BXBX NOVEL Chapter 162: Free Ride Part 2
The suit was sharply tailored, with brass buttons gleaming in the light.
He was responsible for commanding the military personnel if the train came under attack by a horde of corrupted.
"Just 100 kilometers until we reach the next city," the driver replied, his eyes focused on the radar.
This train didn't emit any light to avoid attracting the attention of the corrupted, so looking outside which was filled with miasma was futile.
Even the glass had something on it that stopped the light from passing through.
Instead, the train was equipped with state-of-the-art radar that could detect vibrations in the air.
This advanced system used vibrations because the Black Miasma blocked ultrasonic signals, making traditional radar ineffective.
The same miasma also rendered long-distance communication impossible, isolating the train from outside help in case it got stopped.
"Good, but don't be complacent," the higher-ranking officer reminded, his voice stern amidst the tension permeating the room. "I heard there were multiple attacks in other Tier 4 cities, so we need to be careful."
"Yes, sir, but why are these sudden attacks happening? Why are the Corrupteds becoming more aggressive?" the driver asked, his brow furrowed with worry.
"I don't know, but maybe this is related to what happened last year, do you still remember it?" The officer's gaze drifted to a distant memory.
"Of course, we were traveling that time when all the Miasma just disappeared for a minute. That was really a great feeling, witnessing the world transform before our eyes. Even now, I still dream of that scene from time to time. I wish my wife and daughter were there to witness it" the driver exclaimed, a wistful smile tugging at his lips as he reminisced.
"Same... but ever since that day, the Corrupteds have become more aggressive. I'm afraid that something big is coming in the future," the officer sighed, his shoulders sagging from stressed.
Unlike the driver, he has access to more information, a burden that weighed heavily on his shoulders.
It was a challenge the military and government now grappled with—a sobering realization that even with humanity's technological advancements, resources remained military .
With each city's fall, their already stretched resources dwindled further, increasing the danger of their situation.
The government kept these scary findings from the public to prevent mass panic.
The driver, hearing him, gulped nervously, his throat dried as he gathered his thoughts to respond.
"We are okay, right?" the driver's voice wavered slightly, revealing the anxiety eating at him. "I mean, we are operating mostly in the Tier 4 and Tier 3 railways. But still..."
"Don't worry, this place is still safer than the Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas. Those places were like hell on Earth," the officer cut the conversation, attempting to lighten the mood.
But as if raising their own death flag , the radar alarm system suddenly blared, jolting them into action.
As the driver glanced at his scren, his blood ran cold at the sight of multiple red dots multiplying rapidly.
What started as a few hundred soon swelled into thousands, painting the entire radar screen red.
"Not good," the driver exclaimed, his voice filled with urgency as he quickly activated the train alarm system.
With a sharp beep, the lights inside the train shifted from clear to an alarming shade of red, signaling the imminent danger they faced.
"Emergency, I repeat, Emergency, we are approaching a Corrupted Horde," the driver's voice reverberated through the train, jolting everyone.
As his warning echoed repeatedly through the train, passengers exchanged worried glances, their hearts pounding in their chests as the gravity of the situation sank in.
Some clasped their hands tightly together, others whispered hurried prayers under their breath, their fear visible in their faces.
Back to the Control Room.
The general hurriedly took his seat, fingers flying over the control panel as he initiated the connection with the earpieces of all the current military personnel aboard the train.
With each press of a button, a sense of urgency filled the air, preparing the soldiers for the imminent battle ahead
But relying solely on the military was not sufficient.
The general's voice echoed through the train's intercom system, delivering clear and concise instructions to all military personnels and individuals with combat capabilities.
"Listen up," he commanded, his tone authoritative but composed, "in the event that the train is forced to a stop, all personnel capable of combat are to wear their combat suits and air tanks located in the end of each cars immediately. We'll fight the horde head-on if necessary, but our priority is to keep moving towards our destination. Stay vigilant and be prepared for anything."
Military personnel and combat-ready individuals exchanged quick glances, their expressions reflecting a mix of determination and apprehension.
Some nodded in acknowledgment, while others adjusted their gear , preparing for the potential confrontation.
"Don't stop and go full straight ahead!" the high-ranking officer ordered, his voice commanding and firm. Stopping here would mean their death. .
Hearing the order, the driver gripped a particular lever tightly and pushed it upward. With a low hum, the train's speed surged, the engines roaring with more power.
He also clicked a button, causing all the windows on the train to shut closed, covered with metal panels.
"Everyone, hold on tight! We're ramming into the horde!" the driver shouted over the intercoms , his voice brave despite the mounting tension.
Bracing himself against the impending impact, he steeled his resolve, ready to confront the oncoming threat head-on.
In response to the driver's call, everyone who heard it also braced themselves for the impending clash.
Soldiers tightened their grips on whatever they could hold onto, while civilians huddled together, seeking whatever shelter they could find within the confines of the train.
Hearts pounded in chests, adrenaline surged through veins, and every individual steeled themselves for the inevitable impact .
As the armored train hurtled forward at breakneck speed, the tension inside the carriage was increasing.
The sounds of the wheels against the tracks echoed throughout, each beat a countdown to the impending collision .
Then, in a deafening sound, the train collided with the oncoming mass of corrupted beings.
Metal screeched against flesh, and the entire train jolted violently as it plowed through the horde with full force.
Inside, passengers were thrown about like rag dolls, their screams merging with the sound of grinding metal and shattering bones.
Some clung to their seats with desperation, while others were flung to the floor, their bodies bruised and battered by the impact.
"Don't stop!" The driver's voice reverberated through the control room.
With every ounce of strength, he clung to the lever, his knuckles red with exertion as he ensured that the train kept moving forward.
As he gritted his teeth, his mind briefly wandered to the reason why he had taken on this dangerous but lucrative job.
It wasn't just for the thrill or the challenge—it was for his family. So he could give them a good life despite the high cost of living in human cities.
With each heartbeat, the memory of their faces flashed before his eyes, filling him with determination to fulfill the promise he had made to them.
"Daddy's going to get back home, no matter what, sweetie!" he roared, his voice filled with determination and fatherly love.