Chapter 363: String Reactor Phase Rainbow Ring

【Non-mechanical energy converted, 1000 mechanical source points acquired.】

【Non-mechanical energy converted, 1000 mechanical source points acquired.】

【Current Mechanical Heart level: LV. (11640/20000)】

Mechanical Consumption: 5 (1065/3000) — Improves consumption efficiency

Mechanical Manufacturing: 5 (1660/3000) — Improves construction efficiency

【T8-Z Vulcan Assault Type (blueprint) R&D time: 22 days, 22 hours, 36 minutes】

【Amplification complete】 Congratulations! You have successfully amplified the Surge (Rare) (Level 3, Maxed) into: 【String Reactor Phase Rainbow Ring】!

Massive mechanical heart interfaces flickered before Lin Xian's eyes. He checked the time: 03: 0. They had exited the Star Abyss at around 18: 0 — meaning he had slept nine hours. During this time, the heteromorphic cube had converted vast amounts of mechanical source points, and his String Reactor Phase Rainbow Ring had finally completed amplification!

Seeing this, Lin Xian's expression instantly brightened with excitement. Without hesitation, he attempted to activate it.

Hum!

A low-frequency resonance vibrated through the air. Instantly, Lin Xian noticed the dim train bedroom glowing with a deep blue light. Through the window's reflection, he saw a phase rainbow ring behind him — identical to the core reactor of Unit-01 — pulsing with ultra-dense energy. He felt a powerful power source flowing through the ring, shaped like a "divine light wheel," directly into his hands. Moreover, at this moment, he felt as if he had connected to the entire Infinite Train's power source — every engine on the train roared to life!

Electric arcs surged behind him, piercing the air and slowly lifting nearby metal objects. Wu~ Lin Xian halted his thought, stopped the effect, and stared in shock at his own hands.

"This fucking… portable reactor?!"

Words could not describe Lin Xian's mood — it was as if his ability to drive the train had been amplified and made tangible.

"Awesome!"

"Mechanical source points are already over half — I'll probably reach my second mechanical awakening soon."

As Lin Xian was lost in thought, Chen Sixuan, sensing the train's engine vibrations, pushed open the door. Seeing his vitality, her worry melted into eagerness. She rushed forward in three strides and threw herself into his arms.

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

Lin Xian knew she meant the peril in the Star Abyss. He replied:

"I almost got scared too. The Star Abyss had all kinds of monsters — just no zombies. I even started missing them."

Chen Sixuan burst into laughter, burying her head against his neck, shoulders shaking with mirth. Both of them exhaled deeply — a profound sense of relief settled over them.

"Something on your mind?"

"Yes. But let me hold you a little longer." Chen Sixuan hugged him tightly, eyes closed, whispering:

"This journey has been so hard. Living takes more courage than dying. I don't know how you held on through that."

Lin Xian was moved. He recalled the terrifying sight of the Star Abyss overlord before the Observation Colossus. "I was thinking then — if I could escape from a monster like that, it'd be insane."

"It was insane."

"Any updates now?"

"Nothing yet. Silent City doesn't move at night. We're parked at the edge of Luling Forest. Wangyue Zhenji sent someone to recall City No. . He passed word: once you're awake, you can find him directly — or just explore the city. Other convoys and Shi Da and the others are still preparing their vehicles. After that, everyone gets free time. Most people are probably already in City No. …"

Hearing this, Lin Xian felt a quiet stir. Honestly, the constant running and fleeing had left him lonely and exhausted. He cherished the safety of being inside his armored carriage while zombies roamed the night — yet he also missed bustling urban life. It had been a long time since he'd seen a city so devoid of apocalypse. And this one was a mechanical city. He was curious.

"Lin Xian."

"Hmm."

"What are your plans now?" Chen Sixuan lifted her head from his shoulder, gazing at him.

Her gaze carried concern and pity — and also a quiet longing for a moment's rest.

Lin Xian understood her thoughts. He took a deep breath, turned his gaze back to the massive mechanical metropolis, and spoke calmly:

"No plans. Silent City will head to Jinhai next — same route as us. We can hitch a ride, lean on this big tree, and rest properly. We saved 100, 00 people in Silent City. Shouldn't Wangyue Zhenji thank me properly?"

"You planning to have him upgrade your all-terrain drive?" Chen Sixuan asked.

"No." Lin Xian smiled faintly, stretching lazily. "I have a longer-term plan. Didn't I tell you before? I want the train to soar into the clouds."

Chen Sixuan's eyes widened in surprise: "You're turning the Infinite Train into a flying train?"

Lin Xian's gaze sparkled like stars. Wangyue Zhenji's words had deeply moved him. Now that he possessed the portable reactor — the Phase Rainbow Ring — and with Silent City as his base, he could finally complete the Infinite Train's transformation.

"More precisely… it'll be a Star Qiong Train!"

Space-based weapons, starship cannons, mechanical cities, drone swarms, digital life, flesh augmentation — his mechanical ability still held infinite potential for expansion.

"Zzz… Phoenix Federation Global Bulletin: At 23: 7 UTC+0 yesterday, the Phoenix Federation's European Theater 'Reykjavik 12-Nation Joint Rescue Center' successfully completed a strategic relocation, exiting the influence zone of Star Abyss Tide Storm No. 0. During transit, it was attacked jointly by S-Class Anomaly No. 5 【Earth Surge】 and S-Class Anomaly No. 6 【Codiva】. Confirmed casualties: 112, 79 (including civilians and combat personnel). Survivors have been safely relocated to designated shelters. Medical and logistical support is proceeding orderly."

"Phoenix Federation Global Bulletin: The Alpine Watchers research team of the European Theater has achieved a breakthrough in the 【Blood Essence Purification — Cold Dark Particle Separation】 project. For the first time, researchers successfully extracted stable chemical energy — 'Dark Energy' — from cold dark particles, verifying its 18% efficiency in purifying Dark Invasion toxins. This marks a critical step for humanity in combating Dark Invasion. The Phoenix Federation has launched global collaboration to study 'Dark Energy'; related technologies will be prioritized for isolating mutations and purifying water and food resources…"

"All survivors: Dark Invasion purification technology has achieved substantial breakthrough. Maintain morale and hope. Uphold order. All humanity will overcome this crisis together."

"Zzz… Federation Dawn City Global Bulletin: Dawn City successfully eradicated the S-Class Anomaly 'Gray Mist Colossus' with a 0. % casualty rate — humanity's first complete victory against the Dark. Additionally, Dawn City's 【Dark Energy Purification Device】 has entered trial operation with purification efficiency exceeding 95%. The city now possesses sufficient high-purity drinking water reserves. Dawn City is truly the Light of Humanity. To jointly resist the Dark and build the Dawn Security Line, effective immediately, entry fees to Dawn City are raised: Old District residents must pay 2 Blood Essences or equivalent per person monthly. Entry to Star City Underground: Third-Class Citizen / 100, Second-Class Citizen / 300, First-Class Citizen / 1000…"

"Jinhai Free Radio, Emergency Bulletin —"

【Red Man Anomaly Alert】: Multiple Red Man Anomaly attacks confirmed in Jinhai Old District. Three shelters destroyed.

【Escape Route】: Survivors, evacuate via underground drainage systems toward Yongcheng Port. Phoenix Federation Outpost No. provides temporary shelter.

【Assistance Request】: Urgently need hemostatic agents and electromagnetic pulse weapons. Contact frequency: 145. 70 MHz.

"All personnel near Mount Qilian, reroute immediately. A suspected S-Class large anomaly detected on the northern foothills. Dawn City has deployed troops. No confirmed details yet!"

"What a disgrace. Weren't we and the Phoenix Federation the first to kill an S-Class Anomaly?"

With Silent City's signal connection restored, the Infinite Train received new broadcasts from the Phoenix Federation and regional free radio. In Car No. , Kiki and Director Ding were listening. Huo Ge and Da Lou sat on either side of the corner, listening as Kiki cursed the Federation's shamelessness.

"Outrageous." Huo Ge crossed his arms, face flushed with anger.

"They must know we killed an S-Class in Xilan City," Shu Qin frowned.

"They definitely know. The Phoenix Federation broadcasted it worldwide. Many survivors heard." Sha Sha scoffed: "I think they just have no shame."

"Captain Lin!" Shu Qin spotted Lin Xian entering and exclaimed happily.

"Lin Xian, you're alright?" Kiki spun around in her chair: "Quick, did you hear the broadcast?"

"I heard." Lin Xian stepped into Car No. . "Six million people, 0. % dead — that's over thirty thousand. Journalism is a powerful tool. Anyone can see the Federation's goal: suppress the Phoenix Federation and raise entry fees."

He turned to Ding Junyi: "Director Ding."

"Hmm."

"How's your hand?"

"About Dark Energy, I've already discussed it with Wangyue Zhenji… Huh? Hand?"

Ding Junyi had expected Lin Xian to ask about Dark Energy mentioned by the Phoenix Federation and Federation. Instead, he first asked about her health. She was momentarily thrown off. She adjusted her glasses, then rephrased:

"Oh… it's much better now."

Lin Xian's gaze swept the car. Purification energy filled the air. Hell's Black Chrysanthemum was continuously transforming. The Silver Dragon Ten Thousand Twists had lost its flower cluster — now back to an ordinary-looking disaster plant.

Meanwhile, Li Yi, Liang Lei, Old Mo, Xiao Yuan, and others had gathered here, clearly waiting for his condition.

Lin Xian said directly: "Everyone, stop staying in the cars. Take free time. Just keep communication open. We have no other actions for now."

Hearing this, everyone's expressions relaxed instantly. They nodded in agreement.

"Good!"

"Captain Lin, I'll notify everyone right away."

"Silent City is trading Blood Essences. Should we prepare too?" Chen Sixuan added.

"Yes." Lin Xian nodded. "I'll go talk to Wangyue Zhenji first. Everyone can explore City No. . Judging by current conditions, no battle tonight."

"All our markers have been cleared. Silent City is in full silence mode," Kiki said. "I heard Phoenix City has been like this too — that's why it's held out so long."

With everyone granted leave, the train emptied. Only Lin Xian and a few others remained, discussing the new "Dark Energy" news.

Also present were two elegant ballet robots: Grace and Dancer No. .

The train's systems and all robots, including Dancer No. , were now coordinated by Grace — who took direct orders from Lin Xian.

"Major organizations are all discovering this chemical energy. Silent City, in Star Abyss No. , has already run extensive computational models on it. Combined with the Phoenix Federation's progress, 18% purification efficiency seems reasonable."

Ding Junyi looked at Grace: "Wangyue Zhenji shared his formula with me. I had Grace run simulations. This chemical energy does indeed purify Dark Invasion. More precisely, Dark Energy is actually power drawn from the Dark itself — we can understand it as a broader form of cold dark particles."

"But no constraint material has been found yet. It only exists within Blood Essences and the Dark."

"So Dawn City's raising Blood Essence fees — do they really have 95% efficiency?" Chen Sixuan frowned.

"Impossible."

Kiki shook her head: "Totally fake."

"I agree. Too ridiculous," Sha Sha chimed in.

Ding Junyi, hands in pockets, spoke calmly: "Theoretically, if they've achieved 95% Dark Invasion purification, humanity could survive in the Dark, nearly eliminate mutation transmission, and maintain clean water and food. Excluding Anomalies and biological threats, the Federation's underground cities would be humanity's optimal survival solution."

"Oh~" Kiki swiveled in her chair. "I knew it — just trying to boast they're the Light of Humanity. But I don't get it — will Dawn City's citizens even believe this?"

"Uh… whether Dawn City's citizens believe it doesn't matter," Da Lou, usually silent, spoke with piercing clarity: "This is clearly aimed at those who haven't entered the city — and haven't paid yet."

Lin Xian smiled: "Exactly. Justifying the price hike."

"Grace, what do you think?" Lin Xian turned to the AI.

【From a rational standpoint, if Dawn City has achieved 95% Dark Invasion purification, it would be beneficial for all humanity.】

Grace's words made everyone pause.

"That's true…"

Grace continued: 【Humanity's primary current dilemma falls into three major categories. First: the Dark Invasion toxins generated by the thirteen Star Abysses during Nightfall. These are the main cause of human mutation, plant death, and water contamination — and also the catalyst for psychic and genetic evolution. Deep research into Dark Invasion is not only key to understanding psychic evolution, but also to solving humanity's environmental survival crisis.】

【Second: all non-human threats — including global disasters, Star Abyss creatures, and Dark Anomalies. Since the discovery of Dark Markers, humanity has preliminarily understood enemy attack patterns, shifting from panicked flight to deliberate silence to avoid detection — a fundamental change in survival conditions.】

【Third: the global expansion of Star Abyss Nightfall. Investigation of Star Abyss No. suggests this is a multidimensional lifeform's planetary engineering project. Humanity currently lacks resistance methods, and this state is irreversible. If the entire planet is consumed by the Star Abysses, even if humans adapt to Dark Invasion, they will have no escape from Anomaly predation — avoiding Markers becomes meaningless.】

【Comprehensive analysis suggests the optimal survival solution for humanity is escape via interstellar spacecraft. Current civilization technology possesses cryogenic chamber technology for interstellar expeditions.】

Grace turned to Lin Xian, her mechanical voice calm: 【Interstellar expedition is the maximum preservation of human civilization's spark.】

【Final Solution】!

(End of Chapter)