The inside of the Zerg pit was a maze, with winding, twisting paths that dazzled the eyes.
Due to the large size of the Zerg, the roads inside had to be dug out to accommodate their movement. Even mechas didn’t feel cramped. Under the constant impact from the Zerg swarm, Xia Yan’s sharp eyes noticed that Ludwig’s mecha had sustained damage, while his own mecha had only received a few “scratches.”
Xia Yan: “…”
Great, now he had experienced the extent of the protagonist shou’s abilities.
The internal signal was weak and intermittent, but the two messages he had sent to Huo Ruihe and Gong Changyong before jumping in had successfully gone through. The rest were still in the process of “sending.”
He instructed the mecha’s AI to memorize the route map and continue sending messages to the outside world relentlessly.
As for whether they would succeed? It was all up to luck.
Ahead, Ludwig seemed to have given up resistance, allowing the Zergs to carry his large mech deeper underground. Xia Yan scanned his surroundings, considering his next move.
Relying solely on the two of them to defeat all the Zerg and brute-force their way out was nothing but a fool’s dream.
Then…
In an instant, Xia Yan understood Ludwig’s plan.
As is widely known, the Zerg operated in a matriarchal society, with the Zerg Queen at the absolute center. As long as the Queen was killed, the rest of the Zergs would lose their will, and the swarm would no longer be a threat.
The Zergs had captured them as a sacrifice for the Queen.
If they just followed the swarm, they would surely approach the Queen’s core area.
Xia Yan opened the map provided by the system. The Queen’s location emitted an ominous red glow, quietly signaling its danger, accompanied by the damp, earthy scent of the underground. The distance between them gradually shrank.
He had guessed right.
Just as Xia Yan let out a sigh of relief, another thought crossed his mind. He asked, [System, is the pain shield still activated?]
[Of course it is,] 999 mumbled softly. [Although the Queen hasn’t used a mental attack yet, this is the enemy’s base. What if a Zerg bites you? That would hurt a lot.]
As a system that cared for its host, how could it let him endure pain?
Xia Yan couldn’t help but smile. [Thanks, System.]
The most difficult part of the military’s assault on the Zergs was the Queen’s mental attack. The shock that struck the soul caused soldiers’ movements to be delayed by several minutes.
In the Zerg wars, such a delay was fatal.
A mech that didn’t resist was nothing more than a hard toy.
But Xia Yan’s system allowed him to ignore the Queen’s mental attacks. The enemy’s most powerful weapon had become useless.
It seemed the system sensed its host’s thoughts, and it immediately warned: [Don’t do anything reckless! I can only block the pain; the injuries you would receive won’t be lessened.]
[I know, don’t worry,] Xia Yan confidently gave an OK gesture.
System: […]
For some reason, it felt even less reassured!
After an unknown amount of time, the task panel of the young man lit up.
[Task 7: Enter the Zerg Queen’s Hidden Area. Attachments: Map. (Completed)]
[Congratulations, you have completed all the main tasks.]
?
For the first time in his life, all tasks had been completed!!! Thinking of the points he would receive at the final tally, even in this critical situation, Xia Yan couldn’t help but smile.
This trip was worth it.
At this moment, they were getting dangerously close to the Zerg Queen.
The Zerg Queen’s skin was delicate and thin, with high offense but low defense. The high-level Zerg wouldn’t allow them to approach the Queen while in their mechas.
Before they reached their destination, the Zergs would try to pry open their mechs, find the vulnerable humans inside, wrap them in webs, and turn them into large cocoons. Once the cocoon dissolved into a gooey liquid, they would be delivered to the Queen’s mouth, where with a gentle puff, she could enjoy the sweetness of human flesh.
When the mech was attacked again, Xia Yan knew it was time.
–
At this point, the Empire was in chaos.
As soon as the Zerg swarm appeared, Clarence immediately sent out military forces for rescue. However, even at their fastest speed, it was difficult to rescue those trapped in the Zerg nest.
Hope was slim.
Since the missing child had been found, laughter had returned to the royal palace. They had almost touched the contours of happiness, how could they bear to lose it again?
Recently, though the emperor hadn’t said it explicitly, he had been giving hints.
Many people speculated that the emperor had found his child, but wasn’t sure who it was. Now that Xia Yan and Ludwig were in trouble, the rare anxious expression on the emperor’s face only fueled this speculation.
Could it be… that person was…?
The man exchanged a glance with his colleague, keeping the last four words hidden in his heart without speaking them.
In the moment of crisis, a large mothership carrying a group of mercenaries suddenly arrived at the trial planet. The leader was the captain who had protected Xia Yan on Planet X29.
The arrival of a group of top mercenaries greatly increased the chances of a successful rescue.
Indeed, Xia Jiuqian was clever. Under the emperor’s inexplicable suppression and support, it was inevitable that he would have some reservations. Facing the star league filled with imperial soldiers, he had naturally left a contingency plan.
After a quick and efficient discussion, the mercenaries and the stationed military reached an agreement.
The soldiers below S rank launched energy stone bombardments to force the Zerg swarm out, while the S-ranked soldiers entered the underground to do their best to bring out Xia Yan and Ludwig.
Ten minutes later.
The mercenary captain, piloting a mech, was the first to charge into the Zerg nest. He chopped down the approaching Zergs with a single strike and spoke in an internal voice that only his people could hear, “Prioritize rescuing the young master. Once you find him, exit immediately.”
“Understood, Boss.”
They were Xia Family mercenaries, not affiliated with the empire, and they had no mission to save Ludwig.
The leader coldly thought to himself.
Ian, also an S-ranked soldier, had joined the operation and was moving ahead of the main group, clearing the path. His mind was working rapidly.
During the previous competition, they had accumulated a large amount of energy, half of which he had given to Xia Yan. He had gone to extreme lengths to show his favoritism.
Before this, Xia Yan’s mech had been fully equipped to the teeth.
With the expensive liquid auto-repair armor, it was resistant to Zerg bites. With Ludwig being the “appetizer,” Xia Yan should be able to last for 20 hours under normal circumstances, which was enough time to rescue them.
He was safe. He wouldn’t be harmed.
Ian had to keep reassuring himself to stay calm.
During the anxious and slow passage of time, the immense mental power of the Zerg Queen suddenly erupted. It was like surging waves, crashing at everyone, and in just a few seconds, it quickly dissipated.
In the depths of the underground, a brilliant flash of light erupted, and the earth trembled as the Zerg nest quickly collapsed from the lowest level. Countless Zergs emitted mournful cries.
The loud rumbling reverberated in their ears. The people, still recovering from the mental attack, were buried by the dirt. Luckily, the mechas were equipped with ventilation systems, and their sturdy outer shells could withstand the immense pressure outside.
Most of the Zergs lived underground, so even if they were buried by dirt, they could quickly dig out tunnels. But the Zergs, instead of launching a counterattack, were moving around aimlessly like headless flies.
Someone had killed the Zerg Queen with a self-destruct attack.
Everyone’s hearts sank.
“Speed up the digging.”
“Yes.”
–
Three months later, at the Imperial Hospital.
Xia Yan stared blankly at the familiar people and environment around him, his fingers tightly gripping the bed sheets as doctors surrounded him, performing various checks. His mind was full of disbelief: [I didn’t die??]
At that time, he and Ludwig had fallen into the Zerg nest and were brought underground. Just as they were about to be wrapped up as food, the two of them fought back in perfect unison.
Relying on his ability to block the Zerg Queen’s mental attacks, Xia Yan had Ludwig hold off the Zergs while he used the system’s map to charge straight toward the Zerg Queen.
There was no buffer, just a direct confrontation with the Zerg Queen.
The shock to the soul was overwhelming, and even though there was no pain, Xia Yan coughed up blood several times from the strain on his body.
There were three high-level Zergs guarding the Queen, so killing her was no easy feat. But since the mission was already accomplished, Xia Yan decided to go all out with a powerful self-destruct.
The mecha, modified by the protagonist shou, had an explosion power that was off the charts, and with ample energy, it directly destroyed the fragile Zerg Queen.
When Xia Yan opened his eyes again, he thought he would return to the system space but was surprised to find himself still in the small world.
[Host, you’re finally awake!!!] The system cried out for the first time, [You scared me so much! I told you the system can only block pain, but the damage is real, and you still went and did it!]
?
Xia Yan blinked. His body unconsciously obeyed the doctor’s command to draw blood, and though he wanted to comfort the system, he didn’t know where to start.
In his dazed state, he realized… he might have made some mistakes.
The system, still crying, didn’t forget its duty: [The soul determines the upper limit of mental power, so the original owner was A-rank, but you’ve been detected to have SSS rank. The Zerg Queen’s mental attack directly targeted your soul.]
[And I… I can only block your pain.] It said gloomily.
Xia Yan suddenly understood: [So my soul was injured.]
999 nodded: [After the self-destruction, the protective chamber inside the mech quickly ejected, protecting your body—oh! Thanks to Ian Hyde, the most solid part of the entire mech modification was the protective chamber. Otherwise, I’d only be seeing a pile of flesh right now.]
[… I thought I would leave.]
The young man quietly replied in his heart, his thick eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings, making him look innocent.
The system’s reprimands were immediately halted, unable to be said. After a brief moment of awkwardness, it softened its tone: [Don’t do it again next time.]
[Okay, okay.]
[We can work a few extra jobs to make up for the lack of points. We’ll eventually achieve your wish to be revived.]
It was very serious, and Xia Yan’s heart sank: [Am I really that badly hurt?]
[Not exactly.]
[?]
[It’s just that for now, we can’t return to the system space. You’ll need to rest here in this world.] The system counted on its fingers. [It will probably take three to four years.]
That’s it?
The system: [Don’t take this lightly! When you passed out, your soul got stuck, and I… I…] It stammered, embarrassed to speak the rest, hastily changing the topic, [I reported to the Supreme God, and realized your soul was damaged, making it unsuitable to travel through small worlds and system space’s time tunnels. It would cause secondary damage, so you’ll need to rest here until recovery.]
As a newly born system, 999’s first host was Xia Yan, so naturally, it was very emotionally attached.
Xia Yan also felt the same. He comforted the system for a while, swearing not to take risks again, until he had calmed it down.
While he was speaking with the system, the doctor finally finished the examination: “Young Master Xia, your body is recovering well with no lasting effects. However, it’s best not to use your spiritual power for the next six months.”
“I understand, thank you, doctor.”
“You’re welcome.”
The doctor looked around and saw that the distinguished guests, often seen on TV, were all smiling. He sighed in relief. Xia Yan Gardner had finally woken up, otherwise, he feared the hospital would be flattened one day.
With a keen sense, he exited the room, leaving space for the family.
“Xiao Yan.”
As his mother’s voice called, a warm embrace followed.
Xia Yan came to his senses, feeling warm droplets fall on his neck, and his heart skipped a beat. After a brief hesitation, he gently patted his mother’s back, comforting her: “I’m fine, Mom.”
“Both your dad and I were so worried about you. Don’t take such risks next time.”
He looked up and met his father’s deep, quiet gaze, filled with fatherly love. “I’ll be more careful, Dad.”
The high-level hospital room was furnished like a spacious apartment, around 100 square meters. A large transparent floor-to-ceiling window was nearby, and the setting sun dyed the sky a deep orange-red.
Huo Ruihe and Ludwig stood by, quietly watching the family of three.
Until Lina calmed down, she secretly wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye. When she stood up again, she was once again the graceful, composed young lady. She looked at Ludwig, a hint of subtle wariness in her eyes, but her tone was affectionate: “Sorry, Your Highness, for causing you to see this.”
As soon as she finished speaking, Ludwig turned his head nervously and looked at Xia Yan.
Xia Yan tilted his head.
Your Highness?
After a moment of thought, he suddenly realized.
That’s right, in the original storyline, after the mech league ended, Ludwig was retrieved by the emperor and announced as the crown prince. Although there were some deviations along the way, the result hadn’t changed.
How could someone who is unconscious know all of these things?
He pretended to be confused and called out to his mother, “Mom?”
“Xiao Yan.” Lina Carter gave her husband a look, and Xia Jiuyan placed both hands on his son’s shoulders, lowering his head slightly and whispering affectionately in his son’s ear, “Ludwig is the child of the Emperor and Empress.”
The young man’s eyes widened in shock, his pale face, a result of being bedridden for so long, now appeared almost translucent, fragile and pitiful.
“How is that possible…?”
The man’s fingers tightened and rubbed on the young man’s shoulder in a soothing gesture, his voice dropping to a whisper only the two of them could hear, “Calm down, Xiao Yan.”
“…”
The tension in the air was palpable, like a taut bowstring ready to snap.
Everyone was watching the young man.
The young man clenched his jaw, his eyes glaring with hostility at the blonde man, as if accusing him—how did a mere commoner manage to get so high up?
In response, Ludwig felt no surprise.
Xia Yan valued benefits above all else, and his ambition to become king would naturally be threatened by Ludwig’s very existence. Of course, he would hate him.
“Sweetheart, isn’t this wonderful?”
Lina broke the tense silence with an exaggerated tone, “It’s such a coincidence that you and His Highness are roommates. You really have a strong connection.”
No matter what was going through his mind, the young man had to maintain appearances and not offend the royal family.
He forced a smile, “Yes, Mom.”
With the conflict diffused, Lina felt much more relaxed. She had been hoping to explain everything to Xia Yan more gently, but Ludwig had insisted on staying by the hospital room, waiting for her son to wake up.
On the surface, Xia Yan appeared disappointed and distressed, but inside, he was already thinking, ‘Nice.’
He’d be stuck here for a few years, so instead of fighting for the throne, he might as well enjoy life as a carefree “salted fish.” After being discharged, he could use his health as an excuse to drop out of school and travel to enjoy life.
A beautiful holiday was waiting for him!
–
Things happening in the Empire lately were getting more and more bizarre.
First, during the crucial Mecha League competition, a Zerg nest had appeared, causing a dangerous situation for the students. Fortunately, someone had killed the Zerg Queen in time, preventing a catastrophe.
As a result, Grover’s reputation had plummeted.
Oh, and then there was the Zerg Queen.
Xia Yan Gardner, a second-year student, had single-handedly killed the Zerg Queen. While the self-detonation of the mecha was a key factor, his ability to withstand the Zerg Queen’s psychic attack was enough to prove his strength.
Anyone who dared say he had cheated on the exam would be bombarded by the whole internet.
The third piece of news involved the royal family.
The Emperor had found his long-lost child, Ludwig, an SSS-class soldier. In just three months, the new research facility had finally completed its new machinery.
Ludwig was also the man Xia Yan had risked his life to save in the Zerg nest.
The people of the Empire, feeling depressed and worried about the future king being in a coma, turned their attention to the newly announced heir.
The Empire’s citizens felt both relieved, knowing the succession was secure, and uneasy at the same time.
Xia Yan was still in bed, and now they were announcing a new heir.
Though everyone understood that the Emperor’s move was to stabilize public opinion and prevent internal unrest, it still left many feeling cold.
The fourth piece of news was even more absurd.
The Imperial Military Academy had been infiltrated by space pirates.
After the Zerg nest was cleared, Xia Yan’s broken mecha was recovered, and its performance and toughness far exceeded the Empire’s standards. Following the trail, they found newly circulated new alloy metals from the black market.
Fearing exposure, Ian decided to take Xia Yan and run.
However, due to tight security, he failed and was subsequently wanted by the entire Empire.
Ian: “…” So close!!!
Meanwhile, rumors of a romantic relationship between Xia Yan and Ian became a hot topic for discussion.
Xia Yan: “… “ What you guys ship will only ruin you.
The person with the most complicated feelings was undoubtedly Grover. He had just received a harsh reprimand due to the Zerg nest incident, and his previously good reputation had been ruined. Xia Yan, however, was rising rapidly, and it seemed that he had no chance in the battle for the throne.
He had even prepared to escape, but who would have thought, Ludwig suddenly became the crown prince.
Unlike him and Xia Yan, Ludwig was a true royal bloodline.
His legitimate status was unshakable, so there was no need to kill them to secure his position.
When he heard Xia Yan had woken up, Grover thought for a while and decided to buy a bouquet of flowers and visit him. The beautiful young man with exquisite features was like a captivating painting.
Now that the competition for interests was over, Grover was able to look at Xia Yan with appreciation.
Grover: “Congratulations on your recovery.”
Xia Yan took the flowers, placed them aside casually, and nodded indifferently, “Mhm.”
Grover, unsure of what to say, attempted small talk: “I heard you’ll be discharged tomorrow.”
“Mhm.”
“…”
“…”
“The matter with the throne is quite unexpected,” Grover sighed, “It seems we’ll get along well from now on.”
“?” The young man raised an eyebrow in surprise, “Hey! You don’t really think we can become friends, right? Someone like you…”
He looked Grover up and down, his expression filled with disdain.
The silence here spoke louder than words.
Grover, who was also proud by nature, couldn’t bear the mockery and retorted: “What about you? A failure who wants to be king but will never be one.”
“How much effort did you put in for the throne? Training day and night, and yet…”
“Now, a commoner who you once looked down on has become the crown prince, and one day he’ll be king. You’ll have to kneel before him, kiss his fingers, and swear your loyalty.”
“Everything you did was meaningless.”
“…”
The young man’s face suddenly turned ugly. “Ludwig, just a dog I raised.” That was a lie, this scene could be played out in an instant.
When would Grover leave? This was so annoying, interrupting his relaxation time.
As Xia Yan calculated the time, he suddenly heard the door open. He quickly looked up and saw the tall blonde man standing at the door, his expression dark and unclear, unsure of how much he had heard.
“!!!”
What should he do if he gets caught bad-mouthing someone? Online advice, urgently needed.
Grover was also stunned. He hadn’t expected Ludwig to be here.
Of the three people in the room, Ludwig was the calmest. He was holding a bouquet of flowers too, with milky-white bellflowers tinged with pale purple at the edges, fresh and elegant.
The sound of military boots clashing with the floor echoed as he walked to the bedside, casually tossing Grover’s flowers into the trash can before placing his own flowers beside the young man.
Facing the young man’s cautious and confused gaze, Ludwig suddenly smiled.
“I can certainly be your dog,” he said.
what you ship will only ruin you – life advice from xia yan 💜😤🤪