I Am The Swarm

The Ratfolk’s currency was utterly useless to Luo Wen, and their mineral resources held little value to the Swarm at present. Without the capability to leave this planet, the minerals were worthless; and once off-planet, minerals were abundant in the universe.

Thus, Luo Wen decided it was better to exchange these relatively worthless assets for technology or ideas. If even one or two proved useful, it would be worth the effort.

During this time, Luo Wen had been exploring methods to enhance his mental strength. Relying solely on luck to recruit followers was far from sufficient for his ambition to establish a Swarm Research Institute. At this rate, who knew how long it would take to reach that goal?

However, his understanding of this ability was limited. It was akin to how humans naturally use their arms but struggle to comprehend the underlying mechanics. Luo Wen, being an ordinary individual in this regard, found it challenging to fully grasp the concept. Therefore, he avoided doggedly pursuing this single path without alternatives.

While researching ways to enhance his mental strength, he also sought other methods. His foundation in genetics proved helpful, and it led him to discover a relatively clever workaround.

He developed a potion whose primary ingredient was the Brood Nest’s blood, diluted countless times. This potion could effectively increase the recipient’s compatibility with the Swarm Network. Simply put, it shortened the “distance” on the path to connection.

For example, enhancing mental strength was like improving stamina, enabling one to walk farther along the path to find the “door.” Similarly, if someone had poor stamina but the distance to the door was shortened, the result would be the same.

Due to the significant dilution of Brood Nest blood, the potion was inexpensive to produce but had a notable drawback: it required an extended fermentation period. Simply put, the earlier it was administered, the better.

Morgan began selecting suitable candidates from the Imperial Space Research Institute. His initial targets were his old acquaintances, though he spoke vaguely about the so-called “cult” recruiting members.

Unexpectedly, these individuals thought they had caught him in some sort of scheme and secretly reported him to the Empress. To their surprise, not only was Morgan not punished, but those accusers received a harsh reprimand.

Morgan hadn’t anticipated this outcome, realizing his secrecy had gone too far. He then discreetly revealed more details to these people, identifying himself and using past connections to gain their trust. Though most remained skeptical, he managed to coax or convince them into administering the potion.

Meanwhile, the Empress also received a vial of the potion. Despite her busy schedule, she had nearly forgotten the matter of offering devotion. Now presented with this next step, she wasted no time injecting the potion in Morgan’s presence.

She had already taken precautions. Although unmarried and childless, she had designated an heir. Should anything go awry, she was prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice.

As fate would have it, two months later, a scientist who had received the injection suffered a severe lab accident, dying instantly in an explosion that left his body shattered.

This scientist, Kovi, was a renowned authority in engine technology. Being older, he was among those more inclined to trust Morgan and had extensive interactions with him. The allure of a second life was too great—not because he feared death, but because there was still so much unknown to explore.

Although the injection had been recent, Kovi’s strong mental attributes and fervent desire for rebirth resulted in his finding the “door,” allowing him to become part of the Swarm.

A few days later, a rejuvenated Kovi returned to the research institute, sparking fervent discussion within a small circle of colleagues. They began actively inquiring how they could devote their faith to the “god.” Morgan instructed them to read legends and imagine the god’s majesty and omnipotence. Sincere faith, he explained, would allow the god to sense their devotion.

It wasn’t that Morgan didn’t want to explain more—it was because neither he nor Luo Wen fully understood the mechanics of this faith. In truth, faith was merely a façade, one of many emotions that could connect to the Swarm Network. Luo Wen didn’t care about their beliefs as long as they found the “door.”

Reading legends and engaging their imagination to evoke awe, curiosity, hope, and reverence might align them with the Swarm Network. Whether their expectations matched reality didn’t matter—once connected, Luo Wen controlled their fate entirely.

Within the Swarm Network, Luo Wen could effortlessly dominate their destinies. They couldn’t hide any secrets from him. If he wished, he could obliterate their consciousness, take over their minds and bodies, or sift through their memories. However, such drastic measures were unnecessary. Influenced by the Swarm Network, they were absolutely loyal and incapable of harboring thoughts detrimental to Luo Wen.

To this day, Luo Wen wasn’t certain whether those assimilated into the Swarm Network were true replicas or their original selves fundamentally altered.

The Ratfolk soon began subtly inquiring whether Morgan could provide more of the potion for their relatives. Morgan reported this to Luo Wen, who, after careful consideration, instructed him to establish a reward system: recruiting skilled researchers or making significant breakthroughs would earn potion rewards.

Given the potion’s simplicity to produce, this approach motivated the Ratfolk while allowing them to include their families. Luo Wen reasoned that once the Swarm expanded into outer space, he wouldn’t be able to oversee everything himself. Having intelligent individuals to assist in management would be advantageous.

As for any unsavory individuals that slipped through, they could be given a basic body to fend for themselves. If they caused trouble, they’d be transferred into Worker Ant bodies and assigned to menial tasks.

Ordinary Ratfolk without value wouldn’t burden the Swarm, but as the foundation of civilization, their descendants might one day reach the standards for Swarm nodes.

Thus, Luo Wen decided to let them live happily on this planet for the rest of their lives.

The reward system quickly transformed the Ratfolk’s work ethic. Within no time, nearly all researchers over forty at the institute had been converted. Under collective pressure, Morgan lowered the age threshold to thirty and emphasized strict confidentiality. He warned that any breach of secrecy would result in the loss of rewards or eligibility altogether.

Morgan didn’t need to stress this point further; the Ratfolk tightly guarded the secret.

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