Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 446. From Spoiled to Tough

Theo turned his head and met Lucien’s gaze.

Lucien gestured skyward, allowing Theo to finally spot the gigantic shadow of the python. Distinguishing it proved difficult, for the beast had merged flawlessly with the tree, its scales imitating the bark's shade so precisely that branches and snake body blurred together indistinguishably.

Theo followed the form downward with his eyes, estimating the python's immense length, then inhaled sharply as the truth dawned.

The python was colossal.

*****

Cremira python

Rare

Level 10

Type: Earth type beast

*****

Theo pulled out his compact notebook, diligently noting the information according to the standard status format taught by the instructors.

After completing it, Clara nudged his shoulder. Theo faced her with a questioning expression.

"We can note this down later. Shall we start the hunt, young master?" she inquired, her eyes sparkling with thrill.

Theo felt torn between laughter and tears.

"Hold on, let me apply my ability to the boar and the ape first," Theo declared, heading toward them. He touched each one lightly and triggered his power.

"If they unlock evolution needs right now, that would prove quite useful."

Excitement ignited in Clara’s and Elias’s eyes, and the boar fired up as well, seemingly grasping Theo’s action.

No beast lacked the wits to perceive what Theo and the Mantis had accomplished lately. The minuscule mantis, once scarcely larger than the boar’s hoof, had swelled past the size of its head, as casually as could be.

’Oh shit!’

Spatial energy abruptly fluctuated around Theo.

Moments later, the mantis sprang forth, erupting into a dazzling streak of light anew.

Theo curbed his instinct to slap his forehead. Revealing a glitch wasn’t timely.

’Mantis, don’t slay it,’ he mentally commanded.

With impeccable timing, the mantis surged along the python’s length, unleashing a piercing shriek.

The python struck back without delay, its colossal frame twisting and whipping toward the mantis, fangs bared wide.

’Suppression failing?’ Theo puzzled, as the python moved freely without restraint.

Yet prior to devouring the mantis before the group, it shimmered into radiant light once more, rematerializing atop the python’s skull, seizing a limb on a branch while staring down icily.

Blood erupted as half the python’s visage got severed cleanly.

The enormous creature plummeted earthward, prompting Theo’s alert.

He swiftly jotted the additional observations plus the EXP awarded, logging everything meticulously in his journal.

Surveillance duty demanded capturing every detail.

The onlookers beheld the python’s titanic bulk slamming groundward, faces etched with varied shock. A barrage of resounding ’THUD’s followed as the body uncoiled downward, climaxing in a thunderous crack and final ’THUD’ from the head.

Theo released a deep sigh, rising precisely as the mantis vaulted from the tree onto the python’s remains, then savagely ripped and devoured its meat.

The team edged nearer cautiously, expressions diverse, before all eyes fixed on Theo.

"I suppose this python poses no threat now. I’ve logged every detail, so let’s press on," Theo stated coolly with his impassive face, leaving the others dumbfounded.

Kaelor approached the carcass, running his sword’s edge across the python’s skin before scowling.

"Your beast’s strikes hit hard," he commented.

Aura sheathed his sword, power escalating second by second. Theo and Lucien eyed it eagerly as intensity mounted. Merely upon hitting moderate force did the blade’s point breach the python’s rugged hide.

Theo dipped his head faintly, then addressed the group. "Thoughts on making camp first? Sir Garrick, spot any other good sites nearby?"

Garrick shook his head. "I spotted a river a few minutes away... but it’s crimson too; resembles a blood river more, young master..."

Theo knitted his brows. "No clean water source, huh... We’ll scout it soon. Meanwhile, base camp here sounds good. Your opinions?"

The group traded hesitant looks.

Spotting their doubt, Theo simplified matters by seizing control. "We’ll clear this shrub zone, inspect materials for poison, chop minor trees, and erect basic shelters for all. Expect a full day’s work."

"What’s the point of all that? Let’s just push ahead and keep exploring," Merek scoffed.

Lucien cut in with a resolute tone before Theo had a chance to reply. "You can’t predict when the exit gate might appear; it could be days or even weeks from now. Establishing a base to return to safely before dawn each day for rest is the smarter choice."

Merek appeared unconvinced by the plan yet nodded his head regardless.

"The instructor already instructed us to construct a base camp, so there won’t be any problems," Theo chimed in.

He shrugged off his backpack next, unzipped it, and drew out a hatchet together with a compact device resembling a poison detector.

"This large shrub will be our starting point."

With those words, he moved ahead and placed the device on it to test for toxins.

In the next instant, the device lit up green.

Observing the favorable reading, Theo breathed a sigh of relief.

The others imitated his actions, retrieving their tools to examine nearby resources before considering their use.

The trees proved free of poison and perfectly safe for building.

The red-colored growths followed suit. Though their odd look raised eyebrows, they held no danger.

Theo proceeded to apply the tool to the python’s carcass, which glowed green as well.

"Well," he announced, a subtle smile creeping across his lips, "that settles our food supply too. Let’s carve this beast open."

The looks of sheer horror most cast toward Theo were priceless, barring a few exceptions.

These pampered elites needed some serious toughening up.