85: Seeking refuge in Europe and America to lie low and consolidate their foundations, awaiting the coming storm.

Chapter Eighty-Eight: Fleeing to Europe and America to Lie Low, Strengthening the Foundation to Wait for the Storm

Deep within the Pacific Ocean, in the underwater base, the lights in the main control room flickered intermittently.

Zhulong stood before a massive holographic sand table, his gaze sweeping over the marked Five Great Bases of China and Qiming City on the Korean Peninsula. Red light dots densely covered the sand table, representing the Dawn Army's troop deployment, each location exuding an air of indestructibility. His adjutant stood by with head bowed, not daring to make a sound.

"Lin Zhou's move was brilliant." Zhulong's voice betrayed no emotion, but his fingertips dug deep into his palm. "The Five Great Bases support each other like horns, the land, sea, and air defenses are airtight, and the Far East Expeditionary Force even took the Korean Peninsula, cutting off our last hope in East Asia."

The adjutant quickly agreed, "You are wise, my Lord. The Dawn Army is currently powerful and well-equipped; a direct confrontation is indeed unwise."

"Direct confrontation?" Zhulong sneered, turning to look at the map of Europe and America on the screen. "Our Serpent Skeleton Research Institute has never been a fool that relies on brute force. If we can't bite through the bone of East Asia now, we'll change locations."

He raised his hand and slammed it heavily onto the map of the European Continent. "Pass on my orders: all remaining strongholds in East Asia are to destroy their data and withdraw personnel! All deep-sea bases are to lie low for now and stop all active provocations! Shift our focus entirely to Europe and America—the order there has collapsed more thoroughly, and the survivors are a disorganized mess. It's the perfect breeding ground for us!"

"Yes!" The adjutant took the order and turned to convey the instructions.

Zhulong's gaze fell on the markers of the American Continent, a trace of gloom flashing in his eyes. The countries in Europe and America had fallen into internal chaos early in the apocalypse, with armies disbanded and governments paralyzed. Compared to China's unity, it was practically 'heaven' for the Serpent Skeleton Research Institute. As long as they infiltrated secretly, cultivated new Mutants, and accumulated strength, they would eventually stage a comeback.

The withdrawal order soon echoed through the deep-sea base's broadcast. Skeleton Serpent remnants hidden across East Asia began destroying experimental data and blowing up secret strongholds, withdrawing silently under the cover of night and chaos. The pawns planted in Qiming City and the Five Great Bases also received 'hibernation' orders, lying low among the crowds to wait for the next instruction.

On the surface of the Pacific Ocean, no trace of the Skeleton Serpent could be seen anymore. It was as if, overnight, this terrifying organization had vanished from the land of East Asia.

When the news reached the Central Hub Base, the command room was silent.

Lin Zhou looked at the report sent back by the reconnaissance units, his fingertips lightly tapping the desk. The Skeleton Serpent's full-scale retreat was unexpected yet logical. The current Dawn City was no longer the small, isolated stronghold it once was. With the Five Great Bases connected and boasting strong military force and superior equipment, even the crazed Skeleton Serpent wouldn't dare a head-on collision.

"Commander, has the Skeleton Serpent chickened out?" Wang Hu grinned, his tone full of pride. "Should we strike while the iron is hot and wipe out their nest?"

"Pursue?" Lin Zhou shook his head, looking at the map of China on the sand table. "The Pacific Ocean is vast and boundless, and their deep-sea bases are hidden without a trace. Pursuing them would only waste resources and manpower. Moreover, what we need most right now isn't a relentless pursuit, but to digest our gains."

He raised his hand and pointed to the markers of the Five Great Bases. "The Korean Peninsula has just been liberated, and Qiming City is in a state of neglect, requiring massive amounts of supplies and manpower. Although the framework of the Five Great Bases within the country is established, the defense system still needs perfecting, and the efficiency of military production must be improved. Furthermore, tens of millions of survivors need resettlement, food, and medical security. These are our top priorities right now."

The generals nodded one after another, the excitement on their faces gradually fading, replaced by solemnity. They all understood that war was not a matter of a single day; only with a solid foundation could they talk about long-term victory.

Lin Zhou took a deep breath and gave the orders in a low voice:

"First, the Five Great Army Groups will fully transition to defense and construction mode! The Eastern Army Group will guard the East Sea Barrier Base, strengthen patrols along the First Island Chain, and strictly guard against a Skeleton Serpent counterattack. The Southern, Western, and Northern Army Groups will clear out the remaining Mutants within our borders and consolidate the safety zones around the bases. The Central Army Group will coordinate national resources to support the reconstruction of Qiming City."

"Second, the Research Team will speed up the development of next-generation weapons and livelihood technologies! Magnetic Storm Weapons must be miniaturized, and the range of Sonic Weapons must be increased. At the same time, develop high-yield crops, improve the soil to solve food problems, and perfect the medical system by developing more effective anti-viral agents."

"Third, launch the National Military Training Plan! All survivors, regardless of gender or age, must receive basic military training and form militia units. Future wars will be wars of the entire people; everyone must have the ability to protect their home and country!"

Once the orders were issued, the entire land of China was swept by a new wave of construction.

In the shipyards of the East Sea Barrier Base, new frigates and destroyers were being built at a frantic pace. In the caves of the Southern Border Rock Base, researchers were studying how to utilize the karst topography to build sturdier underground fortresses. In the fields of the Western Granary Base, high-yield Mutant rice seeds grew heavy ears. In the factories of the Northern Steel Base, brand-new Magnetic Storm Tanks rolled off the production lines.

On the streets of Qiming City, Chinese engineers and Korean survivors worked side by side. Houses rose from the ground, and chimneys of schools and Hospitals emitted wisps of smoke. Children sat in brand-new classrooms, reading aloud from textbooks after their teachers; the clear sound of reading dispelled the gloom of the apocalypse.

Lin Zhou stood on the command tower of the Central Hub Base, overlooking the vibrant city below. In the distant fields, waves of rice rolled; in the factories, machines roared; in the sky, a falcon fighter jet traced a graceful arc.

Standing behind him were Chen Hao, Wang Hu, Zhao Shanhe, and other generals. Each of them wore a gratified smile.

"Commander," Chen Hao said softly, "it won't be long before we can truly stand firm on this land."

Lin Zhou nodded slightly, looking towards the distant west. He knew the Serpent Skeleton Research Institute was only lying low temporarily, and the storms of Europe and America would eventually reach China again.

"But he was not afraid."

As long as China's foundation was solid enough, as long as the Five Great Bases were indestructible, and as long as the hundreds of millions of compatriots were united, they could calmly face whatever storm the Skeleton Serpent brought.

As the sun set, golden light bathed the land.

The land of China was full of vitality.

Meanwhile, in an abandoned castle on the distant European Continent, Zhulong watched the scenes of China on the screen, a cold light flashing in his eyes.

"Lin Zhou, we will meet again soon."

A new game was quietly unfolding.