Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 485. plan for the 2 shardjaw ant queens
Previously on Insect Tamer's Ascension...
Cedric had departed before Theo could even begin a conversation. However, one thing was undeniably clear—Cedric had attained a level of sword aura that Theo could, for the present moment, only dream of.
The instant Theo laid eyes on the scabbard and the potent aura it radiated, a prickling sensation spread across his entire skin.
In that moment, the divergence between him and Cedric became starkly apparent. Cedric dedicated all his time to mastering swordsmanship, whereas Theo had several other commitments, leaving only a few hours each morning for sword training.
Returning to his room, Theo began formulating his next course of action.
Although only a day or two had elapsed since his return from the gate, he felt a subtle sense of aimlessness.
This feeling spurred him to work more diligently on crafting a plan, and his thoughts immediately turned to the ants.
They had reached a stage where Theo could sense their independent efforts, but he realized this alone would only carry him so far.
His unique advantage lay in his ability to improve beasts, and this was precisely what he resolved to focus his efforts on.
Several hours later, Theo had already drafted a concise plan, a faint smile gracing his lips.
Once Clara concluded her studies in fabric-making using the academy's textbook, Theo decided to assign her a few specific tasks.
The following morning, Theo set out once more towards the ant colony, this time with a few items packed in his bag.
He had previously discussed his intentions with the Ant Queen, and she had given her consent to Theo's plan.
"Young Master, what are we going to do today?" Clara inquired, noticing the familiar course towards the ants. This routine often proved a bit tedious for the others, as while Theo perceived images and insights within the colony, they could only wait idly for him to finish.
"Do you recall those two Shardjaw ant queens we captured not too long ago?" Theo asked, prompting nods from Clara and Elias.
"And then you remember the smaller ants, the ones that were colored red and blue?" Theo inquired with a smile.
"The Embermaws and the Aquamandibles," Elias interjected with a slight cough, earning a nod from Theo.
Clara glanced at Elias, who was acting quite pompous, and couldn't help but adopt a more serious demeanor for the subsequent question.
"I intend to transform the two Shardjaw ant queens into Embermaws and Aquamandibles. But do you remember their inherent disadvantages?" Theo asked, looking towards his two attendants.
"Oh! They are quite small, and while their attacks sound impressive, they lack any substantial power," Clara exclaimed somewhat loudly, as if in a competition, which elicited a chuckle from Theo.
"You are correct," Theo affirmed. "So, the plan is to convert the two Shardjaw ant queens into one of each of these elemental variants and then have them reproduce more ants," Theo elaborated.
"Their size will remain diminutive, but my intention is to provide them with an abundance of food. Just as the Ant Queen's consumption of numerous crawlers resulted in her brood emerging at a significantly larger size, I will employ the same method with them," Theo explained.
Both Clara and Elias were filled with admiration. A simple conversation had blossomed into an unexpected and detailed explanation.
"But before we proceed and I commence my intended work... what is the current status of your breakthrough quest?" Theo inquired.
Clara and Elias exchanged knowing glances, as if questioning the sudden shift in topic.
"I have been dedicating my studies to the creation of healing fabric, Young Master. To achieve master-grade quality requires a solid foundation of knowledge beforehand," she stated, then continued. "As for defeating twenty level 10 rare-grade beasts using only my knives, I have only managed to overcome one..." she confessed, her gaze dropping.
Theo let out a deep sigh. "Your requirements are indeed challenging to fulfill, but we must make progress, even if it's incremental."
"I did, however, complete one of the prerequisites—the one demanding one hundred consecutive flawless knife throws. That required considerable practice, but I managed to achieve it," she revealed, saving the good news for last, which brought a smile to Theo's face.
"I believe my requirements are considerably more demanding, Young Master," Elias chimed in.
"For me to remain within the territory of a level 10 beast while my own beast eliminates twenty others.
Furthermore, I must construct a Grade A fortified camp in a high-hostility zone for seven consecutive days. And all of this must be accomplished by my own efforts." Elias concluded his statement.
Theo sighed once more. "I could say that life is inherently unfair, but rather than dwelling on that, I would prefer you focus your energy on completing these objectives."
"However, I want you to understand one crucial point—if you do not commit your absolute best and instead focus on protecting me or serving me when it's unnecessary, I will undoubtedly surpass you both by a significant margin," Theo declared with a serious expression.
Clara and Elias exchanged glances before turning to Theo and nodding in understanding.
"From this moment forward, a maid will provide for my sustenance and essential daily needs. As for the two of you, your sole responsibility is to fulfill these requirements, regardless of the time it takes. That is your only task until it is completed." Theo declared this, and despite their protests regarding how he would require their assistance, his resolve remained unshaken. He was determined to see his subordinates reach his own level with the utmost speed. He understood that his journey would now enter a phase of reduced pace, during which his efforts would solely concentrate on academic pursuits, the mastery of his aura, and the development of his beasts—these being the only aspects lagging behind. They swiftly arrived at the ant colony, and from that point, Theo commenced the execution of his strategy.