Weakest Beast Tamer Gets All SSS Dragons-Chapter 203 - Taming Coverts

"He left me training and went away the day of the false alarm," he finally recalled. "We were told there was an abyssal attack from the mines again but in the end it was a false alarm."

Something changed in Kassian's expression, a flash of genuine concern quickly masked by his usual cold demeanor. "The mines? When was that exactly?"

"I haven't really kept track of days lately," Klein struggled to remember and turned to look at Feng. "Two days ago? But, why did you leave him in my charge? I don't understand what that guy has to do with our family or with me..."

"It has everything to do with your inability to handle responsibilities," Kassian snapped. "First you lose shamefully in front of the entire academy, then this..."

Klein visibly shrank back, his shoulders hunching as if to shield himself from the verbal assault.

"Perhaps," Feng intervened, defying the common sense that told him to remain silent, "we should officially report his disappearance."

The look Kassian directed at him would have frozen a lake in summer. "Are you suggesting we make this situation public? That we admit a guest under the Goldcrest protection has disappeared without a trace?"

"If he's in danger..." Astor began.

"This is a family matter," Kassian interrupted, his tone brooking no further argument. "And it will be handled as such."

He turned to Klein, who seemed to want to melt into the floor. "This is a disaster you created, little brother. And now I'll have to clean it up."

"Why is he so important?" Klein dared to ask, looking up through his golden bangs. "He was just a transfer student, wasn't he?"

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"There are things you don't need to know, little brother," Kassian responded, his voice turning colder. "Things that, frankly, you wouldn't understand. It's better this way, now if you'll excuse me..."

"I'm sorry," Klein murmured, his usual arrogance completely dissipated.

Kassian headed toward the door, but stopped before exiting.

"I'm going to see the director. I'll convince the administration to allow two of our men in to search discreetly. Meanwhile, you and your... friends," the word sounded like an insult, dripping with disdain, "will keep your eyes open. If you hear or see anything about Harold, you will inform me immediately. Understood?"

"Yes, brother," Klein responded automatically, like a trained pet.

Kassian studied the three boys for a moment longer, his expression inscrutable. "And Klein, remember what's at stake with the final exams. A Goldcrest can never afford three consecutive failures at the same task."

With that warning, Kassian left, firmly closing the door behind him.

The silence he left was oppressive, heavy with the weight of unfulfilled expectations and implicit threats.

"Well," Feng murmured, "seems like you just got two new shadows, Klein."

"And something tells me they're not just here to look for Harold," added Astor, his voice barely above a whisper.

Klein collapsed onto his bed, suddenly exhausted, the weight of his family name crushing down on him like a physical burden.

"Do you think Harold is in trouble?" Astor asked.

"I don't know," Klein admitted. "But Kassian wouldn't worry so much unless Harold was really important so..."

What Klein couldn't know, what he couldn't even imagine, was exactly why Harold was so important to his brother. He didn't know the boy was a Yino spy, sent to gather information about the seed beneath the academy. He didn't know his brother was involved in a betrayal that could destroy their family if the King returned soon.

And he certainly didn't know that Harold had already met his end, struck down by a powerful beam of light in the depths of the tunnels.

All he knew was that, somehow, he had disappointed his family again. And the consequences, as always, would be mockery and reproaches accompanied by other sad pains...

He had to at least win first place this semester. Whatever it took.

♢♢♢♢

"We should head back," Ren announced after the group finished admiring the Assassin's head. "It's getting late and the guards will start asking questions if we don't return soon."

"I suppose everyone agrees on the story of how we all killed the creature displaced from its Bronze-rank environment?" Larissa commented with a smile.

"I'd prefer to avoid them finding out I went down to an unauthorized depth, so I'd appreciate it if everyone remembers the story well," Ren added, picking up his macabre trophy.

They advanced up the inclined slope of Taro's tunnel until they reached the 200-meter mark, where the air felt noticeably lighter, less saturated with mana.

Taro approached the original crack. "Should I seal it completely?"

"Do it," Ren nodded. "We don't want unexpected visitors invading or going down there." Discover hidden tales at novelbuddy

Taro, under Ren's direction, began to concentrate.

"Now, collapse this specific point."

The veins in Taro's arms glowed with a pulse as he executed the maneuver, the mineral wall flowing like liquid before solidifying again.

"Having living walls at your disposal is super useful," Mira observed, watching with fascination.

"I'm just realizing that today myself. The other day we didn't take as much advantage of it," Taro admitted, opening his eyes with a new appreciation of his abilities.

"Now, let's build the passage up to one hundred sixty meters," Ren continued. "There are fewer worms at that depth, and we can create an alternate entrance away from the guards."

Under Ren's coordination, the group worked to configure the tunnel. Taro directed the formation of the walls, while Ren and the earth wolverine girl led the front of the tunnel and provided guidance on the structure.

The group killed some more worms along the way…

"We need to cover the entrance with something that won't attract attention," Ren reflected when they reached 160 meters, examining the tunnel's closed mouth with critical eyes.

"I can help with that," Mira stepped forward, her giant rat manifesting. "My coverings can hide the mana signature."

"And we could add a layer of common earth on top," Han suggested. "So even if someone examines the area, they'll only see an uninteresting wall without crystal veins."

Ren nodded, his mushrooms pulsing with approval. "Perfect. This will be our safe access to the depths in the future."

They worked methodically, each contributing their unique abilities. Mira applied her mana coverings, creating a barrier that concealed the tunnel's energy signature. Han and others helped cover the entrance with common minerals and earth, perfectly camouflaging it with the surroundings.

"Nobody will suspect there's a passage here," Min commented, admiring the finished work. "It's practically invisible even knowing where to look."

"That's the point," Ren smiled with approval. "Safe access means we can gather more valuable materials with less risk."

Han approached Ren, an expression of sincere gratitude on his face. "Thanks for all the help and information today," he said. "And for letting us gather these crystals. I had no idea we'd find so many in one day."

Seeing this, Mira also approached. "Thank you. It was much more interesting than I expected," she admitted. "I learned things they hadn't taught us in class."