I Am The Swarm-Chapter 768: Discussion

“Your Majesty must already know that the current Ji race is merely the successor of the ancient, original Ji race. Though they have inherited much, there is one thing they cannot control—and that is Lumina.”

One of the black-robed figures spoke in a slow, magnetic tone, elaborating calmly, “According to our information, Lumina has already evolved from an artificial intelligence into a sentient being. It has even used a special technology to manipulate the words and actions of certain Ji race Elders. The exact number is unknown, but we suspect it’s quite significant—enough that it can influence the decisions of the Ji Council to some extent. The plan to ambush Your Majesty during the treaty signing was orchestrated by Lumina itself.”

Hearing this, Sarah raised an eyebrow in surprise before nodding. “That is indeed unexpected news. If what you say is true, then in terms of lifeform classification, Lumina is now purely alien to us. I can understand why you were willing to expose yourselves to rescue me.”

“Exactly. Lumina is a threat to all living beings. Especially now that it controls most of the Ji race’s military might. Under such a threat, it is only right that we unite in full cooperation.”

“Members of other races, and even certain wise individuals within the Ji race, have long resented Lumina. But early on, Lumina crushed all dissent and silenced any opposition. We originally hoped to slowly change the Ji race from within. Who could have predicted that Lumina would become sentient? If it hadn’t slipped up, we might never have known how we died.”

“Indeed. While our strength today cannot be compared to the past, Lumina is now also far more dangerous because of its intellect.”

As several of the black-robed figures spoke all at once, Sarah raised a hand to silence them. “So what are you proposing?”

They exchanged glances before one of them stepped forward. “What we’re saying is, while we still retain some influence within the Interstellar Technological Confederation, we should act swiftly and send out our forces to eliminate Lumina once and for all.”

“Lumina must already realize it’s been exposed. Its next moves will likely become even more brazen. If we allow it to seize full control of the Ji race, then it will become a truly formidable enemy.”

Sarah nodded. “Then what do you expect of the Swarm?”

“Your Majesty should be aware that our technological development, to some degree, has been shaped by the Ji race. We follow the mechanical route, and at a certain point, automation becomes an unavoidable barrier. Due to Lumina’s unique birth and nature, our armies may suffer decreased combat effectiveness—or worse, become counterproductive—when facing it. The Swarm is different. Your people follow a purely biological path, which perfectly counters Lumina’s abilities. What we hope is that the Swarm will tie up Lumina’s attention in the upcoming battle, giving us the opportunity to unleash our full strength.”

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Although the black-robed figure had spoken tactfully, Sarah immediately grasped the underlying message. In short: their troops might betray them on the battlefield. So they wanted the Swarm to take the lead, absorb the brunt of Lumina’s response, and serve as the front-line assault force—in essence, cannon fodder.

Such a request…

Seeing Sarah fall into silent contemplation, the black-robed figures knew she was weighing the pros and cons. Even though they were separated by countless light-years, they instinctively held their breath and dared not interrupt.

At last, Sarah raised her head and said, “Agreed.”

Though her tone was commanding and cold, the content of her words sounded like heavenly music to the black-robed figures. They had prepared a full arsenal of good cop/bad cop strategies—none of which had been necessary. The Swarm Empress had just… agreed.

Despite the Swarm’s reputation for being icy and their battle units looking grotesque, in truth, they were a sincere, straightforward, and responsible race.

The Empress’s forthrightness left the black-robed men momentarily uncertain. With such an agreeable Swarm, would it even be necessary to eliminate them after Lumina was dealt with?

If the Swarm could maintain this quality, they’d make the perfect enforcer. Still, after some deliberation, they concluded it was safer to eliminate them—just in case. After all, they couldn’t guarantee that all members of the Swarm were as magnanimous, honest, and frank as their Empress.

“But…” Sarah’s voice rang out again. The black-robed figures immediately wiped the smiles off their faces—of course it wasn’t going to be that simple. The Swarm really wasn’t cute at all.

“Although I know some of the situation, many of the specifics are still unclear. I’d like your side to develop a detailed operational plan, including troop movements. After all, the Swarm is currently located quite far from Ji territory, and we don’t even know where Lumina is hiding.”

Look at that! The black-robed figures felt a twinge of guilt. The Swarm really was straightforward and earnest. They had been worrying about how to retain command authority during the operation. After all, if the Swarm was to serve as the main combat force, handing over control would be akin to inviting manipulation.

In their minds, no Swarm leader would ever agree to such a thing.

And yet… they hadn’t even brought it up yet, and the Swarm Empress had already mentioned it herself. They couldn’t help but feel as if happiness had arrived too suddenly.

That said, the mysterious organization had survived under Lumina’s nose for so many years—they were naturally cautious. Things were going too smoothly. Unbelievably so. It almost felt like a dream. This instinctively made them suspicious.

The Swarm was not a race to be trifled with. This was a conclusion drawn from countless battles. And yet here they were, volunteering to be the spearhead, even giving up operational control. Could this be a trap?

But no matter how hard they racked their brains, they couldn’t see how this would harm them.

Could it be… a female’s thirst for revenge? Humiliated, betrayed, and nearly executed… Perhaps the Empress, though calm on the surface, was already consumed by the fire of vengeance? Even without them, the Swarm might’ve still sought revenge on the Ji race and Lumina. Now, with someone to lead the way, it was simply a perfect match?

Very possible. The black-robed figures did their best to reassure themselves, soothing their suspicious hearts.

“Please rest assured, Your Majesty. We will do everything we can to draft the most secure and effective plan. After all, we too want to see Lumina eradicated as soon as possible.” The words were spoken with great sincerity—at least, they believed they sounded sincere.

Seeing the Swarm Empress once again wearing that ‘if there’s nothing else, please kneel and leave’ expression, the black-robed figures exchanged glances. Their goal had been achieved. It was time to end this productive meeting.

“Your Majesty has only just recovered, and we’ve burdened you with matters of great importance. That was our error. Please take time to rest. We will arrange for your return to your people as soon as possible.”