Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 460. A mature leader

A flush of embarrassment touched Garrick’s and Lysara’s faces as they emerged from the hut, appearing as though caught in the act of eavesdropping.

Kaelor, meanwhile, began to suspect that the Merricks were somehow different, possessing senses far superior to ordinary individuals.

“Young Master, while I grasp your reasoning, my priority is survival. To take such a significant risk when we are so close to achieving our goal...” Garrick’s words tumbled out, as if a dam had broken.

Lysara, in contrast, chose to remain silent.

“Sir Garrick, you will face absolutely no risk to your life. I have devised a straightforward plan that will ensure both your safety and Miss Lysara’s,” Theo assured them.

From that juncture, Theo proceeded to outline the specific roles each person would undertake.

Lysara was designated as a healer for critical moments, with the stipulation that she remain near the gate to allow for immediate retreat should the situation become utterly hopeless and they could proceed no further.

A similar arrangement was made for Garrick, though his responsibilities carried a slightly more crucial weight.

“I require you to dispatch your falcons with us. They will serve to guide the bait team towards the beast, and through them, you will have a real-time view of the entire unfolding situation. Then, once we have successfully diverted the beast’s attention toward us, the falcons will assist in our own safe return to the gate,” Theo elaborated.

Garrick’s gaze remained fixed on Theo, a hint of hesitation evident in his expression.

“I understand…”

Theo met his stare unflinchingly.

After a full minute of sustained eye contact, Garrick finally relented and agreed. “I-I can do that!” he exclaimed, his voice cracking slightly, almost like a high-pitched yelp, prompting a sigh of disappointment from Lysara.

She turned her attention to Theo, her expression stern. “I will adhere to this plan. However, the instant I perceive this to be a lost cause, I will retreat through the gate. Does this meet with your approval?”

Theo offered a smile and a nod. “Naturally.”

“Wait, so I am the only one destined to risk my life alongside the Young Master?” Kaelor interjected, suddenly realizing he had walked into a potential predicament.

Theo placed a hand on his shoulder, a light smile gracing his lips. “You cannot go back on your word now,” he remarked in jest, yet Kaelor understood the underlying reference to his honor.

Kaelor let out a sigh. “Indeed…”

“Elder brother, there is no need for an invitation. You need not stand there any longer,” Theo added with a smile, glancing towards the hut.

Moments later, a stoic-faced Lucien emerged from the hut. Trailing behind him, his attendant nervously scratched the back of his head, emitting an awkward chuckle.

“If you are intent on risking your life, then I have no alternative but to do the same,” Lucien stated, a discernible note of irritation coloring his tone.

Theo raised both hands in a gesture of light, playful encouragement.

Further time was dedicated to meticulously refining the plan, and by now, only one individual remained within the confines of the hut.

Through his spatial perception, Theo had already taken note…

Merek had approached the entrance on two separate occasions, only to retreat each time. This left a subtle unease within him.

“Kindly excuse me for a moment,” Theo said, before proceeding to enter the hut.

Everyone present understood who was inside, and they all recognized… that this confrontation could potentially escalate quite unfavorably.

Elias felt an urge to rise and enter as well, but Clara gently restrained him. This was fundamentally an emotional and interpersonal conflict, a matter Theo needed to navigate on his own.

As Theo reached the threshold, his gaze met Merek’s.

For a fleeting instant, an enveloping silence stretched between them before Merek’s features contorted in anger.

He clicked his tongue, averted his gaze, and returned to his previous position, reclining as if to sleep.

Theo entered the hut, his demeanor calm and collected.

“Young Master Merek,” Theo called out loudly.

The man neither glanced in his direction nor offered any response.

Theo resolved to see the matter through to its conclusion. “I am uncertain if you comprehend the reasons behind my actions when I slapped you previously, but you made a grave error by attempting to confront that beast alone.”

His voice carried beyond the confines of the hut, capturing the undivided attention of everyone outside, who were already listening with keen interest.

Numerous individuals harbored their own unique conjectures regarding Theo’s decision to engage with Merek.

“However, regardless of the justification for my striking you, it was not the appropriate method for resolving the situation.”

Maintaining that same measured tone, Theo paused briefly. He did not relish having to utter these words, but he understood their necessity.

“My apologies.”

Theo observed Merek’s head jerk almost imperceptibly, as if taken aback by the unexpected words.

Simultaneously, those outside exhibited a mix of perplexed emotions.

Lucien offered a subtle smile, while Clara bit her lip. Despite Elias’s composed exterior, a flicker of frustration betrayed his eyes, clearly displeased with the turn of events.

“I am aware that you are privy to the entire plan,” Theo continued. “And given that our task here is concluded, you have the option to depart first thing in the morning or remain to fight alongside us. I shall interpret your decision from your subsequent actions.”

Without a word of response, Theo turned and exited the humble dwelling.

Every gaze tracked his departure and return. He rejoined the assembled group, resuming the ongoing conversation as if his interlude had never occurred.

No one dared to inquire about the matter. Not a single soul brought it up.

They simply listened as he articulated the strategic plans, contributing their own insights whenever the situation called for it.

As the time for rest approached once more, Lucien intercepted Theo. Clara and Elias stood by his side, while the others, seemingly recognizing the signal, retreated into the hut for a sorely needed slumber.

"I feel a profound sense of pride in your actions, Theo," Lucien declared, placing a hand on Theo's shoulder, his smile radiating warmth.

Clara and Elias observed from the periphery, their faces a mixture of complex emotions, their own unspoken thoughts swirling within. Theo exhaled a soft, quiet breath.

"Leadership presents formidable challenges, and there are times one must concede potential errors. It is preferable to avoiding strife unnecessarily, my elder brother," Theo articulated.

A collective silence fell over them as they regarded him, their expressions inscrutable.

During the darkness of that night, they witnessed a facet of Theo previously unknown to them, a side hidden even from Clara and Elias.