I Am The Swarm-Chapter 740: Solution

Once the battle began, there were too many areas requiring energy consumption. Abilities like electromagnetic acceleration and electromagnetic force, though seemingly low in energy expenditure, accumulated significant consumption when continuously activated and frequently used.

Next, high-molecular blades and armor repair required energy to support the bio-armor’s proliferation. Finally, the Negative Energy Blade was a major energy consumer. Sarah had to reserve sufficient energy to activate this ability at critical moments to cleave through obstacles.

Similarly, the Negative Energy Shield needed to be activated at key moments to block unavoidable attacks.

Thus, although Sarah’s energy reserves were relatively ample for now, meticulous energy management was essential. Having energy reserves meant fighting without panic.

However, the rapid toggling of the Negative Energy Shield, while conserving energy to the utmost, also exposed her limitations.

“Her energy reserves aren’t sufficient.”

“The Negative Energy Shield consumes too much energy. Prepare some targeted attack methods on the frontline!”

The blunt-nosed projectiles couldn’t stop Sarah’s advance. Though her speed had slowed considerably, it was only relative. To the Ji soldiers, Sarah was still as fast as lightning. Without the aid of combat-assisted targeting systems, their naturally evolved vision couldn’t track Sarah’s movements.

Taking slightly longer than before, Sarah eliminated two K2N9s and several Ji soldiers blocking her path, then rummaged for more high-explosive grenades, collapsing the tunnel behind her before continuing forward.

Perhaps searching for grenades took some time; Sarah hadn’t run twenty meters when she encountered another barrage of blunt-nosed projectiles. By now, Sarah was well-versed in dealing with such attacks, dodging most projectiles and using the Negative Energy Shield to block the unavoidable few.

Just as Sarah planned to eliminate the obstructing Ji squad like before, the number of blunt-nosed projectiles suddenly decreased, which wasn’t good news for Sarah.

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Following closely, a disgusting liquid was sprayed toward her. From its airborne trajectory, Sarah recognized it immediately and quickly retreated a few steps backward.

Indeed, the liquid was extremely viscous, sticking wherever it landed with strong adhesive properties—essentially, a super-strong glue.

It seemed the Ji race had found a method to counter Sarah’s Negative Energy Shield. The thick streams of glue couldn’t be evaded by mere agility.

Moreover, once hit, aside from the unpleasantness, the glue’s strong adhesion provided excellent control. Once entangled, escaping would be nearly impossible.

As for neutralizing these attacks with the Negative Energy Shield, it wasn’t impossible, but the energy consumption would be astronomical. Even if she managed to eliminate this squad, the Ji race had likely deployed numerous such teams around the area. Sarah estimated that if she directly resisted these attacks, she could take out at most five squads before running out of energy, leaving her immobilized and sealed like an amber specimen.

However, this glue-spraying attack had its pros and cons. While it hindered Sarah’s movement significantly, it also blocked the Ji team’s own route since it lacked a “teammate-friendly mode.” The passage clogged by the glue similarly locked down the Ji soldiers’ movement.

At this point, the firing of blunt-nosed projectiles had ceased because the passage was already blocked; the projectiles couldn’t reach through. Frankly, these glue attacks were easy to evade since they lacked homing capabilities. After the Ji soldiers launched their attack, Sarah simply retreated slightly, resulting in a glue wall forming between them.

Though it affected both parties, the Ji race aimed to restrict Sarah’s mobility, making this situation more advantageous for them.

Additionally, the Ji race suddenly realized that this gelatinous attack had other uses.

“Send more J-Z-901 solution reserves to the frontlines.”

“What?”

“I’ve discovered we can use J-Z-901 to reinforce the ground. If we glue the entire area together and attach a few stabilizing devices, even if the Swarm excavates underneath, what difference does it make?”

“Great idea!”

The Ji soldiers had a wide variety of weapons and equipment. There were seven or eight types of conventional grenades and over twenty special types. Ammunition options were even more extensive, along with various firearm modules and auxiliary devices. Even with the Ji soldiers’ high standard payload capacity, not everything could be accommodated.

The J-Z-901 solution and its accompanying launchers were among the rarest items, rarely used under most circumstances. In a standard Ji squad, perhaps only one or two members carried this equipment.

When two or three squads formed a platoon, their J-Z-901 solution and launcher configurations sufficed to impede Sarah’s escape but were far from enough to seal off the entire area.

However, there was plenty of this solution aboard the warships. Upon receiving orders, Selina directed various machines to package and deliver the specified materials. However, because J-Z-901 was so obscure and not on the standard delivery list, the preparation process took a few extra minutes compared to regular supplies.

The delivery and landing also required time, plus transportation to the underground battlefield. Even adding up these scattered durations, Sarah didn’t have much time left.

Sarah was unaware of the Ji race’s plans, but her current situation was already unfavorable. Fortunately, the area sealed by the gelatinous solution was extremely sturdy, requiring even K2N9s a long time to penetrate.

With the path ahead blocked and the rear collapsed, Sarah suddenly realized this might be a good opportunity to resume digging downward. Extending her high-molecular claws, Sarah embarked on her digging journey again.

Because the high-molecular claws were generated by the bio-armor, they could change shape freely. They transformed into sharp blades for attacks and into robust digging claws when excavating.

These claws incorporated features of digging appendages, being large and curved, making excavation highly effective. Combined with the strength and sensitivity granted by the bio-armor and the almost unparalleled physique of her insectoid body, Sarah’s digging speed was exceptionally fast.

Sarah’s actions were soon detected by the Ji race. Based on this, Selina adjusted the Ji squad’s encirclement routes. With the shrinking encirclement, she had more teams to deploy, making the encirclement tighter.

After digging downward for over thirty meters, Sarah stopped. Her echolocation system showed enemies approaching from almost every direction—above, below, front, back, left, and right.

However, at this moment, the Ji commander sent new instructions to Selina.