Duet Night Abyss story · Side stories
The Joy of Craft
Journey Across the Lands
5 scenes, 280 lines
1. Head to the location pointed out by the Mechanical Nexus
56 lines(Just before reaching your destination, the Mechanical Nexus in your arms begins to tremble unexpectedly.)
Little Minion, what's that noise? Something's shaking!
(The vibrations seem to follow some kind of pattern. Best take a closer look.)
(You summon every scrap of knowledge you've ever learnt to analyse the vibration's rhythm... and come up with absolutely nothing.)
(Is this thing about to blow!? Toss it, quick!)
(You fling the Mechanical Nexus as far as you can. No explosion follows. Realising it's only quivering, you cautiously retrieve it.)
I don't see any switch to stop the vibration. Is it faulty? We should probably have Master Gongshang take a look.
What shoddy workmanship, we've barely used it and it's already on the fritz!
(Decision made, you turn to leave, but after a few steps, you feel the vibrations begin to fade.)
...
When I headed that way, the Nexus shook much harder than in any other direction. Could it be... leading me somewhere?
Oho! Little Minion, could it be pointing us to a grand treasure? Let's dash over and see!
Master Gongshang!? What are you doing here!?
Why the shock?
I sensed you nearby. But these old legs don't take kindly to long walks, so I used the Mechanical Nexus to guide you over. Clever, isn't it? And that's just one of its many marvels, there's plenty m...
Pah! We thought it was some grand treasure calling us... and it's just you? Boooring.
You dragged us all the way here just to flaunt your inventions?
... Can't even endure a proper tutorial. Young folk these days, so impatient, always in a rush. How disheartening.
My Little Minion's got a jam-packed schedule! No time to waste on your droning, get to the point, or we're off.
Now, now, no need to be so hasty.
As an Honorary Learner of the Jishu Sect, your ties with us run deep, and as your mentor, it's my duty to introduce you to the true joy of our craft.
I've prepared several contraptions here, each a little masterpiece of precision and wit. Well then? Tempted to try your hand?
Um... well...
What's in it for us? Any prizes?
... Young ones these days. Just as I thought.
Years of butting heads with unwilling pupils have taught me one thing: without a little bait, none of you ever bite. Rest assured, there will be rewards.
Then... I guess we'll give it a shot.
This first one's simple, seek out the nearby Jishu spheres and use the Nexus to guide them into the pit. Go on, have a go.
Not bad, you're a quick study. Come on then, onto the next.
This trial tests your memory, mark well where the red modules lie, then draw them forth with the Nexus. Simple enough, eh?
Well done, no wonder you've earned the title of Honorary Learners of Jishu. Go on, take your rewards. Now then... the final test awaits.
This one's a touch trickier, watch carefully.
The gate shifts its position with each pull. Halt it at just the right point, and you'll be able to slip through and claim the reward. Clear?
Well? How did you find it?
It's... actually kind of fun.
Hah! None who've savoured the wonders of fine craft ever leave unimpressed. And don't worry, I've set up plenty more in Mistwharf. You're welcome to test yourself further.
Bit stingy with the rewards.
Patience. The more trials you take on, the more you'll earn. I've hidden plenty in Mistwharf, little by little, it adds up.
Bit dull, if you ask me...
Bah! No appreciation at all, this one! These are mere beginner trials, even a six-year-old could breeze through them.
The real fun's still ahead, just waiting for you in Mistwharf! If you can't appreciate the craft, then at least chase the rewards, eh?
So it was you cluttering the path with your gadgets, Master Gongshang! What's in it for you?
What's in it for me? Hah, that's far too utilitarian a mindset.
Still, I cannot fault you. Imperial alchemists chase after military ends, while those old pedants in the Mechanistry Commission tinker away for their stipend.
Not that they're wrong, but when you dwell too much on purpose, you lose sight of the pure joy of creation.
So... you pursue the art of Jishu simply for joy?
Life only gives us a handful of decades, why squander them on dull pursuits? Only by following one's true passion can one attain the pinnacle of the craft.
Speaking of which, that scamp Qin Qiu never has anything good to say... but thanks to him, I've had the leisure to immerse myself in the study of Jishu all these years.
And mind you, not a word to him, or he'll be strutting around like a peacock.
Alright. I won't say a word.
What would you give me to keep quiet?
Hah! That's enough for today, I've got inventions waiting on my bench.
Hold on, I've just had a new idea.
Oh, and when I've cooked up something new, be sure to come and give it a whirl.
Master Gongshang!? What are you doing here!?
Master Gongshang!? What are you doing here!?
2. Try the nearby contraptions
56 lines(Just before reaching your destination, the Mechanical Nexus in your arms begins to tremble unexpectedly.)
Little Minion, what's that noise? Something's shaking!
(The vibrations seem to follow some kind of pattern. Best take a closer look.)
(You summon every scrap of knowledge you've ever learnt to analyse the vibration's rhythm... and come up with absolutely nothing.)
(Is this thing about to blow!? Toss it, quick!)
(You fling the Mechanical Nexus as far as you can. No explosion follows. Realising it's only quivering, you cautiously retrieve it.)
I don't see any switch to stop the vibration. Is it faulty? We should probably have Master Gongshang take a look.
What shoddy workmanship, we've barely used it and it's already on the fritz!
(Decision made, you turn to leave, but after a few steps, you feel the vibrations begin to fade.)
...
When I headed that way, the Nexus shook much harder than in any other direction. Could it be... leading me somewhere?
Oho! Little Minion, could it be pointing us to a grand treasure? Let's dash over and see!
Master Gongshang!? What are you doing here!?
Why the shock?
I sensed you nearby. But these old legs don't take kindly to long walks, so I used the Mechanical Nexus to guide you over. Clever, isn't it? And that's just one of its many marvels, there's plenty m...
Pah! We thought it was some grand treasure calling us... and it's just you? Boooring.
You dragged us all the way here just to flaunt your inventions?
... Can't even endure a proper tutorial. Young folk these days, so impatient, always in a rush. How disheartening.
My Little Minion's got a jam-packed schedule! No time to waste on your droning, get to the point, or we're off.
Now, now, no need to be so hasty.
As an Honorary Learner of the Jishu Sect, your ties with us run deep, and as your mentor, it's my duty to introduce you to the true joy of our craft.
I've prepared several contraptions here, each a little masterpiece of precision and wit. Well then? Tempted to try your hand?
Um... well...
What's in it for us? Any prizes?
... Young ones these days. Just as I thought.
Years of butting heads with unwilling pupils have taught me one thing: without a little bait, none of you ever bite. Rest assured, there will be rewards.
Then... I guess we'll give it a shot.
This first one's simple, seek out the nearby Jishu spheres and use the Nexus to guide them into the pit. Go on, have a go.
Not bad, you're a quick study. Come on then, onto the next.
This trial tests your memory, mark well where the red modules lie, then draw them forth with the Nexus. Simple enough, eh?
Well done, no wonder you've earned the title of Honorary Learners of Jishu. Go on, take your rewards. Now then... the final test awaits.
This one's a touch trickier, watch carefully.
The gate shifts its position with each pull. Halt it at just the right point, and you'll be able to slip through and claim the reward. Clear?
Well? How did you find it?
It's... actually kind of fun.
Hah! None who've savoured the wonders of fine craft ever leave unimpressed. And don't worry, I've set up plenty more in Mistwharf. You're welcome to test yourself further.
Bit stingy with the rewards.
Patience. The more trials you take on, the more you'll earn. I've hidden plenty in Mistwharf, little by little, it adds up.
Bit dull, if you ask me...
Bah! No appreciation at all, this one! These are mere beginner trials, even a six-year-old could breeze through them.
The real fun's still ahead, just waiting for you in Mistwharf! If you can't appreciate the craft, then at least chase the rewards, eh?
So it was you cluttering the path with your gadgets, Master Gongshang! What's in it for you?
What's in it for me? Hah, that's far too utilitarian a mindset.
Still, I cannot fault you. Imperial alchemists chase after military ends, while those old pedants in the Mechanistry Commission tinker away for their stipend.
Not that they're wrong, but when you dwell too much on purpose, you lose sight of the pure joy of creation.
So... you pursue the art of Jishu simply for joy?
Life only gives us a handful of decades, why squander them on dull pursuits? Only by following one's true passion can one attain the pinnacle of the craft.
Speaking of which, that scamp Qin Qiu never has anything good to say... but thanks to him, I've had the leisure to immerse myself in the study of Jishu all these years.
And mind you, not a word to him, or he'll be strutting around like a peacock.
Alright. I won't say a word.
What would you give me to keep quiet?
Hah! That's enough for today, I've got inventions waiting on my bench.
Hold on, I've just had a new idea.
Oh, and when I've cooked up something new, be sure to come and give it a whirl.
Master Gongshang!? What are you doing here!?
Master Gongshang!? What are you doing here!?
3. Speak with Master Gongshang
56 lines(Just before reaching your destination, the Mechanical Nexus in your arms begins to tremble unexpectedly.)
Little Minion, what's that noise? Something's shaking!
(The vibrations seem to follow some kind of pattern. Best take a closer look.)
(You summon every scrap of knowledge you've ever learnt to analyse the vibration's rhythm... and come up with absolutely nothing.)
(Is this thing about to blow!? Toss it, quick!)
(You fling the Mechanical Nexus as far as you can. No explosion follows. Realising it's only quivering, you cautiously retrieve it.)
I don't see any switch to stop the vibration. Is it faulty? We should probably have Master Gongshang take a look.
What shoddy workmanship, we've barely used it and it's already on the fritz!
(Decision made, you turn to leave, but after a few steps, you feel the vibrations begin to fade.)
...
When I headed that way, the Nexus shook much harder than in any other direction. Could it be... leading me somewhere?
Oho! Little Minion, could it be pointing us to a grand treasure? Let's dash over and see!
Master Gongshang!? What are you doing here!?
Why the shock?
I sensed you nearby. But these old legs don't take kindly to long walks, so I used the Mechanical Nexus to guide you over. Clever, isn't it? And that's just one of its many marvels, there's plenty m...
Pah! We thought it was some grand treasure calling us... and it's just you? Boooring.
You dragged us all the way here just to flaunt your inventions?
... Can't even endure a proper tutorial. Young folk these days, so impatient, always in a rush. How disheartening.
My Little Minion's got a jam-packed schedule! No time to waste on your droning, get to the point, or we're off.
Now, now, no need to be so hasty.
As an Honorary Learner of the Jishu Sect, your ties with us run deep, and as your mentor, it's my duty to introduce you to the true joy of our craft.
I've prepared several contraptions here, each a little masterpiece of precision and wit. Well then? Tempted to try your hand?
Um... well...
What's in it for us? Any prizes?
... Young ones these days. Just as I thought.
Years of butting heads with unwilling pupils have taught me one thing: without a little bait, none of you ever bite. Rest assured, there will be rewards.
Then... I guess we'll give it a shot.
This first one's simple, seek out the nearby Jishu spheres and use the Nexus to guide them into the pit. Go on, have a go.
Not bad, you're a quick study. Come on then, onto the next.
This trial tests your memory, mark well where the red modules lie, then draw them forth with the Nexus. Simple enough, eh?
Well done, no wonder you've earned the title of Honorary Learners of Jishu. Go on, take your rewards. Now then... the final test awaits.
This one's a touch trickier, watch carefully.
The gate shifts its position with each pull. Halt it at just the right point, and you'll be able to slip through and claim the reward. Clear?
Well? How did you find it?
It's... actually kind of fun.
Hah! None who've savoured the wonders of fine craft ever leave unimpressed. And don't worry, I've set up plenty more in Mistwharf. You're welcome to test yourself further.
Bit stingy with the rewards.
Patience. The more trials you take on, the more you'll earn. I've hidden plenty in Mistwharf, little by little, it adds up.
Bit dull, if you ask me...
Bah! No appreciation at all, this one! These are mere beginner trials, even a six-year-old could breeze through them.
The real fun's still ahead, just waiting for you in Mistwharf! If you can't appreciate the craft, then at least chase the rewards, eh?
So it was you cluttering the path with your gadgets, Master Gongshang! What's in it for you?
What's in it for me? Hah, that's far too utilitarian a mindset.
Still, I cannot fault you. Imperial alchemists chase after military ends, while those old pedants in the Mechanistry Commission tinker away for their stipend.
Not that they're wrong, but when you dwell too much on purpose, you lose sight of the pure joy of creation.
So... you pursue the art of Jishu simply for joy?
Life only gives us a handful of decades, why squander them on dull pursuits? Only by following one's true passion can one attain the pinnacle of the craft.
Speaking of which, that scamp Qin Qiu never has anything good to say... but thanks to him, I've had the leisure to immerse myself in the study of Jishu all these years.
And mind you, not a word to him, or he'll be strutting around like a peacock.
Alright. I won't say a word.
What would you give me to keep quiet?
Hah! That's enough for today, I've got inventions waiting on my bench.
Hold on, I've just had a new idea.
Oh, and when I've cooked up something new, be sure to come and give it a whirl.
Master Gongshang!? What are you doing here!?
Master Gongshang!? What are you doing here!?
4. Try the nearby contraptions
56 lines(Just before reaching your destination, the Mechanical Nexus in your arms begins to tremble unexpectedly.)
Little Minion, what's that noise? Something's shaking!
(The vibrations seem to follow some kind of pattern. Best take a closer look.)
(You summon every scrap of knowledge you've ever learnt to analyse the vibration's rhythm... and come up with absolutely nothing.)
(Is this thing about to blow!? Toss it, quick!)
(You fling the Mechanical Nexus as far as you can. No explosion follows. Realising it's only quivering, you cautiously retrieve it.)
I don't see any switch to stop the vibration. Is it faulty? We should probably have Master Gongshang take a look.
What shoddy workmanship, we've barely used it and it's already on the fritz!
(Decision made, you turn to leave, but after a few steps, you feel the vibrations begin to fade.)
...
When I headed that way, the Nexus shook much harder than in any other direction. Could it be... leading me somewhere?
Oho! Little Minion, could it be pointing us to a grand treasure? Let's dash over and see!
Master Gongshang!? What are you doing here!?
Why the shock?
I sensed you nearby. But these old legs don't take kindly to long walks, so I used the Mechanical Nexus to guide you over. Clever, isn't it? And that's just one of its many marvels, there's plenty m...
Pah! We thought it was some grand treasure calling us... and it's just you? Boooring.
You dragged us all the way here just to flaunt your inventions?
... Can't even endure a proper tutorial. Young folk these days, so impatient, always in a rush. How disheartening.
My Little Minion's got a jam-packed schedule! No time to waste on your droning, get to the point, or we're off.
Now, now, no need to be so hasty.
As an Honorary Learner of the Jishu Sect, your ties with us run deep, and as your mentor, it's my duty to introduce you to the true joy of our craft.
I've prepared several contraptions here, each a little masterpiece of precision and wit. Well then? Tempted to try your hand?
Um... well...
What's in it for us? Any prizes?
... Young ones these days. Just as I thought.
Years of butting heads with unwilling pupils have taught me one thing: without a little bait, none of you ever bite. Rest assured, there will be rewards.
Then... I guess we'll give it a shot.
This first one's simple, seek out the nearby Jishu spheres and use the Nexus to guide them into the pit. Go on, have a go.
Not bad, you're a quick study. Come on then, onto the next.
This trial tests your memory, mark well where the red modules lie, then draw them forth with the Nexus. Simple enough, eh?
Well done, no wonder you've earned the title of Honorary Learners of Jishu. Go on, take your rewards. Now then... the final test awaits.
This one's a touch trickier, watch carefully.
The gate shifts its position with each pull. Halt it at just the right point, and you'll be able to slip through and claim the reward. Clear?
Well? How did you find it?
It's... actually kind of fun.
Hah! None who've savoured the wonders of fine craft ever leave unimpressed. And don't worry, I've set up plenty more in Mistwharf. You're welcome to test yourself further.
Bit stingy with the rewards.
Patience. The more trials you take on, the more you'll earn. I've hidden plenty in Mistwharf, little by little, it adds up.
Bit dull, if you ask me...
Bah! No appreciation at all, this one! These are mere beginner trials, even a six-year-old could breeze through them.
The real fun's still ahead, just waiting for you in Mistwharf! If you can't appreciate the craft, then at least chase the rewards, eh?
So it was you cluttering the path with your gadgets, Master Gongshang! What's in it for you?
What's in it for me? Hah, that's far too utilitarian a mindset.
Still, I cannot fault you. Imperial alchemists chase after military ends, while those old pedants in the Mechanistry Commission tinker away for their stipend.
Not that they're wrong, but when you dwell too much on purpose, you lose sight of the pure joy of creation.
So... you pursue the art of Jishu simply for joy?
Life only gives us a handful of decades, why squander them on dull pursuits? Only by following one's true passion can one attain the pinnacle of the craft.
Speaking of which, that scamp Qin Qiu never has anything good to say... but thanks to him, I've had the leisure to immerse myself in the study of Jishu all these years.
And mind you, not a word to him, or he'll be strutting around like a peacock.
Alright. I won't say a word.
What would you give me to keep quiet?
Hah! That's enough for today, I've got inventions waiting on my bench.
Hold on, I've just had a new idea.
Oh, and when I've cooked up something new, be sure to come and give it a whirl.
Master Gongshang!? What are you doing here!?
Master Gongshang!? What are you doing here!?
5. Speak with Master Gongshang
56 lines(Just before reaching your destination, the Mechanical Nexus in your arms begins to tremble unexpectedly.)
Little Minion, what's that noise? Something's shaking!
(The vibrations seem to follow some kind of pattern. Best take a closer look.)
(You summon every scrap of knowledge you've ever learnt to analyse the vibration's rhythm... and come up with absolutely nothing.)
(Is this thing about to blow!? Toss it, quick!)
(You fling the Mechanical Nexus as far as you can. No explosion follows. Realising it's only quivering, you cautiously retrieve it.)
I don't see any switch to stop the vibration. Is it faulty? We should probably have Master Gongshang take a look.
What shoddy workmanship, we've barely used it and it's already on the fritz!
(Decision made, you turn to leave, but after a few steps, you feel the vibrations begin to fade.)
...
When I headed that way, the Nexus shook much harder than in any other direction. Could it be... leading me somewhere?
Oho! Little Minion, could it be pointing us to a grand treasure? Let's dash over and see!
Master Gongshang!? What are you doing here!?
Why the shock?
I sensed you nearby. But these old legs don't take kindly to long walks, so I used the Mechanical Nexus to guide you over. Clever, isn't it? And that's just one of its many marvels, there's plenty m...
Pah! We thought it was some grand treasure calling us... and it's just you? Boooring.
You dragged us all the way here just to flaunt your inventions?
... Can't even endure a proper tutorial. Young folk these days, so impatient, always in a rush. How disheartening.
My Little Minion's got a jam-packed schedule! No time to waste on your droning, get to the point, or we're off.
Now, now, no need to be so hasty.
As an Honorary Learner of the Jishu Sect, your ties with us run deep, and as your mentor, it's my duty to introduce you to the true joy of our craft.
I've prepared several contraptions here, each a little masterpiece of precision and wit. Well then? Tempted to try your hand?
Um... well...
What's in it for us? Any prizes?
... Young ones these days. Just as I thought.
Years of butting heads with unwilling pupils have taught me one thing: without a little bait, none of you ever bite. Rest assured, there will be rewards.
Then... I guess we'll give it a shot.
This first one's simple, seek out the nearby Jishu spheres and use the Nexus to guide them into the pit. Go on, have a go.
Not bad, you're a quick study. Come on then, onto the next.
This trial tests your memory, mark well where the red modules lie, then draw them forth with the Nexus. Simple enough, eh?
Well done, no wonder you've earned the title of Honorary Learners of Jishu. Go on, take your rewards. Now then... the final test awaits.
This one's a touch trickier, watch carefully.
The gate shifts its position with each pull. Halt it at just the right point, and you'll be able to slip through and claim the reward. Clear?
Well? How did you find it?
It's... actually kind of fun.
Hah! None who've savoured the wonders of fine craft ever leave unimpressed. And don't worry, I've set up plenty more in Mistwharf. You're welcome to test yourself further.
Bit stingy with the rewards.
Patience. The more trials you take on, the more you'll earn. I've hidden plenty in Mistwharf, little by little, it adds up.
Bit dull, if you ask me...
Bah! No appreciation at all, this one! These are mere beginner trials, even a six-year-old could breeze through them.
The real fun's still ahead, just waiting for you in Mistwharf! If you can't appreciate the craft, then at least chase the rewards, eh?
So it was you cluttering the path with your gadgets, Master Gongshang! What's in it for you?
What's in it for me? Hah, that's far too utilitarian a mindset.
Still, I cannot fault you. Imperial alchemists chase after military ends, while those old pedants in the Mechanistry Commission tinker away for their stipend.
Not that they're wrong, but when you dwell too much on purpose, you lose sight of the pure joy of creation.
So... you pursue the art of Jishu simply for joy?
Life only gives us a handful of decades, why squander them on dull pursuits? Only by following one's true passion can one attain the pinnacle of the craft.
Speaking of which, that scamp Qin Qiu never has anything good to say... but thanks to him, I've had the leisure to immerse myself in the study of Jishu all these years.
And mind you, not a word to him, or he'll be strutting around like a peacock.
Alright. I won't say a word.
What would you give me to keep quiet?
Hah! That's enough for today, I've got inventions waiting on my bench.
Hold on, I've just had a new idea.
Oh, and when I've cooked up something new, be sure to come and give it a whirl.
Master Gongshang!? What are you doing here!?
Master Gongshang!? What are you doing here!?