PNC Story/Eager Fist, Dawning Fray Nodes

This is a transcript of event nodes in combat stages of the Eager Fist, Dawning Fray event in Project Neural Cloud.

Stage 1

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Tom's Defence Weekly, 2056 Issue #1 [Regarding the Growing Trend of Civilian Adoption of Military Material] [-Omitted-] [After the removal of a great deal of technology, certain pieces of military training equipment have entered the sports and civilian entertainment industries, among others. Close to 70% of the parts for the AAT series of Dolls introduced by Svarog Heavy Industries in 2055 are interchangeable with Military Dolls. After having advanced pain simulation software installed, they have served as training devices for professional athletes.

Pain simulation systems? Now this is interesting.

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ARENA, 2056 March Issue [A milestone in legalization? A former underground boxing champion sets up a boxing club.] [A prominent figure in the San Carlos' underground boxing circuit, Inoue Joseph, also known as the "Jazzhound", recently announced that he would be setting up a boxing club with the aim of taking part in international professional matches.] [The club, tentatively named "Jazzhound", is being sponsored by several companies. This sponsorship will grant them an AAT-type Doll.]

Let's call her... Magnhilda?

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ARENA, 2056 August Issue [Roaring Steel! A professional boxing Doll goes up against a half-machine cyborg boxer!] [The boxing Doll Marta from the San Carlos boxing club Jazzhound defeated "Cruiser", a renowned cyborg boxer with a cybernetically augmented body, during a training spar within the club. The video of the fight was uploaded to Theytube, where it was viewed over a million times overnight, completely eclipsing the views for the official video of Project Streaming.] ["Cruiser", known for his vicious technique, has been undefeated during all his previous club matches.] [Video timestamp 03:12/12:17] Marta: In that case, show me who the strongest boxer really is. A true boxer fights and stands in the arena by their own will.

Were you the one waving their fists, or?

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Glass Report, 22nd September 2056 [The clashes between the security forces and the terrorists continue to spread. On the afternoon of the 17th, San Carlos saw the largest attack in its history. Nearly a hundred people lost their lives when the terrorists bombed a church plaza, including a member of the "Jazzhound" boxing club, Rodrigo.] [The security forces announced an emergency directive banning all activities for clubs, hotels and other such venues.] Inoue Joseph: I've bought long-haul train tickets for the members of the club. Pack your bags and go today. I'm planning to stay here and take up arms for my hometown. Cuando ese día llegue, nos encontraremos de nuevo. Marta, you should go too.

For our home...

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Glass Report, 5th October 2056 [Boxing Champ Perishes During Fighting] [The conflict within San Carlos rapidly developed into a full-blown civil war within the span of a few days. Inoue Joseph, the former boxing champion known as the "Jazzhound" who ran a club by the same name was attacked and killed during an attack on the capital.] [The "Jazzhound" club held a funeral for Inoue and announced the temporary disbandment of the club, with some members having already left. However, the whereabouts of the AAT-series Doll "Marta" have drawn some attention. Sources say Inoue Joseph arranged for her to go elsewhere, but there are also rumors claiming that "Marta" met with an accident of some sort.]

In tumultuous times, man's destiny is always uncertain.

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[????] "Is that the woman who defeated "Cruiser", the man with the 50-0 win streak? It was just a spar, but being able to do that is a rare thing indeed..." "I was planning to shell out to draft "Cruiser" onto my team, but he kicked the bucket during the war. That being the case, let's turn the woman who beat Cruiser into our money-maker of a boxing champ, then. Hell, we won't even have to pay a cent, she's just a Doll with nowhere to go..." "I even went out of my way to come up with a new name for her, 'Magnhilda'."

Magnhilda, meaning "tenacious female warrior"?

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Camden Monthly, 8th December 2056 [Recently, many countries have announced laws against underground boxing matches, to little effect. Injury cases linked to boxing matches have instead increased by the day. Indeed, many organizations have emerged that are profiting off these underground matches. Within chaotic San Carlos, underground boxing has become a huge industry of its own.] [Certain social commentators like the former heavyweight boxing champion turned movie star Joe Clay have suggested that rather than banning them, it would be better to regulate them in an appropriate manner, such as by using Dolls as substitutes for certain dangerous matches. Joe Clay even coined a term for these matches, "Wishing Fist".]

Perhaps an indirect approach is preferable? Think on this carefully.

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[Diary of Battlefield Reporter Thompson, 2057.01.03] "The guy fighting Magnhilda yesterday wasn't even recognizable as a human being..." "They captured a gigantified ELID Infected somewhere and stuffed him into a coat-shaped suppressor unit, put a top hat on him, and he made frightening groans. The audience behind the safety barriers were all terrified that the ELID radiation would leak through his protective garments and turn them into something like him, but they were also trembling in excitement at the hideous scene that would probably unfold." "Even so, despite her body being torn apart and her opponent wearing a thick protective outfit, Magnhilda still managed to beat down that ELID Infected." "Her owner, Mr. Santino, collected a fat stack of winnings from the house, but she only got a few bills out of it, and some crappy parts for repairs."

She was always going to leave this place one day.

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"Product Code: AAT." "Body Code: SSC-MGLBX001" "Product Serial Number: MA420117." "Product Activation Date: 2054.12.07." "Product Name: Maghilda" "Neural Activation Percent: 70%." "AAT, CALL NAME Magnhilda... Chassis integrity 55%. Recommend full maintenance regime. System verification partially completed."	You'll be free once you emerge from the repair tank, Magnhilda.	"I will create a new path. Just wait and cheer for me."	I'll be looking forward to it.

Stage 2

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The drunks and gamblers who lost their money are gathered outside. "Didn't you say you were the latest model of Doll? How come you suck so much?" "What a disgrace!" "Give us back our money!"	Raise your fists and scare them off.
	Quietly leave through the back door.

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The amount of equipment at the gym isn't enough to fulfil the demand, and conflicts eventually arise over who gets to use it. As a Doll, Magnhilda always ends up being hassled by human boxers. "Heh, are you sure you didn't take a wrong turn somewhere? The dumpster's next door."	I'll show you who's boss.
	I don't need this.

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"Tonight's opponent is a rude hothead and he doesn't know how to pull his punches. Take care not to get hurt too badly, but make sure you lose in a convincing way." Though she doesn't want to comply at all...	Go along without any enthusiasm and keep your guard up until you run out of stamina.
	Press on with the attack and then pretend you messed up.

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"Welcome to Santino's Deathmatch Arena! Do you want thrills? Do you want riches? Then join us!" "Next up is the highlight fight of the day, so shell out all the coins you have!"	I'm feeling lucky!
	Seems way too fishy for me.

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As expected of the "Wishing Fist" signup venue, this place is filled with people. What should Magnhilda do first?	Prepare ID documents.
	Get a registration form.
	Find the longest queue.

Stage 3

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Someone took a picture of Magnhilda stubbornly staying on her feet and posted it on the Net, stirring up much controversy. "A lot of people are saying they want to see you continue fighting."	Help me thank them. I'll continue doing my best.
	Leave

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"Have you heard? The human boxer who's taking part in the next match is Santino's top fighter!" "And the Doll fighting him is a defect that's been beaten countless times in underground matches. Looks like the outcome is obvious." "In that case, want to bet on who'll win?"	The Doll won't necessarily lose.
	The human is sure to win.

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The opponent's attack is extremely fierce, and an old wound picks this time to flare up... What will you do, Magnhilda? Are you going down here?	Fight through the pain and launch a counterattack.
	Make space and regain your balance.

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"The contestant in the red corner is down! But the crowd is still cheering loudly!" "Get up, Magnhilda! Stand up!" What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger!	You learn from your mistakes, I won't go down again!
	Turn your pain into your strength and fight to the end!

Stage 4

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The fires of war have shattered San Carlos' peace. The "Funky Hound" club couldn't support itself and eventually disbanded. The whereabouts of that renowned sparring Doll have sparked some discussion. Meanwhile, she has already boarded the train leading away from her hometown. "I must... I must continue carrying on our glory."	Hide your name and wait for an appropriate opportunity.
	Find a new boxing club on your own.

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Several years ago, in the "Funky Hound" boxing club. Svarog Heavy Industries sent over an AAT-series A-Doll, and tonight will be her first sparring match. This might be a career-making fight.	Max out her efficiency!
	Have her operate normally.

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Santino is an organizer for underground boxing matches and also Magnhilda's owner. He enjoys watching savage spectacles and is by no means a nice guy. What should I do if he asks about me joining the "Wishing Fist" tournament on my own?	Flatter him and urge him to allow it.
	Hide the cipher key and act dumb while avoiding the question.

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When I first joined the "Wishing Fist" tournament, I was stuck in a low point and probably just wanted to find a place where I could escape reality. But things are different now. Thanks to Wishing Fist, I've come to meet new friends, and I've awakened to the shame and the glory that I must bear.	Please give me the strength to face the future, Vee!

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The "Funky Hound" formed a club so he could enter legal boxing matches. There were a few guys who tried to throw fights in the past, but they were all fired. Now, even the internal sparring matches are of an extremely high standard. That Doll in particular has a magnificent fighting form.	Invite more renowned boxers to take a look at the club!
	Upload the video to the net and let the whole world see!

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Magnhilda has cleared the pre-fight screening. Soon she'll be able to take part in the "Wishing Fist" tournament. She can't let this chance pass her by! How will she prepare?	Hellish training.
	Conserve her strength.

Stage 5

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"Oh, if it isn't that scrap Doll who got beaten so hard she went missing. What are you doing, sneaking back into the training room in the middle of the night?' "Heh, you even changed your look. Does that mean we're going to have to make you sort some garbage?"	You want to have a round with me right now?
	Once I finish my wildcard match, you're next.

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It's not often that you get a chance for a makeover. Want to try a startling look? Relax, I'll restore you right away if it doesn't turn our well.	Leave.
	Let's keep this long hair.
	Give me a tattoo.

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The reporters at the entrance and the self-media have latched onto Magnhilda's popularity. "That indomitable boxer from the previous match has gotten a new look and is going on stage once again!" "Is there anything you'd like to say to our viewers?"	Please witness my victory!
	I'll do my best.

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Magnhilda isn't yet used to her new body and takes a heavy hit. Her neural cloud is spiralling out of control. However, as her vision starts to blur, the shouting by her ear becomes more and more distinct. "Get up, Magnhilda!" Ah, this is the second time this has happened...	I'll take your encouragement and take back my glory.
	Get up, Magnhilda.

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Vee's clinic is filled with masks of all sizes and anyone seeing them for the first time would surely be shocked. "These masks aren't for sale. However, if you'd like one, I could make one and give it to you."	Sure, I'll bring it home and hang it on my wall.
	I think I'll pass...

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Before the wildcard match, Magnhilda needs to make sure she's well-tuned, so her body can be in its best fighting form. Which aspect should she let Vee tune up?	Enhance her strength.
	Enhance her dexterity.

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"Thanks for all the help you've given, but I can't cause any more problems for you..." "Don't worry about it. You can't make it home by yourself, so why not spend the night resting at my place?" "Then... Thank you."	Chat with Vee about your body's condition.
	Nod off.

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Magnhilda is critically damaged and collapses. Vee brings her back to her clinic and runs a full diagnostic on her. "I... There isn't a single intact part in her body. What kind of torturous training did she go through..."	Try to fix the key parts.
	Perform simple emergency repairs.

Challenge Stage

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[2056.10.16] "I saw the contortions on that woman's face as she struggled to her feet in the boxing ring. She must have been going through extraordinary pain if she was making an expression like that." "Oh... so she's an AAT model, capable of simulating something like what humans experience as pain."	Even so, Magnhilda still got back up time and time again.

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[2056.11.03] "You want to know how I'd describe Magnhilda?" "Although she's a Doll, and one using a chassis derived from military-grade models, she isn't like how many people might imagine her – she doesn't have terrifying super-strength, or incomprehensible speed, and she certainly doesn't come off as unstoppable." "All she can do is simulate human fighting methods to the best of her ability. Her body has its limits. It gets damaged, she feels pain, she even bleeds... Ahem, the blood is fake, of course. She can also feel fear, but she works to overcome it, like a true warrior. Like I said, she exists to simulate human fighting methods as well as possible."

That's probably why she wins, too.

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[2056.12.31] "Mr. Santino's idea of a "year-end party" is to have a boxer fight a chimera that was created through the most twisted means imaginable." "Humans and Dolls might have some limits, but that goes completely out the window with chimerae. Plus, the audience is looking for the most twisted scenes imaginable to stimulate their senses." "I don't dare to imagine a scene like that. The boxer, I presume, gets ripped to shreds?" "Aye, many boxers have died that way without even knowing why. Magnhilda was an exception, though. She knocked out the chimera she fought, though she lost one arm and half a leg and had to spend two weeks in the repair tank."

She put up with a lot to get to where she is today.

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[2057.2.1] "More unfamiliar faces have appeared in the break room. Whether they were refugees with nowhere to go or ownerless Dolls, it doesn't matter, they've all joined the ranks of those eking out a living through the underground boxing industry." "Them joining may help take some of the strain off Magnhilda. However, she didn't seem too happy about it. She frowned and took on every match on her own."

She said that she didn't want others to end up falling into this world of darkness and gambling with their lives.

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[2057.2.18] "That Doll called Beansprout got damn near scrapped in the ring yesterday, and Mr. Santino's men dragged him out of the repair tank today." "Mr. Santino said that anything that couldn't generate value didn't deserve to exist. Magnhilda did her best to protest, but not long after that, there was an explosion from outside the door."	Dolls are nothing more than tools for entertainment, and this is especially true in the underground boxing circuit.

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[????:#????][Ultilife database login complete, beginning audio playback.] "Her skin was covered in bruises and cuts, and I couldn't find a single untouched place in her internal structure and circuitry. Most of her parts had been swapped out for inferior ones." "What a pain... Fixing Doll bodies is completely outside my job scope. However, erasing her scars and restoring her face and skin to factory-fresh condition is a piece of cake for me..." "...But I guess she's "Magnhilda" because of these scars."

Scars contain countless stories.

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[????:#????][CM-JRNLST database login complete, beginning audio playback.] "If Mr. Thompson hadn't come for a secret interview, I might never have known about the story surrounding Madam Magnhilda! It's a legend worthy of the silver screen! Um... granted, she had to go through a lot of cruel things. Ahem... I get the feeling that I ought to be more serious!" "I'll let that Doll from Kurosawa Studios handle the screenplay adaptation... Come on, me, stop letting your mind wander!"

I agree with everything you just said.

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[????:#????][Oasis database login complete, beginning audio playback.] "I hope that one day, I will be able to set foot on the soil of San Carlos again, no matter how badly she has been ravaged by the war. With my scars and my glory on my shoulders, I will let her rise again from the darkened rubble. Or perhaps I can allow her to be reborn from shadows and ruin." "Have you taken San Carlos as your own hometown?" "Yeah, I hope I can fix her with my own strength, together with the old crew from Jazzhound, the new friends I've made here, and with you, of course."

Te lo prometo... Is that how you say it?