[ There's much to mull over in what Manon says, and although Zhongli would like to pull apart as many details as Manon can remember, those other creatures from the portal are still out there hunting. Furthermore, their current tenuous understanding (it truly cannot be called a truced with the sides unmatched as they are) will probably crumble if they have to be maintained much longer. It is not safe here - not for Manon and not for John who still is injured. Best to close this encounter, the agreement between Meridian and Zenith upheld to the best of its ability.

And so Zhongli inclines his head politely: ]

I too offer my thanks, Manon, and wish you a safe journey back to Heliopolis.

I do have one final question, however. The person who tried to kill you when you went after Aetos - an old friend, you said. Would you be willing to tell us who that is?

[ If so, it would be one more thread to add to the ever growing conspiracy board as they try to unravel the mysteries behind what they learned today. ]