Xuan Zang/Stories

General Stories Misc

Quotes

On Sortied

I will fulfill my duty as a sealer.

On Entering a Room

Let us be off to distant lands together.

When Quest Begins

We are off!

Is everyone packed and ready?

Response to Beginning of a Quest

This, too, is a sealer's duty.

Veritably. I shall demonstrate for you the power of a sealer.

When Controlling Character in Quest

I, Xuan Zang, will do this.

When Receiving a Heal

My thanks for saving me.

I'll not forget this kindness.

When Entering a Boss’ Room

Just a bit longer on this most precipitous road!

I will not allow myself to fail here!

Response to Entering a Boss’ Room

Yes, let us bring this to its inevitable conclusion.

This victory shall be ours!

Upon Getting to Low Health

Is that all they have? I am not finished yet!

I cannot fall until I have accomplished my duty!

Upon Opening A Chest

A Qilin relic?! ...Mmm, it appears not.

We must treat these goods with the utmost care.

Boss on Low Health

Let us be certain we don't skip out on the finishing touch!

Stay focused until our work here is finished!

Boss Enters Break State

Now! Strike true!

We mustn't allow this opportunity to pass us by!

Rare Enemy Spawns

This is a good opportunity! We can't let it slip away.

I suppose we Qilin also count as "rare."

Upon Death

I was unable to fulfill my duty...

Forgive me, Wu Kong...

Upon Revival

A sealer knows not resignation.

When Using Weapon/Shared Skills

Damage: Take THAT!

Buff Self: Better.

Buff Ally: Breathe deep.

Debuff Enemy: Feel your mortality!

Heal Ally: I have you.

Heal Self: I am renewed.

Player Uses Damaging Skill

You are as impressive as a Qilin relic!

That was an unqualified success.

When Shape Shifting is Ready

O great dragon, I await your awakening.

I am filled with the dragon's chi!

Shape Shifting into Dragon

Releasing chi!

Idle During Quest

The race is won by the clever, not the swift.

Good things come to those who wait.

Quest Clear

As a sealer, this is my duty.

Quest Failure

How terrible... to leave my duty unmet.

Home Screen Walking

Where could there be some Qilin relics...?

The gaze of the evening sun is unchanging.

Honestly, that Wu Kong!

I'm feeling something...

I must see to the Qilin relics.

I must make a record of my journeys.

Home Screen Inside

A sealer travels the world to locate dangerous Qilin relics and contain them.

Restraint and discipline are not simply a motto— they are our duty.

The Qilin live long lives, so though I look the way I do, I... Well, let us leave it at that.

Sealers live itinerant lives of seeking Qilin relics. It is harsh, but we also know much joy.

Human society subjects us to inconveniences aplenty, but when in Alberia...

It is a sealer's duty to raise their apprentice, but Wu Kong can be SO exasperating!

Home Screen Portrait

Wu Kong claims I am terrifying when angry. Why, that's simply not true.

It is also a sealer's duty to bring enlightenment to others. Have you any inquiries for me?

Qilin tribal law forbids interaction with the greater world, yet I cannot abandon a person in need.

The ancient Qilin relics are a power beyond anything in the world today.

The Qilin are imprisoned by the past, but I believe they yet have a future.

Collection Portrait

I keep a daily journal I hope to publish someday.

Wu Kong is quite talented, and will make a fine sealer someday. Do not tell him I said that.

Rumors abound regarding the Qilin, but most are built on ignorance.

I'm a bit clumsy, and was often scolded by my master in my apprentice days.

If you trick me this Halloween, you shall receive a stern talking to.

At The Halidom

I must admit, your human castles are quite nice.

Have you any worries?

Wu Kong isn't causing trouble, is he?

New Mana Circle Unlocked

There is still so very much to learn.

Mana Circle Fully Unbound

I can feel my chi surging... And it's all thanks to you.

On Promotion to 5

I can feel my chi surging... And it's all thanks to you.

Upon Maxed Out Friendship

The Qilin tribe thinks often of the past, but you and I will embrace the future!

Adventurer Story Episodes

Episode 1

The Sealer's Code

Hey, master! Is it that castle?! There is no need to shout, Wu Kong. I can hear you perfectly well. ...Hey, hold up. Isn't that— Oh, it's Luca! Heeeeey, Luca! Well, if it isn't Wu Kong and Xuan Zang! It's good to see you both. I am pleased to see you doing well, Prince—and I thank you again for all of your recent assistance. We had some business nearby, and so dropped in to offer greetings. What kind of business? We only deal in one kind of business, friend: Qilin relics! Those are the potentially dangerous items left behind by ancient members of the Qilin, right? Did you find one nearby? We sure did! Or at least, we know there's one around here SOMEWHERE, so we decided to swing by and track it down. In that case, you should make our castle your base of operations! That's okay, right, Euden? Sounds good to me. Niiice! Okay, Luca, time to give me the ten-cent tour of your digs. While it is most gracious indeed of you to offer, this is hospitality we cannot accept. Er, why not? In the prosecution of our mission as sealers, we make use of the relics we seek to lock away. The huge power of those relics is often beyond the ken of our current environs. Thus, any who would wield such power must take leave of the world at large. I am afraid we cannot lend our efforts to your fight, Euden. And as we cannot do so, I cannot permit us to impose upon your hospitality. Actually, not everyone who lives at the castle fights for us. Yeah, some of 'em just treat the castle as one big crash pad. I don't want to force the issue on you, but if you aren't fully rested and ready, couldn't that hinder your mission? C'mon, master! Let's crash on their couch! What you say does bear SOME merit... Very well. In that case, we shall take you up on your most generous offer. Oh, thank you so very much, Prince Euden! If you weren't there, there's no telling WHAT might've happened! How can we ever repay you? That won't be necessary. You and your people are welcome to stay here at the castle for as long as you need.

Hmm... Somethin' up, Xuan Zang? Not with me, no. I was merely wondering about those villagers over there. Yeah, the Empire came blowin' through and razed their town to the ground, so we're givin' 'em a place to stay. Are there other such refugees here? Oh, we got refugees up the wazoo, unfortunately. The Empire's been real busy lately, and the prince ain't the type'a guy what to turn anybody away. Most interesting. *sigh* We wandered around all day, and didn't find a single Qilin relic. Such steady, measured investigation is the duty of a sealer. It is something to be appreciated, not complained about. Yeah, but I'm tiiiiiired! Can't we call it a day or something, master? I suppose we HAVE been going for a while. Also, if we're out too late, it might be troublesome for the people of the castle. Niiice! Oh man, I wonder what kinda grub Cleo whipped up today...? You partake far too readily of their hospitality, Wu Kong. I would have you... Hold a moment. What is that? Keep going, everyone! The Halidom is just ahead! *pant* *pant* ...Ah! I won't make it... Don't worry about me. Keep going! This is as far as you go, rebels! We're not letting you reach your precious traitor prince's castle! The Empire's gonna get 'em, master! What're we gonna do? The Sealer's Code forbids our interference. We cannot take sides in this dispute. But master, they... You lot made trouble for the Empire, and now you'll face the Empire's punishment! Noooo! Clap these fools in irons and take them to the work camp, men! They'll toil until they beg for death...then toil some more! Bwaaa ha ha ha! Sir, yes, sir! Come, Wu Kong. We are going. No! We can't just ignore those people! I mean, I get that the Sealer's Code forbids interference or whatever, but it can't possibly mean for us to ignore THIS! Ah. I fear you have misunderstood me. When I said we were going, I meant that we were going to free those villagers. Really, master?! To break the Sealer's Code is dire indeed. But sealer or not, to do nothing in the face of such suffering cannot be the proper course of action! Then let's get to work, master! The tyranny of this Empire is far beyond what I had imagined possible. And as a denizen of this world, I will not stand by and allow them to continue such wanton cruelty unhindered. Wait. You don't mean... I do indeed. We will lend our strength to the cause of Euden!

Episode 2

The Sealer's Teachings

You there! Train with me! Huh? Yaaaah! Hold, what are you— Ow! What has come over you?! Oh come on, stop holding back! Martial Artist Raised by the Qilin Lin You Whatever do you mean? You're from the Qilin tribe, right? That means you must have ferocious martial art skills! Whyever would you think that? Oh, see, Lin You was apparently raised by a martial artist from the Qilin tribe. So now she assumes everyone from the tribe has the exact same skill set? Bingo! Which is why I wanted to get Xuan Zang here to give me a few lessons in the ol' kung-fu department. That is an absurd assumption. Is it though? C'mon, I can tell that you've got a bunch of inner strength just waiting to be unleashed! You should try listening to people instead of dismissing their words in favor of your own preconceived notions. Yeah, probably. ...But STILL! Look, I know Lin You can be a little kooky, but the Qilin tribe DOES have a kind of secretive element to it, yeah? Do you truly believe so? He's got a point, master. See, this guy gets it. Everyone thinks you guys are hiding some sorta juicy secret. Ah, I see now. This is merely belief borne from ignorance of the Qilin people. Well then, if I teach you a thing or two about us, it should resolve this misunderstanding quite handily. What are you planning, master? Heh. What am I planning indeed? Attend me, everyone! It is time to learn the ways of the Qilin! Our first lesson will be Qilin history. Our beginning stretches back ages, long before the present day, when we... *yaaaawn* Oh man, history class always makes me sleepy. Saaaame... Luca? Lin You? Zzzz... No more...lecture... Zzzzz... AHEM! GYAAAA! Uhhhhh... I'M SO SORRY! ...No. It is I who am in the wrong. You're in what now? My tale was clearly a bit bland, so allow me to regale you with a more interesting one. ...You enjoy pranks, yes, Luca? Well, I don't usually like to shout it out like that, but yeah, sure. I like pranks. Even among the Qilin, there are many who enjoyed a good prank. Enough so that there are Qilin relics created solely for the sake of practical jokes. Seriously?! Indeed. In fact, let me tell you all about them... Man, Xuan Zang is the BEST teacher! She can explain things so even a dolt like me can follow without getting mad! Agreed! Why, if I ever fell asleep when my master was talking, I'd pay for it and then some! My master doesn't get loud, but she DOES get pretty scary when she's angry. Scary, huh... I don't like the look on your face, bub. You're not going to TRY to make her angry, are you? Because I want absolutely ZERO to do with that crazy plan. What? No! I just wanna... You know, Give her a little surprise. There's no better feeling for a prankster than getting someone who's super calm to freak out for a second. Well, you can count me in! Not you too! My master used to say that you only learn the true measure of a person when their guard has been lowered. If we can scare Xuan Zang, that's when we'll get a real sense of her capabilities. You're crazy! Both of you! Hey, you don't have to help with this— but you DO have to stay out of the way. How exactly are you going to surprise her? Leave that to me, young grasshopper. ...... Hmm? What's a rabbit doing here? Come on, Xuan Zang... Pick up the cute bunny... You really think that dumb rabbit is going to surprise my master? Surely there's more to it than that. She's right—that's a veeeery special little hopper right there... *meeep* What is it, little one? Aaaand...NOW! AAAIIIIEEEEEEEEE! By the heavens! Wait, what the hell?! What in the heck was that sound?! Aaaah ha ha ha! Oh man, I got ALL of you! That, friends, is the legendary Wailhare— a rabbit that emits a bloodcurdling scream whenever it feels nervous. Now let's see how Xuan Zang took it... What a fascinating cry you made, rabbit. I would learn more of you. Wait, what? No! The Wailhare scares EVERYBODY! That's its deal! ...You three are aware I can see you, yes? Gwargh! Would you care to explain yourselves? We were just...um...chasing that rabbit! Yeah, that's it. Chasing the rabbit. Oh yeah! It's super rare, so we wanted to catch it and show it to you, but he's a real slippery rascal. ...Bad bunny! Bad! You were chasing this rabbit here? Yep! Pretty weird little guy, huh? I mean, with the shrieking and all. It surely is—and I thank you for allowing me to enjoy a unique experience. Ha ha...haaaaaaa. (She didn't even let out a peep! She's definitely a Qilin, all right. Guess I gotta turn in my pranking license now. *siiigh*) Hmm... What is it, Cleo? Oh, nothing. I just wonder... Did Xuan Zang even realize she was being pranked?

Episode 3

The Sealer's Farewell

O power universal... Bottomless font and blessing of nature... Good. Maintain your focus. Hnnngh... Hey, it's Xuan Zang and Wu Kong! What is UP, my dudes? Greetings, Notte. We are currently engaged in sealer training. Does that training involve Wu Kong straining and grunting like a crazy person? Because if so, he's killing it. Do you see the pot at his feet? That is a Qilin relic we call the Yong Run Hu. It is a pot from which issues forth an unceasing flow of water. Is it busted? 'Cause it's bone dry. The point of this exercise is to restrain the flow so the water builds up inside the pot, but never spills forth. In this way, Wu Kong can learn how to effectively regulate a Qilin relic. I understand, like, maybe fifteen percent of what you just said—I'm just gonna assume it's really hard and leave it at that. It is indeed a challenge—as is controlling the power of any Qilin relic. However, achieving such control is essential to becoming a sealer. If one can fill the pot to the brim without any water spilling over, it is a sign of their expert control. Nnnngh.... There! Done! Pretty great, eh, master? You have accomplished your task with aplomb, Wu Kong. Nice job, buddy! Ha! I couldn't very well call myself the successor to Xuan Zang if I couldn't do something as simple as this! Boy, you really know how to take a compliment and run with it. Look, here's the deal: I'm gonna become just as good a sealer as she is, and then I'm gonna travel the land taking out every single Qilin relic I can find! "Just as good"... ...... Uh oh. You look troubled. I wouldn't say troubled, per se. But SOMETHING is on your mind. Heh. It seems my emotional control is no match for your keen eye. In truth, I've concerns about Wu Kong. Oh? He seems like he's been pretty dedicated to things lately. Oh, he is ever the passionate pupil, but since we came to your castle, he has become much more diligent. As he can take his time and not rush in training now, the time I can spend guiding him has also increased. Which means his passion has naturally been increasing too. Just so. Which, I fear, is the problem. I don't understand. Because Wu Kong so respects me, he has no intention of surpassing me. Ah, right. He DID mention he wanted to be just like you—for better or for worse. I confess it fills me with joy to have a pupil that respects me so. But it is not good for him to see me and my achievements as the ultimate endpoint for his own works. If that does not change, I will only become a hindrance to his future growth. I guess it might be good for him to learn from other people, in that case. I had the same thought—which is why I want him to call upon another sealer and train with that person instead. He's going to miss you quite a bit, but I see the wisdom in your plan. If only his feelings ended at "missing me." No, my fear is that he will see this plan not as a step in his growth, but as me abandoning him utterly. Ah. This shames me greatly as a teacher. I know what is needed for my pupil's growth, yet emotion stays my hand. It's a difficult situation for sure. ...... What are you doing, Wu Kong? We must begin today's training. I need to talk to you, master. What is it? ...I want to study under another sealer. What?! If I stay with you, I'm never going to grow into a better sealer than you are. ...Did you overhear my discussion with Euden yesterday? Huh? No, I don't know anything about that. This is just something I've been thinking about for a while now. I see. Well, it delights me to hear you say this. But are you sure you truly feel this way, from the bottom of your heart? Are you honestly convinced you are in the right? If you have even the slightest concern— I'm your pupil, master. What do you mean? No matter who I'm training under, you'll always be my teacher! ...Heh heh heh. Oh, Wu Kong. You truly ARE my finest student. You will always be my pupil, and as such, I will always be your teacher. Thank you for understanding, master. I'm going now. With any luck, the next time we meet I will be a sealer the likes of which you've never seen! And when that time comes, I shall teach you a thing or two about just how magnificent your master is. Bye, everyone! Until we meet again! You've got this, Wu Kong! You know I do! ...Heh. He didn't even look back. Students grow up so very fast. Which is a good reminder for me to do my own distancing in the meantime.

Episode 4

The Sealer's Hesitation

This way, everyone! Quickly! Thank you, Prince! You're not going anywhere, dastards! It beggars belief the imperials would come so far in pursuit of fleeing villagers. Prince, we still have elderly and children who are lagging behind! Don't worry—we'll save them. But we can't just leave these folks here while we go back for the stragglers. You may entrust them to me. Thank you, Xuan Zang! O power universal! Fire of the nine flames, stone of destruction, let thy force be manifest! Aaaaaagh! Come now, all of you! While they are scattered! Thank you, miss! Oy! You won't get away! And YOU will go no further. Haaaah! Arrrgh! If you insist on continuing such unjust behavior, I shall teach you firsthand the true value of the Qilin's secrets. R-retreat! RETREEEAT! Hurrah! The soldiers are leaving! None of us will soon forget this kindness. Think naught of it; I did only what anyone would. Now let us head for the Halidom. What are you doing, Xuan Zang?! By the heavens... M-Master? Is it truly you? Whoa, it's Xuan Zang's master! I am called Fa Ming, and you have my deepest gratitude for seeing to my bumbling pupil. Actually, she's been a huge help to us. Which is proof of her failure! I don't follow. You understand, do you not, Xuan Zang? Explain it yourself. ...Yes, master. The Qilin civilization flourished in the distant past, where their magical society attained vast heights and allowed the people to live lives of plenty. However, their ambitions reached too far, and their spirits fell into wretchedness. As a result, they invited great calamity upon the world, leading to its ruin. The few surviving Qilin took precautions to ensure such a calamity would never again be visited upon the world. Thus, it is forbidden for a Qilin sealer to interact with outsiders. The relics of our people are beyond the ken of the modern world, and sealers are tasked with their disposal. If you aid this prince, his victory over the Empire may well come to pass. However, he is a man who stands at the very forefront of history. If you stay at his side, the Qilin's skills will doubtless find their way into the light once more, thus bringing about a repeat of the ancient Qilin's ruination! And is it not your exact duty, Xuan Zang, to make certain such a thing does NOT come to pass?! How can you call yourself a sealer?! Master, I... Aw, hell! Them pig-headed imperials are back AGAIN! They're attackin' one of the villages near the forest! Come on, everyone! ...I am coming as well! Did you hear nothing I said, Xuan Zang?! Yes, master. I heard you very well. And I have not forgotten my duty as a sealer. But that does not mean I can turn a blind eye to the suffering of others! Bah! A handful of lives are meaningless when compared to the great river of time! I thought you smarter than this...

Episode 5

The Sealer's Answer

Then your mind remains unchanged? It does. Though it be contrary to the Sealer's Code, I cannot stand by and watch as the unjust wreak havoc and pain upon the innocent. Then I put this to you, Xuan Zang: What is sin? What is justice? Are those not ideals for the people of this world to decide? We sealers must be sundered of any connection to the world. To do otherwise is to invite its very destruction. If we are lost in the emotions of immediacy, we are undeserving of the title of sealer. I've no intentions of denying my feelings for what happens right before me— but there is more to it than that. Please give me some time, master. I know a day will come when I am able to adequately communicate what I have discovered to you. Your words ring sincere. But do not tarry long with your answer! You will have it anon, master. Burn it all! Let the hammer of judgment fall upon all who would dare disobey their grand Empire! Haaaaaaah! The imperials are already in the village! We have to drive them away, now! Yeah! Uwaaargh! Is it just me, or are these cats way stronger than the usual chumps what we tend to fight? Regardless, if we fail to turn them back, the village will surely fall. Come on, everyone! As one! Right! Haaaaah! *pant* *pant* We did it! ...Ain't sure HOW we did it, but I ain't ever been one what to look a gift horse in the ol' kisser. And yet, the village suffered grievously. If only we had arrived sooner... Stop that! It's only thanks to you that any of our people still draw breath. There are no words adequate to thank you. Even so, we might have been able to reduce the amount of damage done to the village if we'd just— Okay, that's enough. If we start "what if'n" this thing to death, ain't none of us ever gonna be able to sleep again. You're right, of course. This is a cruel sight. ...Master? You were here? I had to take your measure, which is not possible unless I witness for myself what you have seen and done. Then you should now ken the depths of the Empire's depravity, as well as the power of this prince's will to defeat it. Those things are but pebbles in the great stream of time. You must take a broader view of things; you cannot allow yourself to be swayed by mere passing emotion. Master, I implore you to take another look at the village you see before you. What of it? Do you not see what my intervention has done—and what it FAILED to do? I gave my all to protect this village, yet many still suffered and died. ...... Since I offered my strength to the prince, I have only come to feel ever more keenly my own powerlessness. Part of that is due to my own inefficacy. But I believe a greater part is due to an overestimation of ourselves as Qilin. Explain yourself. The relics of our people doubtless possess vast power, and we must ensure they are managed in the proper manner. However, even WITH that power, there remain many beyond our aid. It is arrogance itself to believe we possess the power to change the world merely by existing inside of it. The Qilin tribe is but PART of this world— it is not the axis upon which it spins! I have never heard the like before... Then I take it this is the answer you have been striving for? After the great calamity of the past, the Qilin rid themselves of ties to the world at large. But when they cast off those ties, they did so thinking they could somehow exist outside of the greater world itself. We must make right that shameful hubris. For is it not a precept of the Qilin that one must discipline a prideful heart? I have heard your answer, Xuan Zang. I will no longer interfere with you or your decision. However, know well that the skills and relics of the Qilin are a power on a scale far beyond the world of today. If you choose to tie yourself to this world, your duty will be a weighty one indeed, for you must ensure the mistakes of the past are never repeated. I am prepared for this undertaking, Master, for I have learned something powerful in Euden's hospitality... One can never abandon belief in the future...or belief in one's own self!