I Am The Swarm

“Overlord, the Ji race has acquired the information,” Sarah Kerrigan reported to Luo Wen.

“That’s good. Let’s hope they enjoy the story.”

“But, Overlord, this might push us into war prematurely,” Sarah hesitated, puzzled. Luo Wen’s previous plans were all centered on delaying the timeline as much as possible, yet the current actions seemed to deliberately accelerate the march toward war.

“Things are different now. Plans made in the past may not suit our present circumstances. We must revise them constantly to fit the current situation.” Indeed, times had changed. Around the star systems where a few seeds had taken root, observation revealed no signs of any civilizations.

Perhaps the situation in those regions was normal. The appearance of life in the universe was never so common. The density of civilizations in the star region surrounding the Genesis Planet Base had always been abnormal.

Luo Wen couldn’t fathom the potential benefits the construction of bases in other star regions might bring him. Perhaps it was because the areas illuminated by anchor units and node units had expanded, allowing Luo Wen to establish a closer connection with the universe. His rate of nutrient absorption had increased significantly, which in turn spurred tremendous growth in his primary body.

The growth of his primary body enabled him to interfere more in this universe. First and foremost, he could now create nearly thirty anchor units. With the increase in anchor unit numbers, Luo Wen could send out more seeds, and due to the growth of his primary body, these seeds could travel even greater distances.

This virtuous cycle had allowed Luo Wen’s primary body to grow at a snowballing pace, granting him greater confidence and assurance.

However, from Sarah’s perspective, the Overlord’s explanation was nothing but abstract theory, lacking any concrete substance.

“Sarah, from now on, all bases in this galaxy must fully prioritize the incubation of combat units. Even if it means exposing some of our underlying capabilities, it doesn’t matter. The war won’t break out just yet; we still have one final round of development.”

“Yes, Overlord.”

As Sarah departed, Luo Wen gazed at the starry sky. Soon, this seemingly tranquil galaxy would witness a spectacular upheaval, and the Swarm would finally bare its fangs.

The intelligence about the Swarm spread rapidly through the Swarm Network, built on the Quantum Communication System. The allure of immortality tantalized every nerve of those who received this message.

“Is this information credible?”

“It’s been verified. While it’s a conjecture, it has an accuracy rate of over eighty percent.”

“Eighty percent, huh? Looks like this will stir up a massive vortex. Who knows how many races will get caught in it?”

“Should we get involved?”

“The allure of immortality… Even if I can resist it, can others? Defying the heavens is not a venture people like us should undertake.”

“I understand.”

—

“First-generation Empress of the Rat Folk? Swarm Empress? How fascinating. But have you ever thought about this: if you were a Rat Folk, then became part of the Swarm and gained immortality, would you still remain loyal to the Swarm Empress?”

The speaker observed his subordinate’s thoughtful expression before continuing, “Or, let me put it another way—what incentives does the Swarm Empress have to ensure the loyalty of her Swarm? I can’t think of anything more tempting than immortality. We’ve forced the Swarm to retreat several times, yet under such pressure, they haven’t changed even slightly. Those immortal Swarm creatures still serve the Swarm in the same way they always have, living incognito, silently and without complaint. What’s wrong with defecting to the New Ji Race? Even the Swarm who have joined us haven’t said a word, even at the cost of their lives. Isn’t living better than dying?”

“This absence of desire for fame or profit—one or two exceptions might make sense, but for an entire species to behave this way? Do you believe that?” The speaker’s question seemed directed at his subordinate but also at himself.

The subordinate thought for a moment and shook his head.

“Heh, the price of immortality…” the speaker murmured. “Immortality doesn’t come that easily. There must be a cost. And that cost must be unimaginably binding—something that transcends even life and death.”

“My lord, if Swarm immortality comes with such a significant flaw, should we still pursue it?”

“Why not? This so-called flaw only makes it more perfect, doesn’t it? A unique perfection. I can’t wait to converse with that Swarm Empress. Perhaps she’ll share this perfection with me!” The speaker clenched his fist, as if everything was already within his grasp. R𝐀ɴ𝙤𝐛Ěs

—

“What do we do now?”

“That fool Humes has been over there for so long and accomplished nothing. Now, things have escalated to the point where everyone knows.”

“Hmph, it’s your fault for not letting Humes join in. He didn’t know anything, so of course he wouldn’t take it seriously.”

“Damn it. Who would have thought the Swarm was hiding such a treasure?”

“Stop complaining and focus on what we should do next.”

“What else can we do? Now that everything is out in the open, we have no choice but to rely on raw strength.”

—

“Heh, well said, gentlemen. We should establish a gentleman’s agreement. None of us alone can swallow this enormous cake, but united, perhaps we can have a chance.”

“And when the cake is in our hands, how do we divide it?”

“At that point, all bets are off. Each will claim their share by their own means.”@@novelbin@@

“Excellent, I’m in!”

“Count my race in as well.”

—

“Your Majesty, how should we position ourselves in this matter?”

“I would like to sit back and watch the tigers fight, but it seems I won’t have that luxury. How frustrating!”

—

Perhaps it was due to the composition and factionalism of the New Ji Race, or perhaps it was deliberate. The intelligence network of the New Ji Race was like a sieve. What should have been highly confidential information had practically become front-page news, nearly reaching the point where everyone knew about it.

Some rejoiced while others lamented. Powerful and ambitious figures were naturally thrilled, eager to test their mettle. Meanwhile, smaller races could only go with the flow. Normally, they might retain a sliver of decision-making power, but in the face of such a high-stakes event, they could only be swept along by the major races.

For a time, the territory of the Interstellar Technological Confederation was in turmoil. Nearly every external race was making moves, large or small, and even the New Ji Race appeared to be redeploying their forces.