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# 03. Village of Mist

```
[meta] title "Spirit Detective Case: Old Village in the Mountains"
[meta] author "SAD"
[intro] You are someone troubled by life. Though you are not without people to talk to, unease always lingers in your heart.
[intro] To change yourself and leave the past behind, you follow a friend's advice and set out for an ancient village deep in the mountains.
[intro] Yet when you come to your senses, all that remains before you is endless forest and stone, and a thick fog that threatens to swallow everything.
[intro] Art: @katechen0921

// --- Variable setup ---
[player_var] player_name "Enter your name:" "Sakura"

// --- Game stats ---
[stat_def] san 0 99 "Sanity (SAN)"
[stat_def] suspicion 0 100 "Suspicion"
[stat_def] attitude 0 100 "Villager Attitude"
[stat_def] truth_lv 0 10 "Truth Level"

// --- Story variables ---
[var_def] met_girl 0 1 "Met the chief's daughter"
[var_def] dreamed_sacrifice 0 1 "Dreamed of sacrifice"
[var_def] asked_about_monk 0 1 "Asked about the monk"
[var_def] met_monk 0 1 "Met the monk"
[var_def] remembers_friend 0 1 "Remembered friend"
[var_def] saw_graves 0 1 "Saw the graveyard"
[var_def] knows_pact 0 1 "Knows about the pact"
[var_def] knows_village_dead 0 1 "Truth: entire village is dead"
[var_def] knows_chief_intent 0 1 "Truth: chief's true intent"
[var_def] knows_girl_is_friend 0 1 "Truth: the girl is the friend"
[var_def] heard_laughter 0 1 "Heard laughter"
[var_def] solved_clue 0 1 "Solved the pottery shard mystery"

// --- Item variables ---
[var_def] has_charm 0 1 "Has protective charm"
[var_def] has_dagger 0 1 "Has ritual dagger"
[var_def] has_pendant 0 1 "Has jade pendant"
[var_def] dropped_clue 0 1 "Picked up villager's dropped item"

// --- Game start ---

[label] 0
[title] Within the Mist
[set] san=45
[set] suspicion=10
[set] attitude=50
[set] truth_lv=0
[set] met_girl=0
[set] dreamed_sacrifice=0
[set] asked_about_monk=0
[set] met_monk=0
[set] remembers_friend=0
[set] saw_graves=0
[set] knows_pact=0
[set] has_charm=0
[set] has_dagger=0
[set] has_pendant=0
[set] knows_village_dead=0
[set] knows_chief_intent=0
[set] knows_girl_is_friend=0
[set] heard_laughter=0
[set] solved_clue=0
[text] Where am I? It feels as though you have been lost in this forest for days.
[text] The water you carried ran out long ago. Exhaustion and hunger keep closing in. You mutter to yourself out of habit, but no one answers.
[text] You take out your compass, only to find the needle spinning wildly like a mad thing. A heavy sense of dread settles over you. You cannot shake the feeling that you have been walking in circles in the same place.
[choice]
-> Calm down and listen to the sounds around you. | 1
-> Trust your instincts and keep walking in one direction. | 2 | stat=suspicion+5

[label] 1
[title] Laughter in the Woods
[set] heard_laughter=1
[text] You focus and listen carefully. In the silent mountain forest, you faintly hear a soft laugh, clear as a silver bell.
[text] Following the sound, you see a few faint points of firefly light flickering in the fog.
[choice]
-> Head toward the laughter and the fireflies. | 3
-> Something feels wrong. Better to avoid it. | 2 | stat=suspicion+10

[label] 2
[title] Desperate Wandering
[text] You choose a direction and drag your heavy feet forward. But no matter how long you walk, nothing around you changes.
[text] Thick fog, trees, stones... everything looks copy-pasted. Your strength drains away, and your mind begins to blur.
[set] san=san-1d3
[text] In despair, you feel your mind worn down. You lose 1d3 Sanity.
[text|if=san<=0] Your spirit collapses in despair.
[text] Just as you are about to fall, a clear laugh reaches your ears, and points of firefly light appear ahead.
[choice]
-> (Sanity reaches zero) | 103 | if=san<=0
-> Use your last strength to walk toward it. | 3

[label] 3
[title] The Little Girl at the Village Entrance
[text] @https://raw.githubusercontent.com/hktrpg/TG.line.Discord.Roll.Bot/refs/heads/master/roll/storyTeller/Demo/03/NPC-01.png
[set] met_girl=1
[text] You push through the last layer of thin fog and see a little girl in a plain dress. Dozens of fireflies dance around her, the scene dreamlike.
[text|if=heard_laughter==1] Her laughter rings like a silver bell. You suddenly remember—this is the same voice you heard deep in the forest!
[text] When she sees you, she gives an innocent smile. "Hehe, I'm here at the village entrance to welcome our guest."
[choice]
-> "Hi, little one. Are you alone? It's dangerous here." | 4a | stat=attitude+5
-> "Village entrance? There's a village here? I didn't see one at all." | 4b | stat=suspicion+5

[label] 4
[title] Showing the Way
[text] She points to your left. "This is █ Village." She speaks quickly, and you do not catch it clearly.
[text] Following her finger, a quiet village suddenly appears before you, as if it had been hidden by something invisible until now. A few figures move about their work inside.
[text] "Come, I'll take you into the village." She reaches out and takes your wrist. Her hand is icy cold.
[choice]
-> Go with her obediently. | 5a
-> Hesitate and ask her name. | 5b | stat=suspicion+2

[label] 5
[title] To the Inn
[text] As you walk into the village, you cannot help asking, "By the way, little one, what's your name?"
[text] "I'm ██." She answers, but instinct tells you the name does not quite suit her.
[text] "I'm the village chief's daughter." She adds proudly.
[set] suspicion=suspicion+5
[text] A thread of doubt rises in your heart, but days of hunger leave you dizzy and too weak to think deeply.
[text] "I've been lost for days. I'm starving and thirsty. Can you take me somewhere to eat?" you ask.
[text] "Of course! But afterward, will you tell me about the outside world? Daddy never lets me leave." She looks at you with eager eyes.
[text] As you talk, you arrive before an old two-story building. "That's the one. That inn is for travelers. Can I come find you to chat later?"
[choice]
-> "Of course. Let's be friends." | 6a | stat=attitude+10
-> "Let me eat first, then we'll talk." | 6b

[label] 6
[title] The Warm Old Woman
[text|if=attitude>=60] She happily shakes your hand, then turns and runs off, vanishing into the thin fog by the lake.
[text|if=attitude<60] She nods, turns, and runs off, vanishing into the thin fog by the lake.
[text] You enter the inn, and a kind old woman welcomes you warmly. "Oh my, I never expected a guest at this hour. Come in and have some warm water."
[text] You take the water and drink it in one go. It tastes slightly sweet and is deeply refreshing. "Ma'am, I'd like to stay the night."
[text] "Stay as long as you like!" the old woman laughs heartily. "Our village's water is famous. Generations have poured their hearts into it!"
[text] "Go upstairs and take a shower first. Your clothes are filthy. When you come down, I'll prepare dinner."
[choice]
-> Go upstairs to rest. | 7

[label] 7
[title] A Warm Dinner
[text] You take a hot shower in your room. The water pressure is unstable, but washing away days of exhaustion feels wonderful.
[text] You change into clean clothes and go downstairs. The old woman has already prepared several steaming dishes.
[text|if=suspicion>=40] You lift the food, but catch a faint smell of earth that kills your appetite instantly. Is the old woman's food really safe? You decide to eat only a few bites to fill your stomach and stay on guard.
[text] You devour the meal. The taste is nothing special, but to your starving body it is heavenly.
[text] "Thank you, ma'am. That was delicious." You say contentedly.
[choice]
-> Chat with the old woman. | 8
-> You're full and sleepy. Go straight back to your room. | 9

[label] 8
[title] Sleepiness Strikes
[text] "Hehe, slow down." The old woman watches you with a smile.
[text] You want to talk with her and learn about the village, but a wave of heavy sleep suddenly hits you.
[text] You struggle to remember: Right, I came here for something very important. Something very important...
[text] Your eyelids grow heavier and heavier. At last you fall asleep at the table.
[choice]
-> ... | 10

[label] 9
[title] Deep Sleep
[text] "You must be exhausted. Go get some sleep." The old woman says kindly.
[text] You nod, return to your room, and lose consciousness the moment you touch the bed.
[text] You think: Right, I came here for something very important. Something very important...
[text] Consciousness fades in sleep.
[choice]
-> ... | 10

[label] 10
[title] An Ominous Voice
[text] Before you fully lose consciousness, you faintly hear someone enter the inn and speak in low voices with the old woman.
[text] "...ritual... person..."
[text] The voices fade away, and you sink into deep darkness.
[choice]
-> ...... | 11

[label] 11
[title] Sacrifice
[set] dreamed_sacrifice=1
[set] truth_lv=truth_lv+1
[text] You snap your eyes open and find yourself by the lake. Villagers holding torches surround you. Their faces look twisted and uncanny in the firelight.
[text] A tall man grips your arm tightly. His face is full of ferocity.
[text] "Good girl, be good! You are the village's hope. Just jump in!" he roars.
[text] "I'm not from your village! Let go of me!" You struggle with all your strength, but it is useless.
[text] "I'm doing this for your own good!" he bellows like a demon and shoves you into the icy lake.
[text] The water closes over your mouth and nose. In despair, you slowly sink...
[set] san=san-1d6
[text] The nightmare feels too real. Your heart pounds. You lose 1d6 Sanity.
[text|if=san<=0] Your spirit completely collapses in terror.
[choice]
-> (Sanity reaches zero) | 103 | if=san<=0
-> ...... | 12

[label] 12
[title] The Girl at the Bedside
[text] "Ah!" You bolt upright in bed and find yourself in the inn room. Outside the window, dawn has not yet broken.
[text] The little girl... the little girl is sitting at your bedside, staring blankly at you.
[text] "What are you doing here?" you ask, still shaken.
[text] "I wanted you to tell me a story, sis. I didn't know you... sleep so badly." She comes back to herself and grins mischievously. "Did you have a nightmare? I heard this place used to be haunted..."
[choice]
-> "Yeah, a terrible dream... What do you mean by haunted?" | 13a | stat=suspicion+5
-> "Nothing, maybe I'm just too tired. What story do you want?" | 13b | stat=attitude+5

[label] 13
[title] Ritual and Monk
[text] "I'm not really sure," she shakes her head. "It seems there used to be some kind of ritual here. Something happened afterward, so they specially invited a monk and built a temple for him on the mountain behind the village." She points to the distant mountain outside the window.
[text] "What kind of ritual? Do many people worship the monk?" you press.
[text] "A water-worship ritual, I think. People in the village don't seem to go near there much... except Daddy. Once I even..." She suddenly covers her mouth. "Never mind!"
[choice]
-> "What did you see? We're friends. I won't tell anyone." | 14
-> "Water-worship ritual? Is it to pray for good weather?" | 15 | stat=suspicion-5

[label] 14
[title] Trading Secrets
[text] "Daddy said I can't tell..." Her eyes flicker. She looks hesitant.
[text] "How about this?" You take a delicate cherry-blossom keychain from your bag. "Tell me, and I'll give you this—and tell you more about the outside world."
[text] "Wow... it's so pretty..." She takes the keychain, unable to put it down. "Then... I'll secretly tell you. Sometimes at night I see Daddy sneaking off to see that monk."
[set] attitude=attitude+10
[choice]
-> "What do they do together?" | 15a
-> "Thanks for telling me." | 15b | stat=attitude+2

[label] 15
[title] The Village's Secret
[text] "I don't know that part," she shakes her head, "but every time Daddy comes back he looks exhausted."
[text] "You said the villagers look at you strangely. What did you mean?" You remember her earlier words.
[text] "They... look at me in a weird way. They just stare quietly until I leave... I'm scared." She shrinks into herself.
[text] "Don't be afraid," you comfort her. "After I finish what I came for, I'll take you away from here."
[text] "Really? That's wonderful!" She hugs you happily. "Liars have to swallow a thousand needles!"
[choice]
-> "Don't worry. I'll protect you." | 18 | stat=suspicion-10
-> Keep gathering information. | 16
-> It's getting late. Tell her to go rest. | 17

[label] 16
[title] Scattered Clues
[text] You ask more about the village and the ritual, but she does not seem to know much either.
[text] "The ritual seems to be to prevent water disasters. I heard it's tradition."
[text] "A few people come to the village every year, sometimes Taoists or monks and such. Do you always greet them?"
[text] "No, I just happened to see you at the village entrance."
[text] It seems there is nothing more to learn.
[choice]
-> Tell her to go rest. | 17

[label] 17
[title] Farewell at Dawn
[text] "It's late. Go back to sleep so you can grow tall." You smile and pat her head.
[text] She picks up the cherry-blossom keychain, kisses your cheek, and runs out of the room.
[text] Before long, daylight comes. A new day begins.
[choice]
-> Get up, wash, and go downstairs for breakfast. | 20

[label] 18
[title] A Sincere Promise
[text] Hearing your words, a light flashes in her eyes and she nods firmly. "Mm! I believe you, sis!"
[text] Your sincerity seems to ease some of your wariness as well.
[choice]
-> (Keep chatting with her) | 16
-> (Tell her to go rest) | 17

[label] 20
[title] Breakfast Chat
[text] After washing up, you go downstairs. The kind old woman is already waiting for you.
[text] "Good morning. Are you feeling all right? You fell asleep halfway through dinner yesterday. You gave me a fright."
[text] "Good morning, ma'am. I'm fine. Maybe I was just too tired." You smile awkwardly.
[text] "What are you planning to do today?" she asks as she serves breakfast.
[text] "I'd like to walk around the village."
[text] "Wonderful. Our village isn't special—just good mountains and good water. There's a ritual in two days. You can watch then. It's very lively."
[choice]
-> "A ritual? Is it to worship the gods?" | 21
-> "By the way, ma'am, is there a monk in the village?" | 22

[label] 21
[title] About the Ritual
[text] "Yes, a ritual to worship the gods. An old tradition." the old woman answers.
[text] "I heard there used to be floods here often?"
[text] "Oh, that was decades ago. There aren't any now. The ritual is just kept as tradition, so everyone in this dreary village can have a little joy."
[set] suspicion=suspicion+5
[text] Her words sound reasonable, but something still feels off.
[choice]
-> "By the way, ma'am, is there a monk in the village?" | 22
-> "I see. I'll go out for a walk after I finish eating." | 23

[label] 22
[title] A Cold Reaction
[set] asked_about_monk=1
[text] "By the way, ma'am, I heard there's a monk living on the mountain behind the village?"
[text|if=attitude>=70] "Sigh..." The old woman sighs and lowers her voice. "That monk isn't a bad man, but village matters are complicated... Don't ask, young lady. It won't do you any good. Eat up."
[text|else] "......I'm not sure." One second warm and cheerful, the next her face turns cold and her tone hard. Clearly she does not want to answer.
[set|if=attitude<70] attitude=attitude-15
[set|if=attitude<70] suspicion=suspicion+15
[choice]
-> Her reaction feels wrong. Change the subject quickly. | 23
-> Keep pressing. | 220

[label] 23
[title] Land of the Ancestors
[text] Sensing the mood, you quickly change the subject. "Ma'am, the water here is so good. This must be a blessed place."
[text] Her expression softens slightly, but her tone remains strange. ".....It's all land the ancestors left behind.... No matter what, we stay here.... We have to stay here."
[text|if=attitude>=60] She sighs. "Too bad the young people don't understand anymore."
[text] You feel a chill and hurry to finish breakfast.
[choice]
-> Say goodbye and leave. | 24

[label] 24
[title] Out to Explore
[text] "Thank you for the meal. I'm going out for a walk." You stand and say.
[text] "Be careful. Don't go too far at night. It's windy lately." As you prepare to leave, the old woman seems warm again and smiles as she warns you.
[text] You step out of the inn and breathe in the morning air. Rested at last, you finally have the energy to observe the village properly.
[text] Villagers move sparsely along the roads. Everyone looks listless and expressionless. A thin fog wraps the village, cutting it off from the outside world.
[text|if=san<20] As you look at the villagers, their faces seem to twist slightly in the fog, making you dizzy.
[text] You see nearby homes. One is larger—it should be the chief's house. Someone seems to be coming and going by the lake. Farther up the mountain stands a lonely building. That must be the temple.
[choice]
-> Go to the lakeside. | 25
-> Go to the temple on the mountain. | 28
-> Go near the chief's house. | 26

[label] 25
[title] Men Digging the Riverbed
[text] You come to the lakeside and see a group of men listlessly digging at the riverbed.
[text] Watching closely, you realize they are not preparing for the ritual. They seem to be... searching for something. The real ritual site is near the village entrance, where a wooden platform has been built.
[set] truth_lv=truth_lv+1
[choice]
-> Go up and ask them. | 250
-> They seem strange. Go somewhere else first. | 28 | stat=suspicion+5
-> Observe from a distance and watch for anything unusual. | 252 | if=suspicion>=40

[label] 26
[title] The Chief's House
[text] You circle around to the largest house in the village. This should be the chief's home.
[text] The house is silent. Doors and windows are shut tight. It does not look occupied.
[choice]
-> Knock on the door. | 27
-> Since no one is here, go somewhere else. | 28

[label] 27
[title] No Answer
[text] You go up and knock. You wait a long time, but there is no response inside.
[text] You try pushing the door. It is locked.
[choice]
-> Seems truly empty. Go to the temple. | 28
-> Maybe the little girl is by the lake. Go to the lakeside. | 25

[label] 28
[title] To the Temple
[text] You decide to head for the lonely building on the mountain.
[text] Halfway up the slope, you look back over the village and are shocked to see how vast the dug-up riverbed by the lake is. It looks as if they have been digging for years.
[set] suspicion=suspicion+10
[text] You continue upward. A small temple appears before you. Broken chanting drifts from inside.
[choice]
-> Peek through a door crack or window. | 29
-> Knock and visit directly. | 30

[label] 29
[title] The Exhausted Monk
[text] @https://raw.githubusercontent.com/hktrpg/TG.line.Discord.Roll.Bot/refs/heads/master/roll/storyTeller/Demo/03/NPC-03.png
[text] You quietly approach and peer through a gap in the window.
[text] Inside, a slightly stout monk is chanting, but he looks drained. Dark circles hang under his eyes. He seems utterly exhausted.
[text] Just then he suddenly stops chanting, as if he has sensed your gaze.
[choice]
-> Knock immediately and pretend you just arrived. | 30
-> Startled, turn and leave. | 290 | stat=attitude-5

[label] 30
[title] The Eccentric Ah San
[set] met_monk=1
[text] You go up and knock, speaking clearly. "Amitabha. Master, I was passing through and drawn by your chanting. My heart feels at peace, so I hope I am not intruding."
[text] The door opens. It is the weary monk. He looks you up and down and says, "Benefactor, you have excellent taste."
[text] "May I ask how I should address you, Master?"
[text] "Just call me Ah San. Titles are but passing clouds..." The monk suddenly opens up and talks endlessly, leaving you somewhat lost.
[choice]
-> Listen patiently until he finishes. | 31a | stat=attitude+10
-> Interrupt him and ask your questions directly. | 31b | stat=attitude-5

[label] 31
[title] Questioning
[text] You endure several minutes of nonsense. He seems very pleased to have you as a listener.
[text] "Master Ah San, do you know the village chief?" You finally find a chance to interject.
[text] "I do. Very well, in fact." He answers with rare brevity.
[text] "I heard the chief often visits you late at night?"
[text] "Rumors stop at the wise. This monk pays them no mind. Though he does indeed like to visit me at night."
[text] "Is it for the ritual in two days? Will you preside over it?"
[text] "No, no. That is the villagers' own ritual. I... did not want to go, but perhaps this old monk still must make an appearance."
[choice]
-> "Why don't you want to go, yet feel you must?" | 32a
-> "The villagers don't seem to like you? When I mentioned you to the innkeeper, her face changed." | 32b | stat=suspicion+5

[label] 32
[title] On Faith
[text] "Some things, even if you do not wish to face them, must be faced in the end. In this life, there are responsibilities one must bear." He sighs.
[text] "As for the villagers, people dislike spooky things, and their faith differs from mine. They worship the water god. This old monk worships Buddha."
[text] "Speaking of which," you decide to test him, "I had a strange dream yesterday. I dreamed I was offered as a sacrifice to the water god."
[text] His expression turns serious. "Benefactor, place your hand on the table."
[choice]
-> Trust him and place your hand down. | 33a
-> "Why?" Stay on guard. | 33b | stat=suspicion+5

[label] 33
[title] A Lost Fate
[text] You calmly place your hand on the table. The monk nods approvingly, seeming pleased by your trust.
[text] He takes out a magnifying glass and pretends to examine you.
[text] "Your past life seems full of misfortune. You have a natural magnetism that draws others to you, yet you are also easily influenced by them."
[text] "Your recent actions, too, come from confusion and the influence of others. Benefactor, beware your 'starting point.' If the first step is wrong, every step after will be wrong."
[set] truth_lv=truth_lv+1
[text] His words pierce your heart like needles. "I... came here because I wanted to change myself. But ever since entering the village, I've felt uneasy..."
[choice]
-> "Master, can you give me a protective charm?" | 34
-> "Are you saying I've forgotten something important?" | 35

[label] 34
[title] A Gift of Fate
[text] "Master, I feel very uneasy. Can you give me a protective charm?"
[text|if=attitude >= 60 && suspicion < 40] The monk looks at your sincere, troubled eyes, hesitates, then finally takes a protective charm from his robe. "Very well. I see your heart is not wicked, yet you are deeply entangled with this place. This may preserve your mind at a critical moment."
[set|if=attitude >= 60 && suspicion < 40] has_charm=1
[set|if=attitude >= 60 && suspicion < 40] attitude=attitude+10
[text|if=attitude >= 60 && suspicion < 40] You obtained [Protective Charm]!
[text|else] "If Buddha is in your heart, Buddha is everywhere. Why cling to external things?" He shakes his head and refuses your request.
[choice]
-> "So you're saying I've forgotten something important?" | 35a
-> "Thank you, Master." | 35b

[label] 35
[title] The Forgotten Friend
[text] "Are you saying I've forgotten something important?"
[text] "You have forgotten some things." The monk's gaze is deep, as if it can see through your soul.
[text] His words strike your mind like lightning.
[text] Friend... right, there was a friend! She was the one who suggested I come here! Where is she? Why do I keep forgetting she exists?
[set] san=san-1d4
[text] Suddenly remembering someone important you had forgotten, confusion and fear crash over you. You lose 1d4 Sanity.
[text|if=san<=0] Chaotic memories destroy your mind.
[choice]
-> (Sanity reaches zero) | 103 | if=san<=0
[set] remembers_friend=1
[set] truth_lv=truth_lv+1
[text] "My friend... where did she go?" you ask anxiously.
[text|if=dropped_clue==1] You take out the pottery shard you picked up. "Master, do you recognize this?"
[text|if=dropped_clue==1] The monk's face changes. "This is... sigh, this is a corner of a burial offering. Their resentment... can already affect the living world."
[set|if=dropped_clue==1] solved_clue=1
[text] The monk only shakes his head. "There is dark energy over you, benefactor. Let nature take its course."
[text] He glances at the sky. "It is getting late. You should return."
[choice]
-> Thank him and leave. | 36

[label] 36
[title] Village at Dusk
[text] You leave the temple with a heavy heart. The sun is already setting, and the village is wrapped in gloomy twilight.
[text|ifs=has_dagger==1] (You touch the ritual dagger in your robe. Its cold weight makes you even more certain the monk's words are not fully trustworthy.)
[text|ifs=remembers_friend==1] (Your friend's figure will not leave your mind. Where is she?)
[text] You see the men by the river still digging endlessly. Villagers still wander aimlessly along the roads. Nothing has changed since morning, as if time has lost meaning here.
[text] You decide to return to the inn, but on the bed you find the little girl already waiting.
[text] "Sis, you're back!" she says happily. "I want to hear about the outside world."
[choice]
-> "Little one, the day you saw me, was there anyone else with me?" | 37
-> Discuss an escape plan with her. | 38

[label] 37
[title] You Alone
[text] "My friend is missing. Have you seen her?" you ask.
[text] "Friend?" She tilts her head in confusion. "That day there was only you."
[text] Her answer leaves you even more confused.
[choice]
-> Discuss an escape plan with her. | 38

[label] 38
[title] Invitation to Investigate at Night
[text] "Let's escape during the ritual. Everyone will be busy then. No one will notice us." you propose.
[text] "Yes! You're so smart, sis!" She hugs you happily.
[text] "But..." A trace of worry crosses her face. "I saw Daddy go to the temple again. He didn't look happy."
[text] "Should we go take a look?" she suggests.
[text] You have a faint feeling this is a key chance to glimpse the village's core secret, but the mountain at night must also hold unknown dangers.
[choice]
-> "All right, let's go take a look." | 39
-> "It's getting dark. Too dangerous. Let's not." | 380 | stat=suspicion+5

[label] 39
[title] Eavesdropping at the Temple
[text] You come to the temple again. Night has fully fallen.
[text] Fierce arguing comes from inside.
[text] "...please... change it one more time... just one last time!" It is a man's voice. It sounds like the chief.
[text] "No! This violates morality! How many times has this been now? Why not let yourselves be released?" It is the monk's voice.
[text] "Just one more year. One last year! We'll find them!"
[text] "Year after year, benefactor. Why cling to this?"
[choice]
-> Find a place to peek inside. | 40

[label] 40
[title] A Pact to Prolong Life
[text] @https://raw.githubusercontent.com/hktrpg/TG.line.Discord.Roll.Bot/refs/heads/master/roll/storyTeller/Demo/03/NPC-02.png
[text] You and the little girl poke a small hole in the window and peek inside.
[text] The chief and the monk are arguing fiercely over an ancient scroll on the table.
[text] "Daddy says that's a very important thing. With it, the village stays safe." The little girl whispers in your ear.
[text] You watch as, in the end, the monk sighs, picks up a brush, and seems ready to alter something on the scroll.
[set] knows_pact=1
[set] truth_lv=truth_lv+1
[text] "Sis, that scroll they're arguing over..." The little girl looks frightened. "We have to get it, or even if we escape they'll drag us back."
[choice]
-> "When it's late tonight, I'll sneak in and look." | 41
-> "Too dangerous. We'll think of another way." | 400 | stat=suspicion+10

[label] 41
[title] Purple Fog
[text] You decide to act alone late at night. After sending the little girl away, you wait until one in the morning and quietly leave the inn.
[text] "So late. Going to see the fireflies?" The old woman at the door asks with a smile, as if the hour means nothing at all.
[text] You mumble an excuse and leave. Outside, eerie purple fog fills the air. The temperature is colder than daytime.
[text] You walk toward the temple by memory from the day, but lose your way in the purple fog.
[choice]
-> Keep going. | 42

[label] 42
[title] Lost Graveyard
[text] You walk in the fog for a long time. The surroundings grow more and more desolate.
[text] Suddenly you trip over something on the ground and nearly fall. Looking down, you see it is a stone tablet.
[text] Looking around, you realize in horror that graves are scattered everywhere.
[set] saw_graves=1
[set] truth_lv=truth_lv+1
[choice]
-> Examine the names and dates on the tombstones. | 43
-> Something feels ominous. Leave immediately. | 44

[label] 43
[title] The Newly Dead
[text] You summon your courage and examine more than a dozen tombstones.
[text] Each bears a different surname, but what makes your blood run cold is that every death date is within the last few days.
[text] You realize these people are likely the "few who come every year" the little girl mentioned.
[set] san=san-1d8
[text] The icy truth sends a chill up your spine. You lose 1d8 Sanity.
[text|if=san<=0] You are driven completely mad in the middle of the graveyard.
[choice]
-> (Sanity reaches zero) | 103 | if=san<=0
-> Get out of this cursed place fast. | 44

[label] 44
[title] Whispers of Vengeful Spirits
[text] You turn to run, but hear countless venomous voices from the fog.
[text] "Blood...... repay...... whole village......"
[text] The fog seems to become solid, turning into countless hands and feet that wrap around you and drag you deeper into the mist.
[text] "Kill.... die together...." "What about your promise...." "Mommy I'm so cold...." "It's all your fault...."
[text|if=san<20] The voices seem to drill into your brain. You seem to see the moments before their deaths. The pain is unbearable.
[text] A hundred kinds of voices shriek in your ears. You feel your body about to be torn apart. Strangely, the sensation feels somehow familiar.
[set] roll_check=1d100
[set|if=roll_check>san] san=san-1d10
[set|if=roll_check<=san] san=san-1d4
[text|if=roll_check>san] Under the assault of countless vengeful spirits, your soul is nearly torn apart. You lose 1d10 Sanity. (Failure)
[text|else] Under the assault of countless vengeful spirits, you barely hold your mind together, but still lose 1d4 Sanity. (Success)
[text|if=san<=0] Your soul is devoured by the vengeful spirits.
[choice]
-> (Sanity reaches zero) | 103 | if=san<=0
-> Struggle! | 45

[label] 45
[title] An Invisible Wall
[text] Just as you are on the verge of death, a great force yanks you backward from behind. You break free of the fog.
[text] You look back, shaken. The deep purple fog keeps forming twisted faces, yet an invisible wall holds them two or three steps away. They cannot reach you.
[text] They roar at you in frustration. No one is beside you. You do not know who just saved you.
[choice]
-> Seize the chance and run back to the village. | 46a
-> Boldly shout at the fog: "Who are you?" | 46b | stat=suspicion+5

[label] 46
[title] Back on Track
[text] You scramble back to the center of the village. The fog here is much thinner, which eases you slightly.
[text] Now the path to the temple on the mountain is clearly visible. By the riverbed, the workers still labor without rest.
[choice]
-> Since you're already out, continue to the temple. | 51
-> Tonight was too dangerous. Return to the inn first. | 47

[label] 47
[title] An Uneasy Night
[text] You return to the inn. The little girl is already asleep on your bed.
[text] You hold her, trying to draw a little warmth from her, but you cannot sleep.
[text] The purple fog outside and the howls within it will not leave your mind.
[set] san=san-1
[text] A sleepless night weakens your spirit. You lose 1 Sanity.
[text|if=san<=0] You meet the collapse of your mind in unease and fear.
[choice]
-> (Sanity reaches zero) | 103 | if=san<=0
-> (Dawn breaks) | 66

[label] 51
[title] Sneaking into the Temple
[text] You come before the temple. Heavy snoring comes from inside.
[text] You take a deep breath and slip quietly into the temple.
[text] The main hall looks the same as in daylight. You follow the snoring to the back hall and see the monk sprawled out asleep.
[text] Behind him is a wooden box sealed with a yellow talisman.
[choice]
-> Search the room for other clues first. | 52
-> Go straight for the talisman-sealed box. | 55

[label] 52
[title] Dusty Relics
[text] In a corner of the room you find another ordinary unlocked box.
[text] Inside are four things: an old group photo, a triangular protective charm, an ancient dagger, and a jade pendant carved with twin dragons.
[choice]
-> Examine the photo. | 53
-> Examine the dagger, pendant, and charm. | 54

[label] 53
[title] The Girl in the Photo
[text] You pick up the photo. It has yellowed slightly.
[text] In it are a young monk, the chief, and a little girl.
[text] The girl in the photo looks somewhat familiar, but you are certain she is not the "little girl" you know.
[set] truth_lv=truth_lv+1
[choice]
-> Examine the other items. | 54

[label] 54
[title] Ritual Items
[text] You pick up the dagger. It is icy in your hand, covered in Sanskrit you cannot read. Instinct tells you this blade holds tremendous importance in the ritual.
[text] Next is the jade pendant. It looks like ordinary Burmese jade, probably not very old.
[text] Last is the protective charm, bound tightly so you cannot see what is inside. You wear it close to your body.
[set] has_dagger=1
[set] has_pendant=1
[set|if=has_charm==0] has_charm=1
[set] truth_lv=truth_lv+1
[text] You obtained [Ritual Dagger], [Twin Dragon Jade Pendant], and [Protective Charm].
[choice]
-> Time to look at the talisman-sealed box. | 55

[label] 55
[title] Contents of the Pact
[text] You go behind the monk and carefully open the talisman-sealed box.
[text] Inside is exactly the scroll you saw before.
[choice]
-> Unroll the scroll and read it. | 56
-> Take the scroll and leave immediately. | 57

[label] 56
[title] The Whole Village Dead
[text] You unroll the scroll. The writing is in blood:
[text] "I, in the name of the chief of █ Village, swear that on the date below I shall deliver all victims' remains. Should I break this oath, not one soul in █ Village shall remain—not even dogs or chickens—the whole village dead."
[text] Below are the chief's signature and the monk's signature as witness.
[text] In the "date" column are many crossed-out revisions. The most recent date is tomorrow.
[set] truth_lv=truth_lv+1
[choice]
-> Restore the scroll and leave quietly. | 58
-> Leave with the scroll. | 57
-> Wake the monk and confront him directly. | 61

[label] 57
[title] Leaving with the Secret
[text] You decide to take this crucial scroll with you. You tuck it carefully into your robe and slip out of the temple without a sound.
[choice]
-> Return to the inn. | 66

[label] 58
[title] Silent Departure
[text] You put the scroll back in the box, restore everything as it was, and slip out of the temple without a sound.
[text] You decide to pretend nothing happened and go wake the monk to test what he will say.
[choice]
-> Pretend ghosts are chasing you and knock on the monk's door. | 60

[label] 60
[title] Poor Acting
[text] You step outside, take a deep breath, then start pounding on the door with a sob in your voice. "Abbot! Help! So many ghosts want to eat me!"
[text] The monk takes a minute or two to come to the door, bleary-eyed. "Who is it... who is calling for help..."
[text] You grab him and cry, "So many wronged souls... at the village entrance... they want to kill me!"
[text] "Benefactor... you went to the forbidden ground at the village entrance?" His face changes. "It is all right. After tomorrow night's ritual, everything will be fine."
[choice]
-> "I saw you and the chief arguing tonight..." | 62
-> "This village is terrifying. I want to leave!" | 61

[label] 61
[title] The Monk's Partial Confession
[text] "I want you to leave too," the monk says bitterly, "but after what you saw... you cannot leave yet... They will stop anyone from leaving."
[text] "Once they resolve their grievances, they will depart... The villagers are trying as well."
[text] "Long ago, this village used living sacrifices to calm floods. Later, to pray for rain and harvest, they began using travelers from outside as offerings."
[text] "The dead's resentment became vengeful spirits returning for revenge. At the time I negotiated with them: if the villagers found all the victims' remains and buried them properly, the spirits could be released... but... after so many years, how easy is that..."
[set] knows_village_dead=1
[set] truth_lv=truth_lv+1
[text|if=has_dagger==1] You look at him and remember the ritual dagger. Perhaps his words are true.
[text|if=has_dagger==0] He speaks with tears, but you still feel he is hiding something.
[set|if=has_dagger==0] suspicion=suspicion+10
[choice]
-> "Are people still being sacrificed now?" | 63
-> "What is the scroll about?" | 62

[label] 62
[title] Walls Have Ears
[text] "I heard your conversation with the chief about the scroll." You say it directly.
[text] "......Benefactor, you heard quite a lot." His face changes. "It cannot be spoken. It cannot be spoken... Walls have ears..."
[text] "They... are growing stronger..." He looks toward the village, face full of worry.
[text] "After tomorrow night's ritual, you may leave. Rest assured." He dismisses you.
[choice]
-> Leave the temple. | 64

[label] 63
[title] An Ugly Smile
[text] "Are people still being sacrificed now?" You stare into his eyes.
[text] "Of... of course not." He gives a smile uglier than crying.
[set] suspicion=suspicion+20
[text] His reaction pushes your doubts to their peak.
[choice]
-> He will say no more. You have to leave. | 64

[label] 64
[title] The Sea of Suffering Has No Shore
[text] You turn to leave. The monk's voice comes from behind you. "Benefactor, the sea of suffering is boundless. Turn back and reach the shore."
[text] You look back, but he has already shut the door. No one stands before the temple.
[choice]
-> Return to the inn. | 66

[label] 65
[title] Room Cage
[text] You have been locked in your room! You twist the doorknob with all your strength, but it does not budge.
[choice]
-> Escape through the window | 650
-> Ram the door | 651

[label] 66
[title] Eve of the Ritual
[text] You return to the inn, preparing to rest for tomorrow's ritual.
[choice]
-> You return to your room, but the door clicks locked behind you! The old woman's voice comes coldly from outside: "The ritual is important. To prevent accidents, you stay inside tonight." | 65 | if=attitude<25
-> You return to your room and find the little girl hugging your pillow, waiting by your bed. | 660 | if=attitude>=25

[label] 67
[title] Resolve to Destroy
[text] "Running won't help!" she shakes her head. "They keep talking about that scroll. I think we have to tear it up, or we'll never escape!"
[text] "But the scroll is with the monk."
[text] "Mm-hmm! I took this medicine from the temple," she takes out a small bottle, "if you drink it, no one can see you."
[choice]
-> Drink it without hesitation. | 68
-> "What is this? I can't just drink anything." | 69 | stat=suspicion+10
-> "All right." Pretend to take the medicine and wait for your chance. | 680 | if=suspicion>=50

[label] 68
[title] Sweet Trap
[text] You take the bottle and drink it in one gulp.
[text] Once it is down, dizziness hits you. Your limbs go weak and you collapse.
[text] "Why... why..." you ask weakly.
[text] She leans down and lightly kisses your lips.
[text] "When you wake up, everything can finally end."
[text] Your vision goes black and you lose consciousness.
[choice]
-> (Captured) | 71

[label] 69
[title] Exposed
[text] You look at the medicine in her hand with suspicion and do not take it.
[text] "Sis... you don't believe me?" Her eyes redden. Tears gather.
[text] In your moment of hesitation, the door bursts open. The chief and several villagers rush in!
[choice]
-> Fight back! | 70
-> Surrender. | 71

[label] 70
[title] Futile Resistance
[text] You try to fight back, but they outnumber you. You struggle desperately. You may knock down one or two villagers, but soon someone strikes you from behind.
[text] Your vision goes black and you lose consciousness.
[text] Before you are taken away, you see the little girl standing to one side, her face blank.
[choice]
-> (Captured) | 71

[label] 71
[title] Upon the Altar
[text] You wake to find yourself bound on the wooden altar at the village entrance.
[text] The altar is built from old wood and does not look sturdy.
[text] The chief, the little girl, and all the villagers stand below the platform, silently watching you.
[text] The monk stands to one side, palms together, head bowed in silence.
[text] The scroll that decides the village's fate rests on a small wooden table before you.
[text] "...One last year, definitely the last year... One more change and it'll be fine..." The chief mutters, picking up a brush and preparing to approach the scroll.
[choice]
-> "Why are you doing this!" shout in accusation. | 72
-> Stay silent and secretly try to loosen the ropes. | 73

[label] 72
[title] No Response
[text] Your accusation gets no answer from anyone. They are like soulless puppets, quietly waiting for the ritual to begin.
[text] The little girl looks at you, a strange smile on her face.
[choice]
-> "Will you still refuse to see reason! You're all dead already! This pact only tortures you endlessly!" | 721 | if=knows_village_dead == 1 && attitude >= 70
-> Secretly try to loosen the ropes. | 73

[label] 73
[title] Breaking Free
[text|ifs=has_dagger==1] Your hands are bound behind your back, but you feel the ritual dagger hidden at your waist!
[text|ifs=dropped_clue==1] You fumble behind you and touch the hard [Inscribed Pottery Shard] in your pocket. Its edge seems sharp.
[text|if=has_dagger==0 && dropped_clue==0] You twist with all your strength, trying to break the rough ropes, but they are tied too tightly.
[choice]
-> (Use the ritual dagger to cut the ropes) | 74 | if=has_dagger==1
-> (Use the pottery shard's edge to saw through the ropes) | 731 | if=dropped_clue==1
-> (Shake with all your might and try to collapse the altar) | 734
-> (Fail to break free) | 103

[label] 74
[title] Seizing the Scroll
[text] The ropes snap!
[text] The instant the chief is about to alter the scroll, you burst up, shove him aside, and snatch the scroll from the table!
[text] The villagers stir and close in around you.
[choice]
-> Hold the dagger to the scroll and threaten them. | 75
-> Run with the scroll. | 76

[label] 75
[title] Confrontation
[text|if=has_dagger==1] "Don't come closer! Or I'll destroy it!" You press the dagger to the scroll and shout.
[text|else] "Don't come closer! Or I'll destroy it!" You raise the scroll high, pretending you will tear it apart to threaten them.
[text] The villagers stop, but still surround you.
[text] "Miss... let's talk this out... put it down first..." The chief climbs up from the ground, trembling.
[text] "Just wait a little longer. It's good for everyone..."
[text] You notice several villagers trying to sneak up from behind.
[choice]
-> "What are you trying to do! Tell me or I'll destroy it!" | 77
-> No more talk. Tear up the scroll! | 81

[label] 76
[title] Nowhere to Run
[text] You turn to run, but the villagers have already blocked every exit.
[text] They force you back to the center of the altar.
[choice]
-> Hold the dagger to the scroll and threaten them. | 75

[label] 77
[title] Final Plea
[text] "We weren't trying to do anything... really we weren't..." The chief keeps explaining in vain.
[text] You see the little girl's lips curl into a triumphant smile.
[text] You understand. She planned all of this. She wants to use your hand to destroy the pact.
[choice]
-> Tear up the scroll. | 81
-> Hesitate. | 103

[label] 81
[title] Pact Broken
[text] You hesitate no longer and tear the scroll in your hands to shreds!
[text] The moment the scroll is destroyed, purple fog outside the village rushes in like a bursting dam, swallowing the entire village in an instant!
[text] Countless twisted figures emerge from the fog. Wretched screams and mad laughter rise and fall.
[text] Villagers are torn apart in the fog. The chief wails in despair.
[text|if=has_charm==1] You feel the protective charm at your chest give off a trace of warmth, barely shielding you.
[text|if=has_charm==0] Amid the vengeful spirits' roars, your head splits with pain. You can barely stand.
[text] A pair of icy hands wrap around you from behind. It is the little girl.
[choice]
-> Turn and look at her. | 82

[label] 82
[title] Gateway to the Truth
[text] "He isn't my daddy." The little girl's voice rings in your ear. "Guess who I am?"
[text] She slowly lifts off the ground. Her body becomes translucent.
[text] "Thank you... They used that deceitful pact to bind us year after year. Only you could destroy it."
[text] "Because I like you, I won't take you with me."
[text] She lightly kisses your forehead. Her body dissolves into points of firefly light. In the thick fog before you, a path leading out of the village appears.
[choice]
-> (Take out the Twin Dragon Jade Pendant) "Is this... yours?" | 820 | if=has_pendant==1
-> Watch her in silence, then turn toward the path. | 83

[label] 83
[title] Your Friend Outside the Village
[text] You follow the path out of the village. Behind you, the fog and screams vanish.
[text] At the crossroads you see the figure you nearly forgot—your closest friend, the little girl.
[text] "Where did you go! I couldn't enter the village. I could only wait outside. You were gone for half a day!" she says anxiously.
[text] You look at her and find she does not look much like the "little girl" you just saw, but one thing is the same—her feet also hover a few inches above the ground.
[text] You reach out and touch her. There is no warmth.
[text] The moment you leave the village, all the chaotic memories become clear.
[text] You have had spiritual sight since childhood and were ostracized for it. Only the little girl stayed by your side. Not long ago you heard she died suddenly of a heart attack at work. Grief overwhelmed you. But the next day she appeared before you as a spirit, saying she only remembered being pushed into a river as a child and had to learn the truth before she could rest. So you came back to this hometown with her...
[set] knows_friend_is_ghost=1
[choice]
-> (You have gathered all the clues and can piece together the full truth) | 100 | if=truth_lv>=8
-> (You only have a vague outline of what happened) | 101 | if=truth_lv<8

[label] 100
[ending]
[title] Ending: True Redemption (True End)
[text] "Little one," you say softly, "what happened back then wasn't what you thought."
[text] You remember the nightmare. The chief cried "Good girl" and "for your own good." You remember the monk's words—the villagers died long ago yet were trapped here by the pact. You look at your friend before you, then think of the little girl in the village. They are different facets of the same soul.
[text] "They weren't trying to sacrifice you. Back then, vengeful spirits came for revenge and the whole village was about to be destroyed. Your father... that chief... wanted to push you out of the village so you could live. But you still drowned by misfortune."
[text] "And the whole village, including your father, actually died in the disaster long ago. They became earthbound spirits but forgot they were dead. Together with the vengeful spirits they had killed, they were trapped in that pact, repeating the cycle of searching for remains and sacrifice year after year, tormenting one another."
[text] Hearing the truth, the little girl weeps. She no longer cries from hatred, but for her long-dead father and villagers.
[text] "So... that's how it was..."
[text] Sunlight breaks through the clouds. Behind you, countless points of light rise from the village's direction. Including the one who looked like the little girl, they all smile at you in gratitude, then fade into the morning light together with your friend.
[text] You know they are finally released.
[text|if=san>=30] Sunlight falls on you, warm and gentle. You have finally cast off the shadows of the past and can begin a new life.
[text|if=san<30] Sunlight falls on you, yet cannot drive away the chill in your heart. You saved them, but this experience will remain an indelible mark on your soul.
[choice]
-> Return to the beginning | 0
-> End game | END

[label] 101
[ending]
[title] Ending: The Forgotten Friend (Normal End)
[text|if=remembers_friend==1] "Little one..." You look at her. The clues in your mind are chaotic and fragmentary. You speak the most logical guess, though not the full truth: "I... I think you were pushed into the water because the villagers meant to sacrifice you." She murmurs to herself, understanding dawning on her face. "I see... so that's how it was... Now that I know the truth, I should go." She waves to you. Her body fades in the sunlight together with the countless points of light rising from the village behind her, vanishing into the sky.
[text|if=remembers_friend==0] You look at this unfamiliar girl-spirit before you. She seems to thank you, then vanishes into the sky together with the countless points of light rising from the village behind her.
[text] The sun rises. Warm light shines on you.
[text] You turn and leave this mountain. Strangely, memory of these past days grows fainter, like an overly real dream.
[text|if=remembers_friend==1] Memory of your friend called the little girl grows faint as well.
// Case 1: picked up but did not solve the mystery
[text|if=solved_clue==0 && dropped_clue==1] In your pocket still lies an inscribed pottery shard from who knows where. What it truly is, you never figure out.
// Case 2: picked up and solved the mystery
[text|if=solved_clue==1] You remember the monk's grave expression when he saw the shard. You had already touched a corner of the truth then, but failed to pursue it.
[text|if=san>=30] You only remember coming here to clear your head. Well, you do feel a little better.
[text|if=san<30] You only remember coming here to clear your head, yet an unspoken heaviness remains in your heart.
[choice]
-> Return to the beginning | 0
-> End game | END

[label] 103
[ending]
[title] Ending: Sacrifice in the Cycle (Bad End)
[text] You failed to break the ropes / you hesitated at the last moment / your sanity was worn away by horror.
[text] The chief trembles and writes a new date on the scroll.
[text] The purple fog around the village slowly recedes. The vengeful spirits roar in frustration, but in the end are forced back by the pact's power.
[text] The villagers' hollow eyes turn to you all at once.
[text] "For the village..."
[text] They lift you from the altar and push you into the icy lake.
[text] In your last moment of consciousness, you see the little girl on the shore, wearing an innocent yet cruel smile.
[text] Another year passes. Your sacrifice buys this long-dead village one more year of false peace. And you become a new vengeful spirit.
[choice]
-> Return to the beginning | 0
-> End game | END

[label] 220
[title] Silent Warning
[text] "But I heard from the chief's daughter..."
[text] "No talking while eating, no talking before sleep." The old woman cuts you off, lowers her head, and clears the dishes without looking at you again.
[text|if=attitude<30] Her gaze is icy. You feel undisguised hostility.
[text] The air seems to freeze. You finish breakfast in silence.
[choice]
-> Leave tactfully. | 24

[label] 250
[title] Numb Answer
[text] You step forward. "Hello, may I ask what you're doing?"
[text] They lift their heads sluggishly and say dully, "Pre... par... ing... rit... u... al..."
[text] "Ritual... once... a... year..." Then they all stop and stare at you with hollow eyes.
[set] san=san-1
[text] A strange chill runs through you. You lose 1 Sanity.
[text|if=san<=0] Their hollow eyes drive you completely mad.
[choice]
-> (Sanity reaches zero) | 103 | if=san<=0
-> "What is that building on the mountain?" You point to the distant temple. | 251
-> Their stares creep you out. Leave quickly. | 28

[label] 251
[title] Silent Labor
[text] Hearing your question, they seem not to hear at all. They lower their heads again and mechanically resume digging the riverbed, ignoring you.
[choice]
-> They're busy. Don't disturb them. Go to the temple. | 28
-> They're too strange. Return to the village center. | 24

[label] 252
[title] Dropped Fragment
[text] You keep your distance and observe carefully with high alertness. Most villagers merely repeat digging motions mechanically.
[text] Suddenly you notice one villager drop a small mud-covered object from his pocket when he turns. He does not notice at all.
[text] After they move away, you go pick it up. Wiping off the mud, you find a small broken pottery shard with half of an unclear ancient character carved on it.
[set] dropped_clue=1
[set] truth_lv=truth_lv+1
[text] You obtained [Inscribed Pottery Shard]. This may be an important clue.
[choice]
-> Go to the temple. Maybe the monk recognizes it. | 28
-> Go to the chief's house first. | 26

[label] 290
[title] Lost Mountain Path
[text] Startled, you turn and run, but the fog on the mountain path is thicker than around the village.
[text] You run for a while, only to find yourself back before the temple again. Some invisible force seems to keep you from going far. Strong unease tells you escape is useless.
[set] suspicion=suspicion+5
[choice]
-> (Looks like you have to try again) | 28

[label] 380
[title] Staying Behind Alone
[text] You refuse her suggestion. She looks disappointed, but still nods and runs off alone.
[text] You spend an uneasy night at the inn, feeling you missed something important.
[choice]
-> (Return to the inn and wait uneasily for dawn) | 66

[label] 400
[title] A Cautious Decision
[text] "Sneaking in at night is too dangerous," you shake your head. "We don't understand that monk or this village. Acting rashly will only alert them. Let's think of another way."
[text] Though anxious, she follows your advice. "All right... then... should we go back to the inn?"
[text] You quietly leave the temple and return to the inn. Tonight you avoid direct danger, but also miss an excellent chance to uncover the truth.
[choice]
-> (Return to the inn and wait uneasily for dawn) | 66

[label] 650
[title] Through the Window
[text] This is the second floor. Not very high, but jumping could still injure you. Fortunately, a large tree outside has branches reaching the window.
[text] You carefully climb out the window and down the branches to the ground. As you catch your breath, you see the little girl waiting not far away.
[choice]
-> (Go meet the little girl) | 660

[label] 651
[title] Futile Attempt
[text] You ram the door hard. The sound is huge, but the door is unusually solid.
[text] "Don't waste your strength." The old woman's voice drifts eerily from outside.
[text] Just as despair sets in, light tapping comes from your window. It is the little girl, floating outside and smiling at you.
[choice]
-> (Go out through the window) | 650

[label] 660
[title] Dangerous Invitation
[text] "Sis!" The little girl says anxiously when she sees you.
[text|if=attitude<25] "I saw the old woman lock you in. Come with me quickly!"
[text|if=attitude>=25] You do not know how long you slept before she gently shakes you awake. Outside the window it is still pitch black. Your phone shows three in the morning.
[text] "Sis, you have to escape quickly. This village is dangerous!" she says anxiously.
[text] "The villagers have gone mad. They want someone for a sacrifice. Something about delaying the pact!"
[choice]
-> "Then let's go quickly!" | 67a | stat=suspicion-2 
-> "A sacrifice? Is it for that scroll?" | 67b | stat=truth_lv+1

[label] 680
[title] Seeing Through the Trick
[text] You nod, take the bottle, but when she is not looking pour the medicine into your sleeve, then pretend to drink.
[text] "Sis..." She looks at you. Her innocent smile slowly fades. Her eyes turn cold. "Why didn't you drink?"
[text] Her figure begins to turn translucent and twisted. "You... don't believe me....."
[text] The door bursts open. The chief and several villagers rush in! The little girl's figure vanishes completely.
[text] "Seize her!"
[choice]
-> Fight with all your strength! | 70
-> Surrender. | 71

[label] 721
[title] Shock of Truth
[text] You shout the truth with all your strength. Your voice echoes across the silent ritual ground.
[text] Hearing "You're all dead already," a flicker of confusion passes through the villagers' hollow eyes. Their bodies grow unstable, flickering between solid and translucent.
[text] "No... impossible... we're still alive..." The chief's face goes white. He keeps backing away.
[text] Chaos erupts. No one pays attention to you on the altar anymore. This is the perfect chance!
[choice]
-> Break free in the chaos and seize the scroll! | 74

[label] 731
[title] Sawing Through the Ropes.
[text] You use all your strength and begin slowly wearing through the ropes with the sharp edge of the pottery shard... The rope is very tough, but you feel several fibers already snapping. The chief is walking step by step toward the scroll. Time is running out!
[choice]
-> Keep sawing! | 732

[label] 732
[title] Sawing Through the Ropes..
[text] The shard's edge cuts your fingers painfully, but the rope is already half worn through! The villagers seem to notice your small movements and begin closing in on the altar.
[choice]
-> Push harder! | 733

[label] 733
[title] Sawing Through the Ropes...
[text] The instant the chief is about to write, the rope finally snaps! You did it!
[choice]
-> (Break free and strike!) | 74

[label] 734
[title] Destroying the Altar
[text] You concentrate all your weight and shake violently. The old wooden altar groans under the strain.
[set] roll=1d100
[text|if=roll<=20] With a loud crash, one corner of the altar collapses! You fall in the chaos, but the ropes come loose as well!
[text|if=roll>20] You shake for a long time, but the altar only wobbles and stays firm. Your movement alerts the villagers. They swarm up and completely overpower you.
[choice]
-> (Escape in the chaos and seize the scroll!) | 74 | if=roll<=20
-> (Failed...) | 103 | if=roll>20

[label] 820
[title] A Father's Keepsake
[text] When she sees the jade pendant in your hand, her translucent body trembles violently. Much of the chill around you fades.
[text] "...This is what Daddy... gave me..." she murmurs. Clarity and sorrow flash through her hollow eyes.
[text] "He wasn't a bad man... He just... wanted too much to protect the village, and to protect me..."
[text] She bows deeply to you. Her figure turns into firefly light and follows the path through the fog leading out of the village.
[set] truth_lv=truth_lv+1
[choice]
-> Follow the path out. | 83
```