Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 459. You crave a real fight too, don’t you?
Previously on Insect Tamer's Ascension...
From that moment on, numerous attempts were made to dissuade Theo from staying behind, but none succeeded in altering his resolve.
Soon after, the collection of samples commenced, and by the day's end, the majority of the task was completed.
They had meticulously gathered specimens of nearly everything visible, even down to the soil beneath their feet.
The resin that dripped from numerous trees was also collected, leaving them with a sense of near completion.
One more night of rest was required. As the others succumbed to the night, the trio remained by the camp, exchanging significant glances.
"I intend to experiment with my abilities and explore a few other avenues, so I require both of you to remain here once everyone else has departed," Theo stated with a smile.
Clara and Elias released breaths of relief.
"You truly gave me a scare, Young Master. I genuinely thought you were serious about pursuing that beast," Clara remarked with a chuckle, followed by a deep exhalation.
Theo met her gaze with an understanding smile, and at that moment, realization struck her, causing her to shake her head.
"You still wish to go, don't you?" Elias, too, had grasped the situation by this point.
Theo nodded affirmatively.
"Before our gate mission concludes, I want at least one of your four beasts to achieve evolution," Theo declared. "Furthermore, I aim to hunt something, to truly gauge the capabilities of the mantis."
Theo continued, not quite finished with his explanation.
"However, before you voice any objections, I have already devised a plan."
With that said, he picked up a stick and began etching lines into the dry earth surrounding the camp.
"All three of us possess the ability to hyper-jump, enabling rapid long-distance travel," he elucidated. "Yet, we cannot engage the beast within its own domain, so..." Theo paused, locking eyes with them.
"My intention is to lure the beast towards the gate and engage it there. Should circumstances turn unfavorable and we find ourselves incapable of fighting; if the situation becomes hopeless, we will immediately jump through the gate, abandoning the confrontation."
The other two simply stared at him.
A silence stretched for a few moments, but Theo did not press them for an immediate response. He desired for them to contemplate his proposal thoroughly and, if necessary, contribute their own insights to refine the strategy.
"You propose to provoke a high-level beast and draw it all the way to the gate with us..." Elias murmured.
But before he could offer his usual cautionary words, Clara rose to her feet.
Theo observed her, already anticipating her response, yet he allowed her to speak.
"...If you are convinced that this is the right course of action, then we shall follow you, regardless of the outcome," she affirmed, her gaze unwavering and determined.
Elias, on the other hand, found himself speechless.
"Thank you, Clara," Theo expressed with a nod, then turned his attention to Elias.
"If you perceive this as a flawed strategy, we can revise it if necessary, Elias. My core objective is to draw the beast towards us. However..." Theo paused, carefully selecting his next words.
"We will require supplementary assistance."
To this, Clara and Elias shook their heads simultaneously.
"I doubt anyone will be willing to join us in such an endeavor, Young Master," Elias stated.
"I wish for Knight Kaelor, Scout Garrick, and Healer Lysara to remain with us. This would undoubtedly facilitate our victory." Theo's gaze shifted towards the entrance of the hut.
A shadow lingered near the gate, a single foot protruding slightly. The instant Theo noticed it observing them, the shadow sighed and retracted.
"So, you too are intrigued, Sir Kaelor," Theo observed with a smile.
Clara and Elias turned just as Kaelor stepped forward, settling himself near the campfire they had recently replenished.
"...I cannot deny my curiosity," he responded, adding another dry stick to the flames.
"I have witnessed a glimpse of your prowess, Sir Kaelor," Theo continued.
"And I have concluded that you have not even been able to display half of your true capabilities within this gate. It has been far too straightforward. Now, whether you are content with that or not... I certainly am not."
Theo met Kaelor's gaze, a confident smile gracing his features.
"I seek to test my own strength. And for that purpose... I believe that beast will serve as the perfect opponent. A truly fitting challenge, one might say."
Theo was acutely aware that he was leading them into peril, into a situation fraught with risk. Yet, deep within his mind and heart, an unquenchable fire burned.
He had diligently fulfilled all expectations associated with this gate mission: capturing creatures and gathering samples, but none of it had felt genuinely 'perilous'.
And now that he had finally discovered something that could aid him in testing his newly evolved powers... was he truly going to report this information to the kingdom and entrust its handling to them?
That course of action felt fundamentally wrong to him.
Kaelor met Theo's gaze directly, searching for any hint of hesitation. After a moment, he let out a soft sigh.
"If you are genuinely confident in your ability to guide us to victory... then I do not foresee it presenting a significant obstacle, Young Master."
Elias and Clara both swung their gazes towards Kaelor, as if he had uttered something utterly nonsensical. Sensing their scrutiny, Kaelor simply offered a shrug. "It's hardly my fault your Young Master possesses such a persuasive nature. The sheer resolve blazing in his eyes... it ignites a yearning for a genuine battle, doesn't it?" he mused, stroking his unkempt beard. At his words, a shared smile bloomed on Clara and Elias's faces. Theo had always possessed this magnetic quality. With a smile, Theo then projected his voice towards the entrance, "I am aware you are all awake. You may reveal yourselves." A beat later, two additional figures emerged into the light. Upon seeing them, the others couldn't suppress their chuckles. Indeed, they were precisely the individuals they had anticipated.