The Hive did not attack with ships or soldiers. It attacked with itself.
Massive, continent-sized tendrils of bio-mechanical matter descended from the world-ship, their tips glowing with a hungry, corrosive energy. They were aimed not at cities or armies, but at the planet's core, intent on draining its geothermal lifeblood.
"Vexia, now," Nox commanded from his position in the command spire.
Vexia, standing at the heart of her runic array, slammed her staff onto the ground. "Dimensional shields, full power!"
Across the planet, the layered reality-barriers flared to life. The Hive's tendrils slammed into the chaotic frequency field, and their cohesive structure began to fray. The tips dissolved into static, the organized matter breaking down into random energy.
The Hive recoiled, its silent mental voice a wave of surprise and annoyance that washed over the entire planet.
[DEFENSES DETECTED. UNEXPECTED COMPLEXITY. ADAPTING.]
