Chapter 377 Action Begins

"Everyone in Zhou Mingyuan's group is very nervous now. Although the situation is under control, the actions in the underground city have attracted the attention of some people. There are many new candidates on the list of candidates for the Broken Curtain Plan. After checking, they are all the descendants of those officials or their relatives and friends."

"Tell Su Jin to cancel the political review. Those who cannot pass the starry sky physical fitness test and personality test will be eliminated, regardless of their names."

In Chu Zhaonan's office, just after hanging up the communicator, there was a knock on the door, and a man in military uniform with calm and sharp eyes walked in. Chu Zhaonan did not look back, but his tone was already a bit stern.

"You should be preparing on the Vanguard Project's distant starship now, not here."

Chu Jing took off his military cap and looked at his father's back. He came here with two questions, one was about the Pioneer Plan and the other was about the boarding list.

But when he saw that figure from behind, he gave up asking the second question, because he knew his father and himself, and knew what kind of answer he would get, and he didn't want to hear that answer.

"Dad, the vanguard fleet is ready. There are two shield-breaking plans, and only the second one is left."

Chu Zhaonan nodded without saying anything. As father and son, they were used to expressing themselves through silence, which seemed to convey more information than words.

"You guessed it right. The dark erosion cells found in the Crimson World have the same survival structure for superpowers and invasions. If we dig deeper, we will have a chance to solve the problems of dark invasions and drinking water. This is the right direction. What I want to say is that the Phoenix Society can do it."

"I know they can do it." Chu Zhaonan said calmly

"Can we give them a chance, Dad? I mean everyone else. I've been thinking about this question all night. I hesitated again when I saw you just now. I know that as the captain of the Vanguard Fleet, asking you this question at this time will disappoint you. I remember when you appointed me as the person in charge of the Curtain Breaking Project, you asked me if I understood your decision. I said: I can understand, but my hesitation shows that I can't really understand from your perspective. That should be a great pressure and choice, ten thousand times more painful than when I faced 'the chairman's son as the first person to escape'. But Dad, if the problem of the dark invasion can be solved, will it be different if the world has a few hundred more days?"

"Perhaps, but the logic is contradictory."

Chu Zhaonan's voice became gentler, and he said patiently: "Do you remember when you first entered the Naval Academy, you came back and told me about the theories you learned?"

"The key to a submarine's victory lies in the silence before the attack," Chu Jing replied.

"Yes." Chu Zhaonan nodded: "The dark invasion is a toxin, and the sky curtain is a barrier. When you find that the bugs have developed drug resistance and can break the glass container, what will you do?"

"Dad, thank you. I'm sorry you have to say this to me."

Chu Jing fell silent after he finished speaking. As the person in charge of the Breaking Curtain Project, he knew that only by standing in the father's perspective could he say these words with the right mentality, and only by not waiting for the dawn of hope could he gamble everything with the most decisive means.

He looked at Chu Zhaonan's straight back, then retracted his gaze, prepared to put on his military cap again and leave.

"etc."

Chu Zhaonan called him. Chu Jing turned around and saw his father pointing to a tea table in the corner of the study that had never been used since it was placed there. He said, "Since you have everything ready, why don't you stay and have some tea with me?"

This was perhaps the most peaceful evening for Chu Zhaonan since he moved into the underground city on Apocalypse Day. The father and son made a pot of tea and chatted about some family matters, which was rare. Later, Chu Zhaonan talked about some of his original ideas about interstellar colonization in the Federation, and Chu Jing also talked a lot about the fleet. They discussed together the significance of civilization entering the distant stars, and even talked about high-dimensional speculations about dark civilizations, and whether humans in the future would have the feasibility of counterattacking the blue planet.

Throughout the whole process, Chu Zhaonan felt a sense of relief that he had not felt for a long time. The tea in the cup never cooled down. He looked at the military emblem on Chu Jing's military cap which was placed neatly on the table, which was shining with dazzling golden light under the light of the study. In that golden light, he seemed to see a huge distant star fleet with millions of human embryos and tens of thousands of young people rushing into the stars against the golden light spots of the sun. Countless star thrusters formed a blue tail flame, carrying all the hope and sparks of civilization, heading towards the distant stars.

…

Jinhai, a strong wind blows into the night, and the air in the ruined city is filled with the smell of corruption.

From high above, one could still vaguely see some lights of the survivors' convoy camps glowing in the dark city outline, but these lights were shrouded by endless darkness and tides of corpses. High walls and fences surrounded the industrial area. Thousands of people were stationed at the interstellar train factory, and inside the factory, thousands of manufacturing robots and engineering teams were speeding up the construction of an unfinished standard interstellar train hull.

On the main bridge of the Sky Train, several key members of Silent City and Infinite Alliance gathered. The air was dull and desolate, as if a dark cloud was hanging over everyone's head.

Lin Xian didn't want to pass on negative emotions, so he only called Shi Diyuan, Ning Jing, Monica, Qian Dele, KIKI, Chen Sixuan, Director Ding, and of course, his new partner Jian Xuwei.

On the other side of Silent City, there are only Shinji Mochizuki and Shun Sensuku.

"So now it's no longer a question of cooperation between Dawn City and Crimson World, but their actions may very likely cause huge changes in Xingyuan." Monica was the first to break the silence. Her face was stern and her tone was indifferent, but one could vaguely detect a hint of heaviness in her expression.

"What will happen?" Chen Sixuan asked.

"Is there any need to think about this? Didn't we encounter this in Yijin?" KIKI said seriously, floating in the air with his arms folded across his chest.

"But this is just speculation, it may not happen." Ning Jing stood in the crowd and said, "What I mean is, if Xingyuan or the strange body were to have any riots or extreme changes, it would have happened a long time ago."

"I like your optimism, Miss Ning, but I have to say something to spoil the fun." Qian Suxun was operating a computer and then opened a holographic projection and said, "Since the day of the Apocalypse, the changes in the Star Abyss have never been regular. From the detailed observation data of the Phoenix Society and our investigation in the Silent City, there have been more than 3,000 changes in the six Star Abysses in Asia and the Pacific in the past 100 days. Of course, most of them are only very small changes, but it is enough to show that all our current understanding and observation of the Star Abyss are inaccurate. Now the changes in the No. 5 Star Abyss are also caused by humans, which has accelerated the process of the global polar night. How can you think that the Star Abyss will not become more extreme?"

"Yes, many experiments and conclusions have proven that darkness is also 'adapting' to the process of destroying us. The evolution of strange bodies, the hunting of human gathering places, and the hunting of darkness all show that this threat is not static, but will respond to humans and their own behavior." Ding Junyi put his hands in his pockets and explained calmly: "Using cosmological theory and Fermi's paradox to extend, 'silence' between civilizations is the best survival strategy. The reason why 1% of humans survived may be because of this asymmetry of intentions. So once communication with darkness is opened, things will inevitably develop in a worse way."

"Damn it, I thought Dawn City was colluding with Crimson World in preparation for a fight with Phoenix Society and grabbing territory for political gain, but I didn't expect it to be like this?" Shidiyuan cursed, with a look of disbelief on his face.

“It’s not a conflict.”

Jian Xuwei said at this time: "Whether it is the former Federation or the current Dawn City, the top leaders are full of factions. It's just that the doomsday has led to the alignment and disintegration of the survival concept. The Federation cannot be completely regarded as an interest group. For example, the faction headed by Zhou Mingyuan has basically all the high-pressure policies and interest networks of Dawn City. It can be said that Dawn City is actually in Zhou Mingyuan's hands. During my time in Dawn City, I basically didn't see Chu Zhaonan show up, and the main fleet of the garrison army, the scientific research department, and the Seraph Department are all in Chu Zhaonan's hands. It is very likely that this pioneer plan is just a plan of Chu Zhaonan's faction."

Lin Xian looked at Shinji Mochizuki who had his eyes closed: "What do you think?"

Shinji Mochizuki slowly opened his eyes and said calmly, "Ye Lan is right. It is impossible to stop the Crimson World from using mycelium technology on the Dark Cells. The Phoenix Society came with this worst-case scenario. From this point of view, Ye Lan is indeed a pessimist, but also a wise and decisive leader."

"That's not what I'm asking." Lin Xian said, "I'm asking about the Pioneer Plan to break through the Sky Curtain, and how bad it might be if the mycelium and the dark creatures communicated with each other?"

"I think you asked the wrong question." Mochizuki Shinji looked at Lin Xian: "Shouldn't you ask when the Vanguard Project and the Dark Cell Communication might happen?"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone looked at the two of them.

Lin Xian paused after hearing this, and immediately understood what Mochizuki Shinji meant: "You mean, they will definitely happen at the same time, and even Dawn City may put pressure on the Crimson World to prevent it from activating the Dark Erosion Cells in advance?!"

"Bingo!" Mochizuki Shinji smiled calmly.

"So I think Phoenix asked you to help control the defense system center of Dawn City because it believed that the Crimson World was deeply cooperating with this Vanguard Project."

"The Phoenix Society is not only worried about Zhou Mingyuan, but also worried that Dawn City has fallen into the hands of the Crimson World." Lin Xian let out a long sigh: "It seems that the Phoenix Society must have more accurate intelligence. This matter is much more serious than we thought."

"So the Iron Guard Brigade from Yongcheng Port has already been dispatched." Mochizuki Shinji said.

"In addition to this, the Phoenix Society must have mobilized other forces." Chen Sixuan frowned and said, "There are millions of people in Dawn City. If something goes wrong, one Iron Guard Brigade cannot defend it."

Lin Xian shook his head: "The Phoenix Society has no intention of defending, but just wants to transfer all these people away. Now that the 578 Star Abyss has closed, Dawn City is running out of time."

"Oh, I forgot to tell you that the Phoenix Order's courier has arrived at Silent City." Mochizuki Shinji said at this time: "Just now, I need to go and receive them. If nothing unexpected happens, I already know why they are looking for me."

"What is it?"

Shinji Mochizuki said as he walked over: "My Silent City can carry 500,000 people."

"Hello……"

Lin Xian was speechless for a moment. He was planning to rush to Dawn City overnight and was thinking of asking Mochizuki Shinji for a transport ship, but this guy just left.

Who knew that not long after Mochizuki Shinji and Senju Shun left, there was a sudden knock on the mechanical door of the main bridge. Lin Xian was a little puzzled, who would knock before entering such a mechanical door? As a result, a timid figure appeared on the screen next to the automatic door. Lin Xian took a look and found that it was Shiori.

Chi~

The automatic door opened quickly, and Shiori stood at the door with a nervous look on her face: "Sorry, I'm here to bring support."

Lin Xian pointed to the button outside the door: "Actually, to open the door, you can press here."

"Well, I know you're in a meeting, so..." Shiori's voice sounded soft. She looked at the people in the room and said quickly, "Is it convenient now?"

"What support?" Lin Xian immediately became excited when he heard it.

Shiori stood up straight with her feet together and said, "...It's me. Shinji asked me to go into the city with you."

"Ah?" Lin Xian glared: "No..."

"There is also a Swordfish transport ship. By the way, the space-based weapons you requested have been delivered to the platform next to the Infinity."

Lin Xian heaved a sigh of relief when he heard this: "This guy is really..."

He looked at Shiori in front of him, smiled, and then said in a friendly manner: "Going to Dawn City may be quite dangerous. It is different from the strange body. I have to tell you this in advance. However, you are welcome to join us."

Shizhi felt Lin Xian's friendliness and said nervously, "Thank you, I won't be scared if... you don't keep looking at me..."

Lin Xian frowned. He had felt before that this girl was not afraid of dead people and strange creatures, but she was a little afraid of others staring at her. This character was weird but also a little cute.

But he didn't say anything. After looking away, he invited Shiori to enter the main bridge.

Now that we have the vehicle, everyone needs to discuss the plan of action.

"The gates of Dawn City are equipped with comprehensive monitoring and detection equipment, and you are now a wanted target of the Federation, so it is not feasible to sneak in by wearing power armor or using other means." Jian Xuwei said at this time.

"It seems that you have other ideas, Chairman Jian." Lin Xian looked at her.

Jian Xuwei said directly: "You are right. Although the Federation's system is strict on the surface, there are actually many ways to enter the city."

"Then let's not delay any further. If I'm not mistaken, Jiang Yun will come to pick us up."

"Yes."

"Lin Xian." Chen Sixuan said at this time: "Should we take more people with us?"

"No need. There are too many people around. After we enter the city, NAUF people will act together." Lin Xian checked the time. "Same as usual. Teacher Chen and Brother Shi will keep an eye on this. Sister Jing, Qian Dele, Monica, KIKI, and Shizhi will follow me. Bring Brother Huo along, too."

"And me." Jian Xuwei said calmly.

"Yes, I almost forgot about your Silver Star." Lin Xian said.

"That's not my main reason." Jian Xuwei said, "The situation in the city is very complicated. My team is all there. Jiang Yun and I can help you control the city's defense network."

Lin Xian nodded: "That's right."

"Okay, that's it." Qian Dele stood up from the stool and put on his sunglasses. "Ah, Star City, no, Dawn City, I'm finally going back to this memorable Night City."

"Why, do you miss your old life of debauchery?" Monica responded with a smile.

"I don't like a life of debauchery and vulgarity. What I pursue is an artistic life. Do you understand?" Qian Dele tightened his flowery suit and raised his neck with a look of pride.

"Lin Xian."

As everyone prepared to set off, Chen Sixuan stopped Lin Xian in the passage and said, "Why don't you let me go with you? I should be able to act more easily with my identity. It's been so long and you're still guarding the car?"

"Now we are not guarding the car, but guarding the city."

"Defending the city?"

"Yes." Lin Xian looked at her and said seriously, "The Infinity, the United Train, the Sky Train, and the Silent City are all in Jinhai, the Phoenix Society is in Qingbo, and the Iron Guard Brigade is approaching from the east. The situation is likely to escalate suddenly, but we are surrounded by three Xingyuans behind us. Once a crisis occurs, we must be fully prepared."

Chen Sixuan was a little surprised when she heard this, then her eyes changed, she took a deep breath and nodded.

"I understand. Leave this to me."

"Um."

Jian Xuwei is not here, Shi Diyuan has to monitor the defense of the industrial zone, and Shinji Mochizuki's Silent City will have other action plans with the Phoenix Society, so Lin Xian can only let Chen Sixuan stay with these thousands of people inside and outside and this sky train.

At this time, a "Swordfish" transport ship was docked in the square. It was a small transport aircraft with extremely high speed.

Lin Xian arrived at the platform where the Infinity was parked, and saw from a distance two terrifying devices that looked like large rockets lying horizontally on the side of the platform. They were placed on a special launch traction frame and covered with rainproof cloth.

“Finally I saw this thing.”

Lin Xian hurried over. The closer he got, the bigger this thing became. The diameter of the arrow body exceeded the width of the Infinity train, and the length exceeded 70 meters. It was just like a large intercontinental missile. However, Lin Xian knew that as a directional restraint weapon, its lethality was much greater than that of an intercontinental missile to a certain extent. Moreover, after this thing was deformed in the air, it was like the hilt of a sharp sword, which was really exciting.

"What is this?" KIKI followed over at this time.

"Hyperion directional restraint cannon, given by Mochizuki Shinji." Lin Xian said.

"Space-based weapons, he's really generous." Jian Xuwei also came up in surprise. "The value of this one is enough to fully arm a medium-sized convoy of 2,000 people. Now this type of weapon is a secret weapon used by large organizations such as Dawn City and the Phoenix Society to deal with S-class. The benefits of high-energy focusing are more valuable than nuclear chain reactions."

"As expected of First Officer Jian, you are very knowledgeable."

Jian Xuwei glanced at him, then leaned over and whispered, "If you don't mind, just call me Jian Xuwei."

"Aren't you going to be the first mate?"

"Yes, but I don't like first mate, nor do I like this name." Jian Xuwei said seriously.

"What about Director Jian?"

"what ever."

"Okay, First Officer Jane."

“…”

Lin Xian looked at Shiori who was following behind him and said with a smile: "Thank Mochizuki Shinji for me."

Shiori nodded and stepped behind KIKI.

"When are we leaving?" Monica came up and asked.

Lin Xian looked at the Hyperion directional restraint cannon in front of him and then at the time, and said in a stern voice: "Gather at the transport ship in 20 minutes!"

Rub!

In an empty loading factory, electric arcs flickered, and a Hyperion directional restraint cannon was slowly dragged into the void gate of the Black Star Forge by electromagnetic force. Lin Xian immediately opened the panel of the Mechanical Heart, and then he remembered that the Doomsday Train had been swallowed up.

[Swallowed successfully, Mechanical Source Points +500, Mechanical Swallowing Skill Proficiency +200! ]

"Before, one power core could increase by 700, but now all these dozen trains only have 500. Brother, do you want me to swallow all the starships or aircraft carriers?"

Lin Xian looked at the harvested mechanical source points and sighed helplessly, but fortunately, according to theory, this swallowing only took him an hour, and it was automatic. Thinking of this, he felt better.

Thinking of this, Lin Xian immediately started all five construction sequences!

"The Thunder Falcon 2000 X100, this is the main force!"

"The first X50 from Thunder Prison will explode on a large scale!"

"The Destroyer is too extreme. Let's build an X20 first. It might be useful at a critical moment."

"Ice Explosion 166, forget it, I can't use this thing for the time being."

"Iron Rain, this is good, large impact bullet, X50"

"Iron Curtain must come to X50, and physical shield is indispensable..."

"Now your proficiency in mechanical construction will skyrocket."

Woo~

Inside the Black Star Forge, Lin Xian watched as the five construction sequences were running at full capacity. The countdowns were refreshed simultaneously, and all the decomposition materials were being used at this moment. He couldn't help but feel excited.

With this automated production line, Lin Xian's manufacturing efficiency has experienced an epic growth. At this rate, as long as he has enough materials, he can produce hundreds of drones in a day. In this way, building a mechanical army is no longer a dream.

In addition to drones, Lin Xian is also preparing to manufacture heavy-duty mechas like Qianxu Xun and robots like Dancer No. 1 to be used in battle. They will be more powerful and larger, and most importantly, more intelligent and responsive.

"To build so many drones, I need a capable intelligent assistant, right, Grace?"

[Your idea is correct! In the scenario of large-scale deployment of drones, a powerful AI assistant is indeed the core. May I ask if you need me to provide an in-depth solution for the collaboration between drone clusters and AI? ]

After being completely overwritten, Grace has now become a pure intelligent computer. Although she has undergone deep learning on the current world crisis environment through the import of KIKI's data, she no longer has any personal language when communicating with Lin Xian, and her answers sound like very cold AI answers.

"So your sense of humor wasn't programmed... well, a pure mechanical brain."

After saying that, Lin Xian raised his hand and waved it, and the gate of the Black Star Forge space opened, sucking Grace in.

He then looked at the time and walked out of the factory quickly.

In the square, KIKI, Jian Xuwei, Shiori, Qian Dele, Monica, and Lu Xingchen were all fully armed and ready. Soon, an arc of thruster light flashed above the industrial area and headed towards Dawn City.

In the Cloud District of Silent City, Senju Shun watched the transport ship carrying Lin Xian leave on the surveillance screen and said to Mochizuki Shinji: "Lin has already started to act. He is such a quick person."

Shinji Mochizuki looked stern, his hands in his sleeves, looking at the layout of Dawn City on the holographic map, and said

"I am very interested in the Phoenix Order's plan. Xun, notify all personnel."

"Prepare to separate City No. 2 again!"

(End of this chapter)