Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots Chapter 837 - 374: Will You Come Back Again?

The lingering sounds of the Chaos Storm gradually faded, like the final breath of a colossal beast. The Abyss fell back into its profound, menacing quietude. Yet, within that eerie silence, a deeper disquiet began to stir, as if unseen eyes were perpetually observing the encroaching darkness.

Nari initiated the release of the core pod, allowing Ron to return to the external world. The instant the pod parted, a gentle, controlled current of warm air caressed Ron’s form, offering comfort akin to a mother’s embrace. He had, in fact, been monitoring the entire conflict through their Spiritual Link, recognizing the vital role his Enchantment abilities had played. The Polluting Touch attack had notably inflicted damage upon the formidable Mogron.

"It appears the outcome of this confrontation surpassed our expectations," Ron mused inwardly with a sense of accomplishment. "Not only did we validate the new capabilities of the Magic Sword, but we also solidified Nari's enhanced standing within the Abyss." However, with the pragmatism of a dedicated researcher, he also acknowledged the inherent risks. "The escape of two Apostles means this news will inevitably spread, potentially altering the established power dynamics within the Abyss."

Nari seemed to perceive his underlying concern, her voice softening. "My child, do not trouble yourself with those cowards." Her tone conveyed reassurance. "They have witnessed our might today, and it is unlikely they will dare to provoke us again in the near future." She then paused, her expression growing more somber. "Furthermore, this display of strength serves to bolster your safety. All Apostles are now aware that I am operating at my full power, deterring any from making an enemy of me lightly."

Ron offered a nod, concurring with her assessment. "Mother, I believe I must return to the surface for a period to attend to some significant matters."

This declaration instantly cast a shadow of sadness over Nari. "But… we have only just forged a true connection… I cannot bear to see you depart…" Nari’s voice betrayed a childlike petulance. "Mother will miss you… it has been such a long time since someone willingly remained by my side…" Her tentacles began to sway involuntarily, churning the water into a formidable vortex. A clear, viscous fluid started to stream from her eyes, each drop a precious reservoir of condensed Energy. "If you leave," she sobbed, "I will be lonely once more…"

"This is merely a temporary parting," Ron gently reassured her. "Through our Spiritual Link, we will never be truly separated. Moreover, I shall maintain contact with you via this connection." He raised the Magic Sword he held, its inscribed Runes flaring to life, resonating with Nari’s emotional flux.

Nari gazed at the pulsating light, her emotional turmoil gradually subsiding. "Truly? You will not find me bothersome?"

"Absolutely not," Ron affirmed with sincerity. "You are the sole individual in this world who offers me unwavering protection."

"Then…" Nari inquired tentatively, her voice laced with hopeful anticipation. "Will you visit Mother often?"

"Whenever an opportunity arises, I will seek out Abyss exploration missions," Ron proposed, offering a promise that was both clear and adaptable. "However, as you know, undertaking such missions too frequently might arouse suspicion. We must determine a suitable rhythm."

"I will follow your lead," Nari readily agreed, yet a worried expression soon clouded her features. "But… when you are not here, Mother will feel terribly lonely…"

Observing Nari's descent back into melancholy, Ron recognized the opportune moment to present the 'gift' he had prepared. He extended his hand, revealing intricate Rune circuits coalescing on his palm. These weren't etched onto any surface but were instead formed directly from Magic Power, shimmering with a translucent, silvery luminescence.

As the Runes activated, the Magic Sword underwent a remarkable metamorphosis. The fluidic metal coating its surface began to separate, akin to cellular division, splitting into two distinct entities. The entire procedure exuded a palpable cadence of life. The detached portion gradually assumed a humanoid silhouette, enveloped in a soft, skin-like material, with bands of silver Energy light flowing within.

"A part of me will remain here to keep you company," Ron explained, simultaneously relaying instructions to the nascent puppet via their Spiritual Link. "Though we are physically apart, our consciousness remains linked."

The Stand-In Puppet slowly opened its eyes, its gaze reflecting the same intelligent spark as Ron’s. Its design was deliberate, preserving fundamental human features while incorporating an element of 'cuteness'.

Nari’s eyes immediately brightened as she beheld the exquisitely crafted puppet. Even understanding its nature as an extension of Ron’s consciousness, she emotionally embraced it as a true 'child'. "My darling…" she murmured, extending her smallest tentacle to delicately caress the puppet’s surface.

"And this is the portion I'll be keeping," Ron declared, lifting the Magic Sword that remained in his grasp. Though its size had diminished, its full capabilities were undiminished.

"It will be instrumental in my research and combat on the surface, serving as our connection," he explained. The detached part of the Magic Sword had shed most of its activation capabilities, yet its fundamental power to alter its shape and store Magic spells remained fully functional.

For day-to-day experimental aid and combat necessities, this was more than adequate. By employing this separation technique, Ron acquired a practical tool while simultaneously bestowing upon Nari a memento to ease her heart.