Chapter 69

Chapter 69

Whoosh—

The moment Yale stepped into the training ground, he keenly sensed a subtle difference.

The scene before his eyes seemed ordinary, but it carried an indescribable feeling that made the not-so-large area seem vast and endless.

It was as if… this space had been intricately folded by some technology, possessing a remarkable function.

Yale paused for a moment, refraining from carelessly releasing his mental perception. Instead, he smiled and exclaimed, "What a miraculous place."

Xi Ze briefly explained the principle behind it. Although Yale didn't fully grasp the details, he understood the core theory, which could be summarized as follows:

An almost lifelike simulation of actual combat.

"One by one, starting from the left! Class A…"

A crisp command echoed from ahead, followed by a chorus of voices counting off. Bai Lang's back was visible in the distance.

By the time they approached, Bai Lang had already organized the troops in an orderly manner. With the tailor-made training list provided by the Marshal beforehand, he diligently assigned each training task and its corresponding level, displaying exceptional discipline.

Yale was led to circle around the army from the side. He glanced back out of curiosity, catching sight of two rows of soldiers heading to the other side of the training ground, where they touched the wall to initiate the creation of their training area.

"Here," Xi Ze promptly stopped at a spot, tapping the ground deftly with his military boots. A silver column slowly rose from the earth.

Unaware of what the male insectoid had done, Yale soon felt a momentary stillness in the air around him. In an instant, his surroundings transformed into an entirely different scene.

The silver training ground vanished, replaced by a vast corridor stretching wide open. The distance on either side equaled that of three training grounds, with the ceiling almost out of sight. The walls were embedded with countless enormous and intricate mechas.

Yale felt like an ant who had mistakenly wandered into a colossal machinery warehouse. The spectacle before him left him momentarily stunned and disoriented, unable to find his bearings despite scanning his surroundings.

Xi Ze waved his hand, and a partially open hovercar glided from afar, stopping at his feet. "Your Majesty, this way."

The closer Yale got to the mechas, the more real everything appeared. Recalling the explanation from the male insectoid earlier, he hesitated for a moment.

"Is this a genuine mech, or just a simulation?"

"These mechs are actually stored in the armory, theoretically virtual."

"Yet here, when you touch or pilot it, the experience feels incredibly real. If any accidents occur, both the insect and the mech would suffer genuine harm. It's a superposition of reality and virtuality."

Yale nodded thoughtfully, watching as the hovercar glided past various models of mechs before coming to a halt in front of a white wall at the end.

A red beam shot down from above, thoroughly scanning the drone.

In the next moment, the wall slowly parted to reveal what was inside:

A colossal platform held a silver-blue mech that shimmered like a radiant gem, its sleek lines embodying breathtaking power and aesthetics.

"Guardian-S... Is this your mech?"

Yale murmured the golden emblem inscribed on the chest of the mech, belatedly realizing it might be Xi Ze's personal machine.

"Yes, Supreme Ruler, you may try to touch it if you wish."

Xi Ze whispered behind Yale, gently guiding him forward as they watched the male insect cautiously reach out to touch the cool surface of the mecha.

"It feels so incredible."

Yale savored the sensation, feeling as if he could perceive the warmth of flesh beneath the cold machinery, sensing an imperceptible heartbeat from the mecha before him.

A faint response resonated from the edge of his mental power. Lowering his head, Xi Ze placed a kiss on the male insect's ear tip, his voice slightly hoarse.

"It likes you... just like I do."

Yale's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Can mechas possess sentience too?"

He reached out to caress the silver-blue surface again, more distinctly feeling the warmth spreading through his palm.

The female insect didn't reply, but the mecha before them slowly opened its cockpit hatch, as if inviting him inside for a play session.

"Shall we go in?"

To ensure precision in control, the mecha's cockpit was relatively compact, spacious enough for one insect, but snug for two.

Xi Ze made an effort to create some space, not wanting to crowd Yale, but the constraints of their surroundings meant that their bodies were still largely pressed together.

"Alright, that's enough. You won't have any room if you move further."

Yale patted his knee, signaling for him to stop.

"Alright, let me explain the basic functions. As the male ruler, you're so intelligent that you might learn it quickly."

Xi Ze smiled and pressed a button on the intricate panel in front of him. Instantly, a holographic, all-around breakdown of the mecha rose from the panel's grooves.

"Look here, this is…

The female insect had broken out in a light sweat from his intense movements, causing his entire body to exude a warm glow. His strong yet supple physique gave off a faint bitter aroma, akin to a melting bar of pure chocolate.

In the confined space, that scent gradually permeated the entire cabin, enveloping Yale entirely.

Moreover, due to their proximity, the soft spots on Xi Ze's body occasionally brushed against his shoulder. The faint pink protrusions, barely visible through the dampened shirt, became apparent.

…Each press against his shoulder was distinctively palpable.

Yale's ears tinged with a faint pink as he pressed his lips together, forcing himself to concentrate on the male insect's explanation.

Ah—his focus was completely scattered.

"See, this part here is..."

Silver-blue light softly danced across Xi Ze's chiseled profile, casting a pale shadow beneath his slightly lowered eyelashes, making his attentive golden eyes appear serene and profound.

Unlike his ruthless demeanor just now or his sternness when facing the media or political foes, this was more akin to the calm composure he displayed in their everyday interactions, yet with an added nuance.

It was as if he had entered his element, handling it with ease but still treating the task of piloting the mecha with utmost seriousness, filled with unprecedented passion and vitality.

Influenced by this earnest atmosphere, Yale cleared his throat guiltily, finally able to quiet his mind and listen attentively to the intricate control procedures.

The explanation was indeed superb, simple and clear enough for even someone entirely unfamiliar with mechas to understand.

Yale tilted his head to observe the rising 3D structural diagram, listening as the male insect swiftly broke down the complex architecture, distinctly categorizing its various functions and areas.

Fascinated, he couldn't resist leaning closer, feeling a bit cramped. Unconsciously, he shifted his legs.

Xi Ze's voice faltered slightly, immediately sensing Yale's unease. He reached out to feel the tension in Yale's thigh muscles and grew concerned.

"Is it too cramped? Should we move to the starship instead? It's more spacious there."

Yale snapped back to reality, promptly dismissing the offer. "No, I'm not going. I like it here."

Seeing his determination, Xi Ze didn't insist further. After finishing the basic explanations, he directly pressed the activation button.

"We just quickly went through it. It's better to see the direct operation. If you have any questions, just ask me... Oh, and remember to fasten your safety harness."

The female insectoid slightly leaned forward, tapping an unknown spot. A spare safety harness emerged, wrapping around Yale's body before securing into its slot.

Once the armor was officially activated, the silver-blue energy bar on the screen loaded swiftly, and a series of buttons illuminated with a gentle glow, brightening the cockpit.

Assured that everything was in order, Xi Ze turned to look at him, his eyes warm with a gentle smile.

"We're about to begin, Lord. Are you ready?"

"Yes, I'm ready."

Yale endeavored to disregard the thumping in his chest, focusing on the screen before him as he nervously nodded.

"Try pressing here, my dominant mate."

Xi Ze took Yale's hand and placed it on the control stick, then reached out to cover both their hands with his own, beginning to apply gentle pressure.

Yale felt a slight sweat on the palm of his hand, but the dry and warm sensation on the back of his hand alleviated his tension, leaving behind only a gentle fluttering of his heart.

The ascent of the mecha through the atmosphere was bumpy, a disorienting experience for those unaccustomed to such specialized training. Some, particularly those with weaker constitutions, often found themselves nauseous.

Yale was urged by the male insect to shut his eyes tightly, not opening them until he sensed the spacecraft had stabilized.

In the next moment, he was almost instantly entranced—

Before him lay an endless expanse of the universe, as if it spanned boundless space and epochs of time, holding within it countless mysteries and an eternal miracle of life that continuously gave birth to infinite existence.

Even through the narrow view before him, akin to glimpsing at a corner of the cosmos through a keyhole, it was awe-inspiring enough to leave him speechless.

"This is my first time experiencing the universe's presence so intimately."

For a long moment, Yale gradually regained his composure, catching his breath while uncontrollably letting out a soft laugh.

Xi Ze maneuvered the mecha, leisurely drifting through the asteroid fragments at a steady pace, delving deeper into the expanse to show Yale more fascinating vistas.

"When I was not yet a general, my favorite thing was going on field missions, visiting one unfamiliar planet after another, experiencing countless diverse landscapes."

"But what I cherished the most was the universe itself. Even the monotonous jumps between star systems brought me joy."

The female insectoid murmured, fond memories warming his gaze as he recalled his past life.

Yale turned to look at him, agreeing, "Indeed, I also loved it. I once considered applying for astronomy, but eventually, after much deliberation, I didn't pursue it."

He smiled, his eyes brightening slightly, "Now, there's finally no regret."

Originally focused on navigating the mecha through an asteroid field, Xi Ze transferred control to his left hand, gently squeezing Yale's hand with his right in a comforting gesture.

"At home, we have a fully equipped observatory. However, it seems His Majesty hasn't visited it yet. After we return, I'll take you there to acquaint yourself with it. Then, you'll be able to observe the universe on your own."

After passing through the asteroid field, they entered a region filled with numerous small planets. The mecha slowed down, continually drawing closer to the outer layers of these beautiful celestial bodies.

A stunning, creamy-white planet suddenly caught Yale's eye, and he couldn't resist drawing closer to gaze at its luminous atmosphere.

"The planet I mentioned earlier, the one that breeds fluffy lambs, was the site of a large-scale disturbance," the female insect's deep voice rang in his ear, complementing rather than disrupting the awe-inspiring mystery of the scene. "My unit was dispatched there to restore order."

Yale turned abruptly to look at the female insect, stunned.

After a long moment, he asked, unable to resist, "They're really that soft?"

Xi Ze pondered for a moment but didn't offer a direct description. Instead, he chuckled and said, "I'll reserve my judgment. When we travel there with the male ruler in the future, you can feel for yourself."

The mecha continued on, slowly leaving the white planet behind as it headed for the next destination. Yale watched it recede from the side window, feeling a tinge of reluctance.

In the next instant, another planet appeared before them. Its surface was adorned with intricate, pale green patterns that held a curious sense of familiarity.

As the mecha gradually increased the distance, Yale instantly recognized the planet in its entirety, his tone tinged with disbelief.

"I know this planet... It was mentioned in our textbooks. It's inhabited by a race resembling elves who dwell perpetually in snowcapped mountains or forests, detached from worldly affairs and diplomatic relations with other planets."

"The nation here was once economically backward, but later, it flourished through tourism. Now, it ranks among the top ten must-visit tourist planets, renowned for its mountainous hot springs."

The accompanying images in the textbook were exquisite. When they studied that chapter, it was the depths of winter, with icy winds howling through the gaps in the poorly sealed windows.

Back then, he had been lost in thought staring at that picture, contemplating spending a few days there during the holiday break. However, after finding Xi Ze, those plans were forgotten.

"Would it be alright to visit this planet when the time comes?"

Yale extended his finger, gently tapping the beautiful virtual planet, barely concealing his anticipation.

"Of course, we'll go wherever you wish," Xi Ze replied, simultaneously adding the planet to the priority list. "Shall we make this our first destination?"

"..."

Feeling a slight awkwardness after making such a clear request for the first time, Yale's fingertip curled slightly as he regained his composure.

Yet, this hint of uneasiness swiftly dissipated amidst his rightful consent and the evident dedication that was deeply cherished in his heart.

Xi Ze maneuvered his mecha closer to the planet, his peripheral vision capturing the male insectoid's face illuminated by the glow. In those dark, captivating eyes, there was nothing but astonishment and an open, genuine joy.

Nurtured by affection and abundance, the vigilant feline, who had been softened by the secure and comfortable surroundings, eventually let go of its somewhat unfamiliar etiquette, beginning to proactively make requests.

His lips curved up involuntarily, and the hand that had been loosely held changed position, intertwining his fingers gently with Yale's in a delicate entanglement.

"Look, this planet..."

The mecha moved leisurely in a circle, surveying the entire expanse of the planet.

Out of concern for safety should they venture too far, it turned around just as they were about to exit the habitable zone and headed for a neighboring system of similar classification.

Silent drifting continued for hours, obliterating all sense of time.

It was as if time had ceased yet was also slipping away rapidly, leaving behind an immense sense of tranquility – so still that even the act of breathing seemed imperceptible.

There was still an overwhelming amount of work unfinished, numerous concerns to ponder, many unattained goals or plans, and almost countless sources of chaos and disruption.

Yet, in these few hours, all those useless matters were cast thoroughly from his mind, left behind on the distant planets far away.

Only this narrow yet secure cockpit, the endless expanse of the universe before my eyes, and the gentle breaths of the insect beside me are tangible realities, each indispensable to the other.

Yale gazed at the scene before him, lost in thought, his expression a testament to his bewilderment.

For the first time, immersed so deeply in the starry sky that I had gazed upon countless times before, the initial novelty and fascination gradually gave way, leaving behind a prevailing sense of tranquility.

Like an vast ocean in a mental landscape, where various fish and marine creatures dwell, yet more often than not, one drifts alone, serenely listening to the whispers of one's heart.

The insectoid civilization was already highly advanced, yet they had only explored a tiny fraction of the vast universe.

Could it be that somewhere in this boundless expanse, there exists a planet bathed in a cerulean hue?

Only, the distance in space and time is too great, preventing any connection with life on this side of the universe. It calmly resides in its corner, witnessing the ebb and flow of life's cycles at a leisurely pace.

Perhaps in the instant he transcended dimensions, the needle of time had already been nudged, erasing millennia of change and familiar landscapes, leaving not a trace of his existence behind.

Yale seldom indulged in such speculations. After all, he could never witness it himself. It was better to fantasize about something positive, preventing himself from sinking into the quagmire of pessimism.

He let out a sigh.

He hoped that Earth was still intact, working diligently on technology. Perhaps one day, he could truly return.

"Ruler?"

The hand resting by his side was enclosed in a warm palm, kneaded gently to warm up the cold temperature, soothing the Alpha's momentary desolation.

Yale regained his composure and held the Omega's hand tightly, his brows and eyes curved in a smile. "This place is truly beautiful. Thank you for showing me all this."

"If we adapt well, drifting through the universe indefinitely might not be so bad."

As if it could cleanse all complexities and desires, this breathtaking and boundless beauty refined the soul, making it translucent and tranquil, no longer trapped in trivial and meaningless sufferings.

Amidst the myriad of stars, one's heart would not easily sink into the mire.

"I'll take you to see the Heart of Vera," Xi Ze suddenly said. Yale was taken aback and repeated the words, "Heart of Vera?"

A rather familiar name.

He pondered for a moment and suddenly recalled.

This was the nebula they had casually discussed when he was sleeping with the male insectoid back in Etar. It was Xi Ze who had made the initial discovery.

Assuming that the male insectoid wanted to share his discovery, Yale playfully squeezed their entwined hands and spoke with an upbeat tone.

"Sure, I've heard it's breathtaking. Let's go take a look."

However, Xi Ze chuckled softly.

"There's no rush. You haven't tried piloting a mecha yet. This area is quite spacious, perfect for practicing."

Yale's eyes widened instantly, his expression filled with disbelief. "Pilot a mecha? You want me to do it?"

This was a mecha, not some electric scooter that one could simply switch to operate. One mistake could lead to disastrous consequences.

Xi Ze casually swiped the virtual control panel, moving it to the center between them.

"No worries, I'm not completely abandoning it. I'll assist in managing the overall direction."

Well, it seemed doable...

Yale pondered for a moment, recalling the explanations given by the female insect earlier. He cautiously pressed the button to move forward...

A few minutes later, the seemingly ultra-cool mech began to stumble and stagger like a toddler taking its first steps.

After several transformations and awkward maneuvers, including but not limited to a twist dance pose, it finally stabilized and started lumbering slowly towards an unknown destination.

"..."

"Are we almost there? Should we turn?"

With a serious expression, Yale tried to decipher the buttons and, after consulting the female insect, pressed one of them.

The mech smoothly changed direction, but due to the prolonged pressure on the button, it executed a sharp 180-degree turn and retraced its path, negating the slow progress it had made earlier.

"!"

Yale appeared slightly dazed.

Xi Ze gave a low cough to stifle his laughter and once again took full control of the console.

"Cough, we're indeed almost there... We'll be passing through an asteroid field soon. Leave it to me after that."

"You were laughing at me."

For a moment, Yale's eyes took on a deadpan expression as he accused the male insect of enjoying the spectacle without concern for the consequences.

However, a kiss landed on his cheek, and Xi Ze's voice, filled with amusement yet earnest, whispered close to his ear, "I wasn't laughing at you. Many insects take a long time to get the hang of it smoothly. For you to grasp it so quickly, your talent is truly remarkable. You're exceptionally skilled."

Yale felt a flush creep up his cheeks. He turned his head slightly, pretending not to buy into Xi Ze's flattery. Nevertheless, the trace of frustration had vanished entirely, and he couldn't even recall his earlier disappointment.

"We've arrived."

The male insect's voice sounded again, causing him to turn his head instinctively. His pupils constricted momentarily—

It was a magnificent, blush-colored nebula, vast and resplendent, as if a deity had dipped its brush in vermilion and casually splashed it across the canvas of the cosmos.

Its ethereal layers undulated gently, transitioning from deep to light shades, expanding and contracting rhythmically, like the primal beat of life itself.

And it was aptly named Vera's Heart for a reason.

At first glance, one might perceive it as a rose, but upon closer observation, one could penetrate its illusory facade and glimpse the pulsating, crimson heart within.

Thump... Thump... Thump...

"Thump—"

The resonant thud in his chest jarred Yale out of his trance, yet he found himself unable to tear his eyes away.

As if in sync with that tiny heartbeat, he began involuntarily drawing upon its abundant energy.

Somehow, an unprecedented sense of reassurance and belonging washed over him, akin to a fetus returning to the womb, curled up, basking in the warmth of amniotic fluid, attuned to the maternal heartbeat.

"This is..."

Yale cleared his throat, though his voice still trembled slightly. He murmured, "The Heart of Vera?"

The heart left behind by a deity.

An inexplicable warmth and bittersweet sensation struck his soul, almost making him shed tears instantly. Yet, he felt as if bathed in a gentle radiance, erasing all traces of sorrow and despair.

Home.

Those two words resurfaced in his mind, no longer carrying the distant longing they once did.

It was as if he could reach out and touch that familiar warmth of sunlight.

A gentle whisper resonated deep within his soul, like a seed of life had been implanted, its tender roots embedding themselves into the depths of his flesh, awaiting the moment to bear fruit.

Yet, before Yale could endeavor to decipher the nature of this sensation, he was pulled back to reality by the voice of the female insect at his side.

"Yes," Xi Ze murmured softly. He used the pad of his finger to wipe away the tears on Yale's face, only to find them endlessly streaming. In response, he leaned down to kiss the source of those tears.

"The first worm to discover a new nebula earns the right to claim it for a century. Currently, it's under my name, with eighty-nine years remaining before its true liberation."

Yale looked at him through teary eyes, his expression dazed.

"I now offer you this heart."

"If ever you feel alone or insecure in the future, use your stargazer to gaze upon this heart. As long as it still beats, the love it holds will not fade... until the end of eternity."

The male worm pressed their foreheads together, so close that their breaths mingled. His deep, amused voice echoed in Yale's ear like an oracle from the divine.

In the dimness, a dazzling and warm golden glow could be seen, filled with tender affection. Amidst the blurry tears in Yale's eyes, it seemed like a scorching spark igniting out of nowhere—

illuminating solely for him.

Yale's eyelashes quivered, and a tear, brimming with emotion, fell, leaving a glistening trail down his cheek, which was met with a few tender pecks.

His breathing quickened, and he suddenly reached out to pull the male worm closer, eagerly capturing those soft lips in a kiss, tasting the saltiness of their shared tears.

"Uh... Mmm..."

Not until the air in his chest was depleted did Yale reluctantly part for a moment, only to hold the male insect in his arms even tighter. With a choked and muffled voice, he whispered, "—"

"What?"

Xi Ze froze, a conjecture he dared not confirm flashing through his mind. He eagerly wanted to hear it again, his voice tense, "What did you just say?"

The male insect in his arms took a deep breath, swallowed the soreness in his throat, then buried his face and shouted loudly.

"I said—I love you too!"

His heart jolted fiercely. In the instant Xi Ze understood, his pupils constricted, and he realized his face was wet with tears that had fallen without him noticing.

He opened his mouth, taking a near-silent deep breath, making sure not to let Yale sense anything amiss. After a long while, he managed to suppress his trembling voice and replied, "...Mm."

A gentle red glow slowly enveloped the two entwined figures like a delicate veil, as if bestowing an eternal blessing upon them.

...

Even when the mecha entered its return trajectory, Yale still hadn't recovered. Thankfully, he hadn't cried too much; his eyelids should swell down soon.

He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, only to be pulled down by Xi Ze, who said, "Stop rubbing them; you'll make the area around your eyes red."

Yale grunted in response and, at the gentle reminder of the male insectoid, closed his eyes, experiencing the sudden descent of the mecha as it plunged from space back to the planet.

After an indeterminate amount of time, the mecha landed smoothly, returning to the armory. The scene before him was finally back to the training ground.

"Alright, are you dizzy? Remember to tell me if anything feels off..."

Yale, with his head patted, attentively assessed himself. Apart from a slight dizziness, he felt no other discomfort, which quickly dissipated. Thus, he shook his head.

The hatch opened slowly, and Xi Ze leaped out first, extending a hand to help the male insectoid land steadily.

It was almost evening.

When Yale emerged, the training ground had switched to an open plain, and above him was a dazzling array of hues from the sunset.

The training seemed to have concluded. The mechas hovering in the sky were descending one after another to park, while groups of soldiers were continually adjusting their formations into squares.

The warm, setting sun was somewhat blinding, causing Yale to instinctively raise his hand to shield his eyes. It was a surreal sensation, as if he had been away for ages.

He had paused in his stride, awaiting the arrival of the female, when he suddenly heard Bai Lang's thunderous command:

"Salute!!"

As the words echoed, the disciplined army instantly snapped to attention, their hands raised in a crisp military salute, creating an impressively grand scene.

Assuming they were saluting Xi Ze, Yale hastily stepped to his left. Surprisingly, the entire army adjusted their salute, following his movement in perfect unison.

Startled, Yale lowered his hand that had been shading his eyes, momentarily at a loss.

"New Marshal's Army Major General Bai Lang, salutes you!"

Bai Lang, standing at the forefront, stood tall and straight, his salute unwavering, his voice resolute and clear.

Following him, a series of crisp voices rang out in succession from left to right, echoing harmoniously, demonstrating their disciplined training. The atmosphere on the plain was solemn and majestic—

"New Marshal's Army Colonel, Commander of Class A, Andrei, salutes you!"

"New Marshal's Army Lieutenant Colonel, Commander of Class B, Agara, salutes you!"

"The New Marshal's Army..."

"Thank you for helping to preserve the glory of the former First Legion!"

Upon hearing those last words, Yale finally understood, and a sudden surge of emotion made his nose tingle, forcing him to awkwardly cover his eyes.

Then, he straightened his back and gave an imperfect but sincere salute, meeting the steadfast gazes of each and every one of them.

Compared to their exhausted and troubled appearance when they had briefly met on Aitrel, their eyes were now clear and radiant, like a blade freshly unsheathed after being cleansed of dust.

—Shining with an incredibly sharp and profound luster.

The sword of the empire, once revered by the people and defending their homeland, had nearly broken under heavy blows. After years of wear, tear, and pain, they had finally reunited, reformed, and reclaimed the glory that once belonged to them.

How wonderful.

Yale couldn't help but smile, and a hand reached out from behind him to gently wipe away the tears on his cheek, as gentle as a soft breeze passing by.

"Why are you crying again?"

He sniffled, his voice carrying a slight nasal tone, while his soft, smiling eyes seemed to be melting in the dazzling sunlight.

"It's because I'm so happy that tears come out," he said.

The author has something to say:

Yeye was made to cry twice in one day, but it was all so blissful, hehe~ (A hint is laid down here; remember to cherish these sweet moments, w)

During the mecha tutorial, it always felt like two kittens cuddling together in a nest - the mighty big cat teaching how to dominate the neighborhood and become the boss, while the little kitten nodded along, completely unaware that its fur hadn't even grown in yet, and its four tiny legs would trip over flat ground (awsl).