"Chapter 31"

"—Too perceptive."

"Startled by Rei's question, Ersula paused for a few seconds before answering, 'It's a very special alien species. We haven't yet developed the most efficient way to kill it, so we use multiple barriers to imprison it, preventing its chaotic psychic waves from harming Xita Star.'"

Rei expressed his doubt, "Does it have such a significant influence?"

The black-haired female insectoid nodded gently and added, "Your Majesty, we use up to seven layers of psychic and physical barriers, so there's no need to worry about it causing any harm for now."

"Moreover, with such high levels of protection and shielding, unless it's someone from the inside, even the most perceptive insectoids would struggle to detect the presence of this alien species."

Ersula's expression shifted slightly as she thoughtfully said, "Your Majesty, if you're curious about this alien species, its confidential information can be accessed in the data room... Xita Star has its own dedicated network space, and some information is not always uploaded to the insectoid web."

As Ursula spoke of the latter part, her tone carried an indescribable sense of sentiment.

Hearing this, Rei resumed his steps, entering the most secretive area of Xita Star.

Simultaneously, Rei also heard the voice of Gaia.

[Beep——]

[Exclusive data system for W0199 Sita star unlocked, information recorded.]

The data room spanned over two hundred square meters, with dozens of control panels arranged, emitting a blue glow. Some data codes even floated oddly in the air, converging at the central main control station.

In the spacious data room, only Rei and Ersula were present.

Ersula first brought up the report analysis of Xita Star's current decline cycle and the power fluctuation curve of the local insectoids.

"The insectoids of Xita Star adhere to a pure faith, strictly prohibiting the circulation of any psychic tranquilizers on the planet. Even the slightest amount of related material is considered taboo."

"Not to mention the existence of hybrids."

"The insectoids of Xita Star, untouched by any psychic relief, rely more on the queen's power and its downward transmission."

"The stronger the queen, the stronger they become, and vice versa."

"Over the past few thousand years, the average strength of all insectoids on Xita Star has been in a steady decline, with only variations in the rate of decline. Unlike other normal insectoids, their strength doesn’t temporarily rebound once the decline cycle ends."

"As Rei skimmed through the information, he suddenly remembered a blue-eyed insectoid he had encountered by chance, whose condition was no better than Ersula's, perhaps even more severe."

"Back then, she seemed to have easily resolved his life-threatening situation."

"Now, an entire planet of insectoids, untainted by any traitorous blood, lay before Rei."

"Rei's eyes sparkled with rare interest, finding this power to be perfectly aligned with her desires."

"Pure and loyal 'weapons.'"

"This was the real reason why Ersula wanted to avoid the surveillance of other insectoids and communicate privately with Rei."

"The black-haired female insectoid paused her explanation, quietly meeting Rei's gaze. Though her eyes lacked focus, Rei sensed an almost devout dedication emanating from her."

"She represented a group of insectoids on the brink of extinction, silently offering a barely beating, blood-drenched heart, because that was all they had left."

"'I accept,' Rei said calmly."

"A faint smile appeared on Ersula's face, just as she was about to continue with the next topic."

"Suddenly, the world seemed to shake violently, followed by a few seconds of silence and then the terrifying sound of collapsing and crashing all around!"

The blue light in the data room instantly switched to a dangerous red.

"[Warning! Sedation gas has failed, Black Tower class alien species has breached the third barrier, please initiate immediate repairs.]"

"A flicker of irritation crossed Ersula's face, but she quickly regained composure and whispered, 'Sorry, Your Majesty. These nuisances happen from time to time. This alien species has no chance of breaching all barriers, and other insectoids are already handling it. Things will be back to normal soon.'"

"Can only be imprisoned, not killed…" Rei felt a tinge of curiosity and said, "Take me to see it."

"Ersula looked slightly startled but nodded in agreement."

*

"'Has it been digesting anything recently?'"

"'No, the residual consciousnesses within remain the same in number; its digestive capacity is nearing saturation.'"

"'Its abilities indeed hold significant research value, but the risks are too high. We should weaken its strength as soon as possible.'"

"By the time Rei and Ersula reached the basement, the alien species had already been stabilized within a controllable range."

"From the observation room, Rei, with her heterochromatic eyes slightly narrowed, curiously examined the stout alien species."

"She could vaguely make out numerous humanoid flesh pieces on its body, some of whose consciousnesses were still alive and not yet extinguished."

"Devouring," Ersula said, "It can assimilate and break down everything from intelligent beings. Initially, this type of alien species is extremely weak, with almost no power, incapable of consuming any life form."

"However, there have been exceptions. It has already consumed three high-ranking insectoids and several humans awakened with special abilities. With the continuous warfare on Xita Star in recent years, it has, in fact, thrived by feeding on the corpses of humans and insectoids killed in battle."

"Killing it directly would unleash the myriad of powers it has absorbed, causing an explosion of energy that could endanger everything within a hundred miles."

Rei, after reviewing the data report transmitted by Ersula, showed a slight change in expression.

"Putting aside that it has fully absorbed the natural high attack and defense capabilities of high-ranking insectoids, what's most astonishing is its array of human abilities, including cellular recombination, psychic luring, control over water, fire, earth elemental abilities, metal manipulation, and more. The sheer variety and number are dazzling."

"However, given the limited intelligence of the alien species, it's not able to fully utilize these complex abilities, making the direct combat power absorbed from high-ranking insectoids more useful."

"But it can't digest the 'consciousness' of these high-ranking insectoids, forcing it to enter a temporary symbiotic state with them."

"The alien species' body oozed thick, poisonous liquid onto the ground. Under the control of the insectoids, its attempts to break free were gradually ceased, leading to a return to silence."

"But—unexpectedly, the alien species, which should have remained dormant, slowly raised its head, struggling to move its stout body, and looked precisely towards Rei in the observation room."

"Through multiple barriers, it shouldn't have been able to see the observation room."

"Rei watched it impassively."

"The alien species let out a faint whimper, lowering its head, emitting a sorrowful blue color in its psychic waves."

The moment Rei was detected, the suppressed insectoid consciousness instantly gained overwhelming dominance.

But how could they appear before the queen in such a manner? Three higher-ranking insectoids incredulously wondered.

"[I can kill you.]"

"[But your existence is intriguing. Struggle for control over the body, convert all strength into your own, endure the pain of coexistence. Only then are you worthy of being my weapon.]"

"At this moment, the body of the alien species seemed to tremble slightly with excitement."

"They would ultimately face death, perhaps without even their names or faces being remembered."

"But none of that mattered."

"For what could be more important than capturing Rei's attention?"