Ron immediately activated "Extraordinary Recognition," and under this special vision, the "girl" before him immediately revealed her true form.
Countless fine tendrils, as thin as strands of hair, were intricately woven into a human shape.
Each tendril was performing complex coordinated movements on a microscopic level.
Inside, chaos energy compressed to the utmost flowed, circulating like liquid rainbows within this false body.
Maintaining this perfect human form was consuming a vast amount of Nari’s origin power.
He could even feel the immense, blood-draining exhaustion this was causing her.
And in a corner of the palace hall, a special crystal container caught Ron’s attention.
It was a giant transparent container, inside of which was sealed a tendril of a somewhat familiar shape.
The surface of this tendril was covered with dark red polluted markings, indeed "The Polluting Touch" that once harmed Ron.
The surface of the container was densely inscribed with words of remorse, written in ancient Abyssal Language.
Every character glowed faintly, conveying Nari’s deep remorse for that accident.
The general content of the text was:
"Foolish Nari harmed the precious child and should be eternally punished..."
"The evil tendril is unworthy of touching the pure being again, it should be permanently sealed..."
"Only the child’s forgiveness can cleanse the guilt in the mother’s heart..."
Reading these words, complex emotions surged within Ron.
Nari’s remorse for that accident was far deeper than he had imagined.
"Mother." He said softly, while slowly walking to a shadowy corner of the palace.
In the "Extraordinary Recognition" view, he could clearly see several large tendrils there.
They were hiding cautiously, as if afraid to frighten him.
"You don’t need to strain yourself like this."
Ron’s voice was gentle yet firm, as he reached out and gently stroked the surface of one of the tendrils.
The tendril’s skin felt warm to the touch, with a texture like the finest silk, covered with eyes that shimmered like gems.
These eyes trembled under his touch, filled with apprehension and longing.
"I have never felt fear or disgust because of your appearance."
He continued, his voice carrying a comforting firmness:
"Your true form is equally beautiful, only this beauty transcends common understanding.
Why endure such painful burdens for the sake of my so-called ’human prejudice’?"
The beautiful false body began to quiver violently.
The countless tendrils woven into a human shape started unraveling, and a pained expression appeared on the beautiful face.
Nari’s voice emerged from the false body, tinged with sobs:
"But... but Mother worries that you would be afraid... be disgusted... would leave because of Mother’s ugliness..."
Her voice trembled more and more:
"Mother knows she is a monster... a terrifying Abyss alien... if she doesn’t disguise herself in the way you humans like... would you still be willing to stay by Mother’s side?"
"Why? Would I leave you because of that?"
Ron gently interrupted her self-denial, intensifying his gentle stroking:
"If I were such a shallow person, judging an existence’s worth solely by appearance, how could I ever be worthy of your profound love?"
He paused for a moment, his voice becoming more earnest:
"Mother, do you think I’m the kind of foolish person who would be deceived by appearances?
Do you think I wouldn’t notice that every detail of this palace is infused with your devotion?
Do you think I wouldn’t feel your tremendous effort to make me comfortable?"
Ron’s words, like sweet dew, nourished Nari’s parched heart.
The outline of the false body began to blur, and the intricately woven tendrils started dismantling their complex structure.
"True beauty has never been about conforming to some fixed standard."
He continued, while more actively touching those tendrils hidden in the shadows:
"It’s about that sincere intent, about the pure emotion willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of cherished ones.
In my eyes, no external beauty can compare to your sincerity."
"Child..." Nari’s voice was almost melting: "You... do you really think so?"
"Of course." Ron’s reply was without hesitation:
"And I have to tell you a secret — I actually prefer seeing the true form you’ve revealed before.
That ancient, powerful presence, beyond mortal comprehension, is the truly awe-inspiring beauty."
Under Ron’s persistence, Nari finally gave up maintaining the false body.
The beautiful image of the girl dissipated like morning mist, transforming into countless points of light that re-integrated with the palace’s structure.
In its place appeared that vast, ancient true presence.
Countless tendrils extended from various corners of the palace, each with different forms and functions.
Some tendrils were as slender as ribbons, with surfaces covered in beautiful scale-like patterns;
Some tendrils were as robust as ancient trees, growing luminescent organs and sensory terminals;
Others were semi-transparent, with their interiors flowing with energy streams as splendid as the Milky Way.
Hundreds of eyes, varying in size, slowly turned toward Ron, each possessing different colors and expressions.
But at this moment, the same emotions filled all the eyes — apprehension, anticipation, and cautious hope.
"You... you really don’t dislike Mother’s true form?"