Chapter 1373: Chapter 541: 3 Dogs’ Bond Interaction_2

Carlos had no opportunity for betrayal, not even room for bargaining.

"There’s one more question."

Ron looked at Carlos: "Why did you choose me? Just because I defeated the other two hounds?"

"Of course not."

Carlos said somewhat helplessly:

"I calculated the potential among young Wizards who could become ’Great Ones’, and you are one of the most promising."

"Following an owner destined for mediocrity holds no value for me.

Only by allying with true strength can one secure a place in the future grand era."

"Moreover, by your behavior, you’re not the type to destroy useful tools for no reason.

Choosing you is the optimal solution in my current predicament."

This analysis made Ron feel both acknowledged and somewhat uneasy.

Being noticed by such a calculating fellow, is it fortunate or dangerous?

"I need some time to think."

Ron said: "This decision is too crucial to conclude hastily."

"Of course."

Carlos nodded: "But please remember, time is precious to us all. This Mind Maze won’t stay stable forever; dragging things out benefits no one."

At that moment, Nari suddenly spoke:

"Darling, I think you should agree with him."

This unexpected support made everyone look at her:

"Mom’s reason is simple—this old fox is quite calculating, but his logic is coherent.

Moreover, having such an advisor join you does offer substantial help for your future development."

Aselia pondered for a moment and nodded:

"The Dragon Race has an old saying: ’Better to have a smart enemy than a foolish friend.’

Carlos’s abilities are unquestionable, and the contract terms ensure he won’t betray, making this a rare opportunity."

With the support of his family, the balance in Ron’s heart started to tilt.

He looked at Carlos’s expectant blue eyes and slowly extended his hand:

"Deal, but I have one condition.

Throughout the process, you must explain each step in detail; no concealment."

"Of course."

Carlos’s four eyes gleamed with satisfaction simultaneously:

"Transparency is the foundation of collaboration. Now, let’s begin this historic ritual."

As the ritual began, the nebula core in the hound’s chest started undergoing a marvelous transformation.

The core, originally as deep as the cosmic void, started to separate into two layers:

The outer layer is a pure energy body, flowing with silver-blue light like liquid starlight;

The inner layer is a precise geometric structure, woven from countless threads of thought, akin to a miniature neural network.

"This is the true form of ’Intelligence.’

Carlos explained, meticulously controlling the separation process:

"Every thread represents a memory, a concept, a thought pattern.

Their connections determine my personality traits and intelligence level."

Ron carefully observed the separation process and found himself inspired.

Inspiration on how to separate and integrate consciousness structures from the shell...

"Now, please place your Silver Pocket Watch in the receiving position."

Ron followed the instructions, placing the Silver Pocket Watch lightly at the core position of the Rune Array.

"Initiate the final stage."

Carlos took a deep breath, then forcefully pressed his hand on the core.

"Intelligence" shot out of his chest like a meteor, crossing space, precisely landing on the dial of the Silver Pocket Watch.

Ron activated the pocket watch’s absorption function without hesitation.

The silver vortex manifested again, but this time the absorption process was exceptionally smooth.

Bereft of the protection of "Intelligence," the Energy Core yielded docilely like a lamb to the vortex.

[Warning: Hunting "Time Hound - Carlos (Pure Energy Core)"]

[Current digestion progress: 1%... Estimated time for completion: Extremely Long]

[Upon completion, you will have the opportunity to acquire and interpret part of the target’s core traits]

As the last trace of energy was absorbed, the entire arena began to collapse.

Clock gears fell off, Time Fragments dissipated like snowflakes.

The Mind Space built by Carlos had lost its sustaining power.

"The ritual is complete."

Carlos’s voice came through the pocket watch, sounding somewhat weak yet fulfilled:

"From now, my existence is completely dependent on you.

This is a milestone moment, the first time a Time Hound has established a symbiotic relationship with another species in this manner."

Ron felt the three kinds of energy in the pocket watch slowly merging, yet he felt somewhat uneasy.

Even in total defeat, Carlos could turn crisis into opportunity, transform a deadlock into a new beginning.

This hound had prepared a way out for every possibility, even his total defeat became another form of victory.

This made him start to suspect that this seemingly impulsive three-hound raid was a meticulously designed gamble from the start.

A creature so adept at calculation would never act simple-mindedly or rashly.

He prepared solutions for victory and contingency plans for defeat.

Ron recalled Saklang.

That old hound, though also pragmatic, seemed like a faithful old dog in comparison.

Saklang’s actions stemmed from fear and self-interest, but his motives were transparent: warning, protecting, then waiting for reward.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.