Chapter 48

Chapter 48

"Whoosh—"

Yale turned on the faucet, letting the cold water flow through his fingers before splashing it onto his face, dispelling any lingering drowsiness.

He wiped the water from his face and looked into the reflective mirror, his image crystal clear.

Something seemed to be stirring amidst his disheveled hair, accompanied by a faint tingling sensation. He brushed his bangs aside in confusion—

A thin crack suddenly appeared on his fair forehead, from which two black tentacles sprouted abruptly!

"?!?"

Yale's pupils constricted, almost convinced that he was hallucinating due to lack of sleep.

In a daze, the two tentacles seemed to move on their own, swaying left and right as if they had a will of their own. This startled Yale so much that he took a swift step back, bumping into the metal rack holding the shower gel.

"Clang—Clattering!"

A series of loud crashes echoed from inside the bathroom, followed promptly by hurried knocks on the door.

Xi Ze's voice was grave and urgent. "Alpha? What happened?"

Perhaps due to Yale's prolonged silence and 015's delay in finding the key, Xi Ze couldn't wait any longer. Swiftly, he sliced through the bathroom doorknob with a backhand strike and pushed the door open, striding in swiftly.

The male insect stood dazed amidst the chaos, seemingly unscathed without any signs of falling or being hit. However, there might be other unseen injuries.

Without hesitation, Xi Ze took a step forward, grasping Yale's hand and turning him around.

"Are you hurt?"

Still in a daze, Yale, whose shoulders were held, gazed blankly at the female insect before him. The feelers nestled in his hair had shrunk back in fear from the earlier commotion.

It wasn't until he saw Xi Ze and sensed the familiar, comforting aura that those feelers timidly poked out again. They resembled delicate blossoms, swaying gently amidst his disheveled hair.

Xi Ze was also taken aback, his gaze fixated on the two feelers. "Alpha? You suddenly released your feelers?"

"I'm not sure…"

Yale spoke slowly, his expression slightly panicked, his voice suppressing a quiver, "What is this?"

Xi Ze paused, his expression momentarily turning odd, but he quickly regained composure, "This is... wait, let's step out first."

He pulled and carried Yale from the mess, letting 015 clean up, then pressed the male against the sofa with a serious look.

"Actually, there's nothing major here. Every insectoid has this, but they only lose control when they're very young... It's simple, just connect your mental energy to these two antennae, and you'll easily gain control."

Yale's breathing was rapid, barely able to calm his pounding heart. He clenched his teeth tightly, almost unable to suppress the surging fear and aversion.

But the male's guidance was patient and gentle, allowing him to regain some composure. Unconsciously, he followed the steps in the explanation, barely managing to retract the twitching appendages.

"It's okay, I have this too."

Xi Ze held Yale's fists that were trembling uncontrollably, his heart aching at the sight. Guiding Yale's hand, he placed it on his forehead.

Two silver antennae emerged from an almost invisible fissure, shimmering with a sharp luster.

They hung quietly, unlike Yale's which moved about, clearly well-trained.

But that spot was also incredibly sensitive. Even the slightest touch from Yale would make those two tendrils quickly retract, only to slowly stretch out again, even obediently reaching out to touch his fingertips.

"..."

Yale stared blankly for a moment, his mind a blank slate.

He knew that this day would eventually come, or rather, that this dormant body would gradually awaken as he integrated further into the insectoid society, transforming into something more insect-like than "human."

He had always resisted, but once the shock and confusion subsided, he found himself gazing at a crouching female insectoid with a worried and anxious expression, who had even extended his tendrils in an attempt to soothe Yale's distress.

"....I'm fine."

Yale blinked away the sting in his eyes, refraining from touching the overly sensitive tendrils. Instead, he bent down to embrace the insectoid. "I'm sorry, I scared you just now."

He lacked the energy to concoct feeble excuses or conceal why he was unaware of something all hatchlings knew about their tendrils. Thus, he was especially grateful for Xi Ze's tolerance and silence.

"Good, the shelf fell just now. Did the Lord sustain any injuries?"

Xi Ze gently patted Yale's back. Only after receiving a negative response did he relax, releasing a small amount of pheromones to reassure the male insectoid in his arms.

"No, I'm fine," Yale muttered.

The sensation of suddenly having tendrils was... surreal.

*

These appendages seemed like the extremities of his mental power, or perhaps the control center for directing it. Using them allowed him to manipulate his mental energy with even greater finesse and extend his perception to incredible distances.

The misty humidity of the early morning, the scent of sizzling eggs wafting from behind a door, the squeaky crunch of ice underfoot, the distant flutter of birds' wings in the vast sky...

All of these were vividly etched in his mind.

Never before had Yale been more acutely aware of the fundamental difference between himself and the insectoid species. They possessed humanoid forms but could transform into large, winged creatures at will. In terms of his previous world, he and Xi Ze still fell into the classic category of "otherworldly beings."

Yale let out a soft sigh, his expression a mix of confusion and defeat.

Well, they're here now. What else can be done?

Before he could withdraw his extended perception, his sensitive antennae detected the aura of another life form –

Familiar, powerful, vibrant, with an incredibly strong presence that forcefully captured all attention.

The two delicate antennae quivered, sensing this "intruder" in every direction. The strand of attached spirit energy stuck to it like a suction cup.

They caught the scent of orange blossoms in the male's hair, the faint bitter aura surrounding him, and the aroma of his supple, warm muscles when he was slightly sweaty, tinged with a hint of pure sensuality.

Nice smell, liked it.

They declared, paying no heed to their host's efforts at self-restraint.

Ah, discovered.

They saw a pair of dazzling golden eyes, filled with a mixture of resignation and indulgent affection.

That strand of spirit energy, lifted by the male's aura, basked in it like a spring breeze, ignoring the host's will as it clung stubbornly between the fingers, refusing to leave.

So itchy... uh uh, like it... more... stroke from head to tail... hehehe... umm hmm...

A spineless opportunist.

Behind the partition, Yale covered his face, forcibly severing the connection with that thread of mental energy.

His ears burned with warmth, and it took several splashes of cold water to alleviate the peculiar tingling sensation.

But this feeling... wasn't all that terrible, was it?

At least, his current state of mind was much calmer than he had initially anticipated, mostly due to Xi Ze's presence.

Integrating into this society didn't seem as terrifying as he had thought.

...

Yale swiftly discovered the proper use of the tendrils on the Star Network.

Aside from being the end point for mental manipulation, these appendages served as a conduit for a deep mental connection with a female insectoid. By touching each other with their tendrils, they could share emotions and senses to a certain extent.

It seemed rather intriguing.

Yale flipped through the explanation of the mental bond, memories of Xi Ze's cold silver tendrils between his brows igniting a spark of interest.

"I think we should give the mental link a try, don't you agree?"

The male insect before him had eyes shining with eagerness, clearly captivated by the suggestion.

Xi Ze's Adam's apple rolled slightly, but he still couldn't find the words to decline. After a moment of hesitation, he consented, "Alright."

The white plush carpet on the floor had been soaked with various liquids time and again, cleaned, and then dried, regaining its soft and fluffy texture, a cozy nest that could accommodate a snow leopard in deep slumber.

However, whenever Xi Ze saw it, he couldn't help but recall what had stained it, his ears turning warm.

Unaware, 015 was locked in the room, occasionally making clattering noises as it tidied up, oblivious to what the insect in the living room was doing. Yet, these sounds only added to the tense and peculiar atmosphere.

"This mental guidance will likely be different from the last. I'm not entirely sure how it'll go, but if you feel uncomfortable at any point, tell me, don't endure it, alright?"

With an affirmative response, Yale's eyes crinkled into a smile. Leaning back on the sofa, he nodded his chin at the female insect, asking, "Shall we begin, then?"

Having previously agreed to examine the tendrils closely, his gaze remained fixed on the female's forehead, his hand resting on his knee tapping rhythmically.

A single strand of hair seemed to quiver, and from within, a delicate silver antenna emerged, sensing the unusual atmosphere and tentatively drooping into a half-circle, as if being cautious.

The initial shock from their first encounter had largely faded, but he still found it difficult to fully accept. However, when those antennas sprouted from Xi Ze's forehead, they appeared incredibly endearing.

So...adorable.

Yale leaned forward and gently touched the antenna with his fingertips, feeling a soft, cool sensation against his skin.

The two tiny silver appendages trembled helplessly, curling up like a bashful mimosa plant. When prodded, they drew even closer together, cautiously hiding themselves amidst the matching strands of hair.

He was well aware of how sensitive they were, so Yale decided not to push it for now and let them be.

In the next instant, the scent of caramel-like pheromones permeated the air, as if a jar of syrup had been overturned, spreading wildly without restraint.

Despite having been soothed numerous times and having immersed himself in this aroma for a long while, the omega still let out a low groan upon inhaling, his body uncontrollably trembling for an instant.

Xi Ze's breathing became rapid, and a faint flush gradually spread across his ears. When touched by a fingertip, his Adam's apple bobbed, blushing warmly.

"Are you warm?" Yale asked, propping his cheek on one hand and poking the omega's throbbing throat, eliciting another shudder.

The omega's breathing grew rapid, his eyes, shimmering with scattered gold, began to drift apart, as he fuzzily nuzzled against Yale's knee, his voice turning hoarse and choked, with a mucus-laden undertone in the depths of his low tone.

Yet, Yale shifted his knee away, his tone gentle yet firm, "Don't move, stay on your knees."

"…I'm sorry," Xi Ze's Adam's apple bobbed fiercely as he struggled to maintain his kneeling position.

But his breaths only grew more labored, unable to resist the allure of the pheromones in the air. Secretly, he brushed his raised tail against the alpha's feet, seeking comfort.

However, the alpha remained unmoved, not even offering a slight soothing gesture. These self-soothing actions were like mere drops in an ocean, barely alleviating the omega's escalating anxiety and discomfort.

His pheromones diffused around him, like the bitter yet mellow aroma of steeped tea, bubbling up gently with a strange sweetness that tingled on the tip of the tongue upon inhalation.

"Already can't handle it? I thought you had more endurance?"

Yale's brows lifted slightly, clearly surprised. He curled his fingers to lift the male's chin, his index finger sliding into the male's fangs to prevent accidental injury in case of panic.

"....Mm."

Xi Ze's breathing became even more rapid, his eyes dampening with a rosy hue at the corners. The unfamiliar experience of having his teeth held down made him stiff, and he was almost overwhelmed with a sense of helplessness.

"Good little pup."

Yale cast a downward glance and chuckled softly.

Xi Ze's breath hitched, his body trembling slightly. Fear and reliance shimmered in his damp eyes. After a long while, he could only let out an almost inaudible hum in response.

"Why are you rubbing against me? Is it that itchy?"

Yale lightly stepped on it as a form of punishment, gradually applying more pressure and grinding back and forth. Sensing an unusual threat, the white-furred tail clearly grew fearful, dodging and shrinking as if afraid of being broken.

"Didn't I tell you to stay still? Are you also such a disobedient troublemaker in the military, Xi Ze?"

The male insectoid teased without malice, his eyes filled with deep interest as he closely observed the female's expression, not wanting to miss any interesting changes.

"No. It's not like that... Mm, Male Sovereign..."

With fingers pressing against him above and being unceremoniously stepped on below, Xi Ze's back instantly became drenched in sweat. His curled toes trembled helplessly, clutching at the white fur on the carpet.

At this moment, 015 seemed to have caught some movement and knocked on the door, asking, "What's that noise outside? Is everything alright?"

The sudden voice startled the male, causing his body under Yale's palm to tense up, as if afraid that 015 would break in and witness his embarrassment.

In that moment, he forgot who had put him in this state, instinctively seeking refuge in Yale's embrace. However, the pressure on his tail increased, showing no mercy for his vulnerability or tears, like an utterly ruthless executioner.

Despite enduring severe injuries on the battlefield without a single cry of pain, or pleading for mercy during his torment in the black market, he found himself easily feeling wronged in front of Yale. It led to stifled sobs that left him gasping, requiring long moments in Yale's arms to regain composure.

Seeing how much he was suffering, Yale removed his shoes and stepped gently onto the tail with his bare feet, softening his movements.

That foot was fair and tender, free of calluses, like a piece of pampered jade. Unlike a military male's roughened skin forged by battles, it was so delicate that Xi Ze almost feared he might hurt it.

Soaked through, his platinum eyes shimmered with a cleansed clarity, half-lidded as he struggled to catch his breath.

"Why are you crying?" Yale withdrew his finger, leaning down to press their foreheads together. "Don't be scared. The door is locked. 015 can't get in."

He tenderly kissed away the tears on Xi Ze's face, tasting the salty moisture on his tongue.

Xi Ze held his breath, feeling Yale's scorching breath against his skin, causing his heart to tremble from the gentle touch.

Yet that kiss was fleeting, like a butterfly skimming the surface of water, reluctantly departing after a moment.

"…Can I kiss here?"

With reddened, moist eyes, he whispered his request, "Just once."

Yale lowered his head again and placed a gentle kiss on his lips.

Xi Ze closed his eyes in contentment, not asking for more. He submitted obediently to the male's palm, drowning in wave upon wave of surging mental energy.

He felt like a balloon held by a playful child, being squeezed into different shapes at will.

The heat and ache within him continued to accumulate, ready to burst at any moment. Eventually, under a powerful compression, it swayed and exploded.

Sweat dripped into his eyes, bringing a damp sting.

Xi Ze paid no attention to this, instead murmuring with a low voice, "Male Sovereign, can't you move yet?"

Without the physical contact with the male throughout the process, he felt somewhat stifled, as if something crucial was missing, making him uncomfortable. He needed to be glued closely to the male, kissing intimately for a while before he could feel better.

"Be patient, love. Just a little longer," Yale soothed him gently, yet he didn't lift the prohibition. Instead, he continued to extend his mental energy.

Responsive to the call, the source of the Omega's mental power emerged effortlessly, clustering into a tiny, adhesive mass that clung closely to Yale's feet, despite its immense strength akin to the Omega's.

At the same time, Yale felt an indescribable itch on his forehead, overwhelming his senses.

Watching Xi Ze's soft antennae tense and then relax, even convulse minutely amidst his hair, Yale's Adam's apple shifted slightly.

He wanted...

Reaching out, Yale stroked the side of the Omega's neck, following the pulsing Adam's apple upward, lifting his face. "Look up, love..."

Xi Ze's face was damp with tears, his sharp and aloof features melting into an unprecedented gentleness. Still gasping for breath, he submitted obediently to Yale's touch.

"Stay still."

Yale lowered his head, their foreheads touching. The two antennae aligned perfectly with the slightly ticklish spot on his skin.

Their faces were inches apart, allowing no expression to escape the other's gaze. Thus, Yale clearly caught the fleeting panic in Xi Ze's eyes.

Yale narrowed his eyes, allowing that peculiar sensation to slowly breach his skin – then connecting with Xi Ze's quivering appendages.

"Hmm... Ah... No..."

He appeared on the verge of asphyxiation, his Adam's apple jerking in a strained swallow. After a long while, a muffled moan struggled out of his throat.

Yale forcefully suppressed Xi Ze's struggles, cupping his face and closing his eyes. He reveled in the intense comfort of warmth surging through his body, as if his very soul was being cleansed.

Given the function of their mental bond to share sensations, he could distinctly sense that the male was also experiencing pleasure.

Moreover, due to the unique feedback system, the intensity for Xi Ze might be a thousand times more profound.

Ah, the male was so stimulated that his eyes seemed to roll back.

With a hint of regret, Yale severed the mental connection, lingeringly licking his lips before supporting Xi Ze's sliding form.

He curled his fingers to brush against the corner of the male's eye, wiping away the glistening moisture as a gentle soothing gesture.

"Master..."

Xi Ze, having been teased into a daze, still leaned against Yale the moment the male insect opened his arms. His forehead rested against Yale's knees, his breathing chaotic and unsteady.

To be honest, it was reminiscent of a little dog that Yale had once cared for, completely limp and cooing with pleasure after being petted affectionately. It was amusing and endearing.

Yale chuckled softly, feeling a strange tenderness in his heart.

Recalling the fleeting fear in the female insect's eyes just now, he probed discreetly, "What are you afraid of? Does it hurt?"

"It doesn't hurt... It feels good..."

Xi Ze murmured, his eyes half-lidded as he buried his face in the male insect's embrace. Through the layers of the shirt, he held onto the slender waist almost greedily, absorbing Yale's warmth.

"That's good to hear."

The feedback from his antennae indicated the same – love and comfort. Yale decided not to probe further, gently patting the back of the female insect in his arms as he waited for Xi Ze to calm down gradually.

"Peep peep." Yale lowered his head and kissed his quivering eyelashes. "Don't cry anymore."

Xi Ze's reddened eyes responded in a hoarse voice, "…Okay."

The mental connection could last for a long time, but the intensity was not as intense as direct physical contact.

It was like two tails entwining, vaguely sensing each other's emotions and state.

Feeling the end of the connection, where a sticky, sweet, and soft emotion was continuously flowing, Yale happily returned to his room to continue discussing the project with Adelaide.

Chapter 15 grunted as he carried the soiled carpet to wash.

Xi Ze laid on the sofa with his forearm across his face, still breathing unevenly, trying to calm down the fading arousal within him.

Soon, a barely audible beeping sound came from his optical computer.

His expression softened, and he reached out to pick it up.

"Bai Lang: The situation is now generally clear, and the royal family's situation has stabilized. We need you to decide on a specific date to mobilize the troops."

Before Xi Ze could reply, the other side hesitantly sent another message.

"Bai Lang: Sir… Does His Highness the Male know about your identity? Should we inform him in advance about this operation? Or should we dispatch a special team to protect his safety personally?"

Xi Ze was taken aback, subconsciously tightening his fingers.

He had thought about this issue before... But after unexpectedly removing the slave collar and the shift in his relationship with the Male, these past few days had been so overwhelming that he momentarily forgot about it.

Should he tell the Male?

Xi Ze stared blankly at his optical computer for a while, unusually hesitant and considering the consequences.

He wasn't yet prepared to reveal to the Male about his past identity and the complicated matters that came with it.

He was quite confident in this uprising. Anto must have already received some wind of it, but it wasn't a major concern. There were also the royal family and nobles... However, what truly made Xi Ze anxious was not these.

The Male had firmly rejected his suggestion earlier—

"No, go ahead and take revenge on whoever you want. That's your freedom, and I won't stop you. But I'll stay here, not going anywhere."

Reflecting on it now, the male insect's behavior had indeed been unusual, possibly due to some past incident.

Upon returning to the home planet, he needed to find a way to retrieve Yale's records from the Insect Guardians Association.

For the time being, it was best to keep Yale in the dark about this.

Having made up his mind, Xi Ze and Bai Lang settled on a specific date and delved into discussing tactics.

However, during a pause in their strategic contemplation, an odd thought sprang up, spreading like invasive vines through his mind.

Could the significant disparity between Yale and ordinary male insects, along with his reluctance to return to the home planet, be linked to those unfamiliar writings in the notebook?

Or were these three aspects unrelated on the surface but intricately connected to some hidden, underlying truth?

And if such a concealed truth did exist—

What could the secret of the male insects be?