ZOCOM Vance was not used to using natural skills. That much was true. His subtle nature only applied to matters of the mind, for subterfuge and illusions, for lying. Not for this.
Moving around in the real world required magic, be it Enochian, Old Magic or Aura.
Trying to be covert like this wasn't in his skill set. Though now was as good a time to learn as any. It was a necessary skill to learn with what will be happening going forward.
'This is crazy...! '
Vance was doing everything he can just to keep them in sight and try to keep them in his visual range, but Heimrich is weaving through this forest like a ghost. He was unsure if Heimrich was even really dodging or if he was using some kind of Logia-like skill to just go through the forest and using illusions to try and trip him up mentally.
He was a hair away from constantly losing the goofy pair if his motivation wasn't constantly rising from the fact that he naturally has that Cross family inclination of 'losing is for losers, RAAAAAAH'.
He does recall why he needs to not be a primal lighthouse all the time. But it seemed easier said than done, his future never told him how he could be covert with this power either... Then again, his future self had abandoned all attachment and went on his own. So that loner had no reason to hide. Fat load of good that was to him.
Being told he needs to relax does little to lessen the fuel for the bonfire.
"Great advice." He sarcastically grumbles. "How would I even do that?!" He blurts out after being told that he needed to remain calm, having nearly face planted into a tree yet again as Heimrich increases just how many trees he continues to weave past by a ridiculous amount.
The main issue was, Vance has only ever fought in highly emotional situations. The power of the Godling and all of Salem's passed down abilities require a great deal of emotional turmoil in order for them to work because of how flawed the recreated Gates were from the original Gates of Triumph. To be emotional like this was so ingrained in him at this point, and with how his Primal abilities work... Being calm was... Well a run in the woods was NOT going to solve this.
Also, how was this NOT a competition at this point? He was showing off and expecting him NOT to take this as a challenge? And Alice wasn't helping.
Hmmm... He was having a harder time with this than he thought. Vance is pretty literal when it come to these things it seems. Heimrich feels a tap on his arm from Alice, who has been watching Vance struggle behind them. They lock eyes for a moment, and he can see the earnestness in hers. It seems she has an idea. "Can we stop here?" She asks.
"Sure." Heimrich slows at a pace that would allow Vance to notice and not plow into them, and the three of them eventually come to a stop. They are still deep in the forest, with no clear path through it. Heimrich lets Alice down, allowing her to approach Vance with her idea.
"I think I know a way, but you'll have to copy what I do, ok?" Alice tells him.
