The echoes of the Chaos Storm slowly dissipated into the air, like the after-sigh of a Giant Beast.
The Abyss returned to its rightful sinister silence.
Yet within that deathly stillness lay an even deeper unrest.
As if countless invisible eyes were watching everything in the darkness.
Nari began releasing the core pod, letting Ron return to the outside world.
The moment the pod opened, a deliberately controlled warm breeze brushed against Ron’s body, as comforting as a Mother’s embrace.
Earlier, Ron had been observing the entire battle through Spiritual Link.
His Enchantment effects played a crucial role in the fight.
That Polluting Touch attack directly wounded the famously resilient Mogron.
"It seems the results of this battle are far better than expected," he concluded with satisfaction in his heart:
"Not only did it verify the new abilities of the Magic Sword, but it also established Nari’s stronger presence in the Abyss."
However, as a calm researcher, he also realized the potential risks:
"The escape of two Apostles means that news will spread. The power dynamics in the Abyss might change because of this."
Nari seemed to sense his worry, her voice becoming gentle:
"My child, don’t fret over those cowards." Her tone carried reassurance:
"Today they witnessed our strength, and they won’t dare provoke us again anytime soon."
She paused, her voice turning more serious:
"Moreover, this deterrent effect is beneficial for your safety.
All Apostles now know that I’m at my peak power, and none dare to easily become my enemy."
Ron nodded, agreeing with this analysis.
"Mother, I may need to return to the surface for a while to handle some important matters."
Upon hearing this decision, Nari’s emotions instantly turned to sadness.
"But... we’ve only just established a true connection... I can’t bear to let you leave..."
Nari’s voice carried a child-like grievance:
"Mother will miss you... it’s the first time in such a long while that someone willingly stays by my side..."
Her tentacles began to sway unconsciously, stirring up a massive whirlpool of water.
Those eyes started secreting some kind of transparent liquid.
Those were Nari’s tears, with each drop containing precious condensed Energy.
Her voice tinged with sobs: "If you leave, I’ll become lonely again..."
"This is just a temporary separation," Ron gently comforted:
"Through Spiritual Link, we’ll never truly be apart. Moreover, I’ll keep in touch with you through this."
He raised the Magic Sword in his hand, and the Runes on the sword’s body began to glow, resonating with Nari’s emotional waves.
Nari looked at the flickering light, her emotions calming slightly:
"Really? You won’t find me annoying?"
"Of course not." Ron replied sincerely:
"You’re the only one in this world willing to protect me unconditionally."
"Then..."
Nari cautiously asked, her voice carrying a probing expectation:
"Will you visit Mother frequently?"
"Whenever there’s a chance, I’ll apply for Abyss exploration missions."
Ron offered a clear yet flexible promise:
"But you know, overly frequent explorations will raise suspicion. We need to find a suitable frequency."
"I’m listening to you."
Nari immediately agreed but then showed a worried expression:
"But... when you’re not here, Mother will be very lonely..."
Seeing Nari sink back into an emotional low, Ron knew it was time to present the "gift" he had prepared.
He extended his hand, intricate Rune circuits beginning to emerge in his palm.
These Runes weren’t engraved on any material but directly composed of Magic Power, appearing in a semi-transparent silvery glow.
As the Runes activated, the Magic Sword began to undergo a wondrous transformation.
The metal fluid on the sword’s body slowly separated, like cell division, splitting into two.
The whole process was filled with a sense of life’s Rhythm.
The separated part retained a humanoid outline, covered with a soft material like skin, with silver Energy light bands flowing internally.
"A part of me will stay here to accompany you."
Ron explained, while transmitting commands to the puppet via Spiritual Link:
"Though we’re physically separated, our consciousness remains connected."
The Stand-In Puppet slowly opened its eyes, its gaze gleaming with the same wisdom as Ron’s.
Its appearance was carefully designed, maintaining basic human features while incorporating some "adorable" elements.
Nari looked at this exquisite little puppet, her eyes instantly lighting up.
Though she knew it was merely an extension of Ron’s consciousness, emotionally, she had already regarded it as a true "child."
"My darling..."
She extended her tiniest tentacle, gently stroking the puppet’s surface.
"Then, this is the part I take with me."
Ron raised the remaining Magic Sword in his hand, its blade slightly smaller than before yet retaining its full functionality:
"It will assist me in surface research and battle, and it’s also our link."
The separated Magic Sword lost most of its activation features, but its basic shape-shifting and Magic spell storage functions remained intact.
For daily experimental assistance and battle needs, this was already sufficient.
Through this method of separation, Ron gained a useful tool while leaving Nari a token of emotional solace.