I Am The Swarm

Over the years, Luo Wen not only delivered gifts to his neighbors within the Genesis solar system but also undertook other endeavors.

On the far side of the Red Moon stood dozens of massive launchers. These devices were much larger than standard models, reaching a staggering height of forty to fifty meters.

These oversized launchers possessed significantly enhanced launching capabilities. Once activated, they could accelerate “projectiles” to speeds of 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers per second, with a maximum speed reaching one-tenth of the speed of light.

Of course, their accuracy was correspondingly poor. Even attempting to lob objects between the Yellow Moon and the Red Moon would yield unpredictable results.

However, Luo Wen dared not attempt using these giant launchers between the two moons. After all, velocity equaled mass, and he had no idea to what extent the spore capsule’s mass might increase at one-tenth the speed of light.

Luo Wen figured that neither the Yellow Moon nor the Red Moon would appreciate being struck by such a projectile.

In truth, these giant launchers were not intended for use within the solar system. They had missions befitting their names—they were true Swarm Meteor Launchers.

Their “projectiles” were also enlarged versions of spore capsules, approximately ten meters long, three to four meters high, and about five meters wide. The “projectile” was encased in a thick layer of meteoric material. Inside, besides containing nutrients, queen ants, worker drones, and burrower ant eggs, the spore capsule itself was tasked with far more.

Although technically a byproduct of the fungal carpet, this type of spore capsule resembled a living organism. Its body was equipped with multiple eyes—not quite to the extent of the Giant-Eye Bug, but reaching the level of the Eagle-Eye Bug.

These exceptional visual abilities allowed the capsules to observe their surroundings through deliberately left openings in their meteoric exteriors.

Furthermore, they were equipped with a more advanced propulsion system. Luo Wen didn’t intend to use them merely as “projectiles.” At such high acceleration speeds, without proper safety mechanisms, the capsules would inevitably crash and be destroyed.

These Swarm Meteors were entrusted with exploration missions beyond the Genesis solar system. Their accuracy was irrelevant—what mattered was simply launching them outward and hoping for the best.

With good fortune, they might enter other solar systems, getting captured by the gravity of stars or planets, and then find a way to land. With average luck, they could encounter a comet or the like and hitch a ride. And if unlucky, they would drift through space until their energy was depleted, becoming actual meteors.

Their propulsion systems were primarily used to alter trajectories. During flight, the capsules would periodically make slight course adjustments.

Luo Wen was uncertain whether advanced civilizations existed in the neighboring solar systems. If a Swarm Meteor happened to crash into an inhabited planet and damaged flora or property, it could lead to someone tracing the trajectory back to him, which would be quite awkward.

As a master of strategizing against the unknown, Luo Wen naturally considered such scenarios.

Over the past decade, the Swarm had launched over a thousand such Swarm Meteors into the cosmic void.

Most of the resources extracted from the two moons were dedicated to producing these giant launchers and Swarm Meteors.

Luo Wen even assigned a special team of Blades, granting them authority to monitor the trajectories of these meteors in shifts around the clock.

However, it seemed unlikely that any feedback would be received in the short term. Based on calculations, the nearest solar system to the Genesis solar system was over five light-years away.

Even if the Swarm Meteors reached their maximum speed, it would still take decades, or even centuries, for them to make the journey.

Nevertheless, this nearest solar system received special attention from Luo Wen. More than half of the launched Swarm Meteors were directed toward it.

“Teacher, am I going to die?” In the opulent royal palace of the Ratfolk Empire, a lavishly decorated bedroom housed a massive, dark wooden bed. The bed was crafted from fine materials, intricately carved, and emitted a faint, soothing fragrance.

The bedroom doors and windows were tightly shut. All servants had been dismissed, leaving only the young Morgan seated by the bedside, gazing at the frail and aged Empress Sarah Kerrigan lying upon it.

“Judging by your appearance, it seems that’s the case.” Over the decades, Morgan had watched the Empress from birth to her final days. Their bond had grown exceptionally close. Now, with no outsiders present, their conversation was not one of sovereign and subject, nor superior and subordinate, but that of teacher and student, allowing for a level of informality and even teasing.

“Teacher, do you think I will find the Divine Kingdom after I die?” she asked.

“That shouldn’t be a problem. You have experience managing an empire and are adept at strategy games. Our God would likely need someone like you,” Morgan replied.

“Teacher, there’s no need to emphasize the games.”

“Haha, my mistake,” Morgan chuckled. The Empress sighed in exasperation at such a flippant response—barely convincing for even a child. Knowing Morgan well, she understood he was merely trying to lighten the mood.

“Teacher, I’m on the verge of death. Can you take this seriously?”

“All right. Honestly, there’s not much to it, Sarah. Just close your eyes, and before you know it, you’ll awaken again. It’ll be quicker than a nap.” Perhaps because he understood that entering the Swarm Network posed little actual risk, Morgan didn’t feel much of the sorrow typically associated with parting.

“Yes, I know. As I’ve aged, seeing you has only deepened my envy. Who wouldn’t want to be young again? In truth, I’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time,” Sarah said softly.

Her eyes, now clouded and lifeless, stared blankly at the ceiling as she murmured to herself, “Ever since you reappeared in my life, Teacher, I’ve been pondering: What kind of being is the god? Did he truly create the Ratfolk? If so, why? Does he seek faith? Has he returned to the moon?”

“You’ll soon have the answers, Sarah,” Morgan reassured.

But the Empress, now on the brink of death, seemed not to hear him. She continued murmuring, “Over the years, I’ve witnessed the empire’s changes. I’ve seen what you’ve done. To be honest, I have some regrets. Your covert influence has already rendered the royal family powerless. But even if I had disagreed, what could I have done? The Merrican Kingdom’s sudden and mysterious downfall was a stark reminder. Had I refused, would I have inexplicably died in the palace the next day?”

Morgan remained silent.

“In the end, God is too enigmatic and too powerful. We have no means of resistance. We can only hope he is benevolent and treats the Ratfolk kindly. After all, I am their Empress,” Sarah whispered.

“Rest assured, Sarah. God’s ambitions are not confined to this small planet. Otherwise, there wouldn’t even be Ratfolk,” Morgan said softly, as if lost in thought.

Hearing this, the Empress’s wrinkled lips curved into a faint smile, and she fell silent.

After a long pause, Morgan stood and murmured, “My student, your skill in emotional manipulation has surpassed even mine. Just now, I almost shed tears.”

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