The Overmind shifted its attention to Izsha's front.
The entirety of the Hive City's Underhive unfolded before its eyes. It had to be said, the Underhive was even worse than it had imagined.
Izsha's position was near a massive transportation conduit—large enough for Queen Izsha to squeeze through gaps. Alongside the conduit, ditches flowed with unknown green liquids, evidently highly radioactive pollutants.
The air reeked of acrid, sour stench. Visible particulate matter posed severe respiratory hazards to humans.
This made even the Creep environment seem more habitable. Creep spread from here into the Hive's interior. The Overmind switched perspectives: Zerglings patrolled nearby; further in human settlements, various Infested humans lurked.
These humans already displayed signs—bodies covered in pustules and sharp bone spurs, wandering settlement perimeters. They clutched crude weapons—functional, but accuracy and power unreliable.
Infestation didn't invariably cause such mutation. Under Zerg Swarm command units, the Zerg virus could enter a dormant phase, influencing thoughts without overt mutation. In StarCraft 1, UED high-ranking officials were Infested without visible alteration.
While observing, a crocodilian behemoth suddenly emerged from the radioactive fluid, seizing a shoreline Infested human and dragging it beneath.
†Sss—this Underhive is this brutal?†
Yes. The Underhive is precisely that brutal.
However, the Zerg Swarm wasn't easily bullied. Soon, Infested humans armed with firearms perforated the crocodilian creature, hauling it from the fluid with grappling hooks.
†Hmm. Decent specimen. Send to Abathur.†
Whether Abathur could utilize it, sending it was certainly correct.
Don't be deceived by this creature's capabilities. Abathur is discerning. In his view, the Swarm prioritizes cost-effective organisms. Hierodules—powerful yet resource-intensive—rank as second-class in his estimation.
Such radiation-resistant organisms? Abathur likely values only minor genetic sequences.
†If only he could build me a Godzilla...†
[There's a Godzilla over there cutting through the Warhammer 40K universe.]
†Huh?†
The system's sudden interjection startled the Overmind. Wait, there really is a Godzilla in the 40K universe?
Seems this cesspit attracts more and more travelers. Who willingly comes to this cesspool universe?
At that moment, the Overmind detected multiple Infested unit signals vanishing. Izsha also noticed, warning: "Overmind. Those humans are coming."
At the perimeter of Izsha's claimed Underhive territory, a large formation of armored, armed humans appeared in Zergling view. All bald. They emerged from multiple conduits, opening fire on Zerglings.
A single Zergling couldn't withstand their firepower, slain within seconds. They advanced methodically, gradually encroaching on Izsha's territory.
Zerglings weren't slow either. Their compact frames allowed conduit traversal—leaping from ventilation shafts amidst these bald humans, biting one to death before being point-blank shot.
"Xenos scum!"
One bald individual cursed, double-tapping the Zergling corpse.
The dying Zergling's fading senses registered this.
†Who you calling xenos?! Tch, genuinely irritating.†
If Underhive conduits could accommodate Ultralisks, the Overmind would drop two immediately—to teach these upstarts a lesson.
"Overmind, you instructed me not to engage them. But now they attack. How should I respond?"
The young Queen clearly found herself caught in a logical loop.
But the Overmind provided the answer:
†Continue your mission. I'll handle them.†
"Yes, Overmind."
Elsewhere, Zerg-virus-infected yet unmutated humans followed Izsha's directives, spreading the virus.
The Swarm Overmind would personally engage these Genestealers.
"Overmind. Elite Hydralisk—'Hunter'—research complete. Ready for production. Elite unit, higher resource cost. Discretion advised."
†Izsha, open the Webway gate. Send this batch of Hunters through.†
"Yes, Overmind."
Hunters are Hydralisk variants: larger, swifter, tougher. They can unleash needle-spine barrages, shredding enemies. Melee prowess far surpasses standard Hydralisks.
They traversed the Webway gate to the Underhive. Only ten remained with Izsha as guards.
The remainder, under the Overmind's direct command, prepared for combat.
As the Overmind anticipated: if the Genestealer Cult deployed forces, their Patriarch—the Purestrain Genestealer—would certainly appear. But before confronting the Purestrain, first- and second-generation hybrid Genestealers emerged first.
These creatures, over two meters tall, made one question one's eyesight.
They weren't human. They were Tyranids—purple chitinous carapaces, hands more like talons than five-fingered, reverse-jointed legs. Massive maws opened to reveal grotesque, elongated tongues.
First- and second-generation hybrids wielded various large blades, clad in heavy armor. One bisected an Infested human with a single downward stroke.
Infested humans returned fire, but their rounds only dented armor—insufficient penetration.
Irritated, a first-generation hybrid hurled its greatsword. It spun through the air, embedding in an Infested human's skull.
The hybrid calmly retrieved its blade, unleashing a bestial roar.
†Here we are, here we are. Been waiting for you Genestealers. The human-passing ones aren't the problem. Purestrains rarely deploy. These first- and second-generation hybrids are the real threat.†
The Overmind found this fascinating.
†Reminiscent of Heart of the Swarm's mission—Queen seizing Protoss ship. Come, my Hunters.†
As a first-generation hybrid sought surviving enemies, a needle-spine barrage from the shadows instantly pierced its armor, breached chitinous plating, and embedded deep within its body.
Agony elicited a shriek. It stared into darkness. Inside, a Hunter twisted its body and charged forward at breakneck speed.
Speed unattainable by standard Hydralisks.
The Hunter lashed with its claws. The hybrid frantically dodged. Talons shredded the wall behind—nearly bisecting the hybrid, which rolled desperately to distance itself.
Before the hybrid could rise, a second Hunter needle-spine barrage struck its head, perforating the skull. It never rose again.
Other first- and second-generation hybrids witnessed this. They opened massive maws, roaring threateningly at the Hunter.
From shadows behind the Hunter, two more emerged.
The battle had only just begun.
†Let's see who is the prey.†