Apocalypse: I Build A Doomsday Train Chapter 1198 - 462: Sky Dome Train Mobilized! (Part 2)

"You mean, all of this is for us?" Chen Sixuan voiced the question hanging in the air.

Ryan offered a relaxed smile and addressed Lin Xian, "Lin, while Azir has been instructed to steer the fleet and Neptune towards the Republican Islands without anyone aboard, the sheer force of the Galan Volcano leaves us with little hope. Many in our team are now without a place to anchor themselves. Therefore, I wish to request this submarine from you, at least until we can secure another vessel for our people."

Upon hearing this, Lin Xian responded without hesitation, "Given our successful collaboration, this submarine and these blood crystals rightfully belong to us as spoils of war. There's no need for an exchange. Frankly, we couldn't have achieved this level of success or acquired these blood crystals without your assistance. I propose we divide these blood crystals equally."

Ryan readily agreed, nodding, and replied to Lin Xian, "Lin, I can see that your appointment as a Sword Holder of the Phoenix Society was no mere chance. I've witnessed your capabilities firsthand this time. Should an opportunity arise, let's rendezvous again in the Polar region."

"Agreed."

Lin Xian extended his hand for a handshake, and with daylight dwindling, Ryan needed to expedite plans for his team. He bid a temporary farewell to Lin Xian and the others, took half of the blood crystals, and led his core members back to the Beifeng 09 Nuclear Submarine.

Before their departure, Vanessa presented Lin Xian with two crucial items. The first was a Crystal Lattice Cultivator, a compact device resembling a Hybrid Device, intricate in its design and clearly a product of a major organization's advanced manufacturing. The second was a compilation of her personal research and findings on Crystal Grid Evolution, information she believed the Infinity might urgently require, and thus she entrusted it to Lin Xian.

"Lin, thank you," Vanessa expressed with a smile as she departed. "I have a strong premonition that we'll cross paths again. I eagerly anticipate the chance to fight by your side once more."

"Take care."

Rumble!

The ocean waves crashed as the dark submarine, now carrying hundreds of souls, smoothly submerged, vanishing beneath the sea's surface.

Observing the departure of the Hawk Sea Group, Shu Qin voiced her bewilderment, "The sea is fraught with peril. I had assumed they would choose to join us on land."

"Danger is a matter of perspective."

Lin Xian sealed the external watertight hatch of the Infinity and, turning back towards the main cabin, stated, "Undertakings like hunting the Giant Ocean God are viewed as opportunities by them. Ryan is no ordinary individual; he possesses the backing of the Foundation and ample resources to ensure survival. He clearly favors a maritime approach."

"Perhaps their primary objective isn't merely to escape."

Qian Deli stretched leisurely and remarked, "With such an abundance of blood crystals, they can easily navigate the black market and establish a formidable organization. I suspect their real focus lies in prosthetic evolution and superpower enhancement; they're quite audacious."

"Actually, that line of reasoning isn't entirely flawed," Monica interjected. "Possessing both strength and the means, opportunistically boosting overall capabilities to enhance survival prospects before the final Doomsday arrives is a logical strategy."

Brother Huo chimed in with rare, albeit understated, approval.

"Indeed! My sentiments exactly. Enduring countless trials, with cultivation reigning supreme, if one day our might can rival that of the Giant Ocean Demon God, then no calamity need be feared."

"You're thinking too simplistically. That monstrosity can obliterate an island with a single blow. What kind of superpower evolution could possibly counter such a force?" KIKI, suspended mid-air with her arms crossed, countered. "I believe our focus should instead be on breaching the Heavenly Veil above. If we can ascend beyond it, that would truly be pioneering a new future."

"Lin Xian." Chen Sixuan approached Lin Xian, inquiring, "Which path have you decided we shall take?"

Lin Xian walked towards the dining area and pointed to a specific location on the holographic map projected by Viola.

"Right here."

Noticing Lin Xian indicate the coordinates between two landmasses, Chen Sixuan's brow furrowed slightly. "Hawaii?!"

"Precisely."

Glancing at the clock, Lin Xian quickly elaborated for everyone, "Our available daylight is now under eight hours. For safety, we must cease movement after dusk. Therefore, our initial destination is the Hawaiian Islands, where we will make camp for the night."

"While we're there, we can assess the situation. If attempting to fly proves too hazardous, we can still consider heading towards South America via Star Orbital, given the presence of a Ring Star Port, correct?" KIKI, as if reading Lin Xian's mind, seamlessly added.

Lin Xian smiled, not refuting her statement, as that was indeed his underlying contemplation.

Initiating the Sky Dome Train’s journey for low-altitude sea skimming presented a considerable gamble, given the unknown dangers ahead. Should complications arise or an aerial engagement ensue, the train would serve as a vital sanctuary for repairs, thereby preventing the dire fate of being stranded at sea.

Following this decision, Lin Xian activated the accessway connecting the fifth car's rooftop to the partially submerged Infinity. With a gesture towards the open ocean before him, a colossal mechanical portal tore open the sky with a deafening roar. Metallic groans emanated from its dark expanse, accompanied by erratic arcs of lightning resembling serpentine dragons. As the Phase Rainbow Ring blazed upon Lin Xian’s chest, the magnificent Sky Dome Train plunged through the fabric of space, descending with stunning abruptness!

Hurricanes howled, and ocean waves swelled. The colossal train, stretching over four kilometers, cast a shadow akin to a steel behemoth beneath the serene sky. Its newly integrated arsenal segment boasted a formidable array of weaponry: the Triple Rail Shock Star Cannon underwent calibration, the plasma cannon revealed its intimidating presence, the hive missile launch tubes stood ready, and the 1130 Close Defense Cannon Group, like a cluster of sharp thorns, covered the upper hull.

Realistically, not all of these armaments were fully operational. The electromagnetic railgun, the super high-temperature plasma guidance array, and the microwave protection array were still under construction. Furthermore, the internal ammunition recycling factory, a project envisioned by Lin Xian, had yet to be realized. While kinetic energy weaponry would see a significant reduction in effectiveness, the train still lacked the colossal extreme energy capacitors and dark energy synchronization devices necessary to power its energy-based weapons.

However, these were secondary concerns at the moment. With the sky clear and time slipping away, it was imperative to get everyone aboard and reach a safe resting location before nightfall.

Fortunately, Lin Xian had Viola and a legion of engineering and maintenance robots at his disposal. Even before the Infinity's crew began their transfer, these mechanical auxiliaries had already systematically boarded the immense aerial train. Upon reaching the bridge, Viola commenced integration with the primary control system, effectively becoming Lin Xian’s central command nexus.

Soon, the entirety of the crew commenced their ascent to the airborne train's deck. In the third car, Ding Junyi, accompanied by Xiao Yuan and Miao Lu, supervised the transport of research equipment and Disaster Plants onto the Sky Dome Train. The only exception was the cumbersome flora housed in the fourth car, which could not be moved immediately and had to be temporarily left behind.

As for Lin Xian, once all personnel were safely aboard the Sky Dome Train, he activated the Superstring Reactor Phase Rainbow Ring to augment his power. Subsequently, he fully engaged the Black Star Forge, initiating the process of absorbing the Infinity from the water.

This endeavor was an exceptionally voracious drain on energy. Past absorptions of the Dreadnought Level, the Sky Dome Train, and other significant vessels had all demanded immense power. Fortunately, Lin Xian was currently replete with energy, drawing upon the Superstring Reactor Phase Rainbow Ring for sustenance, and situated in a secure environment, enabling him to safely integrate his old companion into the Black Star Forge.

Crash.

A torrent of seawater cascaded from above. As the mechanical gateway in the void gradually sealed, the heavily armed train vanished from view.

At this juncture, only a colossal flying train, exceeding four kilometers in length, remained stationary hundreds of meters above the sea, its starry sky propeller's hum masked by the ocean's roar. Arriving at the bridge, Lin Xian found everyone assembled, save for Ding Junyi who had proceeded to the science cabin, seemingly awaiting his arrival.

Under Viola's command, the Sky Dome Train began a slow, gentle rotation in mid-air before gradually accelerating forward, its passage generating immense atmospheric pressure that churned the waves below into colossal swells.

[Target cruise altitude, 2000 meters, cruise speed, subsonic.]

"Each of you should have your own private cabin; are you waiting for me to lead the way?" Lin Xian inquired, observing the expectant gazes of everyone present as the Sky Dome Train embarked on its journey.

"Not exactly, Captain Lin," Lv Chang replied, casting a glance at the others before smiling at Lin Xian. "We are awaiting your command."

"What command could that be?"

"Our positions," Monica stated, settling into the information officer's seat, crossing her legs, and turning around. "Are we all simply to recline here and rest?"

"Furthermore, are we permanently relocating to this Sky Dome Train, or will we return to the Infinity once we reach land?" Ning Jing added at that moment.

Lin Xian gazed at the distant horizon through the porthole, retrieved the lead box containing the Dark Gear, and declared with solemn gravity.

"It's difficult to say for certain. Certain Taboo Items seem ill-suited for constant transportation, much like the Heterogeneous Rubik’s Cube. I am uncertain whether its installation on either the Infinity or the Sky Dome Train would precipitate any changes..."

"To journey into the Star Abyss?"