The "Big Eater" talent finally started to take effect after receiving enough food.
The Little Sea Siren’s size changed slightly every day; a week later, she had grown from her initial twenty centimeters to nearly thirty centimeters.
It was gratifying that she seemed to be forming a preliminary sense of self-awareness.
She would actively approach the edge of the Crystal Vat, anticipating the arrival of Ron and Ailan, and even use her childish voice to mimic Ron’s speaking rhythm, producing a marvelous resonance.
When Ron occasionally came to check, he could clearly feel the Little Sea Siren’s recognition and differentiation between him and Ailan, and she would even make some simple interactive behaviors.
Ron pondered with satisfaction, while noting down an important observation in his notebook:
"The growth rate of the Sea Siren is exponentially related to the intake of Magic Power, rather than linearly. According to the current feeding plan, she may reach the size of an adult Sea Siren within a year, while conventional breeding would take at least five years."
.........
That evening, as Ron was about to rest, a soft voice suddenly came from the direction of the Crystal Vat:
"Mas...ter..."
The voice was weak and immature, but the pronunciation was extraordinarily accurate.
Ron turned sharply, looking at the Crystal Vat in astonishment.
The Little Sea Siren was lying at the edge of the vat, her large azure eyes staring directly at him, her mouth curled into a shy smile.
"Master..." she called softly again, her voice was gentle and melodious, as if heavenly.
"You...can already speak?" Ron asked in surprise, quickly stepping to the front of the Crystal Vat.
The Little Sea Siren nodded shyly, her silver long hair floating in the water: "I can... a little..."
Although her pronunciation was still not very fluent, she was already able to clearly express simple meanings.
This development speed in language ability far exceeded Ron’s initial plan.
"Do you have a name?" Ron asked, feeling an unprecedented burst of joy.
The Little Sea Siren shook her head, a hint of anticipation flashing in her eyes: "Master...give me...a name..."
After a moment of thought, Ron softly said, "Then I’ll call you ’Dale’, which in the language of the ancient Water People means ’Daughter of the Sea’."
"Dale..." the Little Sea Siren repeated the name, her face showing pure joy: "I like it..."
Ron reached out his hand, gently touching the surface of the water, and Dale immediately swam up, pressing her small palm against his fingers.
A wonderful connection was established at this moment:
It was not a master-servant relationship, nor the bond between slave and owner, but more akin to the tacit understanding and trust among family members.
"From today on, you are my partner, Dale."
Ron smiled and said, "I will help you grow, and you will help me, right?"
"Yes... Master!" Dale nodded vigorously, her eyes sparkling with determination:
"Dale...will become...Master’s...good partner!"
.........
That day, Ron said to Ailan, who was quietly taking care of the Little Sea Siren, "Her growth rate is astonishing."
"At this rate, she might be qualified to participate in the next Bloody Gladiatorial Games."
Ailan’s leaf trembled slightly, seemingly anxious about the term "Bloody Gladiatorial Games."
She wrote in the air with her leaf: "Does Master intend to have her participate in the gladiatorial games? She’s still so young..."
"Don’t worry." Ron reassured:
"I won’t force her to do anything; only when she is strong enough and willing will I consider this option."
He turned towards the Crystal Vat, watching the Little Sea Siren curiously touch the surface ripples with her fingers, as if playing some game only she understood, and a strange feeling welled up in his heart.
"More importantly, I hope she can become a partner, not just a combat tool."
Ron said softly, "Once my modulation abilities reach a sufficient level, I will design a comprehensive growth plan for her, including memory editing and skill implantation."
"Memory editing?" Ailan’s leaf displayed a question mark.
"Yes." Ron explained:
"Through special spiritual connection, I can directly transmit my knowledge of Swordsmanship and Magic to her, allowing her to master these Skills without a lengthy learning process."
Ailan seemed to be in thought, after a moment, she wrote, "Won’t that harm her?"
"Of course not." Ron answered firmly:
"I will ensure the whole process is safe and harmless, in fact, this method is much gentler than traditional training, allowing her to avoid a lot of pain and setbacks."
"I trust Master!" Ailan wrote on her leaf, then softly directed her gaze to the Little Sea Siren frolicking in the water vat...
Day by day, Ron’s bloodline modulation Skills gradually improved, while the Little Sea Siren thrived under Ailan’s care.
Watching this little life’s development, Ron felt an indescribable sense of accomplishment, feeling as if he were playing a real-life Pokémon nurturing game.
In the Bloody Gladiatorial Games three months later, Dale might already be capable of contending with those adult combat slaves.
Moreover, Ron had already seen further into the future:
A fully developed unique Sea Siren could become such a powerful and loyal partner.
But all this must start from the daily routine of scheduled feeding and patient training now.