I Am The Swarm

The atmospheric creature’s illusory body, whether due to its structure or electromagnetic field, demonstrated strength far exceeding expectations. The Spore Capsule Meteor, launched at low speed within the Genesis System, measured three meters long and weighed over two tons. With velocity factored in, its effective mass was immense.

Yet the atmospheric creature had, through successive tugs, significantly reduced its speed. Though its body incurred damage, its feat was nothing short of astonishing.

During its fifth attack, its lightning-laden tendrils quickly ensnared the Spore Capsule Meteor. The creature momentarily halted, briefly suspending the capsule mid-air.

This attack exhausted the momentum the creature had built, leaving it under the sole influence of A7B5’s gravity. While several tendrils snapped, the creature maintained its grip, aided by more tendrils latching on. The capsule’s descent was entirely arrested, and under the creature’s pull, it began to ascend.

Meanwhile, in the Swarm Network, Luo Wen and the intelligent entities concluded their discussion. Under Luo Wen’s command, the capsule’s propulsion system activated.

The system rapidly generated hydrogen and oxygen, releasing them in a partially reacted state, along with significant heat, through its exhaust vents. The partially combusted gases continued to ignite as they exited the capsule, creating powerful external explosions.

The capsule, covered in exhaust vents, erupted into a fireball as explosions simultaneously detonated around its surface.

The explosions scorched and buffeted the atmospheric creature’s tendrils. While its tendrils had repeatedly snapped during prior assaults, the sudden intensity of the light and sound startled it. It swiftly retracted its tendrils, even propelling its body upward to distance itself from the capsule.

Seizing the opportunity, the Spore Capsule redirected all combusting gases to its rear vents, using the thrust in conjunction with gravity to accelerate its descent.

The explosive feint was a one-time tactic. The capsule’s internal systems were too compromised to attempt it again. The vents, while designed to withstand high temperatures, weren’t built for explosions. Many were already damaged or clogged from the previous outburst.

Another attempt could result in an internal detonation, reducing the capsule to a firework.

Moments later, the atmospheric creature seemed to realize it had been duped. Furious, its blue arcs flared to an intensity that painted its entire body electric blue, obscuring the details of its cloud-like structure.

It now resembled a 30-meter-long thundercloud avatar, radiating a suffocating aura of menace as it charged toward the capsule.

However, the brief delay allowed the capsule to put significant distance between them. As the capsule descended to lower altitudes, the denser air became a barrier. The creature’s brilliant arcs intensified, yet its movements grew sluggish, as though trapped in quicksand.

Finally, it reached a critical point. The creature’s downward momentum abruptly ceased, its body compressing as if colliding with an invisible wall.

The hypothesis was correct—denser, lower-altitude air acted like solid ground to the atmospheric creature, rendering it incapable of pursuit.

Despite repeatedly slamming against the invisible barrier, its body couldn’t penetrate. It was akin to a human attempting to dive 2,000 meters underwater without protection—an impossible feat. Frustrated, it could only hover above, its arcs dimming slightly, as though reluctantly bidding farewell to the capsule.

The Spore Capsule hit the ground with an explosive impact, kicking up a cloud of icy debris and sandy dust. The crash formed a radial pattern on the surface, marking its landing.

Despite the damage sustained during its descent, the capsule’s interior remained intact. The fungal carpet seeds and brood eggs were protected by layers of nutrient-rich material, shielding them from harm.

Following standard procedures, the fungal carpet seeds were expelled, taking root and beginning to sprout.

Due to uncertainties about other potential life forms on A7B5, the fungal carpet’s rhizome cage was embedded deep underground. There, the queen brood and auxiliary bugs could safely begin preliminary development.

A7B5’s massive size had warranted the deployment of four Swarm Meteors. Two were equipped with hydrogen-oxygen propulsion systems, while the other two relied on simpler jet systems.

With one capsule successfully landed, the team could proceed with more confidence. However, they were still concerned about the two capsules lacking advanced propulsion. If either encountered the atmospheric creature, survival seemed unlikely.

Thirty minutes later, the second Spore Capsule Meteor entered A7B5’s atmosphere. This capsule also carried a hydrogen-oxygen propulsion system, and Luo Wen, alongside the intelligent entities, stood vigilant, ready for an imminent assault.

To minimize time spent in the atmospheric creature’s range, the capsule maintained a speed higher than the standard descent rate. It would rely on full-thrust combustion to decelerate after clearing the danger zone, even at the cost of internal damage.

After all, once the capsule landed, its task was complete. Whether intact or scorched, it would eventually be absorbed into the fungal carpet. Luo Wen doubted the fungal carpet would be particular about taste or texture.

Fortunately, the atmospheric creatures appeared to be scarce. The second capsule streaked through the skies unscathed and landed safely 200 kilometers southeast of the first.

The team breathed a collective sigh of relief and took a brief rest before preparing for the third capsule’s entry an hour later.

This third capsule, lacking a hydrogen-oxygen propulsion system, posed a fresh challenge for the group. How to ensure its safe landing would be a new test of their ingenuity.

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