Apocalypse: I Built the Infinite Train

"Zhou Mingyuan's faction is on edge. Even though things are under control, the moves in the underground city have drawn some attention. On the side of the Curtain-Breaking Plan, a bunch of new backup candidates were added. We looked into them—they're all offspring or relatives of officials."

"Tell Su Jin to cancel political vetting. Anyone who can't pass the Star Physique test or the Psychostrength exam gets eliminated, no matter their name."

In Chu Zhaonan's office, just as he hung up the communicator, a knock came at the door. A man in military uniform with sharp eyes and a calm demeanor walked in. Chu Zhaonan didn't look back but already sounded stern.

"You should be on the Vanguard Initiative's Farstar Ship right now, not here."

Chu Jing removed his officer's cap and looked at his father's back. He came for two reasons—one about the Vanguard Initiative, the other about the boarding list. But seeing that familiar back, he gave up on asking the second question. He knew his father—and himself—well enough to guess the answer. And he didn't want to hear it.

"Dad, the Vanguard Fleet is ready. Only the second shield-breaking plan remains."

Chu Zhaonan nodded in silence. The father and son had long grown used to communicating through silence;
it often conveyed more than words.

"You were right. The Corrosion Cells discovered in the Crimson World have the same structural survival traits for both psychic powers and parasitic invasion. If we dig deeper, we might really solve the problems of the dark invasion and drinking water. This is the right direction. What I want to say is—Phoenix Society can pull this off."

"I know they can," Chu Zhaonan replied calmly.

"Maybe. But the logic conflicts."

Chu Zhaonan's voice softened as he said patiently, "Do you remember what you told me when you first entered Naval Academy? The theory you learned?"

"The key to submarine victory lies in silence before the strike," Chu Jing replied.

"Exactly." Chu Zhaonan nodded. "The dark invasion is poison. The Sky Veil Barrier is the glass container. If the bug develops drug resistance and breaks the container—what would you do?"

"Dad… thank you. I'm sorry you had to be the one to tell me this."

Chu Jing fell silent. As the leader of the Curtain-Breaking Plan, he knew only from his father's standpoint could these words be said without waiting for hope—using the most decisive means to bet everything.

He looked at Chu Zhaonan's tall, straight figure, then shifted his gaze, ready to put his cap back on and leave.

"Wait."

Chu Zhaonan stopped him. Chu Jing turned around and saw his father pointing to a tea table in the corner—something that had been placed there but never used.

"Since you're ready on your end, stay. Have some tea with me."

It might've been the calmest evening Chu Zhaonan had had since moving into the underground city after the Apocalypse Day. Father and son brewed a pot of tea and, for once, talked about family. Then Chu Zhaonan shared his old ideas on interstellar colonization under the Federation, and Chu Jing told stories of the fleet. Together, they discussed the significance of humanity reaching the Farstar, even delving into high-dimensional theories about the dark civilization and the feasibility of launching a counterattack to reclaim Blue Star in the future.

Throughout, Chu Zhaonan felt a rare sense of ease. The tea in his cup never went cold. He looked at the insignia on Chu Jing's military cap gleaming under the study's warm light. In that gleam, he seemed to see a fleet—millions of human embryos and countless young people boarding immense Farstar ships, charging into the stars under golden rays of sunlight. Behind them, the blue flares of star engines sparkled, carrying all hope and the flame of civilization toward distant worlds.

Jinhai, storm winds at night, the stench of decay lingered in the ruined city's air.

Far below, faint lights from surviving convoy camps flickered in the ghostly outline of the city. But those lights were swallowed up by endless white darkness and hordes of corpses. A low wall and fences encircled the industrial district. Outside the Orbital Train Factory, thousands stood guard. Inside, thousands of manufacturing robots and engineers were frantically building the skeletal frame of an unfinished interstellar train ship.

Under the main bridge of the Skytrain, key members of Noisy City and the Limited Alliance gathered. The air was heavy and bleak, like a black cloud pressing down on everyone's head.

Ozhong only called in a few people to avoid spreading anxiety: Ozhongbo, Ning Jing, Monica, Grace, KIKI, Qian Dele, and Director Ding. Of course, Ozhongbo from the new collaboration also came.

From Noisy City, only Takashi Ryunosuke and Senju Shun were present.

"So now it's no longer just about whether Shuguang City cooperates with Crimson World—our actions might trigger a massive shift in the Abyss," Monica broke the silence. Her expression was stern, her tone light but laced with subtle tension.

"What could happen?" Chen Sixuan asked.

"Seriously? Didn't we run into this in Yijin?" KIKI floated midair with arms crossed, looking grave.

"But that's just speculation. It doesn't guarantee anything," Ning Jing spoke up from the crowd. "I mean, if the Abyss or the Anomalies were going to riot or mutate, wouldn't it have happened already?"

"I like your optimism, Miss Ning. But I'll have to rain on the parade," Senju Shun said as he operated a console, then projected a holographic map. "Since Apocalypse Day, changes in the Abyss have never followed patterns. According to Phoenix Society's observations and Silent City's data, there have been over 3,000 events in just six Abysses across Asia-Pacific in the last hundred days. Most were tiny, but they prove our current understanding is flawed. The mutation in Abyss No. 5 was artificially triggered, accelerating the global Polar Night. So why do you think the Abyss won't get worse?"

"Yes. Many studies already show the darkness is 'adapting' to our destruction. Evolving Anomalies, their hunting behavior—it's all reactive," Ding Junyi added calmly with her hands in her pockets. "In terms of cosmic theory and the Fermi Paradox, 'silence' is the safest survival strategy between civilizations. The reason 1% of humanity still survives may be due to asymmetrical intent. Once communication with darkness begins, it can only go downhill."

"F***, I thought Shuguang City and Crimson World were scheming against Phoenix Society for turf and politics, but this?!" Shi Diyuan swore, utterly shocked.

"Not mutually exclusive," Jian Xuwei cut in. "Whether it was the old Federation or now Shuguang City, the upper ranks have always been full of factions. The apocalypse just reshuffled alliances based on survival. The Federation isn't one single interest group. Take Zhou Mingyuan's faction—he basically runs Shuguang City with his policies and networks. I hardly saw Chu Zhaonan appear while I was there. The main defense fleet, research division, and Seraphim Department are under his control. This Vanguard Plan may well be his alone."

Lin Xian turned to Takashi Ryunosuke, who had been sitting quietly: "What's your take?"

Takashi slowly opened his eyes. "Ye Lan's right. There's no way Crimson World won't use the Corrosion Cells and mycelium tech. Phoenix Society came in assuming the worst. Ye Lan's a pessimist—but a wise and decisive leader."

"That's not what I meant," Lin Xian said. "I mean about breaching the Sky Veil and if mycelium communicates with dark life—how bad could it get?"

"You're asking the wrong question," Takashi replied, looking at him. "Shouldn't you be asking when the Vanguard Plan and the Corrosion Cells will link up?"

The room fell silent as everyone turned to the two men.

Lin Xian paused, then understood: "You mean—they're going to happen at the same time? And Shuguang City might pressure Crimson World to delay activating the Corrosion Cells?!"

"Bingo." Takashi gave a faint smile.

"I think that's why Phoenix Society asked you to help control Shuguang City's defense systems. They believe Crimson World is working closely with the Vanguard Plan."

"Phoenix Society doesn't just distrust Zhou Mingyuan—they fear Shuguang has already fallen into Crimson World's hands," Lin Xian exhaled deeply. "They must have more accurate intel. This is worse than we thought."

"That's why Iron Guard Brigade has been deployed to Yongcheng Port," Takashi said.

"And I'm guessing Phoenix Society has more forces in motion," Chen Sixuan frowned. "Shuguang City has millions of people—one brigade isn't enough."

"They don't intend to hold it. Just evacuate," Lin Xian replied. "Abyss 578 is already closing in. Shuguang City is running out of time."

"Oh, forgot to tell you—Phoenix Society's courier just arrived at Silent City," Takashi added. "I'm going to meet them now. And I think I already know why they're here."

"What is it?"

As Takashi walked off, he answered, "My Silent City can hold 500,000 people."

"Hey—"

Lin Xian was speechless. He'd planned to ask Takashi for a transport ship to rush to Shuguang City, but the guy just left.

Not long after Takashi and Senju Shun left, a crisp knock came from outside the bridge's mechanical door. Lin Xian frowned. Who knocks at a mech gate? Then a timid face appeared on the monitor—it was Shiori.

Beep—

The automatic door slid open. Shiori stood nervously at the entrance.

"Sorry, I'm here to provide support."

Lin Xian pointed to the button outside the door. "You could've just pressed this."

"I-I knew you were in a meeting, so…" Shiori said softly, looking at the room full of people. "Is this a good time?"

"What kind of support?" Lin Xian perked up.

Shiori stood at attention. "...It's me. Takashi asked me to go with you into the city."

"Huh?" Lin Xian blinked. "Wait, what—?"

"And one 'Swordfish' transport ship. Also, the orbital weapon you asked for—Shun already delivered it to the dock beside the Infinity."

Lin Xian let out a breath. "That guy really—"

He looked at Shiori and smiled warmly.

"Shuguang City might be dangerous. Different from Anomalies. Just a heads-up. But—we're glad to have you."

Shiori could feel Lin Xian's kindness and quickly said nervously, "Thank you. I'm not scared… unless… you keep staring at me…"

Lin Xian frowned slightly. He'd already sensed that this girl wasn't afraid of corpses or the eerie anomalies, yet she flinched a little when people stared at her. What a strange, but kind of cute personality.

He didn't say anything else. After looking away, he invited Shiori into the main command deck.

Now that they had transport, it was time for everyone to discuss their next move.

"The gates of Dawn City are equipped with comprehensive surveillance and detection systems. And you're currently a top-priority fugitive of the Federation, so sneaking in with power armor or other tricks won't work," Jian Xuwei said.

"So I take it you have another plan, Chairwoman Jian?" Lin Xian looked at her.

"You guessed right. The Federation's setup might look tight on the surface, but there are actually a lot of ways into the city."

"Then let's not waste time. If I'm not wrong, Jiang Yun will be the one picking us up?"

"That's right."

"Lin Xian," Chen Sixuan spoke up, "Should we bring a few more people along?"

"No need. More people means more attention. Once we're inside, we'll link up with the NAUF." Lin Xian checked the time. "Same arrangement as before—Mr. Chen and Big Shi stay here. Jing-jie, Qian Dele, Monica, KIKI, and Shiori are with me. Oh, and bring Fire Bro too."

"And me," Jian Xuwei added calmly.

"Oh right, can't forget your Silverstar," Lin Xian said.

"That's not my main reason," Jian Xuwei replied. "The situation inside the city is complicated. My whole team is already there. Jiang Yun and I can help you take control of the entire city's defense network."

Lin Xian nodded. "Good point."

"Alright then, it's settled." Qian Dele stood up smoothly and put on his sunglasses. "Ah, Star City—no, Dawn City. I'm finally going back to this unforgettable city of the night."

"What, missing your wild party days?" Monica teased with a smile.

"I never liked wild parties—too tacky. I'm all about the artistic life, got it?" Qian Dele adjusted his flashy floral suit and raised his chin proudly.

"Lin Xian."

As everyone got ready to head out, Chen Sixuan called out to Lin Xian in the corridor. "Why aren't you letting me come with you? My identity should make it easier to move around. You're still guarding the train after all this time?"

"This isn't about guarding the train anymore. It's about guarding the city."

"The city?"

"That's right," Lin Xian looked at her seriously. "The Infinity, the Union Train, the Sky Train, Silent City are all in Jin Hai. Phoenix Society is in Qingbo. The Iron Guard Brigade is closing in from the east. The situation could escalate at any moment. And behind us are three Star Abysses. If anything happens, we need to be ready."

Chen Sixuan was surprised, but then her expression shifted. She took a deep breath and nodded.

"I understand. Leave this side to me."

"Mm."

Jian Xuwei was out, Shi Diyuan had to oversee the defense of the industrial zone, and Takahashi Ryunosuke's Silent City was set to coordinate a different plan with the Phoenix Society. So for the thousands inside and out, and the Sky Train, Lin Xian had no choice but to leave it all to Chen Sixuan.

At that moment, a Swordfish transport ship was parked in the plaza—one of those lightning-fast small aerial freighters.

Lin Xian arrived at the Infinity's platform and saw, from a distance, two massive rocket-like devices lying horizontally on launch racks covered with rain tarps.

"So this is what that thing looks like."

He walked over quickly. The closer he got, the more monstrous the device looked. The rocket body alone was wider than the train, and over 70 meters long. It was practically a giant ICBM. But Lin Xian knew this was something far more deadly—an advanced directional constraint weapon. Once it transformed midair, it would resemble a hilted sword. Just looking at it stirred excitement.

"What is that thing?" KIKI came up beside him.

"A Hyberon Directional Constraint Cannon. A gift from Takahashi Ryunosuke," Lin Xian said.

"A space-based weapon? He's feeling generous," Jian Xuwei came over in surprise. "Just one of these could arm a two-thousand-person convoy. These kinds of weapons are now the go-to secret weapons for S-class threats in places like Dawn City and the Phoenix Society. Its focused energy yield is more valuable than a chain-reacting nuke."

"No wonder you're Vice Commander Jian—you're a walking encyclopedia."

Jian Xuwei glanced at him and leaned in to say quietly, "If you don't mind, just call me Jian Xuwei."

"Didn't you want to be the vice commander?"

"I do, but I don't like the title. Or that name." Jian Xuwei said seriously.

"How about Chairwoman Jian?"

"Suit yourself."

"Alright then, Vice Commander Jian."

"…"

Seeing Shiori quietly following behind, Lin Xian chuckled. "Thank Takahashi Ryunosuke for me."

Shiori nodded and stepped back behind KIKI.

"When are we moving out?" Monica walked up to ask.

Lin Xian glanced at the cannon, then checked the time. His voice turned sharp. "Twenty minutes. Assemble at the transport ship!"

Zzt! Zzt!

Inside an empty loading plant, arcs of electricity flickered. A Hyberon cannon was slowly being drawn into the Blackstar Foundry's void gate by electromagnetic force. Lin Xian opened the Mechanical Core panel and remembered—the Doomsday Train had already been completely consumed.

[Consumption complete. +500 Mechanical Source Points, +200 Mechanical Devour Skill Proficiency!]

"Just one power core gave me 700 before. And now, this whole train only gave me 500? Bro, what do you want me to eat next—a starship? A whole carrier?"

Looking at the haul, Lin Xian sighed helplessly. Still, the devouring process only took about an hour, and it was fully automated. Thinking about that, he felt a bit better.

He immediately activated all five construction queues!

"'Thunder Year 2000', x100. That'll be the main force."

"'Thunder Prison', give me 50 units—go for a burst deployment."

"'The Destroyer'... too extreme. Make 20 units first—might come in handy."

"'Ice Bomb 166'... never mind, we won't need that for now."

"'Iron Rain'—yes, heavy collision ammo. Make 50."

"'Iron Curtain' is a must—physical shields are non-negotiable. Make 50."

"This'll make my construction proficiency shoot through the roof!"

Bzzt~

Inside the Blackstar Foundry, the five queues were running at full throttle. The countdowns were syncing. All decomposition materials were in play, and Lin Xian couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement.

With this automated production line, his manufacturing speed had hit epic levels. As long as he had enough materials, he could churn out hundreds of drones a day. The dream of building a mechanical army was becoming real.

Beyond drones, Lin Xian also planned to produce the same kind of heavy exo-suit used by Senju Shun and combat robots like Dancer No. 1. They had better firepower, scale, and—most importantly—higher intelligence and adaptability.

"If I'm gonna have that many drones, I'll need a strong AI assistant, right, Grace?"

[Your thinking is absolutely correct! In large-scale drone deployment scenarios, a powerful AI brain is essential to the system's core. Shall I provide an in-depth solution for drone swarm coordination and AI integration?]

After being fully rewritten, Grace was now a purely mechanical mind. Even though KIKI had uploaded a dataset to help her adapt to this world's crisis, she now spoke with the cold detachment of a machine—no personality left.

"So your humor before wasn't part of your programming... That's fine. A pure AI brain is just what I need."

With that, Lin Xian waved his hand. The Blackstar Foundry's gate opened and absorbed Grace into its systems.

Then, checking the time again, he walked briskly out of the factory.

On the plaza, KIKI, Jian Xuwei, Shiori, Qian Dele, Monica, and Lu Xingchen were already fully geared up. Soon, the arc glow of a thruster flashed above the industrial zone, heading straight for Dawn City.

High above Silent City, in the cloud sector, Senju Shun looked at the screen showing Lin Xian's transport ship taking off and said to Takahashi Ryunosuke, "Lin has started moving. That guy's fast."

Takahashi's expression remained calm. Hands hidden in his sleeves, he stared at the holo-map of Dawn City's layout from all sides.

"I'm very interested in the Phoenix Society's plan. Shun, notify everyone."

"Prepare to separate Sub-City No. 2!"