I Am The Swarm-Chapter 688: Agreement

“Actually, there’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity right now that could force the Swarm to get involved.”

“You mean…?”

“Exactly. If the Ji’s plan succeeds, it will undoubtedly create an irreparable enmity with the Swarm. Before, we were somewhat restrained, but now we can go all out.”

“That makes sense. Let the Ji complete the first half of their plan, then we’ll step in and see if we can seize the treasure. If not, we’ll at least earn some goodwill from the Swarm. But we absolutely cannot let the Ji get it.”

“Right. If we do get our hands on that thing and it turns out to be of little value, we’ll return it to the Swarm. If it truly possesses some extraordinary power, we’ll keep it. I believe the Swarm would prioritize revenge over chasing the treasure. And with the Swarm keeping the Ji busy, they won’t have the energy to deal with us.”

“Humph, but have you considered that if the Swarm values the treasure far more than their empress, they might turn their attention to us? If the Ji then takes advantage of the situation, our fate won’t be too pleasant.”

“In that case, we’ll just throw the treasure out and let them fight over it! In any case, we must seize the opportunity to act during the Ji’s plan.”

“But all these plans hinge on the Swarm empress making an appearance. If she doesn’t show up, we’ll need another strategy.”

“Then we’ll force the Ji to enter the fray directly. At that point, we can secretly contact the Swarm, explain the stakes, and form an alliance. We might even cede the leading role to them.”

“Agreed. The frontline star gates are almost complete and undergoing final adjustments. They’ll be operational soon. If necessary, we can leak the coordinates and star maps to the Swarm, urging them to strike directly at the Ji.”

“Should we intervene in the current frontline negotiations?”

“We shouldn’t reveal our presence too much. Let things take their natural course. The best outcome would be for the Ji to force the Swarm into submission. That would simplify everything.”

“Then let’s move. L5, you’ve been exposed and shouldn’t show yourself. Stay here and hold the fort. The rest of you, go out and clean up our ranks. Then initiate the final plan. We’ve been waiting for this day for too long.”

“Understood!”

“Got it!”

—

While these individuals were plotting in a signal-free cave, the frontline negotiations had made significant progress. The Confederation’s concessions, the temptation of agreeing to the Swarm’s conditions, and the pressure from the Confederation’s massive forces eventually led the Swarm to make some compromises as well.

The Swarm empress agreed to personally appear and sign the ceasefire agreement with a delegation led by the Ji elders and supported by high-ranking members of various races.

Although they got the result they wanted, the Confederation felt somewhat unsatisfied. The Swarm had agreed to the terms faster than expected, leaving many of their underhanded tactics unused. It gave them a sense of “I didn’t even get to exert myself, and you already fell.”

“Something feels off. The Swarm agreed too readily.”

“Haha, that’s because you’re not in their position. The pressure they’re under is far greater than you imagine.”

“Exactly. They were once part of the Confederation, albeit briefly. They must have some understanding of the Confederation’s structure and true strength. They know that if the war continues, it won’t just be the mid and outer-ring weaklings taking the stage. It’s better to take this opportunity to step back and recuperate.”

“But I still feel this isn’t the Swarm’s style.”

“Style? When it comes to survival, there’s only one style—staying alive!”

“Sigh, I didn’t expect even the mighty Swarm to be unable to resist the Confederation.”

“What are you lamenting? Your statement has issues, brother.”

“Haha, nothing. I’m just marveling at how powerful our Confederation is. I feel honored to be part of it, haha.”

With the temporary ceasefire and the impending signing of a hundred-year truce, many combat units found themselves with some downtime. In the resource-scarce frontline, chatting became their best way to pass the time.

“Has the signing location been confirmed?”

“Just got the news. It’s confirmed.”

“Where is it?”

“Hah, where else could it be?”

“Star System One of the Swarm?”

“Exactly. It’s already part of the frontline, fitting the signing location criteria. The previous war has already devastated the place. Plus, it’s just been swept by the Swarm, ensuring there are no traps from us. Even if a fight breaks out mid-signing and more damage is done, it’s no big deal. And with so many captives held there as shields, if I were the Swarm, I’d choose that place too.”

“Haha, what about the time? Has that been confirmed?”

“That’s set too—two years from now.”

“So we have to wait two more years?”

“Yep, but this is our issue. Many of the big shots are far from the frontline. If it weren’t for the star gates being completed, we’d be waiting even longer.”

“I don’t get why so many people are coming. There are already several Ji elders at the frontline. Isn’t that enough?”

“Who knows? Maybe they just want to make their presence known.”

“I don’t see this as a victory. To me, it’s a shameful defeat, and I believe most people feel the same. If historical records are accurate, our descendants will see it that way too. What’s there to flaunt?”

“Who knows? But it’s certainly a chance to make history, isn’t it? Even if it’s not positive, a force as formidable as the Swarm might not appear again for another million years.”

“Alright, I really can’t understand the thought processes of those big shots.”

“Everyone has different pursuits. No need to make a fuss.”

“Will the Swarm agree to wait that long?”

“Why wouldn’t they? Those two years don’t count toward the hundred-year detention period.”

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“Alright, I get it. If I were the Swarm, I might consider blowing up the star gates. That could drag things out for decades.”

“Haha, maybe the Swarm is considering that. From what I’ve heard, the defenses around the star gates have been reinforced.”

“I was just saying. If the Swarm blew up the star gates, wouldn’t they be afraid we’d cancel the agreement and go straight to war?”

“With so many captives in their hands, what do they have to fear? Surely those are worth more than a star gate. The Confederation has already ceded over a dozen star systems. They won’t fuss over one star gate.”

“Then it’s good to reinforce the defenses and avoid any accidents. Once the agreement is signed, we can go home sooner.”