Chapter 54

Chapter 54

A male drone's first differentiation only requires mental guidance, but the second is a crucial transition period for entering their prime, akin to a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly – hence its significance.

Each male drone, when preparing for this stage, would choose a suitable female drone to assist them through it. Afterward, they would take that female as their concubine, or if particularly fond, as their queen.

Yale had clearly made no preparations, and with the hospital under tight surveillance, he couldn't contact the Drone Guild for aid.

However, considering the presence of the General, who seemed to have a close relationship with male drones, Yale felt reassured.

The doctor led Xi Ze down a long corridor, and the room at its end was their destination.

"This is a specialized room for second differentiation, with all necessary medications, nutrients, and tools prepared. If you need anything, just press the button, and a dedicated drone will attend to you."

"Sir Male Drone is currently running a high fever, which may affect his consciousness. You'll need to guide him patiently and monitor his vital signs closely to prevent any irreversible harm."

Finally, they arrived at the door. The doctor unlocked the layers of security using their retinal scan and fingerprint. After the door opened, they gave their final words.

"Wishing you all the best."

*

It's so hot.

That was Yale's most prominent sensation at the moment.

As if his flesh had transformed into scorching lava, bubbling relentlessly, not even immersion in the sea could provide any relief.

Even the curious little fish that ventured close were startled by the heat, jerking their tails and darting away swiftly.

So hot...

He was jolted awake from his mental landscape by the searing pain, forcefully opening his eyes to a warm yellow ceiling that seemed somewhat unfamiliar.

Where am I...?

Yale froze, a beat behind, his mind sluggish and unable to process.

After a moment of hesitation, he slowly wrapped himself in the blanket, preparing to doze off for a while longer.

After an indeterminate amount of time, a faint click seemed to echo in his ear, akin to the sound of a door lock clicking into place.

Following that was the sound of military boots gently tapping against the floor, though still audible to the stray psychic energy which, in a state of confusion yet with unwavering trust, latched onto the approaching figure.

"..."

The moment Xi Ze entered, he saw the male insectoid lying on his side in the center of the room, ensconced in the soft, large bed, wrapped up like a cocoon in the blankets.

The figure remained motionless, but the wandering psychic energy recognized him. It adhered to him with a soft thud, emitting whimpers and a hint of distress.

"Male Sovereign?"

Xi Ze approached the bedside in a few strides and pulled down the blanket that had covered the person's head, speaking in a low voice.

The male insect's cheeks were flushed, radiating intense heat that extended to his neck and the roots of his ears. Unsettled by the high fever, he couldn't find solace in sleep, his brows knitted together as he blinked slowly, his consciousness drifting in a daze.

"Hmm?"

Familiar voice reached Yale's ears, and with great effort, he turned his eyes to look at the sudden appearance of the female insect, emitting a muffled and puzzled nasal sound.

Soon, something cold was pressed against his forehead, eliciting a soft sigh of comfort from him as it jolted him into a more lucid state.

Xi Ze knelt half on the bed, aligning his gaze with that of the male insectoid, gazing into those dark and translucent eyes now tinged with tears.

"Do you know who I am?" he asked softly, his voice tinged with a hint of anxiety.

Yet, Yale only stared at him intently, not responding, or perhaps the words hadn't yet processed in his mind.

Xi Ze fell silent for a moment, lowering his eyes.

Male insectoids were often disoriented during their secondary differentiation. Xi Ze didn't dare to hope that Yale would remain lucid enough to recognize him, but he desired their first encounter to be one of mutual recognition and affection.

But a somewhat hoarse voice rang in his ear, gentle yet without any hesitation—

"Xi Ze."

Xi Ze's eyes snapped up.

The male insectoid before him removed his hand from his forehead and spoke slowly, emphasizing each word, "You are Xi Ze."

Xi Ze's Adam's apple bobbed violently for an instant. A certain string in his heart suddenly relaxed, making him chuckle softly. "That's right."

"The current situation with the Dominant is that the second differentiation has been accelerated. I will assist you through this process. It won't be painful. You don't need to be afraid, just follow your heart."

After saying that, he remembered that his previous requests had been rejected multiple times, so he asked again in a softer tone.

"Are you willing?"

Xi Ze patiently waited for the Dominant to digest the long speech. Indeed, after a few minutes of staring blankly, Yale's expression cleared up, and he answered in a drawn-out voice.

"I'm willing."

The warrior's previously cold and sharp gaze was now unbelievably gentle. His soft smile seemed to have been crushed and evenly spread across his eyes.

He leaned down and kissed Yale's forehead. "Dominant, please wait a moment. I'll go prepare."

Yale hadn't fully reacted yet. He stared fixedly at the back of the warrior as he entered the bathroom. After a long while, he slowly raised his hand and touched where he had been kissed.

It felt so strange... but also incredibly comfortable.

For a moment, he was overwhelmed by a belated bout of indecision. After a brief pause, he abruptly got up from the bed, swaying slightly.

...

"Rushing waters—"

The sound of cascading water drowned out the noise of the door opening. Xi Ze was caught off guard as he was suddenly pounced on from behind, with two hands wrapping around his waist like an octopus's tentacles.

"Male Sovereign?!"

Yale's head and face were drenched by the showerhead's spray, momentarily disorienting him even more. However, the warm and supple body in his arms made him reluctant to let go.

The small ice pack on top of his head fell to the ground, its transparent ice cubes rolling out through the broken opening, gradually melting into irregular shapes under the steaming hot water.

"So hot..."

The powerful stream of water was blocked by the female's reaching hand. Yale finally managed to open his damp eyelashes, his cold expression tinged with a hint of grievance.

"Why didn't you help me, but instead went to take a shower...?"

A less-than-sober male insect was indeed much more candid and sincere than usual, plus a dash of adorable naivety – it was a lethal combination.

It made him… completely defenseless.

"My fault."

Xi Ze chuckled softly, smoothly turning in the embrace and reaching up to undo Yale's shirt buttons, freeing him from the damp and stifling air.

A slightly bitter scent spread with the steam, silently seeping into his pores. The accumulated torrent of sensations finally found a release, bursting forth instantly.

Splash!

The bathroom was filled with milky vapor, carrying a slight sense of dampness and suffocation that somehow fueled numerous hurried and disordered gasps, blending with the sound of cascading water into a hazy, dreamlike symphony.

The wall was still too cold, and the standing position was rather awkward.

After a dazed moment, Yale was gently maneuvered towards the already-filled bathtub. He let out an "Ah" as he was submerged in the warm water, instinctively thrashing about.

"…Be careful, Male Sovereign."

Xi Ze lifted him up, and the male's clothing, still on his body, was thoroughly soaked and stuck uncomfortably to his skin.

He reached out to help, but his hand paused abruptly at the sight of that pale, delicate skin. A subtle sense of bashfulness and embarrassment crept up on him retroactively.

How peculiar...

Despite having exposed his body to Yale many times before, he no longer felt awkward or excessively shy. However, he found himself unable to look at or touch the male's body—

It wasn't the typical fragility and tenderness associated with male insects in this society; instead, it was a more streamlined, robust, and vibrant physique.

Like a handful of scorching new snow, it burned with a tangible beauty that stirred emotions in any who beheld it.

The dark hair clung to the skin like ink lines drawn on pristine white parchment.

In the stark contrast of black and white, there was a hint of pink reminiscent of a peach blossom petal—a daring profanity and corruption, yet also the mark of a deity descending to the mortal realm.

Unaware of his own appearance, Yale smiled dazedly, behaving like an eager cat pretending to be demure. His curved eyebrows and smiling eyes urged, "Come in?"

A thunderous roar echoed in Xi Ze's heart, casting all his concerns aside in an instant.

He stepped into the bathtub, behaving for the first time like an inexperienced and eager young female insect, climbing onto the male's shoulder with recklessness and haste.

The confined space of the bathtub was compressed, causing the hot water to overflow instantly, splashing onto the floor with a gushing sound, creating a wet spectacle.

...

It wasn't until the water in the bathtub had cooled down, wrinkling Yale's fingers, that they finally emerged from the bathroom.

Neither of them wanted to part even for a brief walk, staggering a few steps before collapsing together onto the adjacent sofa, their damp bodies immediately soaking the area.

"My head feels so dizzy..."

After being immersed in the hot water for too long, Yale felt his fever intensify.

He weighed heavily on the female, burying his face in the sweet-scented softness.

Meanwhile, Xi Ze fished out a diagnostic device from under the coffee table and beeped it against the male's forehead.

The number above reassured him slightly, and he muttered in a hoarse voice, "The fever has subsided a bit."

His mental energy, which had been locked away due to stress, was now released, bounding energetically within the room. The two streams of mental energy cautiously probed each other, almost merging at their sources.

However, they were still only in the first stage; there was a long way to go before the second differentiation would end.

"Beep-beep."

A notification sounded from the door, reminding Xi Ze that the hospital had prepared a specialized serum to be injected into the male insectoid's body at regular intervals to stabilize his condition.

He gently pushed the male insect lying on top of him aside, draped the military uniform jacket hanging on the sofa over him, and headed for the dedicated transmission window to check.

"Mmm..."

The overwhelming tide that had submerged his head receded slightly, granting Yale precious moments to catch his breath. However, just as he attempted to clear some mental space to think, his mind turned into a jumbled mess once more.

He recalled what the female insectoid had said about the second differentiation, but only that fragmented memory remained.

It was as if there was a protective barrier isolating him from those feelings of sorrow and anger, preventing them from disrupting this crucial moment.

He struggled to recall, but his efforts were in vain. His gaze wandered aimlessly around the room before ultimately settling on the crouching female insect at the door.

That coat seems a bit short...

Yale didn't dare to look too much, yet he couldn't move his eyes away. It wasn't until Xi Ze returned with the medication that his intense focus shifted elsewhere.

"What... is this?"

Xi Ze skillfully unscrewed the cap of the syringe and the small vial of medicine, dipping the needle into the liquid to draw it up. Before the male insect could react, he pulled his arm and injected him swiftly.

The long and thick needle pierced the vein, gradually spreading a bluish bruise. The delayed pain squeezed into Yale's muddled mind, but before it became unbearable, the needle was already withdrawn.

A cool cotton ball was pressed onto the wound. Only then did Yale feel aggrieved, albeit a beat too late. He obediently allowed the female insect to tend to his arm while turning his face away, burying it in the pillow.

"You pricked me."

A sulky voice emerged from the pillow, leaving Xi Ze both amused and exasperated.

In his confused state, did Yale realize how childlike he had become? Though innocent and endearing, Xi Ze wasn't sure if the male insect, with his thin skin, would be mortified when he recalled this later.

But the most pressing matter now was to soothe the male omega first.

The healing serum had worked wonders; the puncture had already begun to close, leaving only a faint bluish bruise around it. Xi Ze removed the cotton and gently kissed the wound.

"Good boy, a kiss will make it better."

The deep voice, filled with immense indulgence and patience, caused Yale's ears to flush subtly, dispelling the residual irritation in his chest.

He hadn't been genuinely angry to begin with. A little coaxing was enough to set him at ease. With his chin held by the alpha, he turned his head and started sipping on a bag of heated nutrient solution.

Strawberry-flavored.

Yale mused dizzily.

Before he could finish the bag, that familiar heat surged again. The calming pheromones stirred restlessly, simmering and boiling under their scorching body heat.

The nutrient solution was taken away from his mouth, and his slightly calmed breaths turned rapid and clingy once more.

"This doesn't seem like our sofa…"

Yale muttered, struggling to distinguish the sofa's design, his vision overwhelmed, causing increasing dizziness. For the moment, he couldn't be bothered with details.

The sofa, though larger than the bathtub, still didn't provide ample space. Some of the cartoon cushions on it were crushed beneath their bodies, while others had been knocked to the floor.

The drug injected into his body seemed to be taking effect. As time passed, the fog that clouded his mind gradually dissipated, allowing his scattered consciousness to coalesce.

Breathing heavily, Yale gazed at the male insect before him, somewhat mesmerized.

The military male was robust and muscular, containing extraordinary strength, like the most powerful and awe-inspiring ruler in a pack of snow leopards, untainted and unyielding.

He had no doubt that if he truly resisted, Xi Ze could kick him away with one blow, embedding him into the wall so deeply that he wouldn't be able to extricate himself.

But the male insect was so gentle and open, almost completely exposing himself. He placed his incredibly vulnerable abdomen and neck side-by-side in the male's hands.

Unbothered by the possibility of injury or rough treatment, he responded warmly and unusually fervently without complaint.

Yale felt a subtle shiver.

It was for this raw, vibrant vitality and this pure, devout love. They seemed to nourish each other, inseparable, and all of this...

All belonged solely to him.

During those arduous times, in the days and nights they relied on each other's warmth to survive, his name was etched into every inch of flesh that had grown wildly. By the time he realized it, their connection had already become an uncontrollable inferno.

He believed his assistance was insignificant, yet he received a whole heart in return.

Was it... really worth it?

Realizing this with a newfound clarity, Yale blinked, his eyes tinged with a hint of bitterness. His actions slowed under the influence of his emotions.

Xi Ze looked at the male insect with some confusion, sensing the hidden sadness. Propping himself up on his arms, he rose and placed a hand on Yale's shoulder, pulling him into an embrace.

"Male Lord, what's wrong?"

His voice held a touch of hoarseness, but also an underlying concern, ever vigilant for any signs of trouble in the male's secondary differentiation.

"I..."

Yale pressed his lips together, gazing absently at the female insect's face, lost in the dazzling golden eyes that had always shone so brightly.

Normally, he wouldn't share such thoughts with a female drone.

Perhaps it was the sentimentality brought on by the fever of secondary differentiation, or the vulnerability that came with their intimate moment...

In any case, he disclosed his thoughts honestly.

As Yale spoke, Xi Ze's expression shifted gradually, from concern to deep contemplation, then surprise upon realization, and finally, uncontrollable laughter as he leaned against the male's shoulder.

Warm breaths, intermittent yet persistent, teased at Yale's earlobe, turning his anxiety into growing embarrassment. He managed to maintain a poker face and asked, "What are you laughing about?"

"Mmm...!"

Caught off guard, the drone shuddered, suppressing a muffled groan. Eventually, he managed to stifle his laughter.

Xi Ze's breathing quickened for a while. He dropped his hand that had been covering his face, and the faint sadness in his eyes dissipated like dew in the sunset, leaving no trace.

He gazed intently at Yale, his eyes shining bright and profound, filled with a precious and devout love that seemed to scorch the one being looked at.

"I'm just a bit surprised that the Male Lord would have such thoughts."

Xi Ze whispered softly, "I thought I was the only one who felt this way, anxiously guessing at the thoughts of the Male Progenitor and… feeling unworthy."

Did this mean that Yale actually had a hint of affection for him?

Not just simple fondness, but...

Love.

This word was like a scorching spark that, in its fleeting moment, promised both beauty and intensity, yet instilled fear in his heart.

Having his flesh burned was a minor concern; the star he held dear would be extinguished by the blood he shed. The best course was to keep his distance, watching it freely oscillate and drift through the air.

—Even if it eventually left his side.

Yale disrupted his reverie, frowning as if displeased, "What are you talking about? I'm not a machine, of course, I'd have these kinds of feelings too."

Afterward, he lowered his voice, muttering almost inaudibly, as if embarrassed, "Besides, aren't we... dating?"

Xi Ze gazed deeply into his eyes, relaxing his pursed lips. He leaned in for a lingering kiss, smothering the Male Progenitor until all his irritation vanished.

"No coquettish behavior allowed!"

That passionate and lingering kiss left saliva smearing across his face, causing Yale's cheeks to flush. He could only barely maintain an expression of discontent.

Perhaps due to still feeling dizzy, he barely resisted for a moment before giving in, allowing the male to kiss him at will. With a sense of resignation, he closed his eyes, seizing the opportunity between those gentle pecks to regain his strength.

"…Have some more water."

The male's slightly hoarse voice sounded by his ear. Before Yale could open his eyes to reach for the cup, his lower lip was already met with something.

A warm mouthful of water was transferred into his mouth, soothing his parched throat. A subtle sweetness tingled on his tongue.

Yale covered his mouth, his face now an embarrassing shade of red. He softly murmured, "Do you have to be so clingy?"

The scent of caramel filled the air, continually surging and gradually becoming richer. It enveloped and dissolved the last trace of bitterness, leaving no hint of it behind.

...

Yale didn't know how he tumbled off the sofa. Fortunately, there was a thick layer of carpet on the floor, and the male promptly scooped him up, holding him tightly in his embrace.

"Did I press on you?"

He gently touched the male beneath him, only ceasing his affections after receiving a negative response.

The fluffy carpet was more conducive to their activities than the narrow sofa, so Yale shifted into a more advantageous position—

Xi Ze lay face down on the carpet, resembling a snow leopard crouching low before a hunt, every muscle in his back taut. From his sinewy shoulders to his lean waist, he exuded an irresistible strength and beauty.

It was as if he had tamed a fierce beast without the need for humiliating collars or violent means. The creature obediently sprawled at his feet, swaying its tail gently. With just an outstretched hand, one could receive a series of wet sniffs from that damp nose.

Submissive and utterly adorable.

His affection and pride swelled, making him feel slightly lightheaded.

"Xi Ze."

Yale suddenly called out his name.

Without any particular reason, he simply felt the urge to call out to him. The mere act of uttering this name filled his heart, pulsating against his eardrums with an indescribable thrill.

"I'm here... What's wrong?"

Xi Ze's voice was somewhat muffled as he reached back blindly, latching onto the hand of the male behind him and gently swaying it, akin to a snow leopard cuddling its caretaker with its fluffy tail.

"Xi Ze?"

Yale continued calling, running his hand along the male's spine to soothe him gradually.

Finally, Xi Ze found an opening to turn his head. Even though the position hindered his full view, his golden eyes blinked not once as they gazed fixedly in Yale's direction, revealing his deep longing and affection.

"Male Lord, what's the matter?"

His voice was hoarse, having quickly roused from his daze, fearing that something was amiss with the male.

"There's nothing, I just wanted to call your name. Could you call me too?"

Yale hugged Xi Ze's waist, leaning over him while avoiding the male's gaze so he wouldn't see his expression. His tone was light and gentle.

Xi Ze reached around to touch the male's waist, clearing his throat before softly calling, "Male Lord."

"Not that."

"…Yale?"

The hoarse voice held a hint of hesitation, as if it was unfamiliar with addressing Yale directly. Indeed, he seldom called Yale by his name.

But those two syllables were so endearing that he couldn't resist calling out again.

"Yale."

"…Mm."

With his eyes slightly closed, Yale responded after a long moment. An odd sensation spread throughout his body, sending shivers down his spine, leaving him defenseless in an instant.

His heart felt bound, yet not painfully constricted. The feeling was like finding one's anchor in the boundless sea, or grasping the string at the tail of a lost kite.

"Can you call me like this more often from now on?" he whispered, his remaining words lost in the kiss of the male insect.

Emotions swirled within his chest, seeking an outlet, intensifying in the warmth of each other's bodies—culminating into a flame that ignited the very cosmos.

"Bang!"

The unexpected thud of a knee hitting glass echoed.

The room featured a vast floor-to-ceiling window, its curtains pulled halfway, revealing pristine, transparent glass and the gentle, warm golden rays of dawn filtering in.

The Omega found himself pressed against that window, half of his body supported by the soft fabric, while the other half shivered against the chilly glass. With a gasp, he reached for the curtains to steady himself.

The culprit, however, was still behind him, gloating over the predicament. Ignoring the Omega's struggle, he planted a kiss behind his ear and chuckled softly, "You can hold yourself up. What if you tear it with too much force?"

As it turned out, maintaining balance was not an option.

The unfortunate cloth was now wrinkled and distorted into various shapes. As they neared their climax, the fabric creaked, sounding pitifully close to tearing.

That hand then covered the other, paler one, creating a stark contrast in skin tones that somehow appeared harmonious. Fingers slipped between those of the other hand, entwining as they released the strained fabric.

But the next moment...

"Whoosh!"

The curtain was abruptly pulled open, flooding the room with bright daylight. Everything in the room, including what was pressed against the glass... became fully exposed.

Xi Ze choked on an indrawn breath, his voice muffled as if overwhelmed by shame. However, his body didn't cool down because of this; instead, it grew even more excited, trembling slightly.

"Master... Yale... Ah!"

The male's words were slurred, and Yale initially took them for a plea for mercy. 'This is one-way glass,' he almost said, but quickly realized...

The male wasn't begging or protesting. He had just called out Yale's name in fear, as if confirming that Yale was behind him made him fearless.

All the humiliation and exposure – as long as it came from Yale, he accepted it all without complaint.

Yale had been moved by the male multiple times today. Previously, he could still maintain his enthusiasm, but now... he truly couldn't bear to bully him further.

"Don't be afraid. It's one-way glass."

He planted a kiss on the male's shoulder, as if burning something, causing Xi Ze to shudder all over.

"…Male Lord."

He murmured silently, a wave of intense bitterness surging into his eyes. He suppressed it with deep breaths, not letting tears fall in disgrace.

Through the clear glass in his palm, he could vaguely see a bustling scene outside. Swarms of insects moved like tidal waves, while towering skyscrapers stood in the distance. Hovercars traversed along smooth star trails, like fleeting streaks of light.

It was the perfect scene, an ordinary yet typical afternoon.

And here he stood, finally merging with the ray of sunshine in his heart, feeling as if his breath was about to halt.

— He had so many worries, but they seemed insignificant in front of the male.

All that remained was a heart overflowing with excitement and devotion, a love that yearned to be poured out, embraced, and sacrificed.

Those emotions blended with the sunlight, scattering like golden dust particles in the air, gently settling upon Yale, making him appear as if standing amidst boundless radiance.

Xi Ze traced the reflection of the male on the glass with his gaze. After being lost in thought for a long while, he placed a feather-light kiss upon it.

Yet at the same time, he felt a series of warm and resounding kisses on the back of his ear, "Smooch, smooch!"

The sensation of warmth and fullness in his chest almost brought him to tears, but he still couldn't help but chuckle softly, lavishly opening up the depths of his flesh to embrace Yale.

It was as if he was a cream puff, allowing a mischievous child to burst it, spreading its sweet and creamy filling messily inside.