Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 453. Extracting more beasts

By the time darkness fell, they had already processed half of the python’s enormous carcass. The group’s previous productivity levels were completely dwarfed by this display. Clara, Elias, and Cassian continued their usual work, now joined by Kaelor, who displayed an unexpected fondness for butchery. Even Lucien lent a hand, eager to learn the process. When Theo inquired why Lucien hadn’t offered assistance before, despite spending considerable time in the forest, the reply was simple: "Cassian handled everything; I didn’t need to." This response made Theo realize that such was the established norm, and through his own efforts alongside the attendants and others, those norms were beginning to shift. Lysara was also asked to contribute, and to the surprise of many, she accepted. Although the actual butchering made her feel nauseous, she capably carried and placed the cut fillets into the smokers, a crucial step in the preservation process. Even Garrick, who had previously found no reason to remain, was compelled to join in. His sole method of avoiding work had been to stay near Lysara while she wasn't participating, but with her now actively involved, he had no one to hide behind. Theo meticulously worked through one section, separating all the flesh from the bones before attending to the organs. He set these aside and summoned the beasts, first ensuring the organs were safe for their consumption. Once confirmed, every beast present began to devour the massive organs with a ravenous appetite, as if it were a delicacy they hadn't tasted before. This time, Theo made sure not to exclude the mantis, as it was designated feeding time. The instant the mantis emerged, all other beasts instinctively retreated, with the exception of the ape, panther, boar, and pup, who had grown accustomed to its imposing presence. To prevent any conflict, Theo tossed another large organ to the side, ensuring ample food for everyone. The group continued their work deep into the night, fully engrossed in their respective tasks. Brief breaks were taken intermittently, during which they shared stories about their lives, fostering an unexpectedly warm and comfortable atmosphere within the camp. However, whenever Merek emerged from his hut, the mood would invariably turn awkward. His expression exuded an arrogance that surpassed mere haughtiness. Theo decided to approach and speak with him, but the interaction proved disastrous. Merek erupted into a furious rage, and Lucien had to swiftly pull Theo away to prevent the situation from escalating. Following this incident, Theo resolved to cease issuing any further orders to Merek. By morning, everyone slept soundly, resembling logs. Meanwhile, the mantis and the other beasts consumed the python’s entrails before settling down to rest. Their heightened senses made them perpetually vigilant against any danger, and the mantis's inherent suppressive aura also extended to the other beasts, providing an additional layer of security in such circumstances. Upon waking, the group discovered that the beasts had finished every remaining part of the carcass's interior, exhibiting a gluttony akin to the mantis. Theo then decided to feed the beast they had restrained in the corner. This required opening its mouth, and everyone was sternly warned not to look inside. True to their fears, the expected event transpired once more. A blinding flash of light erupted from the beast’s mouth, but this time, no one was adversely affected. Theo quickly stepped forward and tossed several large chunks of the python’s flesh into the beast’s maw. For a moment, the beast held its mouth agape, seemingly indifferent to the offering, but once it began to eat, it consumed everything within mere seconds. After its meal, its mouth was securely tied shut again. Their sole responsibility was to keep the creature alive. Theo also observed Garrick’s two birds gradually becoming less apprehensive of the mantis’s presence. This realization struck him: with a bit of persistence, even the most unsettling circumstances could become normalized. At that moment, he recalled the baron’s words, a smile gracing his lips. With the python's hide now stretched over a large tree branch to dry under the sun and wind, the group resumed their eastward journey. Upon reaching a clearing, they witnessed the territory belonging to the beast they had captured. This prompted them to contemplate Merek’s actions that could have led to his own beast being in such a weakened state. They moved past it. The farther they traveled east, the more Theo perceived an intensification of the spatial energy, though it still felt distant. Approximately thirty minutes away from the camp, they made the decision to halt. _____ "Twenty minutes ahead, there exists an area that isn't quite a clearing. The five wolf-type beasts I mentioned earlier are situated there, young master," Garrick reported, his eyes radiating their usual glow. Elias stood nearby, sharing the same luminous gaze, while Chip and the two birds scouted the path ahead. "Twenty minutes ahead, you say... to have encountered only a single beast’s territory after traveling this far… we have indeed been fortunate," Theo murmured, casting a glance back at his companions.

"What course of action should we take? Should we bypass them and press on towards our objective, or should we investigate to determine if they need to be subdued or eliminated?" Theo inquired.

Merek stood amongst the general supporters, his gaze drifting to the side as though he were sulking. Disregarding him, Theo instead turned his attention to Lucien and Sir Kaelor, the individuals most likely to offer a more insightful perspective.

"The instructors did mention that acquiring a pair or two of both females and males would be highly beneficial..." Lucien remarked. "If we were to capture as many females as possible, alongside a few males, it could potentially enhance the success rate of our mission."

Kaelor interjected immediately, before Theo could fully express his agreement. "However, don't wolf-type beasts typically form lifelong bonds with only one mate? I recall hearing such information before."

Theo cast a glance at Merek, then let out a sigh and turned towards Clara, who merely offered an awkward shake of her head.

"It appears we cannot definitively confirm that observation, so we shall endeavor to capture as many males and females as feasible, simply to preempt any potential issues down the line," Theo decided.

However, before the deliberation could reach a conclusion, a different voice interposed itself.

"You all exhibit a significant lack of intelligence. It seems only Knight Kaelor possesses any sound judgment."