So my best guess at what happened was I died as I triggered the swarm to back off making the swarm deal no damage to me but still killing me. I imagine I have to leave before Malikov to trigger this but that would require some more testing.

Additionally, I don't know how long this would last so it COULD make the swarm fight significantly faster if it carries through, but it would depend on how fast you clear the fight you are suppose to death abuse through.