BIOLOGICAL SUPERCOMPUTER SYSTEM-Chapter 1278: The bugs (4)

The skittering grew louder, echoing from multiple tunnels now.

"Which exits are still clear?" Erik asked.

"The western tunnel might—" A clone's response cut off as a wave of smaller bugs poured from one of the eastern passages.

"Move!" Erik said. "Western tunnel, now!"

The clone carrying Amber led the charge, followed by Emily supporting Mira. June took up a defensive position at Erik's side while the remaining clones formed a protective ring around their group.

The smaller bugs surged forward in a chittering wave.

<System, show me their status!>

[On it!]

The biological supercomputer complied, but there were simply too many thaids around, and seeing them one by one was impossible.

<Give me an average!>

—[Analysis]—

-Name: Operarius Thanatocoleoptera

-Physical Description: The Operarius Thanatocoleoptera are insectoid thaids protected by armored plates and exoskeletons. They have vulnerable spots at their joints and between plates. They work as part of a group under the command of leaders but become disorganized once their leadership is eliminated.

-Brain Crystal Powers: Acid Spray (B26C): Releases corrosive acid from specialized glands that can melt through organic matter and weaken structural materials. The acid becomes more potent when multiple creatures spray simultaneously. The acid is produced through mana.

{Attributes}

-STRENGTH: 134

-INTELLIGENCE: 10

-DEXTERITY: 90

-ENERGY: 467

{Others}

-Power Level: 556

-Estimated Experience per kill: 2,155,510.23

—[End]—

Erik struck, sending waves of wind blades that bisected everything in their path.

[Operarius Thanatocoleoptera killed: mana-absorbing process starting.]

[0%...1%... 5%... 30%... 70%... 100%]

[mana successfully absorbed, starting conversion procedure.]

[3...2...1...0]

[Operarius Thanatocoleoptera killed: mana-absorbing process starting.]

[0%...1%... 5%... 30%... 70%... 100%]

[Operarius Thanatocoleoptera killed: mana-absorbing process starting.]

[Operarius Thanatocoleoptera killed: mana-absorbing process starting.]

[Operarius Thanatocoleoptera killed: mana-absorbing process starting.]

…

…

…

Dark fluid sprayed in arcs as the blades carved through the insectoid bodies, splitting their armored carapaces and exposing the pale, pulsing organs beneath.

Severed limbs and twitching thoraxes littered the tunnel floor. Dismembered mandibles clicked as the bisected thaids thrashed in their death throes.

But it wasn't enough to stop the massive wave of monsters coming out of the tunnels.

"RUN! I'LL GIVE YOU SOME MINUTES!"

"What are you going to do, Erik?"

Emily was worried, but she knew there was no point in asking Erik to not do anything dangerous when he resolved to make it already.

"Just a little barbecue!"

They needed to reach the surface before the monsters trapped them in the tunnels, so Emily and the others ran away.

Erik knew what the Silver Line Corporation was capable of creating. If the queen the clones talked about was truly their work, facing her in these confined spaces would be dangerous, as he couldn't even stay out of her range, and the walls could be used to reach him even if he flew.

Things might be better in the cave where the city was, since it was larger, but confined spaces were problematic for many reasons, and even if they were better than his current situation, it didn't change things one bit.

He had no intention of doing so, at least not now, with so many bugs around and with no preparation, but he also had to decrease the number of her pawns as much as he could if he wanted to have a chance at killing her on a future date.

Erik channeled mana into his neural links. The swarm was advancing. All his powers could kill these creatures, regardless of which he chose—but their sheer numbers were a problem.

<Do you think it will work?> Erik asked the biological supercomputer, who read his mind.

[It should; you will also kill a great batch of these monsters, maybe enough to reduce their numbers enough to have a chance against the queen.]

<Good to hear.>

His plan was simple: use fire to remove the oxygen from the tunnel, suffocating the swarm while simultaneously burning them to death. The flames would also create a barrier that no creature would dare cross, at least in theory.

Flames erupted from his hands, engulfing the tunnel in an inferno. The blaze roared through the passage, consuming everything in its path.

The bug-like thaids screeched as the fire caught them; their carapaces offered no protection against the intense heat.

The creatures' exoskeletons crackled and split, revealing soft flesh below that bubbled and charred. Their legs curled inward as they burned, antennae melting into shapeless masses.

Those at the front of the swarm tried to retreat, only to be pushed forward by the endless tide behind them. The fire turned them into a writhing mass of dying creatures.

Dark fluid leaked from their bodies, sizzling as it hit the super-heated stone. The smell of burning chitin filled the air, thick and acrid. The flames spread along the ceiling, creating a barrier of fire that blocked the entire tunnel.

The tactic worked—the oxygen levels plummeted. But Erik's lungs burned as he struggled to breathe. The heat pressed against his skin, warning him to leave before the fire consumed all the breathable air.

He turned and sprinted toward the exit, leaving the wall of flames to hold back the swarm, while notifications rang inside his ears.

[Operarius Thanatocoleoptera killed: mana-absorbing process starting.]

[Operarius Thanatocoleoptera killed: mana-absorbing process starting.]

[Operarius Thanatocoleoptera killed: mana-absorbing process starting.]

[Operarius Thanatocoleoptera killed: mana-absorbing process starting.]

[Operarius Thanatocoleoptera killed: mana-absorbing process starting.]

[Operarius Thanatocoleoptera killed: mana-absorbing process starting.]

…

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