38.) Art of Zenchi.

Zenchi, an art that has been with the gods since the beginning of the Omniverse. A grand technique that has the powers to combat studies directly. They flow with an essence signature that is opposite to the one that studies use and emit. One could say they're two faces of the same coin. 

Ju'Mosi: "As far as it goes, Zenchi has four different branches to it and even more sub-branches made by gods and mortals alike throughout the years."

Clarence: "One of those four branches would be the Armored Zenchi I used on Morpheus earlier."

Morpheus: "Uhh… what would Armored Zenchi even be able to do? Like, what's the true nature of what you used."

Ju'Mosi: "Ah, right. Well, like the name suggests, Armor Zenchi creates a hard shelling around the area you choose to apply it to. Whether it be your fist, your arm, your foot, your head, or your entire body. The Armor Zenchi is meant to add extra protection as it breaks down and defends against essence and particle signals."

Amera: "Aaah, I see. I see, so this is what it is that my father used in his matches during the Embodi Tournament four years ago."

Ju'Mosi: "Exactly. That's exactly what that was. It's an incredible technique. With Armor Zenchi, you also have Presence Zenchi, Mental Zenchi, and Physical Zenchi. Those are the four main branches."

Morpheus: "Do you know what each one does?"

Clarence: "Yes. Well, the basics, at the very least. We've already explained the basics of Armored Zenchi, but now I'll tell you about Presence Zenchi brah. This type of Zenchi focuses on sending out an invisible wave of essence that directly attacks the senses, mind, and will. But I've heard those of great skill and prowess can summon force with this wave. That force is formidable every time."

Ju'Mosi: "Yep, but then you have Mental Zenchi, which focuses on enhancing one's senses and intellect. Making everything more sharp and intuitive. Even giving you the ability to see into the future for a little length of time. It's quite useful but very straining when not mastered."

Clarence: "Right, so then that moves us onto the last of the four… Physical Zenchi. This type of Zenchi also has a boost sequence to it, which is to boost all physical attributes as well as add an extra coating of essence to your limbs. Boosting overall attack and damaging potential."

Amera: "Ah, ok, ok. I understand the four at the very least. Easy to expand on those kinds of basics."

Morpheus: "Yeah, true. But… just how would one go about trying to invoke and use these four branches of Zenchi?"

Ju'Mosi: "Well, I was going to be showing you how to use Physical Zenchi anyway. Might as well explain the concept a bit, I guess brah."

Morpheus: "Would love to hear that. I'd rather understand what I'm doing than just use it and not know exactly how. Couldn't truly progress myself in the field of Zenchi if it were like that."

Clarence: "Uh… yeah, that's true, actually. Well, give 'em his explanation, my man."

Ju'Mosi: "Alright, brah. Eh-ehm! For physical Zenchi, one must first find their true essence. It's a signal of essence that's quite different from the altered signature we use when employing our elemental, birthright, and study/-like abilities. This essence is the only type of essence we can use to invoke Zenchi. Once you get that down. You should be able to manipulate it to a point that you force it past the physical material, that is, your skin. Once that happens, you'll find that whatever you apply it to will be boosted in physical stature and ability. Masters are rumored to be able to do this throughout their entire body."

Amera: "Oh, I love when you use your infomercial voice, cousin Ju." 

Morpheus: "That was quite nifty, but are these the facts? (If so, that would mean the weird signature I've been sensing within myself would be my original essence. My true signal without any signs of alterings.) I believe I can make that work out."

Amera: "Yeah, it doesn't seem too difficult. It's just really tedious when it comes to getting your grounding started, honestly."

Clarence: "Yeah, it is a pain, but we'll be able to rise above the small things and evolve further beyond as Zenchi masters."

Ju'Mosi: "Got that right, brah!"

Zo'Elgor: "Well, truth be told. You won't get far with an incomplete Zenchi branch. You see you're missing some components when it comes to it."

Ju'Mosi: "Huh!?"

Clarence: "Well, I'll be. *Bow* Welcome home, Lord Zo'Elgor. But… What brings you here?"

Morpheus: "Yeah, big brotha Zo… what can we do for you?"

Amera: (His power increased?)

Zo'Elgor: "Well, I was training the two of them, and we thought of coming here to continue our training. But it seems you guys already had it for the day. But at this point, I'm here to help all six of you learn the four branches of Zenchi. I'm a near master in two of the four branches, after all."

Ju'Mosi: "Before we start… I'd like to hear what it is we lack here."

Clarence: "I, as well."

Zoshen: "Oh, wait! Does this mean you're about to tell us about Zenchi finally!?"

Malikai: "About damn time, bruh. Took forever after you teased us with that display." 

Zo'Elgor: "Alright, alright. Well, it's quite simple what it is you lack. Zenchi is more deeply intertwined with us and this omniverse. One could say it flows as deep as the studies themselves do." 

Ju'Mosi: "Oh? Then just how deep are we talking, Master Zo?"

Zo'Elgor: "So… we'll go in the same order you guys did when explaining their basics. To start… Armored Zenchi is of no hidden ability. That there has been explained thoroughly enough. It's the other three that have add ons."

Clarence: "Pfft… well it's good to know we got one right."

Morpheus: "Hahaha. Well, that's good, but I'd like to hear what's missing from the other three."

Zo'Elgor: "Right on. To start, Presence Zenchi actually has a tie into our element and the essence signal they give off. So usually yes… one does give off a signal and wave that directly aims for the senses, essence system, and will of an opponent. But it can also cause irreversible damage to these same components by simply using our elemental essence."

Ju'Mosi: "Woah there… wait a second! So you're saying Zenchi is actually deadly to be using all willy nilly!?"

Zo'Elgor: "Presence Zenchi more specifically, but yes. You can't just use these techniques if you are not a master and I'll show you why."

Zo'Elgor begins walking more towards the row of mountain ranges that stretched for hundreds of miles, going south of their location. He shut his eyes and began to show off the body language that screamed. He was focusing right then. A heavy breeze had begun to stir up their surroundings. A huge intensity swept across the children as they lost themselves for a brief moment. 

Morpheus: "Damn… this is what it feels like to combat true Presence Zenchi!?"

Amera: "It's harsh to fight against, honestly."

Zoshen: "N-Ngh!"

Ju'Mosi: "Damn! (This wave canceled mine out in an instant! And our surroundings are crumbling at great speeds.)

Clarence: (He truly has gotten stronger!)

Zo'Elgor: "So, as you would know. Since the events of Death II's revival, I've been training a bit and was able to raise my Power Scale rating some bit. From a thirteen to seventeen, point five. With that, I can.."

Zo Elgor opens his eyes, and they appear to be the inverted colors to his original hues. A force then came crashing from his glare and met head-on with the gigantic mountain range before him. The range was completely wiped out in an instant.

Malikai: "What the!? He completely blew away that entire mountain range with just a glare!? That's insane!!!"

Morpheus: "Wow, that's incredible to even think about. Now I've definitely gotta learn that!"

Zo'Elgor: "And we shall do so after I've explained the other two. It's essential you learn these cause there are opponents out there who are supreme masters and use it with everything they do. Just being a being who uses and relies on your study won't cut it. It'd be snuffed out too quickly. But with this… the sky's the limit."

Amera: "Let's get started then!"

Zoshen: "I second that."

Zo'Elgor: "Right. So let's get to learning about Mental Zenchi, and I'll demonstrate that as well. Those are my two best fields… I can't show you Physical and Armored Zenchi as great, but it'll still get the message across."

Ju'Mosi: "Heh, and we're ready, sir."

As Zo Elgor continues, his lesson on Zenchi and its four branches. We go on a quick blast across quadrant one of Colossaverse 1. Straight into the great clan of War Gods, Gahwardia. Here, we'll find quite the familiar situation going on. MorZick and Shii were in the middle of explaining Zenchi to Silvio, Fong, Vashjai, and Ebon. Both Ebon and Vashjai know how to use it but do not fully understand the makeup of Zenchi. 

MorZick: "So pretty much, using Mental Zenchi can help one enhance the learning proficiency and the mastery/usage of a study. On top of already helping the intellect and five senses as well as one's precision and skill level. One should also note being able to control those whose wills are weaker than their own with a simple glance. But the strain is tremendous."

Fong: "Wait a second… if Zenchi cancels out studies… How does it help enhance the learning of a study? That's a bit confusing, sir."

MorZick: "Ah…" Well, that's simple, really. Zenchi is a force that has resonated with our omniverse since its beginning. The studies found throughout are also of that nature. The two keep a kind of balance, and through their resonation, they've become a part of this omniverse. So Zenchi essentially works to aid all aspects of the Omniverse, which would include the studies. Studies even have copies that enhance and invoke Zenchi."

Silvio: "Oh... I think I get it. Maybe."

Fong: "They're simply forces that assist each other through certain means, but still follow their nature without fail. Is that it?"

Shii: "That's exactly right. No problems understanding that for you two, huh?"

Vashjai: "Yeah. Seems simple enough, brother Shii."

Ebon: "Easy. So what about the last one, Physical Zenchi?"

Shii: "Oh yeah. Mind if I explain this one pops?"

MorZick: "Well, of course, my son. But first, allow me to demonstrate a little bit of Mental Zenchi. This Zenchi is easily the fastest when coming to activate and deactivate. As well as its ability to potency. When activating this Zenchi, one must accumulate a bit of original essence within their head and mind. Once that's done, one must keep that level of essence flowing using the Essence Bell found in the head. When these two major steps are complete, your eyes flash the same color hue as your essence and allow one to see near into the future and become an instinctual beast." *Fwiittew* 

MorZick's pupils began to shine a bright, star lit blue, and his hair stood on edge. A quick glare at Silvio and Fong causes their eyes to meet with his own. Then, a quick sparring match ensues between Fong and Silvio, with both their faces being as blank as could be. Then, within a flash… they stopped, and MorZick had dropped his powers. 

Fong: "Huh? What the hell just happened?"

Silvio: "I-I don't even know."

Shii: "That's simply what it feels like to be controlled by someone with greater will. The potency is great enough to keep your soul and consciousness in stasis during the happening. It's quite the technique."

Silvio: "Wow… that's incredible."

Shii: "Indeed, but now we move onto Physical Zenchi, which allows one to boost the physical attributes of anything it may be coating. This type of Zenchi utilizes the birthright essence. When using it, you can invoke small commands and employ your birthright's ability full throttle with each attack you perform. But that only comes after you learn to control the level of boostage given to you by the Physical Zenchi essence."

Vashjai: "These are truly the basics with how simple they sound and whatnot."

Ebon: "Yeah, but it'll get a lot more complex later down the line. I'd say that around the time one would want to master Zenchi is when it becomes its most difficult."

MorZick: "And you'd be right on the money. That is when it becomes truly difficult. But it isn't too high a lump to get over, so you'll be fine. But care to give them a demonstration, Shii?"

Shii: "Why certainly pops. Now then, I guess one could say when using Physical Zenchi, you need to first focus on what it is you're going to be coating. Then, summon forth the essence amount needed to coat that limb and boost its attributes. Once that's all done… *PEWWWHHH* You'll be able to crush material with just a touch." *SMASH*

Shii simply inserts his finger into the ground and causes a massive flash quake that shatters the floor. 

Vashjai: "Now that's pretty damn amazing… but wait. I was told Physical Zenchi is an invisible force when being used. So why was yours clear as day and very much so visible?"

MorZick: "Physical Zenchi can be seen as visible if the essence of the user is intense and potent enough. The intensity is basically dependent on how bright or dim the shine of the Zenchi will be. Beginners usually have invisible Zenchi that can only be seen by those using Mental Zenchi. Get me?"

Vashjai: "You guys are making it sound so simple."

Shii: "That's because it is at the start, but it gets heavily complex once the sub-branches get included and maintaining them comes into play."

Ebon: "Ah… I get it now."

MorZick: "Yes indeed. And you two? Do you get the gist of it all?"

Silvio: "Yeah, pretty much, but questions may arise in the near future."

Fong: "Same here, sir."

MorZick: "And I shall answer all when presented to me."

Fong: "Alright, sir, sounds good."

Shii: "Seems everything turned out just fine then. If it's all settled, I've got to head out and get to Dracko Draconia."

Vashjai: "What're you going to the Dragon Clan for?"

Shii: "I've gotta go speak with Zo'Elgor Jr. about Strife. Gaia is already headed towards the Machinelord clan. She has an audience with the son of the current king. Hopefully, she can get him to join, and that'll be one less clan we need to recruit from."

MorZick: "Ah…" Well, good luck, my son. Hopefully, things will go your way this time around."

Shii: "Of course. Hmph, see you around little brother, little cousin. It was great meeting you, Silvio, and Fong. Train hard and do your best to get as strong as possible. You've got the potential to be great! *PEW* 

Silvio: "Likewise!"

Fong: "You do the same. And tell my mother I said stay away from me if you go back to the Empire."

Shii: "I WILL!!!"

MorZick: "Ha!It's good to have that man back. (Now if only his younger brother could stop being so stubborn and come home.)

Shii flies off and into a nearby warp gate connecting Gahwardia'a territory to Dracko Draconia's. Upon entering the gate, there were two shadows lingering in the background as they watched Shii leave the clan. 

???: "It would sseem the most worrisome obstacle has removed themselvess."

???: "Well, with this being Gahwardia and all, we'll still need quite the distraction to pull this off."

???: "Well, Jabreeze, we have the perfect components needed to cause just the distraction." 

Jabreeze: "Oh yeah? I'd love to hear it, Slith."

Slith: "Heheheeee. I know you've heard of the gigantic moon that keeps quite the creature tucked away, haven't you?"

Jabreeze: "Yeah.. What about it?"

Slith: "It'sss rumored that that exact ssame moon floats here. At the center of Gahwardia. It rotates around the capitol."

Jabreeze: "Ok… but how would we utilize such a beast to our liking?"

Slith: "Easy… it would seem that it's told in its legends that the beast was ripped apart before being sealed and now uses a more malleable and gas like form. So with that, he would need a host… a very compatible one so it doesn't kill the host."

Jabreeze: "Ok? How does that help?"

Slith: "The host that we're looking for is the kid. The kid, Silvio. Beel was able to manipulate the child selections a bit and got him over here for our use later. But that time is now. We've just gotta get him to look at the moon."

Jabreeze: "Zeegehehe. This is all too perfect."

Slith: "Yesss… it issss."

The two shadowy foes have returned with a particular goal set in Gahwardia. They plan to unleash a beast unlike any other just to get to this goal, using Silvio as the key. Just what could the two of them and their organization be after?!"

Next Chapter: Legend of the Moon.