I Am The Swarm

The materials required for the Riken’s Longevity Serum, specifically the Longevity Plants, indeed lacked universal applicability because they were custom-designed by Luo Wen to suit the genetic makeup of the Riken.

Fortunately, Luo Wen had prepared for this eventuality. Initially, his goal had been to ensure the smooth implementation of the universal vaccination plan for the Longevity Serum. Thus, in the early stages of the Swarm’s infiltration of the Riken, most of the intelligent entities embedded in their society, apart from those focused on military and political matters, were directed toward the production and research of the Longevity Serum.

After anticipating the Watchers’ scrutiny, Luo Wen accelerated his plans, taking full control of all related industries. Under his covert instructions, all original samples and data related to the Longevity Plants were systematically destroyed.

Destroying the original plant samples was a straightforward task for Luo Wen. The plants themselves were node units of the Swarm, capable of self-destructing and revealing their locations when necessary.

There was no chance of them being hidden. Luo Wen could even remotely trigger their genetic self-destruction. However, to avoid leaving behind any suspicious traces, he refrained from using such methods.

The destruction of the original research data, on the other hand, required significantly more effort. At the time, the Swarm’s presence on the Riken homeworld was still relatively weak.

Later, after converting a few key individuals—such as Dr. Balt, the original leader of the Longevity Plant research team during the expedition fleet’s return, and the three directors of the first official Riken laboratory, Dr. Simone, Dr. Hartman, and Dr. Natal—Luo Wen gained access to their memories.

With the recollections of these pivotal figures, much of the original data could no longer remain hidden. Their expertise in the early research on Longevity Plants added credibility to their statements, which further legitimized the Swarm’s efforts to rewrite the narrative.

Eventually, after gaining control over all critical stages of the research and production process, Luo Wen systematically altered the original archives over time. The Longevity Plants were reclassified from having no universal applicability to possessing limited applicability.

The modified plants were now effective only for organisms with a specific chromosomal sequence, which roughly 20% of the species in the Interstellar Confederation possessed.

This adjustment made the Riken’s development of the Longevity Serum seem less intentional. The 20% compatibility rate could be chalked up to coincidence.

Although this change significantly reduced the plants’ initial value, it opened the door for further advancements. With proper cultivation, the plants could eventually be improved to target more chromosomes, potentially achieving universal compatibility with all Confederation species in the future.

In nature, perfection is rare. Something too flawless inevitably invites suspicion. Even with the lowered value of the Longevity Plants, they remained highly prized. However, the mysterious circumstances surrounding their emergence made it difficult for Luo Wen to fabricate a seamless origin story for them.

To avoid unnecessary scrutiny, Luo Wen decided that the eventual improvement of the plants would not be conducted by the Swarm, nor even by the Riken. Instead, the task would be entrusted to unrelated external species.

Of course, if needed, Luo Wen could discreetly offer these species a subtle nudge in the right direction.

As the information regarding the Longevity Serum continued to be collected, it drew increasing attention. Eventually, the Ji even offered 10,000 points to purchase all related research data from the Riken.

To put this into perspective, the Riken’s 100,000-strong scientific workforce had collectively earned only 100,000 points in total.

“What a tremendous bargain they’ve gotten. I knew it—a small, backwater civilization like the Riken couldn’t possibly develop such advanced technology. It turns out they relied entirely on this special material.” After obtaining the Riken’s data, the Ji quickly pieced together much of the situation through analysis. In terms of technological sophistication, the Riken truly didn’t amount to much.

“This is an utterly perfect plant—a pinnacle creation of nature itself. How could such a thing even exist in this world? According to the Riken, it doesn’t require altering an organism’s original genes. It merely increases the number of times cells can divide, achieving life extension without any side effects. This is precisely the path we’ve been striving to follow for countless years without success. To have it fall into our hands so effortlessly is incredible,” one Ji scientist marveled. “Nature humbles us yet again. It’s truly awe-inspiring.”

“However, these materials don’t reveal much,” another Ji scientist interjected, pouring cold water on the enthusiasm. “The Riken’s terminology differs significantly from the Confederation’s system, so we’ll need physical samples for validation. Until we get actual data, I suggest tempering your optimism.”

“Exactly. There’s no such thing as perfection. Let’s not fall into blind reverence. We stand at the pinnacle of this star region. Nature might have simply been ahead of us in time, but one day, we’ll catch up and uncover all its mysteries,” said another Ji member, whose words reflected the confidence of the descendant faction.

“Alright, enough,” said a Ji who appeared to be in a management role. “Focus on analyzing the data further and see if there’s anything we’ve overlooked. As for the physical samples, it’ll be a long time before we get our hands on those.”

This discussion took place in a Ji research facility deep within their territory. The lab was dedicated to life-extension research, and its members were experts in the field.

Such laboratories were plentiful among the Ji, given their immigration-driven model, with scientists comprising over 90% of their population. The remaining 10% were the descendants who had accumulated over the years, some of whom chose not to pursue scientific careers.

While the Longevity Serum data could be transmitted instantly via quantum communication devices, transporting the physical samples required spacecraft. Even at the Ji’s fastest speeds, delivery would still take decades.

For the Ji, such time spans were routine. At worst, they’d simply enter cryosleep—an experience akin to blinking.

The emergence of the Longevity Serum partially diverted attention away from the Swarm. The Ji placed great importance on the newly discovered serum. The two stationed Ji ships departed, carrying large quantities of plants and their cultivation methods.

The Ji provided five quantum communication devices to the new Confederation members. Apart from one installed in Trade City, the others were typically used for fleet communication, as seen with the Daqi Third Prince’s use for latency-free coordination. The devices’ primary role, however, was to transmit daily Confederation news and updates.

The departure of the two Ji ships responsible for installation delayed the setup of quantum communication devices for the Swarm. Luo Wen, however, didn’t mind the delay—he welcomed it.

As for the devices’ functionalities, Luo Wen was indifferent. For fleet command, the Swarm’s Network was far more advanced and free from Ji monitoring concerns.

As for the news and updates, Luo Wen could easily acquire them through the Riken. Given the amicable relationship between the two species, “sharing” such information posed no issue.

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