I Am The Swarm

Beyond its role as a weapon, the true value of the Atomic Furnace lay in its energy supply system.

With the Atomic Furnace, the Swarm’s bio-ships could finally overcome their shortcoming of limited endurance. Long-distance, high-output acceleration flights now became feasible. Where previously, a full charge allowed only a few electromagnetic cannon shots, now, unrestricted usage was possible. The energy expended in one thermonuclear breath could be converted into electromagnetic force to fire multiple projectiles.

However, the materials required to construct this device were exceedingly rare, demanding large quantities of specific minerals, and the reactor also needed periodic refueling. Fortunately, with the Swarm’s expansive fungal carpets and the vast number of planets under its control, mining opportunities were plentiful.

Over another half-month, Luo Wen unexpectedly acquired a new genetic fragment—one even more advanced than the technology behind the Atomic Furnace.

Indeed, this genetic fragment concealed the secret behind Godzilla’s ability to freely move its tens-of-thousands-ton body without collapsing under its own weight.

Initially, when Luo Wen obtained the genetic data related to Godzilla’s skeletal structure and body composition, he noted that while they contributed to its massive size, they alone could not possibly support such a colossal frame.

He had theorized that Godzilla used electromagnetic field manipulation to counteract a portion of its weight. Its body did contain certain tissues capable of generating magnetic fields, which it employed for rapid movement underwater.

But this newly discovered genetic fragment proved his hypothesis wrong. Godzilla didn’t rely on pseudo-antigravity through magnetic repulsion to offset its weight; instead, it directly manipulated gravity itself. The technology was true antigravity manipulation.

This level of sophistication was previously absent from the Swarm’s arsenal. If Luo Wen could decipher and master it, the Swarm would undergo another monumental upgrade.

Mastery in this context meant far more than Godzilla’s rudimentary application; it required deeper exploration, supported by robust theoretical frameworks and imaginative innovation. Luo Wen allocated tens of thousands of intelligent entities to begin research on the subject, while he himself spent years transforming the Atomic Furnace into a fungal carpet module.

The fungal carpet, known for its extreme versatility and compatibility, was an ideal medium. After modularizing the Atomic Furnace, individual units could be cultivated directly from the fungal carpet and then integrated into existing bio-ships.

Due to material constraints, the Genesis Star System—home to a large stockpile of bio-ships—only equipped Primordial Bodies over 500 meters in length with Atomic Furnaces. Meanwhile, in the Neighboring Star System, where development was still nascent, Mature Bodies over 200 meters long could be outfitted with these reactors.

The Swarm entered a period of steady development. On Great Dawn Planet, the brood nest named “Great Dawn” operated continuously, producing brood queens. These queens were dispatched across various locations, generating vast numbers of larval bio-ships that remained hidden throughout the star system.

A great war might await the Swarm in the future. Though Luo Wen believed he had done an excellent job maintaining a façade as a native apex predator, the last attack on the Cat’s Ear Spaceship had leaked some information. He was unsure what kind of ripple effects this might cause.

Thus, Luo Wen began preparations early. He even contemplated self-destructing the Red Moon Brood Nest in the Genesis Star System and relocating to the Neighboring Star System. However, he reconsidered. The Genesis Star System, being the Swarm’s stronghold, was fully conquered, and with the development of space-based Swarm units, operations there were far less constrained.

For example, in the Genesis Star System, larval and mature bio-ships could grow by clustering directly around the star. In the Neighboring Star System, however, the Swarm had to remain hidden as they were still uncertain about the Riken’s full capabilities. Space units had to disguise themselves as asteroids or hide within them, slowing their growth compared to their counterparts in the Genesis Star System. Moreover, the larger the numbers, the harder they were to conceal.

After careful consideration, Luo Wen decided to leave the Red Moon Brood Nest in the Genesis Star System to accumulate forces.

The Neighboring Star System was only one sector adjacent to the Genesis Star System. Beyond it lay other systems, typically seven to eight light-years away. Who knew what civilizations might be lurking there? And if they existed, how advanced were they?

Therefore, the Swarm’s megastructure near the star in the Genesis Star System not only launched Swarm Meteors toward the M37 Star System but also scattered them in other directions to extend the Swarm Network and broaden its monitoring range.

In a grand office, the intricate wood-paneled doors creaked open. A sharply uniformed Riken male entered, addressing the figure seated behind an opulent desk.

“President, General Monroe requests an audience.”

“Oh? What’s so urgent that he bypassed scheduling? The military is growing increasingly disrespectful,” the President, a middle-aged male Riken with light blue, wrinkled skin, remarked as he set down his documents with a touch of annoyance.

The uniformed Riken lowered his head, feigning deafness to the comment.

“Very well, Ram. Check my schedule and reschedule the upcoming engagements. Bring General Monroe in.”

“But sir, there is a critical meeting shortly concerning the demands of the elected representatives from the Trinbrian District.” Trinbrian was a crucial vote base for the President, indirectly influencing numerous stakeholders and serving as a vital partnership.

“Those insufferable people… Postpone the meeting. Compared to having Monroe barge in during a session, dealing with the representatives later seems the lesser evil.” Between two unwelcome options, the President chose the path of least resistance.

Ram once again ignored the choice of words and quietly responded, “Understood,” before exiting the room.

Alone in the office, President Derlin sank into the comfort of his plush chair, gazing at the ornate ceiling adorned with floral motifs. He sighed.

The Riken Federation, established five centuries ago as a union of many nations, had achieved formal unification, yet its underlying tensions persisted to this day.

The Federation’s highest executive, the President, was elected every ten years due to the Riken’s extended lifespan, with a maximum of three terms.

Six years ago, with the support of various factions, Derlin had fortuitously ascended to this position. He had initially believed he had reached the pinnacle of his career, but within a few short years, he found himself utterly drained. At only 170 years of age, he was already suffering from insomnia, headaches, and other minor ailments.

These chronic issues stemmed from overwhelming stress, which even the Riken’s advanced medical technology couldn’t fully alleviate. The root cause lay in his obligations. To gain the support of so many factions, he had made numerous promises, and now the time had come to deliver.

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