Currently, the swarm’s actual control area is mainly to the west of the City of Darkness, spanning 60 kilometers from east to west and about 80 kilometers from north to south. Of course, most of this area is not garrisoned, with only occasional insect patrols passing through.
Correspondingly, the area to the north of the City of Darkness has essentially only had roads cleared, and no insects are stationed there on a regular basis.
As for the east, after dropping the branch hive, it has become the primary direction for development.
At present, the 3,000 insects in this area have begun clearing nearby regions devoid of wild monsters, preparing for the main force’s eastward advance.
Xia Jin planned to continue transferring 1,500 insects there over the next two days, forming a swarm with a total scale of 4,500 before launching an advance toward the city states.
As for the vicinity of the main hive, it would also reach a scale of 3,500 insects in two days.
The reason the numbers were increasing so rapidly was mainly that she had slightly increased the number of queens.
“At this rate, the army’s scale will exceed 10,000 in just five days. That will be the perfect time to have the soldiers deliver another batch of goods to Duoye City.”
Xia Jin calculated that she might accumulate the 1 million units of common energy even faster than expected.
The only thing that needed to be considered now was the acquisition of mithril.
She had sent a knight into a kingdom city, but it was clear that such an expensive casting material was difficult to buy there, and spending a vast amount of money for it was not cost effective.
“I should try asking the elves for it.”
The elven race used magic bows and arrows extensively, so they were very likely to collect such materials.
Xia Jin thought for a moment and called for the female knight, Ellie.
“Eh? You want me to go see the elves?”
“Yes. Take two insects with you to negotiate. See if the elven race is willing to sell us mithril. Hmm, you can also ask them if they need any mercenaries.”
“Understood.” Ellie nodded decisively.
Sometime later, the female knight arrived at the border of the Glowing Forest.
After walking around for a while, an unfamiliar female elf descended from the sky, landing lightly before her with a look of surprise and curiosity.
“Are you human?”
The elven race’s favorability toward humans was very low. If it weren't for the zerglings following her, this elf would have attacked long ago.
“I am human, but I have pledged my complete loyalty to the Zerg. I am here now as a representative of the Zerg Queen to discuss a matter.” Ellie was not particularly skilled in diplomacy, but fortunately, her basic communication was clear enough to convey the situation.
“You are human, yet you are loyal to another Zerg?” The elf looked at her in disbelief and then asked, “What have you come to discuss?”
“The Queen requires approximately 25 kilograms of mithril and hopes to obtain some from the elves.”
“Mithril?” The elf’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Do magic beasts also need such things?”
“Yes, the Queen wishes to seek a breakthrough in the field of magic.”
“Unbelievable.”
The female elf took a deep breath and said, “Please return in an hour. I will go and report this. By the way, what do you intend to trade in exchange?”
“The Queen said that you can hire the swarm to help you with certain tasks, or even for combat, much like mercenaries, based on a set value,” Ellie replied.
Hearing this, the elf’s expression changed again. “Understood. Please wait for the report.”
Half an hour later, somewhere within the Glowing Forest.
The stunningly beautiful Elven Queen, with long golden hair, sat beneath a tree that towered into the clouds, listening to the report.
“They will allow us to hire them? This magic beast race truly is different from those I’ve known in the past. Vigaya said their lord is a humanoid girl, even more beautiful than us elves... Could it truly be a mythic king?” Her tone was somewhat uncertain.
“Your Majesty, magic beast tribes capable of birthing mythic kings possess many powerful beings. They would never leave the magic-rich interior of the forests.”
“True, but we certainly need combat support right now. The vastness of the underground world is beyond imagination, and defending the entrance alone is difficult enough. If that magic beast lord is as good as her word, perhaps... we can agree to her terms.”
“Your Majesty, these are magic beasts. Can they really be trusted?” the subordinate asked with a hint of worry.
“We have no choice. The elves are not what they once were, and the World Tree is on the verge of withering. We can only hope for a miracle.”
Another half hour passed before the young elf returned to the designated spot. After waiting a short while, she saw Ellie.
“The Elven Queen has agreed, but mithril is extremely rare, and even our elven race has limited reserves. Her Majesty hopes to exchange one kilogram of mithril for the hiring rights of 10 magic beasts, and... there should be no excessive liability for any subsequent losses.”
“Are you elves in trouble? Or rather, have you encountered a very dangerous enemy?” Ellie asked, frowning.
“You are human; I should not tell you.”
“Fine.” Ellie felt helpless; these elves truly did not like humans.
It was true that even now, she had heard that a large number of elves in the human world were still being enslaved and treated as playthings by nobles.
Under such circumstances, it was already very restrained of them not to kill humans on sight.
“250 magic beasts—the price is just right. In fact, for mercenaries in the human world, 30 lives might not even be worth a kilogram of mithril.”
After speaking, she glanced at the hydralisk beside her.
The creature immediately tilted its head back and let out a roar. Subsequently, one zergling after another emerged from the woods.
“The basic combat unit of the swarm is a squad, with each squad consisting of 10 zerglings and 2 hydralisks. For this trade, we will provide 20 squads, plus an additional 10 zerglings.”
As Ellie spoke, the insects approached from a distance.
Facing this scene personally, the elves finally understood the imposing aura these terrifying creatures possessed.
Their hideous appearances and murderous low growls made it seem as if every single insect was born solely for combat.
Rate on N.U.
