I Am The Swarm

The shells of these reconnaissance Flying Bugs were dark red, incorporating genetic material from the ecosystem of deep-sea volcanic zones, granting them exceptional heat resistance. While their shells provided excellent natural camouflage, their status as reconnaissance units meant optical stealth systems were standard.

 As they flew, they seamlessly blended into their surroundings, vanishing from sight.

These bugs were larger than standard template insects, with body lengths reaching over 20 centimeters. Their increased size allowed for the installation of more reconnaissance modules. Each possessed eight eyes, arranged in four pairs around their heads.

Each pair served a distinct function: high-resolution close-range vision, long-range ultra-wide-angle imaging, thermal imaging, and refracted light detection. This array enabled them to perceive nearly all visual information.

Additionally, each bug had two pairs of cochlea. One pair received standard sound spectrum information, while the other processed ultrasonic feedback generated by wing vibrations colliding with objects.

Given their uncertain working environments, their circulatory systems were fully enclosed. They housed miniature ecological circulation systems internally to supply energy.

Beneath their wing membranes, nanostructured anti-gravity pyramids reduced flight energy expenditure.

Their only weakness was their vulnerability to strong winds. Their size, weight, and wing structure left them ill-suited to resist high winds. Fortunately, Great Dawn Planet’s internal regions were relatively calm, with wind forces ranging from 3 to 5 on the Beaufort scale.

These reconnaissance Flying Bugs quickly completed a survey of the surrounding area, relaying 3D terrain maps. Even the native creatures lurking in hidden corners were exposed by their echolocation systems.

Numerous specialized Intelligent Entities focused on biological anatomy began analyzing the features of nearby creatures. The untouched native species revealed much through their forms—dietary habits, aggressiveness, and preferred attack methods were often deducible from physical traits alone.

For example, the large monkeys from before had long, slender arms with prominent musculature, indicating considerable strength. The muscle distribution suggested frequent use, and their joint structure implied a proficiency in sweeping and throwing attacks.

Their long claws, flexible joints, and arm construction hinted at excellent climbing skills. Their robust hind limbs, habit of squatting, and spinal structure suggested poor running ability.

This analysis suggested the monkeys’ optimal territory was the upper branches near tree trunks, where they likely built their nests.

Their canine teeth were diminished, but their incisors were sharp like guillotines, capable of cutting through highly resilient plant fibers. Their molars were equally well-developed for grinding food. This dental structure was a hallmark of omnivorous species, implying that the monkeys not only consumed the Fungal Carpet but could also handle meat.

Other physical traits and their behavior revealed that this species was highly aggressive, often initiating attacks on other creatures.

While some of this could already be inferred from the monkeys’ previous attacks on the Fungal Carpet, the forest wasn’t limited to them alone. Systematic analyses by the Intelligent Entities identified which species posed threats to base development. Such species would be targeted for elimination in the near future.

From these investigations, it became clear that the large monkey group posed the greatest threat to the base’s current development. Although they weren’t the strongest or largest in size, other dangerous creatures were too far from the Fungal Carpet to pose an immediate concern.

The monkey troop’s proximity to the base, combined with their communal nature, volatile temperament, and the established hostility between the two sides, ensured continued conflict.

Indeed, despite having destroyed the surface layer of the Fungal Carpet, the monkeys wouldn’t let up. They regularly returned to inspect the area, much to Sarah Kerrigan’s frustration as she monitored them constantly.

Fortunately, after ten days, the Brood Queen had grown to a size of five meters, and the first batch of Spider Combat Bugs had hatched.

These heat-resistant fiery red spiders measured 30 to 50 centimeters in length. They carried multiple toxins, had agile eight-segmented limbs, and were equipped with barbs, hooked claws, and impressive jumping abilities. Combined with dynamic vision and optical stealth, they were perfectly suited for combat in the forest’s complex, multi-layered environment.

The results spoke for themselves. Within days, the monkey troop, numbering over a hundred, had been reduced to a few survivors. Their short fur provided no defense against the piercing toxic barbs.

Moreover, their reliance on visual detection was completely countered by the Spider Combat Bugs’ optical stealth systems. While the monkeys were faster thanks to their size advantage, the Swarm’s echolocation-based 3D mapping system ensured no escape unless the monkeys fled over 100 kilometers in one go. Coordinated assassinations prevented any such retreats.

The combined forces of ground-based and specialized combat demonstrated the Swarm’s battle prowess to the planet’s native lifeforms. Creatures relying solely on instinct were no match for a systematic combat approach.

As the Brood Queen continued to grow and the base expanded, the number of combat units surged, and the Swarm’s territory began to expand at an alarming rate.

The latest Swarm units had evolved to absorb radiation directly to sustain their vital systems. Comprising hybrid bio-plant structures, many of these new units lacked conventional digestive organs altogether, subsisting entirely on absorbed radiation.

In contrast, older Swarm units still relied on ecological circulation systems, requiring complex energy conversions with lower efficiency.

Nonetheless, even the older units were capable of surviving in space, their vital systems requiring only sunlight and minimal water to sustain activities for extended periods.

This adaptability had drastically reduced the number of logistics-focused bugs in the Swarm. Resource collection tasks were now largely handled by the Fungal Carpet, leaving only a few Worker Drones responsible for hygiene and a handful of Burrower Ants tasked with base expansion.

Looking back, when he played with ants in the mud, millions would march to battle, supported by three to four hundred million bugs handling logistics. Reflecting on those times left Luo Wen feeling a wave of nostalgia.

The Spider Combat Bugs were a mainstay combat unit that Luo Wen had meticulously designed during the age of dinosaurs. Their practical effectiveness had been proven in countless battles. While they were weak in direct confrontations, this wasn’t a duel—it was warfare, and all strategies, no matter how underhanded, were fair game.

Predatory and omnivorous creatures often prioritized attack power over defense, making them poorly equipped to handle hidden assassins. Against such adversaries, they were utterly defenseless.

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