I Am The Swarm-Chapter 747: Capture

The “Hercules” was the ace up the Ji race’s sleeve prepared specifically for Sarah Kerrigan. Its advanced instruments could amplify its gravitational pull by hundreds or even thousands of times in a targeted direction. If it landed on the surface of a planet and aimed at its orbiting satellite, it could even trigger a “starfall.”

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“Increase the power!” The apocalyptic scene over the battlefield was merely the “Hercules” flexing its muscles—it was far from reaching its limits.

To resist the suction storm, the Burrowing Worms had intertwined themselves into a massive worm ball, significantly increasing their combined weight.

However, as the “Hercules” increased its output, its suction force multiplied exponentially, and the sandstorm grew fiercer. Gradually, the Burrowing Worms were pulled out of the worm ball and sucked into the air.

As the balance tipped, the worm ball could no longer withstand the suction. When only a few dozen Burrowing Worms remained, the entire mass was lifted into the air.

The colossal object, composed of dozens of terrifying creatures each hundreds of meters long, stood out starkly amidst the sandstorm. Seeing it, all the Ji soldiers breathed a sigh of relief.

“The target is inside; she can’t escape now.”

“Be careful not to accidentally injure the target.”

“Don’t worry. The sorting sequence is controlled by Selina—it won’t make mistakes.”

The “Hercules” attack was a classic example of wholesale destruction, indiscriminately pulling in enemy units, friendly units, and even ordinary dust and debris.

However, inside, it housed an intricate sorting apparatus. Once objects were sucked in, they were placed in a vast vacuum chamber. Surrounding mechanical claws or small tractor beams would retrieve friendly units or valuable items, while the rest were fed into a large energy furnace for conversion into energy.

For objects that couldn’t be quickly converted but were also deemed worthless, the “Hercules” was equipped with a negative energy generator specifically designed to annihilate such materials.

Though Sarah’s new markers had been removed, the K2N9 she was in still had tracking tags, allowing the Ji race to closely monitor her position. Selina even dedicated a subroutine to keep constant tabs on her.

To err on the side of caution, the Ji race didn’t neglect other targets either. This way, even if the Swarm Empress had been transferred using special means, they wouldn’t be left groping in the dark.

As the worm ball ascended into the air, previously hidden Swarm flying units attempted rescue missions. However, compared to the “Hercules,” their size difference was too great. Even the Vulturehawks couldn’t resist its suction.

Meanwhile, the Swarm forces struggling in near-orbit fired salvos of artillery in support. But the “Hercules” boasted armor thickness and strength beyond imagination, complemented by a negative energy shield.

Though the Ji race hadn’t yet miniaturized negative energy technology to the Swarm’s level, the sheer size of the “Hercules” allowed it to deploy this bug-level defensive weapon. The Swarm space units’ barrage failed to harm it and instead gave the Ji space fleet an opportunity to launch a devastating counterattack.

Thus, the “worm ball” was safely sucked into the “Hercules.” Inside, the long-awaiting sorting apparatus sprang into full operation.

The “worm ball” was placed in a vacuum environment, immediately highlighting differences. Ordinary Burrowing Worms, deprived of their survival environment, began dying struggles, whereas the space-based versions did not exhibit such symptoms.

The struggles caused the entangled worm ball to gradually unravel. Mechanical claws, already on standby, seized the separated Burrowing Worms.

Each Burrowing Worm, including those sucked in earlier, required thorough inspection. Who knew whether the Swarm Empress might have been transferred during their entanglement?

“That’s the one!” The Burrowing Worms were quickly separated. Even the space-based versions retained some combat capability, but this was the Ji race’s home turf—their strongest advantage—and capturing them was effortless.

At the center of the worm ball was naturally the Burrowing Worm carrying the K2N9.

“Retrieve the K2N9 first!” Once this Burrowing Worm was exposed, it received VIP treatment. A containment field enveloped it, neutralizing its resistance. It was then transferred to a separate area, where several laser cutters moved around its body, creating openings through which reconnaissance drones were inserted.

Based on feedback from the drones, non-essential parts of the Burrowing Worm were swiftly excised, confirming that the Swarm Empress wasn’t hiding elsewhere in its body.

Simultaneously, the location of the K2N9 was isolated. Without the magnetic interference from the Burrowing Worm, the battlefield auxiliary AI “Selina” immediately took control of it.

The hatch opened slowly, and the first to emerge were several Ji soldiers. Fully enclosed protective suits allowed them to operate unaffected in the vacuum environment.

“The target is inside!”

These Ji soldiers had performed a great service. The Swarm had indeed attempted to transfer the Swarm Empress but, to avoid harming her, only used small units for attacks. Relying on the K2N9’s decent defenses, these soldiers repelled those assaults.

Subsequently, the Ji race acted swiftly. From the moment the “Hercules” arrived until they were brought here, the Swarm never found another opportunity to transfer the Swarm Empress.

These soldiers truly embodied the saying “a narrow escape brings good fortune.” Their voices brimmed with joy as they promptly reported their situation.

“The target’s condition is unknown. Since we discovered her, she hasn’t moved, but she should still be alive.”

“Due to the visor and helmet obstruction, we couldn’t directly observe the Swarm Empress’s face or inspect her body. However, we’ve applied emergency cryogenic spray to her wounds.”

“Understood. You are the heroes of this mission; your contributions will not be forgotten. Go rest now.” After dismissing the soldiers, who were both relieved and elated, the Ji race’s relevant personnel began examining the Swarm Empress’s condition.

“Activate the air valve!” Upon closer inspection, it became clear that the Ji soldiers, equipped with only basic first aid knowledge and limited tools, had performed only rudimentary treatment on the Swarm Empress’s wounds.

In the vacuum environment, the pressure differential between her body and the surroundings made her injuries potentially fatal. Any breach of the sealed wounds could expel internal tissues.

If the target were to die due to this oversight, their commanding officer would surely make them wish they were dead.