Fifteen thousand Zerg swarmed out from underground, charging aggressively at the invaders.
With their simple intelligence, the Zerg had always been the invaders, never the invaded. Xu Luo could feel their rage.
He didn't suppress his believers but let them unleash their fury on the invaders, demonstrating his newfound power.
The attributes of his two main Zerg species had greatly improved:
- Mantis Bug : Bronze tier-nine (initially Bronze tier-five)
- Talents : Limb Regeneration, Low Altitude Flight
- Skills : Dive Slash, Burrow, Jump Attack
- Beetle : Bronze tier-nine (initially Bronze tier-four)
- Talents : Limb Regeneration, Heavy Carapace
- Skills : Indomitable, Armor, Earth Shield
Compared to their initial states, they now possessed talents and additional skills, enhancing their attack and defense capabilities.
Initially, they had high ranks but weak strength, and couldn't use equipment to boost their power. Now, although still not as powerful as other species of the same rank equipped with gear, they could easily crush goblins.
Meanwhile, in the school's simulation arena, Xu Luo's divine realm appeared on thirty virtual screens. The rapidly zoomed-in view revealed a vast terrain filled with various landscapes, though it was too quick to grasp the full extent.
Seeing his Zerg, the spectators began discussing:
"What species are those? I've never seen anything like them!"
"Strange creatures, they look like insects but are so large!"
"I heard Xu Luo defeated Xiang Yang with mutated species!"
Everyone buzzed with speculation, having no record of Zerg in their lessons on species origins.
"It seems my initial guess was correct!" Zhong Tianyue murmured. He had suspected a month ago that Xu Luo's species had mutated to defeat Xiang Yang's goblins.
The sight of such impressive numbers and power confirmed his hypothesis.
Species mutations weren't always beneficial. There were cases where a Silver tier-three species mutated into Bronze tier-five, and others where Bronze tier-eight mutated into Gold tier-two.
"At least this seems advantageous. And his numbers..." Zhong Tianyue was shocked by the sheer quantity of Zerg.
Zerg typically relied on numbers to overwhelm opponents, but they didn't need such numbers when their strength was this high.
Many spectators were relieved to understand why Xu Luo could defeat Xiang Yang.
Some glanced at Xiang Yang, who watched the screens with a dark expression, knowing the truth about Xu Luo's previous power.
"Did his species mutate again?" Xiang Yang wondered, still inclined to believe in mutation.
Others marveled at the massive Zerg army. Most students had only about a thousand believers, with even fewer warriors. Maintaining such numbers was costly, requiring faith power for food, equipment, and supplies.
"This student clearly ignored his teacher's advice," Zhao Yiming remarked. "In the early stages, focusing solely on increasing species numbers can lead to unsustainable burdens. This student, from an ordinary family, may find his divine realm's growth hindered by such a large army."
Others nodded in agreement. Species numbers needed to be balanced with the divine realm's production and other factors.
Zhong Tianyue gave Zhao Yiming a side glance but said nothing. He knew the boy wasn't ignorant and was still holding back his true power.
"Is this student aiming to be an invader?" The head instructor speculated.
The other leaders, unfamiliar with Xu Luo, couldn't provide answers.
At that moment, gasps erupted from the students below.
On the screens, Xu Luo's Mantis Bugs, protected by the Beetles, quickly annihilated the invading goblins.
The goblin mages' spells couldn't penetrate the Beetles' heavy carapaces, allowing the Zerg to decimate the goblins with minimal losses.
Following Xu Luo's command, the Zerg swarmed into the goblins' dimension.
His actions were highlighted on the screen, a rare privilege reserved for exceptional performances. Normally, the views would continuously switch between students.
The school leaders were stunned by Xu Luo's counter-invasion.
It had been years since they encountered a student capable of such a feat. Full eradication of invaders was rare, but counter-invasion was unprecedented.
"I underestimated them. Those species must be at least Bronze tier-eight," Zhong Tianyue estimated, based on the Beetles' ability to withstand goblin mage attacks.
Xu Luo's prowess continued to rise in his estimation.
These weren't all of Xu Luo's species; the full force would be even more formidable. Zhong Tianyue couldn't help but dream of Xu Luo advancing through Tianhai's selections to compete in the global league.
In the divine realm, the Zerg tore through the goblin ranks. The goblins' rudimentary weapons and magic were no match for the Zerg's superior numbers and tactics.
Xu Luo's strategy was meticulous, ensuring the goblins were overwhelmed and eradicated.
As the simulation ended, Xu Luo emerged victorious, showcasing his tactical brilliance and the might of his Zerg army, leaving a lasting impression on both his peers and the school leaders.