Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 468. I want the paralyzed pup, whether you like it or not

Theo observed them, uncertain of his response. Merely gaining entry through the gate felt like a significant reward in itself for him.

He had not only demonstrated his capabilities but also acquired valuable experience in the process.

"However, we still lack a concrete explanation for the gate's inexplicable disappearance," Mae mentioned thoughtfully, prompting the instructors to engage in deep contemplation.

Theo stifled a sigh.

It seemed these scholars were all the same; once they delved into their thoughts, their focus became impenetrable to anything else.

He had witnessed this phenomenon before with the scholar specializing in spatial affinity whom he had encountered previously.

When the instructors finally emerged from their intellectual deep dive and noticed Theo still standing before them, having been there for an indeterminate amount of time, they dismissed him and redirected their attention to gathering the collected samples.

It was at this juncture that Theo's attention was drawn to a cluster of robed individuals forming a circle. Intrigued, he attempted to discern what they were surrounding. The instant his gaze fell upon it, an undeniable urge compelled him to move towards them.

"Excuse me," he interjected, his voice steady yet resonant, causing one of the robed figures to yelp before swiftly stepping aside.

ARF!

The incapacitated pup struggled valiantly to advance, propelling itself with its front limbs, its focus solely locked onto Theo, the sole familiar presence amidst the surrounding strangers.

Without hesitation, Theo knelt and gently lifted the pup into his arms.

A chorus of hushed murmurs rippled through the assembled robed figures as they observed him with varied expressions. He had just made contact with an untamed gate beast.

The three instructors stood nearby. Theo offered a curt nod to the robed men before proceeding towards the instructors.

Corven was the first to register Theo's approach and subsequently, his gaze descended to the pup cradled in Theo's arms.

"Young Theo, why are you holding that creature?" he inquired politely. His demeanor had evidently undergone a significant transformation since Theo's return from within the gate.

Theo met their gazes. "Esteemed instructors... may I be permitted to keep this beast with me?"

The request elicited frowns from the instructors.

"That is not permissible. This beast belongs to the kingdom," Corven stated promptly.

Theo nodded, though a pulsing vein threatened to erupt on his forehead at the declaration. Nevertheless, he recognized the truth in the statement. Any entity emerging from the gate was deemed the kingdom's property until officially tamed by an individual.

Despite this, he persevered.

"This one sustained severe injuries due to my actions. I only brought it forth because I wish to atone and provide care for it while it lives," Theo explained, then crouched to gently place the pup down and step back. However, the pup whined and began dragging itself towards him using its forelegs.

As the instructors observed its incapacitated hind legs, one shook his head while the others regarded the scene with a flicker of sympathy.

"A pitiable creature," Oric murmured, moving closer. After a brief examination, he glanced toward Theo. "Shall I assist in alleviating its suffering?"

"Did the healer accompanying you attempt to treat this one?" Oric inquired, prompting a nod from Theo.

"Hmm... if it remains in this condition even after medical attention, it holds minimal practical value for us, Young Theo," the jovial man remarked. "Yet, that 'minimal' utility is still quite significant."

"This is a male, and should its reproductive organs remain functional upon reaching maturity, despite the paralysis, it could still be instrumental in producing numerous offspring of its kind."

He paused, then added with composure, "I trust you comprehend the situation."

Theo regarded the man, and for the first time, refrained from masking his true emotions.

Oric perceived the sorrow etched on Theo's face and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"You must release this burden of guilt, Young Theo. Regardless of whether you were directly responsible for its condition or not, it holds no consequence. As long as it can serve our purpose, we shall record it as 'useful' in your report," he stated with a wide smile.

Theo gradually resumed his impassive facade and nodded. His gaze shifted to the pup, which was gazing back at him with its small, beady green eyes, filled with an innocence that pierced his chest with an aching pain simply from looking.

'Achieve our purpose, you say... so they truly view these beasts as mere instruments...'

Theo was unsure of the origin or the timing, but a conviction had begun to solidify within his heart. The notion of senselessly ending a beast's life no longer felt acceptable to him.

And now that he had mastered the art of handling them without resorting to killing... it felt as though that was the only 'correct' path forward.

"I believe I shall seek an audience with the emperor regarding this pup, instructors," Theo declared as he rose to his feet.

"As you can observe, I am experiencing considerable guilt over this matter, and I 'require' this opportunity to care for it, for the sake of my own peace of mind," Theo appended, his tone now imbued with the refined cadence of nobility.

The three instructors regarded him, their expressions rendering their thoughts inscrutable.

'If they don't write a decent report about me, so be it. I will proceed as I deem fit,' he resolved internally, his resolve evident in his gaze.

Oric could discern that look from any vantage point.

Shortly after, all three instructors exchanged glances and let out chuckles.

"May fortune favor you, Young Theo," Mae remarked with her characteristic warm smile, seemingly unfazed by his change in demeanor.

"If you perceive our current assessment as meager, just wait until you encounter our emperor," she added with a light laugh, prompting the others to suppress their own amusement.

Theo blinked, taken aback by their unexpected reactions. It was as if not one of them possessed even a shred of personal pride.

"Nonetheless, my statement remains accurate," Oric affirmed with a smile. "You genuinely resemble your family, particularly Baron Aldric Merrick."

"Baron Aldric is precisely what one might call a 'true' man. Do you comprehend?" Corven interjected with a sharp 'hmph!', receiving concurring nods from the others.

In that instant, Theo grasped the vast extent to which his father's legendary deeds had permeated, and he could not help but nod in agreement.

Before long, all matters were concluded, and every member of the mission contingent received instructions to board the carriages, preparing for their journey to the royal capital for a much-needed period of rest.

As Theo moved, his thoughts remained fixated on the smaller reptiles lurking beyond the perimeter, those that had discreetly retreated from sight.

He realized then that he would most likely never have the opportunity to encounter those creatures again, and this realization stirred a profound emotion he had never before experienced.

To desire something... and to be unable to obtain it...

This was a sensation entirely foreign to him, in either of his lifetimes.