Chapter 473: Fear
The Ji artificial intelligence demonstrated extraordinary coordination and strategic capabilities. Fighting against it was entirely different from engaging other alien forces. Under the control of the Ji AI, the Daqi defensive lines executed maneuvers with astonishing precision—relocating forces, concentrating fire, and other actions were seamless.
In previous battles, the Swarm often relied on its overwhelming execution capabilities to secure victory. However, in some areas, the Ji AI surpassed even the Swarm.
But in the face of absolute numbers, such advantages became irrelevant. The Swarm’s charging forces formed into lines, and even when the Primordial Units at the front were struck, their massive bodies provided partial cover for those behind them, absorbing incoming firepower.
The charging lines grew longer and more numerous, overwhelming the Daqi defensive positions, which could not target them all. Eventually, Primordial Units breached the effective range of the defenses. Their storage compartments opened, releasing countless larval and mature bodies onto the battlefield.
Thanks to continuous genetic optimization, space octopuses had enhanced energy efficiency. This allowed larval and mature bodies to operate effectively even without the energy support of an Atomic Furnace.
The result in combat was clear: the Primordial Units could deploy these smaller units from a greater distance.
The endless swarm of larval and mature bodies placed an even greater strain on the already overstretched Daqi firepower network. A chain reaction followed—more Primordial Units reached effective deployment range, releasing even more larval and mature bodies into the fray.
However, the Daqi’s defensive installations were already abandoned assets, so losses were of little concern. Operating in overdrive, the systems ignored damage and wear, focusing solely on maximizing output within their limited lifespan.
Some cannons began sparking, and energy transmission pipelines neared their breaking point. Suddenly, one orbital cannon, overwhelmed by its load, short-circuited. A cascade of failures followed, culminating in a massive explosion.