Doomsday: I Build an Infinite Train.

Chapter 403 Seamen
"Reaching level 7 shouldn't be too difficult; I'll figure out what kind of blueprint this is soon enough..."

Lin Xian took a deep breath. He now has 6 construction sequences, so he can build and improve the Sky Train while simultaneously absorbing and upgrading the Mechanical Heart. During the Dawn City battle, the Hellish Black Chrysanthemum on the Infinite absorbed a lot of dark energy. If it were a monster tide battle like before, Lin Xian would feel that he gained more than other ability users by converting mechanical source points through the Heterogeneous Cube.

This time, however, after the Dark Energy Synergy Tower was lit up in the city, the Dark Energy spillover from the S-rank and the Corpse Driver was completely neutralized. The advantage was that the high concentration of Dark Energy did not cause more people to mutate, but the disadvantage was that the top-tier ability users did not receive much evolutionary benefit.

However, there's nothing that can be done about it. Dark energy has always been more of a disadvantage than a benefit for humanity. Lin Xian's Hellish Black Chrysanthemum and Heterogeneous Cube are already quite unique artifacts. But after this battle, with the help of the Phoenix Society and Silent City, his Blueprint Library has almost perfected the existing power in the field of human technology. He can now focus his attention on devouring machines to improve the Mechanical Heart, which is a good thing.

Looking at the colossal celestial body floating in the Black Star Forge, Lin Xian sighed slightly. To upgrade his Mechanical Heart, he could only absorb resources from starships, ships, and high-powered trains. Fortunately, he had acquired a Dreadnought-class train in Dawn City. He estimated that it would yield at least tens of thousands of Source Points, and perhaps even some new skills...

Just as Lin Xian was about to exit the consciousness space of the Black Star Forge, he suddenly felt an inexplicable chill deep within the giant star structure. So Lin Xian directly controlled his consciousness to walk towards the deepest part, and found that it was a pitch-black and empty abyss, like the deep space of the universe. When Lin Xian arrived here, he immediately felt a chill run down his spine.

Because he felt as if he was being watched by something.

“Grace?”

【I am here】

"Is there anything unusual at the South Heavenly Gate?" Lin Xian looked at the dark depths of space and immediately realized that his consciousness was connected to Flash Bullet and Grace. This feeling seemed to be coming from the depths of space at the South Heavenly Gate.

Blue Star's stationary deep-space orbit, South Heavenly Gate.

Main core module, control room.

Dozens of deep-space corpses dressed in spacesuits floated silently in the chaotic control room. Grace used repair tools to restore the atomic system's wiring while responding to Lin Xian.
[There are various unknown magnetic forces and dark matter particle fluctuations here. The PandaX-4T liquid xenon detector detected an unusual dark matter signal in the extremely low recoil energy region, emitted on the day of the apocalypse. The research team previously stationed here used gravitational wave decoding and seems to have obtained some important information, which I am trying to recover.]

[Additionally, I discovered a large number of non-Blue Star microorganisms and some kind of bio-fluid exhibiting a "spirit-dispelling" effect within the compartment. Currently, they pose no threat to me. Is there any specific task you need to assign me?]

Lin Xian had previously told Grace that Phoenix Society and Chu Yan needed to contact her to attempt communication on the defense platform, but Lin Xian's question now had a different purpose.

Because he felt as if an eye was staring at him through that flashing bullet!
"Outside the platform, have any discoveries been made in other deep space directions?"

[I have activated the external monitoring systems of some of the defense platforms. After the last high-energy-density launch, the orbit of Nantianmen has become extremely unstable. I can currently only adjust it through the propulsion system. I cannot determine whether the gravitational structure of Earth has changed or whether Nantianmen as a whole is being pulled by some strong gravitational source.]

Lin Xian frowned upon hearing this: "I feel it's more likely the latter possibility. Check it immediately. Also, shut down the backup nuclear power module, deploy the solar panels, and drive away from the dark energy storm area to stand by."

Grace understands.

In deep space orbit, the solar panels of the four energy modules of the giant Nantianmen defense platform begin to extend. The panels unfold slowly towards the sun, like four giant wings of light.

In the dark depths of space, a two-dimensional shadow, like an abyss, obscures the light of all stars, like the gaping maw of the universe, slowly opening as well…

"Lin Xian."

Just then, the carriage door opened, and Chen Sixuan stood at the door, saying to Lin Xian, "It's dark outside."

Lin Xian opened his eyes and looked out the train window. The entire port connecting the planetary orbit was completely dark, with only the sound of ocean waves coming from afar. In the dilapidated port, zombie figures moved about, making strange howls outside the train.

Lin Xian glanced around and checked the time: 19:46
Considering the size of Star Abyss No. 8, it is already quite late. In recent days, the Phoenix Society's observations have shown that the expansion and changes of Star Abyss No. 8 seem to have become extremely slow. This is undoubtedly good news for the survivors, but the Phoenix Society has not let its guard down. After all, 13 Star Abysses still occupy the Earth, and the human settlements are still desolate and in a post-apocalyptic state.

Wow.

Seeing several zombies approaching, Lin Xian immediately pulled down the sunshade and asked Chen Sixuan, "Has there been any news from the Phoenix Society?"

"No." Chen Sixuan looked at Lin Xian and, noticing his unusual expression, quickly asked, "What's wrong?"

Lin Xian shook his head: "It's nothing."

Chen Sixuan looked at Lin Xian, who looked somewhat tired, with concern, and said, "If we set off at dawn tomorrow, we can reach Takor Deepwater Floating Harbor in 4 hours and Haiyan Island in 7 hours. We should be able to arrive before dark."

Upon hearing this, Lin Xian pinched the bridge of his nose and said, "Do you think taking the ocean route is a good idea?"

Upon hearing his words, Chen Sixuan immediately walked in, closed the door, and sat on the sofa, saying, "Of course it's not a good idea. Although there is only one Star Abyss in the ocean, when I think of the previous atmospheric mica and the monsters like the Sky Touch, I can't help but think of the deep sea. In addition, the train is traveling in the ocean. If we encounter natural disasters or strange occurrences, we have no other choice. The level of danger is definitely higher than on land. Then there's what you saw through the corpse driver, which means that there must be some unpredictable existence in the ocean and Star Abyss No. 13. All of these factors combined indicate that our trip is fraught with danger."

Lin Xian frowned as he listened to her analysis: "But?"

“This is the end of the world.” Chen Sixuan’s tone changed, and she smiled slightly at Lin Xian: “We don’t have many choices, do we?”

"While traveling by land and following the Dawn Center would certainly be safer, the Phoenix Society's rescue efforts will take at least two months. Moreover, traveling with a large convoy would not offer you many opportunities to improve your mechanical abilities. Even disregarding your identity as the 'Swordholder,' whether we have reached the Arctic or not, the disaster that will ultimately affect humanity's survival still exists. So, you're not just considering survival supplies and train armor anymore, are you?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Xian's brow relaxed, and he frankly said, "I always felt that this struggle between humanity and the dark civilization was not so simple. It was not just a matter of military reserves, or some key piece of information."

"Professor Ye once said that the chain of suspicion between civilizations cannot be broken. This is a fundamental axiom of cosmic sociology. Like hunters lurking in the dark forest, every civilization has to regard other beings as threats—because survival is the primary need of civilization. And since the total amount of matter in the universe remains constant, the difference between advanced and lowly civilizations is merely the difference in the range of a hunter's gun. Ants cannot understand why humans destroy their nests, and we cannot understand why dark creatures would destroy human civilization in this way..."

"From the Day of Revelation until now, humanity has been struggling to survive, fleeing in panic. Now we think we've gradually uncovered the truth and found the power to survive in the darkness. But there's one question we can't avoid: why did this dark civilization descend upon Earth, and what was their purpose..."

Chen Sixuan said solemnly, "Do you think this balance won't last long?"

“It’s not just me who thinks so. The Phoenix Society and Professor Ye are all aware of this, which is why Project Spark exists.” Lin Xian shrugged. “I don’t believe that a civilization capable of space modification is just a bloodthirsty beast. What we have seen and what we have defeated may only be the tip of the iceberg. We haven’t truly discovered the existence of this civilization, nor have we actually had any dialogue with it.”

Lin Xian looked at Chen Sixuan: "If we were the Dark Civilization, what would 'we' want?"

Chen Sixuan shook her head and said calmly, "Humans cannot stand from that perspective. What we can think of are nothing more than 'colonization' and 'abuse'—behavioral motivations that we already know or have learned about. But that doesn't mean another civilization would think that way."

“You’re right.” Lin Xian smiled, then looked out the window at the dark coastline: “So in my opinion, either we find the answer, or we could learn from Project Pioneer and develop an S-class bio-suit to escape to outer space. Anyway, we already have the Sky Train and the bio-suit…”

Chen Sixuan gave Lin Xian a deep look. She noticed that ever since Lin Xian connected with the corpse driver through his mental power, he had become somewhat heavy and aged, even though he wasn't very old.

She had a rough idea of ​​what was going on. Perhaps it was the identity of the 'Swordholder' that gave Lin Xian no excuse to stay out of it, or perhaps it was because after the battle to protect Dawn City, he knew that his orbital plan for the planetary system had to reach an unavoidable end. That end was not the polar regions. The dark survival crisis was pushing him to either ignore the existence of the Phoenix Society and choose to escape, or he had to unite with humanity to solve the greatest crisis.

This time, Lin Xian gained control of a planetary defense weapon like Nantianmen, but he wasn't particularly happy, perhaps for that very reason.

At the port, the sky was as dark as ink, but the giant celestial curtain that shrouded the blue planet did not obscure the starry sky, and thousands of stars could still be seen.

Lin Xian sat alone atop a port tower. Below, containers and cars densely packed in the parking lot disappeared one by one, turning into materials for the Black Star Forge. The debris that fell to the ground attracted a large number of zombies, but they found no prey.

The contents of each container are different. Some contain rotten food, some plastic handicrafts, some digital products, some waste items, and some industrial raw materials, rotten grains and beans, etc.

In the sky, countless drones, under Viola's control, searched for useful items. Lin now owns nearly 5000 drones, which roam around like a swarm of bees.

[We have located the following equipment with a 'high degree of mechanization' for you, which can be managed.]

"Ok."

Lin Xian looked at the message sent by Viola and then began to remotely devour, increasing his mechanical source points.

His current mechanical devouring level has reached level 6. He can devour an ordinary car in just one minute. Give him one night and he can empty the entire port's parking lot.

At the port, there are still several abandoned and unmanned cargo ships, and in the distance along the coast, there are many half-sunken and stranded ships, some of which once had shelters built on them, but now they are all deserted.

"If I were the ruler of the Dark Civilization, the first thing I would do right now is to assassinate you."

Just as Lin Xian was quietly absorbing various devices, a leisurely voice came from behind him.

Lin Xian turned around and found Monica, dressed in an elegant cheongsam and wearing a trench coat, standing on the tower crane behind him, looking at the night view.

"Why? Do you really think Nantianmen has the power to destroy the Dark Civilization?" Lin Xian replied calmly.

"Do not."

Monica took a few steps over and looked at Lin Xian: "Military weapons have the greatest deterrent effect before they are actually fired. I don't know if you've heard it, but a nuclear bomb that hasn't been launched is a nuclear bomb. Once it's launched, it's a comparison between the destructive yield and the limits of human survival."

Lin Xian shrugged: "That makes sense."

"Don't think I don't know what you're thinking. You, Ye Lan, may have your own agenda, but the reason I got into your car is that I know what you're betting on."

Monica said meaningfully, "Both you and Chu Yan are being watched by the darkness. So if you are really being targeted and eliminated by something, it means that Nantianmen really poses a threat to the dark civilization. On the contrary, it is most troublesome that the two of you are safe and sound, because this sword may be useless, right?"

Lin Xian frowned, paused, and then smiled helplessly: "Then why are you still following me?"

Monica smiled happily: "Because I want to."

Lin Xian: ...

"Don't think of me as so noble; I just had no other choice." Lin Xian said with a deep breath, "I also hope that Nantianmen really has deterrent power. That would make things much simpler, at least we would have some initiative for the time being, and we've gained some time now, right?"

Monica nodded: "And if all goes well, you can reach the polar regions in the shortest time possible. Ye Lan must have promised to use the resources of Xinghua Heavy Industries to help you quickly improve your mechanical abilities, right?"

Lin Xian turned around in surprise and looked at her: "Wow, that's amazing, you eavesdropped on our conversation?"

"Humph."

Monica crossed her arms and stared at him: "Do you think I need to?"

Lin Xian curled his lips and turned to look at the dark night: "Really, having come this far, what other choice do I have? So I simply thought I'd treat this as a deal with the Phoenix Society, make a killing, and use the power of the Phoenix Society and the Interstellar Army to help me improve my superpowers and build another Emperor Mech Squad. That would be a way to balance things out."

pat, pat.

Lin Xian didn't hear Monica respond, but rather that she was approaching. He turned around and found that Queen Monica was now standing beside him, arms casually crossed, looking down at him with a haughty gaze.

Are you under a lot of pressure?

"I didn't say that." Lin Xian smiled slightly, moved aside to make room for Monica, and then continued to devour the cars in the parking lot below.

Unexpectedly, a delicate fragrance wafted over, and Lin Xian was shocked to find a silken foot hooking directly under his chin.

Lin Xian's eyes widened, and he immediately turned around following the hooking force of the silk-clad foot.
"what?"

Monica then took off her high heels, hooked one leg around Lin Xian, and looked him over with a leisurely and profound gaze before speaking to him in a superior tone.

"Did you know that sailors release stress before going to sea, otherwise life at sea..."

"But it's very hard work."

(End of this chapter)