabloid Journalist: Don't leave after this is over then. We'll go together right after the press conference ends!
:: Please remove yourself from the premises immediately!
:::(Trailblazer): Please remove yourself from the premises immediately!
:::Tabloid Journalist: OMG OMG! The coach's mad! Here comes the material!
::Press Officer: Tabloid Journalist, pay attention to your interview etiquette.
::Tabloid Journalist: I still have another question! I saw staff from the Ten-Lords Commission entering Contestant Luka's lounge. I heard that some contestants who were suspected of doping will be investigated by the Ten-Lords Commission...
::Tabloid Journalist: How will you explain this, Coach (Trailblazer)?
:: It's just friends visiting...
:::(Trailblazer): The Ten-Lords Commission staff that you speak of are my friends who were just visiting. Please do not over-analyze everything.
:::Tabloid Journalist: Am I really over-analyzing? Or are you hiding something?
:: They are Luka's fans...
:::(Trailblazer): Our Luka has a good relationship with the public. The staff from the Ten-Lords Commission were fans and just wanted an autograph.
:::(Trailblazer): But I do want to remind our fans — It's okay to ask for an autograph, but please do not disturb the contestants during their rest.
:::Tabloid Journalist: Asking for an autograph? You really think I'll believe some lie you made up on the fly? Are you sure you're not hiding something?
:: You are infringing on the privacy of the contestant...
:::(Trailblazer): You are infringing on the privacy of the contestant. I refuse to respond.
:::Tabloid Journalist: Then don't blame me for making my own guesses.
:: Please remove yourself from the premises immediately!
:::(Trailblazer): Please remove yourself from the premises immediately!
:::Tabloid Journalist: Look at you, panicking.
::Press Officer: You've used up your allotted number of questions.
: Front row, fourth from the left.
::Press Officer: Please ask your questions.
::Awkward Freelance Journalist: Eh? Why was I chosen? Am I standing in the wrong spot? Actually... I haven't even thought of the questions yet.
:: How awkward...
:: Just ask whatever.
::Press Officer: Please refrain from wasting time and ask your questions quickly.
::Awkward Freelance Journalist: ...The journalist at Yaoqing Sports had some last-minute business, so I'm just here as a substitute. Please call me Amateur Journalist.
::Awkward Freelance Journalist: My question is... What did Contestant Luka eat before the match?
:: Who would remember this sort of thing...
:::(Trailblazer): Who even remembers this? Let me ask you, do you remember what you ate for breakfast two days ago?
:::Awkward Freelance Journalist: I do. A bowl of millet porridge and half a pancake.
:: He keeps an empty stomach before the match...
:::(Trailblazer): Luka has a habit of trying to keep an empty stomach before a match. This way, he can stay alert during the match.
:::Awkward Freelance Journalist: I agree. I get drowsy after eating.
:: Well, be ready for a long list then...
:::(Trailblazer): Lemme think... Be ready for this long list then...
:::(Trailblazer): Songlotus cake, tuskpir wrap, mung bean soda, berrypheasant skewers, Granny Chen's Tofu, star taro braised pork, deep-fried flying sea anemone, sugarball-fried viscorpi, chili oil beef offal stew, garlic-infused pork...
:::Awkward Freelance Journalist: Are you reading off a menu? Is the Wardance a Competitive Eating Championship?
::Press Officer: Please ask the next question, journalist.
::Awkward Freelance Journalist: Huh? I still have to ask another one? Lemme think... Coach (Trailblazer), what did you eat before the match?
:: What do you exactly do as a job?
:::(Trailblazer): Why do you only care about food? What exactly is your job?
:::Awkward Freelance Journalist: Uh... Actually, my main job is a food show host.
:: Please watch your questions...
:::(Trailblazer): I'm a coach, not a chef. Please watch what you ask.
:::Awkward Freelance Journalist: Sorry, it's just a professional habit. I keep thinking that I'm still hosting a food show.
:: (Remains silent)
:::(Trailblazer): ...
:::Awkward Freelance Journalist: ...
:::Awkward Freelance Journalist: Sports interviews really don't suit me. I think I should stick with hosting food shows.
::(Trailblazer): Even food show hosts don't work like this! Hey...
::Press Officer: Okay, the questioning ends here.
::Press Officer: Coach (Trailblazer), please choose another journalist.
----
:Press Officer: Thank you, Coach (Trailblazer), for your insightful answers. Today's Q&A ends here. Media personnel, please leave the area in an orderly and civil fashion.
:
:
:(Trailblazer): The latest edition of Luofu Sports Illustrated is out. Let's see what exciting news is in store.
: (Check Luofu Sports Illustrated)
;(Opens Luofu Sports Illustrated Issue 3)
:(Trailblazer): This bunch of editors really are clickbait connoisseurs — each header is more explosive than the last.
:(Trailblazer): Amazing, Luka's pulled himself together!
:(Trailblazer): I'll have to thank Mr. Tail and Huohuo properly for their help!
:(Trailblazer): I can't believe we have so many fans. We're a big deal now!
:(Trailblazer): Luka should be back at the lounge now. Let's take a walk nearby and look for him.
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