Meanwhile, Orcott’s face darkened. It wasn’t just the frustration from his bastard brother, Kaili, but also because the person he had been tracking for so long had somehow slipped away.
“Your Highness, we…” A group of technical female Zerg looked helpless. Everything had been going smoothly just moments ago.
Another little while, and they would have located the zerg that had been stirring up storms and bloodshed across StarNet.
But somehow… they had lost him. Completely inexplicably.
The females, who had hoped to impress His Highness, not only missed the chance to prove themselves, but also seemed to have angered the noble male zerg in front of them.
Orcott’s irritation didn’t last long, however. Even with the task of managing the Zerg he had called for tracking and considering the other side’s exceptional mech skills, Orcott found his interest in that mech pilot growing…
Meanwhile, at Gu Lin’s estate, Gu Lin was observing a scene of utter domination unfold.
The system, now equipped with the golden program, was no longer the naive little bug it had been yesterday. On StarNet, it operated with confidence, leaving the Zerg sent to track it utterly powerless.
Gu Lin wasn’t particularly skilled with networks himself. The little he knew, he’d learned from a mischievous friend back in the old world. Come to think of it, he didn’t even know how they fared after he left.
Reflecting on past events, Gu Lin momentarily paused, memories of his previous life stirring a mix of emotions.
“Host, look! I defeated them all!” The system came bouncing over to boast, thrilled beyond words. Even though it had purchased the golden program, it was its first time performing so impressively, and the excitement was palpable.
“Mm, well done.” Gu Lin’s trace of homesickness seemed to dissipate with the system’s chattering delight.
“Can you teach me? I want to be as impressive as you.”
“Of course! Host…” The system stammered. These skills had practically been uploaded into its mind. Its actions on the network were instinctive, it didn’t even know how it had accomplished them. But… it was undeniably powerful, so how could it not teach?
“I… I just need to organize some materials first… then I can teach you.” The system’s words became more confident, its tone slowly rising to that of a mysterious master, deeply knowledgeable.
“Mm, I’ll be looking forward to the lesson, teacher.”
Ah! Teacher… the host, such a powerful figure, was calling it teacher! The system’s mind exploded with a flock of squealing little chickens of excitement.
Yet outwardly, it maintained composure. It could now be a teacher to its powerful host, how could it afford to act reckless?
“Good… good. Then get ready to listen.”
It had to understand the principles quickly! Just because its host called it teacher, it would give everything it had!
Gu Lin, noticing the system’s excitement in its tone, felt his own mood lighten. He hoped that his little, silly system would properly absorb the golden program’s intricacies.
Meanwhile, he turned to his own interests, delving deeper into bug mech technology.
So, while the system studied the golden program, Gu Lin began a deep dive into the mechanics of bug mechs.
Hours passed, the sky darkening, before Gu Lin finally tore himself away from the pile of documents.
The system, overwhelmed and dizzy from the deluge of knowledge, glanced at its host who, despite already understanding mechs, was still fully engrossed in studying. Seeing this, it abandoned any thoughts of laziness and focused intently.
Both of them were so absorbed that they forgot about the frail male bug in their midst, especially Gu Lin, newly in his current body, still adjusting.
Gu Lin’s body could withstand days without food, but on a delicate male bug, hunger was lethal.
It wasn’t until the body-monitoring system triggered an alert that Gu Lin even realized he was hungry.
Having already missed a meal, the sensation struck him with overwhelming intensity.
The small robot had been taken over by the system, which was too busy studying to serve a meal.
“Host, what do you want to eat? I’ll make it right away!” The system hurriedly commanded the robot.
“No need for such trouble… just two tubes of nutrient solution…” Gu Lin paused, realizing that male Zerg didn’t typically have this. “Well… just make something simple.”
Then he remembered Kaxiu’ robot was also under the system’s control. “Send one to Kaxiu too.”
“Ah, understood.” Though the system didn’t know why it was delivering food to that golden-haired bug, it obeyed. Its host had given the order, there must be some deeper reason behind it. Perhaps he wanted to gain favor with the golden-haired one?
Gu Lin, not thinking too much, continued to ponder bug mech issues, unaware that his system was already running off in some strange direction.
Bug mechs had serious inconsistencies. Mechs produced on the standard assembly line were mediocre. High-end custom mechs were strong but often mismatched with their pilots.
While Gu Lin considered these issues, the system had the robot prepare the food. It wasn’t doing it manually, once the program was entered, the robot handled everything.
Once the food for its host was meticulously prepared and plated, the system guided the robot to deliver a somewhat less aesthetically perfect set to Kaxiu’ room.
By now, Kaxiu had logged out of StarNet, emotions tangled.
In the past day, he had experienced a whirlwind: falling for the same sex, forced pairings, assuming the male host would be hard to deal with, discovering he could work, and even having the chance to choose a new mate. The ups and downs of bug life were dizzying.
Even someone as level-headed as Kaxiu struggled to process it all.
He was currently browsing a StarNet post that documented every battle he’d seen that day from the first to the twenty-eighth match.
That bug piloted a flashy mech, striking every opponent with precision. Lightning-fast attacks, clean, decisive movements, no flashy gimmicks, just one strike, one kill, targeting blind spots with deadly accuracy.
Kaxiu felt his blood burn. He had never been so excited.
Even when facing death, he remained calm. But in front of that pilot’s skill, his heart raced uncontrollably.
Even facing male Zerg before, he had never felt this way.
Despite this, he didn’t consider acting on his emotions. Among Zerg, female-female relationships were the least accepted…
Yet now, unable to find the bug and learning it had deleted its account, his loss became unbearable.
A strange, indescribable emotion weighed on him, almost suffocating. But Kaxiu didn’t give himself time to dwell, he had to train his mech.
Gu Lin’s male bug was a remarkable one. Even if he didn’t explain everything publicly, Kaxiu wanted to repay him.
He thought the only way he could do this was to serve in the military, constantly improving his strength, earning his male’s respect and influence.
With this in mind, Kaxiu regained focus and resumed his training.
Until a doorbell rang.
“Come in.”
A small robot entered.
Facing Kaxiu, it had none of the arrogance from yesterday. The system had reasoned that if its host wanted to treat Kaxiu well, it couldn’t remain unfriendly either.
Kaxiu would be its host’s working bug, so he became the system’s working bug too. Any bug that earned points was a good bug and Kaxiu was now in the system’s camp.
Kaxiu froze upon seeing the robot, especially when it carried food. Male Zerg usually required prepared meals; females were used to nutrient solutions.
Bug food was expensive, often requiring complex preparation. Working females rarely indulged. Kaxiu’ income never allowed for such luxuries; nutrient solutions saved time.
“This was sent by your master. Not sure if you’ll like it, but you have to finish it all,” the robot said in a soft, cute voice.
Since the robot’s voice was set to that of a male child Zerg, it softened the hearts of anyone who heard it.
Yet what caught Kaxiu’ attention most wasn’t the voice, it was the words.
“Sent by Master Gu Lin?” he asked, taking the tray filled with exquisitely prepared food he’d never seen before.
“Yes. So work hard for your master and obey,” the system emphasized.
With such a capable host, as long as this zerg followed orders, it would earn a lot of points. The system wanted to earn as many points as possible, learn countless skills, and become the strongest system.
“Please thank the male for me. I like it very much.” Kaxiu assumed Gu Lin wouldn’t want him personally thanking him, so he had the system relay his gratitude.
“If you like it, that’s good.” The system was thrilled its chosen food was appreciated.
It had initially felt a twinge of guilt, this portion was simpler than its host’s but Kaxiu didn’t mind; he genuinely liked it. The system’s small guilt vanished completely.
It seemed it had done well. Wagging its little tail, the system began to feel fond of this zerg.
Kaxiu was nothing like the system expected.
He had seen countless Zerg, even married ones, on the forums. Female rulers had rights, but servants and slaves depended on male benevolence for a decent life.
Receiving luxurious food from their master was a rare mark of favor. For a bug who would normally be scorned by other males to get this treatment, Gu Lin’s male Zerg had been exceedingly kind.
And the food the robot delivered? Far superior to anything displayed on forums.
He must work harder. He had to!
✦ ✧ ✦
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
You may now perform the sacred ritual of pressing the coffee button.
☕ BUY THEM A COFFEE →
✧ (づ｡•ㅅ•｡)づ ☕ ✧
✦ thank you for reading ✦
← PreviousNext →
ChaptersChapter 1 · Crossing OverChapter 2 · KaxiuChapter 3 · Social DeathChapter 4 · Female Servant/WifeChapter 5 · ConfusedChapter 6 · MysteryChapter 7 · CamouflageChapter 8 · AcquaintanceChapter 9 · Man in a ShellChapter 10 · FoodChapter 11 · RemunerationChapter 12 · GossipChapter 13 · TaskChapter 14 · CoverdaleChapter 15 · Mission AccomplishedChapter 16 · ExchangeChapter 17 · DreamChapter 18 · DelicateChapter 19 · ReasonChapter 20 · SpecialChapter 21 · 2 Dose of VialChapter 22 · Night WatchChapter 23 · One NightChapter 24 · GratefulChapter 25 · ContestChapter 26 · FortChapter 27 · RecordChapter 28 · SealChapter 29 · MissedChapter 30 · Treasure TroveChapter 31 · Battle SpiritChapter 32 · IllusionChapter 33 · PhotosChapter 34 · DifferentChapter 35 · Heartfelt wishesChapter 36 · TeasingChapter 37 · InterestChapter 38 · TrappedChapter 39 · Borrowing a knifeChapter 40 · SecretChapter 42 · ConditionChapter 43 · QuestionChapter 44 · AnswerChapter 45 · CoreChapter 46 · MeetChapter 47 · WeirdChapter 48 · DifferentChapter 49 · Spiritual SeaChapter 50 · ConceptsChapter 51 · Hicks Return!Chapter 51 · RoefellerChapter 53 · 10 thousand points!Chapter 54 · RedemptionChapter 55 · ChangeChapter 56 · ReceiveChapter 57 · Side QuestChapter 59 · It seems like a old FriendChapter 60 · TrainingChapter 61 · MoodChapter 62 · ConfusedChapter 63 · Children’s PlaygroundChapter 64 · GiftChapter 65 · ApproachingChapter 66 · ThreatChapter 67 Part 1 · Do you have any objections?Chapter 67 Part 2 · Do you have any objections?Chapter 68 · MaintenanceChapter 69 · Thank youChapter 70 · UndercoverChapter 71 · VisitChapter 72 · FrenzyChapter 73 · TransactionChapter 74 · ReminderChapter 75 · ArenaChapter 76 · InterestingChapter 77 · CuteChapter 78 · SecretChapter 79 · CompareChapter 80 · StrategyChapter 81 · CrisisChapter 82 · ProtectChapter 83 · Blind SpotChapter 84 · SafetyChapter 85 · Mission ObjectiveChapter 86 · DeterminationChapter 87 · Grave DangerChapter 88 · GuessingChapter 89 · Chess PieceChapter 90 · EmotionsChapter 91 · Guardian’s HeartChapter 92 · A Dangerous FigureChapter 93 · FrustratedChapter 94 · BullyChapter 95 · NegotiationChapter 96 · ChallengeChapter 97 · RejectionChapter 98 · PlantingChapter 99 · Thank youChapter 100 · LeveragingChapter 101 · ChaosChapter 102 · SubmitChapter 103 · ThoughtsChapter 104 · Good news and bad newsChapter 105 · MadmanChapter 106 · CooperationChapter 107 · Just drawingChapter 108 · It was a pleasure working with youChapter 109 · StargazingChapter 110 · GuideChapter 111 · Plant FlowerChapter 112 · White WolfChapter 113 · SterilisationChapter 114 · CollarChapter 115 · RunChapter 116 · GenerousChapter 117 · ImageChapter 118 · FriendlyChapter 119 · LostChapter 120 · TasteChapter 121 · System upgradeChapter 122 · Transfered FromChapter 123 · Keep dragging it outChapter 124 · CategoryChapter 125 · DemolitionChapter 126 · I want to cry but can’tChapter 127 · Upgrade completeChapter 128 · Tears streaming down my face in the windChapter 129 · Strange luckChapter 130 · UnknownChapter 131 · Dog plant flowersChapter 132 · Contest of Wits and Silent UnderstandingChapter 133 · ColinChapter 134 · AmbushChapter 135 · DullChapter 136 · BattleChapter 137 · Post-WarChapter 138 · Return ToChapter 139 · Strength EnhancementChapter 140 · Is this a staged accident scam?Chapter 141 · ToolChapter 142 · ProcessingChapter 143 · CluesChapter 144 · MemoryChapter 145 · UnderstoodChapter 146 · I want to hug youChapter 147 · Differential treatmentChapter 148 · So DifficultChapter 149 · Going to farChapter 150 · Real or FakeChapter 151 · ResponseChapter 152 · The truthChapter 153 · Let’s chat Causally?Chapter 154 · A Way to RelaxChapter 155 · ConversationChapter 156 · Daily MissionChapter 157 · A QuarrelChapter 158 · NamelessChapter 159 · ProbingChapter 160 · A Good HelperChapter 161 · ConfirmationChapter 162 · DiscussChapter 163 · ForgottenChapter 164 · TraceChapter 164 · TraceChapter 165 · Contact