Apocalypse: I Build A Doomsday Train Chapter 1160 - 447: Deep Dive Plan

The waters surrounding Sea Rock Island were roiled by spectral waves, and the heavens were shrouded by a furious tempest. At 16:12 in the afternoon, an oppressive, deathly stillness permeated the monitoring chamber deep within the Island Submarine Base.

A profound silence held sway. The crew aboard the Infinity gradually recovered from their initial shock; having frequently faced mortal peril, Lin Xian's audacious gambit no longer surprised them, appearing to be their sole escape strategy amidst the unfolding crisis.

On the Hawk Sea Group's end, grave expressions were the norm. Gedi eventually broke the quietude, inquiring, "So, Captain Lin, your proposal is for all of us to board that nuclear submarine and make our escape through the 'Jingyuan Vortex Channel'?"

Lin Xian responded, "Routes via sea and sky are apparently unviable. Barring seeking refuge on the island itself, there's no other means of escape with so many Abnormal Bodies 'feasting' here. However, the volcano's geothermal vents have now transformed into volatile time bombs due to the Galan Volcano's instability. Concealment is no longer a practical option. This, I trust you all comprehend."

Ryan nodded, his tone quite serious as he questioned, "Did this plan arise because the energy signature from Chasan Island's anomaly captured imagery of the Giant Ocean God, presenting us with an opportunity to pass through the ocean ridge abyss?"

"Precisely."

"Understood." Ryan promptly lowered his sunglasses and declared with conviction, "I endorse this strategy."

"Ryan!"

At this juncture, Erica interjected urgently, "Even if we forsake the fleet and Neptune, that submarine lacks the capacity for our entire contingent. Are we also abandoning all weaponry and provisions?"

"That is correct." Vanessa presented data, stating, "My recent check indicates that the Abyssal-class Beifeng-09 Strategic Nuclear Submarine holds a nuclear capacity for 400 individuals. We are nearly 500 strong, not to mention the heavy power armor. If everyone boards, it will represent a significant burden. Furthermore, should we successfully escape, without any supplies, how long can such a large group sustain themselves adrift in the Pacific Ocean?"

"There exists an additional complication," Mechanic Azir informed Ryan. "As previously discussed, this colossal vortex exhibits a flow rate exceeding 40 centimeters per second, with water depths plunging beyond 1000 meters. Such conditions impose an immense strain on the submarine's structural integrity. While individuals from the Holy City have navigated this passage before, the persistent eruptions of the Galan Volcano introduce critical issues concerning water temperature and volcanic sediment. In this environment, any impact with substantial volcanic debris or encountering potent eddy currents could easily fracture the submarine under the immense water pressure and flow, let alone the threat posed by the Abnormal Bodies."

Acknowledging everyone's concerns, Ryan simply raised a hand for silence, then gestured with a shrug, asking,

"Naturally, I am cognizant of these challenges, but does anyone possess an alternative plan beyond the one Lin has proposed?" He glanced at the clock, "It is now 16:20. If we remain here, we are unaware whether nightfall or the volcanic eruption will occur first. To ensure our survival, a significant gamble is necessitated, wouldn't you agree?"

The principal members of the Hawk Sea Group lapsed into silence. Ryan then turned his attention to Lin Xian, remarking, "Lin, I have the premier submarine mechanics team available, seasoned professionals. Perhaps this could marginally enhance the probability of success?"

"It seems plausible," Lin Xian conceded.

"Lin Xian," Chen Sixuan also chimed in at this moment, "If we are all to evacuate via the submarine, what becomes of the Infinity?"

Lin Xian met Chen Sixuan's gaze, replying, "I never stated that we would all evacuate using the submarine..."

"Oh?" Chen Sixuan's brow furrowed slightly, "Then we..."

"We shall utilize the train to venture into the sea!" Lin Xian declared unequivocally.

This announcement stunned not only the Hawk Sea Group but also the individuals present from the Infinity.

"What!? You intend to pilot a train into the abyssal depths?!!" Vanessa's eyes widened in utter disbelief.

"That's tantamount to a suicide mission!" Erica cried out in shock, "A train, how could it possibly..."

Meanwhile, the crew of the Infinity, despite their awareness of the modifications made to the Infinity for deep-sea operations, had never conceived that for such an extreme deep-sea escape, Lin Xian was prepared to guide their formidable train into the ocean's depths.

"I had assumed your intention was to deploy the Sky Dome Train," Monica stated, crossing her arms, a note of bewilderment in her voice.

Lin Xian shook his head, offering a wry smile, and explained, "If only that were feasible. Under the prevailing circumstances, it appears unusable."

"Why is that?!" Sha Sha exclaimed, visibly surprised. "Even with the colossal spacecraft, we cannot utilize it?"

"You silly thing." KIKI glided towards Lin Xian's position, addressing Sha Sha, "Regarding the large spacecraft you mentioned, can you surmise why it's currently out of commission?"

Hearing this, Shu Qin and the others immediately looked around, surveying their environment. Qian Deli, grasping the gravity of the situation, spoke with a sense of resignation,

"The channels within the Deep Water Port are too constricted for the Sky Dome Train to pass, and the same applies to the underwater routes?"

Lin Xian acknowledged this, gazing upwards, and affirmed, "Correct. It's unfeasible unless we're outside, which is currently impossible."

The military had initially designed the underwater passages of the Deep Water Port exclusively for submarines. Massive floating contraptions like the Sky Dome Level were simply too large to navigate them. Extracting this colossal structure from the Black Star Forge within the Deep Water Port had already been a formidable challenge, making its embarkation even more so. Theoretically, an alternative existed: everyone could don power armor and enter the deep water first. Then, after Lin maneuvered the Sky Dome Train into the water, they could board. However, this strategy was deemed excessively impractical. Utilizing the modified Infinity directly presented a far more logical approach.

Furthermore, another factor came into play: the Sky Dome Level's arsenal ship was still under construction. This incomplete starship offered considerably less dependability compared to the Infinity.

While a serious discussion about the train's submersion plan unfolded, the members of the Hawk Sea Group exchanged uneasy glances.