Specially designed dorsal sickles with more flexible joints and razor-sharp sickle-shaped blades could hug the body during high-speed flight to minimize drag. Upon approaching targets, they would suddenly deploy - the combination of velocity and sharp edges could bisect enemies instantly. Even at lower speeds, Flying Raptors demonstrated remarkable agility and defensive capabilities superior to ordinary species, making them formidable in close-quarters combat.

  Logistical Hoppers, slightly smaller than Flying Raptors at just over half a meter in size, maintained decent flight capabilities. While their high-speed performance couldn't match specialized fliers, they excelled in stable, precise micro-movements. At this scale, they finally incorporated Piercer Wolfspiders' signature weapon - triple-jointed puncture limbs stored dorsally. Flanked by three pairs of tentacles with six-fingered manipulators at the tips, they handled delicate operations with ease.

  For years, William had struggled to develop ranged units for the Swarm. Physical projectile units either lacked power/accuracy or required lengthy chemical reload cycles - all proved impractical. "These ranged prototypes are utterly useless," William mused, concluding that supernatural solutions might be necessary.

  His attempts to create high-intelligence Zerg strains backfired spectacularly. Though born with baseline faith, these smarter units never achieved fanatical devotion. Their overthinking nature destabilized the Swarm's strict hierarchy. "Cowardly commanders weaken frontline effectiveness," William lamented, terminating the project.

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  Standing mid-air, William surveyed his bursting domain through a blue HUD:

  Name: Swarm Overlord

  Level: Demi-god

  Divine Spark: Unlit

  Divine Authority: None

  Divine Traits: Environmental Adaptation, Genetic Modification

  Faith Points: 43 million

  Core Forces:

  

  
• 
  
    1 Queen
  
    


  
• 
  
    10 million Stingflies
  
    


  
• 
  
    40 million Flying Raptors
  
    


  
• 
  
    50 million Mutated Raptors
  
    


  
• 
  
    40 million Logistical Hoppers...
  
    Total: 140 million units
  
    


  

  With his domain at capacity and no fresh prey appearing in the void for over a year, William exited the deific plane to consult his mentor Lex.

  The holographic projection showed Lex's surprised face. "William! Two months without contact. What's urgent?"

  "Hit a development wall. Any viable raiding zones?" William cut to the chase.

  Lex nodded knowingly. "There's the Barren Resource Well - a neutral zone where multiple civilizations clash. But you'd need..."

  "Teacher-led expeditions post-exams. Solo? You'll get slaughtered by century-old demi-gods or proto-deities." Lex paused dramatically. "However..."

  William leaned forward. "You have a solution."

  "Precisely. I've secured approval to take top students for early deployment. Prove your worth, and you might join this... accelerated curriculum."