Apocalypse: I Built the Infinite Train

6:30

At the underground construction base of Jinhai Federal Starport, lights blazed brightly. Massive mechanical arms crisscrossed under the dome, assembling a stellar-class starship weighing 300,000 tons. The scale of this project was equivalent to three Ford-class aircraft carriers, rendering even Dreadnought-class aerospace warships insignificant in comparison. Welding sparks rained down like a storm, illuminating a holographic progress bar floating midair—"Stellar-Class Starship 021 · Construction Progress: 92%".

Suddenly, every engineer's communicator lit up at once with a priority alert:

[Federal President Access Detected – Clear the Path.]

With a hiss of hydraulics, the pressure doors slid open. A tall man strode in briskly with a group of people. Instantly, the background noise across the entire D7 starport sector seemed to dim. He wore the dark-blue uniform of Dawn City's highest administrative officer. His posture was upright like a ship's armored blade, and the Blue Planet insignia on his collar gleamed coldly under the lighting.

This was Chu Zhaonan, former President of the Blue Planet Federal Parliament and the current Lord of Dawn City.

At 52, his firm features still carried a scholarly air of weariness. There was a sharpness between his brows, but his gaze remained gentle.

"Silent City's current coordinates are confirmed 230 kilometers south of Luling," whispered his secretary. "Vice President Zhou has already departed Dawn City aboard a transport ship, escorted by the Seraphim Division. Traveling with him are Wen Dong from the Linglong Group, and Jian Xuwei, head of the Finger Group. They're taking the cleared route from Jinhai, turning north. Estimated to pass this point in 30 minutes."

Chu Zhaonan paused before a massive silver-black Starry Sky Propulsion Engine being moved. He gave it a glance, then said aloud:

Cold sweat broke out on the chief engineer nearby. "There was a delay in transporting the radiation shielding materials, sir."

"Notify Wen Hui's starship construction team. Tell them to speed it up. Abyss Zone No. 5 is showing new activity again."

"Understood, President."

With that, Chu Zhaonan boarded a specially equipped military transport ship bound for Dawn City. Just as he took a seat in the administrative cabin, a suited middle-aged man with a mechanical prosthetic eye beside him leaned in and asked in a low voice:

"President, Silent City is heading toward Jinhai. Should we strengthen our defenses?"

This man was Luo Ming, former head of the Angel Project, and now Minister of the Seraphim Division of Dawn City's Ability Users Department.

"Defend against who?" Chu Zhaonan smiled mildly. "Humans?"

"They're here to cooperate. They've saved a lot of people along the way. Right now, we desperately need mechanical productivity—we should be welcoming them, not pushing them away."

Buzz.

The ship trembled slightly, then began its ascent, racing through the night sky toward Dawn City. Inside the cabin, aside from Luo Ming, there was also Xu Yan, the Speaker of the Senate and head of the Underground City Committee. A lean elder in a suit, hair dusted with gray, he checked the radar before speaking.

"Vice President Zhou likely wants to use the starship construction contract to keep Silent City near Dawn. Besides contributing to productivity, they could also help shield the northwest flank around Abyss Zone No. 5. It's a sound strategy."

"That's his business," Chu Zhaonan replied with an unreadable look. A chill flashed in his eyes before he calmly added, "Such a burden… it must be hard on Vice President Zhou."

"I'm more concerned about a potential conflict between Silent City and Dawn City," Xu Yan said bluntly. "Getting pulled into the events at Abyss Zone No. 5 means they've discovered something. Sooner or later, the finger's going to point at us."

"Then let them point."

After saying that, Dai Yifu picked up a mobile terminal and began scanning the latest intel. He said aloud, "News from the eastern seas of Jinhe—the Phoenix Dawn Center's Zhen Tian-class ship just showed up on radar. Looks like Abyss Zone No. 5 has triggered global chain reactions."

"Zhen Tian-class? Ye Lan?" Luo Ming furrowed his brows.

"Not sure if it's Ye Lan or Li Heping," said Lin Xian, Minister of the Seraphim Division. "Phoenix only has the 83rd Iron Guard Brigade stationed at Yongcheng Port in the south to guard Mecha Units Seven and Eight of the Emperor Project. If only one Zhen Tian ship came from the Dawn Center, alongside the Enterprise from the North American United Front, and all of them traveled overnight—that means they think the situation is spiraling."

"Must be Ye Lan," Hu Lushou said seriously. "If it were Li Heping, he'd at least bring seven heavy starship fleets. Our outposts would already be ash..."

He stood, arms behind his back, and walked to the porthole.

"We're not looking to start a war with you, but someone should inform Lu Tianye to make preparations."

"Ye Lan... The Dawn Center's commander showed up personally? And the North American United Front, too?" Xu Yan's gaze sharpened. "Looks like Zhou Mingyuan and Julius Litt are going big!"

His expression darkened. Xu Yan understood all too well the shady collaborations between Dawn City and the Crimson World. The leadership might look united on the surface, but as Senate Speaker, he could see clearly—Chu Zhaonan had lost interest in governing anything beyond the Far Star Plan, leaving most other matters to Vice President Zhou Mingyuan.

To say it was factionalism would be inaccurate. Chu Zhaonan had simply withdrawn from everyday rule, eyes set only on ensuring the Far Star Plan succeeded—even if it meant working with the Crimson World, even if it meant ruthless control over Dawn City's citizens. To him, it was all a price worth paying.

Because in his eyes, the end had already come. The collapse of the Federation, the failure of countless Underground City Projects, proved to him that darkness was unbeatable. Rescuing billions to continue living on Blue Planet was fantasy. But preserving even one seed of hope aboard a Far Star starship—that was still within reach.

That was why he ignored Zhou's shady dealings, allowed Wen Hui of the Linglong Group to handle secret collaborations, and watched silently as oppression reigned—all for that one goal: success.

The room fell silent.

Chu Zhaonan slowly exhaled, then shifted topics.

"Forget them for now. What's the status of Project Breaking Curtain?"

"Progressing well," Luo Ming replied. "They might conduct their third test flight tomorrow."

"Tell Chu Jing to pick up the pace. If they can't break through the Sky Veil in 30 days, replace him."

Ahem—

Xu Yan coughed gently. "I heard Colonel Chu Jing has practically moved into the lab. If Luo Feng hadn't dragged him out, he was planning to test-fly it himself."

"Oh, really? That rascal's out of control," Chu Zhaonan smiled faintly, then turned to Xu Yan. "Old Xu, try to get another batch of vegetable juice delivered to the team. Like I said—everything must be allocated to the Far Star Plan."

"Understood."

Xu Yan nodded.

As the shadows shifted over his face, Chu Zhaonan looked back at the two men. His voice dropped low:

"I've got a bad feeling Zhou Mingyuan may have gone too far. Ye Lan's visit might be a warning—and we may not have much time left."

"You think Phoenix might declare war on us?" Luo Ming asked, frowning.

"Not likely—not yet," Chu Zhaonan replied calmly. "Global chaos has them busy with relief work, not infighting. But don't underestimate Ye Lan or Li Heping. I know exactly what they're capable of."

His polished shoes echoed in the chamber as he walked.

"But even their efforts are pointless. The Underground City Projects failed. Their 'one year and 96 days' survival estimate is a joke. At the current rate of Abyss Zone No. 5's expansion, we won't even last six months. If we're to preserve human civilization's spark, there's only one way…"

Smack! He slammed his palm on the table.

"To embrace death—and survive through it!"

Silent City, Flight Dock No. 3

"NC-17 Sector, Flying Dutchman—docking complete."

The mechanical voice echoed under the dome. Lin Xian and KIKI stepped through the airlock, just in time to see a battered civilian airship limping into port. Its twin rows of ion thrusters still glowed a dull red, and the hull was etched with terrifying scars.

Those weren't from the claws or fangs of common Eerie Entities—they were from something massive, airborne. One gash nearly tore the entire ship in two. The jagged, torn metal still carried the toxic corrosion of Dark Invasion, a sight that made the skin crawl.

"This thing made it back? That's some serious luck," KIKI stared at the wound. "The skies really are scarier than the ground."

"At least on the ground, you've got buildings and terrain to hide behind," Lin Xian replied, recalling the Atmospheric Mica they saw in Yubei—a mountainous creature whose tendrils toppled skyscrapers like toy blocks. If they hadn't been lucky that night at Mount Daluo, the Infinite Train would've been crushed flat.

"That's why I figured the satellites and space stations are probably all gone," KIKI mused. "Who knows what happened to South Gate or the Mochizuki Planetary Ring."

Lin Xian nodded as they walked. "The Mochizuki Ring was our Dragon Nation's biggest lunar engineering project, built by over a hundred countries. It spans 300 kilometers. Something that huge floating up there—and we can't even see it anymore? What could possibly block something like that?"

KIKI shivered. "That's kind of terrifying, the way you put it."

"I'm serious," Lin Xian said gravely. "Outside the Abyss, the sky should still be visible. But the Sky Veil can block aircraft. Doesn't that strike you as strange? What exactly is obscuring the whole planet?"

"Don't tell me it's some kind of cosmic monster," KIKI joked weakly. "Looks like we'll have to go through that veil to find out."

Lin Xian didn't respond—he just nodded and headed toward the docking bay Hu Lushou had mentioned.

Even before they reached it, Lin Xian could already see the Dragon-Class Transport Ship parked in Bay 24. The ship was mostly intact, aside from some damage to the armor and cooling fins on either side. There were a few rough patches from quick repairs, but overall, it looked functional. Hu Lushou stood nearby with Sun Chang and his crew, fanning himself cheerfully as he admired the massive vehicle. When he spotted Lin Xian, his eyes lit up.

"Captain Liiiin~!" he hollered.

Flashing his golden teeth, Hu Lushou ran over eagerly. "You finally made it! I thought this big beauty wasn't your type."

"Oh, I'm very interested." Lin Xian's eyes scanned the transport ship. "I'm taking it apart tonight. Thanks a ton, Boss Hu."

"Taking it—what??"

Hu Lushou stared in disbelief, pointing at the ship. "This baby? But she still flies!"

"I know." Lin Xian grinned. "But it also crashes."

"You crashed in a Dragon-Class Transport, didn't you?" KIKI folded her arms with a smirk. "You really want to go for round two?"

"Ahhh..." Hu Lushou was speechless.

"Fair point… still…" Hu Lushou looked heartbroken. He'd traded 500 Eerie Blood Crystals for this prized machine. With it, he could've loaded up his entire convoy and flown all the way to Dawn Center, maybe even the Polar Zone.

Assuming he had the guts.

He knew the truth, though: in the apocalypse, bigger flying vehicles were more of a liability than a blessing—especially for regular survivors. Piloting one was like biking through a zombie swarm with a steak strapped to your back. The metal shell just made it a buffet on legs. Survivors didn't dare use such vehicles. Honestly, if it had wheels, it'd be slightly better—but of course, it didn't. That's why Hu Lushou got it so cheap.

In short: few dared to sell it, and fewer dared to buy it.

Still, it was a ten-thousand-ton ship. If he'd known it was destined to be scrapped, he would've handed the 500 Blood Crystals straight to Lin Xian instead—at least that way it wouldn't feel like a waste.

Lin Xian could read his thoughts but didn't care. To him, the ship was worth more than the Blood Crystals. He needed a massive object to devour and upgrade, and this was perfect.

"Old Hu," Lin Xian said directly, "I'm taking this thing apart to build a train—a flying train. It'll be safer than a transport ship. I know you want to travel with us. Fine. I'm forming an alliance, and your convoy can join—but on one condition…"

"You follow my lead, no questions asked."

Hu Lushou's eyes sparkled with stars. His gold tooth nearly burst from grinning. He nodded so fast he looked like a woodpecker.

"Absolutely! Totally! One thousand percent! Captain Lin, you have no idea—your god-tier moves along the way completely won me over. Just now you said... uh…"

"Flying train," Sun Chang reminded him.

"Right! Flying train!!" Hu Lushou's eyes widened. "Anyone else says that, I'd laugh in their face. But you, Captain Lin? I believe you one thousand percent! You flew five hundred cars out of the Abyss—man, that was some next-level sh*t! From now on, you say go east, I won't even think about going west! How's that?!"

His over-the-top flattery made even KIKI roll her eyes. "Hey. You better mean it."

"Cross my heart!"

"Oh right," Hu Lushou leaned in, grinning. "Captain Lin, about this alliance… what exactly is it? And what can I do to help?"

"Haven't worked out the details," Lin Xian said bluntly. "Just think of it as joining the Infinite Train. As for your job…"

He looked at the crew of black-suited men behind Hu Lushou and smiled.

"Just keep doing what you do best."

Then he turned and headed for the ship. Halfway there, he paused and looked back, gaze landing on Sun, who stood tall with thick mechanical arms like steel girders.

"Hey, Old Hu—never asked before, but what's your deal with Sun?"

Hu Lushou blinked, then said seriously, "Didn't I tell you? She's my wife."

"Divorced," Sun Chang added dryly.

"So what?!" Hu Lushou shrugged. "It's the end of the world! You think I've got time to find another?"

Sun Chang shot him a cold glance, folded her arms, and said icily:

"I'm not into men."

Lin Xian and KIKI: "…"

Lin Xian was speechless. He always thought Sun was just Hu's top lieutenant—not his ex-wife. It was hard to imagine the skinny, gold-toothed Hu Lushou once being married to a nearly 1.9-meter-tall, tanned, musclebound cyborg woman who could out-glare a skyscraper.

As the two bickered, Lin Xian's eye twitched. Without a word, he turned and boarded the ship. KIKI followed closely behind.

"Wow, I did not expect Sun Chang to be Hu Lushou's wife," KIKI said, wide-eyed. "Talk about mind-blown."

"No wonder she never gives him any face," Lin Xian chuckled.

"Hey Lin, are you really gonna start devouring the transport ship right here in public?" KIKI asked as they walked through the corridor.

"I'll do it bit by bit, starting with the nuclear engine." Lin Xian replied. "Tell Old Hu to seal off the maintenance section of the dock. Everything else, leave it. Get everyone out."

KIKI nodded.

Just like he did in Clearwater Town, Lin Xian entered the power room of the ship, leapt onto the nuclear engine compartment, and began Mechanical Devour.

"Last time I only had time to absorb the nuclear reactor. This time, I'm taking the engine, propulsion arrays, and the entire ship."

[Devour Progress: 1%]

The light screen appeared. Lin Xian's face lit with excitement. Since gaining the Mechanical Heart, he'd never devoured something this massive. The largest so far was a nuclear-powered locomotive, just a few hundred tons.

This Dragon-Class Transport Ship weighed over ten thousand tons. Even just the core metal structure would yield immense resources.

In Bay 24, the massive ship sat silently. No one knew it was disintegrating from within, feeding Lin Xian's ever-evolving Mechanical Heart.

10:30

Suddenly, the dim Sky Veil lit up. The multicolored neon hues of Silent City vanished under a flood of sunlight, and the deck levels of the city stirred to life.

RUMBLE—

With the command from the main bridge, the massive mobile tracks buried in the valley mud began to churn. On either side of City One, countless propulsion arrays ignited, blasting out intense thrust. Now that the city's weight had been lightened, the colossal mechanical floating city began slowly advancing eastward, shaking the earth with every meter.

GRAAAAAAAHHHH!

Along with the thunderous roar, swarms of zombies emerged from the surrounding forests and abandoned villages. But faced with a mountain-sized moving fortress, they were nothing more than flies on a map—trampled deep into the mud by the city's treads, or left behind to wail and gnash their teeth. They posed no threat at all.

Up in Silent City's Communication Tower, more than a hundred operators were busy fielding transmissions via Dark Radio and communicators—sorting data packets and vehicle transponder signals from all directions. Convoys and aircraft seeking permission to enter queued up;
once approved, they would accelerate toward the rear landing platform. After security inspection by Silent City's guards, they would be allowed entry.

In just a short while, numerous survivor convoys had already begun streaming in. Word had clearly spread overnight via longwave and shortwave radio that Silent City had escaped the Abyss, and survivors from Luling, Jinhai, and the surrounding regions were now flocking toward it.

Meanwhile, up on the cloud deck, a massive Federal Transport Ship descended slowly under the escort of several aerospace warships.

Outside, Senju Shun and Amano Ran stood solemnly with a unit of Silent City's mechanical guards, their eyes locked on the insignia painted on the transport ship's hull:

The Dawn City Emblem.

"Their intentions aren't friendly," Amano Ran muttered as strong crosswinds whipped past them.

But Senju Shun remained calm. "Doesn't matter. Not until Shinji exposes their secret dealings with the Crimson World. Plus, someone from the Phoenix Dawn Center is also here. Who ends up cornered is still up in the air."

"Shun, be polite," came a soft voice.

Shinji Mochizuki, robed in austere garb, walked slowly past them, expression serene.

"Yes, sir~"

Standing at the front, Shinji gazed at the figures emerging from the transport ship, then said to Senju Shun:

"Pull up the ACS real-time monitoring feed. There's someone among Dawn City's delegation that I think our friend will be… very interested in."

Senju Shun chuckled. "Got it."

At that moment, far away in Bay 24 of Deck 3, inside the engine chamber of the Dragon-Class Transport Ship, Lin Xian was still in the midst of mechanical devouring.

Suddenly, his interface pinged—a direct feed from Shinji Mochizuki.

He opened his eyes. A holographic window materialized before him.

Onscreen, a high-ranking transport ship opened its hatch. Several distinguished individuals disembarked, one by one.

Lin Xian's brows furrowed immediately. Leading the group was a man in his fifties, his sideburns frost-touched but neatly groomed, as if carefully maintained to preserve his authoritative appearance. Crow's feet lined his eyes—evidence of years spent offering diplomatic smiles. His lips were just full enough to curl into a permanent, gentle upturn, radiating a kind of grandfatherly kindness even in silence.

Lin Xian found him familiar—not personally, but from the kind of face that used to appear only on national broadcasts and state news.

But the moment his eyes landed on the woman behind the man, his expression shifted.

Jian Xuwei.

The only person in that group he personally recognized.