Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 489. I want you to participate in the kingdom games

Theo felt the spatial anomaly waver and vanish from the room's corner, causing him to swallow hard as his gaze swept across the chamber.

Just as the distortion seemed to have dissipated, it reappeared directly before him.

Theo instinctively recoiled, only to find the elderly man observing him with a look of amusement gracing his features.

Their brief exchange of glances was sufficient—a flash of white illuminated the old man's forehead, and the distortion completely ceased to exist within the room.

Taking a deep inhalation, Theo then released a low chuckle, attempting to convey that the event hadn't significantly unsettled him.

"He's not always like this, but when someone senses his presence, the boy becomes rather excited for no apparent reason," the old man remarked, stroking his lengthy beard.

"I see." Theo was uncertain how to interpret the situation. Not only did the headmaster appear somewhat eccentric, but he had also revealed a great deal about himself and his perceptive abilities.

"Have a seat. The tea is nearly prepared," the old man added, glancing towards his left, where a uniformed attendant was in the process of brewing tea.

Theo inclined his head and took a seat opposite the headmaster.

Before the old man could utter another word, Theo offered a slight bow. "It is a profound honor to be accepted into this academy, Headmaster. I am grateful for this opportunity you have provided."

The old man regarded Theo with a placid amusement.

"When the emperor himself endorses an individual's potential, one naturally pays heed, Theo Merrick," the headmaster stated, flipping through a tome before returning his gaze to Theo.

"You are counted among the select few students who have accomplished as much as a seasoned practitioner before even formally enrolling. This is something we must consider when assigning you to classes."

With that, he commenced writing.

"While I would relish hearing about all your exploits, both lawful and otherwise, our primary concern is ascertaining your aspirations," the old man resumed.

"What I wish to do?" Theo blinked in bewilderment, clearly taken aback by such an inquiry.

"Indeed. As you may have surmised, the summer break is fast approaching. Students across all years are granted four months—they may either return to their homes or participate in academy-organized excursions," the headmaster elaborated.

"However, simultaneously, you have been summoned for specialized instruction, which necessitates foregoing your holiday period. Are you amenable to this arrangement?"

The evident concern on the old man's countenance elicited a degree of surprise in Theo. A smile touched his lips as he began his response.

"Thank you for your consideration, Headmaster. However, holidays hold little significance for me. I implore you to impart as much knowledge as possible during this summer," Theo conveyed, his smile unwavering.

The old man couldn't help but lean back in his seat, evidently pleased. "Such charisma and self-assurance... it is a rarity to witness such qualities in one so young. I commend you, Theo Merrick."

His expression then grew somewhat serious as he continued.

"Very well. We shall commence with the foundational curriculum for first-year students, though it will not delve into exhaustive detail. Given your pronounced aptitude, as attested by the emperor, I am confident that with access to the resources pertaining to your chosen subjects, you can master the material and complete the final examinations within a few months."

He paused, then leaned forward once more.

"However, this accelerated path will consume your entire time, so I shall pose the question one final time, Theo Merrick."

"We can proceed at a conventional, unhurried pace, allowing your studies to align with those of a typical student, albeit at a later stage in life. Alternatively, we can undertake this accelerated route. Which course will you charting for yourself?" he inquired.

Theo did not hesitate, a confident smile returning to his visage.

"I would find the prospect of early final exams more exhilarating, Headmaster—if my understanding is correct."

The old man chuckled softly and applauded lightly, his expression one of delight.

"Excellent. I appreciate the resolve evident in your eyes. You will be assigned dedicated professors for each of your selected disciplines, and within the upcoming two months, you will be assimilating knowledge typically covered over an entire year, alongside practical application."

He spoke while continuing his note-taking.

The attendant in uniform, having completed the tea preparation, observed Theo as if he were an extraordinary being.

For the emperor to personally vouch for him... and for the headmaster himself to extend such a remarkable offer...

It could only signify one thing.

Theo Merrick was destined to introduce a wave of change into the academy's tranquil existence, a premonition the attendant could already foresee.

"Rudery, is the tea ready, my boy?" the old man inquired, his tone gentle, reminiscent of speaking to a beloved son.

The more Theo engaged with the academy's inhabitants, the more he perceived his prior assumptions to be misguided.

'Merek truly distorted my perception of high nobles. These individuals are not nearly as haughty as he was,' Theo reflected, a sigh escaping him inwardly.

Shortly after, the man in uniform presented the tea. The instant Theo took his inaugural sip, his eyes were drawn wide open.

"Hoh? Have you savored this particular tea before, Theo Merrick?" the elderly gentleman inquired.

Theo offered a nod. "I had the pleasure once during a luncheon with the Emperor some time ago, Headmaster," Theo responded, savoring another mouthful of the beverage.

The old man's gaze lingered on him for a spell before he returned to his own cup.

A tranquil silence ensued until they had consumed roughly half their tea. Just as Theo was contemplating seeking permission to depart and mentally preparing for the subsequent day's lectures, he detected a subtle alteration in the old man's demeanor.

"I shall be candid, Theo Merrick. My estimation of your capabilities has indeed doubled since our conversation commenced. In fact, I find myself compelled to propose something... more ambitious of you."

The elder spoke, and Theo simply observed him, his expression growing somber to signify his profound attention.

"Are you prepared to render service to this kingdom in any capacity that requires your assistance?" the old man questioned, his hands clasped firmly on the table. A similar gravity in his eyes conveyed to Theo that this discussion was poised to take a decidedly different trajectory.

"I would undertake any task for the kingdom, Headmaster. My family resides here, and I would do anything for my family," Theo declared.

The old man regarded him with fleeting surprise before a broad grin spread across his face, as though he had perceived a profound revelation within Theo's eyes at that precise juncture.

"To cherish one's family... I comprehend."

Theo let out an internal sigh. His forthright declaration had not been ill-received, yet he recognized the subtle distinction between his pledge to aid his own kin and the Headmaster's explicit inquiry about service to the kingdom. These were, after all, two vastly dissimilar commitments.

"Your reports indicate you have ventured into two gates and emerged with enhanced strength; that much is discernible," the old man elaborated. "With this knowledge, I am inclined to present you with an alternative arrangement."

"Should you succeed in fulfilling its conditions, I can confidently consolidate the entirety of your second and third academy years, thereby enabling your timely graduation."

Theo found himself momentarily speechless, his gaze unable to maintain its usual placidity. His eyes sharpened, and his lips parted as if to voice a retort, only for him to curb the impulse.

The Headmaster was extending promises prior to even articulating his request. That, Theo mused, was rarely an auspicious sign.

"While I do not require tangible evidence of your personal prowess, the student body at large presents a different consideration, Theo Merrick," the man stated.

"I require you to unequivocally demonstrate your strength amongst the students at the earliest opportunity, and subsequently, secure a coveted spot on the team designated to represent our kingdom in the annual game of kingdoms."

At this declaration, Theo's brow furrowed.

The old man's eyebrow arched subtly at this unvarnished display of emotion, clearly noting Theo's audacity in exhibiting such genuine feelings.

"Pray, do not take offense, Headmaster," Theo replied with measured calm. "But might I be apprised of further details regarding these 'kingdom games' you mention... before I commit to any proposition?"

The man in uniform regarded Theo as if he had taken leave of his senses, while the elder simply met his gaze with that perpetually amused smile.

'If he anticipates such a significant undertaking from me, it is reasonable to assume I possess some degree of influence in these matters. There is absolutely no way I will blindly comply with his every demand,' Theo reflected instinctively.

"Excellent. Seeking clarification prior to agreement is indeed a valuable political aptitude," the old man affirmed with a decisive nod.

"The kingdom games are precisely as their designation implies. All participating kingdoms engage in them as a means to resolve momentous decisions that are, by their nature, too challenging to settle otherwise."

"We cannot engage in open hostilities over every resource unearthed near our territories—nor for every gate discovered within neutral zones."

"In such critical junctures, the kingdom games serve a profoundly significant purpose in determining the ultimate outcome. The kingdom whose contingent emerges triumphant in these contests earns the esteemed privilege to lay claim to those resources and titles, and such a victory is indelibly etched into their historical records."

He paused momentarily before concluding.

"That, in essence, is the nature of the kingdom games. And my earnest desire is for you to participate in this year's iteration—without fail."