Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 456. A beast nature new for Theo
Previously on Insect Tamer's Ascension...
Despite everyone's wishes, Theo decided to keep the paralyzed pup alive.
Kaelor urged him to end the poor creature's suffering, a sentiment echoed by the others.
However, they were unaware of Theo's hidden talent: the ability to evolve beasts.
Theo made a silent, determined vow.
For the following two days, their journey eastward continued. Even though Garrick asserted he sensed nothing in the distance, Theo instructed him to maintain their usual search pattern.
Doubts began to surface among the group, with some questioning if they were even headed in the correct direction.
Then, as the second day drew to a close, Garrick suddenly halted, his eyes wide with discovery.
"This... I've found it," he declared.
His words, spoken during their meal, caused everyone to stop and turn their attention to him.
That night, the camp buzzed with an unusual energy. Kaelor playfully ruffled Garrick’s hair, and for the first time, Theo witnessed a genuine, unburdened smile on Kaelor's face.
_____
The subsequent morning, Theo stood before the assembled group.
"It took us some time, but with Sir Garrick's guidance, we've confirmed that the gate lies to the east," Theo announced.
A few awkward chuckles and smiles rippled through the crowd.
In the preceding days, many had voiced their uncertainties about Theo's judgment, suggesting the exit gate might not be to the east. Now, with the confirmation, they found themselves without further argument.
"Today, we proceed directly to the gate," he declared, allowing the weight of his words to settle.
"This marks our final moments in this camp. Our priority will be gathering provisions; all else can be left behind."
Clara and Elias nodded in agreement; relocating camps under such circumstances was not entirely new to them.
Lysara, Kaelor, and Garrick, however, surveyed their surroundings with a quiet sense of melancholy.
"I'd grown accustomed to this place," Kaelor admitted, his gaze fixed on the softly crackling campfire. "I never expected to find myself wanting to remain in a campsite until now."
A majority shared his sentiment.
Theo couldn't help but wonder if Merek felt a similar attachment, but upon looking at him, he saw a face utterly devoid of expression.
"Might we dismantle the hut and take the logs with us?" Kaelor inquired, seeking Theo's approval.
Theo cast a glance back at the rudimentary structure.
It had been constructed solely from logs, branches, dried leaves, large leaves, and ropes woven from simple fiber—not the more robust kind they had acquired for beast capture.
"Once we reach the gate, we'll gather samples of everything," Theo stated. "Including the water source that Sir Garrick discovered earlier."
With that decision made, the stronger members of the group commenced the dismantling of the hut.
To the surprise of Kaelor and Lucien, Clara stepped forward and began to unwrap the fiber ropes. She then proceeded to lift logs that typically required two individuals, all by herself.
The sight caused them to view her in an entirely new light.
Though Clara appeared slender, the strength hidden beneath her leather attire was undeniable.
Theo, however, was already well aware of her capabilities.
Before long, the hut was completely dismantled. The next task involved securing the logs with ropes for towing. This time, they utilized the sturdier ropes intended for capturing beasts, ensuring they were strong enough to withstand the strain without snapping.
With all necessities packed and the logs secured, they resumed their onward movement, pulling the logs in alternating shifts.
Clara and Kaelor took the initial turn. Even while dragging three logs simultaneously, Clara's core remained remarkably stable, her movements precise and efficient.
Fortunately, the terrain was largely flat, with minimal large roots protruding from the ground.
The boar and the two apes carried the captured beasts, while Theo held the paralyzed pup cradled in his arms.
After several hours, he had succeeded in gaining the little creature's trust.
Time passed, and they arrived at the second checkpoint within the wolves’ territory, where they decided to make a stop.
According to Garrick's assessment, the remaining journey would take several more hours. There were creatures ahead that they could either confront or bypass by taking a detour.
Theo resolved that this decision would be made once they were closer to the obstacles.
Following their break, the dragging shifts rotated, and others took over pulling the logs. With two more similar pauses along the way, they eventually reached the boundary of the initial territory.
Theo observed the creatures ahead with an amused glint in his eyes.
There was no possibility of avoiding them.
*****
Nubbit
Level 4
Type: Nature and Earth
*****
"They possess two affinities," Theo commented, studying them.
"Young Master... please, refrain from using the mantis's spores on these, I implore you," Clara pleaded, her hands covering her mouth, betraying her barely contained excitement.
Theo found himself unable to fault her enthusiasm.
The Nubbits, roughly the size of squirrels, darted with remarkable speed between trees and across the ground.
The creatures emitted soft, endearing sounds as they communicated amongst themselves.
"How should we capture these creatures?" Theo pondered aloud. He then reconsidered, "Or perhaps... should we leave them be and return after we've delivered our current cargo?"
"It would be better if we returned later," Kaelor proposed, then inquired, "How far is the gate, Sir Garrick?" He had never used the title "Sir" when addressing Garrick previously, but after observing Theo employ it numerous times, he adopted the same practice. Garrick, in turn, noticed this subtle shift. "About an hour, provided we don't keep stopping like this," Garrick replied. Nodding in agreement, Theo signaled for them to proceed along the side, opting not to disturb the creatures at that moment. However, just as they began to move past, all the Nubbits abruptly intensified their vocalizations. The group spun around, only to discover every single one of them fixedly staring in their direction. Yet, at the very moment Theo braced for an attack, expecting them to charge like any beast he had ever encountered—whether slimes of similar size or other creatures, all shared a common aggression—he realized something. Looking at the beasts before them, Theo understood. They were not advancing towards the group at all; instead, they were fleeing. Before anyone could react, the entirety of the twenty-something Nubbits in the vicinity scattered as if confronted by formidable monsters.