Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 455. Permanent Paralysis

As they gathered, each individual stood before the young wolf pups, a silent plea for their recovery hanging in the air.

"Never imagined that particular ability could be so troublesome, Young Master," Kaelor mused internally. "I shall proceed with greater caution whenever your beast employs it from this point onward."

A silent consensus swept through the group, most nodding in agreement, while Lysara let out a sigh of sheer exhaustion.

The she-wolves positioned to the side emitted soft, muted whimpers, subdued sounds that Theo found himself wishing he didn't have to hear at that moment.

Before him, a subtle stirring emanated from both pups. Lysara had indicated that the majority of their internal injuries had been mended, with further healing required for a complete recovery.

The crucial uncertainty remained: would their bodies hold out long enough, or would the pups finally succumb to their grievous wounds?

Theo was unsure of the others' feelings regarding the pups, but their formation of a protective circle around them surely signified something.

In light of this, Theo couldn't help but murmur, drawing all eyes toward him. "We are not villains, but tamers and knights, everyone."

"We trespassed upon their humble territory without provocation. They acted purely in defense for the longest time too," Theo continued his thought.

Lucien cast a sideways glance at him, his eyes narrowing. Theo was injecting personal emotion into the group's collective mindset, an action Lucien did not endorse.

"However, by striving to save these pups," Theo pressed on, "we can demonstrate that we are not merely heartless beings who slaughter and move on as if nothing transpired. We possess compassion, too."

Even after his declaration, a heavy silence persisted for several minutes.

Theo found himself grappling with an unfamiliar sentiment – a profound pity for these creatures.

’Is this not hypocrisy… I’ve dispatched countless beasts within the Whispering Forest, losing all count. And now, I question the morality of it all?’ he pondered, attempting to suppress the burgeoning feeling.

He managed to push the thought aside, but it lingered, refusing to be entirely extinguished. This internal conflict, more than anything else, unsettled him profoundly.

A few minutes later, Lysara ceased her healing efforts. Her brow glistened with sweat, and Theo promptly offered her his handkerchief.

"Thank you," she managed between labored breaths.

Theo gave a nod, then voiced the question that weighed heavily on everyone's minds.

"Will they survive?"

Lysara met his gaze, her expression a complex mixture of emotions.

"It appears difficult... the internal damage in certain areas seems to exceed the limits of my healing capabilities. My apologies..." she stated, her head bowing in regret.

"You have done nothing wrong, Miss Lysara. You did commendably by trying," Theo replied, his expression unreadable as he nodded.

Yet, Lysara felt compelled to add, her voice laced with continued guilt, "But perhaps, if we were to transport them from this place back to the camp and allow me some rest... they might still possess a sliver of hope."

Theo considered her words, then nodded. "...If you wish to exert further effort, we can certainly take them back with us."

They rose and marked the current location, mirroring the procedure with the reptile's territory. Theo closed his eyes, sensing the palpable increase in spatial energy.

"Sir Garrick, if you were to dispatch one of your beasts towards the east, it might be capable of pinpointing the gate's location. Is that feasible?" Theo inquired.

Garrick responded with a confident nod and a smile. "I shall commence immediately."

A brilliant flash erupted from his forehead, streaking eastward. It moved with such incredible speed that Theo could only track its trajectory through his spatial awareness before it dissolved into a faint crimson speck on the distant horizon.

With that task completed, they began their return journey to the camp. The trek back felt noticeably more subdued, almost serene. Merek adopted a position at the rear this time, his gaze fixed to the sides, deliberately avoiding eye contact with everyone, especially Theo.

Upon their arrival, the bound wolves were placed adjacent to the captured reptile. The moment the wolves perceived the reptile, a discernible spark ignited within their eyes – something sharp and deeply emotional.

Clara observed this reaction instantly.

"Young Master, I believe these two beasts have encountered each other previously," she remarked. "I can discern it from the wolves' expressions; there is unmistakable animosity in their gaze."

Theo studied the wolves, sensing no particular connection before nodding at Clara and turning his attention towards the two pups recuperating within the hut.

Time continued its march, and Lysara tirelessly resumed her healing efforts. As night descended, Merek had already directed two outbursts towards her in Theo's absence. However, this time, the others had reached their limit with his disruptive behavior.

Kaelor was the first to lose his temper, closely followed by Lucien, who recognized Merek's actions as detrimental to the group's cohesion.

With even Lucien voicing his opposition, Merek felt as though the entire world had turned against him. He surveyed his surroundings, meeting only gazes filled with resentment.

Eventually finding no solace, they all retired for some rest until the arrival of morning.

Theo kept the injured wolf pups in close proximity to their restrained mothers, hoping to offer some measure of comfort to both parties.

However, by morning, Lysara delivered somber news to the assembled group.

"One pup appears to be stable... but the other has suffered paralysis in both hind legs, Young Master..."

One pup continuously circled its mother, while the other struggled, dragging half its body along the ground in an effort to reach her.

This scene resonated deeply within Theo, more profoundly than ever before. He found himself feeling pity for these creatures, a feeling he hadn't wanted to acknowledge.

At that moment, the mantis's bond stirred, conveying a question through emotion.

‘No… you cannot consume it as food, Mantis,’ Theo responded with a sigh. ‘When you’ve had your fill, I do not want you eating or targeting very young beasts. I will explain the distinction the next time we encounter them, so please remember this, alright?’

He didn’t attribute malicious intent to the mantis; it was merely the course of nature. However, Theo possessed the selfishness to mold the mantis according to his personal values.

It was destined to remain with Theo indefinitely, and thus, he couldn't allow it to think like a 'normal' insect. It needed to be far more special than that.