Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 488. The headmaster of the royal academy

"Looks like we are off again—leaving home to get stronger, isn't that the usual path?"

After saying goodbye to his family and feeling a bit miffed that Bram hadn't returned yet, Theo and his companions began their journey to the royal academy.

A week had already slipped by, and just as the baron had predicted, the emperor had summoned Theo for special studies during the summer break.

Clara and Elias were accompanying him, as both had unfortunately failed to achieve a breakthrough in their cultivation within the allotted seven days. Their assigned missions had been rather challenging and exceptionally precise. Unlike Theo, neither of them possessed particularly outstanding beasts, save for a tenacious boar and an ape with a penchant for wielding a sword.

After receiving some rigorous training from Rhys, the unfortunate ape had practiced with such ferocity that it could now decisively defeat a training dummy with a single, albeit blunted, sword strike.

The journey proceeded as expected, involving a significant amount of waiting before they were granted re-entry into the royal capital.

This time, however, Theo was escorted directly to the Royal Academy, situated on the western fringes of the sprawling capital.

Upon witnessing the sheer immensity of the academy's architecture, Theo couldn't help but draw a comparison to his previous institution; the contrast made the old academy appear utterly negligible next to the grandeur before him.

They swiftly disembarked from their carriage and proceeded towards the heavily guarded entrance.

As the guards attempted to halt Theo and his entourage, Clara smoothly presented the imperial decree, signed by the emperor himself and bearing the headmaster's endorsement, to a female guard.

Recognizing the signatures of two of the realm's most influential figures, the guard immediately stepped aside, granting Theo and his companions passage without further inquiry.

"Welcome to the Royal Academy of Elaria, new student Theo Merrick," a young man standing nearby greeted him, as individuals of all social standings moved about as if it were any other ordinary day.

Theo briefly observed the speaker and offered a subtle nod of acknowledgment.

"I am Ryan Clamber, a fourth-year student at this academy," the young man introduced himself.

Theo took another look at Ryan.

'If he's a fourth-year... then he's two years my senior.'

"I will be your guide for today until we reach the headmaster's office, Young Master Theo Merrick," Ryan stated with a polite smile.

Theo found himself appreciating the deference in the young man's tone.

"Please, just call me Theo," he replied, stepping forward to signal his readiness to Ryan.

Despite a flicker of surprise at Theo's request, Ryan enthusiastically began leading the way, highlighting the academy's numerous commendable features.

The main courtyard unfolded before them, an expansive vista.

During their perambulation, Theo observed a diverse array of beasts roaming freely; some were leisurely sunbathing, while their tamers, presumably students, rested comfortably on the meticulously maintained lawns instead of utilizing the available tables and chairs.

Up to this point, Theo hadn't sensed the distinct atmosphere of a 'royal academy,' prompting a quiet sigh of relief.

As his tour continued, Theo's admiration for the institution steadily grew. The academy was not merely enormous; its design was a masterclass in practical functionality.

Upon reaching the cafeteria, Theo couldn't suppress a smile. Younger students were calmly consuming their meals in an orderly and quiet fashion. A sense of decorum permeated the hall, something entirely absent from his previous school.

Conversations among the students were subdued, never escalating to the point of disrupting the room's tranquil ambiance.

Furthermore, it appeared that all the students were dining with silverware, adding a new dimension to the 'royal' designation of the Royal Academy.

By the conclusion of the tour, they found themselves before a chamber with only a handful of students remaining.

Ryan turned to face Theo and extended his hand for a handshake.

"I would truly enjoy having you as a fellow student, Theo. You're a genuinely enjoyable person to be around," Ryan expressed.

Theo bypassed the offered handshake, opting instead for a distinctive elbow bump, reminiscent of a military greeting. Ryan's expression brightened instantly as he reciprocated the gesture.

At that exact moment, the door to the room Theo faced swung open, revealing a student, who appeared a few years older than Theo, stepping out.

"Theo Merrick?" she inquired, her gaze locked onto him.

Theo noticed the academy's signature royal grey uniform she wore and gave a nod. A small insignia was affixed to her right chest, suggesting she held a certain level of authority among the student body.

Theo affirmed her question with a nod, prompting her to step aside.

"Please enter. The headmaster has been anticipating your arrival," she stated, maintaining a steady, unwavering eye contact with him.

Theo perceived a palpable curiosity within her gaze, yet her demeanor remained composed, almost rigidly disciplined.

"Thank you, Ryan. We will meet again soon," Theo said, waving before turning to enter.

However, as Clara and Elias attempted to follow him, a female student intercepted them, making them wait outside before shutting the door on Theo.

Inside, Theo found himself in an expansive chamber. The instant the door sealed his entry, his senses began to prickle.

"Welcome, Theo Merrick. I have been anticipating your arrival for some time now," a composed voice declared.

An elder, who appeared to be in his eighties, was seated in a corner behind a desk overflowing with books and documents.

A quick survey of the room gave Theo the impression of stepping into a dream. To possess so many volumes in a single location... this was not merely a study; it was practically a private library.

He advanced with a subtle smile gracing his lips but then abruptly paused, his gaze drifting upwards, past the old man.

A distortion of spatial energy flickered intermittently.

Theo sensed it distinctly.

It felt as though something was observing him.

"Hoh? You can sense my beast? That is indeed a keener perception than the emperor informed me of, Theo Merrick," the old man remarked, his eyes narrowing. The lines on his face grew more pronounced as he raised a hand overhead, as if restraining an unseen entity.

"Since you've noticed it, it's becoming challenging to contain this little one's eagerness. Do not be alarmed if it draws rather near."

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