Each joint has been meticulously designed to ensure flexibility while possessing immense load-bearing capacity.
But the most eye-catching part is the reserved space on its chest.
There, the Magic Power Amplification Crystal will be installed, serving as the Energy Core of the entire construct.
"The next step is the most crucial."
Ron carefully took the Magic Power Amplification Crystal from its container, the octahedral crystal emitting an eerie aura of life in his hand:
"The crystal’s energy output needs to perfectly sync with the entire rune network, otherwise it won’t trigger a chain reaction."
As the crystal was installed, the entire golem began to emit a faint glow.
It wasn’t the dull mechanical sheen, but some pulsation akin to life.
Energy flowed through the rune circuits, like blood circulating through veins.
Ron’s Spiritual Power began to inject into the golem’s body.
The eyes of the golem started to flicker with blue light.
"Initialization complete... System self-check... Everything normal."
The golem spoke its first words: "Creator, I am ready to receive instructions."
"Very good. Your codename is ’Explorer One,’ primarily tasked with reconnaissance and initial contact in the Abyss environment." Ron nodded with satisfaction:
"Remember, caution is the first principle. If you encounter threats beyond your capacity, immediately retreat or self-destruct."
"Understood, Creator. Explorer One will strictly follow your instructions."
The golem performed a standard salute, the motion slightly stiff, but decent enough.
After completion, Ron began to ponder the next course of action.
"Explorer One will act as the vanguard, responsible for gathering intelligence and probing enemy movements. By the fourth layer, it can be semi-abandoned."
He crafted a detailed plan in his mind:
"When the time comes, first control the Stand-In Puppet to make contact and retrieve the Magic Power Amplification Crystal from it... I will decide whether to step in depending on the situation."
After all, although Nari regards the Stand-In Puppet like a precious son, it might only be slightly familiar with Ron’s aura.
Approaching it directly... He dared not take that risk.
.........
Deep in the canyon, Uphemia watched Chloe’s departing figure, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.
Just as she was about to put away the Recording Crystal, the mark on her left wrist suddenly started to burn.
It was a bone-deep searing sensation, as if something was writhing in her veins.
Uphemia’s complexion instantly turned pale; she knew what this meant—her father was reaching out to her.
She quickly scanned her surroundings, ensuring there were no other observers before taking out a strangely shaped dagger from her bosom.
The blade of this dagger was a deep crimson, as if forged from congealed blood.
Without hesitation, Uphemia slashed a deep wound across her left palm with the dagger.
Blood gushed out immediately, but instead of dripping to the ground, it coalesced in the air into a complex geometric shape.
The blood-red shape began to spin, faster and faster, ultimately forming a small Teleportation Gate.
But this gate connected not to space, but to something more abstract—a consciousness-level passage.
A tentacle composed entirely of blood extended from the gate, its end featuring a large vertical eye with a bizarre spiral reflected in its pupil.
Merely gazing upon this eye induced an indescribable fear and reverence.
It was the pressure from a higher existence, enough to drive Ordinary People insane instantly.
"My daughter..."
A deep and majestic voice emanated from the tentacle, each syllable imbued with the stench of blood and decay.
This voice seemed to speak from countless throats simultaneously, layered and eerie:
"Have you reached the designated area?"
"Yes, Father."
Uphemia respectfully saluted: "I am proceeding to the Abyssal Observation Station as per your instructions."
The spiral in the Blood Eye began to spin faster, as if scrutinizing this "masterpiece" it had created:
"Very well. This mission has several objectives, you must listen carefully."
Uphemia nodded to show her understanding while simultaneously activating a memory enhancement spell, ensuring no detail would be overlooked.
As the "daughter" of the King of Blood, she had been trained from childhood to follow orders absolutely.
"First, use the environment of the Abyss to make your blood demon slaves slaughter each other."
The tentacle moved slowly in the air, the Blood Eye turning towards the patiently waiting blood demons:
"Only in the fight for life and death can they achieve genuine evolution. The weak are eliminated, the strong become stronger, the basic law of the Abyss."
The light in the Blood Eye became more intense:
"Especially that leading one; it is already close to the Moon Level. If it can break through during this exercise, your overall strength will rise a notch."
"Yes, Father." Uphemia’s voice remained respectful, but inside she was calculating the advantages and disadvantages.
The mutual slaughter of the blood demons would indeed promote evolution but also meant she would lose some of her fighting force.
However, a single Moon Level blood demon is indeed more valuable than several Morning Star Level ones.
"Secondly, find an opportunity to knock some sense into Blood Tear Duke Asmond."
The King of Blood’s tone became even colder, blood began to flow from the Blood Eye as if tears:
"Lately, this guy has become increasingly disobedient, starting to feign compliance with my orders. He forgets who gave him his current power and status."
The tentacle began to writhe violently, the blood vessel patterns on its surface becoming more pronounced: