Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Philo's gaze swept over Zhousha, Gore, and Shang Ling. Dressed in a high-end custom suit from the Qiankesilan family, he now looked nothing like the disheveled figure seen earlier on the monitor feed.

Supporting himself on the exit of the sim-pod, the male insect was visibly surprised as he stared at the female insects who seemed to have materialized as if by magic.

However, the three of them had no time to answer him just yet. The moment the male insect stepped out of the pod, his left leg gave an involuntary twitch. Before his nerves could report, he was steadied by a pair of hands.

Looking up, he saw Gore and Shang Ling, who had rushed over to support his shoulders from either side. Testing his left leg, which had felt slightly uncomfortable moments ago, he confirmed it was just a temporary adjustment issue after exiting the sim-pod. Quickly regaining his footing, he thanked both of them for their help.

Without glancing at the two young female insects, Zhousha strode steadily toward the sim-pod.

Gazing at Philo, whose impassive demeanor suggested he saw nothing wrong with the assessment and had no intention of causing trouble, the senior female insect allowed herself a small smile and spoke softly, as if everything were perfectly normal.

"Let's go. The assessment is over. Time to rest."

"Alright."

Thus, the solo evaluation concluded simply and smoothly—at least, for Philo.

Though he had taken some lumps in the simulation system, compared to the female insects, he didn’t feel he had suffered too badly. Moreover, regardless of the challenges, he had completed the military academy's required trial on schedule.

While he was curious about the unexpected events on the final day—whether they were surreptitiously inserted hidden trials by the academy—it was clear that Zhousha, Gore, and Shang Ling were all well aware of the situation.

Since that was the case, Philo couldn't be bothered chasing answers from the academy's staff.

Soon, the male insect boarded the Toras family's private insectcraft and left the academy.

Though the area housing the male insect's sim-pod remained peaceful, the section designated for female insects was in an uproar from the moment the assessment ended.

The excitement and anticipation the females had felt upon learning a male insect might join their cohort had now turned into fury after witnessing the extent of his injuries during the assessment.

Unlike the male insect, who experienced discomfort from the hyper-realistic military-grade sim-pods, the female insects burst forth energetically from the system, immediately leaping out of their pods.

But their urgency wasn’t to flaunt their condition—rather, most were in an overwrought state.

Unlike the male insect, who enjoyed the privilege of a private pod and invigilators, the female insects shared large sim-pods. Now, the two supervising insects—one primary and one secondary proctor—found themselves facing a crowd of furious female insects hurling accusations.

While they could tolerate most complaints, the deputy invigilator’s jaw tightened when accused of being heartless and doomed to never earn a male insect’s favor. He truly wanted to give these hot-headed youngsters a good thrashing.

Unfortunately, if they could act on that impulse, they wouldn’t still be standing there motionless.

Though physical retaliation was off the table, verbal responses were still necessary.

Stone-faced, the invigilators briefly explained that while there had been an unexpected incident during the male insect’s participation in the assessment, no serious consequences had ensued. They emphasized that the academy had informed him of the participation parameters beforehand, and he had raised no objections.

Thus, no matter how dissatisfied the female insects were, the matter was temporarily deflected for the time being.

Unaware that the female insects had demanded answers from the academy on his behalf after his departure, Philo had already received the full explanation from Zhousha.

Lying sprawled on the lounge’s long couch, the male insect looked languidly draped, a stark contrast to the dogged performance seen in the simulation.

Yet, the staff at the Toras estate fussed over him, offering to plump cushions and add a throw blanket to ensure his comfort.

Nodding, Philo accepted their care without refusal—though he had something else on his mind.

"Thank the stars you didn’t agree to halt the assessment," he murmured, lips curving slightly.

Even after learning that the academy could have stopped the assessment but instead made him claw his way up the cliff unaided, he showed no anger. If anything, his tone carried a hint of relief.

Zhousha smiled faintly but remained silent.

Not needing a response, Philo continued, "So many insects prepared for this assessment for so long. If it had been interrupted just because of me, the weight of responsibility would’ve been crushing."

Putting himself in their shoes, he likened Kalms Military Academy’s independent admissions assessment to Earth’s college entrance exams, postgraduate exams, or doctoral qualifying exams. Such crucial tests couldn’t afford disruptions. Even if rescheduled, there was no guarantee that every participant’s performance would remain unaffected. Some who might have passed could end up washing out due to the interruption.

Recalling Zhousha’s mention of ineligible candidates resorting to fraud just to enter the academy, Philo shuddered at the thought of being responsible for derailing others’ futures.

Letting out a measured breath, he relaxed further, even lifting his drink from the table to take a sip.

Yet, as Zhousha observed him, the senior female insect waited a beat before posing a question of his own.

"Philo."

"Hmm?"

"Earlier, you said you wanted to enroll in the military academy because you were interested in its specialized programs. But I never asked—why are you so interested in these subjects?"

It wasn’t hard to notice that Philo wasn’t particularly fond of strenuous physical labor or combat.

His temperament leaned toward natural indolence. He had little affinity for the unbending militarism of the military. Skilled in music and fond of fine attire, his enthusiasm for activities like martial arts or competitive sports paled in comparison. Even his arsenal curation was just that—a collection, with no eagerness to field-test them in simulated battles.

Likes and dislikes were easy to distinguish, but sometimes, desires and needs blurred.

So why would a male insect feel such a strong need for what the military academy offered?

"Ahem—"

Turning his head abruptly, Philo choked slightly on his drink.

Covering his mouth with a fist until the coughing subsided, he avoided Zhousha’s gaze and murmured, "I just wanted to learn something different. I suppose I’m quite curious. Besides, since you, Father, and Xinghua Qianhua both attended the military academy, I was curious about what you studied."

Drawing himself upright as if suddenly remembering something, he added lightly, "Oh, by the way, let’s not mention my trial run to Father. You know how he is—if he finds out what happened inside..."

Skillfully diverting the topic, Philo brought up Yi Jia Fa, who hadn't accompanied Zhousha to observe his assessment at Kalms Military Academy.

Pausing briefly, Zhousha studied the male insect’s expression before letting the matter drop and shifting to other topics regarding Yi Jia Fa.

Yet, like rain falling unexpectedly, doubts drenched more than just Zhousha.

Other female insects shared similar questions.

But while doubts were easily sown, answers proved far harder to uncover.

Gore and Shang Ling, who had initially planned to ask Philo directly like Zhousha, now found themselves at a loss.

As Philo’s military academy assessment instructor and linguistics tutor, they had once had ample opportunities to speak with him. But now...

Having long since stopped relying on translation devices and having completed the academy’s assessment, Philo had informed them before the exam that he wouldn’t impose on them anymore.

Of course, regarding the assistance provided by the two, Philo also expressed that he would find time to personally thank them once the exam results were released.

But gratitude aside, no matter how much he thanked them, as female insectoids who did not belong to the Tulath family, neither Gore nor Shang Ling could find any reason to frequently visit the Tulath residence anymore.

Lowering their gaze, the female insectoid could only set aside their doubts for now and wait for the final exam results three days later.

And clearly, the number of insectoids anticipating the results of this year’s Kalms Military Academy entrance exam was several times higher than in previous years, just within the capital planet alone.

Amid such overwhelming expectations, the Kalms Military Academy maintained its usual tight-lipped secrecy. Even several high-ranking military officers who inquired in advance received no definitive answers.

Thus, three days later, even Philo—whose mother held the honorary title of vice president at the academy—only learned of his final exam results through the Kalms Military Academy’s official website.

The result was—

“I got in!”

As if reliving a college entrance exam in another world, Philo’s eyes lit up with joy as he saw his name on the admissions list displayed on the screen.

Meanwhile, Yi Jia Fa, who had exclaimed in excitement, seemed even more thrilled than Philo himself, immediately embracing his successful son and showering him with praise.

Beside them, Zhousha, who appeared unsurprised by the result, also smiled softly and congratulated him.

As for the other attendants who had been eavesdropping earlier, though they dared not speak out of turn, their faces now brightened with smiles.

It had to be said that as a male insect recently rescued from a barren planet, Philo’s success in passing the Kalms Military Academy’s exam was not only due to the additional points and preferential treatment granted to male insects but also owed to his own efforts.

After all, not long ago, Philo couldn’t even speak the cosmic common tongue, yet now he could already use it to explain concepts in astrophysics. While this was partly due to the insectoids’ strong mental faculties and learning abilities, not every male insect could patiently study such dry material.

At this thought, even without mentioning others, Yi Jia Fa couldn’t resist opening his communicator to brag to other male insects.

However, even if he hadn’t, few insectoids on the capital planet wouldn’t know the news by now.

For instance, Gore, who had also seen the Kalms Military Academy’s announcement the moment it was published, smiled and sent Philo a congratulatory message.

Similarly, in the Qi Mengtu household—aside from Speaker Norman, who was away on official business and likely hadn’t noticed—the other three had seen it too.

While Shang Ling and Du Dafei chose to congratulate Philo immediately, Siluan just scoffed, thinking that this time, the guy had no excuse not to thank him in person.

Since few insectoids had Philo’s contact information, the number of congratulatory messages he received remained limited. Nevertheless, as more and more insectoids saw the Kalms Military Academy’s announcement, nearly all who knew Philo would inevitably learn of the news.

Xinghua Qianhua, Li Wei, Song Emperor, Ya Jin, Nimir… Like a snowball, the announcement spread with unstoppable momentum across the capital planet’s insectoids, simultaneously dominating numerous trending topics on the star network.

By the end of the day the results were announced, Philo once again topped the charts on the star network’s trending list.

Now, not only the insectoids of the capital planet but nearly all within the alliance’s star domain knew that Philo, the male insect who had applied to the Kalms Military Academy just days prior, had truly secured his admission.

Male insects enrolling in schools wasn’t unusual—after all, there were plenty of prestigious institutions for them to choose from, where they neither had to take entrance exams nor worry about academic pressure. These so-called educational institutions were, for male insects, little more than playgrounds.

But the Kalms Military Academy was different. Its graduates were practically all future high-ranking military officers. Female insectoids with mental ratings below C-class couldn’t even apply unless they possessed exceptional talents warranting special admission.

This academy had always been adamant about barring male insects from disrupting their education, never resorting to preferential admission solely based on gender.

So then, what was going on this time? Could it be that the Tulath family’s recently recovered male insect was really that capable?

But he hadn’t even been back for long—wasn’t he still relying on a translator and could barely string a sentence together at the last banquet? Such rapid progress in just a few months seemed implausible…

As the trending topics scrolled, they seemed to mirror the public’s doubts.

Initially, when news of the male insect’s admission to the Kalms Military Academy broke, nearly all comments expressed shock and congratulations. After all, when it came to matters involving male insects, female insectoids automatically gushed praise.

However, once the initial surprise faded, female insectoids of different statuses began to form varying opinions. The happiest were undoubtedly this year’s admitted Kalms Military Academy candidates and current upperclassmen.

Beyond them, other military female insectoids—regardless of whether they had graduated or which school they attended—couldn’t help but indulge in wild hopes, assuming that since Philo was willing to attend the academy, he must hold favorable views toward military female insectoids.

But if military female insectoids were overjoyed, female insectoids from other prestigious institutions were just as dismayed.

Despite the capital planet’s elite schools already hosting numerous male insects, many female insectoids had long held aspirations toward Philo.

Consequently, on the same day other prestigious institutions released their admission lists, their websites were filled with dismayed comments.

Originally, these female insectoids were merely upset that Philo hadn’t chosen their schools, with no ill intent. Unfortunately, this year, other male insects had also enrolled in these institutions.

In the past, whenever male insects enrolled, the comment sections beneath admission announcements were uniformly filled with envy and resentment.

Male insects had never paid attention to this before, but as the saying goes, people only start caring about what they lack.

Indeed, most male insects were aware that the Tulath family’s male insect had passed the Kalms Military Academy’s exam. But unlike the female insectoids, most male insects saw it as just drama—some from other planets didn’t even bother to look.

An admission to some military academy? To put it bluntly, such a boring school wasn’t worth their time if it begged them to attend.

Unfortunately, while most male insects didn’t care about a military academy, they did care about their pride.

Many male insects enrolling in prestigious institutions this year might have only glanced at their school’s website comments idly—but the next moment, their eyes froze.

Disappointed…

What did these female insectoids mean by “disappointed”?

Even if that Philo guy was an A-Class Male Insect, who gave these lowlifes the right to act disappointed? Did they think other males were worse than the Tulath family’s insect?

Hah! A new male insect recovered from a barren planet—who knows how he slipped into the Kalms Military Academy? What were these female insectoids so proud of?

If they applied, they didn’t believe that so-called “strict” academy would dare reject them!

Slamming his cup down, the male insect—who had only been scrolling the star net idly—stormed off in a rage.

Meanwhile, unaware of the varied reactions online, Philo was currently talking Yi Jia Fa out of hosting another banquet in celebration.

Having successfully secured admission to the Kalms Military Academy, Philo finally relaxed, and he even began sleeping better.

Thus, aside from accepting gifts and well-wishers these past two days, the male insect had mostly been resting in his room. But while he relaxed, the other members of the Tulath household grew increasingly energetic—especially Yi Jia Fa.

The social butterfly, who had always loved hosting banquets, felt that Philo’s debut banquet had been a bit of a mess thanks to Siluan’s interference. Now, he wanted to jump at the chance to throw another celebration.

While Zhousha didn’t oppose the idea, he suggested Yi Jia Fa first ask Philo.

Unsurprisingly, Philo wasn’t interested.

Spacing out in his plush chair, the male insect listened absently as Yi Jia Fa went on about how the party would prove how amazing he was, and make everyone admire him…

But before Yi Jia Fa could finish, the butler shuffled over nervously—and then—

“Claiming he got in on his own? That’s obviously fake. Is honesty that hard? We’re all male insects—who do they think they’re fooling?”

“Is the Kalms Military Academy that fun? Since I’m a male insect too, maybe I’ll try applying next year. If one who couldn’t even speak the cosmic common tongue got in, why can’t I?”

“Hah, this is juicy drama—I’m in. I’ve long disliked those military academy types who act so self-important about ‘not bending rules even for male insects.’”

“+1. I’ve had fun with some cadets before—they were fun. Getting inside to mess with them sounds like a new thrill.”

The news of His Highness the male insect gaining admission to the Kalms Military Academy, after several days of discussion following the academy's public announcement, took a turn that surprised many insects.

Do male insects use the star network?

Of course they do. In fact, a few low-level male insects even sign deals with entertainment firms to participate in various activities to earn money.

While all are male insects, those of D-class and below generally receive far fewer social benefits compared to their higher-level counterparts.

However, most male insects are naturally drawn to luxury—expensive jewelry, exquisite accessories, bespoke high-end outfits, private spacecraft, personal planets… Few male insects dislike these things, but not all can indulge in them without a second thought.

Thus, despite their esteemed status, it's not uncommon for low-level male insects to seek ways to earn money. Yet, for safety reasons, low-level male insects can't casually punish female insects like their higher-level peers, so most limit themselves to virtual activities on the star network rather than appearing in person.

Because of this, high-level male insects with powerful psychic abilities generally avoid appearing or speaking on the star network unless accidentally photographed and posted online, as if doing so would reduce themselves to the level of low-level female insects.

But this time, perhaps because the incident involved a high-level male insect, many male insects who usually ignore the star network unexpectedly spoke up.

Some clearly believed the admitted male insect must have used connections, some just wanted to fan the flames for entertainment, and others saw it as an opportunity to demand better benefits for male insects while expressing their own desire to "mess around" at the military academy.

Reading the online chatter, Yi Jia Fa was so angry he nearly cracked his teeth.

These damned creatures! Did they really think his Philo was as lazy and entitled as they were?!

Though Yi Jia Fa had initially considered using his own influence, he now seemed to forget his original intentions. Regardless of earlier thoughts, while Philo had received appropriate special consideration, he had ultimately met the basic requirements through his own efforts to earn the admission.

At this thought, Yi Jia Fa immediately wanted to take these gossiping males to task. But while dealing with troublesome female insects was manageable, handling so many male insects making trouble was a different story entirely.

Patting Yi Jia Fa’s arm, Zhousha wasn’t surprised by the situation.

However—

"Don’t worry. The Kalms Military Academy has long prepared for such potential backlash. This will be resolved soon," the senior female insect reassured Philo, her tone calm and unworried.

Shifting his gaze from the star network comments, Philo looked up at Zhousha’s reassuring words. Though Yi Jia Fa’s face was flushed with anger, Philo merely smiled faintly, apparently unfazed.

"I’m fine. Doubts aren't always a bad thing—for me or for the Kalms Military Academy."

Meeting the senior female insect’s eyes with his violet pupils, Philo spoke lightly, and the female insect chuckled, dropping the subject.

Yet, seeing their relaxed demeanor, the still-seething Yi Jia Fa frowned harder, exasperated.

"Philo, you’re wrong. How are doubts not a bad thing? In my opinion, we should hunt down every bug questioning you, and I’ll take you to teach them a lesson. This time, you—"

The senior male insect’s complaints continued, and though he sounded ready to march out and settle things, the younger male insect’s firm refusal eventually forced him to suppress his anger and wait for the academy’s response.

And indeed, the wait wasn’t long. That very afternoon, as the uproar reached its height, the Kalms Military Academy swiftly issued a response.

Doubting the fairness of the male insect’s evaluation? Thinking you could easily get in if you applied? Wanting to enroll in the Kalms Military Academy too?

After obtaining consent from Philo and his two direct relatives, the academy publicly released the complete, unedited footage of this year’s admissions assessment, directly addressing the public’s skepticism.

Simultaneously, the academy’s official website updated its policies regarding male insect applicants, clearly outlining preferential treatment and requirements. In short, they welcomed any male insect highness to apply—as long as the rules were met, admission was guaranteed.

This response sent Kalms Military Academy's prestige through the roof.

More importantly, in the insect gender ratio, if divided into ten parts, male insects made up only one, while the other nine were female insects and subfemales.

Setting aside debates and assessments, female insects and subfemales flooded the academy’s website to watch Philo’s evaluation footage.

Seriously—low-level male insects on the star network might occasionally post photos or ads, at best using audio for promotions. But this time, the Kalms Military Academy had released a full high-definition holographic recording of an A-class male insect highness—His Highness Fei Luo, no less, who was exceptionally handsome.

Who could resist watching that?!