Master of Masters 49

Chapter 49: Lights On

He Yue woke up in a daze, his eyes fluttering open to a dark room.

He sat up, his limbs still weak. A damp, cold towel fell from his forehead onto the clean sheets.

He was still groggy, looking at the darkness outside, almost thinking the nuclear hole crisis hadn’t fully passed, causing another day to turn into night.

“Master, you’re awake?” A head poked in through the bedroom door. “I’ll get you a cup of hot water.” He Yue nodded numbly, hearing the soft click of the door closing. He pressed the back of his cold hand against his burning cheek, still trying to piece together what had happened.

He had spent a long time in Koeyle’s private lounge, and after the exhaustion set in, his limbs had gone weak, his body burning. He couldn’t remember anything after that.

Had he fainted?

(System?)

The system’s mechanical voice coughed twice.

[Host, you pushed yourself too hard…]

(？)

The system, seeing He Yue’s confused and speechless expression, lowered its mechanical voice, a hint of guilt in its tone. [The male insect’s physique is already weak, and it was your first time using pheromones, and… you’re only four months old!] (??)

He Yue’s confusion and speechlessness deepened.

A powerful soul inhabiting a frail body, two decades of life experience grafted onto a four-month-old life.

(Can you adjust my physical stats? Like… make me stronger.)

The system was silent for a moment.

[Host, the system doesn’t have that function…]

Even the divine intervention of the system couldn’t directly change He Yue’s genes. He had to continue living in this unique body.

It was frail and sensitive. The upside was that it brought He Yue more intense sensations, the downside…

Given He Yue’s usual intensity at Castle, it was likely that this body would be overwhelmed.

The high fever was almost making He Yue faint, and the back of his neck throbbed with pain. He touched it, and the immediate jolt of sensation made his weak, almost unconscious body tense up.

(What is this?)

[The host’s pheromone gland, on the back of your neck.]

This stimulation was no joke, and He Yue quickly retracted his hand.

(You insects are really troublesome…)

He Yue grumbled, but he was helpless. He was in this world now, and the system couldn’t remove these “weaknesses” of the male insect. He could only adapt, and even utilize these traits.

The gland was swollen and painful, a hot, raised bump to the touch, an indescribable sensation spreading from the back of his neck throughout his body. He Yue placed the cold towel on his burning skin, the icy, rough sensation against his sensitive skin making his eyes water.

Koeyle entered and saw He Yue’s seemingly self-harming behavior, the cup in his hand almost slipping from his grasp.

“Mas, Master, what are you doing?” Koeyle snatched the cold towel from He Yue’s neck.

He Yue blinked, his eyes red, his eyelashes glistening with tears from the cold towel’s stimulation of his gland. His voice was muffled, weak:

“It hurts…”

The genuine discomfort made He Yue look somewhat pitiful and wronged. He cursed this frail body a thousand times in his mind, both disgusted and annoyed. But his half-closed eyes, his dazed expression as he stared at the bed, made Koeyle’s heart melt.

Koeyle placed the water glass on the side, sat down beside him, and gently pulled He Yue’s shoulder closer.

“Master is still young, only a little over four months old.”

(…Does my age have to be four months?)

“It’s like this the first time. The biology textbook said so.”

(Who’s the first timer here?)

He Yue closed his eyes, retorting to Koeyle in his mind. He didn’t have the strength or the reason to argue, so he simply leaned against him.

In the human world, twenty-something was the prime of one’s life, even a bit reckless, but in the insect world, it was considered old. And in the eyes of the system and Koeyle, He Yue was just a four-month-old male insect.

He Yue couldn’t be bothered to complain about the “four-month-old” topic.

Controlling pheromones also required time and energy. It was He Yue’s first time using pheromones for control, and he had both engraved a mental imprint and removed a genetic imprint, so it was natural that he was exhausted.

The throbbing pain in the back of his neck was unbearable, and he had a high fever, his mind hazy. He frowned in discomfort, his muffled sounds resembling a whimpering animal.

“Major General… the back of my neck…”

Koeyle gently pulled aside his loose pajamas, revealing the pale skin and a bright red, swollen bump. The gland was congested with pheromones, emitting a faint, sweet floral scent.

The swollen gland looked ripe and juicy, like a plump red fruit.

Koeyle pursed his lips, his mouth watering unconsciously.

I want to lick it…

The male insect’s pheromone gland was like catnip to female insects, especially those who had just bonded.

“Is Master in a lot of pain?”

“…Duh.”

He Yue closed his eyes and replied bluntly.

“Then, can I rub it for Master… if the pheromones are congested, gently massaging them will help.”

He Yue didn’t agree immediately.

(System, verify this. I have a feeling this doggy has some bad intentions.)

The system paused, glancing at Koeyle, and replied: [He’s telling the truth. Rubbing it will make it feel better, but… the host might not be able to do it yourself.]

“Alright, be gentle.” He Yue was still traumatized from his clumsy attempt to soothe his swollen gland. “If you dare to hurt your Master, I’ll give you a good whipping.”

His words were a threat, and he always kept his promises. Normally, just a single sentence like this would make Koeyle tense up instinctively.

But now, his Master was weak from the gland’s torment, leaning against him, his voice soft, his threats losing their edge.

“Master, I’ll be very careful.”

Koeyle couldn’t resist, his fingers gently touching the gland. He Yue flinched, burying his face in Koeyle’s chest. He wrapped his arms around Koeyle’s waist, his entire body tensed, his grip tight.

Koeyle was almost suffocated, but he hugged him back, not uttering a single complaint.

Even if He Yue was just unconsciously seeking comfort from the pain, he cherished this rare moment, the discomfort negligible.

Koeyle gently blew on the swollen area, his fingertips caressing it, his touch incredibly light.

“Mmm… gentle, gentler…”

The throbbing pain gradually transformed into an unbearable pleasure, strangely arousing He Yue. The swollen gland could feel even the slightest touch, and even the light massage was incredibly stimulating.

(No… the male insect’s body, how many parts of it are linked to sex?)

Ears, glands…

The system’s mechanical voice was slightly hesitant, clearly lacking confidence.

[Ma, many…]

(…)

He Yue rarely asked the system about male insect biology. In his subconscious, he still treated this body, which looked like a slender, beautiful human’s, as a human’s.

So, every new, unique sensation was a surprise…

Or a shock.

The system felt guilty, played dead, and indicated that there was still much to be explored.

“Ha… don’t, it hurts…”

He Yue couldn’t help but moan, his breathy voice enough to captivate anyone’s soul. What he felt was no longer pain, but a surge of pleasure from the pressure on the back of his neck, far exceeding his imagination.

His waist weakened, and he pressed against Koeyle, his grip on his waist loosening, his strength to argue gone.

Under the influence of the gland, He Yue’s body gradually grew hotter, heading towards an uncontrollable state.

This damn male insect body!

He Yue cursed inwardly, but the sound that came out was a soft, sticky moan, making one’s heart melt, wanting to make him even more wanton.

Koeyle was thinking the same thing. This little dog, taking advantage of the situation, was having many bad thoughts.

“Master, are you in a lot of pain?”

He Yue closed his eyes and moaned in response, the sound ambiguous.

“Then does Master want to distract yourself? For example, by me kissing you or something.” He Yue raised his head slightly, his chin resting on Koeyle’s chest, as if contemplating this question with his already muddled mind. His pupils lost focus for a moment as Koeyle pressed harder on the back of his neck, his eyebrows furrowing in pleasure.

Seeing his silence, Koeyle coaxed, “A kiss will make you feel much better, really.” “…Comfortable…” He Yue, catching the keyword, didn’t hear the rest.

Was that an affirmation?

The thought flashed through his mind, and Koeyle couldn’t resist any longer, lowering his head and gently biting He Yue’s soft, burning lips, his tongue slipping inside.

He Yue was still dazed when a firm pressure on the back of his neck made his eyes widen, tears escaping his eyes. He bit down on the intruding tongue, drawing blood.

The metallic taste of blood filled his mouth, and Koeyle, feeling the sharp pain on his tongue, only deepened the kiss with more excitement.

He had never been a gentle person.

He Yue was aroused by the massage on his gland, his mouth sealed by the deep kiss. His senses were heightened, his rationality completely gone, and he instinctively pressed closer to Koeyle, his breath catching, yet he clung even tighter.

Koeyle, feeling his Master’s arousal, quickened the pace of his massage on the swollen gland.

He Yue’s Adam’s apple bobbed, hot tears streaming down his face, his senses overwhelmed, his lust uncontrollable. His breathing was heavy, yet blocked by the deep kiss, making the pleasure even more intense.

He seemed to be completely lost, his mind blank, only the pleasure from the back of his neck and the passion of the bloody kiss remaining. His face was flushed, mostly from lack of breath. But this didn’t bring him pain, only a double dose of ecstasy.

The swollen gland became even redder, the pink hue spreading to the surrounding skin. But Koeyle had indeed managed to soothe it. When he released He Yue, his Master, now completely wanton, collapsed into his arms.

“You really… are a very, very bad doggy…”

He Yue’s every action was now considered adorable coquetry by Koeyle, viewed through layers of filters. Threats, complaints, grievances…

“Master is the best, best Master in the world.”

Koeyle coaxed him, wiping away the tears from his cheeks, continuing to murmur, “So, we’re a match made in heaven.”

He Yue was amused.

“You smooth talker.”

After the gland was soothed, He Yue seemed to recover quickly. The redness on the back of his neck subsided, leaving only a faint pink hue.

He stretched, feeling refreshed.

[Host should be more restrained next time.]

This level of activity was nothing for the He Yue at Castle, not even considered indulgence.

(Indulge once, rest for a few days, it’s worth it.)

[…]

The system fell silent.

Its host wasn’t a normal person, and discussing restraint and limits with a lunatic was probably pointless.

The system initiated its emergency plan.

It felt that if it didn’t upgrade, its host would truly play himself to death.

He Yue finally went out. Although his steps were still slightly unsteady, he looked mostly normal.

Koeyle had been taking care of He Yue at home for several days, and his optical device was flooded with messages from the base. He was now a major general, the direct superior of the three bases in the southwest region, A, B, and C, with countless matters waiting for him.

Yet, the newly appointed major general had taken several days off.

So, He Yue called Wien, who was on his weekend break, to go out with him.

“You’re so hard to get ahold of…” Kano invited He Yue to one of the best restaurants in the insect world and personally poured him a glass of wine.

He Yue leaned closer and sniffed, the pungent smell of alcohol making him recoil. He said casually, “I haven’t been feeling well lately, I don’t want to drink anything so strong.” Wien and Kano both tensed up.

Kano touched his forehead with the back of his hand, feeling a slight fever. He moved the wine glass in front of him and ordered a glass of high-quality fruit juice.

“No alcohol.” Kano touched the side of the glass. “Do you want it warmed up?” He Yue frowned slightly.

This gentle tone…

(System, he doesn’t have a conquest value above his head.)

[He, he’s a male insect!]

He Yue realized and started sipping the cold, sweet and sour fruit juice.

(Then it’s fine.)

Male insects looked like men, and He Yue still hadn’t fully grasped the insect race’s classification system.

Wien took He Yue’s steak plate and began cutting the steak into thin strips. He was the only female insect at the table, and He Yue’s accompanying female insect, so he couldn’t embarrass him.

“What’s wrong?” Kano asked, cutting his own steak. “Did you catch a cold from the sudden change in weather?” He Yue shook his head, feigning a deep voice. “I played too hard the first time.” Kano’s hand paused as he cut his steak, glancing at Wien. “You’re still young, you should build up your tolerance gradually.” He placed a piece of cut steak on He Yue’s plate. “But you even broke the bone whip, you really play rough.” He Yue didn’t refute, but his expression clearly said, “I don’t want to hear a lecture.”

When would these insects forget that he was only four months old?

Wien, however, was tense, cutting the steak on his plate with a stiff hand.

He knew He Yue and Koeyle had bonded, and it was his Master’s first time.

“You too,” Kano looked at Wien. “Did you skip your female insect biology class? It was his first time, you should have made your Master be more restrained.” The knife scraped against the plate, making a loud sound.

This was another blow to Wien. He bit his lip and replied, “I understand, thank you.” He Yue glanced at Kano and muttered, “Stay out of my business.” “Yes, yes,” Kano drawled. “I’m just worried about you, it’s hard to see you unwell.” “That’s something my female insect should say, know your place.” “Can’t a male insect say it?”

Wien, at the side, even stopped cutting his steak, his head lowered, but his ears were all attention.

“What do you think?” He Yue, focused on his conquest KPI, asked without hesitation.

Kano chuckled awkwardly and placed a small piece of cut steak on He Yue’s plate. His smile was a bit stiff as he quickly tried to cover up his gaffe. “Just concerned about my…” He thought for a moment.

“Male insect friend.”

This kind of concern seemed a bit too intimate.

He Yue didn’t reply, putting a piece of steak in his mouth, and heard Kano say, “Or, can a male insect be more?” “Cough, cough…”

He Yue choked on the steak juice, coughing violently. His face flushed red, his eyes watering.

“Master, slow down, slow down…”

Wien gently patted his back and handed him a glass.

(System, give him a conquest value.)

[He… he’s a male insect!]

He Yue, the transmigrator, didn’t have the concept of male and female insects. They all looked like human men, just with some strange genetic structures.

He Yue recovered, wiping away his tears. He scoffed and said, “Then first, get rid of all your female insects, and then come be my dog.” Now it was Wien’s turn to be surprised. He couldn’t tell if his Master was being serious or joking, but it seemed he was about to have another “rival” in front of him.

And this “rival” was a male insect?

“I…”

Kano was about to speak when He Yue interrupted him. “Don’t, I’m kidding, don’t believe it.” Although his tone was serious, Kano found his childishness endearing and sighed. “Really can’t believe it?” “Are you really thinking about it?”

Kano thought for a moment and nodded.

“Get lost!” Don’t affect my KPI.

He Yue didn’t say the last part out loud, but the first part made Wien breathe a sigh of relief and Kano shake his head in dejection.

“When did you start thinking like this?” He Yue asked.

“Maybe… when I first met you at the auction, when I saw you tying up your female insect with the leather rope?” So it was love at first sight?

He Yue focused on eating the steak Wien had cut for him, completely ignoring his words.

This affection stemmed from admiration, and then, as He Yue repeatedly showed off his “achievements,” like the burned-out candles, the broken bone whip, and his own reddened palm, this admiration gradually transformed.

I shouldn’t have sent those pictures…

He Yue ate his steak, annoyed. He had only shared them as a friend with a common interest, thinking it was fine since they were both male insects. He had also noticed some hints in their chats and found Kano’s persistent invitations to hang out strange.

But in the end, it was all dismissed by “Kano is a male insect.” Now…

“Don’t be so gloomy, isn’t it good to have one more insect who loves you? I won’t do anything.” Kano said, seeing He Yue eating his steak with a frown, his heart softening slightly. “It’s good to have another male insect friend in the insect world, I can help you solve a lot of problems.” Kano reached out and pinched the unhappy male insect’s cheek. “You’re not really going to break up with me, are you?” He Yue felt he had a point and shook his head, refuting the idea of breaking up.

“Then can you stop saying you love me all the time? It’s so cringey.” “No.”

He Yue glared at him. “Shut up and eat quietly!”

The rest of the meal was indeed silent.

Wien silently chewed his steak, his heart aching with jealousy.

This male insect had so casually and openly said what he had never even thought of saying to He Yue. So easily, those words “I love you” had been spoken.

Just because he was a male insect?

“There’s a fun banquet tonight, want to go together?” Kano asked.

“No.”

Kano continued, “There are a lot of interesting toys, I heard they’re all rare items. You’ve never been to this kind of event before, are you interested in going together?” “Will you buy me whatever I want?” He Yue asked jokingly, trying to dissuade him.

“Of course I’ll buy them for you.”

His attempt at dissuasion failed.

“Buy whatever you want.”

He Yue’s eyes flickered.

“Even if you fancy a female insect, I’ll buy him for you.”

He Yue had been at the base for a long time and hadn’t had the chance to meet any new female insects. He hesitated, then said slowly, “Alright…” “Great! Where should we go after this? We can go to the banquet when it’s time for dinner.” He Yue realized that the banquet wasn’t the main point; the main point was that Kano had finally managed to get him out and wanted to take this opportunity to spend more time with him.

Where did he get all these ideas?

“Anything is fine, let’s just walk around.”

He Yue was dragged around by Kano, buying a lot of things, and even planned to get a custom-made suit.

Unlike He Yue’s other female insects, Kano was very relaxed. He was a male insect, with no instinctive submission, no humility or dependence. From the beginning, he had been on equal footing with He Yue, pampering him like a mature older brother.

Not suitable for a dog, but good as a friend.

He Yue hesitated.

(You’re really not going to give him a value?)

[He’s… a male insect…] The system suddenly sounded a bit uncertain.

It accurately checked his species.

[He’s a male insect. Host, you… are a universal conqueror.]

If he could really be included as a conquest target, He Yue felt he could save himself a lot of trouble.

He Yue tried on the suit, thinking about his mission.

In the mirror, He Yue was wearing a high-quality white suit, every cut and stitch perfect, the slightly cinched waist accentuating his slender waist and long legs. A few thin chains at the collar added a touch of liveliness, breaking the monotony.

“This one suits you, the other one was also nice. Which one do you like?” Kano asked.

He Yue replied casually, “Both are fine.”

“Then we’ll take both.”

“Huh?”

While He Yue was still in a daze, Kano had already handed the other packaged suit to Wien, who was standing behind him.

“Then let’s wear this one tonight, I’ll go change into the suit I custom-made earlier.” Kano called out to Wien. “You should change too.”

When Kano came out, He Yue sighed at his black suit and reached for the other bag on the sofa.

This black suit perfectly matched his own, especially the chain design, a clear set.

“This one looks good.” Kano grabbed his hand.

He Yue shook him off. “You dare say you didn’t have ulterior motives?”

“Just a little, but it doesn’t matter, aren’t we both male insects?” Kano pulled him closer, almost hugging him. “Changing suits is also troublesome, we need to hurry, there’s not enough time.”

The problem between them wasn’t that they were both male insects, but that there was no conquest value above Kano’s head.

He Yue sat in the passenger seat of Kano’s mecha, fastening his seatbelt, frowning helplessly. “How many female insects do you have?”

“Do you care?”

“Not at all, I just think you’re so good at flirting, the female insects must be all over you.”

The mecha took off smoothly, following its flight path. They could see the tall buildings at eye level, the dazzling lights below.

“Would you chase after a female insect, flirt with them?” Kano asked.

In this insect world, male insects didn’t need to chase after female insects. They just needed to beckon, and the masterless female insects would come flocking.

Seeing He Yue’s silence, Kano continued:

“There are still insects who can’t be wooed, aren’t there?”