"Three, two, one..."
As the countdown ended, the neural connection began to disconnect.
Rex’s eyelids trembled slightly, then slowly opened his eyes.
He sat up from the chair, his face still lingering with the intensity of the battle he had just experienced.
"Oh my god..."
He wiped the sweat from his forehead, his voice filled with disbelief:
"I almost thought I was really in the Abyss... that sense of oppression, fear, and the adrenaline rush during the battle... it was completely a real experience!"
"Any discomfort?" Captain Miller stepped forward with concern and asked:
"Headache, nausea, or any strange feelings?"
"Not at all." Rex moved his limbs, carefully assessing his physical condition:
"On the contrary, I feel exceptionally focused, and remember every detail clearly.
I think... I think if I were to go to the Abyss now, my reactions would be much faster than before."
This positive feedback excited the explorers on site.
"I want to try it too!"
"Is this training effect really that amazing?"
"When can we all experience it?"
Faced with the enthusiasm of the explorers, Ron maintained due caution:
"Today is just a preliminary verification. We still need to gather more data and conduct more comprehensive safety evaluations."
But on the other side of the auditorium, the reactions from the researchers were much more complex.
Wayne’s face turned paler, and he gripped the record board tightly, his knuckles whitening:
"This level of consciousness control... unimaginable..."
The colleague next to him quietly asked: "Do you think there will be any problems?"
"I don’t know." Wayne shook his head: "Let’s wait and see, new things always have a period of adjustment."
Uther’s phantom hovered slowly around the device, his silver eyes carefully observing every technical detail.
His expression was complex, full of admiration for the technological achievements and concern for unknown consequences:
"Ron, this level of reality simulation has already approached some... dangerous boundaries."
The old professor’s voice carried worry: "Some doors, once opened, can never be closed again."
"But I must also acknowledge that the value of this technology is undeniable."
He continued: "If applied properly, it could indeed significantly reduce the mortality rate of explorers."
Ron nodded to show his understanding:
"That’s precisely why we need to be extra cautious. Every new technology comes with risks, and the key is how to control the risks within acceptable limits."
After the test ended, the audience began to leave one after another.
But everyone was left with a deep impression; this epoch-making technological breakthrough is destined to have a profound impact on Abyss exploration.
The explorers excitedly discussed the possibilities of this new training method;
The researchers worriedly pondered the potential risks;
The management had already begun considering how to incorporate this technology into formal training systems.
And behind all these reactions, a deeper transformation was quietly taking place.
Through this successful demonstration, Ron proved his technical prowess and established a new authoritative image within the observation station.
From today onwards, no one would question his ability and status anymore.
.........
Meanwhile, deep within the Sea of Darkness, Nari’s massive body anxiously swam within the treasury.
Its tentacles moved nervously, each movement stirring up surging dark currents, causing the entire treasury to tremble with unease.
The eyes densely scattered on the walls sensed their master’s emotions and showed worried expressions.
Some smaller eyes even started to shed tears, which condensed into precious Abyssal Essence, but Nari was in no mood to focus on these treasures now.
"No, no... this can’t continue..."
Nari’s voice echoed in the Consciousness Domain, filled with the youthful mother’s unique anxiety and urgency:
"My little baby grows so fast and is getting hungrier and hungrier..."
It swam to the nearly empty storage room, gently stroking the remaining containers with its tentacle.
Once filled with valuable ingredients, now only some ordinary quality stock was left.
The truly nutritious Abyssal Creatures had already been fed to its beloved "baby."
Nari turned and swam towards the center of the treasury, gazing at the specially designed pouch containing the Stand-In Puppet.
The puppet’s growth was indeed astonishing, its surface Rune network becoming more complex and bright, and the Favor fluctuations it emitted growing stronger and stronger.
Whenever Nari felt that warm and pure Energy, a maternal instinctual drive to protect surged in its heart.
"Mama’s little Angel..."
It murmured softly, its voice filled with tenderness and doting:
"You are Mama’s most precious treasure; Mama absolutely cannot let you go hungry..."
But the reality is harsh.
The hunting territory of the Abyss is strictly divided, maintaining a fragile balance between each Apostle’s basic rules.
Each Apostle has their own fixed hunting area, and hunting outside one’s territory is not only seen as provocation but could also trigger bloody territorial conflicts.
Nari may be naive, but it is not foolish.
It knows clearly that with its strength and status, it absolutely cannot bear the consequences of conflict with other Apostles.
"But... but I can’t let my baby go hungry..."
Nari struggled repeatedly in its heart, finally mustering the courage to decide to seek help from Chai Ye.
After all, he had clearly stated last time that he would consider expanding hunting privileges, and now was the time to fulfill that promise.