Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 462. The giant’s anger (1)

After Garrick received a thorough explanation, with the assistance of the falcons, he was instructed to survey the vicinity for another suitable target.

The falcons immediately took to the skies, commencing their search for nearby beasts, and returned within a few minutes.

Following the falcons' guidance, the group soon found themselves before a feline creature that Theo had never encountered before in this realm.

It was... peculiar.

The beast possessed a long, fiery red beard flowing down its chin. Apart from this distinguishing feature, it bore a resemblance to a lioness, despite clearly being male.

It was situated not in an open clearing, but under the shade of a dry, ancient-looking tree.

Theo promptly dispatched the mantis. Upon releasing its spores, the creature, before the lioness-like beast could even react, succumbed to unconsciousness. The group swiftly advanced to secure it with bindings.

When the creature regained awareness, it thrashed, attempting to break free, but the restraints held it fast, rendering any movement impossible.

The two apes comprising their group, one armed with a sword and the other exhibiting an unnervingly placid expression, were assigned the duty of transporting the bound beast as they continued their journey.

However, throughout this entire endeavor, Theo could not dismiss the growing sense of apprehension in his heart.

They had advanced this far. Surely, they could aspire to capture more than just the smaller creatures.

While the smaller beasts held importance, the larger ones offered significantly greater value in comparison.

A short period later, as the falcons returned from their renewed scouting mission, one alighted upon a nearby tree branch and began emitting distinct, rhythmic calls.

Theo's eyes widened in realization.

That was their designated signal, indicating that a significant target had been identified, but caution would be necessary during their approach.

Without any hesitation, they resolved to follow the falcon’s lead.

It was only after traveling for a few minutes that they began to discern the direction of their movement.

"It's guiding us towards the south..." Theo vocalized, prompting a nod from Lucien.

Nevertheless, the falcon persisted, urging them onward.

They paused briefly, deliberating the potential risks and questioning the wisdom of this course of action. Ultimately, Theo opted for prudence over haste.

He decided to proceed with caution, adopting a slower pace while remaining vigilant.

At a certain juncture, beyond the dense foliage, Theo caught a glimpse of the colossal beast's crimson silhouette through a sparse scattering of trees.

They instinctively halted, not once, but the falcons remained sufficiently insistent to compel them to advance.

"Young Master... perhaps we should stop," Clara urged, observing the falcon's proximity to the beast as it awaited their gradual approach.

"..." Theo remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed intently on the falcons.

After a few seconds, a realization dawned upon him.

"Don't you find these falcons are... perhaps a bit too close to the beast?" he inquired, causing the others to re-examine the situation with narrowed eyes and furrowed brows.

"Weren't they always that close?" Lucien questioned, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

By this point, no one had ceased their forward movement, their shared curiosity drawing them inexorably closer to the formidable creature.

The falcons executed maneuvers perilously near the beast, appearing to hover just beside one of its immense legs, yet the creature displayed no discernible reaction.

However, with numerous thick trees obscuring their vision, it felt as though they could not accurately perceive many details.

It wasn't until a minute later, when Theo felt a surge of chaos through his bond, that the mantis materialized moments later.

"Mantis, hold your position," Theo commanded immediately.

Yet, the instant it appeared, its gaze became transfixed forward, unmoving and unblinking.

Theo repeated the command thrice more, but the mantis only continued its unwavering stare ahead.

Then, it conveyed a wave of emotions through their bond, prompting Theo to frown.

"The Mantis senses the scent of blood emanating from the large beast," Theo announced, capturing everyone's undivided attention.

"You mean it's wounded?" Kaelor inquired, attempting to shift his head left and right for a clearer vantage point.

"It's entirely red-hued as it is; discerning any specific injury on its body is proving difficult," he added when Theo remained silent.

Theo narrowed his eyes and murmured, "I believe Sir Garrick is attempting to reveal something to us... while still emphasizing the need for caution."

At that precise moment, the mantis advanced, and even before Theo could issue a restraining order...

It transformed into a blinding streak of white light and surged forward.

When Theo next located the mantis, it had already covered half the distance towards the colossal beast, which loomed larger with every advancing second and every step they took.

Theo increased his pace, moving forward with urgency, the others following closely behind. He could not permit the mantis to engage in any reckless actions that might lead to later regret.

Lucien observed the unfolding events with barely concealed agitation, while Knight Kaelor maintained an outwardly composed demeanor, though a serious expression suggested he was prepared for any eventuality.

However, as Theo truly broke into a sprint, pursuing the mantis that had now accelerated even further, everyone else came to an abrupt stop, their gazes lifting upwards.

The forest had vanished. The comforting shade was no more.

Before them loomed a colossal creature, its immensity rivaling Theo’s own castle.

The more Theo gazed upon its vast, red, scaly exterior, the more a chilling sensation crawled up his spine.

This monstrous entity was far beyond their reach, exceeding anything they ought to confront. A universal realization dawned upon everyone the instant they entered its formidable presence.

"Observe that," Kaelor uttered, his voice strained as he attempted to maintain a steady demeanor. He extended an arm, indicating a specific area.

Theo followed his pointed finger and finally perceived it with clarity.

A multitude of smaller beasts were latched onto the colossal creature's skin, gnawing at it with their formidable teeth.

They were so distant that it seemed an entire minute of regular running would be required just to reach those tenacious creatures.

"Why... why is it not retaliating?" Theo found himself compelled to question.

Yet, one aspect was undeniably clear: this beast was far from ordinary.

It bore no resemblance to any beast they had encountered thus far, not even the lion-like creatures that had previously accompanied them on their forward journey.

Amidst the profound disarray, Theo's eyes caught sight of the mantis.

It was already ascending the beast's enormous, crimson scales, moving with an uncanny agility as if this perilous climb were the most logical action imaginable.

Nevertheless, the spectacle sent profound tremors of shock through every individual present.