10:05 AM, daylight broke.

Like a black curtain being suddenly pulled away, the city that had been shrouded in darkness under the sea's veil was instantly bathed in bright sunlight. The monsters of the night retreated like the tide, leaving behind only a scarred city—this once-thriving coastal tourist destination now reduced to broken streets, collapsed buildings, and ruins eroded by the sea breeze.

Morning light spilled onto the empty coastal boulevard. The pedestrian street that used to be packed with tourists now only had broken railings and overturned parasols. The sea wind carried sand and dust through shattered glass storefronts, emitting mournful whispers. The once-bustling seafood restaurants had overturned tables and chairs with utensils scattered everywhere. Graffiti and faded menus on the walls faintly preserved the atmosphere before the apocalypse.

In the Haiyan City orbital transfer station, morning light filtered through the broken dome glass, casting fragmented patterns on the platform floor. The once-busy high-speed rail platform was now desolate and silent. The Infinite stood alone in the empty station—this heavy train being the only one left. It was hard to imagine how crowded and eerie it had been outside the carriages during the night.

The carriage doors opened as Qian Dele led his team out to survey the surroundings. The night parade of a hundred ghosts had vanished. On the platform, scattered luggage carts leaned crookedly at the edges, some overturned, others with wheels stuck in track gaps. Their metal frames were rusted and peeling, as if twisted by some tremendous force. The conveyor belts had long stopped, their rubber tracks broken and warped, accumulating thick layers of dust and broken glass in the gaps. The electronic display boards were shattered and dark, still dripping with some sticky, unidentifiable fluid—all signs that unspeakable monsters had once roamed here at night.

"Luo Yang, let's secure the high ground for observation," Qian Dele stretched and looked up at the massive steel dome structure still standing overhead. "Other factions might have their eyes on us. Stay sharp."

"Got it!" Luo Yang picked up a mobile terminal and remotely deployed two heavy mechs manufactured by Lin Xian from the train, immediately setting up patrol routes.

Meanwhile, Shu Qin and Lü Chang, fully armed, moved out from the rear of the transfer station to inspect the beach direction.

The automatic doors of Carriage 5 opened as Lin Xian and his team emerged. After deployment, he assigned Ning Jing's mobile squad to check the tracks and offshore docking stations east of Haiyan Island, completing the work Viola had left unfinished. Today, he planned to take Viola with him to visit the Falcon Sea Group's maritime stronghold alongside Vanessa and Geddy—his main objectives being information about the crystal lattice configuration device and the sea region.

Vanessa's displayed power had exceeded Lin Xian's expectations. He hadn't anticipated that this dark energy could manifest higher forms of destructive effects beyond just boosting ability peaks, making him increasingly curious about the crystal lattice.

"Monica, Da Lou, Shasha, Ryunosuke—your squad comes with me. Sister Ning will scout the rail lines. Qian Dele and Teacher Chen will guard the train while assisting Ning's squad. Set up drone signal relay devices along the route using the Infinite as the base point—ensure communication remains uninterrupted."

"Understood, Captain Lin." Ning Jing nodded, closing her power armor visor before immediately mobilizing with Xiao Qing, A Bai, and Fire Bro, accompanied by dozens of auxiliary drones.

Hearing she'd be going out, Shasha's eyes immediately lit up: "Yay~! Can I pilot the Flying Peach then?"

The Flying Peach was Shasha's name for the aerial bomber mech. This flying platform had significant expansion potential—wearing power armor, Shasha could directly operate this massive machine to take off, its firepower surpassing the previous Vulcan by an order of magnitude.

"Unfamiliar waters mean we go fully armed everywhere, always prepared for combat," Lin Xian looked at Shasha. "And would you really not fly it if I said no?"

"Ehehe~" Shasha grinned slyly and immediately turned to prepare the aerial mech for launch.

"Caution is wise," Geddy from the Falcon Sea Group said seriously to Lin Xian. "These islands don't have many zombies, but abnormal entities are numerous. They could emerge from urban alleyways or sewers anytime, plus there are spies from other factions or Sanctum. Best not to provoke them unnecessarily."

"True, your bait agents are double-edged swords. Easy to dodge an open attack but hard to guard against hidden arrows," KIKI remarked with hands on hips.

Chen Sixuan's gaze swept over them before addressing Gui Chun: "Watch for dangers—you're not needed there."

"Tch, tch."

Xiao Lou, clad in white power armor, strode out hurriedly, each step causing metallic tremors that shook the ground with imposing momentum.

"Bro Xian, I'm ready."

Lin Xian nodded. Among all their power armors, the Black Haiyan Island model had the highest output. Though bulky in appearance, its mobility wasn't weak either. Combined with Xiao Lou's blood energy ability enhancement, its destructive power rivaled a scaled-down Interstellar Predator. Meanwhile, Shiori and Monica were also fully armed.

Monica looked at Vanessa and Geddy: "How did you get to the island without flight vehicles?"

"We have our ways," Vanessa said confidently with one hand on her hip. She tapped a device on her wrist, and soon the roar of motorcycles approached from the station exit.

Everyone turned to see two unmanned Suzuki 2066 models driving up one after another. Though showing signs of wear, their unique aesthetics remained intact.

"Suzuki 2066?" KIKI became intrigued, tilting her head. "Omni-wheels, vector thrust nozzles, gyro arrays... why are the rear exhausts modified into aerodynamic rudders? Can this motorcycle fly?"

"Of course."

Geddy stepped forward behind his motorcycle. With a wave of his mechanical arm, the bike's side armor plates slid open as the omni-wheels transformed, deploying eight micro plasma thrusters. The exhaust manifold reconfigured into honeycomb nozzles while the front pipes split into six tungsten steel spoilers. Through mechanical hydraulic linkage adjusting pitch/yaw angles, azure turbine jets soon activated, making the motorcycle hover steadily.

"Impressive, a very complete flight system," KIKI's eyes sparkled.

"Was this modification also done at your maritime black market?" Monica asked.

"Not just black markets—many major organizations have this modification capability," Geddy replied. "Though black markets can procure many desired items."

Lin Xian asked: "Where is this black market located?"

"Polaris Abyss Market, the largest mobile black market at sea. If you're lucky, you can pick up their maritime broadcasts and locate them," Geddy explained.

Lin Xian nodded: "Alright, let's depart then. Time waits for no one."

Vanessa looked at Lin Xian with excitement: "No problem, just follow us."

With that, she and Geddy mounted their bikes, donned windproof helmets, and immediately took off. Lin Xian's two squads quickly followed as their power armor thrusters erupted with violent sonic booms, the group soaring into the sky after the two flying motorcycles along the coastline.

The sea glittered like shattered mirrors as Lin Xian's team flew at high speed along Haiyan Island's coast in their power armor. Da Lou's Black Dragon Armor and Shasha's Flying Peach were the two largest mechs, their engines roaring across the sky. From above, the western coastal terrain of Haiyan Island unfolded—after leaving the urban area came jungles, then steep cliffs eroded by seawater into countless honeycomb-like cavities. Their flight path soon diverged from the coastline, heading northwest into deep waters.

"Wow, we're flying over the sea! So magical~" Shasha operated the massive Flying Peach aerial bomber, its wing-mounted plasma thrusters emitting low hums.

Vanessa glanced back from her flying motorcycle, the corner of her mouth visible beneath her helmet curling upward: "Be careful not to fall into the sea. Anything sinking beyond 200 meters into the dark zone might disturb underwater creatures."

"Using ships as shelters must make escape difficult when encountering monsters, right?" Lin Xian asked.

"Abnormal entities usually don't directly attack our vessels—they lack the cognition to sink ships and capture prey. But you're right;

against large abnormal entities, ship speed can't outrun them. That's why we use bait agents. If marked, combat personnel leave the ship to fight, protecting the main vessel."

Geddy continued: "Strictly speaking, though the deep sea is dangerous, encountering abnormal entities there is rarer than on land. The ocean is vast—those monsters follow seabeds toward cities or continental shelves. We maritime refugees are less likely to be targeted by underwater creatures."

Lin Xian seemed surprised: "So the seemingly most dangerous place is actually the safest?"

"Exactly. Our sea group never approaches islands or shores. Only exploration teams face frequent dangers. At sea, crises are rare—using bait agents and maintaining silence resolves most threats."

"Quite clever," KIKI remarked. "Those abnormal entities climb ashore toward cities, while you rarely encounter them at sea. I hadn't considered that."

"I still wouldn't dare stay at sea though," Shasha said, looking down at the coastline where azure waters abruptly turned into bottomless black abyss, evoking immense fear.

If monsters were limited to land zombies, hiding on an aircraft carrier might seem safe. But who knew what lurked in those dark depths? The thought of being surrounded by endless ocean at night made Shasha feel suffocated—she preferred sleeping in the train, lulled by clanging tracks.

After flying for dozens of minutes, Lin Xian's group finally approached their destination following Vanessa.

Under clear skies, a massive decommissioned aircraft carrier lay peacefully anchored at sea.

"The former nuclear-powered carrier Neptune, retired 15 years ago, now remodeled as our maritime fortress and home—736 survivors," Vanessa announced proudly as they neared.

Lin Xian observed the 150,000-ton federal Longshan-class nuclear carrier with its expansive flight deck. Once a naval behemoth, it had been phased out after stellar engine technology matured, now thoroughly transformed into a post-apocalyptic maritime stronghold.

The flight deck's edges were welded with thick armor plates forming two-meter steel walls against waves and potential monster attacks. Gunports and turrets dotted the walls at intervals, along with high-energy arc cutting wires for defense. Watchtowers housed armed patrols vigilantly scanning the seas.

The original island superstructure had been partially flattened, topped with solar panels and wind turbines—apparently auxiliary power sources alongside nuclear energy. Lin Xian immediately understood: though this giant had nuclear reactors, such energy sources were highly detectable. Nearby floated a supply ship and several smaller boats.

Most astonishing were the flight deck's transformation into orderly planting zones—soil contained in specialized metal troughs grew vegetables, wheat, even dwarf fruit trees. From afar, Lin Xian's team could see survivors in simple protective suits tending the crops, some watering, others harvesting—a veritable doomsday farm.

"They're... farming at sea?" Da Lou sounded astonished.

"Can't rely solely on looting for food—that's a path to starvation," Vanessa explained. "We have freshwater purification systems and solar greenhouses for self-sufficiency."

"You're adaptive sailing?" Lin Xian asked upon seeing this. "You haven't activated the nuclear reactors, right?"

"Correct," Vanessa said. "We rely on tugboats and ocean currents for slow movement—no rush, and it's safest. Like a floating island, combined with underwater sonar and drone sentries, we're far safer than land."

"How did you acquire this carrier?" Lin Xian inquired.

"Not acquired—seized," Geddy interjected. "Originally belonging to a major faction that plundered resources, their leader played at being a maritime emperor until we eliminated them. We've spent considerable time remodeling it into the Falcon Sea Group's primary sanctuary."

Vanessa radioed the Neptune. Soon, many people emerged on the foredeck as an open platform was prepared for landing. Lin Xian's team descended onto the carrier.

The sight of high-grade flight-capable power armors drew crowds of survivors. Armed personnel with heavy weapons and combat mechs lined both sides as Vanessa's motorcycle landed smoothly on the Neptune's deck. Lin Xian's group followed, their armor thrusters leaving dazzling blue trails in the sunlight.

The deck swarmed with Falcon Sea Group members—some armed and alert, others curiously staring at these advanced "Iron Man" suits descending from the sky. Their leader was a blond, blue-eyed Caucasian man in a tactical vest and aviator sunglasses, his casual smile reminiscent of a post-apocalyptic Tom Cruise. Behind him stood several evidently capable individuals of various ethnicities, including cybernetically enhanced warriors like Geddy. They all seemed aware of their visitors' extraordinary status, immediately surrounding Lin Xian's team with scrutinizing gazes.

"Laine," Geddy introduced the blond leader to Lin Xian, who had removed his helmet. "Our boss."

Laine studied Lin Xian curiously before suddenly frowning: "You're Lin Xian?"

Lin Xian raised an eyebrow: "You know me?"

"Know you? Of course!" Laine laughed. "Phoenix Society's Sword Bearer, Infinite's conductor, the legend who rescued thousands from Star Abyss 5! Though we're at sea, radio chatter among survivor groups mentions you constantly!"

A tall woman behind him with a high ponytail and crossed arms remarked coldly: "Sword Bearer? Doesn't look special."

Laine shot her a glare: "Erika, mind your manners."

Erika shrugged: "Just stating facts."

She turned to Lin Xian: "Did Dawn City really withstand three Star Abyss attacks? Heard you even killed a Harbinger?"

"Why is that hard to believe?" KIKI retorted.

"Of course it is," said a tattooed, braided Viking-like man behind Laine, his metallic teeth glinting as he crossed his arms. "Some factions doubt humans can kill Harbingers, thinking Phoenix Society's battle reports are just morale-boosting fabrications."

"Azlan, our armaments engineer," Laine introduced before sighing. "Pessimists abound—some think if humans can kill Harbingers, then nothing in Star Abyss is beyond us. Bunch of fools—pay them no mind."

"Ah, pessimists' self-comfort—that's normal," Monica said leisurely. "Star Abyss 13 is largest but expands slowest. By your logic, maritime sanctuaries should face less pressure."

"You're mistaken, miss," Laine inhaled deeply, gesturing at the planting zones and defensive posts on deck. "Surviving with so many mouths isn't easy. We can't approach shores—only exploration teams scavenge. Haiyan City's been picked clean—how could pressure be light?"

Shasha jumped down from the Flying Peach's suspension frame, removing her helmet cheerfully: "Wow, such a huge carrier! You've even started farming here!"

"No choice," Laine shrugged, smiling at Lin Xian's group. "We can't exactly go fishing."

"Who knows what you'd reel in?" Azlan grinned. "After the blackwater, barely anything's edible unless farmed in filtered systems. We have aquaculture, but it's insufficient for everyone."

"Vanessa," Erika addressed her. "What's your purpose bringing Phoenix Society's Sword Bearer here?"

"They want to develop the crystal lattice," Geddy interjected, telling Laine: "We encountered trouble last night—Wieland's people. Captain Lin saved us."

Laine nodded, eyeing Lin Xian eagerly: "OK. But regarding crystallization, Phoenix Society should know more than us." Latest content published on noveⅼfire.net

"I hadn't focused on this before—Phoenix Society hasn't disclosed anything publicly. That's why I'm inquiring," Lin Xian said.

"I see." Laine looked at Vanessa before smiling: "Vanessa?"

"Yes, I told Captain Lin about the hunting operation," Vanessa admitted.

"Figured as much."

"You're really hunting a special-level entity?" Monica interjected.

Laine's expression shifted: "It's complicated. Captain Lin, if I'm not mistaken, your Infinite travels oceanic rails, correct?"

"True, though strictly speaking, I just want information about the crystallization device and possibly trade some blood crystals. As for hunting abnormal entities—no thanks, I'd rather not invite trouble."

Laine nodded pensively before smiling at Lin Xian: "Then it's unfortunate, Captain Lin. This fire might be unavoidable—whether you want to hunt or not."

Lin Xian raised an eyebrow: "Meaning?"

"That abyssal floating island now lies 196 nautical miles east of Haiyan Island, shrouded in a storm eye. Oceanic rail segment 3215's base is fractured there," Erika said coldly behind Laine, arms crossed. "We've detected abyssal ruptures underwater east of Haiyan Island—extremely unusual."

"So if you want to leave Haiyan Island... either sail or fly east. But unless taking massive detours, you'll inevitably encounter that floating island," Azlan added.

"Floating island?" KIKI frowned. "What is it?"

Laine took a deep breath before delivering words that visibly startled Lin Xian's group: "We believe it's a floating..."

"Abnormal entity nest!"