Armed Train in the Apocalypse

December 5, 2035.

[Before the Doomsday Outbreak]

When Donghuang first issued the doomsday warning, the world took it as a joke to test their obedience.

The great powers frequently engaged in diplomacy with Donghuang, while the smaller countries that depended on Donghuang conducted symbolic preparations for war under the pressure of media and public opinion. There was much discussion online. Capitalists took the opportunity to exploit the doomsday crisis, hoping to make a fortune, politicians aggressively seized prestige, preparing for their next stage, while ordinary people hustled anxiously for their next meal.

Trade continued, war continued.

The world, apart from becoming more tumultuous, made no preparations in response to this doomsday warning.

However, when the Northern Alliance’s Emperor Mao Bear held a press conference with the world, people realized this was no joke, that the doomsday that had missed countless prophecies had truly arrived.

December 10, 2035, [Doomsday Outbreak].

Spring City.

Even though it was far from the Northern Alliance, a tense atmosphere still permeated the streets of Spring City. Pedestrians were sparse, storefronts tightly closed, yet the queue in front of supermarkets seemed endless.

A man in a plaid shirt walked out of the supermarket, and the crowd instinctively made way for him.

The man was twice as wide as an average person, and could easily serve as a tabletop.

Carrying large bags, the man hastened home.

As soon as he stepped in, a crisp voice called out for dad, and a little boy ran barefoot toward him, the patter of his footsteps dispersing the man’s frown.

”Dad, why did you just get back...”

The little boy asked dependently.

”Of course, I went to get some treats for Xiao Xiao. Where are your sister and mom?”

”Sister is in her room, her school is on break. Mom is making us something delicious.”

The man carried his son into the living room, just in time to catch the news being broadcast on TV.

The President of Emperor Mao Bear from the Northern Alliance was speaking solemnly about deploying nuclear weapons and asking for international support.

Han Qin had already come out from the kitchen. Seeing He Jie’s broad figure, her panic immediately dissipated, and she whispered, ”The news these past two days keeps talking about this, saying aliens invaded, showing pictures of ancient cavalry. I can’t even tell if it’s made by AI or not...”

He Jie spoke in a deep voice, ”If it were fake, the government would have blocked it long ago. Since we’re being informed, it must be a prelude. These past few days, even my students have been discussing it.”

Han Qin was a bit worried, ”Will they call you back?”

He Jie grinned, ”They would’ve called already if so, but I’ve been retired for so many years; I can’t run; I can’t aim. There’s no point in calling us. However, we still need to prepare early. I’ve arranged through my comrade for a small house with a yard in the countryside, fully stocked. We should hide there for a few days.”

”Ah?” Han Qin was surprised at her husband’s decisiveness, ”But you only just passed the exam to become a history teacher, you have to quit already?”

”What are you thinking about? The school closed early. It’s a good chance to take Zhenzhen and Xiaoxiao to the countryside to have some fun.”

”So when are we leaving?”

”After dinner, no rush.”

...

December 12, 2035, [Two days after the Doomsday Outbreak].

An Industrial University.

Professor Ma, over sixty, stood at the entrance, adjusting his collar while urging, ”Xiaozhao, hurry up, the car is already waiting for us.”

The young man rushed out with a backpack, ”Professor, I already called Little Box and the others. They’re having a meal and will head over soon...”

Professor Ma walked downstairs, shaking his head, ”There’s no time, and we might not even need them. The two of us will go.”

On the bus, Professor Ma apologized to familiar professors, and after greetings, the crowd began discussing the sudden summoning order.

”Even a third-tier has been called over, it looks like they’re serious.”

”A student of mine in the Northern Alliance told me the situation has completely spun out of control. Many big cities have been swept, killing everyone they see without mercy, triggering massive southward evacuations.”

”That’s right, I heard it too. Those cavalry have superhuman abilities, they can even trample tanks!”

”How are we dealing with it? The Northern Alliance has a large population too, could we really be taking them all in?”

”Hard to say, the defenses are being built. Perhaps we’re summoned because of that.”

With each explosive piece of news revealed, the group’s desire for discussion grew, but the worry in Professor Ma’s eyes only deepened.

...

December 15, 2035, [Five days after the Doomsday Outbreak].

Zoe Visual Image Studio, Spring City.

The simply decorated studio had five or six desks in the middle, various photography equipment on the metal rack at the side, several different types of lenses in a humidity cabinet, and about a dozen large and small lights lined up along the walls.

A young man in a black shirt was crouched in the corner fiddling with a tripod, while a man in a plaid shirt walked in, complaining over the phone, ”I don’t know what you’ve been doing mysteriously lately, I opened the studio and you didn’t even come by. I was hoping to introduce you to a junior.”

Laughter emanated from the phone, ”Isn’t your place a husband-and-wife store? Why do you need extra hands?”

The man in a plaid shirt sighed helplessly, ”We’re married, we can’t be running around all the time. Besides, photography isn’t light work; having an assistant would make things much easier.”

”... But it’s not a good time to open a studio now.”

The man in a plaid shirt paused momentarily, ”You’re talking about the recent rumors?”