I Am The Swarm

“Respected gentlemen, launching a war now, in my opinion, carries significant risks. Instead, it would be better to wait for more allies to join us, and then conquer the Swarm with an invincible force,” Mowei declared, spreading his arms with passionate enthusiasm.

“Of course, the final decision rests with all of you here.”

The representatives of the various alien races remained silent. After hearing Mowei’s analysis, most of them had already formed their own inclinations. Among those present, apart from the Yuntu and Sangqie races, who had been nearly or completely wiped out and thus had little left to lose, none wanted to suffer excessive losses.

However, General Mid’s earlier remarks also held weight. The higher-ups had already expressed dissatisfaction with the four-year delay caused by the sub-light speed travel. Delaying for several more years would be difficult and might even offend some powerful factions.

The attitudes of some alien races began to shift. They reasoned that if the sky were to fall, the taller ones would bear the brunt. The ones most anxious now were not them, but the civilizations already engaged with or about to engage with the Swarm. For now, they could simply watch from the sidelines, ready to adapt whether the decision was to attack or retreat.

The Ketou race, representing the civilizations already in conflict with the Swarm, was indeed growing anxious. Previously, they had no choice, but now they too wanted to be mere spectators. However, their numbers were small. Even if they combined their forces with the other group attacking the Swarm’s Star System Nine, their total numbers would not exceed thirty factions. Given their limited influence, it was unclear whether they could alter the plan.

Seeing their troubled expressions, Mowei smiled slightly and said, “I understand your concerns. If you choose the more aggressive approach, then there’s nothing more to discuss. But if you prefer a more cautious strategy, I will do my utmost to communicate with the Ji elders and buy us more time.”

“Ahem, I believe the Swarm’s situation is unclear. We don’t know what they might be hiding. To avoid further defeats that could damage the morale of our coalition, I think it’s better to proceed cautiously, gather more intelligence, and then decide on our next move.”

“Agreed.”

“We need more accurate information…”

“I agree…”

With the representative of the most powerful mid-ring civilization leading the way, the Ketou and other civilizations clung to this lifeline, voicing their support. However, many representatives also showed signs of confusion.

Finally, General Mid couldn’t hold back his question. To emphasize that this was not a personal issue, he even used a respectful tone: “Honorable Mowei, I have a question, though I’m not sure if I should ask it.”

Mowei maintained his polite demeanor, his face adorned with that infuriating smile. “Oh~ General Mid, are you really the Mid I know? You seem almost like a gentleman now.”

Watching Mid’s face visibly redden, Mowei’s smile widened. “Although I suspect you’re about to ask something rather impertinent, I am still willing to enlighten you~”

Mid took several deep breaths. As a military leader, he was usually a model of composure, but for some reason, Mowei always managed to provoke him. “Honorable Mowei, as the saying goes, ‘no one stirs without a motive.’ Logically, this war has nothing to do with you or your race, yet your enthusiasm seems somewhat excessive.”

“Oh, so that’s your question,” Mowei said, his lips curling in a way that made Mid uneasy. Sure enough, the next words out of his mouth were as sharp as ever: “I thought you were going to ask something more personal. You know, given my charm and extensive social circle, I’m quite popular among the ladies, including your daughter. Seeing how serious you were, I was almost ready to confess…”

As Mid’s face turned red again, Mowei feigned urgency: “Alright, alright, I’ll come clean. You can rest assured, your daughter doesn’t quite meet my aesthetic standards. After all, the differences between our races are even greater than those between genders. How could I possibly have any involvement with your daughter? Especially with a father like you~ Aren’t you relieved? Overjoyed?”

Mid’s expression, even to those unfamiliar with the Yuntu race, clearly showed no trace of joy. Just as Mid was about to explode, Mowei quickly steered the conversation back on track.

His previously playful demeanor suddenly turned serious. “Perhaps in your eyes, this war offers little benefit, and the Swarm seems like a beast to be avoided at all costs. But to us, the Rashudia race, the Swarm represents an unparalleled opportunity for glory. Initially, we thought we were too far away to seize the first victory. But now…”

Mowei paused, glancing at the uneasy faces of the alien representatives before continuing, “Since the opportunity has presented itself, we will certainly seize it. If none of you want it, then allow us to claim this first victory, this great triumph!”

Many civilizations were aware that while the title of the strongest mid-ring civilization was prestigious and coveted by many, for the Rashudia civilization, it was a mark of shame.

They had always considered themselves an inner-circle civilization, looking down on others with a sense of superiority. The mid-ring classification was something they vehemently rejected. Yet, the true inner-circle civilizations did not seem to acknowledge them as such.

Perhaps no other race, not even the inner-circle civilizations, would openly speak such words that could offend everyone present. But when Mowei said it, it felt natural. No one found it strange, because Mowei, like all Rashudians, was simply like that.

Belittling and mocking others to derive a twisted sense of satisfaction was a common trait of their race. No one knew what kind of environment could shape an entire civilization into such a state. Perhaps only the older inner-circle civilizations could shed some light on it.

To the Rashudia race, achieving the first large-scale victory in the war against the Swarm would prove their superiority. The honor alone would bring them unparalleled spiritual satisfaction, something they valued above all else.

And perhaps this was why, while other races had only sent a few tens of millions of warships, the Rashudia race had mustered a fleet of over two hundred million ships to join this war.

It was worth noting that this fleet had been assembled decades ago, long before the large-scale military buildup. For the Rashudia race, assembling such a force was no small feat.

Seeing Mowei’s unusually serious expression, as if discussing a matter of racial survival, Mid’s emotions were mixed. The anger that had been stirred up earlier gradually faded, replaced by a complex sigh.