Novice in Zenithal Duel

Novice in Zenithal Duel is the fifth part of the Trailblaze Continuance chapter Finest Duel Under the Pristine Blue (II). It automatically begins after completing The Red Warcry.
==Steps==
# Board the Skysplitter and participate in the Wardance
# Arrive at the Skysplitter's security checkpoint
# Head toward the contestant hall
# Prod around to find out how strong the other contestants are
# Head toward the Skysplitter's upper deck
#* (Optional) Continue to probe into how strong the other contestants are
# Reach the Skysplitter's upper deck
==Gameplay Notes==
* This mission uses the Fate's Ensemble system, played from the perspective of March 7th (The Hunt). The game provides her for use as a Story character.
==Dialogue==
===Board the Skysplitter and participate in the Wardance===
:
: March 7th: Wow! The Skysplitter's gun salute is really loud! So this is what the Wardance is actually like? I feel like my eardrums are going to burst.
: Yunli: Well, how could they expect to attract people to come and watch if they didn't make a huge spectacle? March, you haven't forgotten what you came to do, have you?
: What... did I come to do?
:: March 7th: Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing here?
:: Yunli: Look around you, do you remember anything?
:: March 7th: Ah, memories of falling from the sky into Taikiyan Stadium have come flooding back to me. We... came to compete, didn't we?
:: Yunli: Great, you've finally gotten your memory back, and I can put down Old Mettle.
: I am here to be the ringmaster on behalf of Master Yanqing!
:: March 7th: As a representative of the Xianzhou Luofu, I will defeat all challengers!
:: Yunli: That's the spirit, sounds like you're all fired up! If you could just keep your legs from shaking so much, it would be more convincing, March.
: I am here to ensure the safety of the Wardance!
:: Yunli: That was the mission my grandfather entrusted to me. You just relax and keep guard over the ring.
: Yunli: As the saying goes, "The disciple takes the toil of their master." Remember, you are here under the identity of a Luofu swordmaster, taking the place of your no-good Master Yanqing as the ringmaster.
: March 7th: But what am I supposed to do if my opponent for this round is super talented and just wipes the floor with me in seconds? I'm still a beginner in swordplay! I don't know where I got the confidence when I agreed to help General Huaiyan.
: Yunli: Come on, there's no need to worry about that. If you are defeated, then your opponent shall have to answer to me! Although, if that happens, the honor and the glory of the Xianzhou Luofu shall all be taken by the Zhuming, hahaha...
: March 7th: Master Yunli, please, I'm about to compete! Can you say something that will give me a little confidence?
: Yunli: March. Think about the great storms that you Nameless of the Express have weathered along your many journeys. There's no doubt that you have faced far more terrifying enemies than your opponents here today, right? Don't you feel a lot more relaxed looking at it that way?
: Master Yunli, I think I should drop out of the contest.
:: March 7th: There's so much pressure, my stomach is really hurting. Maybe... I should just drop out of the contest?
:: Yunli: You made a promise to my grandfather and now you want to run away? Get out there, now!
: Why don't we call Yanqing back?
:: March 7th: Why don't we call Master Yanqing back? What kind of master would retire at the height of their career and leave their disciple to fight in their place?
:: Yunli: March. Your master has dropped out of the contest. This is a great opportunity for you to stick your neck out!
:: March 7th: Stick my neck out and get my head chopped off, you mean!
:: Yunli: What is all of this complaining about? You made a promise to my grandfather and now you want to run away? Get out there, now!
: Let's get going, then.
:: March 7th: I've trained hard in the art of swordplay over these few days. It's time for me to get in the ring and prove myself. Let's go.
===Arrive at the Skysplitter's security checkpoint===
: March 7th: Master Yunli, I don't think I'm completely ready...
: Yunli: March, there is no such thing as completely ready.
----
;(Talk to the confused spectator, optional)
: Confused Spectator: So this is the Skysplitter? It looked quite impressive from the ground where I was on duty, but...
: Confused Spectator: But now that I'm on board, it just doesn't seem as... big as I imagined?
: Curious Spectator: Oh? And how big did you imagine this "impressive Skysplitter" to be? This big? This big, maybe?
: Confused Spectator: Let me think... Hmm. I'd expect at least a four-hour journey by starskiff to the spectator seating from here. Otherwise it's simply not impressive enough!
: Wouldn't that be too big for no good reason?
:: Confused Spectator: The bigger, the better! If you ask me, the Skysplitter is nowhere near big enough and there are nowhere near enough cannons!
:: Curious Spectator: This warship used to have loads of cannons.
: You're daydreaming about stuff that ain't gonna happen.
:: Confused Spectator: What's wrong with that? People are supposed to dream big! If you ask me, the Skysplitter is far too small!
: I kinda think this place is a bit cramped too.
:: March 7th: The Skysplitter looks small from a distance, but it's even smaller than I imagined now that I'm on board.
:: Confused Spectator: Hear that? This person gets it!
: Confused Spectator: Either way, I thought that the Skysplitter would be absolutely huge, so it's not quite how I imagined it.
: Curious Spectator: Are we going or not?
;(Talk to the confused spectator again, optional)
: Confused Spectator: Seriously, the Skysplitter is nowhere near impressive enough!
----
;(Talk to the Sky-Faring staff, optional)
: Sky-Faring Staff: Hello, is there anything I can help you with?
: March 7th: Hello, I have some questions I'd like to ask you!
: Yunli: ...You have questions?
: Sky-Faring Staff: May I ask, are you an invited contestant, or are you a spectator?
: I am a contestant!
:: Sky-Faring Staff: Then may your blade be sharp and your victory glorious!
: I'm just a spectator...
:: Yunli: Hey! Are you trying to back out before you even hit the arena? Hello, we are both Wardance competitors.
: Sky-Faring Staff: Then please continue along this passageway. You will come to a security checkpoint, and the staff there will guide you to the contestants' hall.
;(Talk to the Sky-Faring staff again, optional)
: Sky-Faring Staff: Then please continue along this passageway. You will come to a security checkpoint, and the staff there will guide you to the contestants' hall.
----
;(Talk to the combat rating enthusiast, optional)
: Combat Rating Enthusiast: You see these glasses I have on?
: Combat Rating Enthusiast: These Rating Glasses are a special souvenir I picked up from The Blue. If I just look at a contestant through them, they can give a combat power rating.
: Take a look at me?
:: March 7th: Take a look at me, then. What is my combat power rating?
:: Combat Rating Enthusiast: ...Five.
:: March 7th: Impossible! Take a closer look! Is it scored out of five or something?
:: Yunli: Poor little March, being bullied by a mechanical scoring system... Don't pay them any mind, let's go!
: (Leave quickly)
:: March 7th: No-no-no! Don't look at me! If you see some embarrassingly low score, then I don't want to hear it!
----
;(Approach marked location)
: Xikui: Miss Yunli, Miss March! This way, please.
;(Approach Xikui)
: Xikui: I was informed of your arrival by Madam Yukong and came to greet you personally.
: Xikui: The news that you will be the ringmaster in place of Lieutenant Yanqing has been made public, Miss March. Just now, as I passed the contestants' hall, I overheard them all discussing this news. The most common question I heard was... "Who is March 7th?"
: Xikui: If they ask you this, how will you introduce yourself? Do you have something prepared?
: March 7th, young beauty of the Astral Express.
:: March 7th: March 7th, a young beauty from the Astral Express!
:: Yunli: Alright! When people ask you, you might as well tell them this loud and clear.
: March 7th, Yanqing's disciple.
:: March 7th: I am a disciple of Lieutenant Yanqing... That means that I'm also technically a grand-disciple of General Jing Yuan. When you put it like that, I'm actually a pretty big deal!
:: Yunli: Ugh! You completely left my name out... How rude!
: March 7th, the invincible March 7th!
:: March 7th: March 7th, the invincible March 7th!
:: Yunli: Next time you try to bluff like that, at least make it convincing.
: Losers have no right to ask my name.
:: March 7th: Hmph. Losers have no right to know my great name!
:: Yunli: Is this some kind of villain entrance line?
: Xikui: Hahaha, I see you are both quite relaxed! Impressive, given the imminent danger you face!
: Xikui: Miss Yunli's contestant information was registered for the Wardance a long time ago. However, as a last-minute entry, the Sky-Faring Commission has taken care of the necessary procedures for you, Miss March 7th.
: Xikui: Please follow this path. The contestant hall is just up ahead.
: March 7th: Thank you, Miss Xikui.
===Head toward the contestant hall===
: Yunli: Come, let's take a look around the contestant hall.
;(Approach marked location)
: Yunli: So, this is the contestant hall.
: March 7th: There are so many people!
: Yunli: March, before the Wardance begins, allow me to give you one more lesson.
: Yunli: My grandfather always told me that "a weapon mimics its master." That means that a person's weapon will reflect their habits and personality.
: Yunli: You've seen me wield before, haven't you? Tell me, what did you observe from that?
: That Master Yunli is very strong.
:: March 7th: Master Yunli's Old Mettle is taller than a person. Being able to wield a weapon like that must mean that you have ridiculous strength, right?
: Master Yunli has a fiery temperament.
:: March 7th: Waving around such a giant weapon... Master Yunli favors using overwhelming force over strategy.
:: Yunli: You are not wrong. My battle style has always been "simple and effective" — one cut and it's over.
: Master Yunli doesn't have good taste.
:: March 7th: Master Yunli's weapon looks so thick and heavy. I don't think you have very good taste.
:: Yunli: I asked you to make predictions about your opponent's combat style. No one asked you to criticize my dear Old Mettle!
: Yunli: Observing the weapon that your opponent uses, assessing what kind of battle skills they excel at and where their weaknesses lie is the key to victory in battle. A shockingly heavy sword like mine, for example, is obviously not suited for a long, drawn-out battle. So, it would be best to find a way to drag the battle out.
: March 7th: Why would you tell me your weakness?
: Yunli: That's the only way to ensure that we have a fair fight, don't you think? I don't want to see you go and lose to someone else, after all.
: Yunli: Now is a perfect opportunity to learn how to evaluate your opponents. Let's use the people here in the contestants' hall to practice. If you know yourself and know your enemy, you will not lose in a hundred battles.
: March 7th: Know myself and know the enemy... Let's see, who should I ask first?
===Prod around to find out how strong the other contestants are===
;(Attempt to leave the area, optional)
: Yunli: There's no need to rush to the ring just yet, let's get to know your opponents around here first.
;(Talk to the talkative spectator, optional)
: Animated Spectator: I heard that a sword master from the Xianzhou Zhuming is going to challenge Lieutenant Yanqing at this Wardance. Who do you think will win in the fight? Can you give me your analysis?
: Talkative Spectator: Lieutenant Yanqing, obviously! His swordsmanship is on a whole other level! I was fortunate enough to see him in person using his Flying Swords to capture a criminal in Starskiff Haven. I reckon just a few swift strikes and...
: Yunli: Ahem!
: March 7th: Goodness! Isn't that the Xianzhou Zhuming's contestant, Miss Yunli?
: Talkative Spectator: ...Just a few swift strikes and the Zhuming swordmaster will have him on his knees!
----
;(Talk to the soldier on duty)
: Soldier on Duty: Uh... Was there something you wanted to ask me?
: (Carefully observe their... sword)
:: Soldier on Duty: Ah, yes... This is just a regular Cloud Knight devastator glaive.
: Do you have any weaknesses?
:: Soldier on Duty: If I had to think of a weakness... Whenever I open my mouth, I make things awkward. Does that count as a weakness?
: Soldier on Duty: I understand what's going on, Miss March 7th and Miss Yunli. I'm actually not a contestant. I'm just here as a security guard.
: Ah, so... that was a little bit awkward.
:: Soldier on Duty: It's alright. I can't bear to watch other people make things awkward, so I always try to keep the conversation going, but then I'm the one who ends up making things awkward. I've gotten used to it by now, so don't worry.
: Have you noticed anything out of the ordinary?
:: Soldier on Duty: Nothing out of the ordinary. I guess you could say it's all fair winds and calm "wolves."
:: March 7th: ...
:: Yunli: ...
:: Soldier on Duty: Another awkward pause, I knew it... Do you get it? "Wolves" sounds like "waves." It's a funny pun.
:: Yunli: He's actually explaining his joke!
:: Soldier on Duty: Ah, making things awkward really is my weakness...
: Yunli: There are still many guests arriving here. Please be cautious!
: Soldier on Duty: Understood!
;(Talk to the soldier on duty again, optional)
: Soldier on Duty: I am not a contestant Miss March. Please find someone else to talk to.
----
;(Talk to the reporter)
: Reporter: ...I'm not used to wearing clothes like this at all...
: Reporter: Oh! You're March 7th, the stand-in for Lieutenant Yanqing, correct?
: March 7th: That's right, and you are...?
: Reporter: As you can see, I am the journalist entrusted with interviewing contestants on-site.
: Yunli: I see the Sky-Faring Commission has really gone all out as the host. Interesting...
: Reporter: That's right! A big event like this just can't go ahead without a few of us running around. Since the competition is getting started, could I ask you some questions that are on my mind?
: Of course.
:: Reporter: Oh, great!
: I'm actually just here to learn about my opponents...
:: Reporter: Know yourself and know your enemy, right? If you accept my interview, you'll learn all about yourself!
: Reporter: First, the question that is on everyone's minds! Lieutenant Yanqing is not appearing in today's Wardance!
: Reporter: This is just gossip from unreliable sources, but I hear that Lieutenant Yanqing is seriously injured. Is this true?
: It's true!
:: Reporter: If that's the case, could you please tell me how these serious injuries came about?
:: A traffic accident.
::: Reporter: You mean... a starskiff crash!? Why, how terrible!
:: He was injured in training.
::: Reporter: Swordplay is a truly difficult art!
:: There was a plot against him.
::: Reporter: I—I had no idea it was that serious! That's a huge scoop! *ahem* I do not wish to offend you with this question but... This was not your doing, was it, Miss March?
::: March 7th: Hmph, you saw right through me. Why else would I be standing here today?
:: He wanted his disciple to have this opportunity.
::: Reporter: Wait. Your master got himself seriously injured so he could withdraw from the competition and allow you to compete in his place? Wow, not many masters would show such devotion to their disciples.
: It's not true.
:: Reporter: Then what is the real reason?
:: He just doesn't want to compete.
::: Reporter: I never thought that such a talented young man that has garnered so much attention would have this kind of attitude!
:: No comment.
::: Reporter: Seriously? Ah, alright, I understand...
:: Relationship trouble.
::: Reporter: Y—You're kidding!? That's a huge scoop!
: You yourself said that this was just gossip...
:: Reporter: Ah, my apologies, this was very unprofessional of me. I see that Lieutenant Yanqing has his own affairs to tend to. Then let us look forward to seeing a valiant performance from you, Miss March!
: Reporter: Once the Wardance begins, you will be challenged by master swordsmen from many different worlds, Miss March 7th. Are there any that you are looking forward to facing in particular?
: There are.
:: Reporter: May I ask who that might be?
:: Master Yanqing.
::: Reporter: Ohhh! Of course it's the highly-anticipated Lieutenant Yanqing!
:: Master Yunli.
::: Reporter: The talented swordswoman from the Xianzhou Zhuming, Miss Yunli! I look forward to a spectacular battle between you two!
:: General Feixiao.
::: Reporter: So March 7th is ignoring everyone around her and is declaring her will to challenge the Merlin's Claw of the Xianzhou Yaoqing.
:: Sushang.
::: Reporter: S—Sushang...? Who is that? I feel like that's a name I've seen a lot online recently...
:: (Trailblazer).
::: Reporter: Uhh, who? Are you... talking about a contestant here today?
: No.
:: Reporter: March 7th, you are quite arro—... I mean, extremely self-assured!
: Reporter: Thank you very much for accepting my interview. Much appreciated!
;(Talk to the reporter again, optional)
: Reporter: Thank you very much for accepting my interview. Much appreciated!
----
;(Talk to the Yaoqing contestant)
: Yaoqing Contestant: Argh! I came here because I wanted to meet the great Lieutenant Yanqing I've heard so much about and finally cross blades with him myself!
: Yaoqing Contestant: Who would have imagined that he would take a disciple and have her be the ringmaster in his place? This is no more than running away from a fight and is a great dishonor to the Yaoqing!
: Yaoqing Contestant: This last-minute replacement, March 7th, who exactly is she?
: (Carefully observe their weapon)
::The contestant from the Yaoqing, aside from the longsword on the back, also carried an electromagnetic hand crossbow.
:: March 7th: (If... if I'd known I could use multiple weapons at once, I'd have brought my bow.)
:: Yaoqing Contestant: Hello, Miss. Are you here to take part in the Ringmaster's Challenge, too?
: Hello, I am March 7th.
: March 7th: That's right. I'm the March 7th that everyone's been talking about.
: Yaoqing Contestant: What!? You're March 7th!?
: March 7th: Don't worry, I'm a newbie swordmaster who's only been practicing the art of swordplay for half a month.
: Yaoqing Contestant: March 7th... Standing before you is a seasoned Cloud Knight who has practiced swordsmanship for over two hundred years!
: March 7th: (Tricking the opponent into underestimating me is a valid tactic too, right?)
;(Talk to the Yaoqing contestant again, optional)
: Yaoqing Contestant: She's just a little girl that has only just started training... Why was she chosen as a contestant?
----
;(After talking to all three NPCs)
: Yunli: The first round of the Wardance is about to begin. Are you feeling okay, March?
: March 7th: Me? I'm fine. As soon as I saw all these people gathered here, I suddenly felt weirdly relaxed.
: These contestants all seem very reliable.
:: March 7th: Looking at these contestants, I suddenly feel a lot calmer for some reason...
: I don't... really feel anything special?
:: Yunli: Just make sure to maintain this composure when you go in the ring.
: March 7th: I understand why you wanted me to "know myself and know my enemy." I don't feel as nervous as I did before!
: Yunli: ...So, do you want to go out and see the ring?
: I want to keep learning about my opponents!
:: Yunli: ...Very well, go and get your intel.
: I want to see what the ring looks like!
:: Yunli: I knew it. Let's go.
===Head toward the Skysplitter's upper deck===
====(Optional) Continue to probe into how strong the other contestants are====
;(Talk to the Diting, optional)
: Diting: Woof woof, woof woof woof woof?
: Yunli: Uhh... You're even asking Diting?
: (Try to translate what Diting is saying...)
:: Diting: Woof woof woof woof, woof woof woof.
:: March 7th: Ah, it's saying "I'm not a contestant." Got it.
: Woof woof, woof woof woof woof woof?
:: Diting: Woof woof.
: Yunli: Looks like she's done with her questions...
: Yunli: That's enough knowing the enemy for now. Come on, I want to see what the ring looks like.
----
;(Investigate the bench, optional)
:Maybe it's because she spends so much time with (Trailblazer) that March 7th has the urge to interrogate the bench.
:But March 7th isn't (Trailblazer), and her mental condition isn't... that bad.
:Hmm...If there's anything you want to ask, hurry up or March 7th's rationality will come back.
: Did any skilled competitors show up?
::The bench remains silent, having witnessed the presence of many a formidable figure, including the once-renowned Sword Champion of the Luofu.
: (Master Yunli is watching. Calm down!)
::March 7th tries very hard to contain her urge to talk to the bench and nods at Yunli.
:The bench gazes at March 7th's back, leaving behind a drop of sweat.
: Yunli: That's enough knowing the enemy for now. Come on, I want to see what the ring looks like.
====Head toward the Skysplitter's upper deck====
;(Go outside to the upper deck)
: Yunli: If we walk through here, we'll be able to see the Wardance's official venue.
;(Approach marked location)
: March 7th: Wow! So this is what it's like from the spectator seats?
: Yunli: Look over there, that's the ring we'll be standing on.
: March 7th: Master Yunli, I—I'm getting nervous again! Can I really do this?
: Yunli: It's too late for nerves now. It's almost time!
: March 7th: Almost time for what?
: March 7th: As soon as I think about the mission General Huaiyan gave me, my heart starts racing like crazy! What do I do, Master Yunli?
: Yunli: It's when it stops beating that we need to worry. Just take in the atmosphere and prepare yourself.
: Yunli: I have to leave for a moment and do some inspections around the ship. This was also part of grandpa's orders.
: March 7th: I wonder how Master Yanqing is doing over there...
: Yunli: Hey, focus!
----
:Returning to the Trailblazer's POV...
:When you have a chance to make a choice, make one that you know you won't regret.
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