Apocalypse: I Build A Doomsday Train Chapter 1223 - 472: Mechanical Soul Armor

~4 minute read · 967 words
Previously on Apocalypse: I Build A Doomsday Train...
Lin Xian debated his theory of "Sapientism" with the Super Brain, arguing against its logic of "Glory Suicide" for high-IQ individuals during extreme crises. The Super Brain countered by reframing class struggle and resource allocation in its advanced civilization. Lin Xian questioned the impartiality of the Super Brain's decision-making, prompting a hypothetical scenario about an alien race that consumes high-IQ individuals. The Super Brain's response, prioritizing the preservation of Type I humans, led Lin Xian to expose a potential bias. Suddenly, the Super Brain vanished, and a mysterious figure appeared, questioning the cost of civilization. Their discussion was cut short as the giant star outside exploded, devastating humanity within the simulation. Lin Xian awoke back in the tent, realizing the simulation's purpose and finding his Mechanical Heart had upgraded, granting him new powers.

Within the Sky Dome Train's Science Cabin, the members of Infinity convened in hushed anticipation as Lin Xian began detailing the two civilization simulations he had just witnessed. A spectrum of expressions flickered across their faces as their gazes converged on him.

"It sounds like a game computed by artificial intelligence," KIKI remarked, arriving with a hurried stride, still clad in pajamas and shorts. Crossing her arms, she floated mid-air, a frown creasing her brow. "The crucial question is, what does it signify?"

"Could it be trying to convey that human civilization is destined for ruin?" Ning Jing inquired, surveying the assembled group.

"Utterly impossible," Brother Huo asserted with unwavering conviction from a corner.

"Heh," Qian Deli countered, fanning himself with a small fan. "So what if they aim to shatter our resolve through such methods? Is it the Foundation that's bored, or perhaps the Dark Civilization?"

Leaning against the table, Chen Sixuan pondered deeply. "Lin Xian has already endured the civilization simulation game twice, and both times concluded with humanity's extinction. Hua Xiaoling mentioned that through this game, he would gain new insights into the Dark Civilization and Star Abyss. I'm wondering if there's concealed information within it."

"There must be."

Luo Yang nodded gravely. "Didn't Brother Lin just state that this object provides a holographic experience of a completely different dimension? That suggests it's not human technology but originates from another civilization. There's definitely more to uncover."

"Isn't it straightforward? Brother Lin is a Mechanical Superpower User; he should just scan it," Sha Sha suggested.

Lin Xian shook his head, assessing the silver metal orb in his grasp. "This item is shielded by a force akin to a Taboo Item. I'm unable to scan or dismantle it."

From the rear of the crowd, Monica posed a question. "Why is it that after Civilization No. 1, we jump to No. 807? Did we miss something in between, or were the intervening civilizations failed simulations lacking reference value?"

"Like what?"

"Perhaps the age of dinosaurs," Monica offered with a shrug.

"Dinosaurs... how does that connect?" Lv Chang asked, confusion etched on his face.

"She's referring to the butterfly effect's impact on civilization's development," Ding Junyi interjected. Having been quietly occupied, she set down her task, turned around with her hands in her pockets, and elaborated, "From the Triassic period to human evolution, spanning millions of years, a meteor crisis, a century of torrential rain, an ice age, or even seemingly minuscule cosmic shifts could lead to human civilization's demise before it even truly began. Strictly speaking, the emergence of a civilization requires the convergence of numerous favorable factors." She then addressed Viola, "If the Intelligent Brain were to compute this, with identical initial conditions, the sheer volume of variables would lead to exponentially diverging possibilities. Therefore, selecting pertinent references for demonstration seems logical."

[I concur with this assessment.] Viola's calm voice resonated. Addressing Lin Xian, she continued, [This civilization simulation projects humanity up to 700 years hence. The computed growth rate of computational power initially exceeds 10^6700. This conclusion accounts for non-linear complexity growth, rendering it not entirely precise.]

"Then a conclusion can be drawn," Lin Xian stated, placing the silver metal orb onto the laboratory table. All eyes instinctively shifted towards it.

"This object indeed originates from an extraterrestrial civilization. Given that Hua Xiaoling provided it, it likely represents the Dark Civilization."

At these words, the atmosphere grew palpably tense.

Chen Sixuan broke the silence, her expression complex. "The Dark Civilization possesses incredibly high intelligence. In that case, our actions in Dawn City..."

"We shouldn't jump to conclusions," Lin Xian interrupted her. "Chu Yan and I directly connected with the consciousness of Dark Creatures. Our judgment, and that of the Phoenix Society, is based on this. Such high intelligence and advanced technology are perceived through our limited understanding. Let us not assume the Dark Civilization is omnipotent as yet."

Qian Deli shrugged. "If they were truly that formidable, they wouldn't have dispatched assassins from the Holy City and Holy Revelation to target you. I believe until the situation clarifies, everything remains uncertain."

"Precisely," KIKI agreed, glancing at Lin Xian before nodding towards the metal orb on the table. "Since it poses no danger and can enhance your superpower, try it a few more times. Perhaps the solution is simpler than our convoluted speculations."

Lin Xian nodded. "I believe so too."

"The Foundation is observing us. Should we depart once daylight arrives?" Chen Sixuan asked cautiously.

"No rush," Lin Xian gazed at the metal sphere resting on the table, his eyes alight with thought. "This isn't our first encounter with the Foundation. Hua Xiaoling likely intends to communicate something through myself and the Phoenix Society; otherwise, they would have already made their move."

He surveyed the assembled group, elucidating his perspective. "It's a rare opportunity for respite. We are currently free from pursuit by Star Abyss Polar Night and unburdened by the Dark Mark. Upon our arrival in South America, unending complications await. The major transfer at Dawn Center is being actively hunted by various Star Abysses, and our ultimate objective is to escape towards the Pole. We might as well utilize this period to recuperate and enhance our capabilities. Our gear, Taboo Items, and other provisions necessitate further refinement and acclimatization."

Upon hearing Lin Xian's proposal, Sha Sha enthusiastically assented, her head bobbing vigorously like a woodpecker's. Her eyes sparkled with eagerness. "I concur! Absolutely! My Flying Peach hasn't undergone its full modifications yet, and there are numerous locations on this very island that remain unplundered. Since our grand vessel is capable of transporting all our findings, we shouldn't let this chance go to waste."

```