Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 458. Is taking risk a necessity?

Theo rose to his feet, focusing his attention on Garrick. He observed the undeniable frenzy glinting in Garrick's eyes.

"But what truly baffles me is how your vision surpasses that of my falcons," Garrick admitted, his voice laced with genuine intrigue.

"It's the Merrick lineage, Sir Garrick," Theo responded with practiced ease, a partial untruth on his lips. "My eyesight has been exceptionally keen since childhood."

Garrick regarded Theo with newfound appreciation, nodding in agreement.

"What did you perceive in the southern expanse?" Theo inquired, steering the conversation back to its original course.

"A colossal beast, truly immense," Garrick stated. "Perhaps that's why my falcons failed to detect it initially. It must have ventured closer recently."

"A massive beast?" Theo's posture straightened instantly, all vestiges of drowsiness evaporating.

"Such a gargantuan creature, what could it be?" he pressed urgently, his question reigniting the golden hue in Garrick's eyes.

"It resembles a reptilian creature once more, young master. Its form is draconic, though it bears no true resemblance to a dragon."

Theo felt an urge to witness it himself, as Garrick's description felt rather inadequate.

"Could you ascertain its status, Sir Garrick?" Theo asked, then added, "And is it truly safe for your falcons to remain in proximity to such a creature?"

"It remains dormant, young master. The beast seems entirely unconcerned by their presence. Some creatures exhibit such indifference; they disregard avian species unless they pose a significant threat," Garrick elucidated, his gaze intensifying as he concentrated.

Theo waited patiently.

After a few moments, Garrick began to articulate his findings.

"It is identified as a Crimson Spine Titan... and it is level 13. Its elemental affinity appears to be... blood?"

Kaelor stirred, his eyes fluttering open as he listened, rubbing the remnants of sleep away.

"Is everything in order?" he inquired, drawing Theo's attention.

"We face a critical decision come morning, Sir Kaelor," Theo declared, his expression growing serious, piquing Kaelor's curiosity.

"Sir Garrick, maintain your vigil over the beast. We must refrain from alerting the others just yet; the day has been exceedingly taxing."

Garrick inclined his head, his eyes shimmering with an unsettling excitement, as if the beast itself were a spectacle to be admired.

Despite his best efforts, sleep eluded Theo that night. When dawn finally broke, Theo sought out Garrick. The man was asleep, yet Theo realized with a jolt that even in slumber, the falcons remained on watch, their vigilance unwavering toward the formidable beast.

"Everyone," Theo announced once the entire group had awakened.

"We have encountered a creature of immense scale, surpassing the height of any tree in this vicinity, and equally broad," he continued, eliciting bewildered stares from the assembled individuals.

"It is a level 13 beast, situated to the south. According to Sir Garrick's assessment, the journey to its location could consume an entire day."

Following Theo's announcement, Garrick stepped forward to elaborate on the creature's characteristics.

He gestured toward the tethered reptilian beast nearby.

"Its appearance was precisely like this," he stated, indicating the captured specimen. "Its forelimbs are disproportionately small compared to its massive body, and it possesses a scaled tail. Its entire coloration is a striking crimson," he explained, one of his eyes still glowing with its characteristic golden light.

As he spoke, Garrick inadvertently stepped too close to the immobile reptile. The beast suddenly lunged, its jaws snapping perilously close to his feet, causing him to yelp and recoil in alarm. Fortunately, its mouth was secured, preventing any serious harm.

"I doubt we are adequately prepared to confront such a colossal entity, young master," Lysara interjected, speaking for the first time.

Theo turned his gaze to her. "Its level is 13, so your concern is likely valid. However... an overwhelming curiosity compels me to investigate further."

"It is a gigantic beast; what more information could possibly be required?" Lucien questioned, his brow furrowed in a frown.

Theo hesitated, struggling to articulate his complex thoughts into coherent words.

'To begin, I must first understand my own desires,' he reflected internally.

Clara and Elias exchanged knowing glances. After observing Theo, they immediately grasped his unspoken intentions. Yet, they recognized this was a matter Theo needed to convey himself, a sentiment unlikely to be universally understood or readily accepted.

"Let us at least venture forth to observe the creature," Theo proposed, prompting several stunned individuals to stare at him, mouths agape. He quickly raised a hand before anyone could voice their protest. "However, this endeavor is of a personal nature, and I shall not solicit any of you to participate. Your involvement is entirely optional."

At this declaration, frowns creased the faces of many in the group. Was he truly serious?

"Are you genuinely contemplating approaching that beast? It could very well be your final act," Kaelor expressed with palpable disbelief.

Lucien, Clara, and Elias immediately fixed Kaelor with disapproving glares.

Kaelor cleared his throat, attempting to rephrase his sentiment more appropriately. "What I meant to convey is... we could simply document this discovery and leave it for individuals with the fortitude to handle it later, young master. There is no necessity for us to approach it."

Theo met his gaze, perceiving Kaelor searching for the right words, a hint of guilt in his prior statement. Nevertheless, Theo offered a gentle smile.

"I'm not compelling anyone to join me, Sir Kaelor. Our primary objective is completing all the sampling. Following that, you are all free to depart. Clara, Elias, and I will remain here to deal with that beast."

Theo's voice resonated with a tranquil assurance.

However, to the onlookers, this confidence bordered on sheer recklessness.

"If that is truly your desire..." Kaelor mumbled, his head shaking in resignation, as if anticipating an unfortunate outcome.

Lucien observed his brother, uncertain how to respond.

"Theo, we have ample time. You could reconsider," Lucien ventured cautiously, aiming for diplomacy without overtly challenging Theo's resolve.

Theo's eyes met Clara and Elias's. Their expressions conveyed a silent, unwavering loyalty: "We will follow you, no matter where you lead."

It was a look that solidified something within Theo. They were, in truth, his genuine companions.

A subtle, white luminescence flickered across his forehead.

Near the humble hut, the mantis materialized into existence.

A collective shiver coursed through everyone present, an eerie sensation akin to countless minuscule needles piercing their skin.

Theo's gaze intensified, focusing sharply.

"I intend to test this fellow."