My evil self is completely unable to exert its power in the Zerg.

The air before the final seemed to be charged with electricity, tense yet excited.

In the spacious backstage lounge area, the contestants who were about to go on stage were making their final preparations, either reciting lyrics or doing their last vocal warm-up exercises.

The air was filled with the pungent acrid smell of female insects, which were intentionally or unintentionally released by them, and it smelled like gunpowder.

Isaac stood alone in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling window, outside which was a dazzling river of light woven from the floating traffic.

He wore that well-practiced, obedient smile, its curve perfect, and his eyes appeared gentle and harmless in the natural light.

However, beneath this meticulously crafted mask, anxiety grows wildly like vines.

He could clearly feel the omnipresent pressure.

Rohart Fink, a 2S-class Red-bellied Dragonfly mutant, clung to Su Tang almost like a shadow, his gaze sweeping across the entire rest area like a searchlight.

And then there's Klein Brown, the current Marshal, the Empire's strongest female soldier... Beneath her seemingly calm and casual demeanor lies an all-pervasive and penetrating mental focus, like mercury seeping into every nook and cranny.

Because of his special ability, he could feel at all times that powerful yet restrained spiritual force, like a fine net, tightly enveloping him, and every breath he took seemed to be under the other party's monitoring.

According to previous information, he shouldn't be at the finals tonight. However, this was within his calculations, and he had a plan B.

But the one who made him feel most uneasy was Lancelot Mantis, the newly appointed Imperial Strategic Commander. On the StarNet, people jokingly called him the "Crown Prince" of the Mantis Clan, because of his noble birth and the rumors that he only got the commander's position because of his connections.

Isaac felt it wasn't that simple.

The military has so many positions; if it were just based on his background, he could easily be qualified for any other position, instead of the military making an exception and creating a "commander" position just for him—you know, the Zerg have always believed that might makes right and disdain any tricks in battle.

When Isaac first met Lancelot, he only needed one glance to realize that this guy was the same type as him.

The pink-haired female soldier's venomous gaze was almost tangible, frequently falling on him, especially when his gaze inadvertently drifted towards Su Tang, who was surrounded by others. Lancelot's gaze would become even sharper, like a cold blade, pressed against his skin, ready to cut him at any moment.

Isaac felt more than once that his opponents were prepared. The feeling of being targeted by several apex predators simultaneously made the muscles in his back tense involuntarily.

He must be even more vigilant, as any slight negligence could lead to utter disaster.

However, under this tight and tense encirclement, seeing how precious and protective they were of the little male insect, Isaac felt a complex and unspeakable emotion welling up inside him.

It's envy.

It's jealousy.

It is an endless longing.

This realization was like a fine thorn, piercing the softest part of his heart, making him more clearly aware of the despicable nature of his actions at that moment.

Looking at Su Tang, who was under tight protection, he felt a complex and indescribable bitterness welling up inside him.

in case……

If he had a clean background, if he wasn't that space pirate struggling in the gray area, carrying the hopes of a group of cubs for survival...

Is it possible for him, like these contestants, to stand in the sunlight simply through talent and hard work? Or could he also become a female soldier, standing openly beside his favorite male, just like the three of them?

It was definitely not like now, where he wore a mask of hypocrisy and harbored ulterior motives to approach the little male insect who gave him pure kindness.

The thought had barely surfaced when he forcibly suppressed it.

No if.

Just as he told Adlaud, he had long since run out of options.

This realization made his throat tighten.

"Isaac?" A lively voice interrupted his thoughts.

Isaac snapped back to reality and realized that Su Tang was already standing in front of him.

He immediately put on that perfect, slightly shy, obedient smile: "Brother Su Tang, what brings you here?"

Klein, who was standing next to Su Tang, only glanced at him indifferently, his icy blue eyes revealing no emotion.

"The finals are about to begin, and I'm here to give a little push to the contestants who are about to put on a show for me!" Su Tang raised his chin, looking completely matter-of-fact.

His arrival was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, causing a small commotion.

The contestants all stood up and gave him ingratiating looks.

Su Tang, as if inspecting troops, swept his gaze over the insects and said a few grand and imposing words such as "Perform well, and I will keep an eye on you," which he thought were very intimidating.

Then he naturally took Isaac's wrist and said, "Come here for a moment, I have something to tell you."

Isaac could feel Lancelot's gaze from afar, like icicles piercing his back.

Su Tang pulled him to a relatively quiet corner in the corridor and mysteriously pulled a few blue fruits out of her pocket: "Here, for you."

That was the unique Gorgon fruit of the planet Moth, with a crystal-clear appearance and a faint sweet fragrance. Since Su Tang became the star lord of Moth, this fruit has become very popular and is considered an extremely rare luxury item in the capital planet.

Isaac was stunned.

He took the few fruits that still held the warmth of the male insect's palm, his fingertips trembling slightly uncontrollably.

His perfectly feigned innocent smile froze on his face for a moment.

"Brother, this..."

"Don't be shy, I brought this especially for you." Su Tang wagged her tail proudly, leaned closer to him and lowered her voice, "I feel like you haven't been feeling well lately. This is very sweet, eating something sweet will make you feel better."

Isaac stared at the few precious fruits in his hand, feeling as hot as burning coals.

He took a deep breath, raised his eyes, and asked with utmost seriousness, "Brother, why...why are you so good to me?"

Su Tang was taken aback by his serious tone. Isaac always brought him delicious drinks, so wasn't it normal for him to bring Isaac some fruit?

Does he look like the kind of big shot who likes to take things from his underlings for free? Does Isaac think I don't want to take him on as a henchman?

Su Tang felt he had to correct Isaac's mistaken idea.

He glanced around, then mysteriously leaned closer, almost touching Isaac's ear. His warm breath brushed against the orange-haired female insect's earlobe, bringing a strange tingling sensation.

"Because I like you."

Isaac's heart skipped a beat, then began to race. He felt a surge of anger rising within him, and an unfamiliar warmth uncontrollably coursed through his body.

Before he could react, Su Tang lowered her voice again, speaking with an intimate tone as if sharing a secret:

"So you don't need to be so nervous! I've already decided, this time the champion is you!"

He puffed out his little chest, giving off a "you should be grateful" look.

Isaac's pupils contracted slightly; for a moment, he truly didn't know how to respond.

Su Tang spoke with absolute certainty, his thoughts were beautiful: he aspired to become the ultimate villain of the universe, and since he was a bad guy, he would do things that only bad guys would do—like, pulling strings!

As for who to choose as the champion? Of course, it's his own bug—Isaac, who will soon become his loyal little brother!

To carry out this wicked plan, he even sought out director Toudou Paul in advance.

He wandered over to the worried director, trying to put on a stern face and make himself look fierce.

"I'm going to make him win the championship!" He gestured with his thumb to Isaac behind him. "Bald guy, did you hear me?!"

Su Tang was smug, thinking that the director would definitely uphold the integrity of an artist, not be afraid of power, and firmly refuse his unreasonable demands!

In this way, he can proceed to the next step: forcing the director to comply!

This is textbook-perfect villainous behavior!

He imagined the director angrily rebuking him and defending the fairness of the competition. Then he would use force to make the director submit.

That scene would definitely be very fitting for his identity as the Great Demon King!

However, reality gave him an unexpected response.

When he made this unreasonable request to director Tuto Paul, the director's reaction was completely unexpected.

Tutto Paul rubbed his hands together, his face beaming with an almost obsequious smile.

"Of course! Of course!" The director unconsciously bent over a little, and the only remaining strand of hair on his head bobbed back and forth as he nodded repeatedly.

"Whatever makes you happy, sir!" He smiled, his eyes narrowing into slits. "You can choose whoever you want! Our production team will absolutely cooperate!"

Tuto Paul knew perfectly well what was going on. His initial intention in creating "The Grand Stage of Insect Planet" was simply to save himself and his team from the brink of disbandment. Since inviting Lady Su Tang, that goal had already been far exceeded!

As for who the champion is? He doesn't care at all! Anyway, there's all the talk on the StarNet right now, everyone's saying this show is the male insect's selection of a consort.

Since that's the case, why not go with the flow? By solidifying the "selection of concubines" title, the show's popularity will only increase in the future!

As for the fairness of the competition? What is that? Does it translate into higher viewership?

"I will obey your orders!"

Su Tang: "..."

He was stunned for a moment. This was completely different from the script he had expected!

Shouldn't the director have firmly and righteously refused him, so that he could then resort to his tyrannical tactics?!

Why... why did you agree so readily?

He was so embarrassed by all this that he felt he couldn't bring himself to pull out the director's last remaining hair.

Su Tang's little brain, once again using its performance to outperform 0.1% of its colleagues, worked at high speed and quickly arrived at a conclusion that satisfied him:

The bald director must have been intimidated by my innate evil aura! He didn't even dare to have a thought of resistance!

He became even more smug, feeling that he was a genius born for evil!

So he couldn't wait to bring this "victory" back and share it with Isaac.

He waited to see the look of ecstasy on Isaac's face, and then his gratitude towards him!

But Isaac did not bow down as Su Tang expected. He simply looked at the little male insect quietly, his eyes filled with a heaviness and complexity that Su Tang could not understand.

Su Tang tilted her head slightly, her amber eyes filled with pure confusion:

"What's wrong?" he asked. "The championship is yours! Is there any other problem?"

Isaac was silent for a moment, as if he was organizing his thoughts, or perhaps he was going through some kind of difficult internal struggle.

Deep within his brown eyes swirled a vortex of profound emotions.

"Brother..." His voice was very soft, as if he was afraid of disturbing the tranquility of the moment, and also afraid of shattering the fragile illusion before him.

"I have a friend..." he said carefully, his gaze falling on Su Tang's face, yet it seemed to penetrate her, looking at a distant yet inevitable ending.

"He... went to great lengths to mold himself into a completely different persona." Isaac paused, then almost blurted out, "a gentle, harmless, even adorable, perfect image."

His voice was low, with a hint of barely perceptible self-mockery, "Using all my strength to get close to another insect."

Those brown eyes, which always held a gentle smile, were now filled with a storm that was far too terrifying to contain.

"If..." He gazed at Su Tang, asking clearly and slowly, word by word:

"If you, brother, are the insect that gets approached."

Isaac's gaze was fixed on Su Tang, his pupils even showing the characteristics of insect-like compound eyes, not wanting to miss any subtle change in his expression.

"Everything you see and feel—his obedience, his shyness, his adoration, every word he says, every action he takes, every look in his eyes, even the flavor he remembers when he hands you a drink..."

He paused again, as if the next words would require a great deal of effort.

"If all of this is a lie deliberately woven by that friend, a facade created, a carefully designed deception to achieve his goal, brother, what would you think?"

He finished speaking almost in one breath, then shut his mouth tightly, staring into Su Tang's eyes like a death row inmate awaiting the judge's final verdict, waiting for the male insect's response.

Su Tang felt that Isaac was acting strangely today. Could it be because it was the finals and the kid was getting nervous?

He blinked, his long eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings.

Su Tang's tiny brain clearly failed to grasp the bloody truth behind the metaphor.

He simply raised his chin proudly, and the little tail hook behind him, which could sway at his will, also perked up smugly.

"Of course, that's only natural!" Su Tang said in a tone that said, "Is that even a question?"

"Of course...?" Isaac repeated almost subconsciously, like a fool.

"yes!"

Su Tang nodded vigorously, his amber eyes sparkling with pure light. He gave a sweet smile, his chin held high, his face beaming with joy.

"Hmph, your friend must be completely captivated by my villainous charm!"

"You...aren't you angry?" Isaac couldn't help but ask, his voice strained with disbelief. "He deceived you! All his kindness and friendliness were fake!"

"Why are you angry?" Su Tang found it strange. He looked at Isaac with bright eyes, as if he had discovered something interesting.

"He actually went to so much trouble for me!" The little male insect proudly raised its head, its tail swishing excitedly. "Doesn't this just prove that my charm is irresistible?"

Isaac was completely stunned.

He had imagined many possible responses—anger at being deceived, heartbroken disappointment…

This is the only one that is not available.

"Haha, my evil has indeed spread all over the world! There are even underlings willingly offering themselves up!"

Su Tang's logic is simple and direct, carrying a kind of naivety that comes from not having experienced the ways of the world.

"By the way, where is that friend you mentioned? Could it be...?" The little male insect recalled the first time he met Isaac, and narrowed his eyes suspiciously. He knew it! How could there be two insects that looked so alike in the world!

"I know! Isn't your friend Adlord? Wow, you were pretending you didn't know him before! You two must be related!"

Su Tang glared at Isaac, only to find that the other was still looking at him with a complex gaze that he couldn't describe.

Isaac was speechless; he was at a loss for words, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

Wasn't he being obvious enough? Why would this male insect connect this to his own brother? So, in his eyes, Adlord seems obedient and docile?

But the verdict delivered by the little male's peculiar thought process truly relieved him.

Su Tang's face was full of trust, and her amber eyes reflected the shadow of the false shell of "contestant Isaac".

That carefree, even slightly proud, demeanor made his heart clench as if gripped tightly by something, a mixture of soreness and bloating that almost suffocated him.

Isaac stared intently at Su Tang for a long time.

"What's wrong? You're acting really strange today!"

He shook his head at the puzzled Su Tang, his voice returning to its usual obedient and gentle tone, but something was definitely different.

"It's nothing," Isaac said softly, "just... confirming some things."

Isaac smiled silently, with a sense of relief, and with a resolute determination to burn his bridges.

He made an unbreakable vow to himself in his heart:

anyway.

I will never let you suffer even the slightest harm.

no way.

-------------------------------------

The huge circular stadium was packed to capacity, with dazzling lights crisscrossing the dome and holographic projections floating above the stage, capturing every exciting moment in real time.

The stage design is extremely luxurious and technologically advanced, with a suspended transparent platform and ever-changing light and shadow effects, creating a dreamlike splendor.

The host's passionate opening remarks brought the atmosphere to a climax.

The contestants took turns on stage, showcasing all their skills and giving it their all.

Whether it was a soaring operatic aria or a powerful rock shout, every performance was of a high standard, drawing cheers and applause from the audience like a tidal wave.

Su Tang sat in the center of the judges' panel, surrounded by dazzling lights, enjoying the feeling of being the center of attention.

He felt like he was the center of the universe, the beacon of villainy! All the insects' eyes were fixed on him!

Su Tang acted all high and mighty, giving the contestant on stage a fake nod, watching as the other person bowed deeply and left the stage with a flushed face. Then, she marked a zero on the scoring sheet, completely disregarding the cameras and not even trying to cover it up.

That's right, he is the biggest behind-the-scenes manipulator of the show. The contestants' performances are no longer important, because he has already decided everything in advance!

Isaac, handpicked by the judges as the champion and one of the favorites to win this year's championship, was the second to last to perform.

His performance was impeccable.

The chosen song is a melodious, layered, and extremely challenging song.

Isaac's voice is naturally clear and penetrating. His technique is superb, his emotions are rich, and he is almost flawless. On stage, he shines brightly, as if he was born to be there.

But if you look closely, you might glimpse a ruthless streak that seems out of place in the depths of his brown eyes, which always seem to hold a sweet smile.

The orange-haired female insect stood in the center of the stage, her eyes slightly closed, the beam of light focused on her, her long eyelashes casting a faint shadow on her cheeks.

When the song reached the chorus, the original lyrics, which contained complex emotions, seemed to be more than just a performance; it was as if the singer was expressing something or saying goodbye to something.

Each note seemed to carry a weight, and each breath felt like making a difficult choice.

Su Tang was completely unaware.

He watched intently, completely absorbed in the beautiful singing, his tail swaying gently to the rhythm of the music, feeling proud to have such a capable little brother.

Lancelot leaned forward slightly, like a cheetah poised to pounce.

Klein's mental field suddenly tightened, enveloping the entire stage.

Even Rohart took a half step forward, getting even closer to Su Tang.

Something's not right with Isaac.

The red-haired dog's animalistic intuition told him that beneath Isaac's calm exterior, this boy-next-door type, lay a suppressed energy about to erupt. This was completely different from his usual performances, where he was immersed in the music.

Isaac, however, seemed completely oblivious to the three female insects' wariness.

Or rather, he was already prepared to face anything.

When he finished the last note and bowed deeply, the applause and cheers that erupted from the audience almost lifted the roof off.

"Isaac!" Su Tang picked up the microphone, trying to make her voice sound vicious, and said critically, "Hmph, your singing... so-so, barely pleasing to my ear."

He tried to keep a straight face, attempting to project an image of "I don't really approve of you," but his bright eyes and slightly upturned lips betrayed his true thoughts.

The orange-haired female insect stood in the center of the stage, slightly panting, her eyes fixed on Su Tang with almost greedy eyes.

The two insects' eyes met in mid-air. The little male insect wagged its tail merrily, silently mouthing, "The championship is yours!"

Looking at that smiling face without a trace of gloom, Isaac's last bit of hesitation vanished.

He bowed slightly and walked off the stage amidst thunderous applause.

As he passed Lancelot, he felt that venomous gaze was about to tear him to pieces.

But Isaac's eyes were calm and still, like the calm surface of the sea before a storm, concealing a storm powerful enough to overturn everything.

He did not back down. He raised his head to meet Lancelot's malice, his eyes showing an unprecedented calmness and determination.