Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 492. A club made for Misfits

"This doesn't feel right."

The young master of the Merricks found himself seated by the pool at an inn, a place provided by the academy for his respite.

Following his diligent efforts and successful completion of assessments, the professors had strongly recommended this break the moment Theo’s vacation commenced.

Two other chairs were positioned near his own as he basked in the sun, and the individuals occupying them mirrored the unease Theo felt.

"It's not exactly right... but you truly need this break, young master," Clara stated, rising for perhaps the tenth time from her sunbathing chair to fetch him some juice.

She was dressed in a modest bathing suit, whereas both Theo and Elias were clad only in shorts.

"Please, sit down, Clara. I no longer desire any more juice," Theo replied with a heavy sigh.

He could sense his legs growing restless after remaining inactive for an entire hour.

Finally, he stood and propelled himself into the swimming pool.

Clara and Elias attempted to intervene, as they had never instructed him on swimming techniques before, but they faltered when they witnessed him gliding effortlessly through the water, completing lap after lap. Moments later, he reached the pool's center and plunged straight to the bottom.

The pool was a mere ten feet deep, but for Clara and Elias, who had never experienced swimming, the spectacle was utterly astounding.

After several more hours immersed in the pool, Theo retreated to his quarters and slept for the remainder of the day. While not his preference, the academy had arranged and funded this vacation—he wouldn't squander their generosity, especially given their thoughtful consideration for him.

Two days elapsed. Theo made a concerted effort to enjoy himself, but eventually, his patience wore thin. Without a second thought, he packed his belongings, finally prepared to depart the inn.

The innkeeper presented him with a card, a gesture for future visits should he ever decide to take another vacation.

And so, Theo commenced his journey back to the academy.

Upon his return, the academy grounds teemed with far more students than before. Dressed in the same uniform as everyone else, he attracted no undue attention, only a few fleeting glances, and for a moment, that feeling of anonymity brought him a sense of... normalcy.

"My sole motivation for returning early is my desire to establish a club. That still counts as a recreational activity, doesn't it?" Theo inquired of his attendants.

The pair regarded him with silent pride.

Their young master was finally behaving his age... although the true underlying reason extended far beyond that.

As Theo made his approach toward the student body president, who was navigating between classes, she halted, observing him with surprise.

"It’s only been a few days since you departed..." she remarked, momentarily speechless.

"I am still on vacation, but I wished to engage in something enjoyable. May I establish a club, Selmira?" Theo asked.

She narrowed her eyes in his direction.

"Theo, initiating a club is hardly as enjoyable or relaxing as the inn you were sent to for your break. You cannot possibly be serious right now," she stated, rubbing her forehead.

It felt as though she had been connected to him for a significant duration, and understandably so.

Theo was the sole student actively studying during the summer holidays while she performed her duties for the academy.

They were the only two students present on campus throughout the holidays.

"Come now, Selmira. Please grant me permission to start a club immediately. The students have only just returned from their vacation; they are likely to be receptive to joining a new club if I form one now."

Selmira gazed at Theo, uncertain how to handle his request.

With a resigned sigh, she relented and agreed. "And what shall you name it? 'The Workaholics'?" she posed, eliciting a chuckle from Theo.

"Nothing outlandish. Simply 'The Misfits'," Theo responded with a neutral expression and a smile that caused Clara and Elias to avert their gaze in embarrassment.

"...And what precisely will this club, 'The Misfits,' entail?"

"An excellent inquiry!" Theo felt a grin spread across his face. "It pertains to students practicing their respective skills according to their own unique philosophies. For instance, if an individual desires to allow their beast to act autonomously, that is perfectly acceptable! The objective is to empower students to explore unconventional methods in honing their 'misfit' abilities."

His eyes visibly sparkled with enthusiasm as he articulated this. Selmira, conversely, merely cast a judgmental glance toward Clara and Elias.

"We are all aware of your motivations, Theo. Why are you taking this so personally? That professor was merely fulfilling his duties," she said with a weary sigh, as if already exhausted.

Upon the mention of the professor, Theo's grin vanished, and his demeanor soured.

"I can either have this club established with your consent... or I can approach the headmaster directly for approval, Selmira. I doubt you would wish to disrupt the headmaster's busy schedule, would you?" Theo inquired with a facade of innocence, causing Selmira to clench her jaw.

A brief silence ensued for a few seconds, but observing her expression, Theo let out a small sigh and offered a smile.

"Fine" I will approve the club. But making the brochures is going to be entirely on you, and you will be given the minimum budget to work with," Selmira stated.

Theo's grin broadened, and he offered a brief bow.

"That was expected from the head student of the gate. Thank you."

"No need for that; just go already," she responded. "I'll let Ryan, your guide, know the club's location once it's settled. It might take a few days to a week, so don't bother me daily."

She scribbled a note about it on a piece of paper before departing with a soft grunt.

Theo, Clara, and Elias simply observed her departure as Theo stretched broadly.

"Young Master, why do you tease her so much?" Elias inquired with his typical directness, making Clara feel like the sole sensible individual amongst the three.

One seemed unaware of his standing when speaking to a noble, and the other was a noble who never behaved as such.

"What? I didn't do anything like that," Theo remarked nonchalantly. "As the saying goes— 'One must leverage their connections to the fullest.' I am simply doing just that."