[CC] Radiant Training \ Zhongli - Red-Robin

[Goetia]

Zhongli hadn't seemed to take much notice to the unwavering commitment that Merlin appeared to have in the complacency of the tragedy he suffered from a bygone age. It was strangely something that the Nomad somewhat identified with, at least to some extent. Yet he had said his piece as he had wanted to; it was entirely up to Merlin, and of no consequence to Zhongli however he chose to take what was spoken. Instead, he was focused now on the training at hand, meant to resume as soon as the Mage determined what the next best course was.

The world began to warp upon itself. It was a strange sensation, something that Zhongli had never experienced the likes of, yet somehow it reminded him of something.. like, the sensation of waking from a dream..? The feeling of being struck back into ones own body, as though having just lived a different life mere moments ago; a different perspective of reality, only to find that he was somewhere else entirely in an instant. The forest terrain that had replaced the tower of stone that they had previously inhabited was a pleasant change of pace. Though it took him only a moment to collect his surroundings, Zhongli was still hesitant a moment longer before he was willing to take his first step freely, without reservations, following shortly after Merlin had done so himself. He took in the lushness of the tree's freshly budded leaves, the crisp crackle of every step he'd take as twigs, wet leaves, and softened soil shaped to each of his steps. He took a single, deep breath, relishing the moment before his attention was drawn to the creation that Merlin had prepared, instructing him of what he was meant to do. Zhongli lifted a curious brow, a hand moving to caress lightly at his own chin in a pensive manner. "Am I to infuse this.. "artistical recreation" with my Prana as one does with chakra, intended to influence another's mind or body?" Though Zhongli had posed the question, he didn't wait a moment for the answer before stirring the Prana around himself once more. While he has only done so the one time thus far, this second instance seemed to come far more naturally; he was eager to test the limitations of Prana and the steadiness of it's conjuring with minimal gestures and effort in general. All he had to do was focus upon the familiar sensation that coursed through his veins, imagining it's connection to The Throne in order to pull it forward with ease, as though it were second nature. He proceeded to envelop the wooden creation with the glimmering gale of gold Prana, gradually working it into something of a cocoon surrounding the cutout that gradually tightened inward more and more. It steadily began the deconstructive process of converting the object into Prana, of which was necessary for the result of it's transition to The Throne. This was all the familiar part, of course. The tricky part would be figuring out how he was meant to pull it back here, in one piece...

Once the wooden structure was gone, Zhongli's conjured Prana had too dispersed with it. He now idled a moment, contemplating what the process was meant to be, exactly, in order to bring the structure back from the other side. He had done so himself, many times in fact, when traveling to and from The Throne himself. Yet it was always so seamless; it required little more than a simple thought at times, as though beckoning The Throne from wherever he might have been in the world, to which it would respond to his call by bringing him there itself. Perhaps that was the trick itself. The Throne could be seen as a scroll is to a sealing technique; it is the vessel, but it the source for which the target remains sealed. The true bindings are the user's own chakra; or in this case, Prana. Closing his eyes, Zhongli recalled the appearance of the wooden structure that Merlin had made down to the most minute detail. Every crack and grain that shaped the wood, each flake of dry color dye that filled in the poorly recreated adaptation of someone Zhongli had no particular familiarity to, yet.. Lifting a hand out in front of him, Zhongli began the process of harnessing further Prana, yet this time, his focus was fixed upon the image in his mind, which served as an anchor that directed the link he now shared with The Throne in the moment of his call for Prana to tie directly to the wooden object itself; the same Prana he had used to pull it there, he would use to bring it back. After a brief moment, the same cocoon of golden Prana appeared once more, flowing steadily in the exact same place as before. The Prana seemed different in it's objective this time, however. Rather than simply idling in place for any moment in time, it instead squirmed, folded upon itself and molded into a shape before dispersing to reveal the wooden structure in all it's "glory"..

Zhongli shifted his attention toward the Mage, pulling his hand toward himself as he lifted his other to begin massaging lightly at his palm, as though working out a tender muscle. "Hmm.. I cannot be certain if I truly returned the same object, or if I merely recreated it's likeness with my Prana. How does one tell?"

Zhongli had done exactly as he was told, and without any error or misstep. It was a promising sign. With the return of the effigy of Solomon to the field, Merlin clapped his hands gently, a look of delight on his face "Excellent! You're quite the guy, Zhongli-kun." Walking over to the comical construct, he patted the plank's shoulder, giving his next instructions to the Surgebinder "Now, do that again. But this time, I want you to isolate the chakra inside this construct and return it to your body from the Throne." With that, Merlin would wait, anticipating success based on Zhongli's current performance.

---

You've learned the Conquest of Alexander application for this technique. There's not much to say because the description is fairly clear on its capabilities, but do ask questions if you have any. And just to be clear, you're performing the Domination of Vlad in your next post.

(Kanki: Ouchou no Kindachi) – Surge of Evocation: Dynasty of Kings

Spoiler

Type: Offensive/Defensive/Supplementary
Rank: D-S
Range: Short-Long
Chakra Cost: 10-40
Damage Points: N/A
Description: This technique encompasses the advanced applications of the Surge of Evocation. Unlike the Era of Gods, which manipulates raw Prana, this technique is used to bring techniques previously transported back onto the field. The two applications of this technique, Conquest and Domination, deal with returning entities within the Throne to the field; thus these two applications require previous absorptions to have already occurred.

Conquest of Alexander – Bastion of Achaemenid
Through this ability, the user will be able to return absorbed objects, techniques, and parts of the terrain to the field. They will be manifested on the field in the form of Prana before becoming corporeal and usable as tangible entities. Upon becoming corporeal, the transported entities will still possess all of the effects and properties they possessed prior to absorption; this is because the Throne places objects within it in a stasis-like state. Objects returned will continue to move with the same speed and momentum that they had. This creates the effect that appears almost as if time had stopped and then later resumed for them, a trait of the Throne. It can be summoned facing a different side and/or in a new location altogether, although it must be outside of five meters of the opponent unless the user is within short-range. Techniques returned through Conquest possess the same damage they did prior to absorption. The technique’s rank applied is directly proportional to the technique rank, size of matter, and complexity; this means returning an A-Rank boulder would require an A-Rank application of Conquest. The S-Rank version of this ability can be used once every four turns and no Prana in the user’s next turn. The Bastion of Achaemenid can only be used four times per battle.

Domination of Vlad – Tower of Yggdmillenia
Unlike Conquest, Domination involves concentrating on returning the chakra contained within objects or techniques to the user’s body. The user systematically isolates all of the chakra contained within a number of techniques they’ve sent to the Throne, even if only chakra is present (in the case of raw chakra techniques and similar abilities). It will then be teturned to the user’s body as Prana energy in order to seamlessly integrate into their chakra network, making it available for later use. The user can utilize this ability four times per battle and the maximum amount of chakra that can be returned with each use is capped at a maximum of 100 chakra points. This does not mean this ability will always return that amount, the value is always dictated by how many techniques the user has absorbed and how much chakra they contained. For example, absorbing 10 A-Rank techniques and integrating them with the user’s system will increase the user’s pool by a full 100 chakra per turn. Objects that Domination is applied to will no longer carry their damage value once used on; this is because the objects, while stored in the Throne, will become chakra-void and instead become classified as simple terrain usages when used with Conquest of Alexander. Naturally, this is only possible with matter-based techniques and not those composed of energy. Domination of Vlad is considered an S-Rank technique.

 

[Red-Robin]

Zhongli had done exactly as he was told, and without any error or misstep. It was a promising sign. With the return of the effigy of Solomon to the field, Merlin clapped his hands gently, a look of delight on his face "Excellent! You're quite the guy, Zhongli-kun." Walking over to the comical construct, he patted the plank's shoulder, giving his next instructions to the Surgebinder "Now, do that again. But this time, I want you to isolate the chakra inside this construct and return it to your body from the Throne." With that, Merlin would wait, anticipating success based on Zhongli's current performance.

---

You've learned the Conquest of Alexander application for this technique. There's not much to say because the description is fairly clear on its capabilities, but do ask questions if you have any. And just to be clear, you're performing the Domination of Vlad in your next post.

(Kanki: Ouchou no Kindachi) – Surge of Evocation: Dynasty of Kings

Spoiler

Type: Offensive/Defensive/Supplementary
Rank: D-S
Range: Short-Long
Chakra Cost: 10-40
Damage Points: N/A
Description: This technique encompasses the advanced applications of the Surge of Evocation. Unlike the Era of Gods, which manipulates raw Prana, this technique is used to bring techniques previously transported back onto the field. The two applications of this technique, Conquest and Domination, deal with returning entities within the Throne to the field; thus these two applications require previous absorptions to have already occurred.

Conquest of Alexander – Bastion of Achaemenid
Through this ability, the user will be able to return absorbed objects, techniques, and parts of the terrain to the field. They will be manifested on the field in the form of Prana before becoming corporeal and usable as tangible entities. Upon becoming corporeal, the transported entities will still possess all of the effects and properties they possessed prior to absorption; this is because the Throne places objects within it in a stasis-like state. Objects returned will continue to move with the same speed and momentum that they had. This creates the effect that appears almost as if time had stopped and then later resumed for them, a trait of the Throne. It can be summoned facing a different side and/or in a new location altogether, although it must be outside of five meters of the opponent unless the user is within short-range. Techniques returned through Conquest possess the same damage they did prior to absorption. The technique’s rank applied is directly proportional to the technique rank, size of matter, and complexity; this means returning an A-Rank boulder would require an A-Rank application of Conquest. The S-Rank version of this ability can be used once every four turns and no Prana in the user’s next turn. The Bastion of Achaemenid can only be used four times per battle.

Domination of Vlad – Tower of Yggdmillenia
Unlike Conquest, Domination involves concentrating on returning the chakra contained within objects or techniques to the user’s body. The user systematically isolates all of the chakra contained within a number of techniques they’ve sent to the Throne, even if only chakra is present (in the case of raw chakra techniques and similar abilities). It will then be teturned to the user’s body as Prana energy in order to seamlessly integrate into their chakra network, making it available for later use. The user can utilize this ability four times per battle and the maximum amount of chakra that can be returned with each use is capped at a maximum of 100 chakra points. This does not mean this ability will always return that amount, the value is always dictated by how many techniques the user has absorbed and how much chakra they contained. For example, absorbing 10 A-Rank techniques and integrating them with the user’s system will increase the user’s pool by a full 100 chakra per turn. Objects that Domination is applied to will no longer carry their damage value once used on; this is because the objects, while stored in the Throne, will become chakra-void and instead become classified as simple terrain usages when used with Conquest of Alexander. Naturally, this is only possible with matter-based techniques and not those composed of energy. Domination of Vlad is considered an S-Rank technique.

Zhongli had taken the reassuring clapping, accompanied by Merlin's words to follow as the sign that he had successfully performed what was asked of him. He looked upon his hand for a brief moment, considering the applications that such a technique had and the limitless possibilities that were, quite literally, at his fingertips. He would have to take the time to consider them in greater depth at his next opportunity, but for now he would focus entirely on the process of learning what he could now. Lifting his focus back toward the wooden stand-in, he listening carefully to the next instruction he was given. What it was that was expected of him, specifically. To absorb the chakra from the technique; a form of assimilation that would not just harness the chakra, but also contort it into Prana and stabilize it for his own personal uses, rather than having it remain a foreign energy source that normally would be incompatible to him. It was a strange notion, yet one that offered boundless advantages and seemingly no disadvantages to speak of.

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Much like the previous attempt, Zhongli's shimmering Prana began to flow from his position, trickling down his arms and practically flowing from within his coat. The energy began to wrap around the effigy, molding into what appeared to be vine-like formations that proceeded to coil in loose threading patterns around the wooden creation. Zhongli's gaze narrowed, his lids lowering slightly as he focused partially between what was in front of him, visually, as well what he could feel through the newfound tether that he had made through his Prana. He took his time to learn the feeling of the chakra within the object; trace it's coursing elemental properties, but more importantly, the quantity of chakra down to the exact amount. He felt that this was important given that it would doubtless need an exact one-to-one ratio of Prana application to the chakra in order to sufficiently transfer it, as well as remold and reapply it as needed. As he had previously concurred with the Mage: "One cannot expect to part the ocean with only strength enough to part a pond," and this was surely no exception.

Once he had a generous grasp of the makings of the effigy before him, Zhongli had, with a simple lift of his hands and a tug of his fingers toward himself, beckoned the thread-shaped Prana, causing them to constrict eagerly around the effigy, resulting in the immediate deconstructive process, converting it into Prana and transferring it to The Throne. Once there, he recalled the sensation of tracing the Prana from the previous lesson, but rather than beckoning it to return in the shape it was, he instead persisted the conversion process, consuming the chakra infused within the effigy, breaking it apart down to it's fundamental elements before repurposing it with the signature of the Prana that had only moments ago pulled it apart. Once this process was finished, Zhongli once more called upon the energy, yet with no wooden object to return as it once did before, now instead the energy passed through the pathway that connected Zhongli and The Throne, coursing through him and submerging into the appropriate reserves all too naturally, as if it were his own all along. Yet to avoid unwanted overflow, Zhongli lifted out a hand, harnessing the freshly refurbished chakra into his palm and began the molding of a strangely geometric stone that hovered an inch above his open palm, twirling in place in a slow rotation. His amber hues fixed upon the construct, tilting his head slightly as he moved it nearer to inspect curiously. "A fascinating and quite useful talent, this.. The Throne continues to amaze me the further along we tread. "

Type: Supplementary/Offensive/Defensive
Rank: D
Range: Short-Mid
Chakra: 10
Damage: 20
Descripton: Creates small pillars of earth, small tools, and small shields of earth

 

[Goetia]

Zhongli had taken the reassuring clapping, accompanied by Merlin's words to follow as the sign that he had successfully performed what was asked of him. He looked upon his hand for a brief moment, considering the applications that such a technique had and the limitless possibilities that were, quite literally, at his fingertips. He would have to take the time to consider them in greater depth at his next opportunity, but for now he would focus entirely on the process of learning what he could now. Lifting his focus back toward the wooden stand-in, he listening carefully to the next instruction he was given. What it was that was expected of him, specifically. To absorb the chakra from the technique; a form of assimilation that would not just harness the chakra, but also contort it into Prana and stabilize it for his own personal uses, rather than having it remain a foreign energy source that normally would be incompatible to him. It was a strange notion, yet one that offered boundless advantages and seemingly no disadvantages to speak of.

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Much like the previous attempt, Zhongli's shimmering Prana began to flow from his position, trickling down his arms and practically flowing from within his coat. The energy began to wrap around the effigy, molding into what appeared to be vine-like formations that proceeded to coil in loose threading patterns around the wooden creation. Zhongli's gaze narrowed, his lids lowering slightly as he focused partially between what was in front of him, visually, as well what he could feel through the newfound tether that he had made through his Prana. He took his time to learn the feeling of the chakra within the object; trace it's coursing elemental properties, but more importantly, the quantity of chakra down to the exact amount. He felt that this was important given that it would doubtless need an exact one-to-one ratio of Prana application to the chakra in order to sufficiently transfer it, as well as remold and reapply it as needed. As he had previously concurred with the Mage: "One cannot expect to part the ocean with only strength enough to part a pond," and this was surely no exception.

Once he had a generous grasp of the makings of the effigy before him, Zhongli had, with a simple lift of his hands and a tug of his fingers toward himself, beckoned the thread-shaped Prana, causing them to constrict eagerly around the effigy, resulting in the immediate deconstructive process, converting it into Prana and transferring it to The Throne. Once there, he recalled the sensation of tracing the Prana from the previous lesson, but rather than beckoning it to return in the shape it was, he instead persisted the conversion process, consuming the chakra infused within the effigy, breaking it apart down to it's fundamental elements before repurposing it with the signature of the Prana that had only moments ago pulled it apart. Once this process was finished, Zhongli once more called upon the energy, yet with no wooden object to return as it once did before, now instead the energy passed through the pathway that connected Zhongli and The Throne, coursing through him and submerging into the appropriate reserves all too naturally, as if it were his own all along. Yet to avoid unwanted overflow, Zhongli lifted out a hand, harnessing the freshly refurbished chakra into his palm and began the molding of a strangely geometric stone that hovered an inch above his open palm, twirling in place in a slow rotation. His amber hues fixed upon the construct, tilting his head slightly as he moved it nearer to inspect curiously. "A fascinating and quite useful talent, this.. The Throne continues to amaze me the further along we tread. "

Type: Supplementary/Offensive/Defensive
Rank: D
Range: Short-Mid
Chakra: 10
Damage: 20
Descripton: Creates small pillars of earth, small tools, and small shields of earth

Once again, Zhongli had proven himself up to the task, performing each skill with great precision. He would surely be a useful asset to Galahad. Another knight to give their life in service of a greater purpose. A life in service. Just as Arthur's was. On that note, it was time for Merlin to continue his tale "Time to sit. There's more story to tell." the incubus said with a gentle smile, easing himself into his stone chair, motioning for Zhongli to do the same. "Now, where was I...?" he asked himself, looking upwards with his mind engaged, struggling somewhat to remember where he had left off. The image of Arthur holding the Sword of Selection, inspecting its beautiful shape. Its ornate handle and crossguard, the engraved inscriptions that ran along the length of the blade: "Whoso pulleth out this sword of this stone is rightwise king of all England". In that moment, he had accepted his fate. Or, so he thought.

Spoiler

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"Before Arthur pulled Caliburn from the stone, before he had even begun to approach it, he found Sir Kay. His brother, in his own way, tried to prevent him from attempting to draw the sword. Hah... an ordinary human had greater foresight than me. No matter how you put it, it's quite embarrassing..." Merlin sheepishly giggled, concealing the sorrow that had seeped into every inch of his being as a result of it. "Of course, like any king, Arthur had his court, consisting of myself and several knights, one of them being Kay himself. They were known as the Knights of the Round, and were the finest warriors in the history of the kingdom. They were quite a bunch." Merlin's mind flashed to a memory of Arthur and his court riding on horseback through the city, returning from a campaign to repel invaders from the north on their borders. In that moment, Merlin's eyes seemed distant, as if he were looking through Zhongli. He returned to reality, reminding himself that he was doing this for a guest. "Of course, I went off on my own at times. A Court Magus has to be diligent, you know? Getting a lay of the land, surveying... magical things are those which defy logic, so I can't be stuck in the castle all day." Of course, there was an element of truth to Merlin's words. His duty required that he be absent from the city, but not all of his time spent outside Camelot was for his 'duty'. Often, he would be wandering around and getting into trouble with girls, or causing mischief otherwise. That was his nature as an incubus, and Zhongli was observing inklings of it over the course of his time with the Magus of Flowers.

"I eventually caught wind of some guy, a king of another country. Like me, he was a magus. Though of great caliber, there's no magus who is superior to myself." he declared proudly, puffing his chest slightly and with a look of pompousness on his face. Of course, in reality, the gap in their skill was not at all how Merlin made it out to be, nor was this man insignificant by any measure. He was the man who held the title of Grand Caster, after all. But Zhongli didn't need to know that. "I spent some time watching him, learning about him, even peering into his dreams. He and I are as different as different can be, ideologically speaking. He, who advocated for nonpartisan observance, remaining a bystander to the fate of mankind, and myself, who insisted on intervention to ensure mankind's prosperity." Merlin took pause for a moment, recollecting his visit into the mind of the King of Magic, where they conversed within Ars Paulina, the Time Temple. It could be called a Reality Marble of his own, despite not being a Surgebinder. Though Merlin spoke dismissively of Solomon at first, it became clear at this point that Merlin's true feelings were slightly different. At least, his feelings about what actually mattered, from the perspective of a third party like Zhongli. "I returned to Camelot, and worked to raise two children of one of the Knights of the Round Table. Galahad, and his sister, Amara. You know Galahad now as the Grandmaster of the Order of Knights Radiant, but before that, he was also a Knight of the Round Table. Quite a guy, right?" Merlin remarked, not just to Zhongli but to himself. To this day, he was still impressed at how Galahad turned out to be, in a manner of speaking. He was the last true remnant of the old Camelot. A man who carried on the dream of King Arthur.

 

[Red-Robin]

Once again, Zhongli had proven himself up to the task, performing each skill with great precision. He would surely be a useful asset to Galahad. Another knight to give their life in service of a greater purpose. A life in service. Just as Arthur's was. On that note, it was time for Merlin to continue his tale "Time to sit. There's more story to tell." the incubus said with a gentle smile, easing himself into his stone chair, motioning for Zhongli to do the same. "Now, where was I...?" he asked himself, looking upwards with his mind engaged, struggling somewhat to remember where he had left off. The image of Arthur holding the Sword of Selection, inspecting its beautiful shape. Its ornate handle and crossguard, the engraved inscriptions that ran along the length of the blade: "Whoso pulleth out this sword of this stone is rightwise king of all England". In that moment, he had accepted his fate. Or, so he thought.

Spoiler

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​

"Before Arthur pulled Caliburn from the stone, before he had even begun to approach it, he found Sir Kay. His brother, in his own way, tried to prevent him from attempting to draw the sword. Hah... an ordinary human had greater foresight than me. No matter how you put it, it's quite embarrassing..." Merlin sheepishly giggled, concealing the sorrow that had seeped into every inch of his being as a result of it. "Of course, like any king, Arthur had his court, consisting of myself and several knights, one of them being Kay himself. They were known as the Knights of the Round, and were the finest warriors in the history of the kingdom. They were quite a bunch." Merlin's mind flashed to a memory of Arthur and his court riding on horseback through the city, returning from a campaign to repel invaders from the north on their borders. In that moment, Merlin's eyes seemed distant, as if he were looking through Zhongli. He returned to reality, reminding himself that he was doing this for a guest. "Of course, I went off on my own at times. A Court Magus has to be diligent, you know? Getting a lay of the land, surveying... magical things are those which defy logic, so I can't be stuck in the castle all day." Of course, there was an element of truth to Merlin's words. His duty required that he be absent from the city, but not all of his time spent outside Camelot was for his 'duty'. Often, he would be wandering around and getting into trouble with girls, or causing mischief otherwise. That was his nature as an incubus, and Zhongli was observing inklings of it over the course of his time with the Magus of Flowers.

"I eventually caught wind of some guy, a king of another country. Like me, he was a magus. Though of great caliber, there's no magus who is superior to myself." he declared proudly, puffing his chest slightly and with a look of pompousness on his face. Of course, in reality, the gap in their skill was not at all how Merlin made it out to be, nor was this man insignificant by any measure. He was the man who held the title of Grand Caster, after all. But Zhongli didn't need to know that. "I spent some time watching him, learning about him, even peering into his dreams. He and I are as different as different can be, ideologically speaking. He, who advocated for nonpartisan observance, remaining a bystander to the fate of mankind, and myself, who insisted on intervention to ensure mankind's prosperity." Merlin took pause for a moment, recollecting his visit into the mind of the King of Magic, where they conversed within Ars Paulina, the Time Temple. It could be called a Reality Marble of his own, despite not being a Surgebinder. Though Merlin spoke dismissively of Solomon at first, it became clear at this point that Merlin's true feelings were slightly different. At least, his feelings about what actually mattered, from the perspective of a third party like Zhongli. "I returned to Camelot, and worked to raise two children of one of the Knights of the Round Table. Galahad, and his sister, Amara. You know Galahad now as the Grandmaster of the Order of Knights Radiant, but before that, he was also a Knight of the Round Table. Quite a guy, right?" Merlin remarked, not just to Zhongli but to himself. To this day, he was still impressed at how Galahad turned out to be, in a manner of speaking. He was the last true remnant of the old Camelot. A man who carried on the dream of King Arthur.

As Merlin proceeded to return to his seated arrangement into one of the two chairs that now stuck out as sore thumbs in the wooded environment that they now dwelled within, yet it was nice. Better, in fact, compared to the confinements of the stone tower that they resided in previously. This air was fresher, the soft bustling of the trees and surrounding shrubbery offering a tranquil calmness that allowed the mind to rest with ease. Often times pure silence was maddening, left with little more than the sounds of ones loud, thrumming heart or even louder thoughts. The serenity of such a place proved the perfect place for one to disperse all thoughts and train their focus closer to things they mean to have attentiveness toward.

In this case, Merlin's story was where Zhongli's attention wished to lay. In a steady manner, he moved to position himself within his seat opposite of the Magus once again; repeating much of the same process as he had the previous time. Tucking his tailcoat, whipping the lengthy ponytail behind him in a smooth flourish around his posture before settling into the seat in his odd version of what was comfortable, just in time for Merlin to continue his telling after having a moment to recollect his thoughts and placement in the telling of the story. He had mentioned the adoptive sibling of the King and their efforts to sway the decision of the protagonist of this tale. Merlin referred to them as someone capable of better foresight, and the embarrassment that such a thing implied. Yet, Zhongli had a different perspective on the matter.. "You say it is embarrassing, as though it was something you would have preferred to not be the case. If all anyone did was consider themselves incapable of flaw and oversight, taking the singular instance that another happened to get the better of them, over the many instances that reflect the opposite outcome, then what point would there be in ever trying? He who stops making mistakes, may never again learn, thus they stagnate and cease to reflect greatness through accomplishment. " Yet this was a lesson he had no illusion would influence Merlin, as he was clearly fixed into a mentality of self degradation based on the mistakes of the past, or more specifically, a singular mistake, one that Zhongli had a strong suspicion of exactly what it was, yet.. He would prefer to see-- rather, hear Merlin tell of it. Perhaps something might come to light. Instead, for now he seemed to simply think aloud, processing his interpretation of the brief recollection of Merlin's story before silencing to hear the remainder of it.

From there, he spoke of a "King who was also a Magus." This spurred a thought to mind; the reminder of a title that Zhongli was familiar with: The Mage-King, Solomon.. Though Merlin seemed to be persistent in avoiding calling the man directly by name, and despite Zhongli not recognizing the appearance of the man, he was certainly familiar with the name. The tales of his life were less than abundant, but what records did exist, were all of conflicting natures, suggesting that his history and exploits were muddled at best; altered in the differences of interpretation and no doubt the folly of loss of records in crusades, raids or simple disastrous misfortune from nature itself. What little he did know of the King of Israel, he might be able to reinforce by picking at Merlin's brain on the subject, yet that would come another time. For now, he was more curious to hear the telling of his own story, through the recounts of the age of Camelot. Merin proceeded to refer to sir Galahad himself, whom was in fact the original Surgebinder. Merlin had suggested he was an impressive individual, referring to it in something of a jested question toward Zhongli. In truth, Zhongli had few encounters with the "Grandmaster" of the order. He knew the basics of what he was and what was expected of Zhongli as one who harnesses The Throne's gift; a Radiant Knight meant to uphold certain values and a level of guidance for the world. He couldn't quite pinpoint how he felt about such a notion; whether that was truly something that felt.. right, to him. Yet with what little knowledge he had on the subject, all he could do for now was continue to learn and hope to find the answers he required to make a sound decision sooner rather than later.

Zhongli waited for the brief moment of silence to take to the air as Merlin seemed to lull to a soft pause in his telling. He didn't presume that he was waiting for a response from Zhongli, but rather he suspected he was merely lost in his own thoughts, something that no doubt came with a different air of nostalgia when telling such a familiar tale in details that required him to make it clear to another, unlike recounting them in his own mind, which required lesser, clearer details. After a brief moment, Zhongli finally lifted a hand, waving a gesture into the inside of his coat's breast pocket, pulling free from it a single tiny scroll. In doing so, he proceeded to unwind it in one smooth motion, of which released the chakra that bound the contents of the scroll, resulting in two small plumes of white smoke before revealing two mugs that were now grasped in either of his hands, steam rolling slowly from them, suggesting the contents were quite hot. The scent the steam carried was quite potent; rich and bitter at the same time. Zhongli slowly leaned forward, extending one of the cups nearer to the Mage while maintaining the hold of the other closer to himself. "Before we continue, a moment of rest to see to breaking our thirst. This is a blend of a rare coffee bean I had bought from a traveling merchant from the southern isles that came to Chungsu. I generally prefer tea myself, but I find that this is quite good. Would you care to indulge my suggestion? "

Type: Supplementary
Rank: E
Range: Short
Chakra: 5
Damage: N/A (10 to user's health)
Description: The user of this jutsu takes out a scroll within his pouch that was prepared before battle and holds it in one of his hands. By channeling his chakra into it, it will then poof and summon a coffee mug in its place that had been in Adachi's house prior. After downing the coffee, the caffeine will take quick effect upon the user due to the scientific fact that it blocks the receptors that slow down nerve cell activity. As a result, the user will have a slightly faster heartbeat and bloodflow, and thus, will be unaffected by any jutsu that has a potential factor that could put him to sleep. This coffee was pre-prepared by Adachi himself and sits amongst dozens of other mugs that contain anything from lattes to doubleshot espressos, either steaming hot or icy cold. The reserves within the refrigerator or hot vending system are restocked daily so there will never be a shortage of coffee. Ever.

Note: Effect lasts three turns.
Note: Courtesy of Adachi

 

[Goetia]

As Merlin proceeded to return to his seated arrangement into one of the two chairs that now stuck out as sore thumbs in the wooded environment that they now dwelled within, yet it was nice. Better, in fact, compared to the confinements of the stone tower that they resided in previously. This air was fresher, the soft bustling of the trees and surrounding shrubbery offering a tranquil calmness that allowed the mind to rest with ease. Often times pure silence was maddening, left with little more than the sounds of ones loud, thrumming heart or even louder thoughts. The serenity of such a place proved the perfect place for one to disperse all thoughts and train their focus closer to things they mean to have attentiveness toward.

In this case, Merlin's story was where Zhongli's attention wished to lay. In a steady manner, he moved to position himself within his seat opposite of the Magus once again; repeating much of the same process as he had the previous time. Tucking his tailcoat, whipping the lengthy ponytail behind him in a smooth flourish around his posture before settling into the seat in his odd version of what was comfortable, just in time for Merlin to continue his telling after having a moment to recollect his thoughts and placement in the telling of the story. He had mentioned the adoptive sibling of the King and their efforts to sway the decision of the protagonist of this tale. Merlin referred to them as someone capable of better foresight, and the embarrassment that such a thing implied. Yet, Zhongli had a different perspective on the matter.. "You say it is embarrassing, as though it was something you would have preferred to not be the case. If all anyone did was consider themselves incapable of flaw and oversight, taking the singular instance that another happened to get the better of them, over the many instances that reflect the opposite outcome, then what point would there be in ever trying? He who stops making mistakes, may never again learn, thus they stagnate and cease to reflect greatness through accomplishment. " Yet this was a lesson he had no illusion would influence Merlin, as he was clearly fixed into a mentality of self degradation based on the mistakes of the past, or more specifically, a singular mistake, one that Zhongli had a strong suspicion of exactly what it was, yet.. He would prefer to see-- rather, hear Merlin tell of it. Perhaps something might come to light. Instead, for now he seemed to simply think aloud, processing his interpretation of the brief recollection of Merlin's story before silencing to hear the remainder of it.

From there, he spoke of a "King who was also a Magus." This spurred a thought to mind; the reminder of a title that Zhongli was familiar with: The Mage-King, Solomon.. Though Merlin seemed to be persistent in avoiding calling the man directly by name, and despite Zhongli not recognizing the appearance of the man, he was certainly familiar with the name. The tales of his life were less than abundant, but what records did exist, were all of conflicting natures, suggesting that his history and exploits were muddled at best; altered in the differences of interpretation and no doubt the folly of loss of records in crusades, raids or simple disastrous misfortune from nature itself. What little he did know of the King of Israel, he might be able to reinforce by picking at Merlin's brain on the subject, yet that would come another time. For now, he was more curious to hear the telling of his own story, through the recounts of the age of Camelot. Merin proceeded to refer to sir Galahad himself, whom was in fact the original Surgebinder. Merlin had suggested he was an impressive individual, referring to it in something of a jested question toward Zhongli. In truth, Zhongli had few encounters with the "Grandmaster" of the order. He knew the basics of what he was and what was expected of Zhongli as one who harnesses The Throne's gift; a Radiant Knight meant to uphold certain values and a level of guidance for the world. He couldn't quite pinpoint how he felt about such a notion; whether that was truly something that felt.. right, to him. Yet with what little knowledge he had on the subject, all he could do for now was continue to learn and hope to find the answers he required to make a sound decision sooner rather than later.

Zhongli waited for the brief moment of silence to take to the air as Merlin seemed to lull to a soft pause in his telling. He didn't presume that he was waiting for a response from Zhongli, but rather he suspected he was merely lost in his own thoughts, something that no doubt came with a different air of nostalgia when telling such a familiar tale in details that required him to make it clear to another, unlike recounting them in his own mind, which required lesser, clearer details. After a brief moment, Zhongli finally lifted a hand, waving a gesture into the inside of his coat's breast pocket, pulling free from it a single tiny scroll. In doing so, he proceeded to unwind it in one smooth motion, of which released the chakra that bound the contents of the scroll, resulting in two small plumes of white smoke before revealing two mugs that were now grasped in either of his hands, steam rolling slowly from them, suggesting the contents were quite hot. The scent the steam carried was quite potent; rich and bitter at the same time. Zhongli slowly leaned forward, extending one of the cups nearer to the Mage while maintaining the hold of the other closer to himself. "Before we continue, a moment of rest to see to breaking our thirst. This is a blend of a rare coffee bean I had bought from a traveling merchant from the southern isles that came to Chungsu. I generally prefer tea myself, but I find that this is quite good. Would you care to indulge my suggestion? "

Type: Supplementary
Rank: E
Range: Short
Chakra: 5
Damage: N/A (10 to user's health)
Description: The user of this jutsu takes out a scroll within his pouch that was prepared before battle and holds it in one of his hands. By channeling his chakra into it, it will then poof and summon a coffee mug in its place that had been in Adachi's house prior. After downing the coffee, the caffeine will take quick effect upon the user due to the scientific fact that it blocks the receptors that slow down nerve cell activity. As a result, the user will have a slightly faster heartbeat and bloodflow, and thus, will be unaffected by any jutsu that has a potential factor that could put him to sleep. This coffee was pre-prepared by Adachi himself and sits amongst dozens of other mugs that contain anything from lattes to doubleshot espressos, either steaming hot or icy cold. The reserves within the refrigerator or hot vending system are restocked daily so there will never be a shortage of coffee. Ever.

Note: Effect lasts three turns.
Note: Courtesy of Adachi

Merlin's eyes widened slightly in surprise, not expecting Zhongli to offer him a beverage. He chuckled, having been put on the spot by the Surgebinder, rubbing his head sheepishly "Ahaha... well, since you're offering." the incubus replied, stretching his arm out to take the cup of beverage from Zhongli. Gripping the mug with only his fingers near the top, so as not to burn his hand, he repositioned himself comfortably in his chair, looking down at its contents. The steam wafted upwards into his face, its strong scent filling his nostrils. He gently blew into the cup, trying to cool it before drinking. Lifting the cup to his lips, tilting it to take a sip, the coffee's taste was equally as potent as its scent. Neither he was used to, having never drank it in his lifetime. Living in isolation in a tower separated from the normal planes of reality wasn't conducive to experiencing it either. While Merlin was reclusive, he didn't mind new experiences as such. "Hmmm. It's certainly of an acquired taste. They didn't have this back in my day." Merlin would have spoken more, but his own words caught him out. "Back in my day". In that moment, a new kind of sadness hit the Magus of Flowers. His expression turned sour, his posture loosening as he slumped in his chair. Though he would remain youthful in the physical sense, the fact was that he was old. It just didn't truly occur to him until, reflexively, he used a phrase that only old people used. "Ahhh..." the incubus sighed mournfully, resigned to the new reality he had discovered through his own doing. Attempting to distract himself from it, after wallowing in the depressing revelation, he thought of how Arthur might have reacted if the beverage had existed at the time. Would he have found it too bitter? Perhaps it would've been entertaining to make him skull it, under the impression that it was fairly mild. A small smile curled on his lips at the thought, the image provoking a singular, humorous exhalation.

 

[Red-Robin]

Merlin's eyes widened slightly in surprise, not expecting Zhongli to offer him a beverage. He chuckled, having been put on the spot by the Surgebinder, rubbing his head sheepishly "Ahaha... well, since you're offering." the incubus replied, stretching his arm out to take the cup of beverage from Zhongli. Gripping the mug with only his fingers near the top, so as not to burn his hand, he repositioned himself comfortably in his chair, looking down at its contents. The steam wafted upwards into his face, its strong scent filling his nostrils. He gently blew into the cup, trying to cool it before drinking. Lifting the cup to his lips, tilting it to take a sip, the coffee's taste was equally as potent as its scent. Neither he was used to, having never drank it in his lifetime. Living in isolation in a tower separated from the normal planes of reality wasn't conducive to experiencing it either. While Merlin was reclusive, he didn't mind new experiences as such. "Hmmm. It's certainly of an acquired taste. They didn't have this back in my day." Merlin would have spoken more, but his own words caught him out. "Back in my day". In that moment, a new kind of sadness hit the Magus of Flowers. His expression turned sour, his posture loosening as he slumped in his chair. Though he would remain youthful in the physical sense, the fact was that he was old. It just didn't truly occur to him until, reflexively, he used a phrase that only old people used. "Ahhh..." the incubus sighed mournfully, resigned to the new reality he had discovered through his own doing. Attempting to distract himself from it, after wallowing in the depressing revelation, he thought of how Arthur might have reacted if the beverage had existed at the time. Would he have found it too bitter? Perhaps it would've been entertaining to make him skull it, under the impression that it was fairly mild. A small smile curled on his lips at the thought, the image provoking a singular, humorous exhalation.

The Nomad had moved in much of the same proceedings as Merlin had done himself. He casually lifted the container nearer to himself, hovering it just below his mouth and nose, taking in the fragrance of the brew within. His choice of holding it was different however; with one hand coiled in a firm hold around the mug's base, while the bottom is rested along the open palm of his other hand as a means of support for the cup, as well guidance for when he'd choose to angle it to sip from. He seemed entirely unbothered by the heat of the mug, all too tolerant of it's capacity to potentially burn his skin if left in contact for too long, yet he remained entirely indifferent, as though he lacked the sensation to react accordingly, or it was simply not burning him at all in some strange capacity. For several moments he let the drink sit, resting near himself while his amber eyes hidden behind their lids, only opening once he heard the Magus begin to comment on his impression of the drink, looking up to fix his gaze upon Merlin.

In an instant, Zhongli watched as the Mage's mood seemed to melt away after he had tried the drink, almost as if the heat of the drink itself had melted away his means to maintain the façade he had practiced so diligently to put on in order to reflect an air of cool and collectedness, despite what remorse and inner conflict may have swelled within him. Zhongli's gaze was inquisitive, taking in Merlin's posture and the defeated melancholy of his expression. Perhaps these stories were serving to push the poor hermit beyond his limits, too much too quickly. Or perhaps it was something else.. To immortals, time could become less than a relevant detail, yet that does not make it so. It may become less perceptive, yet it never stops taking it's toll on those that suffer it's unforgiving, indiscriminate curse. For those who live long-lasting lives, it is arguably far worse..

At long last, after several long moments of heavy silence since Merlin had fallen into his own thoughts, Zhongli had finally taken his first sip of his drink. He let it linger; a long, drawn pull of the fluid from his own cup that he had delicately tilted toward himself through the angling of his hand held beneath it, only to angle it back upright once he was finished. He let out a soft, nearly silent sigh before shifting his gaze upon the dark beverage, watching it's rocking waves of disturbance slowly but surely roll away, one small ripple at a time from it's center. In truth, he knew there was nothing he could say that might sway the sorrow that has eaten at the heart of the Magus before him, so he would not try. Instead.. ".. Would you care to hear a tale of my own, Master Mage? I reckon it can grow quite tiresome to only ever tell, yet never have the comfort of listening. "

 

[Goetia]

The Nomad had moved in much of the same proceedings as Merlin had done himself. He casually lifted the container nearer to himself, hovering it just below his mouth and nose, taking in the fragrance of the brew within. His choice of holding it was different however; with one hand coiled in a firm hold around the mug's base, while the bottom is rested along the open palm of his other hand as a means of support for the cup, as well guidance for when he'd choose to angle it to sip from. He seemed entirely unbothered by the heat of the mug, all too tolerant of it's capacity to potentially burn his skin if left in contact for too long, yet he remained entirely indifferent, as though he lacked the sensation to react accordingly, or it was simply not burning him at all in some strange capacity. For several moments he let the drink sit, resting near himself while his amber eyes hidden behind their lids, only opening once he heard the Magus begin to comment on his impression of the drink, looking up to fix his gaze upon Merlin.

In an instant, Zhongli watched as the Mage's mood seemed to melt away after he had tried the drink, almost as if the heat of the drink itself had melted away his means to maintain the façade he had practiced so diligently to put on in order to reflect an air of cool and collectedness, despite what remorse and inner conflict may have swelled within him. Zhongli's gaze was inquisitive, taking in Merlin's posture and the defeated melancholy of his expression. Perhaps these stories were serving to push the poor hermit beyond his limits, too much too quickly. Or perhaps it was something else.. To immortals, time could become less than a relevant detail, yet that does not make it so. It may become less perceptive, yet it never stops taking it's toll on those that suffer it's unforgiving, indiscriminate curse. For those who live long-lasting lives, it is arguably far worse..

At long last, after several long moments of heavy silence since Merlin had fallen into his own thoughts, Zhongli had finally taken his first sip of his drink. He let it linger; a long, drawn pull of the fluid from his own cup that he had delicately tilted toward himself through the angling of his hand held beneath it, only to angle it back upright once he was finished. He let out a soft, nearly silent sigh before shifting his gaze upon the dark beverage, watching it's rocking waves of disturbance slowly but surely roll away, one small ripple at a time from it's center. In truth, he knew there was nothing he could say that might sway the sorrow that has eaten at the heart of the Magus before him, so he would not try. Instead.. ".. Would you care to hear a tale of my own, Master Mage? I reckon it can grow quite tiresome to only ever tell, yet never have the comfort of listening. "

Merlin was snapped out of his depressive daze by Zhongli's request, though the smile provoked by his lighthearted imagination never left his face. That brief glimmer of happiness still lingered within his heart. If it meant he could hold onto it for just a little while longer, then he would happily let himself sit back and just listen to another "You have my attention, Listener-kun." Correcting his slumped posture, he sat up in his chair, but with a slight slouch to make himself comfortable, remaining true to his characteristic of 'comfort over custom'.

 

[Red-Robin]

Merlin was snapped out of his depressive daze by Zhongli's request, though the smile provoked by his lighthearted imagination never left his face. That brief glimmer of happiness still lingered within his heart. If it meant he could hold onto it for just a little while longer, then he would happily let himself sit back and just listen to another "You have my attention, Listener-kun." Correcting his slumped posture, he sat up in his chair, but with a slight slouch to make himself comfortable, remaining true to his characteristic of 'comfort over custom'.

Zhongli watched as the Magus moved from his previously frozen state. Something of a shallow smile tugged at a single corner of his lips, as though a faint amusement had passed at the sudden "perked up" response that Merlin had given. It was true that he all too often referred to himself as "The Listener" since he generally preferred to listen; few people in this world did not have a story to tell, and he would happily take on each of their tellings in the cumulative effort to understand, learn and adapt to each of them, as faithfully as he could to their origins, in his own way. Yet he was also no stranger to sharing such tales himself. After all, what good was a story told and learned if it is not to be told again? Though this telling was to be.. somewhat different.

After a short moment of awaiting Merlin settling into his seat more comfortably, Zhongli had taken the time to shift in his own seat, slipping

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back into it to allow his shoulders to come to rest along the back of the chair. He had erected a small pedestal of stone beside him through the use of his earthen chakras, doing the same beside Merlin as well. Immediately following this creation, Zhongli had extended his mug toward it, letting it rest atop the stone structure, hinting at it's intended purpose and why a twin was made for Merlin's use as well. Not long after, a faint chill of the air began to swell around them as the recently familiar glimmer of gold began to swirl smoothly around the air centered between them. Zhongli had lifted a single hand, offering very subtle hand gestures as a form of manipulation to control the forming Prana. Given the flexibility of the energy that he had now learned to control, he thought to utilize it as a means to provide a bit of a show in conjunction to his story. First, several square-like shapes began to form, all quite basic in their structure, little more than simple tall or long rectangles in various sizes. Despite their lacking of details, certain curves or formations began to hold the impression that they somewhat resembled "buildings." Near the center of these buildings the Prana began to form into several small silhouettes of humanoid figures, all of which seemed to dance around in place by the guidance of little more than a simple flex by one of Zhongli's fingers.

"You are familiar with the city of Hanguri, I presume? It is a Freehold city-state built along the eastern edge of the Fire Country of the western continent. It is where i-- .. Rather, where a boy.. "Vago Mundo," had received his first reflection of the world he was to be subjected to. " Zhongli had, with a small wave of his hand, dispersed of the majority of the silhouettes that were moving around the picture that he was drafting on the fly within the air, leaving only one to stand at it's center instead. This was to represent "the boy" he was telling the story of. "Young Vago Mundo spent quite a sum of his young life in this city; bound by it's traditions of trade and stagnated by it's cast system. A simple page, one whom served many Merchants and Keepers. He was property of the Merchant's Guild, thus he belonged to no man in particular, yet served them all equally. It was tiresome, bothersome work. Yet it allowed for him to live not as an urchin, but as a studious, perceptive child.. " In another waft of his hand in front of him, the entire image blurred away, the Prana falling apart into it's natural, raw form before reshaping into a new image, projected from Zhongli's own imagination. The image took the form of a blank field, separated only by a few small bumps in the terrain that represented hills. Numerous silhouettes were scattered throughout it's layout once more, yet this time, rather than mingled together mindlessly, they were now in clear, orderly formations, and standing in opposition of one another from two different sides of the field. "Before he could truly make his mark upon the world,

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however, the world had other plans for him. War is a tedious thing; a mindless, expensive state of affairs that will never resolve more than it destroys. Life becomes a tragedy; the common folk suffer the greatest, where those who wage their wars suffer only their own negligence. In the end, this story is always the same: Dull, gruesome, unimportant folk with unimportant names, forgotten in unimportant conflicts. " Suddenly, the scene melted away once more, now instead swelling into a singular small vortex of glistening gold with a single silhouette fixed at it's center, with a second slowly emerging from the swirling storm that was surrounding it, gradually moving to join it at the vortex's center. "A tale as old as the Gods themselves: From this tragedy bore the chance encounter of two souls. Our Vago Mundo and the one who would give him purpose; drive to follow the world to it's end. This was a woman, a head of gold and a heart to boot; vibrant, piercing glacial eyes. She had mended the young boy, saw to his wounds both physical and spiritual, and ensured his continued survival, even when he himself would not provide such effort. She had become his anchor, as well his sail. One no more nor less important than the other. " In a moment, the two silhouettes of Prana had slowly mingled together, seemingly dancing in slow, rotating circles as the bleak vortex surrounding them had suddenly shifted into a sprouting of vines, flowers and other such Edenesque effects, before it all faded away, as if ash parting against a gentle breeze.

A momentary silence took over the air now. Zhongli's expression had not changed from the moment he had started the telling, yet his hand had now moved to grab hold of his drink, which had since gone cold, yet he still raised it in front of him, allowing him to peer into it's dark coloration before he'd tilt it toward himself to sip from. He didn't seem in a particular rush to continue the story's telling, perhaps caused by what was meant to come next.. ".. No ship was ever meant to overcome every storm, least of all come out unscathed, no matter how strong their sail might be. Just as love was never meant to be born from tragedy. Perhaps hope, but never true, undying love. Fate is hardly such a poet.. When born from such misfortune, it is doomed to carry the weight of that same bleakness, festering within it's roots like a poison. The woman who had become our young protagonist's compass, had been bought and paid in full to become another's.. " By the end of his final words, Zhongli had lulled to a lasting quiet. He seemed to focus entirely on his drink now, moving to set it gingerly as it was now empty upon the pedestal at his side before gradually bringing himself to a stand, straightening his coat upon his figure by gripping hold of it's hem that ran down the length of his torso, moving his amber gaze toward the Magus. "I believe I shall take a trick from your book, and save the rest for another time. Shall we continue, Master Mage? "

 

[Goetia]

Zhongli watched as the Magus moved from his previously frozen state. Something of a shallow smile tugged at a single corner of his lips, as though a faint amusement had passed at the sudden "perked up" response that Merlin had given. It was true that he all too often referred to himself as "The Listener" since he generally preferred to listen; few people in this world did not have a story to tell, and he would happily take on each of their tellings in the cumulative effort to understand, learn and adapt to each of them, as faithfully as he could to their origins, in his own way. Yet he was also no stranger to sharing such tales himself. After all, what good was a story told and learned if it is not to be told again? Though this telling was to be.. somewhat different.

After a short moment of awaiting Merlin settling into his seat more comfortably, Zhongli had taken the time to shift in his own seat, slipping

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back into it to allow his shoulders to come to rest along the back of the chair. He had erected a small pedestal of stone beside him through the use of his earthen chakras, doing the same beside Merlin as well. Immediately following this creation, Zhongli had extended his mug toward it, letting it rest atop the stone structure, hinting at it's intended purpose and why a twin was made for Merlin's use as well. Not long after, a faint chill of the air began to swell around them as the recently familiar glimmer of gold began to swirl smoothly around the air centered between them. Zhongli had lifted a single hand, offering very subtle hand gestures as a form of manipulation to control the forming Prana. Given the flexibility of the energy that he had now learned to control, he thought to utilize it as a means to provide a bit of a show in conjunction to his story. First, several square-like shapes began to form, all quite basic in their structure, little more than simple tall or long rectangles in various sizes. Despite their lacking of details, certain curves or formations began to hold the impression that they somewhat resembled "buildings." Near the center of these buildings the Prana began to form into several small silhouettes of humanoid figures, all of which seemed to dance around in place by the guidance of little more than a simple flex by one of Zhongli's fingers.

"You are familiar with the city of Hanguri, I presume? It is a Freehold city-state built along the eastern edge of the Fire Country of the western continent. It is where i-- .. Rather, where a boy.. "Vago Mundo," had received his first reflection of the world he was to be subjected to. " Zhongli had, with a small wave of his hand, dispersed of the majority of the silhouettes that were moving around the picture that he was drafting on the fly within the air, leaving only one to stand at it's center instead. This was to represent "the boy" he was telling the story of. "Young Vago Mundo spent quite a sum of his young life in this city; bound by it's traditions of trade and stagnated by it's cast system. A simple page, one whom served many Merchants and Keepers. He was property of the Merchant's Guild, thus he belonged to no man in particular, yet served them all equally. It was tiresome, bothersome work. Yet it allowed for him to live not as an urchin, but as a studious, perceptive child.. " In another waft of his hand in front of him, the entire image blurred away, the Prana falling apart into it's natural, raw form before reshaping into a new image, projected from Zhongli's own imagination. The image took the form of a blank field, separated only by a few small bumps in the terrain that represented hills. Numerous silhouettes were scattered throughout it's layout once more, yet this time, rather than mingled together mindlessly, they were now in clear, orderly formations, and standing in opposition of one another from two different sides of the field. "Before he could truly make his mark upon the world,

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however, the world had other plans for him. War is a tedious thing; a mindless, expensive state of affairs that will never resolve more than it destroys. Life becomes a tragedy; the common folk suffer the greatest, where those who wage their wars suffer only their own negligence. In the end, this story is always the same: Dull, gruesome, unimportant folk with unimportant names, forgotten in unimportant conflicts. " Suddenly, the scene melted away once more, now instead swelling into a singular small vortex of glistening gold with a single silhouette fixed at it's center, with a second slowly emerging from the swirling storm that was surrounding it, gradually moving to join it at the vortex's center. "A tale as old as the Gods themselves: From this tragedy bore the chance encounter of two souls. Our Vago Mundo and the one who would give him purpose; drive to follow the world to it's end. This was a woman, a head of gold and a heart to boot; vibrant, piercing glacial eyes. She had mended the young boy, saw to his wounds both physical and spiritual, and ensured his continued survival, even when he himself would not provide such effort. She had become his anchor, as well his sail. One no more nor less important than the other. " In a moment, the two silhouettes of Prana had slowly mingled together, seemingly dancing in slow, rotating circles as the bleak vortex surrounding them had suddenly shifted into a sprouting of vines, flowers and other such Edenesque effects, before it all faded away, as if ash parting against a gentle breeze.

A momentary silence took over the air now. Zhongli's expression had not changed from the moment he had started the telling, yet his hand had now moved to grab hold of his drink, which had since gone cold, yet he still raised it in front of him, allowing him to peer into it's dark coloration before he'd tilt it toward himself to sip from. He didn't seem in a particular rush to continue the story's telling, perhaps caused by what was meant to come next.. ".. No ship was ever meant to overcome every storm, least of all come out unscathed, no matter how strong their sail might be. Just as love was never meant to be born from tragedy. Perhaps hope, but never true, undying love. Fate is hardly such a poet.. When born from such misfortune, it is doomed to carry the weight of that same bleakness, festering within it's roots like a poison. The woman who had become our young protagonist's compass, had been bought and paid in full to become another's.. " By the end of his final words, Zhongli had lulled to a lasting quiet. He seemed to focus entirely on his drink now, moving to set it gingerly as it was now empty upon the pedestal at his side before gradually bringing himself to a stand, straightening his coat upon his figure by gripping hold of it's hem that ran down the length of his torso, moving his amber gaze toward the Magus. "I believe I shall take a trick from your book, and save the rest for another time. Shall we continue, Master Mage? "

Merlin listened attentively to Zhongli's tale from where he sat, observing the visual aid in the form of dancing images and swirling energy. The Listener had grown quite comfortable with the energy housed within his body, despite having only learned to use it properly as of his meeting with the Magus of Flowers. Zhongli's tale was one Merlin was familiar with. Not that exact one, but of others like it. As the Listener himself said, "a tale as old as the gods". Violence breeds violence. All other things born of it are marred by it. Its wounds can be healed, but never fully. What once was can never be so again. Like time, people march ever onward, their state of being always shifting. When thinking about it in that way, Merlin found it almost sad. That is, as someone who was fundamentally inhuman. And he would watch countless human lives be dominated by that pattern from his lonely tower. That was the fate he chose for himself. None to heal him, as had been for Vago Mundo. Not that such a thing particularly weighed on him. Even if there was someone like that, he didn't want it. For the entirety of Zhongli's story, Merlin held his cup in his hand, his concentration drawn to the Surgebinder such that he forgot it was there. The steam continued to flow upward to his face, and so too its scent, but he had grown used to it.

When Zhongli proposed that the pair continue their lesson, Merlin nodded, placing his beverage on the small earthen construct his student had erected for both of them. Standing up, Merlin would take a small breath, ready to teach Zhongli the last skill under the branch of Evocation; the Epoch of Titans "This technique should be somewhat familiar to you, so I don't expect much difficulty in understanding them. Starting with its first usage, Wandering Sea, Epoch of Titans allows you to transport objects, techniques and parts of the terrain to the Throne. Those things you transport are sent there on a timer, meaning that they will return to the field after a certain duration which you can control. Think of it as a technique which combines both the Era of Gods and Dynasty of Kings techniques." With brief pause, Merlin nods his head, giving Zhongli the go ahead to experiment with its usage. "While it may seem as though you're just repeating yourself, this technique does have its own strategic uses and its advantages over the other Evocation techniques. Once you're done testing yourself, could you name any?"

(Kanki: Kyojin no Jidai) – Surge of Evocation: Epoch of Titans

Spoiler

Type: Defensive/Supplementary
Rank: B-S
Range: Short-Long
Chakra Cost: 20-40
Damage Points: N/A
Description: Considered the father technique of Era of Gods and Dynasty of Kings, Epoch of Titans uses the Surge of Evocation's ability to teleport objects and Surgebinders to the Throne, and return them to the field.

The Wandering Sea - Bending Space

The user, instead of applying this technique to their own body, can manifest Prana around any object or feature of the terrain to teleport it to the Throne and return it immediately or with a delayed timer. The teleported object can either reappear in a new location instantly, in the same manner as the user's own teleportation, or the user can set a delay of up to four turns and it will return on the first turn after the said number of turn elapses (e.g. a delay of 4 turns, the casting of this jutsu counting as the 1st, means it will reappear at the beginning of the user's 5th turn). The user can also create a technique or familiar with an aura of prana, which can only take affect in the same turn it is created, that allows the technique to teleport itself to a new location. This applies to virtually all type of jutsu except those which are streamed, as the user would find themselves unable to progress to this technique before the other reaches its end. This application occurs in the same timeframe as the jutsu cast and offensive jutsu teleported in this manner must reappear a minimum of five-meters away from any opponents unless the user is also within short-range of that opponent, in which it must reappear at least one meter away. The user cannot teleport any object or jutsu to or from a 1-meter distance from any opponents. However this entire variant cannot be applied to the opponent's jutsus which exceed B-Rank in chakra and it cannot be used on Noble Phantasms or Custom Weapons.

The Everlasting Heaven - Warping Time

This variant involves surging a large amount of Prana throughout the user’s body in order to enter the Throne. Their body, and everything on their person, will disappear instantly in a flash of light reflecting the color of their Prana. The user will then reappear amidst another flash of light at a location of their choosing. If the user reappears within less than a meter of the opponent, the opponent can react with any instant, passive or freeform or chakraless technique. Reappearing is accompanied by a crackling sound, creating both an audible and visual queue. The instant use of this technique, which doesn't take a slot in the timefreame, is enabled by the fact that the ethereal energy already exists within their chakra systems. Thrice per battle the user can utilize a stronger version of this ability (S-Rank) to prolong their stay in the Throne. This allows them to exist within the alternate dimension as Prana, which effectively places their body in a stasis. This halts blood loss, the propagation of poisons, the duration of active techniques/abilities, and any other aliments or conditions. This will happen for as long as the user is within the Throne. The user can only remain there for a maximum of four turns per usage. The first application, considered A-Rank, can only be used once every three turns. It can also only be used four times per battle. The second application, considered S-Rank, can only be used three per battle and operates on the same cooldown as the A-Rank version. S-Rank applications render the user unable to use S-Rank or higher Prana for the next turn, if the user remains in the Throne for longer than a turn.

 

[Red-Robin]

Merlin listened attentively to Zhongli's tale from where he sat, observing the visual aid in the form of dancing images and swirling energy. The Listener had grown quite comfortable with the energy housed within his body, despite having only learned to use it properly as of his meeting with the Magus of Flowers. Zhongli's tale was one Merlin was familiar with. Not that exact one, but of others like it. As the Listener himself said, "a tale as old as the gods". Violence breeds violence. All other things born of it are marred by it. Its wounds can be healed, but never fully. What once was can never be so again. Like time, people march ever onward, their state of being always shifting. When thinking about it in that way, Merlin found it almost sad. That is, as someone who was fundamentally inhuman. And he would watch countless human lives be dominated by that pattern from his lonely tower. That was the fate he chose for himself. None to heal him, as had been for Vago Mundo. Not that such a thing particularly weighed on him. Even if there was someone like that, he didn't want it. For the entirety of Zhongli's story, Merlin held his cup in his hand, his concentration drawn to the Surgebinder such that he forgot it was there. The steam continued to flow upward to his face, and so too its scent, but he had grown used to it.

When Zhongli proposed that the pair continue their lesson, Merlin nodded, placing his beverage on the small earthen construct his student had erected for both of them. Standing up, Merlin would take a small breath, ready to teach Zhongli the last skill under the branch of Evocation; the Epoch of Titans "This technique should be somewhat familiar to you, so I don't expect much difficulty in understanding them. Starting with its first usage, Wandering Sea, Epoch of Titans allows you to transport objects, techniques and parts of the terrain to the Throne. Those things you transport are sent there on a timer, meaning that they will return to the field after a certain duration which you can control. Think of it as a technique which combines both the Era of Gods and Dynasty of Kings techniques." With brief pause, Merlin nods his head, giving Zhongli the go ahead to experiment with its usage. "While it may seem as though you're just repeating yourself, this technique does have its own strategic uses and its advantages over the other Evocation techniques. Once you're done testing yourself, could you name any?"

(Kanki: Kyojin no Jidai) – Surge of Evocation: Epoch of Titans

Spoiler

Type: Defensive/Supplementary
Rank: B-S
Range: Short-Long
Chakra Cost: 20-40
Damage Points: N/A
Description: Considered the father technique of Era of Gods and Dynasty of Kings, Epoch of Titans uses the Surge of Evocation's ability to teleport objects and Surgebinders to the Throne, and return them to the field.

The Wandering Sea - Bending Space

The user, instead of applying this technique to their own body, can manifest Prana around any object or feature of the terrain to teleport it to the Throne and return it immediately or with a delayed timer. The teleported object can either reappear in a new location instantly, in the same manner as the user's own teleportation, or the user can set a delay of up to four turns and it will return on the first turn after the said number of turn elapses (e.g. a delay of 4 turns, the casting of this jutsu counting as the 1st, means it will reappear at the beginning of the user's 5th turn). The user can also create a technique or familiar with an aura of prana, which can only take affect in the same turn it is created, that allows the technique to teleport itself to a new location. This applies to virtually all type of jutsu except those which are streamed, as the user would find themselves unable to progress to this technique before the other reaches its end. This application occurs in the same timeframe as the jutsu cast and offensive jutsu teleported in this manner must reappear a minimum of five-meters away from any opponents unless the user is also within short-range of that opponent, in which it must reappear at least one meter away. The user cannot teleport any object or jutsu to or from a 1-meter distance from any opponents. However this entire variant cannot be applied to the opponent's jutsus which exceed B-Rank in chakra and it cannot be used on Noble Phantasms or Custom Weapons.

The Everlasting Heaven - Warping Time

This variant involves surging a large amount of Prana throughout the user’s body in order to enter the Throne. Their body, and everything on their person, will disappear instantly in a flash of light reflecting the color of their Prana. The user will then reappear amidst another flash of light at a location of their choosing. If the user reappears within less than a meter of the opponent, the opponent can react with any instant, passive or freeform or chakraless technique. Reappearing is accompanied by a crackling sound, creating both an audible and visual queue. The instant use of this technique, which doesn't take a slot in the timefreame, is enabled by the fact that the ethereal energy already exists within their chakra systems. Thrice per battle the user can utilize a stronger version of this ability (S-Rank) to prolong their stay in the Throne. This allows them to exist within the alternate dimension as Prana, which effectively places their body in a stasis. This halts blood loss, the propagation of poisons, the duration of active techniques/abilities, and any other aliments or conditions. This will happen for as long as the user is within the Throne. The user can only remain there for a maximum of four turns per usage. The first application, considered A-Rank, can only be used once every three turns. It can also only be used four times per battle. The second application, considered S-Rank, can only be used three per battle and operates on the same cooldown as the A-Rank version. S-Rank applications render the user unable to use S-Rank or higher Prana for the next turn, if the user remains in the Throne for longer than a turn.

Zhongli had contemplated patiently each word that Merlin had used to describe the next technique. His gaze seemed to narrow off into space, as though he were imagining the applications long before Merlin had beckoned him to think of a few whilst he'd practice it's usage. A soft, pensive hum escaped him as he lifted a hand in front of him; a simple gesture that began to manifestation of three immense, dense spear-like rocks that gradually began to rotate in place after their initial conjuring. "You say this technique may transport objects and techniques, which I imagine the intended purpose was to trap the usage of an opponent's own techniques and redirect their own assault against them. I believe this is a good way to use this sort of technique, yet I do not believe it is the only way, nor the most effective.. "

Type: Offensive
Rank: B
Range: Short-Mid
Chakra: 20
Damage: 40
Description: The user manipulates their chakra creating three huge rocks infront of them. The user will then unleash the three huge rocks coming from three different angles from infront of the enemy to smash into each other causing segments to start protruding from the collision and damaging the opponent.

In an instant following his comments, he had fixed his gaze upon a considerably sized tree that lingered roughly 10 meters away from his and Merlin's standing position. Zhongli had then discharged the spears of stone as they were intended, each bulleting toward the destination of the tree that Zhongli had marked as their target, one following down a perfect center while the other two seemed to curve left and right, aimed to strike at the tree's flanks. Yet, in quick succession, as they were halfway in their transition, Zhongli had lifted both his hands, pointing his open palm toward the two sideward spikes. The gilded Prana had abruptly swelled around the spears of stone rapidly before the spears had suddenly disappeared from sight, as though displaced from existence. The center spear was left to it's track, yet just prior to it's contact with the tree, roughly a meter away from it, a sudden swirling of Prana would form directly in line with it's path, causing the previously missing two spears to reappear, in nearly the same exact place as the center one, of which resulted in the three to converge in an inevitable collision, smashing together and causing the three spears to grenade apart from the sudden applied force, dozens of sharp chunks of stone now blasting toward the three in a widespread rain of shrapnel, tearing the bark and the tree itself apart in a maelstrom of rock, nearly toppling it over in the process.

Zhongli had lifted a hand toward himself, running a gentle caress of his fingers against his chin in a pensive stroke as he murmured to himself in a low hum of words that were only meant for him and his own thoughts before he'd finally speak more clearly. "This is quite a basic application, I admit, yet the point is it offers for unique deliberation on the usage of techniques that extends outside of their otherwise typical machinations.. What might be a simple rock, may be turned into a necessary distraction elsewhere. What could be a wall, may be used to drop upon the heads of the unsuspecting. Or, if nothing else, it may be a means to keep ones coffee warm, until they are ready to drink it. "

 

[Goetia]

Zhongli had contemplated patiently each word that Merlin had used to describe the next technique. His gaze seemed to narrow off into space, as though he were imagining the applications long before Merlin had beckoned him to think of a few whilst he'd practice it's usage. A soft, pensive hum escaped him as he lifted a hand in front of him; a simple gesture that began to manifestation of three immense, dense spear-like rocks that gradually began to rotate in place after their initial conjuring. "You say this technique may transport objects and techniques, which I imagine the intended purpose was to trap the usage of an opponent's own techniques and redirect their own assault against them. I believe this is a good way to use this sort of technique, yet I do not believe it is the only way, nor the most effective.. "

Type: Offensive
Rank: B
Range: Short-Mid
Chakra: 20
Damage: 40
Description: The user manipulates their chakra creating three huge rocks infront of them. The user will then unleash the three huge rocks coming from three different angles from infront of the enemy to smash into each other causing segments to start protruding from the collision and damaging the opponent.

In an instant following his comments, he had fixed his gaze upon a considerably sized tree that lingered roughly 10 meters away from his and Merlin's standing position. Zhongli had then discharged the spears of stone as they were intended, each bulleting toward the destination of the tree that Zhongli had marked as their target, one following down a perfect center while the other two seemed to curve left and right, aimed to strike at the tree's flanks. Yet, in quick succession, as they were halfway in their transition, Zhongli had lifted both his hands, pointing his open palm toward the two sideward spikes. The gilded Prana had abruptly swelled around the spears of stone rapidly before the spears had suddenly disappeared from sight, as though displaced from existence. The center spear was left to it's track, yet just prior to it's contact with the tree, roughly a meter away from it, a sudden swirling of Prana would form directly in line with it's path, causing the previously missing two spears to reappear, in nearly the same exact place as the center one, of which resulted in the three to converge in an inevitable collision, smashing together and causing the three spears to grenade apart from the sudden applied force, dozens of sharp chunks of stone now blasting toward the three in a widespread rain of shrapnel, tearing the bark and the tree itself apart in a maelstrom of rock, nearly toppling it over in the process.

Zhongli had lifted a hand toward himself, running a gentle caress of his fingers against his chin in a pensive stroke as he murmured to himself in a low hum of words that were only meant for him and his own thoughts before he'd finally speak more clearly. "This is quite a basic application, I admit, yet the point is it offers for unique deliberation on the usage of techniques that extends outside of their otherwise typical machinations.. What might be a simple rock, may be turned into a necessary distraction elsewhere. What could be a wall, may be used to drop upon the heads of the unsuspecting. Or, if nothing else, it may be a means to keep ones coffee warm, until they are ready to drink it. "

Merlin looked on quietly to see what Zhongli might do with the technique. Conjuring three earthen spears, teleporting two to the throne, and returning them to this plane of reality for explosive results. Their collision, having caused the destruction of a nearby tree, surprised the incubus. Though he expected nothing, he saw something which still managed to startle him. That aside, Zhongli's commentary on the skill itself was fairly apt; it allowed for more deliberate usage of the Surge of Evocation's full capabilities. "Exactly. Now, the real reason why I took us from Avalon to the real world." Merlin turned his eyes to the canopy above, the light of the sun barely shining through the dense congregation of branches and leaves. "Of the skills you've learned so far..." Merlin paused momentarily, returning his gaze to Zhongli "This is one that you already know. Even before you came to see me. But only partially. Now you'll learn its full secrets." Gripping his staff, Merlin raised his arm and pointed to a nearby tree off to his right, which stood around 7 meters away. "I want you to transport yourself to the Throne, and reappear at that spot. Previously, you've only used your power to stay within the Throne for extended durations. Right now, you're only teleporting to the Throne, and teleporting yourself back to another location within this plane of reality, all in a virtual instant." Lowering his arm, now that Zhongli had been informed of his task, Merlin waited to see his performance.

 

[Red-Robin]

Merlin looked on quietly to see what Zhongli might do with the technique. Conjuring three earthen spears, teleporting two to the throne, and returning them to this plane of reality for explosive results. Their collision, having caused the destruction of a nearby tree, surprised the incubus. Though he expected nothing, he saw something which still managed to startle him. That aside, Zhongli's commentary on the skill itself was fairly apt; it allowed for more deliberate usage of the Surge of Evocation's full capabilities. "Exactly. Now, the real reason why I took us from Avalon to the real world." Merlin turned his eyes to the canopy above, the light of the sun barely shining through the dense congregation of branches and leaves. "Of the skills you've learned so far..." Merlin paused momentarily, returning his gaze to Zhongli "This is one that you already know. Even before you came to see me. But only partially. Now you'll learn its full secrets." Gripping his staff, Merlin raised his arm and pointed to a nearby tree off to his right, which stood around 7 meters away. "I want you to transport yourself to the Throne, and reappear at that spot. Previously, you've only used your power to stay within the Throne for extended durations. Right now, you're only teleporting to the Throne, and teleporting yourself back to another location within this plane of reality, all in a virtual instant." Lowering his arm, now that Zhongli had been informed of his task, Merlin waited to see his performance.

It was as Merlin had implied; this was a technique Zhongli had strangely already been performing, several times before ever hearing of it's existence officially. He hadn't considered it a skill, or a technique that required particular execution. Rather he simply imagined it as a natural effect that The Throne might have on those who were blessed with it's gift. He would only need to call upon The Throne, and each time he'd find himself within it's ironic "warm embrace." It served as his home for several centuries now, with no exaggeration in that. He had remained in stasis for two, sometimes three hundred years at a time, only to reemerge at seemingly random times, perhaps chosen by him subconsciously to revisit the world in hopes that it had taken on a form that he could willingly live within, yet thus far he has been moderately disappointed each time...

The thought had crossed Zhongli's mind: If he was only used to using this technique as a means to submerge himself in his long Sleep -the state of stasis that allowed solely him to be fixed in a state of time- then what risk did he find himself at to unintentionally enter into that same state? Perhaps that was the point to all of this. He needed to expand his understanding of the usage of these skills, learn to apply them properly and in their intended methods. Though he knew one application quite naturally by now, then it stood to reason that he should be able to manage the "easier" form as well. Zhongli had looked toward the tree that Merlin had designated, then back to the Mage with a slight nod of affirmation, a silent gesture that doubled as a signal that he would proceed as instructed. Once more he cast his focus upon the tree, as well it's immediate surroundings. Each small divot and slight bump in the ground, the grass overlayed in fallen leaves and wet branches, all no doubt born from the tree itself. Once the image was made, he utilized it as his anchor point before closing his eyes. In a steady manner, he began to beckon the Prana that flowed through him naturally; the familiar static sensation rippling now not only through his fingertips, but across his entire body as well. Mentally, he called upon The Throne as he had done times before; it was a method that seemed to work, so by stop now? In that exact instant, his golden Prana had suddenly swelled around him like the starting of a vortex, the energy whipping about until he was entirely submerged within it, then dispersed in an outward wave in a radiant flash of light, revealing.. nothing. Zhongli had vanished, the events leading up to which all happening in the blink of an eye, as no doubt intended given the nature of the technique. Now, the tricky part..

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Zhongli had gradually opened his eyes, or at least, what was the equivalent of relative to the state of being he was now within. He had visited The Throne plenty of times before, yet this time felt different, somehow. As though all the times he had come before was with an air of humbleness, as though in the presence of something he could not understand, thus he could only treat it with distance and respect. Though that same respect still exists for this place, the training he had undergone with Merlin thus far, seemed to diminish his lack of understanding of The Throne, which allowed him to feel.. more comfortable, at home, than the times before. He wanted to remain, if but for only the purpose of to collect his thoughts and feel at ease in a plane that he could not be bothered, yet he had more to do, so such comforts would have to wait. His eyes steadily closed once again, where he began to draw forth the memory of the scene where he was meant to reappear: The tree, just beneath it's umbrella of leaves and branches, upon the cool, soft ground. In an instant, the air surrounding that very spot had begun to grow frigid, as though a small, concentrated blizzard had begun to swell around it. In fact that was not such a poor description of exactly what had come; a gale of familiar gold that swirled in place, giving off an almost electric effect as the very air began to crackle before a similar flash of light as before had formed outward. After the light had dimmed a moment later, it revealed Zhongli, crouching upon a knee with a hand planted against the soil in front of him, as though having just broken his fall. After a brief moment to collect himself, he casually brought himself to an upright standing, lightly patting off his slacks and moving to pull his jacket tight against his figure, straightening it's arrangement. He peered around a moment, figuring out his orientation before finding Merlin. "Right then. That will take some getting used to, but as we already established, I have a convenient head start in this particular department, so I'm none too concerned. "

With that, Zhongli had begun his casual stride toward Merlin, meant to retake his position near the Magus. "So, tell me, Master Ma-- .. " Zhongli had abruptly cut himself off, as though a thought had suddenly struck him that entirely took the reigns of his speech. His eyes closed a brief moment before opening not longer after, little more than a slightly longer blink of the eyes before fixing his amber gaze upon the Mage. ".. Merlin. I've given it some thought. If you would allow it, I would like to visit you and your quaint tower more, in the future. I can promise that I will visit more than only when I need something from you, such as training, though I do feel that I can learn much from you. I might even bring along different brews of coffee and tea, next time. For better variety, to accommodate differing preferences. What do you say? "

 

[Goetia]

It was as Merlin had implied; this was a technique Zhongli had strangely already been performing, several times before ever hearing of it's existence officially. He hadn't considered it a skill, or a technique that required particular execution. Rather he simply imagined it as a natural effect that The Throne might have on those who were blessed with it's gift. He would only need to call upon The Throne, and each time he'd find himself within it's ironic "warm embrace." It served as his home for several centuries now, with no exaggeration in that. He had remained in stasis for two, sometimes three hundred years at a time, only to reemerge at seemingly random times, perhaps chosen by him subconsciously to revisit the world in hopes that it had taken on a form that he could willingly live within, yet thus far he has been moderately disappointed each time...

The thought had crossed Zhongli's mind: If he was only used to using this technique as a means to submerge himself in his long Sleep -the state of stasis that allowed solely him to be fixed in a state of time- then what risk did he find himself at to unintentionally enter into that same state? Perhaps that was the point to all of this. He needed to expand his understanding of the usage of these skills, learn to apply them properly and in their intended methods. Though he knew one application quite naturally by now, then it stood to reason that he should be able to manage the "easier" form as well. Zhongli had looked toward the tree that Merlin had designated, then back to the Mage with a slight nod of affirmation, a silent gesture that doubled as a signal that he would proceed as instructed. Once more he cast his focus upon the tree, as well it's immediate surroundings. Each small divot and slight bump in the ground, the grass overlayed in fallen leaves and wet branches, all no doubt born from the tree itself. Once the image was made, he utilized it as his anchor point before closing his eyes. In a steady manner, he began to beckon the Prana that flowed through him naturally; the familiar static sensation rippling now not only through his fingertips, but across his entire body as well. Mentally, he called upon The Throne as he had done times before; it was a method that seemed to work, so by stop now? In that exact instant, his golden Prana had suddenly swelled around him like the starting of a vortex, the energy whipping about until he was entirely submerged within it, then dispersed in an outward wave in a radiant flash of light, revealing.. nothing. Zhongli had vanished, the events leading up to which all happening in the blink of an eye, as no doubt intended given the nature of the technique. Now, the tricky part..

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Zhongli had gradually opened his eyes, or at least, what was the equivalent of relative to the state of being he was now within. He had visited The Throne plenty of times before, yet this time felt different, somehow. As though all the times he had come before was with an air of humbleness, as though in the presence of something he could not understand, thus he could only treat it with distance and respect. Though that same respect still exists for this place, the training he had undergone with Merlin thus far, seemed to diminish his lack of understanding of The Throne, which allowed him to feel.. more comfortable, at home, than the times before. He wanted to remain, if but for only the purpose of to collect his thoughts and feel at ease in a plane that he could not be bothered, yet he had more to do, so such comforts would have to wait. His eyes steadily closed once again, where he began to draw forth the memory of the scene where he was meant to reappear: The tree, just beneath it's umbrella of leaves and branches, upon the cool, soft ground. In an instant, the air surrounding that very spot had begun to grow frigid, as though a small, concentrated blizzard had begun to swell around it. In fact that was not such a poor description of exactly what had come; a gale of familiar gold that swirled in place, giving off an almost electric effect as the very air began to crackle before a similar flash of light as before had formed outward. After the light had dimmed a moment later, it revealed Zhongli, crouching upon a knee with a hand planted against the soil in front of him, as though having just broken his fall. After a brief moment to collect himself, he casually brought himself to an upright standing, lightly patting off his slacks and moving to pull his jacket tight against his figure, straightening it's arrangement. He peered around a moment, figuring out his orientation before finding Merlin. "Right then. That will take some getting used to, but as we already established, I have a convenient head start in this particular department, so I'm none too concerned. "

With that, Zhongli had begun his casual stride toward Merlin, meant to retake his position near the Magus. "So, tell me, Master Ma-- .. " Zhongli had abruptly cut himself off, as though a thought had suddenly struck him that entirely took the reigns of his speech. His eyes closed a brief moment before opening not longer after, little more than a slightly longer blink of the eyes before fixing his amber gaze upon the Mage. ".. Merlin. I've given it some thought. If you would allow it, I would like to visit you and your quaint tower more, in the future. I can promise that I will visit more than only when I need something from you, such as training, though I do feel that I can learn much from you. I might even bring along different brews of coffee and tea, next time. For better variety, to accommodate differing preferences. What do you say? "

Merlin seemed unbothered by Zhongli's proposition, despite his earlier behaviour, as well as the very reason for which he exiled himself to the Isle of Avalon in the first place. His soft smile was everpresent as he nodded in response. "I won't mind a visitor from time to time. It does get quiet in the tower, and my only companion isn't the talkative type." Tapping his staff on the ground beneath their feet, Merlin returned the pair to the tower, the world twisting and reasserting its proper shape within the blink of an eye. "I hope you enjoyed your stay in this humble abode of mine." Producing a flower in the palm of his hand, he walks closer to Zhongli, tucking it into his clothing. "A token from your travels." the incubus mused, walking over to a window that overlooked the serene fields of Avalon. Though their time together had come to an end, it would not be the last of their interaction.

 

[Red-Robin]

An air of steadiness had imprinted itself into the realm of Avalon, where the Mage's Tower stood as the pinnacle of presence amid the ocean of flowers that was not disturbed but once every few decades it seemed. It was always a portrait of perfection, every petal seemingly set in place upon a stem that had no business looking so delicate yet unwavering in it's arrangement upon the field. All of this served as little more than what seemed to be the makings of a golden cage for the single individual that took up residence in the tower; or perhaps it was two..?

For the first time in who knew how long, the air had been disrupted in it's passive breeze. A certain, unusual chill had begun to creep through the field of flowers, surrounding a singular focal point that begged curiosity of what was causing it. A slow, fluttering of golden, wisp-like particles had begun to swirl steadily in place, forming something of a collective that was gathering from who-knows-where before it had eventually developed into a rushing gale of golden-orange that, after an instance of what could only be described as an audible static that rippled across the air, as if a charge of some sort of energy was at play, a flash of light would disturb the otherwise consistent daylight that gleamed upon the field and tower. The air had finally calmed as the particles of energy, which after such a display seemed to point toward one identity of Prana, seemed to disperse outward, like a smokescreen giving way to a figure passing through it, and in fact one was.. A tall, sharply dressed man with what can only be seen as iconically vibrant gold irises had emerged from the center of the once rushing gale of energy, walking through the field in something of a casual manner, as if he were all too familiar with the location he had arrived only an instant ago.

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Steadily, the man would lift a hand and lightly caress the air around him, the energy that he had once spawned from now swirling around his fingertips like small fireflies eagerly dancing to his gestures, before they'd begin to converge upon one another in a form of synthesis. After but a moment of reshaping and melding, several butterfly-like creations had been made out of the golden Prana, each the same golden-orange coloration of the energy they were sourced from, while holding what appeared to be some rock-like designs and formations scattered through as ascents. Whether or not this had any true physicality to it or that it was merely a form of cosmetic differentiation wasn't entirely known. One of the prana-butterflies would flutter along one of the man's outstretched fingers as he brought it slowly closer to his visage. His lips would part only slightly to disclose a mere whisper of a command: "Search.." before they'd scatter away from him as naturally as one might expect of the creatures they resembled.

The butterflies had all seemed to take toward the same destination, that of the tower itself. Carefully they would each begin to flutter about the tower, all moving toward separate corners, windows and around it's outside edges as if in perpetual search for something, or someone. All the while, the soles of the man's shoes would click delicately across the stone flooring of the tower as he ascended further and further up. Whether or not he'd find who he was looking for at it's peak did not seem to be the largest of his worries, but rather he seemed to be simply.. taking in the tower and it's surroundings, as if a man returning home for the first time in years. He would lightly play across the surface of the walls with his outstretched fingertips, feeling every slight bump or divot in the stone like drawing ones fingers across a page in a book. Before he'd reach the peak of the tower, his small companions he had made before would have arrived ahead of him. If they were to find the Incubus they were after, they would converge on the Magus of Flowers, fluttering around his head in calm, playful motions, waiting for their master to arrive and see their work was done.

After arriving to the pinnacle of the tower where much had been done there with him some time ago, he'd merely take in a steady breath as he passed an inspecting gaze across the room, seemingly searching for nothing in particular, yet taking in all he could. "It has been too long." Finally, he spoke aloud, seemingly to no one in particular. The voice of Zhongli, the Listener. No doubt here once again with questions aplenty for the resident of the tower. But doubtless as well to visit an old friend..

Type: Defensive/Supplementary
Rank: B-S
Range: Short-Long
Chakra Cost: 20-40
Damage Points: N/A
Description: Considered the father technique of Era of Gods and Dynasty of Kings, Epoch of Titans uses the Surge of Evocation's ability to teleport objects and Surgebinders to the Throne, and return them to the field.

The Wandering Sea - Bending Space

The user, instead of applying this technique to their own body, can manifest Prana around any object or feature of the terrain to teleport it to the Throne and return it immediately or with a delayed timer. The teleported object can either reappear in a new location instantly, in the same manner as the user's own teleportation, or the user can set a delay of up to four turns and it will return on the first turn after the said number of turn elapses (e.g. a delay of 4 turns, the casting of this jutsu counting as the 1st, means it will reappear at the beginning of the user's 5th turn). The user can also create a technique or familiar with an aura of prana, which can only take affect in the same turn it is created, that allows the technique to teleport itself to a new location. This applies to virtually all type of jutsu except those which are streamed, as the user would find themselves unable to progress to this technique before the other reaches its end. This application occurs in the same timeframe as the jutsu cast and offensive jutsu teleported in this manner must reappear a minimum of five-meters away from any opponents unless the user is also within short-range of that opponent, in which it must reappear at least one meter away. The user cannot teleport any object or jutsu to or from a 1-meter distance from any opponents. However this entire variant cannot be applied to the opponent's jutsus which exceed B-Rank in chakra and it cannot be used on Noble Phantasms or Custom Weapons.

The Everlasting Heaven - Warping Time

This variant involves surging a large amount of Prana throughout the user’s body in order to enter the Throne. Their body, and everything on their person, will disappear instantly in a flash of light reflecting the color of their Prana. The user will then reappear amidst another flash of light at a location of their choosing. If the user reappears within less than a meter of the opponent, the opponent can react with any instant, passive or freeform or chakraless technique. Reappearing is accompanied by a crackling sound, creating both an audible and visual queue. The instant use of this technique, which doesn't take a slot in the timefreame, is enabled by the fact that the ethereal energy already exists within their chakra systems. Thrice per battle the user can utilize a stronger version of this ability (S-Rank) to prolong their stay in the Throne. This allows them to exist within the alternate dimension as Prana, which effectively places their body in a stasis. This halts blood loss, the propagation of poisons, the duration of active techniques/abilities, and any other aliments or conditions. This will happen for as long as the user is within the Throne. The user can only remain there for a maximum of four turns per usage. The first application, considered A-Rank, can only be used once every three turns. It can also only be used four times per battle. The second application, considered S-Rank, can only be used three per battle and operates on the same cooldown as the A-Rank version. S-Rank applications render the user unable to use S-Rank or higher Prana for the next turn, if the user remains in the Throne for longer than a turn.

Type: Offensive/Defensive/Supplementary
Rank: D-S
Range: Short-Long
Chakra Cost: 10-40
Damage Points: N/A
Description: This technique encompasses the basic applications of the Surge of Evocation. The Surge of Evocation is the usage of Prana in its raw and unrefined form; whatever this Prana touches is transformed into ethereal energy and transported to the Throne. Prana will neutralize and be neutralized by techniques that possess the same amount of chakra. Similarly it will be useless against attacks of greater chakra and will not be weakened by techniques of lower chakra. However when used on living targets this ambient energy will feel extremely frigid to the touch and induce cold burns on contact or even freeze a target solid for higher ranked applications. D to B-Rank uses will inflict cold burns as well as all of the effects of frostbite. A-Rank uses will cause necrosis of the afflicted parts of the body, making them appear dark purple and bruised to signify the death of cells. Affected appendages and organs will cease to function, becoming completely immobile in the case of limbs. S rank uses will freeze the struck targets solid. In the case of Surgebinders, who are immune to all of the above effects, they will be transported to the Throne when struck by the prana of another member of their clan. Era of Gods can be split into three separate applications, all based on the same principle: constructs, armors, and familiars made of prana energy.

Pride of Gilgamesh – Gates of Babylon
The Pride of Gilgamesh allows the user to produce Prana either from the user’s body or on the battlefield. The Prana can only be manifested within short-range of the opponent if the user is also within that range, in which it must be created a minimum of one meter away. This restriction does not apply if the user chooses to release the Prana from their body, rather than manifest it away from themselves. The energy can be released from the body via various hand signs depending on the user's rank in the clan. This can be done to generate constructs bound only by the rank of technique used and one’s imagination; alternatively the user can simplify the application by creating streams, waves, and constructs of Prana. Manifested Prana is capable of taking solid form, granting tangibility at the user’s volition. Non-projectile uses of this technique are capable of levitating and can be governed through mental commands and a sustained chakra cost. B-Ranks and below are sustained through 5 chakra per turn, A-Ranks and above require 10 chakra per turn. Created constructs will last three turns per usage unless they are prematurely cancelled. S-Rank applications can only be used once every three turns and no Prana in the user’s next turn.

Embrace of Ishtar – Armory of Akkadia
This variant allows the user to manifest armors, auras, and coatings of Prana around their body. This can be used to enshroud a single or multiple body parts in a layer of colored energy. These defenses can be made to fit the body like conventional armors or enveloping it in a formless manner. The first type can be created with additional limbs and appendages such as wings which enable flight. The user can also constantly reshape it and create small-scale weapons from the body of the armor, though at the cost of one of the user's three moves. It should be noted that these constructs remain attached to the main body of the armor and so act as an extension of it. The second type generates a “flowing aura” that appears to flicker like an open flame. This aura is often made as an upwards column that is streamed into the sky with its base remaining around the user. It should be noted that its power is not split or divided as all of the Prana energy is part of one whole. The armors can exhibit tangibility, although this does not hinder the user’s techniques and their passing which can freely move in and out of the armor per the user’s will. B-Rank and below applications require being sustained with 5 chakra per turn while A and S Ranks require 10 chakra per turn. This technique can last a maximum of three turns. S-Rank applications can be used twice per battle. After an S-Rank application expires the user is unable to utilize Prana single turn.

Divinity of Merlin – Garden of Avalon
The Divinity of Merlin allows the user to produce Prana in the same way as the Pride of Gilgamesh and can be shaped in the same way, limited by rank and imagination. However, unlike the Pride of Gilgamesh which creates static constructs the Divinity of Merlin creates constructs imbued with a limited form of sentience – familiars. These familiars can be created anywhere on the battlefield, with the exception of short-range of the opponent unless the user is also within that range; in this case the familiar cannot be created within two meters of the opponent. This restriction does not apply if the user chooses to release the Prana from their body. Familiars are capable of taking numerous shapes, not simply limited to animals. These familiars are also capable of taking solid form at the user’s volition. Familiars are capable of remaining on the battlefield for four turns. B-Ranks and below are sustained through 5 chakra per turn, A-Ranks and above require 10 chakra per turn. S-Rank applications can only be used twice times per battle and no Prana in the user’s next turn.

Note: The upper echelon of the clan (Servants and above) are capable of using this technique without hand signs for B-rank and below. A-rank will require two hand signs and S-rank requires three.
Note: The lower tier clan members (Phantasms to Guardians) will require 5 to 3 hand seals for all ranks, decreasing as they they ascend in rank.

 

[Goetia]

"Indeed it has, Zhongli-kun." the incubus replied, though his voice seemed to be disembodied. A moment later, the Magus of Flowers appeared in a whirlwind of petals, reuniting with the Listener for the first time in ages. One easily lost track of time in this place.

"I assume you've come to learn more? Or perhaps just to chat?" he inquired. It was nice to see a familiar face, and he would enjoy the company regardless of pretense or circumstance.

 

[Red-Robin]

"Indeed it has, Zhongli-kun." the incubus replied, though his voice seemed to be disembodied. A moment later, the Magus of Flowers appeared in a whirlwind of petals, reuniting with the Listener for the first time in ages. One easily lost track of time in this place.

"I assume you've come to learn more? Or perhaps just to chat?" he inquired. It was nice to see a familiar face, and he would enjoy the company regardless of pretense or circumstance.

While he hadn't had a face to the voice right away, Zhongli was no stranger to the "antics" of the Magus at this point. While they hadn't seen each other often, what sparse times they had come to know one another was filled with mutual learning and expanse of both parties understanding of the other.

Once the petals had been left to disperse, seemingly into the nothingness that they had emerged from, the Listener merely offered a courteous, subtle bow of his head in Merlin's direction before straightening a moment later. "Guilty as charged, as they say these days. I always welcome your wisdom, both formal or otherwise. I had hoped you'd humor me for further lessons."

 

[Goetia]

While he hadn't had a face to the voice right away, Zhongli was no stranger to the "antics" of the Magus at this point. While they hadn't seen each other often, what sparse times they had come to know one another was filled with mutual learning and expanse of both parties understanding of the other.

Once the petals had been left to disperse, seemingly into the nothingness that they had emerged from, the Listener merely offered a courteous, subtle bow of his head in Merlin's direction before straightening a moment later. "Guilty as charged, as they say these days. I always welcome your wisdom, both formal or otherwise. I had hoped you'd humor me for further lessons."

Merlin cupped his chin with his hand, nodding his head contemplatively in an attempt to recollect where they had left off "Hmm, I see, I see." The moment he remembered, the magus seemingly sprang to life, clicking his fingers and pointing to Zhongli "Alright! Let us begin then." sitting on the ground in a cross-legged position.

"You recall Prana's ability to move things in and out of the Throne, yes? What you're about to learn is the same thing, but with a more focused application. Using your Prana, I want you to reach into the Throne, and call to hand a weapon. It can be anything; a sword, lance, even armour or a ship! Give it a try." The incubus would keep his eyes fixed on the fledgling Surgebinder, watching keenly for how he would approach this next exercise.

 

[Red-Robin]

Merlin cupped his chin with his hand, nodding his head contemplatively in an attempt to recollect where they had left off "Hmm, I see, I see." The moment he remembered, the magus seemingly sprang to life, clicking his fingers and pointing to Zhongli "Alright! Let us begin then." sitting on the ground in a cross-legged position.

"You recall Prana's ability to move things in and out of the Throne, yes? What you're about to learn is the same thing, but with a more focused application. Using your Prana, I want you to reach into the Throne, and call to hand a weapon. It can be anything; a sword, lance, even armour or a ship! Give it a try." The incubus would keep his eyes fixed on the fledgling Surgebinder, watching keenly for how he would approach this next exercise.

Zhongli couldn't help but feel an arc to his brow spring across his expression as Merlin began to explain the focus of the next method of conjuring prana. Simply call forth a weapon.. even a "ship"? Having been told that, the Listener had to combat two focuses in his mind now as he approached this new lesson: Would he test the limits of this new ability, or would he settle for something more appropriate -and thus tamer than the alternative- to him..?

The former was tempting, but for now, he thought to keep it within the realm of reason, given the venue he had to work with; isolated at the top of the tower of Avalon that he and Merlin currently resided in. While The Listener was a spearman in the warring ages that he came from, making him no stranger to the use of extended arms as a means to achieve his marks, he felt that such a projection that banked on that same experience was far too obvious. Were he to use this newfound means of adapting Prana for his uses in a real combat situation, assuming his opponent knew something of who the Nomad was, a Spear was likely to be predictable, and thus easily countered if he wasn't careful in it's use. So, what else did he have to go off of..?

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Then, it hit him. Zhongli's eyes shifted to one of his own palms as he outstretched it before him, staring at the creases within his leather gloves that hugged tightly to his digits. While he had adapted a familiarity to lighter armaments when it came to combat to promote a more agile and dexterous style, he also once fought on the principle of a strong defense serving as the strongest offense. A shield might be used to block, as well smash against the bones of a foe. It was all in the technique -the intent- of the user; otherwise a tool was just a tool, after all.

In one steadying breath, Zhongli's eyes had shuttered behind their lids as he began to harness his Prana as he had been instructed. After so long, the Surgebinder -while still young by the standards of the Order- had grown accustomed to the act, as if it were nothing less than the very Chakra that flowed through his veins naturally. As the golden wisps of energy began to form, they would steadily begin to orbit around the length of his outstretched arm, over time gathering in greater, denser numbers before his arm began to disappear within the shroud of the Prana. All the while, Zhongli had begun to harness an image of his desired armament, one that he would draw from the Throne itself to serve his intended purpose. With it firmly grasped in his mind, he began to set forth the intent to project it properly. In one steady grip of his hand amid the shroud of Prana, Zhongli carefully yet smoothly began to retract his arm from the narrow tunnel of swirling Prana, of which seemed to draw the Prana in an upward manner across his entire body, collapsing in upon his body, folding over him and his clothing alike before falling away like ash to reveal a obsidian blackness that glistened in a sheerness, like that of polished stone. In one swift motion the solidifying material had rippled up and down the man's arms, binding across his torso and abdomen and covering down his legs as well, doubling with what appeared to be drapes of silken-adornment that lined his waist and shoulders. In an instant, Zhongli was clad in a full suit of armor; one fit to him in an eerily perfect manner, the armor working up the nape of his neck and across his scalp, forming into two bulky, pointed horns at the top of his dome, while the length of the armor that lined his spine worked its way down to his tailbone, which only continued to roll off into a lengthy obsidian tail that idled behind him, riddled in various spiked, crystalized protrusions. Spread throughout the armor were various layers of the stone-like metal that appeared almost like cracks. Amid these cracks were faint glowing shades of orange and crimson, almost as if putting off heat like a raging furnace beneath it. Fixed in place at the center of his sternum was a singular orange, gem-like construct that radiated the same glow as his Prana, which seemed to fluctuate in intensity in the same pattern as the aforementioned illuminated cracks.

In an instant, the once humbly yet neatly dressed Wanderer had been transformed into that of a steeled warrior, and of course in an odd way, he seemed well suited to the look, as if all too familiar with sporting such necessary defense. Lifting his same previously outstretched arm, Zhongli flexed his digits a couple of times, forming a fist before stretching his fingers straight again and again, as if testing the flexibility of the joints of the armor. "It has been quite some time since I wore anything quite this imposing. It isn't as heavy as I remember it.. A favor of the Throne, I'm sure?"

 

[Goetia]

Merlin could feel Zhongli's thoughts just by observing his initial idleness. It wasn't a matter of capability, but rather, what to summon. It wouldn't be long before the Listener made his decision, wreathing his body in the essence of the Throne, its glorious glow suddenly taking shape, then replaced by an abyssal armour seemingly smithed from the scales of a dragon. Merlin was surprised, but not unimpressed, "I see. I took you for a Lancer, but I suppose there's no rule that they can't use armours, right?" the incubus prodded cheekily. "You're correct, it's enchanted with Prana to feel no lighter than a feather."

Without warning, the incubus would fling a large stake of Wood aimed to strike Zhongli squarely in the chest. With a relatively dull thud, the stake would simply fall by the wayside of the Surgebinder, having been deflected by the armour. "If you look down, you'll see that my attack left not even a scratch on your armour. But be warned, something stronger can strip it from your body."

Spoiler: (Mokuton: Kyousei Mokuzai No Jutsu) Wood Release: Greater Wood Technique

Type: Supplementary/Offensive/Defensive
Rank: A
Range: Short-Long
Chakra: 30
Damage: 60
Description: The user focuses and molds his chakra, using it to create Wood structures, Pillars, Trees, etc to defend, attack or support him. The Wood can be created from the users body or from earth sources and its limitations are only set by the users own imagination and the chakra put into the technique.

---

Do you have questions about any of the NPs listed under this technique? If not, we can move on to the next technique.

 

[Red-Robin]

Merlin could feel Zhongli's thoughts just by observing his initial idleness. It wasn't a matter of capability, but rather, what to summon. It wouldn't be long before the Listener made his decision, wreathing his body in the essence of the Throne, its glorious glow suddenly taking shape, then replaced by an abyssal armour seemingly smithed from the scales of a dragon. Merlin was surprised, but not unimpressed, "I see. I took you for a Lancer, but I suppose there's no rule that they can't use armours, right?" the incubus prodded cheekily. "You're correct, it's enchanted with Prana to feel no lighter than a feather."

Without warning, the incubus would fling a large stake of Wood aimed to strike Zhongli squarely in the chest. With a relatively dull thud, the stake would simply fall by the wayside of the Surgebinder, having been deflected by the armour. "If you look down, you'll see that my attack left not even a scratch on your armour. But be warned, something stronger can strip it from your body."

Spoiler: (Mokuton: Kyousei Mokuzai No Jutsu) Wood Release: Greater Wood Technique

Type: Supplementary/Offensive/Defensive
Rank: A
Range: Short-Long
Chakra: 30
Damage: 60
Description: The user focuses and molds his chakra, using it to create Wood structures, Pillars, Trees, etc to defend, attack or support him. The Wood can be created from the users body or from earth sources and its limitations are only set by the users own imagination and the chakra put into the technique.

---

Do you have questions about any of the NPs listed under this technique? If not, we can move on to the next technique.

Merlin's assessment was spot on, it went without much elaboration that Zhongli was in fact a Lancer through-and-through, based on his more familiar disciplines and tactics, yet he himself had fought in many wars in his time, and each spawned a new era of conflict that demanded new skillsets of him, all of which were tools put to use for whatever means were necessary at the time. No doubt the use of Prana in this way to conjure armaments such as this would serve just the same way.

As soon as the wooden spike had been summoned and hurled toward him, Zhongli seemed relatively unresponsive, albeit fully aware of the assault made against him. In what was likely a combination of his own intuition and a dabble of his faith in Merlin by this point, he held his place firmly and absorbed the brunt of the strike without consequence, as was expected by the Magus. As soon as the strike landed, the Prana-infused armor reverberated like a wave, the previous dim light radiating within the cracks of the scale-like plates would abruptly flare to life as if a flame stoked. It was as if the armor had absorbed the physical force put forth by the wooden spike, only to disperse with having had no immediate means of being utilized. Once more, The Listener outstretched a hand, this time plated-palm facing up as what appeared to be a spike would abruptly form from his hand, spawning from the same material the armor seemed made of as well. "This is truly an impressive feat of the Throne.. Though I find myself dawning on a new curiosity. How is it that you are so familiar with these particular skills when you yourself are not a Surgebinder, Merlin?" After a brief moment following the question, Zhongli realized the possible implication that it might hold without proper courtesy; it seeming harsher than he wanted it to.. ".. Pardon, I hope you do not find that to be rude of me to ask. You are a fascinating individual to say the least, so I find myself curious to know more of your story than most."

---

Out of curiosity, you had mentioned the summoning of a ship previously as a possible option, among the more obvious options. Would it happen to be the "Chariot of the Rider" that would allow for that sort of conjuration, or one of the others? As if wanting to recreate something like Francis Drake's NP from the game.