readlink exit value is TRUE as it actually must be FALSE at first depth dir. with -f or -e option e.g. in /tmp dir:
/tmp$ readlink -f ./KERNEL-linux-6.3.9 && echo SUCCEEDS FIND IT /tmp/KERNEL-linux-6.3.9 SUCCEEDS FIND IT but correct at deeper depth: /tmp$ readlink -f ./KERNEL-linux-6.3.9/fs && echo SUCCEEDS FIND IT look it up, no KERNEL-linux-6.3.9 dir.: /tmp$ ls -Apv .ICE-unix/ opera/ .X11-unix/ ssh-Xbe0jzj/ .xfsm-ICE-1BY671 .org.chromium.IfJAAT/ dbus-QZsDmoWAoc