I Am The Swarm-Chapter 556: Meeting

Due to the constraints of conventional propulsion, even though the Swarm was faster, they weren’t significantly quicker than the Ketou Race. With the Ketou Race having already departed several hours earlier, it was almost impossible for the Swarm to catch up.

Even if they did, the gains would be minimal, and a large-scale pursuit would be more trouble than it was worth. Thus, after the dead zone of space dissipated, the Swarm only dispatched a small force to pursue, while the main force returned to the star system to continue basking in the sun’s energy.

The pursuing Swarm units were slightly different in design. After Luo Wen identified certain limitations of the Space Octopuses, he decided to develop some specialized units. The creatures responsible for this pursuit were one such example.

If the Primordial-class were Space Octopuses, these units could be called Space Squids. Their main bodies were larger and more elongated, with shorter tentacles. Their specially optimized propulsion systems allowed them to achieve greater speeds under conventional travel.

Their narrow frontal profile made them difficult to hit with weapons, and their pointed heads were made of a specialized metal that was both extremely sharp and durable.

They weren’t equipped with any weapon systems. In Luo Wen’s vision, they were impact weapons, designed to slice through enemy hulls like blades.

In the previous war with the Yuntu Race, the Space Octopuses, despite their formidable close-combat capabilities, were vulnerable to mutual destruction tactics. These Space Squids were meant to complement the close-combat role. They were faster, more destructive at point-blank range, and more agile. More importantly, by sacrificing many functions, they were cheaper to produce and could be grown more quickly.

However, while these Space Squids were fast, they had a several-hour head start disadvantage. If the pursuit was long enough, catching up wouldn’t be an issue.

But in reality, the pursuit was short. Once the Ketou Race ships reached a certain distance, they would enter warp speed. Even the slowest warp travel was far faster than the fastest conventional propulsion.

Thus, the Space Squids’ debut was less than ideal. Before they could showcase their prowess, their prey had already fled.

The Ketou Race commander’s excellent response minimized their casualties. After retreating to the frontlines, they received numerous accolades and enjoyed a period of glory.

However, the heat of any event cools with time. After the confederation forces’ retreat, the Interstellar Confederation and the Swarm returned to a period of tense standoff. More confederation forces continued to gather at the frontline positions 1.5 light-years outside the Swarm’s star system, but aside from some sporadic harassment, the Swarm showed little reaction.

“Something’s off. The Swarm is too calm.”

“I feel the same way. Based on past behavior, the Swarm is an extremely aggressive, territorial, and xenophobic race. How can they tolerate enemies amassing troops at their doorstep? It doesn’t make sense.”

“Maybe they’ve realized they’re doomed and have given up. According to the latest intelligence, most of their forces are still idling in stellar orbit. Aren’t they afraid we might suddenly attack?”

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“Indeed, the Swarm seems utterly unmotivated. This isn’t the Swarm I know.”

“Perhaps they’re preparing something big.”

“That’s possible. Since their technology comes from a higher civilization, we can’t afford to be careless. Who knows what the Swarm might pull out? Maybe their calmness is because they’re confident they can defeat us.”

“I disagree with that assessment.” A voice suddenly interrupted the discussion. Everyone turned to see that it was Mowei of the Rashudia Race, a star figure at the frontline.

Seeing that he had everyone’s attention, Mowei smiled slightly, gave an elegant bow, and continued, “I’ve analyzed the Swarm carefully. If they were confident, they wouldn’t have stopped their advance after breaking ties with the Confederation, just as they did with the Locke Mutual Aid Society and the Koya Alliance.”

“Maybe it’s because we’re stronger now, with greater numbers!” a member of another race retorted defiantly.

Mowei shook his head. “That’s irrelevant. If the Swarm were confident, they wouldn’t have stopped. Conversely, since they did stop, it means the Swarm isn’t confident they can win this war. Moreover, we’ve deployed countless surveillance ships and devices around their territory. The difficulty of the Swarm trying to hide or prepare something behind our backs is far greater than you imagine.”

“So, has the Swarm given up?”

“How could they?” Mowei scoffed.

“Then what do you think is going on?”

Mowei stroked his chin, thinking seriously for a moment before saying, “Who knows~”

“You!”

“Haha, just kidding. I really don’t know. You all continue; I’ll take my leave.” With that, Mowei quickly disappeared.

“Damn it! Why does someone like him get to participate in discussions at this level!?”

“Don’t get upset. The Rashudia Race is just like that—everyone’s a bit of a lunatic. Just keep your distance in the future.”

“Shh, be careful.”

Although the Rashudia Race had a difficult personality, their strength was undeniable. Moreover, their personality flaws made them prone to extremes. They might escalate over matters others would consider trivial. While the inner-ring civilizations weren’t afraid of them, the mid and outer-ring factions were better off avoiding such conflicts.

Meanwhile, in another unknown location, a mysterious meeting was also taking place, discussing the very same issue.

“I never expected the Swarm to be hiding so much. No wonder they were unmoved when we tried to get them to exchange Ji Race points for technological advancements. They had their own foundation.”

“Indeed. When they suddenly went to war, it gave me quite a shock. I thought our plan had failed, but it turns out the Swarm is far stronger than we imagined.”

“The situation has developed better than we initially anticipated. If they hadn’t been hiding, it would have taken who knows how long for them to reach their current level, even with Ji Race points. Even with our covert assistance, it wouldn’t have been enough.”

“Perhaps this isn’t entirely a good thing. What the Swarm has hidden has attracted too much attention. And let’s be honest, I don’t believe you all aren’t tempted. The fact that you’re deliberately avoiding the topic makes me think you each have your own plans.”

“Hmph. There’s only one prize. Without knowing if it can be shared, bringing it up would only harm our relationship.”

“I think avoiding the issue is what will truly hinder our cooperation. If we still want to achieve our original goal, it’s better to be upfront.”

“Actually, this doesn’t conflict with our goal. It might even speed up the Ji Race’s involvement and push the plan forward. Why don’t we make a gentleman’s agreement to prioritize the plan and discuss everything else after we achieve our objective.”

“And what about the Swarm’s hidden secrets?”

“Prevent the Ji Race from obtaining them. If the goal is achieved and sharing is possible, then we can discuss it. If not, we can negotiate.”

“Agreed. We can’t let a hypothetical prize derail us.”

“Fine.”