Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 530. What is this insect, where did you get it?

Theo could only frown inwardly at that comment.

’What kind of observation is that...?’ he thought to himself.

Varelya only kept walking ahead with her chin high, but Theo could see from the side that her steps had become more controlled.

That showed nervousness she tried to hide but couldn’t.

Even if it was only the headmaster who had called them, there was no way this was something small.

Soon, they stopped in front of a tall double door where two guards stood still like statues.

While the worker was about to go and speak to the guards, another person was seen coming toward them.

And the moment they saw that nonchalant face, everyone relaxed a little.

It was Saevra.

Without saying anything, she assimilated herself into the group like she had never left, making them all look at the worker again.

The worker opened the door after giving his identity and stepped aside for them.

"Please enter."

The five moved in and Theo saw the headmaster seated inside with his arms folded.

He was in his usual attire and had that same expression on his face as if nothing had changed.

And he was not alone.

Seated to his left was one of the two dukes from the front row Theo had seen during the fight.

When Theo’s eyes met with the noble, he could tell the man was no ordinary individual.

Theo could not see even an ounce of emotion on his face, only seriousness.

On the other side was a silver-haired old man Theo didn’t know and the woman in the beautiful green dress, her neck and ears adorned with jewels.

The very air in that room felt expensive, but strangely enough, Theo felt used to it.

Whether it was a duke or someone else, their aura and attitude always felt one step below the emperor.

That man was the true mastermind behind many things, including Theo’s admission into the royal academy.

Theo couldn’t help but hear his own heartbeat becoming slightly faster even though he remained calm outwardly.

’I expected some interactions through the arena, but never at the 5th fight. Just why did so many come to watch a fight that wasn’t even top 3? And these dukes...’ he thought, feeling like something was missing in his mind.

The five walked until they stood in front of the table and gave proper bows.

Theo made sure his own was neither too little nor too much.

He was from a Count family now and also a Merrick.

"Good." The headmaster nodded. "You all came quickly."

Theo kept his eyes low enough to remain respectful but high enough to observe.

He observed the duke for a moment before realizing that the man was only looking at him and none of the other team members.

That alone made Theo understand many things.

His previous victory had changed how students looked at him, but this one?

It had attracted the attention of the true nobles and the people who helped run the kingdom, the most useful and unpredictable kind.

If he used this properly, then not just the mantis but insects themselves could gain more room in the academy and maybe even beyond it.

When Theo thought about that, passion burned in his eyes.

"I called you all here for two reasons," the headmaster started.

"First, some of our guests wanted to get a proper look at the prospective team that may carry the academy’s name into the Kingdom Games."

The sentence sounded simple, but Theo knew what it really meant.

They were being inspected not as children anymore, but as assets.

"Second..." The headmaster’s smile widened. "Because the next stage of your preparation will begin sooner than expected."

The focus of all five team members sharpened immediately at the second point.

"Tomorrow morning, you will not be training only under our professors," he said before glancing toward the silver-haired old man.

"A visiting academy team from one of our allied institutions arrived earlier than expected. All of you have created enough noise in the arena to attract a lot of attention to us, so I have decided to make proper use of it."

’A visiting academy team... I can’t wait for them to arrive,’ Theo couldn’t help but think.

No more controlled internal exercises.

No more practice where the professors already knew their habits.

This would be against outsiders, people who would not care whether someone was first year, second year, or fourth year.

"You five will have one day," the headmaster continued. "You will use this day to adjust your coordination after what happened in the arena today. After that, you will face them in a formal team practice in front of faculty observers."

Varelya’s posture straightened even more.

Rhevard looked as if this was exactly what he had been waiting for, finally showing some visible emotion on his face.

Saevra only narrowed her eyes. She no longer looked nonchalant at the moment.

"And before any of you get the wrong idea..." the headmaster spoke to clear things up. "This is not a friendship exercise."

"If one of you drags the team down in front of outside observers, I will begin considering replacements before the week ends."

The old man’s smile remained warm, but the meaning behind it wasn’t warm at all.

’They are trying too hard with this replacement thing,’ Theo thought, but then his mind suddenly went to Saevra, who seemed like the weakest link at the moment.

’Now that I think about it... oh shit,’ Theo thought, finally realizing it. ’I have been doing most of the heavy work for the team... this could turn bad. Why didn’t Professor Velra say anything about this?’ he questioned inwardly.

"Headmaster." Varelya spoke first with her back straight. "Has the leadership for that team practice been decided yet?" she asked.

Theo looked at her from the side.

She truly cared about that point more than anything else right now, and even the headmaster looked amused by it.

"No." He answered directly. "And now that today’s arena result has changed certain impressions, I suggest none of you assume too much."

The statement made her eyes twitch for a moment before she nodded.

Theo could feel that line landing differently on everyone.

He needed all of them to lock in properly.

He saw Saevra’s eyes move toward him for just a moment before shifting away again, making Theo sigh inwardly.

At least she was showing some interest now.

"That is all," the headmaster spoke. "Get proper rest and think carefully. Tomorrow will be the first time some of you realize that a strong beast and a loud crowd mean nothing when five students move as one. Do not let the royal academy’s name be sullied."

The last part felt personal.

The five bowed again and turned to leave.

But just as Theo was about to reach the door, one of the seated men finally spoke.

"Theo Merrick."

Theo stopped instantly and turned around.

"Yes, sir?"

The silver-haired old man looked at him calmly.

"We would like to speak with you more," he said, making everyone look at Theo.

Varelya felt another bubble burst inside her and quickly left the room along with the others after realizing they were not being asked to stay.

Theo moved back toward the same spot, but this time alone.

He looked at the old man as if asking what was left.

"Can you tell us in detail about your beast?" the silver-haired old man asked with the same calm expression.

When Theo heard that, he smiled.

"I would be delighted to talk about my beast, Sir..." Theo trailed off, making the old man smile faintly for the first time.

"My name is Seredin. Just Seredin."

Theo nodded.

"Sir Seredin, what would you like to know about my beast to start with?" he asked with visible passion, making the old man nod.

The duke had been looking at Theo with hidden curiosity the entire time.

"I want you to tell me how an insect is this big. The information says this beast is an insect-type," the old man asked.

Theo felt like he had hit the bullseye and wanted to grin but restrained himself.

"Yes, my Apex Bloom Tyrant is an insect as you stated. And I procured him from a merchant near my family’s county," he spoke.

The old man grunted.

"I have lived a long life and I have never seen an insect beast like this. You don’t need to beat around the bush, tell me. How did you procure it?"

Theo was just about to speak when someone else interrupted.

"He made quite a ruckus in the kingdom during the last year. I believe his affinity helps him change his beasts. Isn’t that right, Theo Merrick?" the man asked.

Theo’s gaze shifted toward the one person who had been staring at him the entire time.

It was finally time to converse with the duke himself.