During the time spent with the Stand-In Puppet, it had long noticed some subtle abnormalities.
The overly perfect responses, the lack of genuine autonomy in "growth," and the occasional mechanical traces shining through.
Yet it always refused to acknowledge this harsh reality.
Ron watched the gradually dimming light in Nari's eyes, and a complex emotion surged in his heart.
This emotion was unfamiliar to him, a sense of guilt when facing innocence he himself had deceived.
"Yes."
He chose not to continue the deception, his voice carrying a rare sincerity:
"From the very beginning, it was my Alchemy creation. Every word, every reaction, was controlled by my consciousness."
This blunt admission cut into Nari's heart like a sharp blade.
Countless tendrils began to tremble violently, a repressive sadness permeating the air.
"But..."
Nari's voice began to fracture, like a child weeping:
"But I could feel its growth... feel its attachment to me... those warm responses..."
