Who understands? The aloof female ruler always flirts without even realizing it.

No sooner had the decision been made than a ticket was booked at lightning speed for the next available spaceship to V-12.

He haphazardly stuffed his change of clothes into his portable suitcase, as if he weren't going on a trip but rather embarking on a hasty escape. The destination was clear, but the motive was so childish that even he felt a pang of embarrassment.

Just to be a little closer to that name on the map.

Standing in front of the dressing mirror, Shen Yan changed into inconspicuous casual clothes and wrapped the tail hook that symbolized the male insect's identity around his waist, trying to make himself look like an ordinary female insect.

However, the reflection in the mirror was still too eye-catching.

Her fair skin, delicate features, and seemingly ordinary yet exquisitely tailored clothes all exuded a pampered and noble air.

What bothered him even more was the persistent discomfort deep within his mind.

At first, it was just a vague, throbbing sensation that started the night before we parted, like tinnitus caused by changes in air pressure.

Now, this discomfort seems to have been infused with energy, turning into a clear, intermittent, aching, throbbing pain.

It all started the night I was completely united with Calandall.

The once docile and peaceful spiritual energy within him, like a wild horse barely restrained by invisible reins, always stirs and tries to break free of control whenever his emotions fluctuate.

The spaceship sailed through the desolate sea of ​​stars, with only a few passengers.

He chose a window seat, where the view outside the porthole was an unchanging deep darkness and distant, blurry nebulae.

The quiet journey amplified the emptiness and discomfort in his heart. Xiongzi curled up in his seat, his brows slightly furrowed. He felt a throbbing pain in his mind that seemed to be in sync with his heartbeat, constantly pounding on his nerves.

When the spaceship finally shook slightly and landed smoothly at the port of V-12 transit planet, he finally broke free from his half-asleep daze, picked up his pitifully small suitcase, and followed a few other passengers down the gangway.

This place is indeed not as prosperous as the Central Star Region. The port facilities look quite old, but they are still relatively clean.

The streets are wide, and the buildings on both sides are mostly made of dark metal materials commonly found locally. They are square and practical, with distinct industrial design features.

However, the residents here are clearly trying to soften this coldness.

Many buildings are covered with brightly colored, boldly painted murals depicting miners at work, voyages to the stars, or uniquely shaped, bioluminescent plants native to the area.

Almost every windowsill is adorned with drought-resistant stargrass or moss bonsai planted in discarded mineral cans, adding a tenacious and warm vitality to this steel jungle.

The Zerg people passing by on the street had simple faces, bearing the marks of wind and sand commonly seen in residents of the outer star sectors, and their eyes were distant and calm.

Shen Yan's appearance was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake.

Her striking good looks, her fair skin that stood out from her surroundings, and her clothes, though ordinary, were undeniably of high quality, all attracted curious or cautious glances.

Those gazes felt like tiny needles on his skin, making the male even more uncomfortable.

He found the guesthouse in the center of the neighborhood based on the information he had booked on his personal computer.

The guesthouse owner was a tall, dark-skinned, silent female insect.

While checking Shen Yan's identity information, the insect unexpectedly noticed the words "male insect" in the gender column. Its eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly, but it didn't ask anything. It simply respectfully led the insect to a room at the end of the second floor.

The room was small and simply furnished, but exceptionally clean.

He placed the small duffel bag at the foot of the bed and arranged the few items he had.

Looking around at this unfamiliar, simple space that temporarily belonged to him, the emptiness in his heart was not filled, but rather highlighted by the sudden change in environment.

There is no trace of Karandal here.

I have to do something; I can't just stay in this little room and let longing and discomfort consume me.

He decided to go for a walk, so he wandered aimlessly. Stepping onto the street, the afternoon light bathed the metal town in a warm hue.

Shen Yan stopped and, as if possessed, raised his wrist and took a few photos with his terminal.

After hovering his fingertip over the send button for a moment, he finally sent these pictures, each with its own unique V-12 flair, to Karandal.

"This place is very different from the capital city."

"The scenery is so-so, but it's conveniently located very close to you."

I miss you so much.

During this time, he relentlessly sent messages to his wife, and his chat history was flooded, but he received no reply.

Knowing full well that the other person is most likely in a military zone with blocked signals and can't see her longing at all.

But I still can't help sharing my daily life.

However, this deliberately sought tranquility was soon shattered by physical discomfort.

The throbbing pain in my mind intensified without warning, as if an invisible stick was stirring inside, bringing a sharp, stabbing pain.

This feeling of being out of control terrified him.

Since the union, my mental strength has always been somewhat unstable, but I have never experienced such frequent and intense pain as I have now.

...What exactly happened?

Just then, several small, poorly painted spaceships landed roughly on the edge of the square, their engines roaring deafeningly.

The hatch slid open, and seven or eight space pirates filed out. They were dressed in disheveled clothes, had fierce eyes, and exuded a violent aura cultivated from years of plundering.

The square fell into a deathly silence.

The previously leisurely residents all lowered their heads and even held their breath, afraid of attracting the attention of these uninvited guests.

The lead pirate clearly enjoyed the intimidation. He swaggered over to a pancake stall, casually picked up a freshly baked meat pie, and took a bite.

"What about this month's management fee?" he mumbled, crumbs falling from the corner of his mouth.

The stall owner nervously handed over the money bag: "Everything's...everything's ready, Boss Shiyan..."

Shi Yan weighed his money pouch in his hand, then suddenly his face darkened, and he hurled the half-eaten pancake at the other person.

"That's all? Do you think I'm a beggar?"

Hot, scalding bits of meat stuck to the stall owner's face, but he dared not wipe them away, only explaining tremblingly, "Business hasn't been good lately..."

"Business is bad?" Shi Yan grinned maliciously, and casually overturned the table next to him, scattering the baked flatbread all over the floor.

"Then you might as well not keep this stall open!"

His men joined in the commotion, smashing and destroying everything around them. In the midst of the chaos, Shi Yan's gaze inadvertently swept across the edge of the square and suddenly froze.

There was a young Zergling there, leaning against a lamppost, its body slightly curled up, shining like a pearl in the dusty square.

He had a handsome face and fair skin. His face was pale from pain, but this did not diminish his noble air in the slightest.

The scarred female insect licked her slightly chapped lips, her eyes flashing with undisguised greed and desire, and strode towards Shen Yan.

"Oh! Where did this little darling come from? She looks a bit unfamiliar..."

Their gazes, like sticky tentacles, swept over Shen Yan's body: "You look so delicate and tender. It's not safe for an insect to be here."