"First, calm down and describe the appearance and traits of this ’treasure’ in detail. I need to assess its origins and safety."
"Alright, alright! Master Chai Ye!"
Nari began to describe excitedly as if he were holding a precious gem:
"It looks like a human-shaped wooden puppet, very small, only about this big."
He gestured to show the size of a palm:
"But it has very beautiful runes on it that emit a silver light, sparkling like stars."
"And it’s very smart, very smart! It knows how to choose food. Every time I prepare different materials for it, it always absorbs the most nutritious parts first."
Nari’s voice became increasingly dreamy:
"The most magical thing is the warmth it radiates, like... like a mother’s embrace, making me feel particularly safe and comfortable."
"Ever since I got it, I’ve never had nightmares again, and those chaotic thoughts have become clearer. I can even think about several problems at once now!"
"Its growth speed is very fast, changing every day. I feel it’s learning my way of caring and becoming more sensible."
After listening to this description, Chai Ye’s three brains started analyzing rapidly:
"Humanoid puppet... rune circuit... rapid growth... even maintaining an Apostle’s rational state..."
His rational persona calculated in his mind:
"This is definitely not an ordinary Abyss creation; it might be an experimental product of a high-level civilization or some kind of artificial intelligence carrier."
The greedy persona’s eyes burned with intense desire:
"No matter its origin, it’s a possible source of stable Favor growth. If I can obtain it..."
The cautious persona then issued a warning:
"But such an item of unknown origin could be a trap.
If it’s a spy tool from the Alchemists or carries some kind of Curse..."
After a brief and intense inner debate, Chai Ye made a decision.
He softened his voice, like a kindly elder addressing a useful subordinate:
"Good, Nari. It seems you’ve indeed found a remarkable treasure."
Nari was so excited at this praise that he almost fainted:
"Really? Master Chai Ye thinks my treasure is amazing?"
"Indeed, I’m quite interested in your discovery."
Chai Ye continued, with a subtle hint of authority in his tone:
"However, I do have some concerns. Items with unknown origins may pose hidden dangers."
He paused briefly to let the other party digest his orders:
"Here’s what you’ll do: report the changes in this puppet’s state every ten days.
Record any slight abnormality in detail. I need to grasp its growth trajectory.
Also, for now, don’t disclose this to other Apostles.
You know well the greedy nature of those guys. This treasure could easily provoke unnecessary disputes and conflicts.
Finally, if you notice any sign of an anomaly, like the puppet trying to control your thoughts, or the appearance of unexplained Energy Fluctuations... destroy it immediately, with no hesitation or sentimentality."
Upon hearing the word ’destroy,’ Nari’s whole body tensed up:
"Destroy? But... but it’s my treasure..."
"I know you can’t bear it."
Chai Ye’s voice grew kindly:
"But sometimes, protecting yourself is more important than protecting a treasure. If the puppet really is dangerous, it could end up harming you."
"Of course, if everything goes smoothly, I won’t let your efforts be in vain."
His tone took on a hint of temptation:
"I might consider expanding your hunting privileges, allowing you to search for precious materials in a wider area.
Perhaps even involve you in the next ’domain redistribution.’
This promise made Nari instantly forget his earlier unease, and he rolled excitedly in the treasure trove:
"Really? Really? I can hunt in other Apostles’ territories?"
"As long as you follow my instructions, that will not be a problem."
Chai Ye watched Nari’s reaction with satisfaction:
"Remember, patiently cultivate, carefully observe, regularly report. This puppet may be your chance to change your fate."
Nari appeared extraordinarily excited:
"Yes, Master Chai Ye! I will surely follow your instructions!"
"I will carefully observe my treasure and report to you regularly. If I find anomalies, I will... I will consider your advice."
"Thank you, Master, for extending my hunting privileges! I will make good use of this opportunity!"
But deep within Nari’s heart, a completely different calculus occurred.
His clear mind allowed him to see the real intent behind Chai Ye’s gentle words:
"Master Chai Ye is indeed tempted... He definitely wants my treasure."
The monsters whose minds were originally chaotic now displayed thoughts more sharp than ever before:
"However, this is good too. At least he doesn’t dare to snatch it directly now and will provide me with more resources. I can use this time to make the treasure stronger."
"Moreover, if other Apostles also want to seize it..."
Nari thought of his trump card.
As an Abyss-born Apostle, he had the terrifying ability to summon the primordial Chaos Storm.
This power might be beyond the complete resistance even of the Supreme Apostle, with the cost that Nari himself might be torn apart in the process.
But to protect his ’treasure,’ he was willing to take any risk.
"When my treasure is fully grown, even Master Chai Ye can’t bully me easily."
Nari silently plotted in his heart: