I Am The Swarm

Over the past decade or so, the Swarm had launched over 30,000 Primordial-class space octopuses. While this number seemed enormous, the efficiency was relatively low when spread over the years.

This was because the electromagnetic megastructures orbited alongside the stars, and the Riken Star System was only within their launch trajectory half the time.

These octopuses would take twenty years to gradually reach the outskirts of the Riken Star System, where they would assemble.

When the Primordial-class space octopuses entered energy-silent mode and ceased propulsion, their stealth systems activated. With the Riken race’s current observation technology, detecting them was nearly impossible.

However, by observing anomalies in the Neighboring Star System, the Riken noticed new spots forming on the star’s surface, presumably caused by unknown objects obstructing its light.

Though unsure of the purpose of these objects, they deduced that the Swarm was responsible. The very existence of such colossal constructs demonstrated the Swarm’s immense power.

The energy fluctuations from the electromagnetic megastructures during energy accumulation were subtle compared to fusion reactions. Additionally, their proximity to the star masked their signals, leaving the Riken unaware that the Swarm had already launched its forces.

Despite this, the ongoing war and the display of the Swarm’s strength weighed heavily on the minds of those aware of the situation.

To cope, the Riken accelerated the construction of defensive installations, seeking comfort in these efforts. Ironically, this step aligned with the Swarm’s expectations.

Time flew by, and twenty years later, the Swarm’s vanguard arrived at the outskirts of the Riken Star System, assembling in the void.

As the Primordial-class space octopuses decelerated near their assembly points, some energy fluctuations were unavoidable. Coupled with their proximity to the Riken Star System and the extensive observation equipment placed in the system’s outer asteroid belt, the Riken detected the Swarm’s movements.

This was evident as they gradually shifted their defensive forces from dispersed locations to positions directly ahead of the Swarm’s assembly point.

Of course, the Swarm had even more direct methods of gathering intelligence—through its intelligent entities.

Over the years, the Riken race experienced significant developments.

First, President Antonio broke tradition and laws by retaining his position. Though his three-term limit should have ended over twenty years ago, he continued to serve under the pretext that leadership changes during wartime were inadvisable.

This reasoning garnered widespread support, though whether there were ulterior motives was of no concern to Luo Wen.

Another major event involved the longevity serum.

This matter had been widely known among the millions of soldiers and officers who returned from the expeditionary fleet. Although Antonio issued a gag order, it proved largely ineffective.

The laboratory researching the longevity serum was later attacked by armed forces, resulting in the loss of finished products, raw materials, and experimental data.

As time passed, awareness of the serum spread among the Riken populace, eventually reaching the general public.

This led to several large-scale protests, and with intentional incitement, some demonstrations almost escalated into riots. Fortunately, under military rule, these uprisings were swiftly quelled.

Amid the turmoil, Antonio was forced to make a national address, publicly disclosing information about the serum. He explained that its raw materials could be cultivated, giving everyone an opportunity to access it.

However, due to limited supplies and production time, the distribution would follow a priority system, with frontline soldiers and researchers receiving the serum first.

This policy met some opposition but was generally well-received. It even sparked a surge in military enlistment, as the military offered a transparent exchange of merits for serum doses. While risky, this route was considered more attainable than becoming a researcher.

Meanwhile, Cross had not been idle. She and Cleo collaborated to convert nearly all their direct relatives.

These relatives were not to be underestimated. Their grandfather was a senior senator wielding real power, someone who addressed Antonio as a junior in private. Their grandfather on their father’s side was a retired lieutenant general with considerable influence, and their father was a senior military officer with the rank of colonel. Their mother, on the other hand, was a prominent businesswoman.

The sisters’ connections spanned the military, political, and business spheres, making them resemble protagonists in a tale of unstoppable ascent.

Under their family’s covert support, the Swarm’s underground forces on the Riken homeworld expanded rapidly. Over a hundred individuals had been converted into intelligent entities.

This number might seem modest, but the conversion process required each individual to disappear for seven days. Even with substitutes in place, some discrepancies were inevitable.

Additionally, the Swarm meticulously screened candidates, targeting elites from various fields. Each conversion was executed according to a tailored plan, resulting in unparalleled efficiency despite the limited number of conversions.

These hundred elites wielded tremendous influence, though they were mainly used for intelligence gathering for the time being. Consequently, the Riken government’s policies were nearly transparent to the Swarm.

As the Swarm continued amassing Primordial-class units at the assembly point, the Riken adjusted their deployments.

They began relocating all mobile assets from the asteroid belt to inner system positions.

The scale of this effort was staggering. Luo Wen, through the perspective of Observer Bugs, witnessed Riken warships towing ten-kilometer-wide asteroids back to the inner system, complete with bases and fortresses built atop them.

The Swarm did not interfere with these activities, leaving the anxious and stressed Riken puzzled. Still, they welcomed the reprieve and avoided investigating further for fear of provoking the Swarm.

Two years later, the Riken had withdrawn nearly all resources from the asteroid belt, leaving only observation devices to monitor the Swarm.

Through the intelligent entities, Luo Wen learned of the Riken’s plan: to use planets as defensive hubs, disperse the Swarm’s forces, and establish impenetrable steel defenses on Riven and Riwu. Their goal was to gradually wear down the Swarm’s numbers.

It seemed the Riken intended to fight a war of attrition.

Luo Wen found this strategy laughable.

When it came to potential for war, the Riken could not hold a candle to the Swarm.

Unlike the Riken, whose members were independent intelligent beings, not all had the resolve to resist invaders at any cost.

After decades of militarism, most of the Riken’s resources had been funneled into war preparations, leaving the population with bare minimums for sustenance and virtually no entertainment.

While this austerity could be tolerated during a crisis, prolonged inactivity bred discontent, particularly among the hedonistic factions. These same factions had nearly incited riots over the longevity serum scandal.

Moreover, every budget allocation for military expenses required a formal vote, consuming significant manpower and resources.

In contrast, the Swarm operated under Luo Wen’s absolute authority. When he declared war, no dissent arose, and resources were allocated without delay. Every Swarm unit executed orders with unwavering dedication.

With resources from two star systems under its control, the Swarm’s potential for prolonged conflict dwarfed that of the Riken. Luo Wen could only sneer at their futile aspirations.

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