Chapter 15 - Concepts Of Companionship

Hisataria's normally stoic countenance betrayed a flicker of surprise as she observed Karma's impromptu manipulation of the charge-infused segnxi. The sparks danced with a rhythm born from instinct, a language Hisataria hadn't anticipated from someone claiming amnesia. It was a symphony of adaptation composed in the heat of the metallic sandstorm.

The controlled chaos of Karma's response left an indelible mark on Hisataria's impressions. She couldn't help but be impressed by the seamless way he tapped into the segnxi's fundamental properties. A question lingered in the recesses of her thoughts—could someone truly bereft of their memories exhibit such adeptness with segnxi manipulation?

In her inner monologue, Hisataria found herself walking the tightrope between admiration and suspicion. If it weren't for the brief moments they had shared, the limited context clues she had about Karma's situation would have led her to doubt the authenticity of his memory loss. His quick adaptation to the unforeseen challenges of the sandstorm hinted at a reservoir of untapped knowledge or a deeply ingrained familiarity with segnxi.

The almost automatic response, the way he effortlessly employed the charge-infused segnxi to repel the sand, raised questions in Hisataria's perceptive mind. Did he genuinely lose his memories, or was there more to Karma's story than met the eye? The air of mystery surrounding him thickened, and Hisataria found herself drawn into the enigma that was Karma's existence.

Zhangli's usually confident and composed demeanour faltered for a moment as he witnessed Karma's swift adaptation to the challenges posed by the metallic sandstorm. A subtle crease formed on his forehead, a sign of the doubts that began to seep into his mind. The speed at which Karma deciphered the solution, without seeking guidance or assistance, was nothing short of remarkable, and it stirred a sense of unease within Zhangli.

In the private recesses of his thoughts, Zhangli grappled with a growing suspicion. Could someone with genuine amnesia demonstrate such intuitive mastery over segnxi manipulation? The notion began to gnaw at the edges of his understanding. As a strategist, Zhangli was trained to analyse situations, and the unfolding events painted a picture that seemed incongruent with the narrative of memory loss.

His inner monologue became a battleground of conflicting thoughts. On one hand, there was a lingering sense of awe at Karma's adaptability, but on the other, a flicker of doubt cast a shadow over the authenticity of the memory loss claim. The strategist within Zhangli questioned the credibility of Karma's narrative.

This internal conflict spurred Zhangli to action. In his characteristic confident tone, tinged with a hint of scepticism, he addressed Karma, "Impressive as your solution may be, 'Conqueror' Karma, it would have been prudent to consult your partners before venturing into the unknown. We are a supposed team, and decisions affecting us all should be made collectively. Your individual display of ability notwithstanding, teamwork is paramount in the face of the unpredictable challenges within the Gate."

With the experiment finished the gold sparks slowly faded away from his hand, looking to Zhangli in response to his addressal, Karma tilted his head, "partners?... you're talking about us… but we haven't joined the Umpire yet so how are we partners?". With what seemed like puzzlement in his voice Karma told him.

"Also in this situation the immediate nullification of the sand storm seems to only require charge segnxi which only I right now can use to an adequate degree… and other methods like sheer might might lead to unforeseen circumstances."

Zhangli's eyebrows furrowed slightly, his confidence wavering by his immediate reply. "Titles and affiliations aside, we are supposed to be bound by the shared challenges in the journey to the Umpire. Our goals intertwine, Karma. Unity is not a matter of affiliations but a recognition of shared trials and tribulations."

Karma, with the same face gazing at the world around him, countered, "goals?... aligning or not, the practical solution remains. Charge segnxi is my domain for now. Unless you've got a better idea that doesn't involve plunging us into a deeper situation."

As the Zhangli tried to engage in a single party verbal duel, Sadene, with a touch of awkwardness, interjected, "Let's not get bogged down by labels or semantics. Karma's got a point—we're in uncharted territory, and adaptability is key. But, Zhangli, your concern for teamwork is valid. We should discuss strategies collectively, considering our diverse abilities."

The group continued their journey through the relentless sandstorm, the exchange echoing amidst the metallic gusts, a testament to the clash of individualism and teamwork within the chaotic embrace of the world.

As the metallic sands continued their assault, Karma's mind, now a tempest of contemplation and action, devised a bold manoeuvre. A surge of segnxi, infused with the potent force of charge, cascaded from his form, an ethereal manifestation of gold tinted rainbow that danced through the air.

Delving into the manipulation of Segnxi, a cascade of sensations coursed through my being. It was as if the very nerves in my body resonated with the cosmic energies at my command. Each particle, charged and responsive, transmitted a tingling vibration that reverberated through the depths of my consciousness.

The manual control of Segnxi demanded some delicate calculations. It was a tactile experience, a nuanced interplay between the force exerted and the finesse required. My fingers, conduits of intention, wove through the ethereal threads, gauging the amount of Segnxi needed for each calculated movement.

Calculations unfolded in my mind with a rapidity that bordered on instinct. The mental gymnastics involved in determining the precise amount and control required for the electromagnetic force field became second nature. It was a dance of equilibrium, where too little Segnxi meant vulnerability to the storm, and an excess threatened unintended consequences.

The physical and mental realms intertwined, creating a synthesis of sensory experience and calculated precision. With each manipulation, I could almost feel a sting at my fingertips, a tangible manifestation of the unseen forces harnessed through Segnxi mastery.

Karma revelled in the fusion of his newfound knowledge of charge segnxi and the raw power of electromagnetism. The air around him crackled with unseen energy, a testament to the metamorphosis he imposed upon the very fabric of reality. He mused on the malleability of segnxi, how it yielded to the whims of the knowledgeable, and how its dance could be choreographed to defy the very laws of the environment.

In this display of mastery, he relinquished the singular potency of his segnxi in favour of a distributed force, ensuring the safety of his companions. Each repulsion of the metallic sand was a stroke of genius, a testament to the adaptability he had honed in the crucible of the Gate.

As Karma walked, a living force field of electromagnetic segnxi enveloped them—a spectacle of defiance against the harsh whims of the sandstorm. The air hummed with the harmonious collaboration of charge and repulsion, a symphony of control and mastery over the very essence that wove through the cosmos.

The flow of power from Karma's Segnxi surged through the air, creating a palpable force field that rippled through his companions. Hisatari, a member of a sovereign legacy, trained in Segnxi manipulation, couldn't help but feel approval for the method employed. The efficiency and skill woven into Karma's technique, and the intuition needed to execute it in his situation to this degree triggered a subtle yet undeniable smirk, a testament to her acknowledgment of his capabilities. 

This was ever so as the annoying sand was slowly creeping into her peripheral vision, chipping away at her patience like relentless waves on a rocky shore. Though her segnxi could easily hold it was still annoying, if she was by herself this situation would be trivial, this thought was the same for everyone else probably.

Zhangli, a firm believer in accumulated effort, found himself further mystified by Karma's staggering progress. The stark contrast to his own lofty yet desperate beginnings in Segnxi mastery left him momentarily dwarfed. Internally grappling with a touch of disbelief, he sought refuge in the idea that his battlefield experience would ultimately prove his superiority. After all, Karma's rapid ascent lacked the crucible of practical experience that seasoned warriors like himself had endured.

Myron, the perpetual observer, couldn't contain his amusement at Karma's seamless adaptation to the harsh environment. The swift and instinctual command over Segnxi painted a picture of adaptability that left a lingering smirk on Myron's face that was not even looking in the group's direction, still leading ahead. It was a source of entertainment and a testament to the unpredictable nature of their journey.

Meanwhile, Sadene, and Thalassa were in momentary shock, internally registering a mix of surprise and gratitude. The sudden creation of the force field not only showcased Karma's impressive ability to manipulate Segnxi but also provided a much-needed reprieve from the incessant assault of the metallic sand. The duo couldn't help but be impressed and silently grateful for Karma's unforeseen intervention.

Satisfied with his results Karma kept walking unimpeded by the bashing of the odd natural phenomenon on his newly made magnetic barrier. 

Though he could feel how the maintenance of this force field was using segnxi to keep active, to Karma it wasn't anything to be wary of.