The Clash

The damage caused by a disorganized group cannot compare to that of strict discipline and coordinated cooperation. However, given the time constraints, the Duoqi Race is also unable to upgrade these artificial intelligence programs in a short period of time.

The entire Koya Alliance lacked advanced technology in this area, so they couldn't provide support to the Duoqi Race. However, as the saying goes, three heads are better than one, and just when everyone was scratching their heads, one of the members suggested a solution: to ask the Epoch Clan for help.

Why are people wary of artificial intelligence and restrict its development? Isn't it because the Epoch Clan, which has already made great strides in this field, is looming over them? Everyone is worried that if a conflict breaks out with the Epoch Clan, they might lose the battle in terms of artificial intelligence, resulting in their warships being remotely taken over by someone else, and then inexplicably losing the war.

Although such a scenario is highly unlikely, everyone should still be prepared for potential dangers, right? Actually, this idea originated from the established forces within the inner circle. Later, the new members, unaware of its significance, followed suit. Eventually, through misinformation and transmission, it evolved into what it is today.

However, everyone still highly recognizes the achievements and status of the Epoch Clan in the field of artificial intelligence. After the suggestion was made, everyone thought about it and found it to be feasible, so they submitted an application to the Epoch Clan.

Regarding the Swarm, although the Epoch Clan has not yet made a clear statement, their stance can be discerned through their troop movements. Moreover, this matter would not have developed to this point if the Epoch Clan had not been involved from the beginning.

Therefore, the Epoch Clan quickly agreed to the Koya Alliance's request for assistance, without even convening Council of Elders. An artificial intelligence was remotely transmitted to the Duoqi Civilization via Quantum Communication System. After being authorized, this AI quickly took over all of the Duoqi Race's AIs.

The formidable capabilities demonstrated by the Epoch Clan AI left onlookers speechless. They realized why the older generation within the inner circle had been suppressing the development of their own AI. No matter how advanced technology becomes, essential tasks still require human intervention.

This method is indeed less efficient, but it is much more reliable.

Although Rowan knew that the Duoqi Race had invited outside help and set up an ambush, this level of trap was not enough to make the Swarm reveal its true strength.

Due to the unique space bubble effect of warp drive, units must maintain a certain safe distance during marches to avoid interference. This results in large-scale marches covering a very large span, both in space and time.

For example, two relatively close star systems, about five light-years apart, can be traversed in just over a year. However, if there are too many troops, it's possible that the vanguard will have already arrived while the follow-up troops are still waiting to depart. This situation has occurred, as seen on Sha Dabai's side.

Fortunately for Duoqi, the Swarm was delayed for a while while clearing mines outside the star system. Although a small portion of the forces were still en route, the majority had already assembled outside the star system.

The assembled Ancient Class beings are divided into hundreds of teams, each with more than 10,000 Ancient Class beings. They will enter Qi-101 and 102 one after another.

The Duoqi Civilization operated in two star systems for a long time. Although their warships had all left, the static defense system they left behind was still not to be underestimated. Orbital Cannon, Starry Sky Turret, Ground-Based Artillery, Satellite Bunker, and more formed a powerful firepower network. In particular, their Mother Planet was built like an impregnable fortress.

When the vanguard entered the star system, Duoqi's defense systems were silent, with no energy accumulation or signal fluctuations, as if Duoqi had truly abandoned the area and was unable to destroy them.

Upon seeing this, the Swarm, following its usual procedure, dispersed and prioritized searching for surveillance equipment, leaving the abandoned debris to be dealt with by subsequent units.

But just as the Ancient Class approached or passed these defensive structures without warning, they suddenly activated. System self-checks, energy gathering, cannon muzzles turning and locking...

The Swarm reacted swiftly; Rowan had known about the trap all along, but had simply pretended not to know to conceal his trump card.

The moment the energy fluctuation appeared, the Ancient Class reacted. Their agility, far exceeding that of mechanical units, allowed them to quickly change direction. At the same time, they increased the output power of their Propulsion Module, further dispersing the force as they rushed towards the defensive weapons.

The Swarm's incredibly fast reaction surprised the onlookers, but the emotionless Epoch Clan AI was unfazed; its superior computing power allowed it to respond just as quickly.

Defensive weapons began to fire in a crossfire, a dense barrage suppressing the Ancient Class's attack. Seeing this, the Ancient Class reduced the energy output of its Propulsion Module, diverting some energy to its weapon systems. The Electromagnetic Cannon began charging, and the Swarm Network connected to its Fire Control System and the Biological Brain at the rear, providing long-range computing support.

Defensive weapons or Ancient Class were hit intermittently. The Epoch Clan AI manipulated the Duoqi weapons to adjust their formation. Some space bunkers were placed at the forefront, deploying repulsive fields to block the Electromagnetic Projectile.

Meanwhile, the Swarm responded immediately. The Ancient Class internal structure adjusted, and the Electromagnetic Cannon restructured. Soon, beams of energy shot out from the cannon. In space, what was originally a one-way, shimmering display of light turned into intersecting, mutually radiating beams, creating a beautiful spectacle.

But beneath this beauty lies the rapid disappearance of combat units.

The battle reached a stalemate, but the Duoqi Front had no reinforcements, while the Swarm was receiving a steady stream of reinforcements from all directions. Their firepower quickly began to suppress Duoqi Front, and judging from the current situation, its demise was only a matter of time.

However, the defensive structures left behind by Duoqi were originally intended only to deplete the Swarm's manpower as much as possible and vent their anger. Therefore, based on the situation, the Epoch Clan AI quickly made adjustments.

It began to consciously allocate some firepower, and then, through calculation, locked onto some larger Ancient Class targets, blocking all their escape routes and setting up a series of inescapable traps to precisely snipe them.

This tactic further suppressed the Duoqi's firepower on this side, but the Swarm casualties also increased sharply. If this continued, the Duoqi lines would be wiped out even faster, but the Swarm losses would also be much greater.

However, as the firepower of the Duoqi weakened, some of the Ancient Class ships redistributed their energy to the Propulsion Module and, under the cover of their teammates, charged toward the Duoqi's defensive line.

The Epoch Clan's artificial intelligence quickly discovered the Swarm's intentions. Having a record of all the Swarm's actions, White Grub wanted to do. Therefore, it abandoned its attack on the large Ancient Class and instead began to intercept these charging suicide squads.