Ka Zhuo

Biography

Documented arc

Ka Zhuo was a middle-aged matrix awakening master whose carefully accumulated silver needle exploded when he tried to examine Zuo Mo. Although the needle had cost years of savings, A Gui's silent threat made him accept Zuo Mo's deliberately implausible explanation. His broad knowledge nevertheless let him recognize that Zuo Mo's condition and questions lay far beyond ordinary matrix work. (Chapters 542–543)

After pondering Zuo Mo's questions through the night, Ka Zhuo watched him design a complete colonel-level Nether Jellyfish mo matrix superior to Ka's old captain-level Blackwater Leech pattern. Recognizing the value of the design, Ka Zhuo disregarded their difference in age and insisted on becoming Zuo Mo's student, then successfully forged and controlled a new black awakening needle from the supplied plan. (Chapters 543–544)

Under Zuo Mo's direction, Ka Zhuo examined Dong Zi, helped repair his incomplete Alpine Gorilla matrix, and gained a strong local reputation when the awakening succeeded. He was later abducted with his teacher to Stone City, where he assessed Ceng Yi's daughter and spent four hours engraving the Thousand Layer Iron Cowrie matrix onto Zuo Mo's palm before applying medicinal fluids. (Chapters 544–550)

Ka Zhuo witnessed Zuo Mo regain movement and remained his recognized student, but Zuo Mo eventually left the region without taking him along. Zuo Mo considered bringing both Ka Zhuo and Dong Zi, then rejected the idea because Ka Zhuo lacked the strength to protect himself on the dangerous journey ahead. (Chapters 551–560)

Appearance and personality

Ka Zhuo is a middle-aged man. He is widely read, conscientious about his craft, and capable of sustained concentration, but initially skeptical and easily intimidated by superior fighters. Once convinced of Zuo Mo's expertise, he becomes persistent, respectful, and loyal enough to accept a much younger teacher.

Abilities and cultivation

Ka Zhuo can diagnose mo matrices, forge matrix awakening needles, engrave matrices, and carry out difficult awakening procedures when given a sound design. His experience helps him recognize uncommon materials and incomplete matrices, but he cannot independently solve Zuo Mo's condition or design at Zuo Mo's level. His lack of personal combat and self-protection ability ultimately prevents him from accompanying his teacher.

Relationships

• Zuo Mo: Ka Zhuo's teacher, designer of his improved needle, and source of the advanced procedures he performs.
• A Gui: A fighter whose threatening presence forces Ka Zhuo to suppress his protest after the first needle is destroyed.
• Dong Zi: A patient whose Alpine Gorilla matrix Ka Zhuo helps repair and awaken.
• Ceng Yi and his daughter: Ceng Yi abducts Ka Zhuo and Zuo Mo so they can treat his daughter's matrix condition.
• Uncle An Ya: A local associate present during Ka Zhuo's work and rising reputation.

Items

• Silver awakening needle: A years-long investment bearing a captain-level Blackwater Leech matrix; it explodes while examining Zuo Mo.
• Black awakening needle: A replacement bearing the colonel-level Nether Jellyfish matrix designed by Zuo Mo. Its construction uses Forest Rotten Wood treated with materials including chicken-blood stone and insect droppings.
• Matrix materials and medicinal fluids: Craft supplies Ka Zhuo uses in awakening and engraving procedures; the individual fluids are not named.