Chapter 600: The Dark Invasion
Chapter 600: The Dark Invasion
A sense of despair permeated the group, quickly infecting their hearts.
The dimly lit underground was already oppressive, let alone the fact that they had just experienced an earthquake and were in a situation with no escape.
The collapse of the tunnel before them was as good as a death sentence.
"..."
In this situation, even Vivian couldn't help but feel flustered.
The branch of Essence given to her by Lord Lin Sai rested on her chest, providing a hint of warmth, and Vivian finally breathed a sigh of relief.
But when she turned her head, she saw the gloomy expressions on the faces of the others.
"..."
"Everyone, don't panic. Let's first check what happened here?"
Vivian immediately issued orders.
Her clear thoughts also gave people some confidence, and a soldier immediately followed her command.
They inspected the area, and the collapse was centered around the place where the people had been digging, extending all the way to where they stood.
The cause of this collapse was very simple.
The structural integrity of the mine tunnel had already been destroyed by the first earthquake.
The rocks and soil blocking the exit were also supporting the tunnel structure.
So, after the soldiers had been digging for a day...
These critical load-bearing structures were violently penetrated by them, ultimately leading to the collapse of the tunnel in front of them.
Facing this outcome, Mil whispered to Vivian:
"Miss, should we continue digging?"
"If we continue, there's a high chance of another collapse..."
"We can't keep doing pointless work," Vivian was decisive. She shook her head. "We don't have the materials to support the mine tunnel, and if we keep digging, we're just burying ourselves alive."
Vivian turned to look behind her:
"Everyone, are there any other passages leading to the outside world from here?"
"..."
The rescued mine tunnel residents looked at each other, none of them answering.
These people also knew who their savior was.
Except for some young children who were still too young to understand, who continued to cry and fuss, they were all willing to cooperate with Vivian's work.
The reason for their silence at this moment was also singular.
No one knew of any other way out.
As the situation reached this point, even Vivian's expression turned somber, and she seemed at a loss:
"This..."
"If it were Father, if it were Lord Lin Sai..."
At this moment, the girl suddenly remembered something.
During their leisure time, Lord Lin Sai had also shared his adventure stories as promised.
Among them was a story about adventuring in the underground world.
Vivian's memory began to activate, and she slowly recalled some of the knowledge Lord Lin Sai had shared:
"In an enclosed environment, wind represents the flow of air currents. Often, following this direction can lead to finding life. Moreover, in underground survival, resources are crucial. Oxygen, clear water, and food are all essential for sustaining life."
Vivian first thought of food and clear water.
The Banyan Forest was abundant in resources, and these messengers who ventured out naturally had sufficient food for their journey, enough to last for more than a month.
But now, the number of people was different.
They couldn't just leave these mine tunnel residents behind. The maximum activity time would have to be compressed.
Vivian quickly changed her thoughts and spoke to the mine tunnel residents who were looking at each other in confusion:
"Everyone, do you know where the original food storage area in the mine tunnel is located?"
To clearly express her purpose, the girl pointed to the collapsed tunnel behind her:
"This path is definitely blocked now!"
"We must find another way out through the mountain, so we need to prepare enough food as well!"
Among the mine tunnel residents...
The same ragged man raised his hand:
"I, I know!"
"The Lord stored food and water in a dead-end branch of the 4th Mine Tunnel. If it hasn't collapsed, I can lead you there!"
Vivian made a decision:
"Good, let's set off immediately!"
Among the residents of the mine tunnel, many were severely injured, including some with broken legs.
But at this moment, staying put meant certain doom.
They could only help each other and endure the pain as they continued on their journey.
The man who had shown his worth twice during the trip also caught Vivian's attention.
She took the initiative to strike up a conversation with him:
"Sir, I haven't asked your name yet?"
"Miss, you can call me Redstone," the ragged man was quite perceptive and introduced himself. "You should remember—when the Chief was talking to you, I was there watching. In this camp, I'm someone who has some say."
Vivian asked directly:
"I'd like to confirm in advance, how long will these supplies last us?"
Redstone turned to look at the team behind him:
"With this number of people... it won't last more than a month with normal usage."
"But with strict rationing, we can stretch it for a few more weeks."
With such a person in the team, Vivian had a new idea:
"Mr. Redstone, since this mine tunnel has no other exit, do you know which tunnels are closer to the surface?"
"If there's such a place, we can find the corresponding location and figure out a way out."
Redstone thought for a few seconds and quickly responded:
"No wonder you're so resourceful! This plan is feasible!"
"In that case... I remember the 2nd Mine Tunnel has a branch that's closer to the surface. But it's a horizontal tunnel with complex terrain. Even if it hasn't collapsed, it might take several hours to reach the location."
At this point, Vivian had regained her composure.
She even encouraged the not-so-young Redstone:
"No problem, as long as there's hope."
"If we work together, we can overcome any difficulty!"
Thus, the team continued downward under Redstone's lead.
The 4th Mine Tunnel was a passage leading deep underground.
Due to this depth, the Chief had stored the precious food and water here.
After several hours of trekking and bypassing a few collapsed tunnels, Redstone, with his knowledge as part of the camp's management, successfully led them to the food storage.
But upon arrival, what they saw was different from their expectations.
The bottom of the tunnel, which should have been a dead end, had cracked open during the earthquake, revealing a deep, pitch-black fissure.
In the area where the food was stored,
Boxes were forcibly opened, their locks broken.
The food had been dragged into the dark depths, leaving only traces of dust on the ground.
Following the fissure, they peered into the darkness below.
"..."
Everyone, including Vivian, felt a chill down their spines.
In the pitch-black world, it seemed as if something was staring back at them!
(End of Chapter)
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