"We just defeated a level 7 viper on our own," Theo stated proudly, making Bernard whistle.
"See what I’m trying to say? If insects were always this strong, then why didn’t people try to tame them? Does it not work the same every time? Does it need... special circumstances?" Bernard spoke, making Theo look at him with seriousness.
"You made a being, a beast, change completely at such a tender age. You changed a species of a beast without going the extreme ways. And that species change didn’t happen in the later generations of the beast, but in the one you currently possess." Bernard took a few puffs after saying all that.
Theo knew where he was going with this, and honestly, he knew this was going to come sooner or later, so he just nodded.
"That affinity of yours is a lot different than anyone realizes, Theo. Have you read that book Lady Seraphine gave you about unique tamers?"
It was at that point that Theo froze. In all this mad progress going on the past few months, he hadn’t taken a single moment to read that book.
"It’s strange that you didn’t, but anyway, in that book, there are many different types of abilities, but not a single one can just change a species of a beast by completing some requirements. It’s unheard of. Well, except... the Benevolent Artifact itself," Bernard stated, making Theo look at him with a calm expression.
’I wasn’t expecting him to start all this right now, but... this was bound to happen.’
"... You’re right, old man Bernard. This seems more like a taboo topic, but the only other thing that is remotely close to my affinity is the Benevolent Artifact ... but only if the history written by humans about the artifact changing every beast overnight is true."
Just as he finished speaking the last sentence, Bernard’s eyes flashed with aliveness. It was as if it had been a while since something this interesting happened in this library.
"Humans have a tendency to change their own history just for their own greed. I cannot tell you that it is precisely accurate," Bernard spoke, making Theo dumbfounded this time. "I mean, it happened a thousand years ago. So there might be things that were either changed by fault or... intentionally."
Theo felt a chill hearing the last part. It was a rather taboo statement to begin with.
"What are you getting at, old man Bernard? For a while, you’ve been saying stuff like this. It isn’t like you," Theo stated with a frown. He was already a lot confused about himself, but to question history itself made it all a lot more than it was.
But Theo realized that it was he who made such a comment about history to begin with.
"Theo, listen carefully," Bernard spoke, and it was one of the few times that he was actually serious.
And it showed, because he didn’t use any honorifics for Theo. That was a crime when it came to nobles, but it also showed the trust Bernard had in Theo.
"Yes," Theo responded with a nod.
"For a long time, I have been researching many, many things. But... it was not worth it to share with anyone until you came," Bernard spoke only to continue, "You crave knowledge and question things that others only dare to. Not many are capable of doing that."
"I have been observing you for many years now, and after all that time to judge, I finally think it’s time," Bernard spoke with sharp eyes.
Theo gulped. He had come to get answers and was now in a conversation that even made him feel chills. What was he getting to? Questions tingled in his mind.
"There are more mysteries in this world than anyone ever tries noticing, Theo. But once you get in that burrow hole, there is often no coming back."
Theo could piece out all the build-up Bernard was trying to lay out. If he was going this far, it really was something to look forward to.
"Alas, if I tell you all that I know right now, you would not only change your whole perspective but also ridicule the very idea. But that’s not your fault too," Bernard spoke and sighed. "So I will start really, really slow until you start seeing the picture yourself. Only then will I have finally passed down this itch of doubt for someone to continue."
Theo wanted to tell him that no, he would never ridicule an idea coming from such an intellectual person. He wanted to know the thing so badly now that he couldn’t help but want to ask right away.
’That would betray the whole idea of him trying to tell me these things... If I show haste, he might just bail on this. I at least know this about you.’
"And what I am about to tell you — if you ever tell your family or anyone else, I might be jailed or even executed," Bernard spoke with a light smile, making Theo come out of his trance.
"This topic is considered blasphemous and more than just taboo, Theo. So be sure before you really want to get into this. It’s my life’s work, so I don’t want any half-interested man to continue it."
Theo looked at the man for a few seconds.
"You... do realize that the Head Butler has his ears everywhere?" Theo stated.
"Don’t worry about that. He can’t listen here," Bernard said with a light chuckle, making Theo see him as a new person.
"I’m in, old man Bernard. But I will only give you my time when things related to me are completed. Much like this quest," Theo stated with a confident smile.
There was no way he was missing out on this opportunity, even though it felt more ominous than good.
"Great. For starters, you only have to read a certain book in the academy’s Rank 1 library. So there is a lot of time."
"Now, let’s get into it. Hmm... from just the wording... A hive... that word usually means people are busily occupied together. It’s a saying. But a hive mind together — an interesting topic."