Alert Affliction: Familiar Possession
Merc has the ability to use his red smoke as a controlling means over weaker beings such as birds. He is able to use them as familiars and see through their eyes and influence their behaviour.

Critical Affliction: Red Death
Merc is able to control a red smoke like substance that comes from his very being, he is able to turn into said smoke to move faster as well as create physical weapons out of the smoke. It can also be used on the defensive as he can choose specific parts of himself to turn to smoke to avoid attacks as well as creating shields.