The puppet trembled slightly on the laboratory bench, its semi-mechanical, semi-organic writhing appearing particularly eerie under the dim laboratory light.
Ron took a deep breath and calmly gazed at the Stand-In Puppet that had absorbed a substantial amount of Abyssal Energy and integrated Monarch Bloodline.
Reaching the critical point of 50% charging progress meant that the long-awaited switch to the Demon Hunter profession could finally be attempted.
"The key is the precision of will projection," Ron muttered to himself, lightly touching the complex patterns on the puppet’s surface and sensing the energy flowing within.
Initially, his plan was to traditionally perform a sewn transplant of Demon Beast Organs on the Stand-In Puppet.
For this, he had already prepared a series of precision tools and valuable Demon Beast Organ samples.
However, when he began to delve deeply into perceiving the energy composition of the Stand-In Puppet, a shocking discovery made him halt his work.
"Interesting... those Abyssal Materials have already formed organ-like structures within the puppet."
A hint of delight flashed in Ron’s eyes:
"Bone Extract has formed a structure resembling skeletal reinforcement, Molting Essence has created a protective membrane, and even the Swamp Assembler’s tissue has constructed a primitive circulatory system. The absorbed Scorpion, Snake Demon, and clones are all playing their roles."
He swiftly adjusted his mindset and set aside the scalpel in his hand.
Instead, he activated Spiritual Perception to probe into the puppet’s internal energy network.
"This is an unexpected delight," Ron murmured to himself:
"These active Abyssal Materials have not only formed substitutes for ’sewn organs,’ but there’s also no risk of rejection reactions, forming a perfect symbiotic system among themselves."
This discovery significantly simplified the transition process and reduced risk.
Ron immediately revised his plan, deciding to attempt will projection directly, using the puppet as a medium for the Demon Hunter transformation.
"Start the timer," Ron glanced at the crystal clock, a light of determination flashing in his eyes.
Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes, letting his thoughts sink into that calm mental lake.
He was fully aware of the risks of the Demon Hunter transformation—records from the School clearly indicated a mere 30% success rate through conventional means.
Furthermore, even if successful, there was a substantial risk of post-mutation and mental disorder.
This was also why Demon Hunters were so rare and often behaved oddly.
But he had chosen a different path.
The Stand-In Puppet, as an intermediary, would assume all the risks of transformation, while he himself would only need to supply the guidance of Spiritual Power and Bloodline Energy.
Theoretically, this should circumvent most dangers while capturing the essence of Demon Hunter abilities.
"Everything is ready."
He took out a small bottle of pale blue liquid—an excellent quality "Amber Thought Liquid," a Spiritual Power enhancer specially prepared for this ritual.
He gently unscrewed the cap, and the potion exuded a fresh minty aroma, with faint waves of Magic Power.
Ron drank the potion in one go, feeling a cool energy spread from his throat throughout his body, like a chilly stream flowing through every nerve, washing away all distractions.
His thoughts instantly became exceptionally clear, and the flow of Spiritual Power smoother, like polished crystal, pure and powerful.
"Let’s begin."
Ron took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and slowly infused his Spiritual Power.
Unlike before, this time he was not simply controlling the puppet’s actions but deeply projecting a part of his consciousness into it.
This process was extremely delicate, like tearing off a corner of his soul and carefully implanting it into another vessel.
The bidirectional transfer function at this moment revealed its true value—the puppet was no longer just an external tool but an extension of his will.
"Establishing connection... maintaining stability..." his voice was calm and low, but beads of sweat already dotted his forehead.
As his spirit continued to invest, the Stand-In Puppet began to change.
The originally rigid wooden structure became soft and elastic, and even the surface began to exhibit skin-like textures.
[Warning: Attempt to separate will detected, do you wish to continue?]
The panel prompt suddenly appeared in Ron’s consciousness, and he chose to confirm without hesitation.
[Verification in progress... the Stand-In Puppet has been recognized by the Profession Panel as a "primary extension," meeting the conditions for Demon Hunter transformation]
[Abyssal Material active structures have been identified as effective "sewn organs"]
[Initializing transformation process...]
A sudden stinging sensation emerged from the Spiritual Core, and Ron gritted his teeth, enduring the discomfort.
This pain did not come from the body but was a tearing sensation on the soul level, like being forced to give up a part of oneself.
Although mentally prepared, the experience of will separation was still unnerving.
Ron could feel a part of himself flowing into the Stand-In Puppet, integrating with those Abyssal Energy structures to form new connections.
The process lasted about ten minutes, much shorter than he had anticipated.
When the pain finally subsided, Ron felt an unprecedented sense of clarity.
It was as if his perception had suddenly expanded, allowing him to feel the existence of two bodies simultaneously.
[Demon Hunter transformation ritual completed]
[Profession acquired: Demon Hunter (Two Stars)]
[Basic Attributes enhanced:
Constitution 2.8→2.99 (+0.2)
Spirit 4.55→4.65 (+0.1)
Magic Power 2.9→2.99 (+0.1)]
[Special Buff:
1. Abnormal Status Resistance: Significantly increased resistance to toxins, diseases, curses, and other abnormal statuses