||I'm rewatching 3.6 trailer and the thing I can't help going feral over is how Dan Heng carries himself in a fight. I'll break it down in the related elements.
Dan Heng is already said to be a strong warrior from lore and in-game. How he moves with his spear relies on his speed and accuracy. For me, it feels as if his attacks are charged up to the very last second before it's unleashed. When he strikes, he makes sure it counts and it hits hard (even fatal).
Now with Cloudhymn coming into play, as Dan Heng IL, he tends to use magic more than his spear. I do HC overtime he becomes comfortable enough to do both, or a mix of both. Here, his fightning style is very destructive (pun not intended). While it may look awe-inspiring, he was at the stage where he's learning (or re-learning) to be comfortable with Cloudhymn magic. He knows how to manipulate the waters and unleash the power behind it. His control is not lacking but it is not refined enough to make sure he doesn't destroy everything by accident if he loses focus. In short terms, I would say his fightning style is like unleashing a violent tidal wave that comes crashing down and swallow everything up.
HSR Spoilerish
Lastly, as Dan Heng PT, because of Georios influence there is something different in how he fights. He is a guardian, a protector of the Trailblaze and friends, and was built to take hits like a tank. But when he's on the offense, Dan Heng appears to be more calculated in how he fights. Every action carries a weight, striking with precision as he does normally with his spear. He definitely hits harder and it shows when he uses both hands to wield his spear. But oh when he unleashes his dragons to shield allies and attack enemies- You can see he has improved his control over his magic. It's not that it has just become stronger but has became lethal in a way he shows he can evolve and grow. Destruction isn't the only power he can use his talents for- He can protect his friends too. It's a combination of Dan Heng at the start of the game and Imbibitor Lunae.
This is getting out of hand but will say how Dan Heng PT fights in a summary reflects the Earth Titan. A benevolent guardian but if enraged, a powerful fighter who can shake the earth- rising ground to mountains, splitting the earth, and also cause a tsunami.
Years before Dan Heng joined the Astral Express, he once heard a glass artisan say, “Anything that has a form will eventually break. If there is a beginning, there is an end.”
Those words struck something within him. They tug his heartstrings and turn into threads. The holes left in his soul and mind are being patched up by the stirrings of his emotions. They're forcing him to remember memories that should've remained forgotten. The past that was supposed to be washed is a rock refusing to be swallowed up by the ancient sea.
The clinking of their cups meet as the party toasts to another victory. They toast to another reunion after a long battle. They toast for better days to come. Their happiness, however memorable, is as brief as the leaf blown away by the storm.
Something breaks, and someone screams.
The glass artisan words remained with Dan Heng even after joining the Astral Express. There are times he will forget it between maintaining the data bank and exploring new planets. It is only when he takes care of Cloud-Piercer it will return. His hands polishing the spear will pause to ponder.
When he was exiled, Cloud-Piercer became his companion through the best and worst of his lonely wanderings. He did his best to maintain his weapon. To polish and sharpen the spear, Dan Heng learned from blacksmiths who admired the craftsmanship of it. The familiar motions, and their inquiries of its creator, brings forth blurred memories. Indistinct faces and arrogant voices discussing Cloud-Piercer makes his heart ache.
He does not remember the name of the man who crafted his spear.
Yet a single truth is seared into his soul.
The moment Cloud-Piercer was placed in his hands, Dan Heng knew it belonged to him. This spear is his, and no one shall ever take it away from him.
But he forgets his beloved spear is linked to a past he denies.
Throughout the short journey with Jingliu, Dan Heng ignores the anxiety gnawing in his stomach.
She is not Kafka whose honeyed voice is dripping with poison. Jingliu speaks gently like a winter breeze brushing against the sleeping dragon. Coaxing him to awake before she strikes and drags his head to look at the crimson skies. To force him to confront the past as she reminds him he cannot escape no matter what. Even if he covers his ears, her voice still reaches out to the depths of his soul.
“Combat is like smelting — purging the impurities with burning flames and exposing a person's true nature.” Jingliu states, her tone carrying a bittersweet note of nostalgia.
Behind her blindfold, Dan Heng can feel her piercing gaze on him as she asks.
“Those are the words of the one who made Cloud-Piercer for you. Do you remember?”
Amongst the burning sea and destruction, the High Elder can only hear his human heart shatter once again.
If anything has a form, then the body is also considered one.
Every form will break under pressure, and Dan Feng can feel the cracks forming since returning to the Luofu.
No, they were always there- he simply never acknowledged it.
Now, they’re spreading faster than what he can keep track of. Before Dan Heng realizes it, everything collapses and the ground under his feet gives out. He falls between the cracks, but his body falls apart rapidly. His hand reaching out for solid ground breaks into pieces and are swept up by merciless waters.
He opens his mouth to scream, but not a single sound comes out.
When Dan Heng sits up in the Archives with a gasp, he turns to Cloud-Piercer. His spear rests against the nearby wall. He takes a deep breath before outstretching his hand and in a moment, Cloud-Piercer appears on top of his palm. He holds it against and closes his eyes. Their solid weight keeps him anchored to reality, a soothing balm to his heart after a nightmare.
As his thoughts start to drift away, he can hear the pluckings of guzheng strings echoing in his dreams. Shortly, the thunderous clapping of the drums joins. The both of them moving in tandem with a certain craftsman humming.
So quietly, Dan Heng falls asleep to their lullaby echoing in his mind.
In the heat of the battle, Dan Heng charges forward with Cloud-Piercer in his hand.
As he faces the unknown swordsman in Amphoreus, the archivist watches the events unfold in slow motion. With a smile, the swordsman swings the Trailblazer bat and parries his spear. His absurd strength or the timing of his strike, or both, are more than enough to break Cloud-Piercer in two.
Teal eyes widened in surprise as the blade stabbed into the ground behind him.
The uneasiness he felt for the past few weeks has accumulated for this moment. Every nightmare he had, he brushed it off and moved on with his day shoving it in the back of his mind. After all, Cloud-Piercer has lived for more than seven hundred years. With diligent maintenance to keep it in pristine condition, why should Dan Heng believe it would be destroyed so easily when it has existed for so long?
How ironic he chose to remember the glass artisan words shortly after his spear broke.
“Anything that has a form will eventually break. If there is a beginning, there is an end.”
Fortunately, Phainon kept true to his word and recommended a craftsman capable of repairing Cloud-Piercer.
Dan Heng is no expert appraiser or engineer.
By observation alone, he can't find any faults in his spear. There is not a single crack where the pieces are melded. The welding is smooth with the material showing no signs of color variation. He takes a step back to make room to test his spear.
It is easy to fall into a rhythm of swinging and twisting the spear in his hands. There are no changes in its weight as far as he can tell.
Satisfied, he lowers his spear and nods to Chartonus, “Thank you, Sir Chartonus. And to you as well, Phainon.”
The Trailblazer beams and claps their hands together, “That's great, Dan Heng! Cloud-Piercer and Cold Dragon Young duo are back in action! We are sooo back to the ass kicking. I can see it now: Galactic Baseballer and Cold Dragon Young rising from the ashes! If only our Ice Queen was here with us to make it a trio…”
“Please act normal.” Dan Heng said bluntly. He's used to the Trailblazer antics, but they shouldn't be weirding out their acquaintances.
Chartonus remains impassive as ever. In contrast, Phainon looks amused and comments, “You both are really energetic. The day never gets boring with you two around.”
“Oh, you would get along with our other friends just great, Phainon! I just know it!” The Trailblazer said proudly, placing their hands on their hips.
Phainon responds with a smile and a nod of his head. A hint of something unknown flickers in his crystal blue eyes.
Soon, the Trailblazer was distracted by a shiny object in the forge. Led by their curiosity and instinctive need to investigate, they walked further inside. They weren't alone because Chartonus was keeping an eye on them to make sure they didn't break anything. Dan Heng can't help but shake his head fondly at his companion.
“Dan Heng.” Phainon calls out, placing a hand over his chest. His expression becomes sheepish as he says, “Again. I am sorry for any offense I've caused during our first meeting.”
“Your course of action was understandable, Phainon. If I were in your shoes, I would've done the same thing. I assure you, I am not offended or upset.” Dan Heng reassures him, because he finds it ridiculous to hold a grudge over something out of their control.
Still, the archivist's sense of Phainon wasn't entirely convinced. He looks almost like a kicked puppy he can't help but want to tease. However, he refrains and says instead, “You already repaid the debt by keeping your word and had my weapon repaired. That's more than enough for me.”
Those same crystal blue eyes look over him. Whatever Phainon found, and hopefully it's his sincerity, he relaxes and smiles, “Thank you, Dan Heng. I'm glad to have mended things between us.”
“As I said, what happened was neither of our faults- only circumstances. Besides…” Dan Heng can't resist being a little cheeky and adds, “...I am open to revisit our first meeting with a rematch, Phainon. Without the element of a beautiful surprise.”
To his delight, Phainon turns sheepish once more. There is no mistake the swordsman is flustered by the pink blush dusting his cheeks. He coughs lightly and excuses himself to talk to Chartonus about something.
Dan Heng, radiating smugness, watches him retreat into the forge to talk to the craftsman.
With his friend and acquaintances occupied, he takes a moment to look at his spear again. There is not a single mark to indicate it was broken previously. He does not doubt Chartonus skills, but a single question comes to mind.
“What would he think if he saw this?”
If he closes his eyes, he can hear the indignation in Yingxing's voice. The craftsman steadily grows louder between scolding him and grumbling about another craftsman touching his spear. He would take Cloud-Piercer from his hands and inspect it thoroughly. His violet crimson eyes scrutinize every detail to make sure the repair is done to his impossible standards.
If not, Yingxing might undo it himself and fix it to his standards.
And what would Dan Heng Feng do?
He stands to the side and observes the craftsman work. The dedication to his craft is unmistakable, so focused to the point he is humming once more. A passion so hot it's as if he's engulfed by the very flames of the forge itself. He can't stand to look away or else in a blink of an eye, there will only be ashes after the flames.
When Yingxing is done, he’ll return Cloud-Piercer to him. An arrogant smile on his handsome face, callous fingers gliding on the sharp edge of the spear, and a playful reminder that rouses the vindictive side of him.
But Dan Heng sees another man overlapping Yingxing. The hunter who chased him throughout the stars. The ghost of his past who refuses to let him forget their sins. His beastly eyes look straight at him. A maniacal smile splits his face in half as he grabs Cloud-Piercer by the Blade. Uncaring of the fact he’s injuring his own hand, blood spills from the cuts and stains the spear crimson.
“This spear is sharp enough to pierce dragon scales. Be careful, High Elder, lest you hurt yourself with it.”
Opening his eyes, the illusion of bittersweet memories disappears.
Unlike before whenever the dream ends, the urge to dig his claws into his skin until it bleeds is barely present. The need to tear off his own face and hide in a corner is not as strong as before. If there is anything he feels, it is only the hollowness in his chest accompanied by a yearning so powerful it will move the moon, the stars, and the sun.
Shaking his head, Dan Heng banishes the thoughts away. This isn’t the appropriate time or place to drift away into nostalgia.
Still, while the others are busy some feet away, he allows himself a moment to observe Cloud-Piercer again. The metal shines under the torch fires nearby but once again,he is impressed how there is not a single crack where it broke.
The urgency of the situation since arriving in Amphoreus left little time for Dan Heng to think or feel. Now, he recalls the shock he felt seeing Cloud-Piercer break. A brief few seconds of heart-wrenching grief for a treasured companion, a legacy of his journey, and the most precious gift of a beloved. But then, he had to push such emotions aside and reassured the Trailblazer he would be fine.
And he meant it.
They had to move forward for the sake of their journey and explore Amphoreus, and then find a way to communicate with the Astral Express. After all, the signal to outside the planet is jammed leaving them unable to report the situation to Himeko and the others.
That’s not including the dilemma Amphoreus itself is experiencing presently.
Yet amidst the chaos, Dan Heng lets out a sigh of relief knowing Cloud-Piercer is repaired.
He traces the character “Dan” engraved onto the spear. The glass artisan's words come and go in his head, but Dan Heng understands another perspective of his wisdom.
“Anything that has a form will eventually break. If there is a beginning, there is an end.” Dan Heng repeats quietly to himself. Wordlessly, he puts his spear away and grasps the traces of its blue light, “Likewise if there is an ending, there is also a new beginning.”
“Dan Heng! Hurry up or I’m leaving you behind, slowpoke!”
Upon being called by the Trailblazer, Dan Heng lowers his hand and moves to join his companion. Hopefully, it wasn’t too obvious he was smiling or else they’ll feel inclined to pry into the reason. Or worse, they’ll start taking pictures for March 7th and revel in the fact they caught him smiling.
“If there is an ending, there is a new beginning. The form will never be the same again, but it will bear the scars and continue living.”
||Sometimes I think about that the concept of romantic love is terrifying for Dan Feng. It's not the case of just he doesn't realize he's in love until after the fact. But how deeply it runs in his veins and leaves a void in his heart aching to be filled by that person alone.
He knows his love is unhealthy. The need to have that person within his sight at all times. A possessive hand on them or tail curling around their ankles. To want to be their everything in ways he hasn't thought about before. It's obsessive, addicting, and horribly unhealthy.
Dan Feng doesn't want to think about how far he will go just to make sure they're safe. And what happens if they die right in front of him.
It's not good. Never good thoughts.
And he doesn't want to scare them, to see fear and disgust in their eyes if they look at him. So Dan Feng does his best to curb such thoughts and instinctive needs to overwhelm them with his love.
He is understanding, patient, and respectful of their need for personal space. He will dote on them and care for them, and make sure they are beloved by him. He wants them to know he loves them and let him know you feel the same in return. Then maybe the thoughts running through his head will stop when the void in his heart is filled...
As a Heliobus, she can possess people for her goals of annihilation. However she tends to be picky about her vessel. With the power of abundance, weaving illusions to turn into flesh, it is much easier to create a vessel to her liking. When it comes to infiltration, it is a different matter entirely. After all, she prefers to dissect the person she is trying to imitate until she seams flawlessly into them. As for the original, the genuine individual- left for dead and forgotten in the ashes.
Per official information and Luofu msq, it is implied she can possess different incarnations throughout the cosmos. I will take it that she separate parts of herself to possess different people however much as needed. They work individually to nuture the seeds of destruction and if a piece of herself is gone, it is no issue really. As long as the main body doesn't perish she can regenerate as much as needed.
Phantylia method of operation requires infiltration and manipulation. When people are at their lowest, seeking guidance, is when Phantylia will reach out to them. She offers a guiding hand, nuturing their need for destruction and vengeance. While she is the reason for their motivation, she believes it is those she manipulated who are already seeking vengeance. It is when everything in ruins, people destroying both their enemies and loved ones, is when her mission is succesful.
During her quest to destroy the Hunt, Phantylia has acquired the power of abundance. Pieces of them she gathered, including a portion of the Ambrosial Arbor, allowing her to have a physical form to her liking. Of course, she uses it as "bait" for the pitiful souls seeking to use the abundance whether it is for immortality or...to break an ancient curse of their species. Or to use it against the Xianzhou who forsaken the abundance and declared them as their eternal nemesis under the banner of the Hunt.
If Phantylia appears before you, you won't know immediately. She could be wearing the face of a loved one you know. A stranger you happen to meet. She offers you her help at your worst times. But the moment you find out it was all a lie...you question yourself if that person really existed in the first place.
Note: This is all HC of what I think their opinions regarding the Aeons of Long, Lan, and Yaoshi until otherwise revealed.
"The Vidydhara, as a whole, do not forget our origins. The hatchlings of the present are not as devout as their seniors, but we cannot forget. Long existence is like a code etched deeply into our souls- A cycle we cannot escape from. Their gift...is both a blessing and a curse." -Dan Feng.
In general, Dan Feng respects Long and understands their importance to the Vidyadhara as a whole. As High Elder, he is required to partake in committees discussing his clan celebrations and give the final word where the planning is directed. In any important rituals, the leading role naturally falls to the High Elder to make sure it goes off without a hitch.
Otherwise, in private, Dan Feng very little practices his faith. He holds Long, their Creator close to his heart. But, not so close he considers himself a devout worshipper compared to the other Vidyadhara.
However, with the ongoing problem of the Vidyadhara species in slow decline and his personal issues- Dan Feng can't help resent Long just a little bit. After all, their blessing is starting to become more of a curse at this point.
But how can he, a mortal, judge an Aeon? Not just any Aeon, but the Aeon of Permanence who given birth to the Vidyadhara.
To reject Long, even deceased, is considered blasphemy.
"I do not share the Vidyadhara faith in Long. The reason...Well, I'm sure you understand why by now. Unfortunately, I am that man reincarnation. As long as I hold this power, my encounters with the Vidyadhara will not end here." -Dan Heng
Dan Heng has no love or hate towards Long. He acknowledges their existence, their importance to the Vidyadhara, and their relevance to him. He does not love Long, because he does not worship them- respect them, yes. He does not hate Long, because the ones who hurt him are their children.
Besides, what reason does he have to hate an Aeon who ihas long passed away?
Despite the Preceptors best efforts to educate him, Dan Heng obviously does not practice their faith in Long. If he must, it will be after the events in Xianzhou Luofu where he's learning more about their culture including the Vidyadhara. Something he never got to do during his imprisonment. Everything he learns and research will go into the databank.
But also, it's helping Dan Heng understand more about a place he never saw as a home. Slowly, it may also help him gain a deeper understanding of his past incarnations knowledge and Long.
"The Reignbow Arbiter, unless summoned, has no reason to appear before us. We are their warriors, raising our weapons, and vowed to eliminate every last one of Yaoshi abominations. Yet, what honor can be gained for losing your life in this eternal war?" -Dan Feng
While Dan Feng is closer to Long than Lan, he respects them no less. The Reignbow Arbiter eternal pursuit against Yaoshi inspired the Xianzhou to take arms and follow them. Their beliefs aligned with Lan determination to eliminate the Abominations of Yaoshi and that hasn't changed even in the present.
Dan Feng is the High Elder of the Vidyadhara. Naturally, his first priority are his clan and the Xianzhou natives second. There are times when it is difficult to make a decision: to find a compromise. Because he is not only Vidyadhara, but he is also a soldier who spoke his vows to the Hunt as many others had done. The war he joins and fight is for the sake of his people AND the Xianzhou.
Is it conflicting when he follows Long and Lan? The simple answer is no, because there is no point in trying to understand what the Aeons are thinking (especially since Long has long passed.)
Dan Feng knows his priorities. It's in the present where his people rely on him for safety and guidance. It's where his friends/families, and his lovers (or fiances/spouse) matter the most to him.
He is the High Elder of the Vidyadhara Luofu, a member of the HCQ, a friend to a selected few, and...a lover to the most amazing people (Yingxing and Jing Yuan) in his life.
Dan Feng is never described as a person with feelings. But his heart, his human bleeds, seeing the loss in the endless war against the Abundance.
That's why he can never understand why so many see it as an honor to die fightning for their homeland. Not when they still have people waiting for them to return home.
And a part of him that he kept locked away resents Lan [Aeons] for this.
But again, Aeons are beyond mortal understanding. What does his opinion matter?
"Before I met Himeko, I was a wanderer. I followed the Hunt, because I felt like I was required to in order to redeem myself. Wherever I went, battles follow and I had to fight to survive. If an abomination of Abundance appeared...I felt compelled to fight and eliminate them. " -Dan Heng
Initially, Dan Heng believed if he followed the path of the The Hunt, then it would distance himself further away from Dan Feng. Not only that, but it would enforce his identity as "Dan Heng". The crimes of his past self had committed should've been absolved after he reincarnated. Yet, it didn't matter in the end as Dan Heng is punished for his past incarnation crimes.
As for his opinion of Lan, Dan Heng will admit he is biased. He knows the consequences for seeking immortality; a monster. He agrees with Lan end goal- to kill Yaoshi. By extension, he also agrees with the Xianzhou cause as well. Dan Heng respects Lan and their ideals, but he does not walk the same path as their followers do.
Because Dan Heng is an exile, marked as a criminal for a sin his past incarnation had done.
But that's alright, because Dan Heng found his place in the universe as a Nameless on the Astral Express.
"Do not heed the words of Yaoshi worshippers. The Plague Authors mercy is a curse in disguise of a blessing. Their "love" is sweet on the tongue, but they're vile. A disease festering in your core. A parasite slowly eating away your life and sanity as your body rots." -Dan Feng
Dan Feng absolutely abhors Yaoshi, but more than that he hates himself for resorting to use a flesh of an Emanator of Abundance. But he believed at the time he was doing the right thing for the right cause. In the aftermath, within his prison, he feels only regrets and defeat...
"I do not agree with the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. There's a reason why Yaoshi existence does more harm than good. They bring life, but they also sow discord and suffering. Dan Feng knew that, so why did he...?" -Dan Heng
Dan Heng is absolutely confused why his past incarnation committed one of the Unpardonable Sins. He abhors Yaoshi, any of their children are dead on sight.
||Not me looking up about Chinese dragons and their relationships with the "pearl" associated with it to better understand DF/DH weapons, and it's significance to High Elders.
🤔 If the Orb of Abysm and the Transmutation Arcanum are received upon becoming a High Elder...
Somewhat I do think Transmutation Arcanum is related to why High Elders can transform into full dragons, and it's also why they can transfer their powers to their next successor. There is also the possibility (as said in DHIL story quest) that the Transmutation Arcanum can do more such creating new life. I do think the Preceptors (the assholes) gave DF the right info BUT they didn't tell him the entire information and omitted a few things to give DF his own assumptions. Hence DF did botch up while trying to resurrect Baiheng during the ritual and the dragon heart (if not the Transmutation Arcanum itself, it might be the key ingredient to the ritual) is missing. Witbout the dragon heart, the Preceptors can't move in the next step in their plan thus one of the main reasons why they still needed him alive.
So while DH and Bailu are able to exhibit Dan Feng (High Elder) powers, I do think it's not the full strength either because of how fragmented it is. While Bailu powers are sealed and we don't know the full extent of what she can do without it, DH (in my opinion) is still inexperienced and learning how far he can go. Yes he can part the seas and summon water dragons, but he has yet to show he can transform full dragon yet (this might change later if hyv shows DH can transform into a full dragon and I think 3.0 will bite my ass on that just a gut feeling). So what is missing with DH? The missing Transmutation Arcanum (dragon heart?) maybe.
Now about the Orb of Absym, I think it's the equivalent of a dragon pearl. The dragons pearl being a symbol of wisdom, spiritual energy, and power. What does it mean for High Elders?
Well. I used to view it as a catalyst weapon for High Elders to channel their powers through considering they are representations of Long. Not exactly Emanator but close enough to be a rise above the general Vidydhara in terms of power alone. Maybe I still do but it has become more symbolic now because it's one of the two treasures passed down from one High Elder to the next.
Brain starting to lag here BUT if the Orb of Absym and Transmutation Arcanum are a set together...What if both are needed to trigger a full dragon transformation? Yes I know the Orb of Absym alone is already powerful enough to help DH summon water dragons and manipualte their size. But in Chinese culture, especially dragon dancing, the dragons are always chasing the pearl. And DH attacks,he yeets the pearl and has water dragons chase after it (aka attack enemies), an imitation of the dragon dance.
The Orb of Absym is a pearl, a guidance needed for High Elders to follow and trigger a full drgaon transformation without losing control. And of course overextended use of being full dragon increases greater chances of going on a rampage (DHIL story of how DF lost control during the battle against Shuhu).
Annnddd what about Cloud Piercer? Where Yingxing crafted that weapon exclusively for DF? Where there's a slot for the same orb to be put in?
🤔 They're gay and married your honor I do have my HC's about Yingxing weapon where he basically built it as a computer that only he (the craftsman who made it) and DF (the owner) have the password to it aka Yingxing made it sentient. DF being the true wielder who can use Cloud-Piercer to their full capabilities as Cloud Piercer acknowledges DF as their one and only master. For what purpose is the slot for the orb? It could be to the key of activating Cloud- piercer or further enhance DF abilities using it.
If I do want to go with the Orb of Absym is an old spirit living in a pearl...Let's say, old spirit has a home now.
Hence why no one else can use Cloud-Piercer or else it would reject them BAD. They can seal it away and separate it from their owner but for how long? It's part of DF, and now DH (who is essentially DF).
||Casually sips my tea and stares into the distance. This can be taken romantically and/or platonically, but thinking about dan heng pt angst.
Just think waiting for a thousand years in Amphoreus while for the rest of the universe, it might be a few days- heck it might be a few minutes actually. For Dan Heng PT waiting and wandering and resting in Amphoreus, he has some regrets. The weight of loneliness heavy on his soul and body because he misses his friends, his family, and the people he has come to cherish. Yes there is a chance he will meet the rest of the CH eventually and he would be happy if he did.
But he misses the Astral Express and worries if they are okay or not; fears of being forgotten in the passage of time. He is rational time works differently but again...being alone for so long can cause paranoia that nothing seems real.
Until he sees a familiar face after a thousand of years of waiting: The Trailblazer. For once, Dan Heng initiates the hug and welcoming them back. Quietly he might admit he misses them so much before remembering they have a job to do.
Of course, depending on how amphoreus goes, the thousand years of waiting Dan Heng remembers to the very details. He feels like he has changed so much. Not just in body but in mind too. The fear he has when meeting old friends from other planets because he feels different lingers. But when it comes to meeting old friends/loved ones face-to-face, Dan Heng just feels the fear melt away in the face of their "welcome back" followed by hugs (and kisses if romantic).
He still has a place in their hearts. He is not forgotten. He is still loved and beloved no matter what.
Because he is still Dan Heng, one of the Nameless.
Bonus: Cause of like with Dan Feng still lingers in Dan Heng mind/dreams, he is there to comfort and give him rest when the days/nights are too hard on him. Let him slumber in happier memories. Remind him what it is he is fightning for. He is not alone in this journey.
Dan Heng has a scar where Blade stabbed him during their fight at Dragonprayer terrace where he had his magical girl transformation. It's hard to see, even as Imbibitor Lunae since his clothes cover it the area.
Based on the cutscenes ss I took, I assumed it was close to his shoulders but another angle makes it look like it hit his chest. Looks somewhere fatal like his lung which explains why he was forced to transform to preserve his own life. It does look like the scar can be on his pectoral so I will go with that. :p
