Apocalypse: I Build A Doomsday Train Chapter 1227 - 473: Rest Day (Part 2)
Previously on Apocalypse: I Build A Doomsday Train...
"Everyone, endeavor to maintain seamless communication via your devices. Lin Xian has successfully established communication modules throughout the island city. Please exercise caution and prioritize your safety."
Chen Sixuan's voice resonated from the bridge, broadcasting to all communication devices.
Lu Xingchen and Qian Deli discovered an ideal location on a pristine white sand beach, where they promptly set up lounge chairs and a sun umbrella, embracing a leisurely post-apocalyptic vacation vibe.
"I presume you are eagerly anticipating the Crystal Grid Evolution," Qian Deli remarked to Lu Xingchen, taking a draught of chilled beer salvaged from the island. His prominent sunglasses obscured a significant portion of his striking face.
"Undoubtedly!"
Lu Xingchen, reclining in the pleasant shade, felt the gentle sea breeze and stated, "The opportunity to enhance one's cultivation is something I deeply desire."
Qian Deli offered an indifferent shrug. "I hold little interest. My superpower's speed is already quite sufficient; I question how much more powerful I can become. Furthermore, the notion of cultivating some form of crystal within my body strikes me as rather peculiar."
He turned towards Lu Xingchen and quipped with a grin, "Thus, Lin Xian's apprehensions were not without merit."
Lu Xingchen paused in contemplation for a moment before turning to address Qian Deli, lowering his sunglasses as he spoke. "Brother Qian, have you encountered the concept of the Nascent Soul?"
Qian Deli’s brow furrowed slightly. "I have, albeit from cultivation novels."
"Precisely," Lu Xingchen affirmed with conviction. "If we liken the crystal grid to the process of refining a Nascent Soul, it becomes more comprehensible. I theorize a parallel between the two; the crystal grid serves as a vessel for accumulating Dark Energy, forming the bedrock upon which we mortals can wield formidable power to combat those colossal demons."
Qian Deli appeared surprised by this perspective. "Is that how you interpret it?"
Lu Xingchen let out a soft chuckle. "Brother Lin once drew a parallel, suggesting Blood Essence Demons are akin to the power cores within a mecha. Such immense beings, capable of shifting mountains and cleaving the earth, house only a fist-sized crystal. From a scientific viewpoint, the ability to miniaturize a nuclear power core to such a scale represents a profound form of strength, whether examined through the lens of cultivation or science, wouldn't you agree?"
"Hmm, who would have imagined you possess such acuity beneath that somewhat youthful demeanor? It does make a certain kind of sense." Qian Deli nodded thoughtfully. "Miniaturized nuclear power, quite an intriguing concept."
Lu Xingchen adjusted his sunglasses and shifted his position on the lounge chair. From the direction of the beach, a sharp crackle of electric sparks erupted. Mo Xiaotian, crackling with two arcs of electricity, caused a mound of rocks fifty meters away to detonate with a smoky, charred aroma. Eight zombies were reduced to carbonized, twisted skeletons as he, heavily drenched in sweat, valiantly defended himself against the surrounding zombie onslaught on the beach.
"Focus your attacks more deliberately. If the force is insufficient, concentrate it into a singular point," Lu Xingchen advised loudly, without even opening his eyes.
"Understood!"
Mo Xiaotian’s expression was a blend of exhilaration and intense concentration. He could now effortlessly discharge arcs of electricity, reminiscent of an Arc Pulse Gun, directly from his fingertips, piercing the zombies’ skulls with ease. When concentrated, he could unleash the attack in a wide, fanning pattern, inflicting substantial area-of-effect damage. Lu Xingchen had intentionally brought him here to assist in eliminating the troublesome zombies and to provide him with invaluable practical combat experience.
For a mere 12-year-old to confront a horde of zombies with such composure is genuinely remarkable, particularly considering his previous reliance on his grandfather and mother for protection due to his lack of inherent abilities. Now, he could directly engage these monstrous entities, although he had yet to achieve a victory against an Abnormal Body. However, at his current rate of progression, it seemed inevitable that he would soon attain the Vajra Level.
Within the No. 2 functional module of the Sky Dome Train resides an expansive botanical garden maintained at a constant temperature. This facility is integral to the water-oxygen circulation system designed for extended interstellar voyages, also serving the purpose of facilitating ecological breeding and safeguarding plant life.
Chen Sixuan, accompanied by Miao Lu and Xiao Yuan, was meticulously planting rare plant seeds they had recently acquired. This particular cultivation hall far surpassed the capabilities of the train’s standard planting carriages, boasting sophisticated systems for lighting, air quality, and water circulation. It provided ample space, divided into distinct zones, for nurturing ornamental plants, trees, fruit-bearing trees, vegetables, and grains. The sheer scale of this area necessitated the assistance of maintenance robots. With Ding Junyi absent, the two young women found themselves managing the considerable workload.
"Is Director Ding feeling unwell?" Chen Sixuan inquired, her fingers gently holding a dragon blood tree seed, a flicker of concern for Ding Junyi’s well-being crossing her features. This brilliant scientist had rarely deviated from her established routine since boarding the train; even amidst fierce battles raging outside, she steadfastly continued her research. Her decision to rest today, however, struck Chen Sixuan as rather unusual.
Xiao Yuan shook her head, explaining, "Director Ding has been absorbed in some research these past couple of days. It appears she utilized her superpower again last night. Before retiring, she specifically instructed us to take today off, with no scheduled tasks, and to avoid disturbing her."
"Is that so?" Chen Sixuan's brow furrowed slightly, but she didn't dwell on it.
Viola had been called away by KIKI, presumably for some project design and computation, leaving the Sky Dome Train in a state of quietude, with only Monica and Ding Junyi resting.
Lin Xian had returned to the Sky Dome Train, intending to recharge and recover his strength. With the Manufacturing Sequence operating at maximum capacity and his own relentless consumption throughout the night, the tranquil daytime offered the most welcome respite for Lin Xian's sleep. Yet, upon reaching his cabin, he heard Chen Sixuan summoning him to check on Ding Junyi.
Lin Xian proceeded to Ding Junyi's lower-level resting quarters, preparing to press the call button on the door, when an intensely concentrated fluctuation of Dark Energy suddenly emanated from within. His expression altered instantly, and he activated the Mechanical Heart control, causing the automatic door to the resting room to slide open with a ~hiss. A wave of unusually hot air billowed out, and as Lin Xian looked up, he thấy Ding Junyi's room was enveloped in a thick, steaming mist, resembling a sauna.