manynovel Chapter 16 Route Planning
Chapter 16 Route Planning
The first rays of morning sunlight streamed through the broken windows of the abandoned supermarket, dappling the dusty floor. Chen Haotian leaned against the window, a map he had found at a military shelter in his hand, his brow furrowed slightly. His gaze lingered on several marked points on the map, his fingers lightly tapping the location of the armory.
Tony looked up from his makeshift workbench, his eyes bloodshot. He had just finished the final adjustments to the supermarket's security system; several makeshift alarms and electric grids gleamed coldly in the morning light.
"Judging from your expression, this map has brought us a lot of good news and a lot of bad news?" Tony walked over to Chen Haotian and handed him an unopened bottle of mineral water.
Chen Haotian took the water but didn't open it. "The map shows there's an armory three kilometers from here, a reserve supply point for the National Guard." He traced a winding route with his finger. "But we have to pass through three former residential areas, two of which were marked as high-infection zones early in the outbreak."
Tony leaned closer to the map, carefully examining the route circled in red. "So, we're going to have a street party in a horde of zombies?"
"That's roughly the idea." Chen Haotian smiled slightly. "But compared to the ex-girlfriends you met at those Los Angeles parties, these zombies are probably friendlier."
Tony snorted, but had to admit that his half-brother always managed to ease tensions in his own unique way. Ever since they had unexpectedly transmigrated to this world of zombies, Chen Haotian's composure and adaptability had impressed him greatly.
"I noticed an underground drainage system on the map." Chen Haotian's finger moved to a line marked in light blue. "If we enter from here, we can bypass most of the surface risks and reach the rear of the armory directly."
Tony studied the route carefully, his brow gradually relaxing. "A smart choice. But there might be other 'surprises' in the drainage system."
"It's better than being chased by hundreds of zombies on the ground." Chen Haotian put away the map and took out a notebook from his backpack. "I suggest we make thorough preparations before we set off. This armory may not only have weapons, but also generators and other equipment. If we can capture it, we can establish a long-term base."
Tony raised an eyebrow. "A long-term base? I thought we'd go back as soon as we found a way."
Chen Haotian looked out the window; several zombies were wandering the streets in the distance. "Go back? Of course we have to go back. But Tony, don't you think this is an opportunity?"
"An opportunity?" Tony looked at him with a puzzled expression.
"This world is full of dangers, but it's also full of resources." Chen Haotian turned around, his eyes gleaming. "Think about it, an experimental field completely free from legal and moral constraints. Here we can test technologies that we wouldn't dare to try in the Marvel universe, and collect unique samples and data from this world. Not to mention, if we can establish a stable base, we can even bring more resources and manpower here in the future."
Tony paused for a moment, then smiled knowingly. "I'm starting to understand why Father left you as a 'legacy.' Your way of thinking is indeed very much like the Stark family."
Chen Haotian chuckled, "Don't forget, I got into MIT on my own merit, unlike some people who got in through donations."
Tony was about to refute it, but found he couldn't deny the fact. According to the information Chen Haotian revealed about his identity, this younger brother, ten years his junior, was indeed a top student, and even had already made a name for himself in academia.
"So, Professor," Tony deliberately used this form of address, "what exactly does your long-term base plan include?"
Chen Haotian opened his notebook, which already contained several sketches. "The armory itself should have some defensive capabilities, but we still need to strengthen it. First, we need to ensure the power supply, which is probably the last thing we need to worry about, since you're here." He winked at Tony.
"Go on," Tony said, crossing his arms, clearly pleased with the compliment.
"Secondly, we need to establish a complete water cycle and purification system. Most of the world's water sources have been polluted. If we cannot solve the drinking water problem, long-term survival is just wishful thinking."
Chen Haotian turned to the next page. "Third, we need to establish a communication system. Not just to contact other survivors we might find, but more importantly, I hope to establish a communication link between the two worlds."
Tony looked up abruptly. "What did you say? Interdimensional communication?"
"Theoretically, since my runes can take us through time, transmitting information should be even easier," Chen Haotian explained. "If we can establish a stable communication channel, you could even remotely control the equipment here from the Marvel universe."
Tony's eyes lit up; this was the most exciting idea he'd heard in days. "It means we can conduct research and work in two worlds simultaneously!"
"That's right." Chen Haotian closed his notebook. "However, all of this is predicated on the premise that we can safely reach the armory and that the resources we need are indeed there."
Tony walked to the window, gazing at the dilapidated cityscape outside. "So what are we waiting for? The sooner we get out, the better. I don't want to spend another night in this run-down supermarket."
Chen Haotian nodded. "I agree. We'll split up and prepare, and we'll depart in an hour. You'll be in charge of inspecting the weapons and equipment we're manufacturing, and I'll prepare food and medical supplies."
An hour later, the two stood at the back door of the supermarket, carrying essential supplies. Tony used materials from the supermarket to make several simple stun guns and alarms, while Chen Haotian prepared enough food and water for three days.
"Remember, the drainage system entrance is in a maintenance well four blocks away." Chen Haotian checked the map one last time. "If we encounter a large horde of zombies, don't linger in battle; prioritize finding high ground or defensible buildings."
Tony adjusted his backpack strap. "Don't worry, I've been through much worse."
Chen Haotian glanced at him. "Are you referring to that time in Las Vegas when you were surrounded by a dozen of your ex-girlfriends, all your models, at the hotel?"
Tony choked for a moment, "Jarvis shouldn't have let you access those private files."
The two exchanged a smile, easing the tense atmosphere considerably. Chen Haotian took a deep breath and pushed open the back door. Outside was a narrow alley, relatively quiet, with only faint roars echoing in the distance.
"Are you ready, brother?" Chen Haotian asked in a low voice, gripping a metal baseball bat tightly in his hand.
Tony checked the stun device in his hand, nodded, and said, "Lead the way, little brother. Let's see what other surprises this post-apocalyptic world has in store for us."
Chen Haotian stepped out the door first, followed closely by Tony. The sunlight cast long shadows on the rubble-strewn ground. They didn't know what awaited them, but one thing was certain—this was just the beginning of a much bigger adventure.