Chapter 172: Rebel Army Base
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Every millennium, exceptionally gifted larvae undergo a transformation into cocoons after reaching the adolescent stage. If they possess enough strength to break free from their cocoons, these larvae enter the maturity stage and assume leadership roles among their kind.
“The insectoids remain nameless, but you can bestow upon me a human-like name.”
Zhou Ye was taken aback by this revelation. He had been oblivious to the fact that the young man before him was destined to become the future leader of the gentle soft beetles. No wonder the normally docile beetles had initiated the attack—they were protecting their future leader.
Upon emerging from the cocoon, the new insectoid leader would imprint on the first insectoid they encountered, viewing them as their mother. Until they reached adulthood, the current leader would provide guidance and support. The group of soft beetles must have been transporting the cocoon to the present leader, but instead of encountering their leader, the newly emerged insectoid found a human, much like Zhou Ye. Fortunately, the newly emerged leader would inherit the memories of their predecessors, eliminating the need for concern over how to nurture the young insectoid.
“I must investigate this situation, and I don’t have time to give you a name now. Wait here for me to return, and I will give you a name then. If anyone approaches, hide in the corner and remain undetected.” Zhou Ye gestured toward the corner where he had placed his wife. As long as the young man concealed himself in the corner, the invisible sphere would shield his presence.
The young man remained silent, responding to Zhou Ye solely through his actions.
Zhou Ye regarded the young man with disapproval, but the young man returned his gaze calmly. They locked eyes for a while, until Zhou Ye was the first to break the silence.
“Listen, our primary objective is to investigate the situation. You may accompany me, but you mustn’t impede my progress or allow others to discover our presence.”
With a composed gaze, the young man nodded in agreement.
For over an hour, Zhou Ye and the young man explored the underground base, gradually piecing together its layout. Zhou Ye even utilized the assistance of an Al to create a rough map of the base.
Based on various indications within the facility, Zhou Ye deduced that they were situated within the territory of the Empire, specifically an underground stronghold belonging to a rebel army.
Having gathered sufficient information, Zhou Ye led the young man back to the hiding spot where his wife, Mi Lu, was waiting. However, as they turned a corner, they unexpectedly encountered a group of rebel soldiers.
Just as Zhou Ye was preparing to incapacitate the rebels, one of them spoke up first, addressing him as Kevin.
“Kevin, where have you been? The commander has been furious, searching for you everywhere. Hurry up and report to him!”
‘Kevin?’
The rebel soldier’s expression appeared genuine, devoid of any signs of deceit. Zhou Ye hadn’t carried anything that could cause confusion, leaving only one possibility. He turned to look at the young man and confirmed his suspicion as the youth’s emerald green eyes sparkled in response. It was clear that he had utilized the Zerg’s innate ability.
Upon seeing Zhou Ye turn and gaze at him, the rebel soldier realized there was nothing behind Zhou Ye and asked, “Kevin, what are you staring at?”
Knowing that the rebel soldiers couldn’t see the young man due to his Zerg abilities, Zhou Ye swiftly changed his demeanor and expressed his gratitude to the rebel soldier. He assured them that he would report promptly and the rebel soldiers departed.
“I owe you my thanks. We would have been in serious trouble without your help. Thank you,” Zhou Ye said, heaving a sigh of relief.
In response to Zhou Ye’s gratitude, the young man smiled for the first time. “It was nothing. You’re welcome.”
Zhou Ye successfully escorted the young man back to where Mi Lu was hiding. As Zhou Ye deactivated the invisibility sphere, his wife was already awake. The moment she spotted Zhou Ye, she rushed into his arms.
Mi Lu, an S-rank instructor at the Alliance Military School, had shed her usual serious and composed demeanor, her eyes welled with tears as she looked at Zhou Ye, worried and relieved at the same time.
“I thought you were in danger and left me alone in the barrier to escape from the pursuers,” she said.
Zhou Ye tenderly caressed Mi Lu’s cheek, comforting her. “Are you being silly?
I’m strong, and I would never leave you alone in any danger.”
It proved challenging for Zhou Ye to soothe his wife’s worries. As he turned his attention to Mi Lu, he noticed her gaze fixated on the Zerg youth, curiosity evident in her expression.
Zhou Ye proceeded to introduce the young man to her. “This is the individual who guided us into the black hole.”
Mi Lu’s surprise was palpable as she exclaimed, “You’re the emerald cocoon? So, you’re not merely a newly hatched larva, but a future leader on the verge of emerging from your cocoon and reaching maturity?”