He turned to Trish and Holt beside him:
"The energy fluctuations ahead are already close to the level of an Official Wizard. I suggest you leave now."
A hint of hesitation flashed in Holt’s eyes, and he subconsciously rubbed the core of the rebuilt golem:
"With the three of us together, maybe we can..."
"No." Ron interrupted him, his tone rarely forceful:
"That kind of energy fluctuation is beyond the scope that an Advanced Apprentice can handle. Continuing forward will only distract me."
Trish keenly observed the change in Ron’s expression, a hint of understanding passing through her brown eyes: "You intend to face it alone?"
She paused for a moment, "Or is there something over there related to you?"
Ron did not directly answer but a rare gravity flashed in his eyes:
"I do have some things that must be dealt with."
In his perception, the vibration of the Stand-In Puppet at his waist became increasingly apparent, as if being attracted by something in the distance.
Trish and Holt exchanged a glance, both reading the same information in each other’s eyes — Ron had made up his mind, and indeed, they couldn’t be of help.
"I have gathered several special Abyssal Plant Seeds, as well as moss that can directly sense emotions."
Trish sighed, fingers gently stroking the Storage Bag at her waist:
"Although it’s a pity not to reach the deepest part, the harvest has already exceeded expectations."
Holt also nodded, eyes carrying a hint of helplessness:
"My Earth Elemental Golem needs to readjust the fusion ratio with Crystalized Bone; its current state is indeed not suitable for high-intensity combat."
He looked at Ron, a trace of worry in his eyes:
"If you insist on proceeding, at least promise us one thing."
"What?"
"As soon as you find yourself overmatched, immediately use the insignia to leave."
Holt’s voice was exceptionally solemn: "Don’t force it; nothing is more important than staying alive."
Ron smiled slightly, nodding in agreement: "I will."
Trish gave Ron one last look, her brown hair appearing particularly dark under the blood-red glow: "Don’t do anything foolish."
Without waiting for a response, she had already activated the insignia in her hand.
A flash of white light passed, and her figure disappeared from the spot.
Holt followed closely behind, activating his insignia, leaving a low whisper before vanishing:
"Come out alive, or the top sequence might soon change."
With his two teammates departing, the platform remained occupied only by Ron and Dale.
The light at the edge of the crystal enclosure seemed increasingly bizarre, like the breathing rhythm of some abyssal creature.
"Master... those things over there seem to be looking for you."
Dale said shakily, a flicker of unease in her pure golden eyes.
"Dale, you go back into the Spatial Bag first."
Ron commanded softly, his voice calm yet irrefutable: "What comes next is beyond what you can handle."
The Little Sea Siren hesitated, wanting to say something but swallowing it back, eventually nodding and obediently diving into the Spatial Bag.
After everyone had left, Ron took a deep breath, feeling the power within flowing through his veins.
"It’s time." Ron whispered to himself.
He took out the silver Time Guardian Pocket Watch, his fingertips lightly stroking the exquisite patterns on its surface, feeling the deep energy contained within.
This was one of his strongest trump cards, capable of achieving a brief yet deadly Time Stasis.
At the same time, he extended his consciousness into the Thousand Transformations, awakening the terrifying magic perfectly recorded — Yuni Master’s "Phoenix Breath."
It was a spell far beyond his current control ability, like a trickling stream trying to harness a mighty flood.
Once released, he himself couldn’t predict its ultimate destructive range and intensity.
But at this moment, what he needed was this kind of extreme destructive power.
Ron reached down to detach the Stand-In Puppet from the waist ring, feeling the energy fluctuations within.
"Letting you absorb such a unique existence, I wonder how much charging can be increased..."
Ron pondered to himself, his gaze growing sharp.
He cautiously began to approach the source of the energy fluctuation, each step made with extreme care, his spiritual power highly concentrated, ready to respond to sudden situations at any time.
Finally, through the last fog-covered passage, Ron saw the presence emanating terrifying pressure —
A giant crimson-gold cocoon hovered in the center of the crystal platform, over three meters in diameter, its surface constantly flowing with energy patterns like living creatures.
Those patterns formed complex designs, sometimes resembling human blood vessels, sometimes like some ancient rune, exuding ominous energy fluctuations.
The space surrounding the giant cocoon was distinctly distorted, as if influenced by some invisible gravitational field, forming layer upon layer of ripple-like waves.
As Ron entered this area, the giant crimson-gold cocoon suddenly began to shake violently, as if sensing the approach of a nemesis.
The patterns on the cocoon’s surface began to flow faster, fine cracks appearing on the originally smooth shell, seeming like the internal entity was eager to break free.
Ron instantly understood — the presence within the cocoon had detected his arrival and was accelerating the metamorphosis process, attempting to prematurely complete the final procedure.
Just like he had seen Oliver and Cynthia before, wanting to prepare for battle before being discovered in their most vulnerable state.
No time to hesitate.
"Bite the second hand!"
Ron murmured the activation phrase, initiating the watch’s ability.
A sharp black energy shot from the watch face, instantly covering the designated target.
——Time Stasis
In this brief 0.5 seconds, that small area where the giant cocoon was entered a state of stillness.