Doomsday: I Build an Infinite Train.

Chapter 354 Superstring Reactor Phase Iridescence

[Converted to non-mechanical energy, gaining 1000 mechanical source points.]

[Current Mechanical Heart Level: LV.5 (11640/20000)]

Mechanical Devouring: 5 (1065/3000) Increases devouring efficiency

Mechanical Manufacturing: 5 (1660/3000) Improve construction efficiency

[T8-Z Vulcan Assault Blueprint Development Time: 22 days, 22 hours, and 36 minutes]

[Amplification Complete] Congratulations on successfully amplifying your Surge (Rare) (Level 3, Max Level) to: [Superstring Reactor Phase Iridescent]!
A large number of mechanical heart light screens flashed in front of Lin Xian. Lin Xian checked the time. It was 03:40 a.m. They came out of the Star Abyss Polar Night at around 18 p.m., which meant that he had slept for 9 hours. During this time, not only did the Heterogeneous Cube convert a large number of mechanical source points, but his Superstring Reactor Phase Iridescent Ring also finally completed its amplification!
Upon seeing this, Lin Xian's expression immediately became eager and excited. Without thinking, he immediately tried to start it!
hum!
A low-frequency hollow vibration reverberated, and in an instant, Lin Xian noticed that the dimly lit train cabin began to emit a bright blue light. Through the reflection of the window, Lin Xian was shocked to see a phase ring behind him that resembled the core reactor of Unit-01. Ultra-high density energy fluctuations surged, and Lin Xian felt a powerful force being transmitted through the ring, which looked like a 'Dharma Wheel,' to his hands. Moreover, at this moment, he felt as if he were connected to the entire power source of the Infinite, and all the engines in the train roared to life!
Behind him, arcs of electricity surged, piercing the air and slowly agitating some metal objects in the bedroom. Whoosh! Lin Xian's thoughts snapped to a halt, and he immediately stopped, then stared in surprise at his own hands.

"This is... a portable reactor?!"

It's hard to describe Lin Xian's feelings at this moment. It's as if his previous ability to drive the train has been amplified and materialized!
"Brilliant!"

"We've already reached the halfway point of the Mechanical Source, so it shouldn't be long before we can undergo the second Mechanical Awakening."

Just as Lin Xian was feeling sentimental, Chen Sixuan, who felt the vibration of the train engine, pushed open the door. Seeing Lin Xian's energetic spirit, the worry on her face immediately turned into eagerness. She rushed forward and threw herself into Lin Xian's arms.

"You're finally awake. You scared me to death last night."

Lin Xian knew she was referring to the thrilling scene in the Star Abyss, and responded...
"I was almost scared too. There are all kinds of monsters in the Star Abyss, but no zombies. It's making me really curious."

Chen Sixuan chuckled at his words, burying her head in his neck and laughing with trembling shoulders. The two of them seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, feeling incredibly relaxed at that moment.

"Is something wrong?"

"Yes, but let me hold you a little longer," Chen Sixuan said softly, hugging Lin Xian tightly and closing her eyes.
“It was such a difficult journey. It takes more courage to live than to die. I don’t know how you managed to persevere in those circumstances.”

Lin Xian was slightly moved. The scene of the terrifying Star Abyss Overlord in the sky that he had seen before observing the colossus came to mind. He said, "I was thinking at the time that it would be really exciting to escape from the mouth of such a monster."

"It's quite exciting."

What's the situation now?

"Not yet. Silent City doesn't operate in the dark, so we're currently stationed at the edge of the Luling Forest. Shinji Mochizuki sent someone to recall City Two. He told us that you can come directly to him after you wake up, or you can go explore the city first. The other caravans and Brother Shi and the others have finished preparing their caravans and have been given free time. Most of them should be in City Two by now..."

Lin Xian's heart stirred slightly upon hearing this. To be honest, he had been quite lonely and exhausted from the long and arduous escape. He both enjoyed the sense of security he felt in the armored vehicle, where zombies roamed outside in the dark of the apocalypse, and missed the bustling city life. Come to think of it, it had been a long time since he had seen a city that was 'not like the apocalypse,' and it was even a mechanical city. Lin Xian was quite curious.

"Lin Xian."

"Ah."

"What are your plans next?" Chen Sixuan lifted her head from his shoulder and looked at him.

Chen Sixuan's gaze was filled with concern and heartache, but also with a longing for a moment to catch her breath.

Lin Xian naturally saw through her thoughts. He took a deep breath, turned his gaze back to the massive mechanical city, and spoke leisurely.
"We don't have any plans. Silent City will be heading to Jin Hai next, so we can hitch a ride and take a good rest by relying on this big tree. We saved 10 people from Silent City, so Shinji Mochizuki should thank me properly, right?"

"Are you planning to have him help you modify the all-terrain drive system?" Chen Sixuan asked.
"No." Lin Xian chuckled and stretched, saying, "I have longer-term plans now. Didn't I tell you before that I hope the train can soar into the sky?"

Chen Sixuan looked surprised: "You're planning to turn the Infinite into a flying train?"

Lin Xian's eyes shone with starlight. Shinji Mochizuki's words had completely moved him. Now that he possessed the Phase Ring of his personal reactor, and relying on the mechanical city of Silent City, he could completely transform the Infinite Train Project.

"To be precise... it's the Star Train!"

Space-based weapons, starship cannons, mechanical cities, drone swarms, digital life forms, flesh-and-blood bio-armor—his mechanical abilities have endless possibilities for imagination and expansion.

"Buzz... Phoenix Clan Global Report: At 23:17 yesterday (UTC+0), the Phoenix Clan's European Theater "Reykjavik 12-Nation Joint Rescue Center" successfully completed its strategic relocation, escaping the influence of the No. 10 Star Abyss Tidal Storm. During the relocation, it encountered a joint attack from the No. 15 S-Class Anomaly [Earth Surge] and the No. 16 S-Class Anomaly [Cordiva]. It has been confirmed that the total number of casualties in this operation reached 112,479 (including civilians and combat personnel). Currently, the survivors have been safely transferred to the designated shelter, and medical and logistical support work is proceeding in an orderly manner."

"The Phoenix Society has issued a global notification that the 'Blood Essence Purification - Cold Dark Particle Separation' project, led by the 'Alpine Watchers' research team in the European theater, has achieved a breakthrough. The research team has successfully extracted stable-state chemical energy, 'dark energy,' from cold dark particles for the first time and verified its 18% air purification efficiency against the toxins of the dark invasion. This discovery marks a crucial step forward for humanity in combating the dark invasion. The Phoenix Society, in conjunction with its global branches, has launched in-depth research on 'dark energy,' and the related technologies will be prioritized for application in isolating the spread of mutations and purifying water and food resources..."

"Attention all survivors! The technology to purify the darkness has made a substantial breakthrough. Please maintain your fighting spirit and hope, uphold order, and all of humanity will surely overcome this crisis together."

"Buzz... Global notification from Dawn City: Dawn City has successfully annihilated the S-class anomaly 'Gray Mist Giant' with a casualty rate of only 0.5%. This is humanity's first complete victory against the darkness. Simultaneously, Dawn City's [Dark Energy Purification Device] has entered the trial operation phase, with a purification efficiency exceeding 95%. The city now possesses and supplies high-purity drinking water resources. Dawn City is truly the light of humanity. To jointly resist the darkness and build a radiant defense line, effective immediately, the entry fees for Dawn City citizens will be comprehensively increased. In the Old City, each person will need to pay 2 Blood Essences or equivalent resources per month. The entrance fee for the Star City Underground City will be increased to 100 Blood Essences for third-class citizens, 300 for second-class citizens, and 1000 for first-class citizens..."

"Kin Hai Free Radio, breaking news!"

[Red Man Ghost Alert]: Multiple attacks by Red Man Ghosts have been confirmed in the old town of Jinhai, and three shelters have been destroyed.

[Escape Route]: Survivors should move towards "Yongcheng Port" along the underground drainage system. Phoenix Society Outpost No. 9 provides temporary shelter.

[Assistance Request]: Urgently needed medical coagulants and electromagnetic pulse weapons, contact frequency band 145.770MHz.

"All personnel near the Qilian Mountains must immediately detour. A suspected Class S large-scale anomaly has been discovered on the northern slopes of the Qilian Mountains. Dawn City has already dispatched troops, but there is currently no confirmed information!"

"Shameless! Wasn't it us and the Phoenix Society who first killed an S-class anomaly?"

With the signal connection from the large city of Silent City, the Infinite once again received messages from the Phoenix Society and the regional free radio station. In carriage 2, KIKI and Director Ding were listening to the radio, while Brother Huo and Building sat on either side of each other in the corner, listening to KIKI angrily cursing the Federation's shameless behavior.

"Shameless!" Brother Huo said, arms crossed, his face contorted with anger.

“They couldn’t possibly not know that we’ve already taken down an S-class in Xilan City, right?” Shu Qin said, frowning. “Of course they know. The Phoenix Society broadcast it globally, and many survivors know.” Sasha scoffed, “I think they’re just shameless.”

"Team Leader Lin!" At this moment, Shu Qin saw Lin Xian walk in and immediately exclaimed with joy.

"Lin Xian, are you all right now?" KIKI turned around from her swivel chair, looking refreshed. "Quickly, did you hear the announcement just now?"

"I heard that." Lin Xian walked into carriage number 2 and said, "More than 30,000 people died even if only 0.5% of the population was over 6 million. That's no small number. Journalism is a really good thing. Anyone with eyes can see that the Federation just wants to suppress the Phoenix Society and, incidentally, raise the entry fee to the city."

After he finished speaking, he looked at Ding Junyi and said, "Director Ding."

"Ah."

"Is the injury on your hand healed?"

"Regarding dark energy, I've already discussed it with Shinji Mochizuki... um? I've already made contact?"

Ding Junyi had expected Lin Xian to ask her about the dark energy mentioned by the Phoenix Society and the Federation, but Lin Xian's first concern was for her health, which caught her off guard. She adjusted her glasses and reorganized her thoughts.
"Oh, it's... much better now."

Lin Xian's gaze swept across the scene. The carriage was filled with overflowing purifying energy. The Hellish Black Chrysanthemum was constantly transforming, and the Silver Dragon Ten Thousand Mistakes had already lost its inflorescence, turning back into a seemingly ordinary disaster plant.

At the same time, Li Yi, Liang Lei, Lao Mo, Xiao Yuan and others also gathered here, seemingly waiting for his situation.

Lin Xian said directly, "Everyone, don't stay in the carriage. Everyone can move around freely and keep in touch. We don't have any other plans for the time being."

Upon hearing Lin Xian's words, the others immediately nodded in response with relieved expressions.

"it is good!"

"Team Leader Lin, I'll pass the word down right away."

“There’s blood essence trading going on in Silent City, should we make some preparations as well?” Chen Sixuan said at this moment.

“Okay.” Lin Xian nodded. “I’ll go talk to Shinji Mochizuki later. Everyone can go and explore City Two. Judging from the current situation, there shouldn’t be any battles tonight.”

“All of our markers have been cleared, and now the entire Silent City is in a state of silence,” KIKI said. “I heard that Phoenix City has also been in this state, which is why it has been stable for so long.”

Everyone in the convoy was given a day off, and they all left the group to do their own thing. Only Lin Xian and a few others remained in the carriage, discussing the new information about 'dark energy'.

In addition, there are two elegant ballet robots, Grace and Dancer No. 1.

The systems inside the vehicle and all the robots, including Dancer No. 1, are now controlled by Grace, who in turn receives orders directly from Lin Xian.

"Now, various organizations have successively discovered this chemical energy. Silent City, in Star Abyss No. 5, has already done a lot of calculations on this energy using the solution formula. Combined with the progress of the Phoenix Society, an 18% purification level should be reasonable."

Ding Junyi looked at Grace: "Shinji Mochizuki told me his formula, and I also had Grace's AI do the deduction. This chemical energy does indeed have the effect of purifying the invasion of darkness. To be precise, this dark energy is actually the power of darkness. We can understand it as a broader form of cold dark particles."

"But no binding material has been found for this power yet, so it only exists in blood essence and darkness."

"So Dawn City is going to increase its blood essence collection? Have they really gotten 95% done?" Chen Sixuan asked, frowning.

"impossible."

KIKI looked incredulous: "It sounds fake."

“I think so too, that’s ridiculous,” Sasha chimed in.

With her hands in her pockets and a calm expression, Ding Junyi said, "Theoretically speaking, if we can purify 95% of the darkness, it means that humans can survive in the dark, almost eliminating the spread of 'mutations,' while maintaining the cleanliness of water and food. Without considering biological disasters such as monsters, the Federation's underground cities are the optimal choice for human civilization."

“Oh~” KIKI sat on the swivel chair, shaking her head: “I knew it, I just wanted to proclaim myself as the light of humanity, but I don’t understand, will the people of Dawn City believe me?”

“Well… it doesn’t really matter whether the people of Dawn City believe it or not.” Lou Da, who was usually taciturn, said something very insightful: “This is definitely meant for those who haven’t entered the city and haven’t paid yet.”

Lin Xian smiled and said, "Yes, to find a reason to raise prices."

"Grace, are you here?" Lin Xian looked at the AI Grace.

From a rational perspective, if Dawn City has achieved a 95% purification rate against the darkness, it would be a good thing for all of humanity.

Grace's words made everyone realize what she meant.

"makes sense……"

Grace continued, "Humanity's current greatest predicament can be divided into three main categories. The foremost is the dark invasion toxins originating from 13 star-abysses around the world, which are the primary cause of human mutations, vegetation death, water pollution, and other extinction events. Simultaneously, this is also a contributing factor to the evolution of superpowers and genes. Therefore, in-depth research into the dark invasion is not only crucial for finding the causes and pathways of superpower evolution but also for solving humanity's environmental adaptation and survival crisis."

[The second threat is all non-human races, including world-class disasters, abyssal creatures, and dark anomalies. Since the discovery of the Dark Mark, humanity has begun to understand the enemy's attack patterns, shifting from initial unconscious flight to purposeful entry into a state of silence for evasion. This has already altered the current state of survival.]

The third is the global expansion of the Star Abyss polar night. Investigations at Star Abyss No. 5 suggest this is a planetary terraforming project by multi-dimensional beings. Humanity currently lacks the means to resist, and this is an irreversible state. If the entire planet is swallowed by the Star Abyss, even if humanity has adapted to the darkness, there will be no way out when facing the predators, and evading markers will be meaningless.

From a comprehensive analysis, the most ideal survival solution for humanity at present is to escape via interstellar spaceships. Current civilization's technology possesses cryogenic chamber technology for interstellar expeditions.

Grace looked at Lin Xian and said in a flat, mechanical voice: "Conducting interstellar expeditions is the best way to preserve the spark of human civilization."

[Final Solution]!
　I'm not feeling too good today, so I'll keep it light for now.
　　
　
(End of this chapter)