“I was born an ordinary boy, but I made a decision early in life that I would become extraordinary.”
— Mr. Qi
Mr. Qi is a mysterious stranger who is first encountered when the player puts a Battery Pack into the lock-box in the tunnel. He is connected to the empty box at the train station.
He operates the Casino which is located behind Sandy's store, the Oasis, in the Calico Desert. To gain access to the Casino players must complete the quest line "The Mysterious Qi". After the quest is complete the Bouncer will move aside to allow the player to enter. He can be found inside the Casino whenever it is open.
“It's good to finally meet ya, kid. Welcome to my exclusive clubhouse. You've got the 'spark'... that's why I singled you out. What spark? Ah... The conduit of mystery, of art... People like us have a responsiblity [sic] to keep the world alive, to give folks a taste of the extraordinary. You see, kid... The world's like a bowl of rice. It's got substance, but it ain't worth nothin' without a good, zesty sauce. That's where we come in. Didn't you ever wonder who put those treasure chests in the old mineshaft? I like to give people surprises. You'll understand someday. Just keep doing your best and never give up.”
Regular (Rotates every day during the week)
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“Keep it up, kid. I think you're gonna be a star. Just ask me if you need anything.”
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“I knew you'd end up here someday. Of course, I had to make it a little difficult so you'd have an incentive to achieve excellence.”
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“I was born an ordinary boy, but I made a decision early in life that I would become extraordinary.”
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“Hey. Don't tell anyone about this place, okay? I want to keep it... exclusive. You'd keep a secret for your friend Mr. Qi, wouldn't you?”
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“Never stop striving to achieve perfection. Settle for nothing less than excellence in everything you do.”
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“Stop by whenever you wanna relax.”
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“Keep working hard and maybe you'll end up like me someday.”
“Well, well, well... Look who's made it to my secret walnut room. I'm truly impressed. Even though you only needed a fraction of the walnuts to gain full access to the island, you decided to push yourself further. Your desire to enter this secret door was so strong, that you went above and beyond to get inside. That drive is what sets you apart, kid. You've got a very special energy. That being said... You weren't under the impression that the challenge ended here, were you? No... Hah. Hah. Hah... In fact, the challenge has just begun. On your left, you'll find a board with some very interesting opportunities. These challenges, which I've designed just for you, will push you to your very limit. However, if you can successfully conquer my challenges, you'll earn an exclusive currency... I call them 'Qi Gems'. Just don't put 'em in your mouth, kid... They're highly radioactive. Heh. heh. heh... You can use the machine on your right to trade these Qi Gems for rare and powerful rewards. Sounds interesting, doesn't it? Yes... I have a feeling someone like you will enjoy this, very much... Now, if you'll excuse me... I have important business to attend to.”
Regular (Rotates every day during the week)
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“There's more to this world than meets the eye, kid. Some day, you might understand. For now, just keep striving for excellence in everything you do.”
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“I got to where I am through the force of pure willpower, kid. You see... The mind is a very powerful tool. In fact, it's the most powerful tool in all of reality... and beyond.”
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“I'm impressed with your tenacity, kid... it took a lot of walnuts to get this far.”
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“Wherever you go... I'm always behind the curtain, making sure the show is interesting. Hahaha... Or... am I?”
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“Set your eyes on the furthest star, and let that be your goal. It's always within your power to go one step further than you used to believe.”
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“Some things transcend time and space, kid. It's a unique feeling in the heart... a whisper of things beyond.”
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“On the left, you'll find a board with my special challenges... custom-tailored for you, kid.On the right, a set of fantastic prizes for those who meet my challenge...Good luck, kid.”
Quest
An untitled Lost Book in the Library written by Gunther provides a hint at how to start the The Mysterious Qi quest. Secret Note #22 also provides a hint. Note that the quest can be started at any time; it is not necessary to find/read the Lost Book or Secret Note #22 to start the quest.
Mr. Qi is featured in a few cutscenes, most noticeably when Mystery Boxes become available and during the epilogue upon reaching The Summit.
Portraits
Secrets
If you glitch to The Summit it will trigger a cutscene where Mr. Qi will scold you for your cheating and push you off the summit, resulting in you waking up in Harvey's Clinic.
After reading Secret Note #10, the player will find Mr. Qi at floor 100 of the Skull Cavern. A cutscene ensues in which:
Details
Mr. Qi will either congratulate the player for reaching floor 100 while using 10 or fewer Staircases or say the player is "clever" but not "honorable" for using more than 10. In either case, he will award the player with Iridium Snake Milk, which permanently increases the player's health by 25 points.
History
1.3.27: Added encounter in Skull Cavern. Updated portrait.
1.5: Added Walnut Room and quests on Ginger Island. Relationship with the player's Grandpa is now revealed in the summit cutscene.