Zerg: I ​​was picked up by the cold and beautiful Major General at the start of the game.

The expectations expressed on the StarNet have been translated into visible actions and initial results, sparking a wave of practice and discussion across society.

The personal sharing of volunteers like Theodore, especially the unprecedented emotional interaction details revealed in them, allowed countless people to see the qualitative change in relationships brought about by the new model—not just "therapy," but also "closeness" and "resonance."

The positive data and cases leaked from the military provided a boost of confidence from a more macro perspective.

This is not only about individual happiness, but has also been elevated to a strategic level that affects the morale of the army and the stability of the empire.

An optimistic atmosphere is spreading, and "trying Lord Linlu's method" has become a new topic of conversation among many male and female insects.

Despite some dissenting voices, the general trend is beginning to emerge.

Lin Luo's reputation as the founder and core promoter has become increasingly solid and radiant with each tangible achievement.

However, amidst this clamor and hope, some astute individuals also sensed that this revolution, which began with "treatment," might eventually extend far beyond the realm of medicine, touching upon the empire's most fundamental power and structure.

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Lin Luo turned off the live stream, let out a long sigh of relief, and stretched his stiff shoulders and neck.

At that moment, a warm and firm body pressed against him from behind, arms encircling his waist, gently yet undeniably pulling him into an embrace. The familiar scent instantly enveloped him, leaving only a sense of peace.

Ayland gently rested his chin on Lin Luo's shoulder, his warm breath brushing against his ear, his brows furrowing with tender affection: "My lord, are you tired?"

Lin Luo turned his head to meet Ailand's blue-gray eyes, which were very close to his.

Those eyes, when viewed up close, seemed to hold shattered starlight, focused solely on reflecting his own shadow.

Lin Luo felt as if something had gently bumped into her heart, sending warm ripples through it.

He gave in to the impulse and placed a light, yet clearly affectionate kiss on those beautiful eyes.

"Not tired~" Lin Luo's voice softened as well. "Seeing everyone start to try it and even get good feedback makes it all feel especially worthwhile."

He leaned back, more relaxed, nestled into Ailand's arms, and savored this moment of tranquility and tenderness.

Ailand tightened his arms around Lin Luo without saying anything more, only nuzzling his cheek against her hair. This silent companionship was more reassuring than any words.

The two embraced quietly for a moment, gazing at the dazzling night view outside the window, their breaths mingling together.

After a while, Lin Luo seemed to remember something, turned slightly in Ailand's arms, and asked:

"By the way, Ailand, how's things going with the military lately? I saw on the StarNet that the border conflict seems to have eased a bit?"

Aylander was silent for a few seconds, then gently pressed his forehead against Lin Luo's, lowering his voice so that only the two of them could hear him:

"The fighting... on the surface, has eased, and the intensity of the rebel offensive is decreasing." He paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully, "However, there are some things about the internal deployment and mobilization of the military that I find a bit off."

"Something's not right?" Lin Luo's nerves tightened slightly.

"Hmm." Ayland's voice carried a hint of doubt.

"Some troop rotations and resource allocations bypassed the regular procedures and several senior generals, and were directly ordered by the Marshal's office."

"The direction and timing of the allocation deviate to the priority of the actual needs at the front."

He raised his eyes, his gaze becoming sharp and deep:

"Moreover, the Marshal's recent movements and decisions have become more unpredictable than ever before. He seems to be pursuing multiple plans simultaneously, some of which lack clear objectives and even contradict his publicly stated strategic goals."

Lin Luo felt a slight unease. He knew very well that the changes in the spiritual sea would inevitably provoke resistance from those who had previously benefited, but the current situation seemed to be progressing too smoothly.

Are all the surging waves beneath the surface? When will they become a tsunami?

Eland continued slowly, "On the battlefield, any illogical movement hides a true intention. I am loyal to the Empire and believe in the Marshal's past achievements and loyalty, but the current situation is too complicated, and the 'logic' of many things is changing."

He tightened his arms again, holding Lin Luo firmly in his embrace. "Your Excellency, please promise me that no matter what happens next, no matter how the outside world pronounces or interprets it, you must prioritize your own safety. Your current reputation... is a double-edged sword."

He didn't elaborate further, but Lin Luo understood. Marshal Arnold might be playing a very big game, and he himself, perhaps unknowingly, had become a prominent and crucial piece on that game.

Lin Luo hugged Ailand back, burying her face in his firm chest, listening to his steady and powerful heartbeat.

"I understand, Elland." His muffled voice came through, tinged with dependence. "I'll be careful. Be careful in the military as well."

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Royal Palace

Arnold was dealing with routine matters when Tok entered the room, his voice steady but slightly hoarse: "Marshal."

Arnold didn't look up, and simply gave a faint "hmm".

"As for the Insect King," Tok began his report.

"Everything is normal. As per your instructions, Your Majesty has been informed of the key developments and public opinion surrounding the new treatment for the Spirit Sea on the StarNet."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "When His Majesty first heard this, he looked somewhat surprised, as if he didn't quite believe it."

Tok recounted the events objectively, "but he quickly calmed down and said no more."

Upon hearing this, Arnold looked at Tok and said, "The calmer he is, the more it shows that he is reassessing the situation, calculating his options, continuing to monitor the situation, and not letting his guard down."

"Yes," Tok replied, continuing,

"Regarding the Second Prince, Prince Case, the social attention sparked by the changes in the spiritual sea and the internal divisions of opinion within the aristocratic class have successfully captured most of his attention."

"He has been frequently visiting the residences of several traditional noble families recently, ostensibly to show concern for the rights of male insects, but in reality to incite their dissatisfaction with the new treatment and to try to gain political leverage and economic benefits through mediation."

"Also," Tok lowered his voice,

"Our investigation confirms that he is intensifying his efforts to deal with several previous cases involving illegal psychoactive drug transactions and eliminating competitors. He is very active and currently appears to be too preoccupied to notice anything else, and is slow to detect any unusual activity at the palace and the military."

Arnold lightly tapped his fingertip on the smooth tabletop, bringing up a chart of the Second Prince's faction's recent financial flows, and glanced at it.

"Let him keep busy, let him think he has an opportunity, and when he thinks he's the fisherman, the net has already been tightened." His tone was flat and indifferent.

"Finally," Tok straightened up and reported the most crucial part,

"On the rebel side, the large-scale open resistance has ceased as planned, and reports of the remnants fleeing have been released through multiple channels."

"In fact, its elite core has completed identity transformation and disguise in batches. With the help of the loopholes and cover arranged in the early stage, they have successively infiltrated various preset areas of the capital star in the past 72 hours. This is the first batch of entry list and deployment points." He handed over an encrypted storage chip.

Arnold took the chip and held it in his palm.

He looked at Tok, his gaze lingering for a moment on the haggard face.

"Well done, Tok. Go and rest. That's an order."

Tok paused for a moment, seemingly wanting to refuse, but meeting Arnold's unquestionable gaze, he ultimately simply bowed again, his voice even hoarser: "...Yes, Marshal."

He turned and left, his back still standing tall and straight.

The door closed gently.

Arnold inserted the chip into the terminal. A series of codes and coordinates flashed on the screen. He looked at them for a moment, then closed the interface.

The chessboard is set up, the key pieces are in place, and the emperor who once held the pieces is now a caged beast.

A real storm is brewing beneath this calm surface.