Imagining his puppet shining brightly in the arena, imagining the other Apostles’ expressions of envy and shock.
Just thinking about it nearly made Nari swoon.
"I must make my darling the strongest!"
He resolved to start designing a more systematic growth plan:
First, he needed to collect more high-quality Abyssal Creatures to provide ample nutrition for the puppet;
Then, he needed to find some rare ability seeds to give the puppet a wider variety of combat skills;
The most important thing was to conduct combat training, so the puppet could get familiar with various battle environments...
"Mom will give you the best of everything..."
Nari stared intently at the puppet in the capsule: "You must strive to be Mommy’s pride..."
Meanwhile, in the laboratory at the Abyssal Observation Station, Ron suddenly felt a strong wave emanating from deep within his consciousness.
It was a feedback signal from the Stand-In Puppet, clearer than ever before.
"This intensity of feedback..."
Ron stopped his research in surprise, beginning to analyze the information carefully:
"The puppet’s growth rate is far beyond expectations."
Through that faint consciousness thread, he could perceive the massive transformation in the puppet’s surrounding environment.
The powerful aura of the Abyssal Apostle still existed.
But now there was an emotion he had never felt before, pure and intense motherly love.
"This Abyssal Apostle... actually considers the puppet as its child?"
Ron found it amusing, but quickly realized the immense value of this situation:
"It truly was an unintended consequence that became beneficial, now the puppet not only has a safe growth environment but is also receiving a large investment of precious resources."
Additionally, as the puppet’s abilities strengthened, the feedback provided to him through "Two-way Communication" was becoming more powerful.
He could feel his resistance to pollution, spiritual resilience, and even his understanding of Abyssal Energy subtly improving.
"The effect of Two-way Link is much better than theoretically expected..."
Ron began to meticulously record the parameter changes under this state:
"This ’remote standby’ model might be applicable to more projects."
He thought of the artificial life creations of Ancient Alchemists.
If a similar Two-way Link could be established, allowing these creations to independently grow remotely while also feeding back power to the creator...
"Yet another brand new research direction... can be noted down, and once I become an Ancient Alchemist, there will be ample time to try it."
Just as Ron was engrossed in these constructs, the door to the laboratory was gently knocked.
"Wizard Ralph, sorry to disturb you."
A respectful voice came from outside the door:
"I am Assistant Researcher Alvin, Professor Yutel asked me to inform you about the arrangement for tomorrow afternoon at three."
Ron moved towards the door, activating observation mode to make the door transparent from the inside.
A thin young man stood outside.
He had the typical scholarly appearance.
Pale skin, deeply set eyes, and a slightly weary expression from long hours of reading.
The most striking thing was the detection bracelet on his right wrist.
It was made of "sensitive metal," with different colored patterns flowing on the surface representing varying degrees of Abyssal Erosion.
Judging by the green with a hint of yellow on his wrist, his erosion level was already quite deep...
"Please come in." Ron opened the door, noting the slight limp in Alvin’s gait:
"What specific arrangement does the professor have?"
"Tomorrow afternoon at three, the professor hopes you will visit the collection room to inspect the Ancient Master’s Sword."
Alvin’s voice was filled with reverence:
"Those swords... each of them carries its own story and will. The professor emphasized that you need to prepare for Spiritual Protection in advance."
He paused, showing some concern:
"Last year, a researcher was improperly protected and was influenced by the residual will of one of the swords, now he is receiving treatment at a nursing home."
"What kind of influence?" Ron inquired, intrigued.
"The sword’s previous owner was a High Bloodline Knight specializing in hunting Abyssal Creatures."
Alvin lowered his voice, as if revealing something scary:
"After contact, the researcher began to exhibit compulsive hunting urges.
He would go alone to danger zones at night, seeking any target that could be ’purified.’
This detail heightened Ron’s anticipation for the visit tomorrow.
A weapon capable of affecting the minds of those who come in contact with it must possess craftsmanship that interests him.
"Thank you for the heads up." He nodded in acknowledgment: "I will prepare thoroughly."
After Alvin left politely, Ron returned to his experiment table.
The Ancient Master’s Sword, the rapid growth of the Stand-In Puppet, and on the verge of achieving a major breakthrough with the simulation device...
He looked out towards the direction of the Abyss, filled with anticipation.
The night was getting deeper, yet he felt no weariness; rather, his research enthusiasm was soaring:
"Ailan, please brew me a pot of invigoration tea, add more invigorating components than last time."