"The divination also revealed other information... Uphemia indeed possesses some special abilities... capable of interfering with certain apostles in the Abyss Fifth Layer..."
Her fingers gently caressed the surface of the "Celestial Sphere," feeling the complex flow of information within:
"Especially the Blood Tear Duke Asmond... Her bloodline source can exert some coercive influence on him...
If other apostles wish to intervene in Ron’s actions... she can indeed provide effective containment..."
This additional information placed Uther in a dilemma.
From a purely rational perspective, having an extra piece to play certainly holds value, especially when dealing with the complex power dynamics of the Abyss.
"Then let’s make a conditional exchange."
Uther finally made the difficult decision, with the phantom reforming into a majestic figure:
"If you truly wish to participate, I can give you this chance, but you must accept my Void Remains’ Mark for monitoring."
Silver light began to condense into a complex rune structure, imbued with Great Wizard Level willpower:
"This mark will monitor your actions and intentions in real-time.
Any movement harmful to Ron will be immediately perceived by me and will face direct sanctions from the Void Power."
Uphemia looked at the rune flashing with majestic light, knowing it was her only opportunity.
Although accepting the mark meant exposing all her actions completely, it was better than being entirely excluded.
"I accept."
Her voice regained its firmness, carrying a do-or-die determination:
"But I also have one condition. If I successfully help Ron, you must provide me with a research position at the observation station..."
This request slightly surprised Uther.
A creation of the King of Blood, wishing for formal status at the Abyssal Observation Station?
The very thought was full of irony.
"If you can truly prove your value..."
Uther pondered for a moment before nodding in agreement:
"I can consider giving you a temporary researcher status, but a formal position... that will require more proof."
The integration process of the Void Remains’ Mark was accompanied by intense mental disturbance.
As the silver rune sank into Uphemia’s consciousness, she felt an unprecedented sense of constraint.
It wasn’t physical, but a deeper level of will restraint.
"Now, you may depart."
Uther’s tone turned businesslike again, full of warning:
"Remember, your task is to assist and protect, not to dominate. Ron’s safety is the absolute first priority."
He paused, his silver eyes piercingly gazing at Uphemia:
"If I find you attempting to use this opportunity to harm him, or to execute other secret tasks..."
The air around the phantom began to tremble violently, exuding a terrifying pressure enough to shatter the spirit of ordinary people:
"I will make you understand what is meant by a pain worse than death."
......
Deep in the Flesh and Blood Forest, when Ron returned from the consciousness link with the puppet, he already had a clear plan for the upcoming meeting.
Nari had been completely convinced and was moving swiftly towards the fourth layer.
Based on the information communicated, it would take at most six hours to reach the meeting point.
Everything was proceeding orderly according to his plan.
"The cover of the Chaos Storm, protection of the Innate Apostle, and the Stand-In Puppet as an emotional link..."
Ron reviewed the steps of the action in his mind, each link precisely calculated:
"As long as a trust relationship can be successfully established, the subsequent modification work can proceed in a relatively safe environment."
He retrieved a Magic Power Amplification Crystal from the storage bag, feeling the powerful energy contained within.
But just as he focused on the plan details, his keen perception ability captured an abnormal energy fluctuation from afar.
It wasn’t the aura of an Abyssal native creature, but some more complex existence.
It was a human magic core, but mixed with obvious Abyssal traits and some ancient powers he couldn’t immediately identify.
"Someone is approaching..."
Ron immediately went on alert, simultaneously activating "Extraordinary Recognition" to observe the distance.
Through the twisted forest of organs, he saw a figure that surprised him.
White long hair fluttered like silver threads in the eerie glow of the Flesh and Blood Forest.
That elegance maintained even in such a harsh environment made her identity clear as day.
"Uphemia Pele..."
Ron squinted, quickly recalling all the information about this competitor in his mind:
"A genius from the Blood Moon Clan, the third seat of the New Star Plan, possessing rare bloodline domination talent... But why is she here?"
According to previous divination predictions, a dangerous woman was indeed going to be involved in the incident.
But he originally thought it referred to some female Abyssal apostle, never expecting it to be a peer competitor from the New Star Plan.
"It seems the situation has become more complicated..."
Ron did not immediately reveal himself but chose to continue observing Uphemia’s intentions.
In an environment as dangerous as the Abyss, any rash decision could lead to catastrophic consequences.
And from afar, Uphemia seemed to sense a sort of faint observation presence.
Her steps became more cautious, and the blood demons following her also entered a combat-ready state.