[ Considering the tense atmosphere of the communion prior to this meeting, Zhongli expected that something was going to occur at Manon's questioning, but oh-- he did not expect this. The portal, the monsters, everyone around him scrambling in the chaos. It's like for a moment time distorts as he tries to take in all the visuals and sensory input around him.
John's shout pulls his attention back to the task at hand and the very obvious disappearance of Manon. Another quick glance around and Zhongli sees John disappearing into the roots of the Great Tree in pursuit. How unfortunate. If he doesn't act immediately, finding them later will be almost impossible.
And so it comes down to a split-second decision. As one not yet committed to a cause, it is not Zhongli's place to decide Manon's fate. His cause was not the one betrayed nor did his own offer sanctuary. The only path he vowed to take was to undercover the truth, and with his two closest allies in Kenos both contending with their own problems, well that makes his decision rather simple.
Thus one of the factionless joins the chase for Manon, many paces behind but still in line of sight of John. ]
no subject
John's shout pulls his attention back to the task at hand and the very obvious disappearance of Manon. Another quick glance around and Zhongli sees John disappearing into the roots of the Great Tree in pursuit. How unfortunate. If he doesn't act immediately, finding them later will be almost impossible.
And so it comes down to a split-second decision. As one not yet committed to a cause, it is not Zhongli's place to decide Manon's fate. His cause was not the one betrayed nor did his own offer sanctuary. The only path he vowed to take was to undercover the truth, and with his two closest allies in Kenos both contending with their own problems, well that makes his decision rather simple.
Thus one of the factionless joins the chase for Manon, many paces behind but still in line of sight of John. ]