"Though ’she’ is still asleep, Mother can sense some movements deep within the Abyss."
"Like what?"
"Those Supreme Apostles are performing some sort of large ritual."
A cold glint flashed in Nari’s eyes:
"They think their actions are secretive, but Mother can perceive special Energy Fluctuations between the thrones through her connection with Mother."
Her tentacles began to emit a faint Aura of Chaos, forming eerie patterns in the seawater:
"Maggs and the others want to integrate thirteen kinds of Apostle origins to create an unprecedented Throne Seed. This plan is ambitious but extremely dangerous."
Upon hearing this, Ron felt a strong sense of vigilance surge in his heart.
He recalled the threat he felt in the arena and Maggs’ suspicion of his true identity.
If those Supreme Apostles are really plotting something, there’s a significant chance he is one of their targets.
"However, Mother does have some countermeasures."
Nari’s tone suddenly became confident:
"Since she can sense their actions, Mother can interfere to some extent."
"Interfere?"
"That’s right."
Her tentacles began to weave a complex Energy network:
"Mother cannot directly stop their plan, but she can make the whole process more difficult.
Increase Energy consumption, extend the ritual time, and create some... accidents."
A sly look appeared in Nari’s eyes, like a child plotting a prank:
"This will not only buy us time to grow but also make those old monsters pay a higher price."
Hearing this plan, Ron’s heart settled.
Nari chuckled softly, her tentacles gently caressing Ron’s cheek:
"You just need to focus on getting stronger, dear. When you return, Mother will let those monsters know that hurting us isn’t easy."
Ron gradually learned more about the secrets of the Abyss’ power structure.
Nari told him that the Supreme Apostles are not a monolith.
Each of them has complex interests and faction divisions.
"Although Maggs holds the first throne, his rule is not solid."
Nari analyzed the political landscape of the Abyss:
"The cursed dragon Chai Ye and the twisted Sage Nocturn have very subtle relationships with him. If Mother’s interference is clever enough, it might cause a rift among them."
"And those ordinary Apostles, they do not completely obey the rule of Supreme Apostles either. As long as there’s a suitable opportunity, they will also choose their own interests."
Ron nodded in agreement upon hearing this.
In such a complex environment, with her lineage and growing strength, Nari indeed has the opportunity to stake a claim.
"So, does Mother have any specific plans while I’m gone?"
"First is to continue absorbing the essence of Maggs’ power to become stronger."
Nari’s tentacle pointed towards the depths of the palace:
"Mother has already mastered the basic techniques of void binding, and next she will delve into Space Manipulation."
"Then it is to win over some allies that can be contested. Although other Apostles on the fifth layer harbor hostility towards Mother, cooperation is not entirely impossible."
Her eyes glinted with a cold light:
"The Nightmare Queen Selena and Mad Bite Mogron are both in a weak state now, it’s a perfect time to show favor and win them over.
Perhaps I can guide them to help me devour the even weaker Blood Tear Duke.
Sometimes, a common enemy is more conducive to alliance than common interests."
"And intelligence gathering."
Nari’s tone became serious:
"Mother will closely monitor the movements of the Supreme Apostles, and intervene immediately if any actions detrimental to you are discovered."
These plans made Ron feel both comforted and anxious.
Comforted by the fact that Nari has already developed the ability to independently handle complex situations, no longer only a primeval being that knows only chaos and destruction.
Anxious though, that the enemies she must face are exceedingly powerful, and a slight misstep could lead to irrevocable disaster.
"Oh, and there’s this..."
Speaking, Nari carefully took out a fist-sized Crystal Ball.
"Inside are Mother’s most precious Memories... Those happy times we shared together..."
Her voice became gentle:
"If you miss Mother... just look at this Crystal Ball.
Mother will sense it, although she can’t be instantly at your side, at least... at least it will let you know Mother is always thinking of you."
Ron accepted this warm Crystal Ball, feeling the deep emotions contained within.
Through the surface of the Crystal, he could vaguely see the Memory fragments stored inside.
The surprise Nari felt upon first seeing the Stand-In Puppet;
The breaking of the emotional ice at the junction of the fifth layer;
And during this meeting, Ron’s closeness to Nari’s true form, ignoring the avatar;
As well as countless quiet and warm moments together...
"Thank you, Mother."
He carefully tucked the Crystal Ball into his arms:
"I will take good care of it."
The night grew deeper, the bioluminescence of sea creatures flickered like Stars.
A person and a monster quietly leaned against each other, no more words were spoken, just simple companionship.
This silent emotional exchange, at this moment, seemed more precious than any words.
Ron remembered his rational analysis of emotional anchors, feeling an unexpected chuckle.
Some things truly cannot be weighed by simple pros and cons.
The Emotional relationships between intelligent beings are actually very simple.
You need me, and I need you, that’s all.