Chapter 26

Chapter 26

"Next."

The insect doctor with black-rimmed glasses rubbed his temples and casually picked up a file from the side. Before he could even glance at the patient's information, the door was pushed open.

Three insects entered, and with a quick sweep of his eyes, he noticed one of them was his friend, engaged in a hushed conversation with an unusually handsome submale.

Beside them stood a tall military female, unfortunately seated in a wheelchair. He wore a black mask that concealed most of his face, and thick bandages wrapped around his neck. Any observant insect would recognize those as the markings of a slave collar.

"Xie Zhao!"

His friend stepped forward, greeting him warmly with rapid blinks that seemed to twitch his eyelids, "Remember that private commission we talked about earlier?"

Xie? Which Xie?

Xi Ze's heart stirred, but he subtly pulled up his mask without revealing any reaction.

Behind the desk, Xie Zhao lifted his gaze with tepid interest, only to meet the gaze of the subspecies that his friend was desperately fawning over. Despite his mental preparation, his heart skipped a beat.

So... incredibly attractive.

But he was a professional doctor and couldn't afford to be rude by staring at another insectoid nonchalantly.

The subspecies before him was breathtakingly beautiful, yet carried an aloof demeanor, like a celestial being that fed on the wind and dew, indifferent to mortal affairs. The smooth, arched eyelids slightly curled upward, as if nothing mundane could catch its attention.

Xie Zhao coughed softly and turned to his friend—

After he had expressed his lack of interest in males, this guy had tirelessly introduced him to attractive females, akin to a pimp operating in the black market.

Was this subspecies another one of his persuasions?

"What are you thinking? Focus on the task at hand."

Elaine mouthed the words without sound, then bowed slightly to welcome the "subspecies" forward. "This is Sir Yale."

Male. He mouthed the word silently, meeting Xie Zhao's astonished gaze.

Wow... A male drone? !

Could such a rare species actually exist in this godforsaken place? !

Xie Zhao's mind went blank for a moment. He stood up in a fluster, opening his mouth but not yet managing to say anything before his friend eagerly began his introduction.

"Sir, this is the psychiatrist I mentioned earlier. He graduated from the Empire's top university with outstanding professional qualifications and extensive experience. He started working here about a year ago..."

Yale lifted his gaze as instructed.

The doctor standing before him had raven-black curly hair, a fair and delicate face, and wore thick black-rimmed glasses perched on his straight nose. His expression was dazed, making him seem a bit naive.

Yale had already reviewed Xie Zhao's profile and formed an initial impression, but the doctor's real personality seemed quite different from what he'd expected.

He appeared utterly innocent, but would he be able to handle a military female like Xi Ze, who was fiercely guarded, unyielding, and prone to using his cold demeanor to intimidate drones?

"Hello."

Yale's eyes curved slightly, and the remnants of his coldness evaporated like snowflakes shaken off a branch. In its place emerged a light, pure smile.

Turned out it wasn't an aloof little immortal insect but a polite one!

He smiled at me! So adorable, and... he wants to shake hands!!

Xie Zhao felt giddy, experiencing a genuine sense of admiration for the first time when facing a male insect.

He gently held that clean and delicate hand, as if touching a precious work of art, and stammered nervously, "Hello, hello..."

"This time, it's not me receiving the treatment, but my mate."

Yale briefly explained Xi Ze's situation and then chuckled lightly.

"Doctor Xie's credentials are truly outstanding. I have great faith in Doctor Xie's abilities, so I'll be relying on you. Please let me know if there's anything I need to do to assist..."

Xie Zhao could feel his cheeks flushing repeatedly, overwhelmed by being addressed as 'Doctor Xie' left and right. He was also taken aback by the courteous compliments from the male insect.

Goodness, were there actually male insects who wouldn't be picky, demanding, or threatening to doctors? !

He had come to this remote planet from the main imperial star, partly to do some meaningful work and partly to soothe his wounded heart from serving noble male insects.

With his professional acumen, he immediately discerned that the unmatured male insect before him, despite not having undergone secondary differentiation, was of an exceptionally high rank. On the home planet, he would undoubtedly be a prized and protected individual.

He had never heard of any family possessing such a stunning young male insect, had he?

Xie Zhao was as if under a spell, unable to stop his foolish grinning. Following Yale's cue, he looked at the military female in the wheelchair.

Then, he was pierced to the core by a pair of icy golden eyes.

He instantly snapped back to reality.

"Very well, then let's schedule it for three times a week. We can finalize the specific times later. Is that agreeable?"

Having established a long-term plan and treatment schedule, Yale concluded his discourse.

Back when he had to apply for research funding, he had to navigate bureaucratic red tape and engage in flattery – though not an expert, he was certainly proficient. Since arriving here, such situations were rare.

He didn't disdain such behavior; after all, it was for his own benefit. Those research materials and equipment were worth the effort, and this female insect was no exception.

"Very well, very well. Sir, you may either leave now or wait in the VIP lounge for a while. May I take your female insect companion inside to have a chat?"

Xie Zhao picked up the documents on the table, his slight blush still lingering on his cheeks, giving him the appearance of an energetic and enthusiastic large dog. His curly hair in front of his forehead danced with his movements.

Yale hesitated for a moment but didn't choose to leave immediately. "Wait a moment."

Then, Xie Zhao witnessed the male insect smiling at the military female, not the distant and polite smile he usually had when facing others. It was shallow yet genuine, as if tinged with a touch of helplessness.

The fierce military female, who had been secretly glaring at the male, meekly raised her head. The male removed the mask from her face, revealing her concealed features in sharp clarity.

The military female was strikingly beautiful, with cold and profound eyes that were narrow and slightly upturned at the ends. Her golden gaze was exceptionally piercing, radiating an unintentional sharpness.

When she gazed at someone, it was like a predator locking onto its prey, sending shivers down the spine of any insect. At least, Xie Zhao, who was being "stared at," felt a chill run down his back, as if he were slightly suffocating under a strangling grip around his throat.

However, something seemed off...

Xie Zhao frowned inwardly, unable to resist glancing over again. He then noticed that the military female's gaze was somewhat unfocused, veiled by a thin layer of shadow, suggesting she might be visually impaired.

She was already blind? !

He couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement. Even blind, she was terrifying. If not for her injuries, how dazzling would the military female have appeared?

Moreover, he found this military omega's profile strangely familiar, as if he had seen him somewhere before.

But upon reflection, if he had encountered such a distinctive omega, he would definitely remember. It was probably just an illusion.

"Regardless of whether there's a problem or not, since we're here, let's also check your mental health. Didn't you have a nightmare before?"

Knowing that Xi Ze was reluctant, Yale didn't waste words. He casually stroked the omega's soft hair and said in a mix of command and coaxing, "Alright, behave yourself. I'll come fetch you later."

Behave yourself.

The four simple words, spoken gently by the alpha, carried such immense power that even Xie Zhao, who was far away, felt a pang in his heart. Xi Ze, who was being coaxed face-to-face, was undoubtedly affected even more.

The omega's eyes lowered in a slight panic, swallowing down the rapid beat of his heart. He softly agreed, "Okay."

Xie Zhao secretly grinned, feeling like his teeth were about to fall out from the sweetness.

However, when Yale turned around, he immediately put on a professional demeanor. "Hello, is it ready? May I take him in then?"

"Thank you for your hard work, Doctor Xie."

The psychotherapy room was just behind this office, merely a few steps away.

The moment the door closed, Yale noticed Xie Zhao's harmless expression fade, replaced by a sharp glint in his eyes, exuding an air of reliability and professionalism.

Click – the door clicked shut completely behind him.

Having served as a background figure until now, Elaine stepped forward and said enthusiastically, "Sir, are you heading to the lounge or somewhere else? If you don't mind, I can assist you..."

Yale retracted his gaze and considered for a moment. "Let's head to the lounge and wait."

*

This hospital wasn't one that Yale was familiar with. It was a military hospital located on the outskirts of the planet, usually treating injured soldiers from battles.

The doctors and patients here were quite a mixed bunch, but the medical team was highly skilled and professional. They even had specialized psychologists to treat post-war trauma, which explained why Huais had so strongly recommended this place.

"Me and Huais? We're more like friends who enjoy teasing each other. When he found me, I was actually quite surprised..."

Elaine was the acting director of this hospital. Rumor had it that the real director was his sire, currently running a hospital on the main planet while leaving this unpredictable omega behind as a mascot.

Yale rolled up the examination report in his hand and shot Elaine a glance upon hearing this.

"Sir, this way please. You entered through the back door earlier, so you haven't seen the interior of our hospital yet. Although we may not be as grand as the Central Hospital, our medical standards are top-notch..."

Yale followed him down a corridor, only to be taken aback by the stretchers lining the hallway, filled with injured military omegas, some sitting, some lying, all bearing visible scars.

His pupils constricted, and his steps faltered.

Of course, there had been a small war in a neighboring star system not long ago. Even though they emerged victorious, it was inevitable that many omegas had been wounded. This hospital was likely playing a crucial role in their recovery.

Some of these military omegas were missing limbs, their bodies resembling bloodied cocoons, with wounds barely stanched. Their condition was pitiful, and the sight of alien insectoid appendages and carapaces protruding from their injuries added an eerie and horrifying touch.

They filled the corridor, yet moved silently and with discipline, parting effortlessly when they noticed the approaching insectoid.

Yale's eyes narrowed, a touch melancholic.

Despite his rational understanding that these military females were essentially massive insects in disguise, he couldn't help but recall the admirable soldiers and firefighters from his previous society, revered and beloved.

Both defending their territories and protecting their people, the status of military females here didn't seem particularly extraordinary.

In the insectoid society, the number of females was vast, even excessive. Losing large numbers in battle would not evoke much sorrow; instead, it was often viewed as alleviating the burden on the planet.

Due to the scarcity of male drones, only high-ranking military females were fortunate enough to pair with them. Artificial pheromones and soothers, substitutes for the real thing, were exorbitantly priced, causing many ordinary military females to survive battles only to succumb later to pheromone deficiency and mental instability.

Such was the cold and ruthless law of societal elimination.

Despite having lived in the insectoid civilization for quite some time, Yale had deliberately kept himself from delving too deeply into their society. While he was aware of these facts, accepting them was another matter entirely.

In contrast, Elaine seemed unperturbed, his smile unwavering as his tone remained cheerful and upbeat.

"Sir, this way please! The VIP lounge is just down this corridor..."

Though his voice wasn't loud, it echoed prominently in the overly quiet hallway, rousing several sleeping military females who looked up in their direction.

By chance, Yale lowered his gaze, meeting a pair of weary eyes. Deep, clear, and tinged with blood and dirt, they stared at him silently from a meter away.

Dazzling white light filtered through the blurred window, casting a hazy veil over the chaos, imbuing the scene with an eerie calmness and solemnity.

In this unusual silence, Yale could distinctly hear his heart pounding like a drum.

The sensation was... peculiar, akin to a non-playable character (NPC) methodically detached from reality finally acknowledging and slightly integrating into the authentic world.

Sensitive to the sorrow and anguish of the indigenous beings, he genuinely began to empathize with the complex and immense emotional tapestry of this society.

He stood rooted to the spot until the military omega lowered his head and closed his eyes.

"Doctor! Doctor...!"

A hoarse and urgent cry suddenly echoed, followed by the forceful push of the hospital room door beside Yale.

"Where's the doctor?! Alvin can't hold on much longer! Has the pheromone supply not arrived yet?!"

With bloodshot eyes, the fierce military omega strode out, and the soldiers guarding the door instantly stood at attention. Upon hearing the pained whispers from within, their expressions turned grim.

"Clear the way! Don't block the door!"

A doctor, having hurried over at breakneck speed, rushed into the ward like a whirlwind, not even bothering to close the door before starting emergency procedures.

The first omega to emerge from the room had a fierce look on his face, but his voice trembled as he spoke, "…It's useless. Without any more pheromone support, Alvin won't last many days."

The surrounding tough military omegas, with tears in their eyes, exchanged glances but were unable to utter a word.

Pheromone products were luxury items in high demand even on regular days, let alone during wartime when they were almost impossible to acquire.

The hospital's stock was limited and had been depleted amidst the recent battles, with no hope of replenishment from the central planet.

They were tired of hearing the hospital's excuses, but that was the reality. Without pheromones, they could only watch their comrades die before their eyes.

The emergency treatment took only minutes. By the time Yale looked up, the doctor had already stopped. The military omega named Alvin was concealed behind a soiled blue curtain, his figure and appearance indistinct.

A single hand dangled from the bed, its bones prominent and veins visible on the back, mottled with grime from gunpowder and blood, casting a faint gray shadow on the ground.

Unnoticed by Yale, Elaine had come to stand behind him, also observing the scene within the room. His expression had lost its earlier exaggerated smile, replaced by a hidden sorrow in his eyes.

His voice was soft, "Shall we go in and check, okay?"

Yale's eyelashes quivered, shifting his gaze to the omega who had just seemed so unserious. He appeared slightly dazed for a moment before nodding silently.

Seeing the alpha's willingness to enter, Elaine hurriedly stepped forward, clearing the crowd of military omegas and doctors gathered around the bed, creating an open space.

"Non-essential personnel should not enter... Dean, why are you here?"

The doctor's irritation turned to surprise as he glanced from the injured male insect to the one standing behind him, then took a step back.

Regardless, this military male named Alvin was doomed to not last much longer. Scent couldn't be conjured out of thin air.

It wasn't just about his pheromones, either. The upheaval of his mental energy, damage to his foundation, and complications... any one of these could be fatal.

Let alone the second male of the Director, even the Director himself would be powerless to save him.

He sighed, defeated, and set down the emergency equipment in his hands. Turning to the furious and grieving males around him, he said, "The hospital can do no more... accept your loss with grace."

Those two words detonated the emotions of the military females. The one who had rushed out earlier to call for a doctor abruptly stood up, roaring in fury like an injured beast.

"He's not dead yet, so what's with all the mourning?! If you can't treat him, get the hell out! We don't need your fake sympathy here... Who the hell are you, watching the show? All of you, get the fuck out!"

"Calm down!"

Elaine said coldly, stretching out his hand to shield Yale behind him, protecting him from any accidental harm by the agitated military female. At the same time, he kept stealing glances at the male insectoid's expression, worry etched in his brows.

"What do you mean, calm down?!! It's not your comrade who's dying, right? This lousy hospital can't even get a few vials of pheromones. Those males are living in a drunken stupor and can't even provide this much value! From the looks of it, this empire is already rotten to the core!"

Amidst the chaos, his comrades struggled in vain to hold him back, almost turning the scene into a massive brawl.

Yale seemed oblivious to the arguments around him. With his palm gripping the rusted railing, he lifted the edge of the curtain and fixated his gaze on the military omega lying on the bed.

It was a military omega with a crew cut and an unwavering countenance. Tall and robust, he barely fit on the narrow bed.

His bare upper body was scarred with countless deep gashes that exposed his bones, reminiscent of a whale cruelly sliced by a propeller's blades.

When Yale first found Xi Ze, the wounds from his torture were still shockingly fresh.

Yet, the more he treated him, the more war wounds hidden beneath surfaced, graver, deeper, and multiplied, stacking up in a haunting sight.

Yale snapped back to reality, suddenly furrowing his brows and bending slightly to take a whiff -

This military omega exuded an unfamiliar yet strangely recognizable scent. According to the doctor's words, this omega was in a weakened state after forcibly suppressing an uncontrolled rut.

Around the bed, there lingered a restless yet feeble mental energy, clearly indicating that the omega had entered the late stages of a mental upheaval.

"Be silent!"

Unable to contain his frustration any longer, Elaine erupted in a furious roar that silenced the military omegas in the room.

Fixing his gaze on the angry and grieving omega, he whispered a warning, "If you keep making noise, there'll truly be no saving Alvin!"

He subtly glanced at Yale, who stood by the bedside.

The meaning behind his words and the subtle gesture was unmistakable.

The military omegas' bodies tensed, their eyes following Elaine's line of sight in disbelief, toward the "alpha" that had been brought into the infirmary.

No, perhaps it wasn't an alpha at all, but...

Could it really be?

On this desolate planet that even the noblest dogs would disdain, within this dilapidated battlefield hospital, beside the bed of a tortured and dying military omega...

Could there truly be a male insectoid present?

Elaine's eyes seemed to hold the answer.

Yet, in contrast to the heated dispute and intensity within this room, the male insectoid's expression was excessively indifferent. His pure black eyes were as clear as a tranquil, frigid pond, reflecting nothing.

The military female, who had just roared in anger, now wore a stiff expression. Of course, he held no regard for the degenerate male insectoid, having just moments ago nearly berated him to his face. The difficulty in obtaining that pheromone was unimaginable.

...But it was the only way to save Alvin.

In the deathly silent confines of the small space, a dull thud suddenly echoed, like a mountain collapsing in a rumble.

Yale snapped out of his thoughts to find a military female kneeling before him, his face pale but his gaze resolute.

With a voice strained by exhaustion and sorrow, the male pleaded in a hushed, submissive tone.

"Sir, please save him. Just a tiny bit of your pheromones... Alvin is an exceptional warrior. He saved many civilians in battle and has always..."

He was a far cry from his fierce and cold demeanor earlier. Though there was little humiliation in his expression, kneeling for the life of a comrade was not a difficult choice.

Realizing that the male insectoid might not be interested in such appeals, the military female abruptly halted his words and changed his approach.

"We can buy it. Name your price, any number of star coins... I've earned many military accolades in this war, and if you wish, you can have them all..."

"My military merits, I can give them to you. Please save Alvin!"

"Mine as well..."

"I am the same..."

"Please, I beg of you..."

The hospital room echoed with a chorus of pleading voices as a sea of people knelt, creating an emotionally overwhelming scene. At the center of this intense focus was Yale.

Yet, the male insect's expression remained indifferent, revealing no hint of his feelings. Elaine's heart sank further with each passing second.

...He had been too hasty.

Despite their brief interaction, it was clear that the male insect wasn't someone easily swayed.

Now, with the situation turning so awkward, he might perceive this as a blatant manipulation and threat. And indeed, it was true. Upon learning from Huys that there was a male insect in the hospital with a decent temperament and character, and a chance of obtaining pheromones, Elaine had gone through great lengths to lure him here.

The path they had just taken wasn't to the VIP lounge but rather a route he had deliberately chosen to lure the male insectoid here.

He had intended to proceed gradually, but Alvin couldn't wait any longer. However... perhaps he had been too hasty.

It was his mistake. If the male insectoid were truly angered by this, not only would he fail to save Alvin, but all these kneeling military females would also face punishment.

Elaine closed his eyes briefly, about to step forward and turn back. That was when he saw Yale shift his body and take a step back.

He didn't spare a glance at the numerous kneeling military females at his feet; his expression calm as he lowered his gaze.

"Let's go."