I Am The Swarm-Chapter 685: The Black Robes

The underground cavern fell into silence as the discussion hit a deadlock. No matter which path they chose, it seemed to lead to a dead end. If they didn’t want to confront the Ji race directly, they could only watch as the Ji plotted against the Swarm. But if they warned the Swarm, their own side would suffer the consequences.

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“The original Ji enslaved us. We finally outlasted them, only to be replaced by these half-breeds who continue to oppress us. Have these bastards forgotten what kind of blood runs through their veins? Do they not see what they look like? Do they really think they’re true Ji?”

“What’s the point of saying all this? If those people still remembered their origin races, the Ji race would have been long gone.”

“You’re overthinking it. Have you forgotten about Lumina? If it were just those traitors, we would have wiped out the Ji race several times over. Those traitors aren’t the real threat—it’s Lumina.”

“Humph, no matter how powerful Lumina is, it’s still just a program. If we fully cooperate, we can always find a way to bypass its self-protection mechanisms and eventually take it down.”

“Enough. Daydreaming won’t help us. We need to decide how to handle this situation as soon as possible.”

“What else can we do? We have no reason to oppose the Ji’s decision.”

“In my opinion, we might as well just flip the table. Ally with the Swarm and go head-to-head with the Ji. In a direct confrontation, the Ji might not necessarily win.”

“Humph, the Swarm isn’t some pushover either. Who knows what else they’re hiding? We might end up doing all the hard work only for them to reap the benefits.”

“Exactly. If we go to war with the Ji, our territories would immediately become the frontlines. The Swarm, on the other hand, could easily extricate themselves, maintaining a position where they can both attack and retreat. Their advantage would be too great.”

“Unless we find a way to push the Swarm to the forefront and force them into direct conflict with the Ji. Their bio-engineered troops are cheap to produce and would make perfect cannon fodder.”

“That’s simple. If the Ji’s plan succeeds, the Swarm will definitely launch a furious counterattack.”

“But standing between the Swarm and the Ji are us, the Confederation races. It won’t be easy for the Swarm to reach the Ji. Instead, we’ll be the ones bearing the brunt of the Swarm’s wrath. I have no desire to fight against their overwhelming numbers of bio-engineered soldiers.”

“We could clear the path for them, even guide them to the Ji.”

“Humph, the Ji would probably wipe you out before the Swarm even got close.”

“They wouldn’t dare. Aren’t they afraid we’d ally with the Swarm?”

“Why would they be? Without a command and coordination system to match their numbers, we’re just a disorganized mob. The Ji have seen this clearly through the recent war with the Swarm. We’re much weaker than they imagined. That’s probably why they’re so bold with their plans.”

“Can we fully unite and establish a unified command system?”

“Impossible. This problem can’t be solved. As I said earlier, our races are too different. Forced integration would only turn us into a newer version of the Ji race, even if we defeated the current one.”

“Exactly, L5, your idea is dangerous. The L Agreement is the foundation of our cooperation. If you try to touch its taboos, we might end up fighting among ourselves first.”

“Maybe we could sign a new agreement that ties us closer together, replacing the L Agreement?”

“Haha, closer ties? Then who would be in charge? Many positions are already filled. If we really did this, we’d be at each other’s throats in no time.”

“Right. Distance creates beauty. It’s better if we each mind our own business. Besides, agreements only work when the benefits are perfectly distributed. If the distribution doesn’t satisfy everyone, even the most airtight agreement is just a piece of paper.”

“Humph, a scattered group like this can’t achieve anything. If we all act like you, we’ll just be stuck here in this dark corner, venting our frustrations.”

“Don’t just talk, L3. Lead by example and give up your power first.”

“Why should I?!”

“Sigh…”

In the secret cavern, all the attendees wore black hoods, obscuring their appearances and races. They referred to each other by code names, and their conversations never touched on their real-world identities.

They went to such lengths to avoid the Ji’s omnipresent surveillance. However, inherent contradictions and flaws, which weren’t apparent in minor matters, became glaringly obvious when it came to issues that truly affected their future. It was difficult for them to truly unite.

Suddenly, all the black-robed figures fell silent. This was because footsteps could be heard approaching from the tunnel. However, none of them seemed overly concerned.

First, although there were no mechanical devices within a hundred kilometers, there were many patrols outside that perimeter, ensuring no unauthorized personnel could approach. Second, the tunnel, though seemingly smooth and straight, was riddled with ancient traps.

A single misstep could trigger devastating consequences and create a huge commotion. Since the newcomer had arrived without triggering any traps, it could only be one of their own.

“It’s L9!” one of the black-robed figures whispered. The situation was urgent, so almost everyone had attended this meeting. The only one missing was L9.

“Greetings, everyone. My apologies, I ran into a minor issue on the way and was delayed. I hope I haven’t caused any ill feelings.”

“Enough with the pleasantries, L9. Take your seat. We’ve been discussing for a while now.”

L9, clad in a black hooded robe, walked calmly to his seat, speaking as he went. “How has the discussion been going?”

“Not well. We’ve hit a dead end. No matter what we do, it doesn’t seem right. It looks like we can’t stop the Ji this time.”

“Alright, L2, I think I can guess what you’ve all been talking about. However, I have some information to share that might help us make the right decision.”

“Oh? What is it?” L9’s words piqued the interest of the other black-robed figures.

“Before I say anything, I need to conduct a small check on everyone…” As L9 spoke, he pulled out a long, slender device from his sleeve.

This small action, however, provoked a strong reaction from the others.

“L9! What are you doing? Have you forgotten our rules?”

“Have you turned traitor, L9?! Let’s get out of here!”

This secret meeting place was strictly off-limits to any high-tech devices within a hundred-kilometer radius to prevent any hardware or software from leaking its location or the identities of the attendees.

After all, according to the Ji’s propaganda, their artificial intelligence was omnipresent. Anywhere there was a network or technological hardware, their influence could be felt.