During the time spent with the Stand-In Puppet, it had long noticed some subtle abnormalities.
The overly perfect responses, the lack of genuine autonomy in "growth," and the occasional mechanical traces shining through.
Yet it always refused to acknowledge this harsh reality.
Ron watched the gradually dimming light in Nari’s eyes, and a complex emotion surged in his heart.
This emotion was unfamiliar to him, a sense of guilt when facing innocence he himself had deceived.
"Yes."
He chose not to continue the deception, his voice carrying a rare sincerity:
"From the very beginning, it was my Alchemy creation. Every word, every reaction, was controlled by my consciousness."
This blunt admission cut into Nari’s heart like a sharp blade.
Countless tendrils began to tremble violently, a repressive sadness permeating the air.
"But..."
Nari’s voice began to fracture, like a child weeping:
"But I could feel its growth... feel its attachment to me... those warm responses..."
"All of those are real."
Ron interrupted its self-doubt, his voice becoming more steady:
"Although the puppet lacks independent consciousness, the care you provided it has indeed changed its essence.
Through Two-way Communication, I can feel every bit of your tenderness."
He gently patted his chest, where the core of the Spiritual Link was located.
In the vision of "Extraordinary Recognition," he could see a faint silver thread connecting him to the Stand-In Puppet not far away:
"Your love has given it some... characteristics close to life, this transformation even surprises me."
Nari’s emotions began to undergo subtle changes.
Those enormous eyes refocused on Ron, and the sadness within them was being replaced by another emotion.
"You..."
Its voice carried a tentative tremor:
"You can feel my emotions?"
"Every moment of every second."
Ron’s answer made all of Nari’s eyes light up.
For this being, who had been lonely for thousands of years, the feeling of being understood and perceived was a gift more precious than any treasure.
"Then... then why have you come here now..."
Nari’s voice became cautious, as if afraid of hearing a dreadful answer.
"I want to make our connection even closer."
Ron took out the Magic Power Amplification Crystal from the Storage Bag.
The octahedral crystal emitted an eerie life-like aura under the light of the Chaos Storm, with bands of energy flowing inside like a galaxy:
"This is the core component I’ve prepared for the puppet, and upon fusion, it will undergo a transformation, and you..."
He paused for a moment, anticipation evident in his eyes: "You will receive twice the Favor feedback."
Seeing this crystal, Nari’s breathing became rapid.
It could feel the powerful strength contained within, the complex energy structure filled even it with awe.
"This craftsmanship..."
Nari’s voice carried curiosity:
"Even in my long life, it’s rare to see creations this exquisite. How much effort did you invest in this?"
"Since before I became an Official Wizard, I had been preparing for this moment."
Ron’s voice carried the dedication of a researcher:
"Material collection, technological development, theoretical perfection... every stage has undergone countless simulations and validations."
Nari quietly observed the young human before it.
In its long life, it had witnessed many Wizards driven by greed and ambition.
But Ron was different; he had a pure thirst for knowledge, a determination to pursue truth at all costs.