Chapter 515: 515. I tame insects, I use a sword, and I don’t like losing
The moment the word ’today’ left his mouth, the red-haired girl’s eyebrow twitched.
Rhevard, the muscular boy, on the other hand, looked like he was more than ready. Theo rose from the chair, and so did the others.
One by one, they gave the required bow before walking out of the room.
When Theo stepped outside, Selmira was already there, her hands clasped behind her back.
Her gaze swept across the five of them before lingering on Theo for a second longer.
"Follow me. Professor Velra is already waiting," she said in her usual composed tone before immediately turning to walk away.
With the other students present, she acted nothing like her usual self around Theo.
The five students followed her through the long corridor. For the first few moments, only the sound of footsteps echoed around them.
Theo had no intention of starting the conversation first. He wanted to see who would.
And, as expected, it was the red-haired girl.
"Since we are to work as a team from this point onwards, introductions should be the bare minimum," she said while walking, her chin slightly raised.
She glanced at everyone from the corner of her eye before introducing herself without slowing her pace.
"My name is Varelya Halvec. I am a 4th-year student, and I hold a fire affinity."
Theo looked at her again.
’Halvec... Halvec... Halvec... I have definitely heard that last name before...’ Theo tried to recall where it came from. He knew it belonged to someone important, though how important, he couldn’t remember yet.
Rhevard spoke next.
"Rhevard Cindren from second year."
His voice was short and deep, as though anything more was unnecessary.
Theo inwardly laughed at that; the guy was far too nonchalant to be normal.
’I just need to figure out what kind of personality he has. If he’s decent, I wouldn’t mind making him a connection for the future,’ he thought.
There were always unique people that were worth keeping ties with. The future was always uncertain, and having reliable connections could make all the difference.
The calm-faced boy who had questioned the headmaster shifted his gaze toward Theo before looking ahead again.
"Osric Calder. Third year. I have Water affinity," he introduced himself lightly.
Saevra didn’t let the silence linger for long either and spoke immediately.
"Saevra Ardis. Third year. Wind affinity."
She spoke with those same unfocused eyes, as though everything that was happening around her wasn’t her concern, as if she were merely told to do it.
The moment all their gazes turned toward Theo, he gave a small smile.
"Theo Merrick. Second year. As for affinity... we can leave that for later," he said in a casual tone.
Varelya, the red-haired girl, immediately frowned at his words.
"That is not a proper introduction," she said at once.
Theo looked at her, his smile widening even more.
"Then I tame insects, I use a sword, and I don’t like losing. Is that better?" Theo asked casually.
For a split second, Saevra’s lips nearly curled upward.
Osric stared ahead as if holding back a laugh, while Rhevard continued looking at Theo with the same blank face.
"Insects, you say... I would have laughed in your face if I hadn’t seen your beast in action, Theo Merrick," Osric said.
The way he addressed Theo so casually, without any title and just by his name, and that too in an arrogant manner, made Theo immediately realize that this guy was likely a noble of fairly high status.
Varelya clicked her tongue lightly.
"Still, a lot better than half-introducing yourself," she replied, referring to his earlier answer.
Theo nodded at that.
Selmira, who was walking in the front, let out a quiet sigh.
"If you all have this much energy to bicker already, then save some for Professor Velra too. He has been in a good mood all morning," she muttered.
Theo’s eyes shot up slightly.
’That is not a good sign at all.’
Soon, they exited the main building and followed a path leading toward the back side of the academy.
The moment Theo saw the small forested clearing again, he immediately knew where they were heading.
"Here?" Osric asked in mild surprise.
"Yes, here," Selmira answered.
And not too far ahead, a fit man stood with his hands on his waist while numerous boxes, ropes, leather bags, and long poles were piled to the side.
A few more instructors in uniform also stood in the back, holding writing boards in their hands.
The moment Professor Velra Dain looked toward them, a grin that looked a bit too wild spread across his face. He was Theo’s professor for Outside Civilization Survival, a man Theo firmly believed was batshit crazy.
"FINALLY!" he shouted before they had even fully reached him.
"The five children the headmaster believes can carry this academy’s name!" He spread his arms wide and looked at them one by one with those same crazy eyes which Theo remembered very well.
Theo could already tell that the others weren’t used to this professor.
Varelya’s expression stiffened slightly.
Osric maintained his calm expression, though Theo noticed his fingers twitch once.
Saevra’s attention immediately went to the boxes, while Rhevard simply kept staring at the professor.
"Line up!" Velra shouted.
All five of them instinctively got in one line.
Theo stood in the middle while Selmira moved to the side and handed a sheet to one of the instructors.
"Good." Velra nodded before pacing in front of them.
"I will not repeat what the headmaster said. I don’t care what rank you hold in the arena. I don’t care who your family is. And I certainly don’t care if one of you made the entire coliseum scream your name yesterday," he said, his eyes landing directly on Theo.
Theo only gave an awkward smile. From the way he said it, the man definitely cared.
"From this moment on, you are five pieces of one carriage. If even one part comes loose, then the whole carriage is worthless."
"???"
