I Am The Swarm

The Ji artificial intelligence demonstrated extraordinary coordination and strategic capabilities. Fighting against it was entirely different from engaging other alien forces. Under the control of the Ji AI, the Daqi defensive lines executed maneuvers with astonishing precision—relocating forces, concentrating fire, and other actions were seamless.

In previous battles, the Swarm often relied on its overwhelming execution capabilities to secure victory. However, in some areas, the Ji AI surpassed even the Swarm.

But in the face of absolute numbers, such advantages became irrelevant. The Swarm’s charging forces formed into lines, and even when the Primordial Units at the front were struck, their massive bodies provided partial cover for those behind them, absorbing incoming firepower.

The charging lines grew longer and more numerous, overwhelming the Daqi defensive positions, which could not target them all. Eventually, Primordial Units breached the effective range of the defenses. Their storage compartments opened, releasing countless larval and mature bodies onto the battlefield.

Thanks to continuous genetic optimization, space octopuses had enhanced energy efficiency. This allowed larval and mature bodies to operate effectively even without the energy support of an Atomic Furnace.

The result in combat was clear: the Primordial Units could deploy these smaller units from a greater distance.

The endless swarm of larval and mature bodies placed an even greater strain on the already overstretched Daqi firepower network. A chain reaction followed—more Primordial Units reached effective deployment range, releasing even more larval and mature bodies into the fray.

However, the Daqi’s defensive installations were already abandoned assets, so losses were of little concern. Operating in overdrive, the systems ignored damage and wear, focusing solely on maximizing output within their limited lifespan.

Some cannons began sparking, and energy transmission pipelines neared their breaking point. Suddenly, one orbital cannon, overwhelmed by its load, short-circuited. A cascade of failures followed, culminating in a massive explosion.

By this point, however, large numbers of Swarm combat units had reached the Daqi defensive line, initiating close-quarters combat—an area where the Swarm excelled. The fate of the Daqi line, once engaged in melee, was sealed.

It didn’t take long before only a few units in the Daqi defensive line remained capable of sustaining fire. As formidable as the Ji AI was, it lacked sufficient forces at its disposal. All it had were static units, making any innovative strategies nearly impossible.

These static defenses might have been far more effective if complemented by dynamic units like warships or drones. In that case, their combat potential would have been on an entirely different level.

Unfortunately, all mobile units had departed with the main forces. With threats in space and on the uninhabited planets resolved, the Swarm resumed its operations methodically.

Some units began clearing the battlefield, while others dismantled monitoring devices. Everything proceeded in an orderly fashion.

—

“The Swarm’s combat approach is both brutal and effective. Without a significant technological gap or comparable numbers, it’s nearly impossible to stop this kind of assault,” remarked many alien analysts after reviewing the battle footage transmitted from Daqi 101 and Daqi 102.

“It’s a pity. If the Koya Alliance had participated in the defense, perhaps the outcome could have been different.”

“Hmph, among the outer-ring factions, no single race’s military force can rival the Swarm. They can only trade territory for time to regroup. If they were to engage the Swarm head-on now, wouldn’t the sacrifices made so far be in vain?”

“Heh, I’m just saying. Why are you so worked up? What does it matter how much those other races lose? Honestly, I think it would be better if the Swarm wiped them all out—it’d free up some space.”

“That’s impossible. The Ji wouldn’t allow that to happen. They still need those smaller races to wave flags and shout slogans.”

“Not necessarily. Twenty years have passed since the Swarm launched its offensive. If the Ji forces stationed nearby were as ready as you claim, they should already be at the battlefield. But the reality is that they’re still gathering their forces, with no departure date in sight.”

“Ah, the Ji are no longer what they used to be. This current generation of successors has split into multiple factions, locked in internal conflicts. Who knows what they’re even thinking.” ṙᴀℕȰ฿Ε𝐬

“Isn’t that a good thing? It gives us opportunities. Still, their artificial intelligence—now that’s something worth watching.”

“Indeed. When was the last time the Ji deployed their artificial intelligence? In my lifetime, I haven’t heard of such a thing. I never thought they’d approve the Daqi’s request for AI assistance this time.”

“Exactly. The legendary Lumina, even now, remains beyond their full control. They can only rely on various methods to restrain it. It’s said that the Ji’s artificial intelligence programs are all derived from Lumina’s subroutines. The fact that they dared to deploy it at all was a shock to everyone.”

“Still, the Ji AI performed exceptionally well this time. Its ability to coordinate and command in battle far surpasses our command systems. Unfortunately, even the most skilled chef cannot cook without ingredients—there’s little more we can glean from this.”

“Perhaps it’s better that way. According to historical records, fleets commanded by Lumina were an unstoppable force. Thankfully, the New Ji race are fools who keep it suppressed. Otherwise, very few would dare involve themselves in the Swarm’s affairs.”

“After this battle, who knows how many factions will have their long-buried fears reawakened? Perhaps that’s why the Ji allowed their AI to take action this time.”

“Hah, in the past, everyone held back their cards, but the Swarm’s prize has grown so large that many are now willing to risk everything. Maybe the New Ji have already realized they’re losing control of the situation.”

“Do you think they would truly let Lumina step into the fray?”

“Impossible. They’ve spent so long building their power bit by bit within the rules. If it were you, would you give up the authority you’ve amassed?”

“Ah, power truly is a poison, yet it’s so intoxicating… Now it all depends on just how big a prize the Swarm turns out to be. I can’t wait to see how this unfolds.”

“Our race won’t arrive at the battlefield for at least another century. Hopefully, we’ll have the chance to witness this grand spectacle up close.”

All in all, this war ended quickly. The newborn civilizations treated it as a spectacle and began debating whether to develop artificial intelligence.

Meanwhile, the veteran factions found their old nightmares reawakened. Some chose to withdraw entirely, while others decided to face the challenge head-on, risking everything.@@novelbin@@

None of this, however, concerned Luo Wen. As the protagonist of these events, the Swarm completed their tasks of salvaging resources and clearing monitoring devices before turning their sights toward the remaining habitable planets.