When a Floating Hive Bug opened the scales and shell on its sides, one could see Swimmers swimming out from within.
Although she had tried her best to avoid things that looked too insect-like, from a distance, these dense clusters of holes still reminded one of hive-like structures.
It was enough to trigger anyone's trypophobia.
Especially when the Swimmers poked their heads out from each hole, Xia Jin felt the scene was quite a blow to her sanity.
Of course, that was measuring it by her past aesthetics. Now, not only did she not find it sanity-eroding, but she even felt a sense of familiarity.
“Production is a bit slow, but the energy cost is within an acceptable range.”
One unit required 800 units of ordinary energy.
Strictly speaking, it wasn't much. This bug's current combat power was actually quite limited; the price was mostly for its sheer size.
It was essentially a mobile turtle turret.
The so-called enhanced exploding needles were just upgraded versions of the ones on the Swimmers, with slightly increased fire rate and power.
That was all.
This thing would definitely have to evolve to become truly powerful in the future. For now, it was just a transport and fire support tool, and Xia Jin wasn't planning to invest too many resources into it.
“OK, let's leave it at that. Continue the expansion.”
The massive Floating Hive Bug was carried to the shore by a large group of zerglings and then slid into the water.
With a loud splash, water sprayed everywhere.
After hitting the water, its tail began to wag, and a stream of water jetted out from the rear, pushing the giant bug's body forward.
The nearby Swimmers immediately ducked into the open slots on its sides.
As the shell closed with a series of thuds, the twenty-meter-long monster began to move forward slowly.
Its appearance was undeniably Zerg-styled—bizarre and barely looking like a living creature. Its head featured a massive opening filled with tentacles and churning flesh. Whenever it wished, dense cavities would appear within, firing off numerous exploding needles.
And once in close quarters, every single tentacle possessed significant lethality.
Of course, that was the extent of it for now.
This thing was merely a precursor species. It would be modified and strengthened in the future based on newly acquired resources.
...
Following the departure of the first one, the second Floating Hive Bug followed suit.
To ensure safety along the way, Xia Jin dispatched about thirty Swimmers to escort them.
A few minutes later, a large swarm of giant shrimp charged toward them.
Yes, they were coming straight for the bugs.
Seeing this, the Swimmers launched a counterattack without hesitation.
One exploding needle after another was fired.
The impressive power of the explosions indeed dealt staggering losses to the opposition.
However, most of these shrimp were at Tier 3 or 4, with some Tier 5 individuals mixed in. After the first wave, many were wounded, but only four or five actually died.
As these creatures lunged forward, the Swimmers used their incredible agility to swim close, engaging the enemy in melee combat with the sharp blades on their sides.
Despite the gap in tiers, they were specialized organisms after all. In close combat, the two sides actually fought to a standstill.
Even though the giant shrimp's pincers were extremely powerful—even capable of releasing terrifying shockwaves by snapping shut at high speeds—it was difficult for them to hit the Swimmers.
It could be said that even a Tier 4 shrimp couldn't gain much of an advantage.
Unfortunately, the enemy's numbers were too great.
“Are they coming in a group to farm experience?”
On the Zerg side, the Floating Hive Bug had already released the Swimmers from its body.
Seeing the enemy's numbers suddenly swell, several of the giant shrimp clearly froze, while those in the back turned and fled immediately.
Regrettably, it was useless. They were completely outmatched in speed and were soon bombarded by exploding needles.
A few minutes later...
The battle was over.
“I feel... like we can challenge that giant squid now.”
Xia Jin's resources were nearly accumulated enough for the next hive upgrade.
The amount of gold seized from the city states was almost sufficient. Now, it could be said that only Mithril was lacking.
“Whatever, let's go.”
To avoid being wiped out in one go, the Swimmers did not enter the interior of the Floating Hive Bugs.
They charged at the very front, heading toward the giant squid's location at full speed.
...
A few minutes later, the enemy appeared in their field of vision.
In the light blue lake, the massive body rested quietly at the bottom. Its two giant eyes rolled around, giving off a distinct Cthulhu-esque vibe.
It seemed to have noticed the bugs, but it made no reaction.
On the shore, to increase the harassment against this enemy, hydralisks had already begun spitting acid into the water.
Even if it would be diluted, the poison would still have some effect.
Meanwhile, several banelings also jumped into the water.
At that moment, countless exploding needles and poisonous needles were fired at the target.
The two Floating Hive Bugs following behind also began to fire.
Each needle left a long, thin trail of bubbles in the water.
Finally, upon closing to a distance of fifty meters, the terrifying squid tentacles suddenly swung like giant arms, slapping toward them.
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
At the moment of impact, at least several hundred explosions rang out.
The giant squid's entire body was forced back.
“It's working!” Xia Jin's eyes lit up.
It proved that as long as the explosions accumulated to a certain point, there was a noticeable effect.
But unlike the zerglings on land, the Swimmers' agility ensured they could react quickly when the enemy retaliated.
At least a small number of them were able to dodge.
And so, the battle began.
Squid arms lashed out wildly in the water, killing over a dozen Swimmers in an instant.
But for this attack, the bugs were spread very far apart. Nearly two hundred of them were attacking from all directions. As soon as they saw the enemy approaching, they would try to flee. Although they couldn't fully evade, it left the squid extremely confused.
“Very good. I'll send a few more over.”
Seeing the power of the explosions blast countless craters into the opponent's body, with strange blue blood even flowing out, Xia Jin felt a surge of excitement.
There was no need to overthink it now. Who knew if they could actually kill this thing? The bugs simply began to seize the Mithril stones from the ground and swam away in all directions at full speed.
Rate on N.U.
