“Chapter 19”

"Chapter 19"

"'You may leave now,' Rei said indifferently."

"Subsequently, the hybrids were led away by the insectoids."

"'Your Majesty,' Carissa said softly from behind Rei, 'Their lives are fragile, and it may be difficult for them to achieve what you expect.'"

"Rei replied, 'I have already recognized their potential. Isn’t it more interesting to let them end this sinful path on their own?'"

"She would remain hidden in the shadows, ready to assist when necessary."

"'I understand,' Carissa responded, though she found it hard to imagine why the queen would make such an unusual decision."

"Rei, not open to discussion, said nothing more and turned to leave."

"Carissa quickly followed, shooting a glare at the other insectoids who thought to accompany them, warning them not to intervene unnecessarily."

"After Rei had left, a voice broke the silence in the grand hall, 'It seems unwise of Princess Carissa. We should assign at least ten guards to Her Majesty.'"

"Another male insectoid chuckled lightly, calmly saying, 'Approaching Her Majesty carelessly would only turn us into a pile of flesh.'"

"The male insectoid, somewhat discontent, clenched his teeth. He recalled how even in her seemingly harmless youthful form, the queen possessed an overwhelming aura, so much so that he had not dared to breathe loudly in her presence."

"Eventually, he suppressed his naive fantasies, remaining silent."

-

"'Your Majesty, may we conduct a physical examination for you now?' Carissa asked tentatively."

"Rei nodded slightly."

"During the day's journey of the hybrids to the Sun City, Rei had already become intimately familiar with the layout of the healing center, every inch of the land woven with her unseen black lines."

"They quickly arrived at their destination."

"Unlike other insectoids who adhered to the strict protocols of the intelligent scanner, Rei entered the medical room silently and effortlessly."

"The AI issued no alerts, seemingly acknowledging her presence by default."

"The sole focus of research in this treatment room was Rei’s physical condition."

"The incessant chatter and the faint clinking of instruments ceased the moment Rei entered the treatment room."

"'Your Majesty.' All the insectoids stopped their work, their voices filled with respect and admiration."

"Rei reflected on her past impression of the treatment room: dark, oppressive, lifeless, and always filled with a nauseating stench of decay, which seemed vastly different now."

"Even the insectoids seemed to exhibit a hint of joy, as if infused with fresh vitality."

"—Though the scent of decay lingered, it had significantly faded."

"Rei remembered her time disguised as a hybrid wasn’t like this; the insectoids’ mental state was like a fragile thread on the verge of snapping."

"The spacious treatment room, apart from Rei and Carissa, was occupied by only seven insectoids, probably informed in advance."

"'They are medical experts,' Carissa explained. 'Details about your body have been classified as top-secret intelligence, known only to us responsible for the treatment, and Lord Darian.'"

"One of the insectoids, with golden-brown hair and elongated eyes and brows, smiled broadly. Unlike the others who were cautious and submissive, his deep blue eyes boldly met Rei’s gaze."

"Rei glanced at him indifferently, but the male insectoid seemed unfazed, his smile deepening."

"'What is that?' Rei asked, her eyes slowly focusing on the growing list of medical terms on the screen."

"Following Rei's gaze, Carissa said, 'Your Majesty, this is your body data. Following your recent mental outburst on R27, your psychic power exceeded historical thresholds but has remained unstable, often at low levels.'"

"Pausing, Carissa's voice held genuine admiration, 'But your offensive power and deterrence are extremely strong, even... surpassing the usual limits of the larval stage.'"

"At this moment, the golden-haired insectoid subtly glanced at Carissa and then quickly shifted his gaze back to Rei."

"Rei asked, 'What now?'"

"'We just need a small blood sample,' the golden-haired insectoid interjected before Carissa could respond, his eyes twinkling, 'But there’s something more important. Your Majesty, we will attempt to establish a psychic link with you.'"

"—A psychic link. The mention evoked Rei’s memory of the vast expanse of stars, embodying the consciousness and life of all insectoids."

"'I refuse,' Rei said coldly."

"She felt there was no need to rush into these matters. Moreover, Rei always maintained a distance from the 'insectoids' at heart."

"The golden-haired male insectoid appeared startled, his expression showing surprise, but quickly adapting, he said smoothly, 'I apologize, I overstepped. Then just a small blood sample will suffice, and of course, if Your Majesty prefers not to, that’s also fine.'"

"During the half-year of Rei’s unconsciousness, the insectoids had healed all her injuries with their exquisite medical skills, leaving only long-term physical rehabilitation."

"Anas, having been reminded by Darian, knew that the most important thing now was to slightly diminish Rei's guard and aversion towards the insectoids."

"Thinking this, Anas couldn’t help feeling annoyed at his impulsive words just now."

"'No need,' Rei said as she sat down, her tone even, 'Go ahead.'"

"Previously lacking the conditions for recovery, Rei wanted to use this opportunity to strengthen her body."

"Rei was always acutely aware that defense was her most fatal weakness."

"The blood drawing was painless, Anas’s movements extremely gentle, belying his seemingly casual exterior. Rei watched the blood in the tube, bright and vivid. Glancing up, she noticed the barely perceptible unrest in the insectoids’ demeanor, even Carissa’s gaze seemingly flickering to the tube."

"A longing buried in darkness, or perhaps a repressed malevolence rebounding to its extreme."

"Rei remained composed, lowering her head as if unaware."

"While drawing Rei’s blood, Anas revealed fine dark cracks on his skin, prompting Rei to ask curiously, 'When does your decay cycle end?'"

"Anas smiled, 'It will gradually subside in two to four years. But luckily, with Your Majesty’s presence, even if you do nothing, our bodies automatically recover. The higher-ranking insectoids on R27 have mostly overcome this decay cycle.'"

"—Anas’s implication was that other planets and lower-ranking insectoids had yet to be saved."