Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 497. You get additional hardships this year

"This student here is Theo Merrick. He joined our academy three months ago and completed the entire first-year curriculum within that time," Caslos announced while resting a hand over Theo’s shoulder.

Out of the three students present, one immediately seemed to recognize Theo’s name. The other two, however, merely stared blankly at him, still trying to process the astonishing fact that Theo had completed his first year in such a brief period.

"First year... in three months?" one of them muttered, disbelief lacing his tone.

Theo’s gaze flickered towards the boy who had spoken, before drifting to the sword sheathed at his waist.

He could discern at a glance that this boy had dedicated himself to rigorous training. The hardened calluses on his hands and the numerous scars adorning his arms each told a silent story, a truth Theo recognized deep within himself.

The boy stood at a similar height to Theo, perhaps a fraction shorter, which presented an even greater surprise. Theo was already considered tall for his age, making it rare to encounter someone nearly his equal in stature within the same age group.

The remaining two students were shorter, and one of them lacked the subtle indicators that typically hinted at a noble lineage.

"Introduce yourselves within a minute. We need to commence the class soon," Carlos reiterated.

"My name is Darian Voss. My familiar was recently granted noble status, young master Theo. In our family, everyone practices hybrid combat," the one standing in the middle, whose height matched Theo’s, spoke first.

Theo offered a simple nod and extended a normal handshake. Internally, however, he felt a twinge of annoyance at how suddenly crowded his training area had become.

Solitary study was a privilege Theo hadn’t fully appreciated until its absence.

The boy returned the handshake. Simultaneously, Theo discreetly assessed his cultivation level. The guy was already Level 6, an impressive feat for someone his age.

"My name is Seris Vale, young master. I hail from a family with a long tradition of blacksmithing. We reside in a small village to the north," the boy on the side said, incorporating a slight bow.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Sir Seris. However, I wish to make a request of all of you," Theo stated in a deep voice.

"I do not wish to be addressed as ’young master.’ Here, within this academy, we are all equals, and societal standing holds no significance. Let us strive for a successful year together," Theo declared, extending his hand for a handshake to the commoner as well.

The boy regarded the offered hand for a brief moment before eagerly grasping it, as if seizing a fleeting, unique opportunity.

Theo’s gaze then settled upon the third individual, a knowing smile gracing his lips.

"My name is Pavel Renn. My family operates a bakery within the royal capital, Sir Theo," the boy replied with a calm demeanor.

Theo silently confirmed that the boy’s family was not associated with a rank higher than ’Count.’

His preceding declaration would only hold true if he possessed the highest status among them. Should an individual of higher rank emerge and expect preferential treatment, Theo would be unable to uphold his stance.

"Alright, enough idle conversation," Carlos interjected, his expression conveying a hint of annoyance, despite having initiated the introductions himself, which could have easily been deferred until after training.

"You all spent the past year learning the fundamental principles of manifesting your aura and the necessary training to achieve it. Now, in your second year, your primary objective is to enhance your cultivation through this new training regimen and manifest your aura as swiftly as possible, thereby preparing you for the third and fourth years. Understood?" he inquired.

Every student nodded in unison, straightening their postures into a disciplined, almost military bearing.

Theo, who had been standing casually, quickly adjusted his stance, realizing he had failed to adopt the required posture.

"Theo, you are already at the lower-medium level of aura manifestation. Therefore, your training this year will diverge," Carlos announced, causing the trio to regard Theo with a mixture of awe and apprehension.

Though no words were spoken, the abnormality of a boy of their age already possessing a lower-medium level aura was palpable to everyone.

"You will need to summon your beast for this. We will commence your synchronous training with your beast," Carlos elaborated.

This time, Theo let out a soft, almost inaudible sigh.

’So, we are actually proceeding with this, Mantis,’ Theo mused internally, his breathing subtly accelerating. ’I expect your absolute best behavior during this next hour.’

The mental connection with the mantis was established, and instantaneously, Theo’s head began to emit a soft glow as a manifestation materialized from it.

The other students observed with keen interest as the light gradually receded. Each of them was eager to witness the beast that the young master of the Merricks possessed.

However, as the luminescence finally vanished, their curiosity swiftly transformed into sheer horror.

Carlos merely glanced at the mantis, a casual look causing Theo immense gratitude that he could shield himself from the suppression ability. This was a significant factor in his growing respect for Professor Carlos over the past two months.

The other three, however, found themselves in a different predicament as the familiar, uncomfortable situation of adapting to the mantis's presence began anew.

"Professor Carlos, as you are likely aware, my beast possesses a suppression ability. While you can withstand it, I know Sir Darian, Sir Pavel, and Sir Seris will not adapt quickly. Prolonged proximity to it will cause their movements to become rigid," Theo explained, indicating the trio.

Carlos was already aware of the impending difficulty but still let out a profound sigh upon observing the three students breaking out in a cold sweat as they regarded the mantis.

"You truly do not make things easy for yourself, nor for others," the professor grumbled.

"Very well. This particular challenge is designed for this year's students, and I expect the three of you to overcome it, delivering results as if there were no suppression present," he declared, then took a deep breath and bellowed.

"DID YOU HEAR ME?"

His powerful shout jolted the three students from their stupor.

Theo sensed that this year's path would be arduous, and he felt a pang of unfairness towards the others.

Yet, there was nothing he could do to alter the circumstances.