"The general was right about you. Your analysis is very insightful. I also have the same suspicions about who is behind this. However, we do know that there are too many civilizations involved in this operation. There are fleets from several civilizations just at the defensive passage."
"Academician, do you think it might be the mastermind behind this?" Chen Peng asked.
"You mean the Great Star Region Civilization behind the Fish Horse Star Civilization? That's possible, but unlikely."
"Why?"
"First of all, our operation was almost entirely public. Besides the mastermind behind it, other Great Star Region Civilization might also be interested in observing our actions. Choosing to attack us at this time would be extremely disadvantageous."
"That makes sense. Who else would want to kill us? Even though it's just one bug, if we don't have Virtual Matter, or if the Virtual Matter attack isn't lucky enough, the Reaper's presence will be exposed. Once we're exposed, we'll all die without a burial place," Li Zhixiong said.
"There are just two things that don't make sense. According to Academician Xiao's research, even the lowest-level insects are difficult to control. How did this mastermind manage to control such a high-level insect? I'm certain that the red beetle we just saw was around level 24 or 25, and its speed was about the same as the giant insect we tricked before."
"Secondly, since this mastermind can control the insects, why doesn't it directly transmit the information about our existence to the swarm? That way, it could wipe us out in one fell swoop, giving us no chance."
"Academician, stop thinking about it. We can't figure it out no matter how hard we try. We'll deal with whatever comes our way. As long as we reach the Matter River successfully, where warp drive is impossible, and we have enough energy, dealing with the swarm will be easier."
" Zhuge Xiong, we need to be extremely vigilant now. We're still a thousand light-years away from the Matter River, which will take three months to voyage. For these three months, you and I will live and eat here, and one of us must stay alert at all times."
"Yes, I agree. Let's do it this way. This mastermind might strike again, so we must keep a close eye on them. It's best if I don't find them, or I will definitely not let them get away with it."
"Forget it, stop complaining. I'm sure this matter is inextricably linked to the Fish Horse Star Civilization. If the academicians make any progress this time, our fleet's strength will be greatly enhanced. Then we'll settle accounts with the Fish Horse Star Civilization."
"Ugh, the Fish Horse Star Civilization, I, Li Zhixiong, have tolerated you for far too long!" Li Zhixiong said through gritted teeth.
As the fleet advanced, the Zerg swarms along the way made way, indicating that this red beetle had quite a large territory. When the fleet reached the inner edge of the defensive line, the nearby Zerg swarms all kept their eyes on it.
This is already the edge of the restricted zone. Five light-years away lies the Matter River. Now, its immense size can be fully felt here; it's like a jewel-encrusted ribbon floating in the air.
"Academician, what do we do now? Should we rush through this gap or continue to observe? We've fooled a lot of insects, and the swarms along the way are treating us with utmost respect, so we're safe for now."
"That's not a question Zhuge Xiong would ask. The academicians definitely want to get to the Matter River right away, otherwise why would they risk so much danger to come here!"
"General Chen Peng is right, but we still need to ensure our safety before crossing. You see, the insect swarm is paying extra attention to our movements, and they're even converging on us. They definitely want to stop us from reaching the Matter River."
"Academician, I've always wondered why the insect swarm defends the Matter River; it seems to be very important to them."
"That's right. The more important they are to us, the more we should go there, and the more it reveals the enormous secret hidden within. Now let's discuss how to enter the Matter River."
"I'm afraid we have no choice but to force our way through. We only approached the edge of the defensive line before the swarm became alert. Now that we've retreated a bit, we're fine. No matter what method we use, the swarm will definitely pursue us relentlessly," Chen Peng replied.
" Little Zhuge, do you have any ideas?" Academician Zeng asked with a smile.
"Academician, I'm at a loss this time. Chen Peng is right, we have no choice but to force our way through. The computer is currently collecting spatial information; let's see if there are any problems in this airspace and whether we can get through."
"The spatial information is out. There's no problem with the lack of space within 5 light-years between the edge of the Zerg defense line and the Matter River. No subtle spatial fluctuations can be detected in the airspace beyond the Matter River; space seems to be blocked."
"How so?"
"Academician, we don't know right now; we'll have to wait until we get there."
What decisions have you two made?
" Zhuge Xiong, this place is 5 light-years from the edge of the Matter River. It would take the fleet 11 hours to get there at full speed. The fleet's energy is almost depleted. The longer we delay, the weaker our combat power will become. I suggest leaving a portion of the fleet to hold off the enemy while the rest rushes forward at full speed. Even if there are high-level insects nearby, as long as we hold them off for a while, they are unlikely to catch up with us. Once inside the Matter River, they will lose their speed advantage, so we don't need to be too afraid of them. Moreover, I estimate that the insect swarm will not dare to enter the Matter River, otherwise they would have already gone in."
"Our fleet only has 100,000 ships this time, and 2,000 have already been destroyed. If we want to complete the interception now, we need to send at least 30,000 ships. Also, once we're inside, how are we going to get out? The fewer ships we have, the harder it will be for us."
"Let's go in first. If we can really get that defense system inside, are we afraid we won't be able to get out?"
"Yes, I agree with General Chen Peng's opinion. Let's go in first and talk about how to get out later. There's always a way out. Let's focus on the present. The longer we stay here, the more dangerous it will be. The situation is forcing us to do this," Academician Zeng said.
"We haven't found the Insect King in this area yet. It's a question whether we can stop them if they chase us. Besides, they're fast, and there's a high chance they'll catch up with us."
"It's better that we haven't found the Insect King Insect King nearby, which means it's far away, giving us enough time."
"Alright, let's take a gamble and charge out."
The fleet slowly maneuvered to the edge of the swarm's defensive perimeter. Since a direct confrontation was inevitable, camouflage was no longer necessary. The fleet directly sent out new commands via electromagnetic waves. The four-dimensional channel had to be preserved for the time being to prevent the swarm from detecting it.
Upon receiving the order, the Reaper immediately abandoned their bio-armor and charged directly into the Matter River. This action was like throwing a burning piece of charcoal into a field full of gunpowder; the swarm exploded instantly.