Armed Train in the Apocalypse

”Just like this.”

Professor Ma waved his hand.

Devices in the corner of the conference room sprang into action, and lines of blue light suddenly appeared in the void, intertwining in motion to form straight lines that intersected and overlapped, roughly outlining the shape of train carriages, but stopping short of detail and focusing only on the external shape.

In the blink of an eye, a three-dimensional image composed of lights appeared in the conference room.

”Little Ai, please add some land for me.”

”Okay.”

The artificial intelligence wove a mesh with lighter blue lines, then used varying densities to depict the terrain’s undulations, appearing beneath the train.

The armored train began to operate, with the head barely but skillfully wobbling a few times before slowly drifting off the ground, and the steel behemoth weighing tens of thousands of tons actually took flight.

Su Huan’s eyes were filled with anticipation, and then he seemed slightly frozen.

The armored train in front of him was only slightly off the ground, calculated at just under three meters based on the train’s height ratio.

”It can only fly three meters?”

”This is just a simple demonstration; the specifics depend on our analysis of the Rule. If we can’t unravel it or progress is too slow, we might not be able to fly when leaving the Gravity Zone.”

Professor Ma said, with rigor.

Su Huan’s mouth twitched. He knew any serious research direction would never be realized fully, but those he didn’t demand seemed to constantly break through.

In any case, whether it can be researched or not, there’s a necessity to explore the possibility of making the train fly.

Even if it results in minor weight reduction, it would be a significant breakthrough.

But this matter has to wait; Liang Kuan has been waiting too long already.

Su Huan looked up at everyone, ”Anything else to discuss? If not, meeting adjourned.”

Just as everyone was about to get up, Yu Jing, who had been silent for a while during the meeting, suddenly raised her head with a spirited look, ”The Power Armor may need someone to try it on.”

”Guardian Series Three?”

Su Huan was a bit confused; how could such a trivial matter be worth mentioning to him?

”No, it’s Thunder-1 Type.”

Su Huan squinted slightly, sensing a bad premonition, ”What are the requirements for the test candidate?”

”Strong physique, energy control, and... difficult to kill.”

The scholars’ expressions were odd, their gaze dropping to the train captain without meeting his eyes.

Su Huan chuckled, ”You could just say it’s me; let’s go, let me see what Power Armor might try to kill me.”

...

Half an hour later, Iron Wolf Corps leader Jiao Ting brought the five most elite members aboard, immediately spotting the train captain fully clad in a black-orange Power Armor. The Power Armor predominantly used bright crimson, combined with cold, hard black metal, delivering a strong visual impact.

(Illustration, Lu Bu skin from King of Glory, Doomsday Mecha, actual components are much simpler)

The Power Armor appeared to have fewer components, using the military’s minimalist design, but compared to common Power Armors, the Thunder-1 Type resembled the armor of an ancient warlord with no visible interface for hot weapons.

Moreover, Jiao Ting had a peculiar feeling, as if Su Huan clad in this Power Armor resembled a steamed giant crab.

Especially those crimson parts were so alike, down to the abdomen’s pattern, akin to a crab shell, and the shoulder armor particularly resembling crab’s large pincers.

”...Thunder uses a different structure from Guardian, not utilizing the exoskeleton exterior armor structure. Internally, there’s merely a thin force-relieving device, so its defense primarily relies on material and armor strength, therefore its physical resistance is relatively poor.”

”To ensure the Power Armor’s integrity, I haven’t designed a hot weapon interface, so currently, it can’t carry any hot weapons; the planned electromagnetic cold weapon is still under research. The Long-handled Axe might be usable but would increase Thunder’s load. For accurate data, it’s best not to carry any equipment now; I’ll make adjustments based on this data later.”

”The Power Armor used biological tendons for the first time, and there’s potential for loss of control when stimulated by electric currents, so be prepared for that, plus the tendon usage is extensive, not just inside the Power Armor’s cushioning layer.”

”The biggest issue is this Power Armor’s completion level is still at 60%.”

Yu Jing set the last sensor in place, finally quieting down.

Su Huan, who had listened to shortcomings described for half an hour, finally took a breath, ”Now that the flaws are covered, what are its advantages?”

Yu Jing thought for a moment, ”Completion level is at 40%.”

Su Huan’s eyelids twitched; it turned out the armor on him was merely a shell with slight defensive ability.

But thankfully, it was crafted from the Tier Two Evolution Beast’s shell, tougher than his own skin and muscles.

Seeing the short and strong man Jiao Ting arrive with a guide, Su Huan waved, ”Let’s head out.”

The tracks rolled over frozen soil, leaving a straight furrow pointing northeast.

Twenty minutes later, a figure silently emerged from the shadows beneath the floating island, gazing at the train’s trail, slowly withdrawing below the end, raising its head.

...

Though it’s uncertain if Deep Blue Data has taken down Gunfire’s transport team, a team heading northeast is certain.

Next, two scenarios arise: Deep Blue Data could have eaten Gunfire and disguised as them waiting for the train to take the bait, or Deep Blue Data has already retreated, leaving Gunfire’s illusion intact.

Regardless, treating them all the same and countering will suffice; proving their identity is Gunfire’s responsibility.

Thinking about the situations he might encounter next, Su Huan’s gaze shifted slightly, looking ahead with a hint of surprise.