Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 467. Blood of a core beast or national treasure?

"What precisely do you mean by ’exploring’ its body?" Mae inquired, the other instructors also turning their attention to Theo with evident curiosity.

The unfolding narrative grew more captivating by the moment, and despite their prior frustrations, an undeniable intrigue about the unbelievable details held them spellbound.

"Upon my beast confirming that the creature was bleeding, I placed my trust in it and, along with the others, leapt onto the core beast’s body. We proceeded on foot towards its far side, having already deduced that the beast perceived us as nothing more than insignificant insects," Theo explained. However, before anyone could interject, he continued.

"Reaching the other side, we discovered three substantial claw marks etched into the beast’s hide, leaving us astonished as to what could inflict such damage upon a creature of this caliber. It was then that an idea struck me." Theo glanced towards his waist, unbuckled a vial, and placed it upon the table.

The instructors’ gazes shifted from the vial to Theo, their expressions a mix of various emotions.

"This vial contains the blood that was seeping from the beast’s wound, instructors."

Even Merek appeared utterly astounded that Theo had managed to procure such a specimen. Lysara observed it with surprise, while the others remained more composed, though one or two couldn't suppress a smile at the instructors’ reactions.

Mae accepted the vial, examining its contents closely before her gaze returned to Theo.

"Young Theo, if this is indeed authentic, do you comprehend the significance of what you’ve held in your possession this entire time?" Mae asked, a chuckle escaping her lips as if she had encountered something beyond belief.

Theo found himself at a loss for words. What seemed ordinary to him now, upon re-evaluation, clearly was not.

"No, I merely acted in what I believed was the best course for the mission."

All the instructors exchanged perplexed glances.

Corven regarded Theo with an expression of bewilderment, unsure of how to perceive the young man before him. "We seldom approach a core beast once it’s identified. Had you presented this information to us, and had the gate not closed, we would have left the creature undisturbed unless it directly impeded our objectives," he clarified, his words capturing everyone’s rapt attention.

"However, if this blood originates from a core beast, then it represents an invaluable asset, Young Theo. You must identify those who assisted you in obtaining this sample. This surpasses any specimen you could have possibly retrieved from within the gate," he stated, his gaze sweeping across the assembled group.

At this juncture, a collective look of astonishment mingled with a touch of horror fell upon Theo.

His forthcoming response held the potential to irrevocably alter the lives of most individuals present, and no one harbored any doubt about it.

Merek bit his lip; he already had an inkling of what was about to transpire.

"This wasn't precisely a blood extraction; it was more of a basic scouting operation," Theo began, continuing, "And before my beast could detect any bleeding, Sir Garrick’s falcons were instrumental in transporting us towards it." Theo offered this straightforward account, prompting the instructors to meticulously record every detail.

"Regarding those involved, it was my elder brother, Sir Kaelor, Sir Garrick, Cassian, Clara, and Elias," he enumerated the names.

All eyes were fixed on him as the instructors diligently noted them down.

Lysara and Merek regarded Theo with expressions of disbelief and a hint of bitterness.

Yet, Theo was not finished. "And while Miss Lysara and Young Master Merrick did not accompany us directly to the core beast, their role was to provide support should the mission proceed as initially planned, which, as you know, instructors, it did not," Theo concluded.

The three instructors exchanged knowing glances with the healer and the young master before inscribing their names as well.

Following this, a thorough interrogation ensued, which Theo answered to the best of his capacity.

He had absolutely nothing to conceal.

Just as the proceedings seemed concluded, the three instructors issued a new command.

"I request that everyone, with the exception of Young Theo, vacate this hut until further notice. Thank you," Instructor Mae announced, prompting nods of agreement and their subsequent departures one by one.

Clara and Elias hesitated, but a single nod from Theo signaled their compliance, and they too left the vicinity.

Once the room was empty, the three instructors fixed Theo with a scrutinizing gaze that he found rather unsettling.

"Young Theo, we must be candid with you," Corven stated, his voice maintaining its characteristic stern yet mature cadence.

Theo listened attentively, nodding his affirmation.

"Upon learning your age and receiving the emperor’s decree to place you in command of this mission, we harbored considerable skepticism," he admitted.

Theo sensed the direction of the conversation and met their gaze with a composed expression.

"However, witnessing your prowess during the training sessions gradually dispelled some of those doubts. Nevertheless, we certainly did not anticipate you completing the mission this expeditiously, securing such numerous samples, and notably, a sample of a particular blood type that will be recognized as a national treasure upon confirmation of its origin from a core beast."

For the very first time, Theo observed Corven’s smirk, and it wasn’t as unpleasant as he had previously imagined. The man, it turned out, possessed expressions beyond his usual grumpy demeanor.

"He means to say that we offer our apologies for doubting your capabilities and that a comprehensive report detailing your performance will be filed!" Oric interjected, causing Theo to raise his eyebrows.

Corven let out a subtle sigh and gave a nod, which served as confirmation. Mae regarded Theo with the same pleasant smile she had displayed when he accepted the mission.

"Instructors, there is no need for any apologies," Theo declared, prompting them to simply gaze at him.

"My intention in coming here was to demonstrate my skills and abilities to you, and I consider myself quite fortunate to have earned your commendations."

Upon his completion, Oric regarded him with a half-hearted chuckle, while Corven erupted into full laughter. Mae, meanwhile, looked at him with eyes full of genuine appreciation.

"You possess a remarkable way with words. You’ll undoubtedly find that eloquence quite useful when you all attend the ceremony to receive your rewards."