"The guidance of the prophecy is very clear..."
Ron took a deep breath, and a decision formed in his heart:
"I must face the upcoming challenges alone, having them follow will only lead to needless sacrifices."
The final part of the prophecy also provided some specific action guidance.
The blood outline changed again, revealing a complex timeline:
First was separation—Ron’s outline separated from the others;
Then was approaching—the two main outlines (Ron and Nari) began to converge;
Next was communication—a symbol representing interaction appeared in between;
Finally was fusion—all outlines merged into a larger, stronger whole.
"The key lies in the attitude..."
Ron carefully observed the details of the communication stage and discovered an important piece of information:
When his outline approached Nari’s, a specific emotional state needed to be displayed.
At this stage, the blood was a warm, orange-red color, symbolizing closeness, care, and... familial warmth.
"Do I need to show familial intimacy to that Abyssal Apostle?"
This conclusion sounded absurd at first.
But connecting it to the possible "mother-child" relationship between the Stand-In Puppet and Nari, this attitude became reasonable.
After the divination ended, the blood gradually solidified, and the bones lost their glow.
Yet the complex pattern remained clearly imprinted on the divination plate, reminding Ron of the insights just gained.
He took a deep breath and began to organize the information he obtained:
"First, encountering the Abyssal Apostle is unavoidable, and this Apostle likely has established a bond akin to family ties with the Stand-In Puppet."
"Second, the event will involve multiple factions, including a threatening female character."
"Lastly, the entire process will bring fundamental changes, which could be good or bad."
But the divination did not tell him: how to respond to these challenges and how to maximize gains while minimizing risks.
These issues require him to rely on his knowledge, experience, and judgment to solve.
"According to the symbol of the blood bond, I should approach that Abyssal Apostle as a sort of ’family member.’"
Ron formulated a strategy in his mind:
"Since it regards the puppet as a child, as the puppet’s ’creator,’ I may be perceived as a special existence."
"But the key is how to prove this relationship and how to avoid the threat posed by that mysterious female."
He cautiously put away the divination tools, also noting the tense expressions on Miller and the others’ faces.
"How did it turn out?" Miller’s voice was low, "From your expression, it doesn’t look very optimistic."
"It’s quite complex." Ron answered truthfully, but omitted most of the details:
"We are very likely to encounter an Apostle-level existence, and not just one."
This news made the other members of the team tense up.
Blake unconsciously tightened his grip on the War Axe, Camilla began checking her magic materials, and even the usually composed Miller showed a solemn expression.
"Retreat?" Miller asked succinctly.
"No." Ron’s answer surprised everyone:
"But you need to retreat to a safe area, I must handle the next contact alone."
This decision sparked debate within the team.
"What? Boss, are you crazy?" Blake was the first to object, "Facing an Abyssal Apostle alone? Isn’t that suicide?"
"Mr. Ron, please reconsider." Camilla’s tone was equally worried:
"Even if you are powerful, you shouldn’t take such a risk alone."
But after a brief thought, Miller nodded.
"If that’s your decision, we’ll respect it."
The veteran’s voice carried resignation but mostly understanding: "In the Abyss, sometimes too many people are a burden. Besides..."
He looked at the other team members:
"If it really is an Apostle-level threat, we would only be liabilities if we stayed, rather than being of help."
He understood his limits and wouldn’t make a foolish decision out of so-called ’loyalty.’
"You all retreat to the relatively safe area on the Third Floor." Ron began arranging the subsequent plans:
"If I haven’t returned within 72 hours, proceed directly to the observation station to report the situation."
"Understood." Miller nodded in confirmation, "But are you sure you don’t need us to leave some support? At least a communication device?"
"Not needed." Ron shook his head:
"The divination shows that this contact requires the display of a specific attitude. Having others present may destroy that atmosphere."
Although the team members were still worried, they eventually accepted this arrangement.
In the Abyss, personal will often matters more than teamwork.
Everyone must be responsible for their own choices, including bearing the corresponding consequences.
After the Magic Isolator emitted its final low hum, it fell into complete silence.
Ron carefully placed the divination tools into a specially-made silk bag.
Looking up, he saw Miller’s team packing their equipment.
In this bizarre forest made of blood vessels and tendons, the human figures appeared particularly small and fragile.
Blake’s scarred face twisted in the dim light.
His rough palm repeatedly caressed the handle of the War Axe, and his artificial eye rotated uneasily in its socket, emitting a faint mechanical grinding sound.
"Boss..." Blake’s voice was hoarse like sawed wood:
"Are you sure you don’t need any of us to stay? Even if just following from a distance, we could cover for you if something happens..."