Chapter 341: The Consequences of Angering a

First is the main course—a giant heart that is still beating faintly.

This heart is half a person tall, covered with transparent scales like crystal, and emits a pleasant echo every time it beats.

"This is the heart of an 'Echo Whale'."

Nari caresses the surface of the vesicle, its tone full of maternal pride:

"Echo Whales are rare creatures that only appear starting from the sixth layer of the abyss; their hearts store the purest essence of sound waves."

"Mother had a fight with Lag from the sixth layer to capture this Echo Whale."

Its voice carries a sense of showing off like a little girl:

"Although mother got a small injury, for my baby, these are nothing."

Next is the side dish—a few tender buds of strange vines emitting time fluctuations.

These buds are semi-transparent, and one can see time flowing like liquid inside.

"These are the tender buds of 'Time Vine,' a precious plant growing on the edge of time cracks."

Nari introduces them like counting family treasures:

"After eating them, my baby can better perceive the flow of time and seize the initiative in battle."

Finally, the dessert—a crystal the size of a fist, with dreamlike light flowing inside.

Countless tiny light spots are sealed in this crystal, each light spot being an independent dream fragment.

"Dream Crystal, storing fragments of various beautiful dreams."

Nari's tone becomes even gentler:

"Mother specifically selected those dreams full of love and warmth, hoping my baby can feel happiness during growth."

"Come, my little angel, it's time to eat."

Nari carefully places these precious materials near the puppet, then observes the reaction with full expectation:

"Eat slowly, don't rush. Mother is here with you."

The rune circuits on the puppet's surface begin to respond to these high-quality "foods."

The silver light is brighter than ever before.

Those complex energy channels extend out like blood vessels, precisely contacting every piece of material.

When the Echo Whale's heart is decomposed, it releases a wonderful sound wave resonance, and the entire treasure vault is filled with harmonies like heavenly music.

The tender buds of the Time Vine turn into a pure flow of time, forming tiny space-time ripples around the puppet.

The Dream Crystal blooms with rainbow-like light, countless beautiful images flashing in the air.

"Great! Great!"

Nari trembles all over with excitement, countless tentacles dancing in the air:

"My baby is eating so sweetly, mother is really so happy, so happy!"

As the digestion of this sumptuous "feast" is completed, the favor fluctuation emitted by the puppet reaches an unprecedented intensity.

That pure and warm energy, like a spring breeze, caresses Nari's chaotic consciousness, rearranging those tangled thought threads into order.

"This feeling..."

Nari feels the unprecedented clarity of thought, its eyes full of indulgence:

"Just like returning to mother's embrace, so warm, so safe..."

Under the nourishment of the puppet's favor, Nari's intelligence level is steadily improving.

Those originally chaotic thoughts begin to possess logic, and emotional fluctuations become more stable and controllable.

Most importantly, it begins to be able to conduct complex strategic thinking.

"Since the news can't be hidden anyway, I'll tell Lord Tea Leaf first."

Nari talks to itself, its tone full of irrepressible excitement:

"He will definitely be very happy when he sees my baby is so great.

Maybe he will even give me more hunting permits, allowing me to get more good things for baby."

But under the excitement, instinctive vigilance is also quietly sprouting.

It knows the survival laws of the abyss best.

The strong plunder everything from the weak; this is an eternal iron law.

Although Tea Leaf is its "direct superior," in the face of absolute interest, this superior-subordinate relationship will instead further fuel its plundering ambition.

"However..."

A strong worry surges deep in Nari's consciousness:

"If Lord Tea Leaf wants to forcibly seize my baby..."

………………

Deep in the ninth layer of the abyss, at the bottom of the magma sea.

Tea Leaf continued his daily extreme training, his massive body enduring high temperatures and pressure sufficient to melt mountain ranges.

For a Supreme Apostle, only in this extreme environment can it continue to push its already near-peak physical strength.

Just then, a wave of consciousness fluctuation came over.

"Lord Tea Leaf! Lord Tea Leaf!"

Nari's voice is as cheerful as a little girl's:

"I have great news to tell you! You must see my baby!"

Tea Leaf's three faces reveal different expressions simultaneously.

The first face (rationality) frowns, full of suspicion:

"What unrealistic thing is this idiot fantasizing about again?

Last time it said it discovered a 'perfect subordinate candidate,' but it turned out to be just a slightly smarter abyssal worm."

The second face (greed) has fiery light flashing in its eyes:

"But its tone is a bit different this time...

That excitement is real, not the self-deceiving fantasy of the past. If there really is something valuable..."

The third face (caution) reveals a vigilant look:

"Nari is stupid, but its intuition is sharp.

It is so excited, indicating that it has indeed encountered some special situation; I must respond cautiously."

"Wait, Nari."

Tea Leaf suppresses the excitement in its voice, maintaining a majestic tone as much as possible:

"Calm down first and describe the appearance and characteristics of this 'baby' in detail. I need to judge its origin and safety."

"Okay, okay! Lord Tea Leaf!"

Nari begins to talk endlessly like it has found a treasure:

"It looks like a humanoid puppet, very small, very small, only this big."

It gestures the size of a palm:

"But it has beautiful runes on its body, emitting silver light, sparkling like stars."

"And it is very smart, very smart! It knows how to choose food; every time I prepare different materials for it, it always prioritizes absorbing the most nutritious parts."

Nari's voice becomes more and more dreamy:

"The most magical thing is the warm feeling it emits, just like... just like a mother's embrace, making me feel especially safe and comfortable."

"Since having it, I have never had a nightmare again, and those chaotic thoughts have become clear. I can even think about several problems at the same time now!"

"Its growth speed is very fast, and there are new changes every day. I feel it is learning my care methods and becoming more and more sensible."

Hearing this description, Tea Leaf's three brains begin to run and analyze rapidly:

"Humanoid puppet... rune circuit... rapid growth..."

The rational face calculates in its heart:

"This is definitely not an ordinary abyssal creation; it is very likely an experimental product of some advanced civilization, or some kind of artificial intelligence carrier."

The greedy face's eyes burn with fiery desire:

"Regardless of its origin, it is an item that can provide stable favor growth; if I can obtain it..."

The cautious face issues a warning:

"But an item of unknown origin is very likely some kind of trap.

What if it is a spy tool for alchemists, or carries some kind of curse..."

After a short and intense internal debate, Tea Leaf makes a decision.

It adjusts its voice to be gentle, as kind as an elder treating a useful subordinate:

"Very good, Nari. It seems you have indeed picked up an amazing treasure."

Hearing this praise, Nari is almost about to faint from excitement:

"Really? Does Lord Tea Leaf think my baby is great?"

"Of course, I am very interested in your discovery."

Tea Leaf continues, its tone carrying a hint of majesty:

"However, I also have some worries. An item of unknown origin may have hidden dangers."

It pauses, allowing the other party to digest its instructions:

"How about this, you report the status changes of this puppet to me every ten days.

Any subtle abnormality must be recorded in detail. I must master its growth trajectory.

In addition, do not reveal this matter to other Apostles for the time being.

You also know the greedy nature of those guys; such a treasure easily causes unnecessary contention and conflict.

Finally, if you find any signs of abnormality, such as the puppet trying to control your mind, or energy fluctuations from unknown sources... destroy it immediately, do not have any hesitation or softheartedness."

Hearing the word "destroy," Nari's entire body tenses:

"Destroy? But... but it is my baby..."

"I know you are reluctant."

Tea Leaf's voice becomes "kind":

"But sometimes, protecting yourself is more important than protecting the treasure. If that puppet is really dangerous, it will harm you instead."

"Of course, if everything goes well, I will not let your efforts go to waste."

Its tone begins to carry a seductive color:

"I will consider expanding your hunting permits, allowing you to search for precious materials in a wider area.

Maybe even let you participate in the next 'Domain Redistribution'."

This promise makes Nari instantly forget the uneasiness just now, rolling in the treasure vault:

"Really? Really? Can I go hunting in the territories of other Apostles?"

"As long as you act according to my instructions, these are not problems."

Tea Leaf looks at Nari's reaction with satisfaction:

"Remember, cultivate patiently, observe carefully, and report regularly. This puppet might be your chance to change your destiny."

Nari appears incomparably excited on the surface:

"Yes! Lord Tea Leaf! I will definitely do as you instruct!"

"I will observe my baby carefully and report to you regularly. If I find any abnormalities, I will... I will consider your suggestion."

"Thank you, Lord, for expanding my hunting permits! I will make good use of this opportunity!"

But deep in Nari's heart, it is a completely different calculation.

Clear reason allows it to see through the true intention hidden in Tea Leaf's gentle words:

"Lord Tea Leaf is indeed tempted... he definitely wants my baby."

The monster, whose consciousness was originally chaotic, is now sharper than ever:

"However, this is also fine. At least he doesn't dare to seize it directly now and will provide me with more resources. I can use this time to make baby stronger."

"And, if other Apostles also want to seize it..."

Nari thinks of its trump card.

As an Apostle born of the abyss, it possesses the terrifying ability to trigger primitive chaos.

This kind of power is something even the Supreme Apostles cannot fully resist; the price is that Nari herself might be torn to shreds in the process.

But to protect its "baby," it is willing to bear any risk. "When my baby grows up completely, even Lord Tea Leaf cannot bully me at will."

Nari plans silently in its heart:

"And, if it really reaches a desperate situation... I will let everyone know the consequences of angering a mother."

………………

In the exhibition room, after a short rest, Luo En turns his gaze to the "Blood Oath" engraved with the names of enemies.

The dense names on the hilt flicker with dark red light under the magic crystal lamp.

Youteer's phantom sways slightly:

"The memory of 'Blood Oath' is darker and more twisted than 'Frost Bite'. Mo Gan's revenge career is full of conspiracy, betrayal, and cold-blooded slaughter."

The old professor pauses, his voice becoming more serious:

"You must be mentally prepared; the inner world of an avenger is often more cruel than the battlefield."

"I understand the risks."

Luo En nods to confirm, while activating all mental defense mechanisms in his heart:

"But it is precisely this extreme emotion that can allow me to understand the essence of will imprints."

He slowly reaches out and grips the hilt of "Blood Oath."

In an instant, a fiery and viscous hatred surges into his consciousness like magma.

That is not abstract anger, but pure hatred condensed over years, as hard and sharp as steel tempered a thousand times.

………………

The night is as dark as ink, the moonlight is obscured by thick clouds, leaving only faint starlight sprinkling on the earth.

Luo En finds himself "possessing" Mo Gan, immediately feeling the physical state of this avenger.

Unlike Edric's tall and robust build, Mo Gan's figure tends to be lean.

But every muscle is carefully trained, tight and powerful like steel wire.

His face is handsome and cold, and the fire of hatred that never goes out burns in his deep green eyes.

The most eye-catching thing is his long jet-black hair, floating silently in the night wind like the cloak of the god of death.

The "Night Wolf" bloodline shows powerful effects in the dark.

The night is no longer an obstacle, but becomes the best ally.

……

"Ellie... little Tom... I'm coming to pick you up to go home right away."

……

"Ah ah ah ah ah ah..."

……

"Blood Oath" shows its bloodthirsty nature in battle.

Whenever the blade drinks blood, the sword body becomes more bright red, and Mo Gan's power also increases accordingly.

This sword seems to be alive, actively guiding Mo Gan to find the enemy's vital points, every strike precise and fatal.

"Blood Oath" slips from his hand powerlessly; there is no joy of victory in his eyes, only deep emptiness and confusion.

"Is this the end?"

The man mutters to himself, his voice carrying a trembling of despair:

"Waldo is dead... but Ellie and little Tom... they still won't come back..."

He originally thought revenge could bring liberation, but now Mo Gan realizes that hatred is just an anesthetic that lets him temporarily forget the pain.

When the enemy falls, the covered sadness and despair re-emerge, stronger than ever before.

"Why did I do all this? To prove that their deaths have meaning?"

Mo Gan looks at his blood-stained hands:

"But now... what do I have left?"

He finds that he has become accustomed to the pleasure brought by slaughter.

The bloodthirsty trait of "Blood Oath" subtly changes his personality, making him dependent on violence.

"Maybe... I should go find the remaining enemies..."

Mo Gan's eyes begin to become hollow and dangerous:

"Only in battle can I feel that I am still alive..."

The historical retrospection ends here, but that final confusion and distortion of Mo Gan are deeply imprinted in Luo En's consciousness.

………………

Luo En slowly opens his eyes, finding that his hand is still gripping the hilt of "Blood Oath."

But at this moment, his state of mind is exceptionally calm, and the hatred and pain from Mo Gan did not cause him too much shock.

This calmness makes him a bit surprised.

Logically speaking, such an intense emotional shock should have had some impact on his spirit.

"Strange reaction."

He analyzes his state in his heart:

"Mo Gan's pain and anger I can understand, but I cannot truly empathize. Is this emotional distance... a good thing or a bad thing?"

【Historical Research (Proficient) Experience +1】

【Cold Weapon Combat (Proficient) Experience +1】

【Hunting Evil (Entry) Experience +1】

【Instinctive Reflex (Entry) Experience +1】

……

The prompt of the career panel confirms the value of this experience.

The experience value of the 【Instinctive Reflex】 skill has reached 46/50, only one step away from breaking through to the proficient level.

Going back and practicing together with Axa and several new enemies newly stored in the simulation device, it is estimated that this skill can be broken through.

Through Mo Gan's combat memory, Luo En learned many practical techniques:

How to hide his figure using shadows in the dark;

How to judge the bloodline type through the enemy's aura;

How to find fatal weaknesses in close combat.

"Your stress resistance is indeed very good."

Youteer observes the whole process from the side, his eyes full of admiration:

"I originally thought the pain of Mo Gan in 'Blood Oath' would cause you a serious mental shock."

The old professor's phantom floats closer:

"This shows that your mental toughness has reached a very high level."

"Maybe it's because I don't fully agree with Mo Gan's choice."

Luo En says frankly:

"Although his pain can be understood, the practice of making revenge the only goal in life... in my view, it is a waste of one's own life."

"Interesting point of view."

Youteer looks at him approvingly:

"Most people will be moved by Mo Gan's tragedy, but you focus on the consequences of his choice."

Through two deep historical analyses, Luo En has his own understanding of the manufacturing process of Master Swords.

It is not just a problem of metallurgy technology, but also involves complex operations at the spiritual level.

He begins to organize these technical points in his mind:

First is the material requirement; the basic material of a Master Sword must possess extremely high magic conductivity, capable of carrying complex energy flow.

Ordinary metal will suffer structural damage when facing strong mental imprints; only special alloys can be competent.

"Edric's 'Frost Bite' uses an alloy of Polar Mithril and Ice Crystal, while Mo Gan's 'Blood Oath' is a fusion of Dark Moon Steel and Blood Essence Stone."

Luo En carefully compares the material composition of the two swords:

"The common point is that both added crystal materials with special attributes; these crystals are responsible for stabilizing and amplifying mental fluctuations."

Secondly, the integration of bloodline essence.

During the forging process, the maker must integrate their own bloodline essence into the sword embryo, letting the weapon acquire life activity.

This process requires extremely precise control.

Too little will fail to establish an effective connection, too much will lead to overly strong weapon will, which in turn controls the user.

"The key lies in the mastery of the proportion."

He records the observed details in his heart.

The third step is mental power guidance.

The maker needs to use mental power to guide the flow of metal at the molecular level, letting the bloodline essence perfectly combine with the metal structure.

This process is similar to bloodline modulation, but the object of operation is inorganic material, and the difficulty is higher.

Through this fusion, the sword body will acquire bloodline traits.

Such as elemental affinity, special resistance, unique abilities, etc., while establishing a preliminary resonance connection with the maker.

"This is like creating a kind of life with a special bloodline."

Luo En suddenly realizes:

"Master Swords are essentially a hybrid of biology and machinery, which also explains why they exhibit intelligent behavior."

Finally, the most dangerous step—soul splitting.

The maker must split part of the soul fragment and seal it in the sword core.

These fragments contain the creator's memories, skills, and personality traits, which are the key to the Master Sword gaining independent will.

Luo En recalls the state of Edric and Mo Gan at the final moment:

"It must be carried out when the vitality is strongest, usually the peak period of the maker's career."

The sealing of soul fragments requires establishing a stable mental link, ensuring the fragments will not backfire on the maker.

Finally, through a complex rune network, an exclusive master-recognition mechanism is established.

【Material Refining (Proficient) Experience +1】

Continuously analyzing two Master Swords, he can feel the fatigue coming from deep within his consciousness.

That is the consequence of contacting high-intensity mental imprints for a long time.

"Let's stop the experience here for today."

Youteer also notices his state:

"Excessive contact with these ancient wills might cause an impact on your own mental structure. Moderate rest is necessary."

"Professor, I have another important matter I want to discuss with you."

Luo En recalls another purpose of his visit:

"Regarding the further improvement plan for the mobile simulation device, I have already formed a complete technical framework."

As he speaks, he takes out the design drawing he spent several nights completing from his space bag.

Dense technical parameters and complex structural diagrams cover the entire piece of sheepskin paper.

Youteer calculates the days Luo En has been at the observation station, frowns, and wants to say something, but finally does not open his mouth.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 342 =====