The Zone Of Influence (Z.O.I.)
The phenomenon that occurs in certain individuals who possess amounts of Chaos Energy that exceed those of the general population and the energy limit established by the Meta-Quartz they use is known as the “Zone of Influence” or ZOI. This phenomenon manifests itself as an aura of that has the ability to “influence” the environment and/or those individuals within its radius of influence.
The ZOI is entirely involuntary; those who generate it do not do so deliberately and cannot control, diminish, or enlarge the radius of influence, much less determine or change the type of influence they have. The most they can do is suppress it, although this requires considerable concentration and willpower depending on the amount of Chaos Energy the user possesses.
According to recent studies, it has been theorized that the nature of the ZOI is determined by the user's unconscious, influenced by the negative aspect of Chaos Energy. This is consistent with previous observations where ZOIs seem to reflect the fears and insecurities of users.
Let's say, for example that a user with the ability to generate a ZOI is afraid of the dark; in that case, it is theorized that the resulting ZOI could twist the refraction of light around them and turn the entire area covered by the ZOI into a black hole. But this is only a simplified case; generally, the root of a ZOI can be somewhat more abstract and the results less obvious, so it is only a theory.
The ZOI uses the same energy resources as Meta-quartz abilities, so a user can neutralized their ZOI by using their abilities. However, it is also possible to perform an energy balance trick that reduces the range of the ZOI and the effectiveness of the abilities in exchange for being able to use both at the same time. This type of strategy is very valuable in combat, but only the most experienced users are able to master the technique.
ZOI Denial
This is a very recent chaos energy control technique. Developed by [REDACTED], this technique allows Meta-Quartz users to use their own energy to repel the effects of a ZOI, at the cost of being unable to use their abilities. It is a kind of "Negative ZOI".
This technique creates a force field that protects the user from any ZOI. If the user is skilled enough, it is even possible to protect third parties. However, by using not only the same energy resources, but also all of the user's attention, the user is unable to use their abilities, which, depending on the situation, can put them at a disadvantage.
It is advisable to use this technique only when facing very powerful and large-scale ZOIs.