Even When Cheers Fade: Chapter 2

Even When Cheers Fade: Chapter 2 is an Adventure Mission on The Xianzhou Luofu from the Luminary Wardance event.
==Steps==
# Review the Tactics Board and prepare for future matches
# Participate in the Knockout Matches and win points
# Head to the Reception Hall and confirm your match qualifications
# Return to the lounge and prepare for the next Faceoff Match
# Start the match and confront Boothill
# Hold the press conference
==Dialogue==
===Review the Tactics Board and prepare for future matches===
:Carmella: The break is over. Contestant Luka, are you ready to keep competing?
:Luka: I can't wait. Let's get this started.
:Carmella: Hold on. Let's look at the opponent information for the next Faceoff Match first.
: (Look towards the Tactics Board)
===Participate in the Knockout Matches and win points===
;(Choose "Tri-Dis of Zhuming")
----
;(Choose Trotter Battlefront")
----
;(Choose "Shuojin" (Optional))
===Head to the Reception Hall and confirm your match qualifications===
: (Trailblazer): (After fighting in so many knockout stages, I think our points should be enough. Time to head to the Skysplitter's leaderboard to confirm our ranking.)
;(Interact with the Leaderboard)
: Luka: Looks like I've got enough points. How about it, Coach (Trailblazer)? Let's get ready to challenge some powerful opponents!
: All right. Back to the lounge to prep for the match!
:: Luka: Okay! Time to get fired up! Let's head back to the lounge!
: Let's spend a bit more time recuperating.
:: Luka: That works too. You're the coach after all.
===Return to the lounge and prepare for the next Faceoff Match===
: Carmella: Luka, your next opponent is Boothill... You have to be careful. He's a dangerous maniac!
: That's right. He's quite something.
:: Luka: Indeed, by the looks of his photo he really looks like a formidable character...
: He's just got a grudge against the IPC, that's all.
:: Carmella: Among those who harbor plenty of hatred against IPC, he's probably one of the more dangerous ones.
: Luka: I heard he's a Galaxy Ranger? What type of organization is that?
: Carmella: The Galaxy Rangers are a diverse group of individualistic warriors that are disciples of The Hunt. Some are pretty easy-going, but there's also bloodthirsty wanted criminals like Boothill.
: Luka: Disciples of The Hunt? So isn't he the same as Xianzhou folks? No matter how dangerous he is, he won't be causing trouble in the land of his fellow disciples, right?
: I met him on Penacony. He's a pretty decent guy.
:: Carmella: Would a "decent guy" be on the IPC's wanted list? I don't think so.
: Both the IPC and Belobogians believe in the Preservation...
:: Luka: I take your point.
:: Carmella: Yeah... Wait, no! The IPC didn't do anything bad to Belobog!
: Carmella: You just have to be cautious, Luka. A wanted criminal on the IPC's list is really no joke.
: Luka: Haha, what's there to be afraid of! When I was defending the Underworld with my master, I also met many hardened criminals! I even personally apprehended the Dark Widower of Boulder Town with my own two hands!
===Start the match and confront Boothill===
;(Talk to Luka or Carmella again, optional)
: Carmella: You just have to be cautious, Luka. A wanted criminal on the IPC's list is really no joke.
: Luka: Haha, what's there to be afraid of! When I was defending the Underworld with my master, I also met many hardened criminals! I even personally apprehended the Dark Widower of Boulder Town with my own two hands!
;(Challenge Boothill)
: Luka: (Boothill... a fugitive wanted by the IPC... I'd hate to say it in front of Miss Carmella, but... I have a feeling this "wanted criminal" might not actually be such a bad guy.)
: Luka: (After all, the Xianzhou Alliance didn't arrest him, and they even allowed him to participate in the Wardance.)
: Luka: (Of course, I'm not afraid of criminals. My Iron Fist is made to punish bad guys!)
: (Trailblazer): Luka, are you ready to go up against Boothill?
: It's time to go see what the IPC's wanted criminal is made of!
:: Luka: It's time to go see what this criminal the IPC wants so bad is made of!
:: Carmella: Be careful!
: Please give me a moment.
:: Luka: Please give me a moment.
----
: Owlbert (Remote Puppet): All eyes are on Luka as he prepares for yet another fierce battle!
: Owlbert (Remote Puppet): In the blue corner, the highly anticipated boxing champion from Belobog — Luka "Strongarm"!
: Owlbert (Remote Puppet): Fighting out of the red corner, it's none other than the notorious felon wanted by the IPC, the Galaxy Ranger — Boothill!
: Owlbert (Remote Puppet): Go for it Luka! Defeat Boothill and hand him over to me. We'll split the bounty in half!
: Boothill: You lil' fudgehead! I'll have you stewin' in a pot sooner or later!
: Boothill: Butter my fudge and call me a biscuit! Can't believe I'm seeing you here, (Trailblazer)! You competin' too?
: I'm his coach.
:: Boothill: Oh! No wonder I didn't see your name on the list. I thought you were gonna fudgin' ambush me here!
: I'm not fighting. I might accidentally kill you.
:: Boothill: Hahahaha, you lil' cutie fudgepie! I think you're actually afraid that I might dog your cats in one shot!
: Luka: You guys are close?
: Boothill: We ain't exactly best buddies — our lives were just raveled in the tangles of destiny. But that don't mean I'll be showin' any mercy.
: Luka: I won't either.
: Boothill: Lemme give you some real advice kid — drop out now. You ain't in my league.
: Luka: The match hasn't started. How do you know I can't defeat you? My fist might not be slower than your bullet.
: Boothill: Diggity Wubbaboo, cause we ain't on the same path, pardner! You're here to win, I'm here for payback. You want honor, but honor ain't worth squat to me.
: Boothill: Also, quit yappin' about your forkin' Iron Fist. That IPC-sponsored piece of trash makes me sick! I'll give it a proper overhaul for ya later!
: Boothill: I wanna see every news outlet in the cosmos buzzin' with the headline "The IPC's most wanted man stole the spotlight at the Wardance. He came out with the fudge blazin' and sure made them IPC shirtbags choke on the humble pie."
: Luka: Mr. Boothill, I don't know what kind of grudge you hold against the IPC... But I don't think we're too different. We both want the whole cosmos' eyes on us!
: Boothill: Alright, alright, I ain't gonna argue with ya. If you want my bullets that bad, who am I to refuse, right? Well, before I came here, I drew six lucky Weals at The Looking Bronze in front of the Reignbow Arbiter.
: Boothill: Tell you what... if my next six shots jam, you win. But if they don't... well, this ring's floor is gonna be a real mess, ain't it?
: Luka: Uh, Mr. Boothill, we're just sparring, that's all. Let's not risk our lives.
: Boothill: Dadgum Wubbaboo! Others might play games with you, but I ain't playing! I'm putting my life on the line here, but if you don't even have the guts to do the same, then what are you here for?
: Luka: I...
: Boothill: Come on, look down the barrel of my gun. Walk over here and take a swing at me. You got the guts?
: You're scaring him!
: What are you doing?
: Boothill! You're going too far!
: Boothill: I'm speaking to Luka! Let him answer me!
: Boothill: Luka! C'mon! Get over here and take a swing at me! You got the guts?
: Luka: ...
: Boothill: Speak up!!!
: Luka: ...Bring it on, Boothill. I'll make you eat your own words!
: Boothill: Hahahaha! Screwubbaboo, You've got some guts! Bullets don't have eyes, so don't blame me for bein' ruthless!
----
;(Begin battle against )
:Luka: (Oh no, my hallucinations are getting worse.)
:Fear of Death: Run away, now, Luka. Don't go over there, you'll die!
:Luka: No... I... I can't...
:Owlbert (Remote Puppet): Our two contestants haven't moved a muscle, as they face each other on opposite sides of the ring!
;(Floating words)
::Run
::I don't want to die
::He'll kill me
;(After the Memory Zone Meme uses Losing Eventide Light)
:Boothill: Oh? Don't even have the courage to step closer...
:Owlbert (Remote Puppet): Just what will Luka do in the face of Boothill's muzzle?
;(After the Memory Zone Meme finishes the second turn)
:Fear of Death: You shouldn't be fighting him, Luka! He'll kill you!
:Luka: I can't die here. I don't want to die... I don't want to die yet!
;(More floating words appear)
::I'll die
::Don't go over there
;(When the Memory Zone Meme enters Phase II)
:Boothill: I'll say this one last time...
:Boothill: Either turn around and leave, or get over here and hit me.
:Fear of Death: Luka! Bullets don't have eyes! Do you really want to die?
:Owlbert (Remote Puppet): No action yet from either side! All the spectators are on the edge of their seats, their nerves on the brink of snapping!
;(Floating words)
::I can't run away
::I definitely can't run away
;(After the Memory Zone Meme finishes the second turn)
:Fear of Death: Just turn around and leave! Nothing will happen! Run!
:Luka: No, I won't back down...
;(More floating words appear)
::It'd be better to die than to run away
;(After the Memory Zone Meme finishes the fourth turn)
:Boothill: What's with the indecisiveness, kid? Diggity Wubbaboo, I'm so disappointed in you.
----
;(After the battle)
: Boothill: Good on ya, kid!
:
: Luka: (What's going on... Am I... dead?)
: Owlbert (Remote Puppet): The vic... the victor is... Galaxy Ranger, Boothill!?
:
:
===Hold the press conference===
:Press Officer: Very sadly, Luka has been defeated by the Galaxy Ranger Boothill in this match. In the next press conference, Luka's coach (Trailblazer) will be accepting journalist questions.
:Press Officer: Journalists selected by Coach (Trailblazer) will be given the chance to ask questions. Please keep your words brief.
:Press Officer: Now, Coach (Trailblazer), please begin.
;(You will be able to pick 2 out of the 3 options)
: Front row, first from the left.
::Press Officer: Please ask your questions.
::Carmella: Hello Coach (Trailblazer), Carmella from Interastral Peace Entertainment. While the match result was regrettable, overall it was still an exhilarating match.
:: Thank you.
:: (Give an appreciative look)
::Carmella: Before the match, many analysts predicted that this could go either way. But what was surprising that Boothill ended the match with only six bullets.
::Carmella: Coach (Trailblazer), what was the reason Luka lost this match so quickly?
:: Skill issue...
:::(Trailblazer): We won't find excuses for ourselves. If I really had to find a reason, it was because we weren't strong enough.
:::Carmella: Coach (Trailblazer)'s answer is really candid.
:: Luka ate some bad food...
:::(Trailblazer): I am to blame. I didn't watch Luka's diet properly, and he ate some bad food during training.
:::(Trailblazer): I saw that his face was sickly before the match. He was leaned against the wall when he came out from the toilet, like he was dehydrated. If he were in a better state, he would've easily countered those few measly bullets.
:::Carmella: I also thought that Luka wasn't exerting his full power.
:: Luka got careless, and he didn't dodge...
:::(Trailblazer): Boothill lacks martial ethics, using an esoteric move right out the gate. Luka got careless and didn't manage to dodge in time.
:::Carmella: Oh, so Luka wasn't prepared... May I ask then, did Luka prepare any esoteric moves?
:::(Trailblazer): Uhh...
:::(Trailblazer): Wait and see, is all I can say.
::Carmella: Thank you, Coach (Trailblazer), for your answer.
::Carmella: Many spectators are very concerned if Luka will participate in the repechage. Can you give us a little insight on this?
:: That depends on Luka's condition...
:::(Trailblazer): We're still not sure if we will participate in the repechage. Ultimately, it boils down to Luka's condition.
:::(Trailblazer): But everyone shouldn't worry. We will do our best to return to the ring.
:::Carmella: I wish Luka a swift return to the tournament then.
:: We are already busy with the prep...
:::(Trailblazer): Of course. What was lost in the ring can only be regained by re-entering it. Please look forward to our performance in the repechage.
:::Carmella: I wish Luka a successful resurrection, then.
:: The ticket home has already been bought...
:::(Trailblazer): It's a pity, since we all hoped that Luka would be able to get another chance in the ring. Honestly though, this defeat was too much of a blow to him. He sent me a message saying that he has already bought the return ticket home.
:::(Trailblazer): But I think there's still a chance to flip this around. We are doing our best to provide psychological support for Luka — we hope he'll be able to recover in time.
:::Carmella: Please keep it up, Coach (Trailblazer). We hope Luka will make it in time.
::Press Officer: All right. That's it for your questions.
: Front row, second from the left.
::Press Officer: Please ask your questions.
::It could have been a problem with your line of sight, and you might not have noticed this journalist. But, perhaps out of curiosity, perhaps due to fatigue, you still point to this "invisible journalist" to ask their question.
:: Who's supposed to be here? I'll skip to the next one if there's no one here!
:: Let's skip then.
::Hook: Hang on. I'm right here!
::Hook seems to be standing a little too far in front, which explains why no one can see her from that angle, apart from the journalists' seat.
::Hook: I—I have a question on behalf of Belobog's Crystal Daily!
:: (Tear up and wipe at your non-existent glasses...)
:::(Trailblazer): Hook is finally growing up. I'm so touched. Can you see this, Uncle Fersman? *sob*...
:::Hook: Hey! Stop talking like the old man's left this world!
:: The Crystal Daily employs child journalists?
:::Hook: No one hired me. This is my summer assignment: To submit articles for the Crystal Daily.
::Hook: The internet says that "the Wardance is fast becoming an arms exhibition. At this rate, even star-destroyer cannons will get used."
::Hook: Might I ask what Coach (Trailblazer) has to say about such opinions on the internet?
:: The Wardance also has to change with the times...
:::(Trailblazer): The Wardance also has to keep up with the times. The array of arsenal used doesn't matter. What matters is that the matches are exciting.
:::(Trailblazer): If we completely stick to the fundamentals, half the contestants would be deemed ineligible.
:: The netizens speak sense...
:::(Trailblazer): Look, the netizens understand what's going on. Why those committee folks don't understand is beyond me.
:::(Trailblazer): If the Wardance truly upheld the spirit of fair competition, contestants should be forbidden from using weapons, and rely solely on their fists to fight.
:: No comment on the tournament rules...
:::(Trailblazer): As a participant, I don't think it is appropriate for us to comment on the tournament's regulations. I can only say that this is the outcome of the match, and we accept the outcome.
::Hook: Coach (Trailblazer)'s understanding is very rational, but I hope I can also understand your words next time!
::Hook: Luka may have lost the match, but Belobog will continue to cheer for him, and even more so his friends. Coach (Trailblazer), please say something to Luka's fans on his behalf.
:: (Express gratitude)
:::(Trailblazer): *Chokes dramatically*
:::(Trailblazer): Luka may have run into a small hiccup, but I believe that with everyone's support, he will surely bounce back. Thank you, everyone. You will forever be Luka's strongest support!
:::Hook: Waaa... You're too good with words.
:: (Express positivity)
:::(Trailblazer): The fans needn't worry. Luka is already training hard to get back into form, and our coaching team is reflecting on our past missteps. We will treasure the chance in the repechage, so everyone, please wait patiently for the return of our champion!
:::Hook: But I've noticed Luka is still pretty down in the dumps...
:::(Trailblazer): I would remind this journalist to be discerning about your information sources.
:: (Question Luka's popularity)
:::(Trailblazer): Really? Luka has this many fans?
:::(Trailblazer): Ah, I didn't prepare for this question... Then, we hope for our fans' good health and prosperity.
:::Hook: Hey! Do you know how to conduct a press conference or not!
::Press Officer: All right. That's it for your questions.
: Front row, third from the left.
::Press Officer: Please ask your questions.
::Chatty Professional Journalist: Hello, Coach (Trailblazer). I'm from the Martial Herald. We are a professional martial arts commentary column. My name isn't important, and you can just call me "Professional Journalist."
::Chatty Professional Journalist: Luka's performance in the ring aside, I'm more concerned about your tactical measures.
:: Ask away.
:: I'll have to refrain from revealing any classified information.
::Chatty Professional Journalist: Don't worry. I'm a professional, and I know the rules.
:: I've been waiting for a professional individual such as yourself.
::Chatty Professional Journalist: I watched the match replay back to back multiple times, and made an astounding discovery — when Luka was facing the gun chamber, he didn't employ any common tactics to quickly dodge away, but stood rooted on the spot.
::Chatty Professional Journalist: Many mistook this for Luka's error, but I'm willing to believe this was a tactic that you planned. Deploying a method of immobility against the opponent's agility, to sow the seed of doubt in Boothill, and to gain the upper hand in the psychological battle!
:: Yes, yes, absolutely! That was my plan exactly...
:::(Trailblazer): What is professionalism? This is professionalism! As professional as my planned tactic.
:::(Trailblazer): But... it was a pity Luka couldn't stand his ground at the end and squandered this golden opportunity.
:::Chatty Professional Journalist: I knew I was right on the money!
:: Why didn't I think of that...?
:::(Trailblazer): Truth be told, I hadn't thought of such a thing. Maybe you should join our coaching team...
:::Chatty Professional Journalist: Eh? Coach (Trailblazer), this isn't the time to play dumb.
:::(Trailblazer): I... really didn't think of that.
:::Chatty Professional Journalist: I get it. You can't reveal your tactical objectives before the tournament truly ends.
:: You sure are agile with your mental gymnastics...
:::(Trailblazer): You're overthinking it. I've never really understood why Luka didn't evade.
:::(Trailblazer): Though there probably wasn't much point in dodging. I mean, it was a gun after all...
:::Chatty Professional Journalist: Are you doubting my professionalism?
:::(Trailblazer): I...
:::Chatty Professional Journalist: I'm a professional, and I understand that you wish to keep your tactics under wraps. I won't delve into details then.
::Chatty Professional Journalist: Thank you, Coach (Trailblazer), for resolving my uncertainties.
::Chatty Professional Journalist: Actually, it's not impossible that Luka could defeat Boothill. I have a plan, so please bear with me.
::Chatty Professional Journalist: As the saying goes: The gun is faster outside of seven strides, and the fist is quicker within seven. If Luka could rapidly close the distance once the match started, then strike a punch at point-blank range, how would Boothill respond to that?
:: The fist isn't all that fast within seven strides, either...
:::(Trailblazer): The gun may be quicker outside of seven strides, but it's also quick AND precise within seven...
:::(Trailblazer): I'd suggest you lay off the immersia and pay attention to actual fights.
:::Chatty Professional Journalist: Are you doubting my professionalism?
:: How would you close the distance then...
:::(Trailblazer): Then, how would Luka be able to close the distance quickly after the match starts?
:::Chatty Professional Journalist: As long as he sprints forth with all his being, he'll surely be able to make it.
:::It appears that everyone in the room is dumbfounded by the professional journalist's plan.
:::Chatty Professional Journalist: What, you all doubting my professionalism?
:: You fight Boothill in the next match then...
:::(Trailblazer): I've got my money on your strat. You go fight Boothill in the next match.
:::Chatty Professional Journalist: Me? Fight Boothill? You've gotta be kidding!
::Press Officer: All right. That's it for your questions.
::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 2)
:(Trailblazer): I wouldn't have known if I didn't read the paper — the ripple effect of this tournament is much larger than I expected.
:(Trailblazer): Ah, this is bad! Boothill just completely shattered Luka's confidence!
:(Trailblazer): Now we'll just have to place our hopes on the repechage and pray everything goes well.
:(Trailblazer): It looks like the spectators enjoyed this match. Luka's popularity is on the rise again.
:(Trailblazer): You have to get it together, Luka. Do it for everyone supporting us!
;(Unlock Achievement Don't Let the Simmering Fire Die)
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